Complaining about the lack of decent Mexican food in New York is a popular sport. In the last few years, a lot of new contenders have popped up, though, quieting some of the grumblers. On the Lower East Side these days, ambitious restaurant/clubs such as Casa Mezcal, Los Feliz and Viktor & Spoils in the Hotel on Rivington are peddling gussied-up tacos and infused tequilas to late-night carousers.
But the truth is they’re all following in the footsteps of Barrio Chino, the little place on Broome Street that’s been packing them in since 2003. There was really no contest in our survey; Barrio Chino is the Lower East Side’s go-to spot for Mexican. It’s not just about the tasty guacamole, delicious enchiladas “de mole,” comforting chicken soup and perfectly prepared margaritas (we’re particularly fond of the grapefruit variety).
Manager Fidel Vazquez and the rest of the staff (which has stayed remarkably consistent over the years) are welcoming and warm, although some would-be customers become frustrated when the restaurant becomes overburdened and they are sent away.
Barrio Chino 253 Broome St. 212-228-6710 Back to Best of the LES
