What is the best Mexican restaurant in Lower East Side?

Jajaja Mexicana is our top pick for Mexican restaurants in Lower East Side, scoring 8.8/10. All-vegan Mexican menu with big flavors and a party-ready room.

Any insider tips for Jajaja Mexicana?

Plan for a wait at peak times and grab a cocktail while you do.

When should I visit Jajaja Mexicana?

Weekend brunch and early evenings before the wait balloons.

Who should go to Jajaja Mexicana?

Plant-based diners and groups wanting colorful, social meals.

Any insider tips for La Contenta Les?

Start with a margarita at the bar, then move to a table for food.

What should I order at La Contenta Les?

La Contenta Nachos, Fish Tacos, Enchiladas Suizas.

When should I visit La Contenta Les?

Prime evenings for full energy; early if you dislike crowds.

Who should go to La Contenta Les?

Couples and small groups chasing lively, tequila-forward nights.

Any insider tips for Barrio Chino?

Sit near the front windows if you want slightly less noise and more people-watching.

What should I order at Barrio Chino?

Guacamole, Mole Enchiladas, Tequila Shrimp.

When should I visit Barrio Chino?

Evenings for full bar buzz; earlier for shorter waits.

Who should go to Barrio Chino?

Groups and friends prioritizing drinks and upbeat energy.

Any insider tips for Mictlan Mexico?

Ask about off-menu taco or mezcal specials; they rotate frequently.

What should I order at Mictlan Mexico?

Birria Tacos, Quesabirria, Carne Asada Tacos.

When should I visit Mictlan Mexico?

Weeknights or early weekends before the space feels cramped.

Who should go to Mictlan Mexico?

Couples and small groups wanting sit-down tacos and drinks.

Any insider tips for Essex Taqueria?

Grab salsas and limes from the side station to customize your order.

When should I visit Essex Taqueria?

Lunch and late evening for the quickest in-and-out experience.

Who should go to Essex Taqueria?

Hungry locals needing fast, affordable tacos or burritos.

Best Mexican Restaurants in Lower East Side (10002)

Q: What should I order at Jajaja Mexicana?

Grande Nachos, Buffalo Flower Tacos, Chorizo Burrito.

5 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: January 2026

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Our Top Pick

Jajaja Mexicana

All-vegan Mexican menu with big flavors and a party-ready room.

Notable Picks

#1 Jajaja Mexicana

8.8

$$ Lower East Side

Vibes: Brunch Bliss Spots Girls Night Out Approved Instagram Worthy Wonders Trendy Table Hotspots

Jajaja Mexicana is a plant-based Mexican restaurant where colorful plates, creative tacos, and a deep mezcal list pull in crowds from beyond the neighborhood. The space feels bright and social, leaning more toward fun group dinners and brunch than quiet, lingering meals.

Must-Try Dishes: Grande Nachos, Buffalo Flower Tacos, Chorizo Burrito

What makes it special: All-vegan Mexican menu with big flavors and a party-ready room.

View Full Review →

#2 La Contenta Les

8.6

$$ Lower East Side

Vibes: Date Night Magic Girls Night Out Approved Happy Hour Hotspots Trendy Table Hotspots

La Contenta LES is an intimate Lower East Side mezcal and tequila bar where polished versions of classic Mexican dishes share the stage with a serious cocktail program. Crowded tables, loud music, and a compact room make it feel more like a lively night-out spot than a quiet neighborhood cantina.

Must-Try Dishes: Fish Tacos, Enchiladas Suizas, La Contenta Nachos

What makes it special: Cocktail-driven Mexican spot where tacos, enchiladas, and mezcal share top billing.

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#3 Barrio Chino

8.3

$$ Lower East Side

Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Girls Night Out Approved Happy Hour Hotspots Hidden Gems Heaven

Barrio Chino is a long-running Broome Street fixture pairing strong margaritas with a compact menu of tacos, enchiladas, and tequila-friendly snacks. The narrow, dim room gets loud and energetic, making it a go-to for casual dates and group catch-ups more than business dinners.

Must-Try Dishes: Mole Enchiladas, Tequila Shrimp, Guacamole with House Chips

What makes it special: Tequila-focused LES standby where margaritas and tacos anchor lively nights.

View Full Review →

#4 Mictlan Mexico

8.1

$$$$ Lower East Side

Vibes: Date Night Magic Group Dining Gatherings Trendy Table Hotspots

Mictlan Mexico is a modern Lower East Side spot where plated tacos, shareable antojitos, and agave cocktails lean a bit more polished than the neighborhood’s classic bodega-style joints. It reads as a casual sit-down choice for friends or date nights who want something between a taqueria and a full-blown scene.

Must-Try Dishes: Birria Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos, Quesabirria

What makes it special: Contemporary Mexican plates and tacos in a compact, cocktail-friendly room.

View Full Review →

Worthy Picks

#5 Essex Taqueria

7.6

$ Lower East Side

Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Comfort Food Classics Quick Bites Champions

Essex Taqueria is a straightforward counter-service shop turning out tacos, burritos, and plates at lower-than-average neighborhood prices. The focus is on speed and value over ambiance, making it useful for quick meals before or after nearby bars and markets.

Must-Try Dishes: Al Pastor Tacos, Carne Asada Burrito, Chicken Quesadilla

What makes it special: No-frills taqueria where pricing, portions, and speed are the main draw.

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