What is the best Mexican restaurant in Midtown East?

Empellón is our top pick for Mexican restaurants in Midtown East, scoring 8.7/10. Ambitious, chef-driven tacos and tasting menus in a polished Midtown setting.

Any insider tips for Empellón?

Book bar seats for full menu with easier last-minute availability.

When should I visit Empellón?

Weeknights for tasting menus; earlier seatings for quieter dining.

Who should go to Empellón?

Date-night diners and business guests who want polished modern Mexican.

Any insider tips for Frida Midtown?

Request a side room table if you want to cut the noise.

What should I order at Frida Midtown?

Tableside guacamole, chicken suizas enchiladas, birria quesatacos.

When should I visit Frida Midtown?

Early evenings for families; later weekends for louder celebrations.

Who should go to Frida Midtown?

Office groups and families wanting familiar Mexican in a lively room.

Any insider tips for Dos Toros Taqueria ?

Grab sauces to-go; their house hot sauces travel well for desk lunches.

What should I order at Dos Toros Taqueria ?

Mission-style burrito, chicken or carnitas bowl, chips with hot sauces.

When should I visit Dos Toros Taqueria ?

Aim slightly before noon to avoid peak office lunch lines.

Who should go to Dos Toros Taqueria ?

Office workers needing a quick, filling, affordable Mexican lunch.

Best Mexican Restaurants in Midtown East (10022)

Q: What should I order at Empellón?

Pastrami tacos, rib steak fajitas, corn ice cream tacos.

3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: January 2026

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Our Top Pick

Empellón

Ambitious, chef-driven tacos and tasting menus in a polished Midtown setting.

Notable Picks

#1 Empellón

8.7

$$$$ Midtown East

Vibes: Business Lunch Power Players Date Night Magic Trendy Table Hotspots Luxury Dining Elite

Alex Stupak’s Midtown flagship leans into inventive, Mexican-influenced plates, from pastrami tacos to corn ice cream tacos, in a sleek, high-energy room. It’s the most polished option in the neighborhood for serious agave, chef-y tacos, and expense-account fajitas.

Must-Try Dishes: Pastrami Tacos, Rib Steak Fajitas, Corn Ice Cream Tacos

What makes it special: Ambitious, chef-driven tacos and tasting menus in a polished Midtown setting.

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#2 Frida Midtown

8.1

$$$ Turtle Bay

Vibes: Birthday & Celebration Central Family Friendly Favorites Group Dining Gatherings Happy Hour Hotspots

This Midtown East outpost of Rosa Mexicano pairs a colorful, high-energy room with tableside guacamole, big-format margaritas, and familiar combo plates. It’s more about festive group outings than boundary-pushing cuisine, but remains a reliable option for crowd-pleasing Mexican in the neighborhood.

Must-Try Dishes: Guacamole en Molcajete, Enchiladas Roasted Chicken Suizas, Birria Quesatacos

What makes it special: Long-running Rosa Mexicano location with signature tableside guacamole and festive energy.

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Worthy Picks

#3 Dos Toros Taqueria

7.6

$ Midtown East

Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Quick Bites Champions Solo Dining Sanctuaries Family Friendly Favorites

Dos Toros’ 54th & Lex location delivers Mission-style burritos, bowls, and quesadillas with quick counter service and reliable customization. It’s a practical, affordable option for a fast Mexican lunch near the office rather than a sit-down destination.

Must-Try Dishes: Mission-Style Burrito, Burrito Bowl, DT Quesadilla

What makes it special: Fast, customizable Cal-Mex burritos and bowls that outpace typical corporate chains.

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