Best Girls Night Out Approved Mexican Restaurants in Lower East Side
3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
La Contenta Les
Cocktail-driven Mexican spot where tacos, enchiladas, and mezcal share top billing.
Notable Picks
8.6
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.
#2
Barrio Chino
8.3
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.
Worthy Picks
7.9
El Cabron combines a full bar with a sit-down taqueria, turning out burritos, tacos, and cocktails in a lively room just south of Delancey. The burrito lineup covers classic carnitas, al pastor, chicken, steak, and shrimp, all built with rice, beans, and plenty of pico for a more sit-and-stay take on LES burritos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Burrito, Carnitas Burrito, Spicy Shrimp Burrito
What makes it special: A bar-forward taqueria where burritos share space with margaritas and game-day energy.