Best Mexican Restaurants in Upper East Side-Yorkville
5 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Soledad
A chef-led Mexican menu where brunch dishes and composed dinner plates show more technique than the average neighborhood spot.
Notable Picks
#1
Soledad
8.3
Soledad is chef-driven Mexican cooking on 2nd Avenue, with a tighter menu that runs from brunch concha pancakes to lobster birria tacos and agave-focused cocktails. The room leans cozy and polished, making it one of the more upscale Mexican options in the neighborhood for a proper sit-down meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Concha Pancakes, Croissant Torta, Birria de Langosta
What Makes it Special: A chef-led Mexican menu where brunch dishes and composed dinner plates show more technique than the average neighborhood spot.
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
The Red Grill is a casual Yorkville Mexican spot that leans on fajitas, enchiladas, and shareable nachos, serving a steady stream of neighborhood families and groups. It’s more about reliable portions and all-day hours than polish, with a menu that can easily cover both dine-in and delivery cravings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cali Nachos, Carne Asada Fajitas, Churros with Chocolate Fudge
What Makes it Special: An everyday Mexican option where nachos, fajitas, and churros anchor an extensive, family-friendly menu.
Worthy Picks
7.7
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A new fast-casual build-your-own Mexican counter that’s built for late-night utility—quick assembly, familiar formats, and a clean in-and-out rhythm. It hits best when you keep the order focused (one burrito or bowl, one salsa lane) so the flavors stay tight and the meal stays efficient after midnight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Build-your-own burrito, Birria quesadilla, Churro bites
What Makes it Special: A late-night build-your-own format that stays fast and predictable.
7.7
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Late Night Legends
A Mission-style fast-casual option that stays useful when you need tacos late without the sit-down tempo. It wins on speed and predictability—order in a single lane (tacos or a bowl) and keep add-ons minimal so the build stays clean and consistent.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taco trio (choose one protein lane), Mission-style burrito, Chips & salsa
What Makes it Special: Fast, predictable tacos and burritos in a late-night-friendly format.
7.5
Tacos & Tequila is a small, mostly sidewalk-seating spot built around tacos, sizzling fajitas, and oversized margaritas. It closes around 10 p.m. but functions as a de facto late-night taco patio on warm evenings, especially when happy hour rolls into a casual, tequila-heavy dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas tacos, Tinga tacos, Grilled beef quesadilla
What Makes it Special: Sidewalk-focused taco bar known for strong margaritas and flexible outdoor seating.