Reservations: Yes Delivery: No El Sombrero, referred to a lot of locals as “The Hat,” is one of he last “old school” spots within the Lower East Side’s gentrified nightlife district. Opened by Jose Suriel, a Dominican, in 1984, the Mexican restaurant is now operated by Palmerio Fabian and Josephina Diaz, Suriel’s niece and nephew. El Sombrero is beloved by LES residents, as well as young revelers, for its cheap frozen margaritas and extremely hot salsa. You’ll find all the basics here: burritos, enchiladas, tostadas, chimichangas. Nothing fancy, but after all these years the Hat is an endangered species, and you should visit this LES institution while you still can.
