Searching for cheap Mexican restaurants in New York City? Here are a few of my local New York City favorites for cheap authentic Mexican food. These restaurants are dotted throughout New York City and well worth the effort to check them out while you are in town.
El Maguey La Tuna is located at 321 East Houston Street, New York, New York, 1002. They serve up cheap authentic Mexican fare in one of the smallest restaurants in New York City. Even more shocking than the lack of square footage is their red light bulbs. Yes, red light bulbs. I am not sure for the reason behind this bizarre lighting, but it is amazing what you can get used to for some good Mexican food when the price is right. To make the décor an even a little more bizarre the tablecloths are red as well. Beyond the red interior though, the food is tasty, served in large portions, and extremely cheap. I ate for slightly under $5 and couldn’t have fit in another bite. The enchilada verdes at El Maguey La Tuna is homey, comforting, and gooey. Three of my top qualifications for good cheap Mexican food. If you like to dine out for brunch they serve up a fabulous authentic Mexican brunch menu everyday from Noon to 4pm.
Chipotle Mexican Grill is a nationwide chain of quick service Mexican food priced cheaply. Known mostly as just Chipotle, there is one in almost every decent sized city in the North East. The interior is always a loft like feel with steel walls and industrial seating. They serve up burritos the size of a small loaf of bread! Ingredients are grilled fresh and served up as you request. Meat choices include chicken, beef, and pork. Best of all they have black beans as well as refritos. All for about $5. I recommend getting the burrito bol. All the ingredients you choose are piled into a bowl and the flour tortilla is left off. Paired with chips and salsa for $1.50 and you have enough for two hungry people. Chipotle is sort of like the Subway of Mexican restaurants. One of the central Chipotle stores in the New York City is located at 150 East 44th Street, New York, New York, 10017. Just because they are a chain, don’t over look the great Mexican food for cheap!
Crema Restaurante is a fabulous hip Mexican restaurant located in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood. The prices may not be as cheap as Chipotle or El Maguey La Tuna, but it does rank low budget wise compare to other fine dining establishments in Chelsea. The décor at Crema Restaurante is beautiful, colorful, and complimentary to their Mexican cuisine. Bright colors on the walls and linen tablecloths are an interesting and unexpected combination from what most of us expect out of a Mexican restaurant. The menu is a colorful reflection of Chef Juliet Ballesteros’ take on Mexican cuisine. The food is refreshing, authentic, and inventive. The chile rellenos is crunchy, hot, and flavor filed. Gooey cheese makes it yummy, yummy, yummy. Crema Restaurante is located at 111 West 17th Street, New York, New York, 10011.
