Head South of the Border

Has anyone ever had really good Mexican food in NYC? Probably not, well maybe it was decent, but it probably cost you an arm and a leg.  NYC seems to have some sort of Mexican food void, which is strange because I know there is good Mexican food in other places just as far - if not farther away from Mexico (there were at least two great Mexican places in Florence, Italy when I lived there …).  For me this is sad, because I love Mexican food and more than that, I love pitchers of margaritas for under $15 and free chips. Well I still haven’t found a place offering all of that in NYC, but I did find a place that has affordable and authentic Mexican food that I actually find myself craving from time to time – Pinche Taqueria.

Pinche has two locations, one in Nolita and one in Soho. I have only been to the Soho location, which sits on the tiny sliver of space where Bleecker and Lafayette Streets meet, right above the 6 train’s stop.  In both locations, the kitchens and dining areas were trucked directly from San Ysidro. All of the ingredients used are extremely fresh and flavorful, and the portions are quite large for such a small establishment.  My absolute favorite item on the menu is the huge Cheese Quesadilla, which comes with chips and guacamole for only $5.75.  Another reason I love Pinche is their homemade $2.75 Augas, such as horchata, jamaica and watermelon (plus more depending on the day).

So, next time you have a Mexican food craving, or just want to take a quick trip south of the border head to Pinche Taqueria!

Pinche Taqueria (map)

Soho
333 Lafayette Street, between Bleeker & Houston Streets
Phone: 212.343.9977
Hours: Sunday & Monday 10:30am to 11pm
Tuesday - Thursday 10:30am to 12am
Friday & Saturday 10:30am to 4am
Delivery Zone: 14th Street - East Houston Street and Avenue C - Ave of the Americas (6th Ave)
Minimum Order: $10

Nolita
227 Mott Street, between Prince & Spring Street
Phone: 212.625.0090
Hours: Daily 10:30am - 11pm
Delivery Zone: Houston Street - Worth Street / East Broadway and Varick Street - Pit Street
Minimum Order: $10

Also, if anyone has a go-to place for cheap margarita’s and free chips, please let me know!