Best Mexican Restaurants in Midtown East
4 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Empellón
Ambitious, chef-driven tacos and tasting menus in a polished Midtown setting.
Notable Picks
#1
Empellón
8.7
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.
8.4
Founded in 2009 by brothers Leo and Oliver Kremer to bring Bay Area Mission-style burritos to New York, this Midtown East branch leans into steamed tortillas, melted Jack cheese and customizable fillings. It’s a reliable office-lunch standby where burritos are the main event and lines move quickly even at peak hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Burrito, Carne Asada Burrito, Impossible Ground Beef Burrito
What makes it special: Mission-style burritos built to order with well-sourced meats, properly steamed tortillas, and a hot sauce lineup that regulars obsess over.
Worthy Picks
#3
Dirty Taco
7.7
In the Grand Central Dining Concourse, Dirty Taco riffs on L.A. street tacos and lets the same proteins roll into burritos and bowls. Open since 2022, it’s a newer option that brings duck carnitas, Korean steak and other chef-y fillings to commuters looking for something bolder than standard fast-casual burritos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Korean Steak (as taco or burrito), Duck Carnitas (as taco or burrito), Al Pastor (as taco or burrito)
What makes it special: Grand Central food-hall stall turning modern taco fillings like duck carnitas and Korean steak into tacos, burritos and bowls with a bit more flair than typical commuter fare.
7.6
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.