Spanish Harlem's Taco Mix's first taco was made by Mexican immigrant Jorge Sanchez which he sold from a food cart. Now, Jorge and his son and daughter carry on from this very busy stainless steel kitchen, turning out seriously conceived dishes that feed people who line up out the door for their very affordable share. Two uniformed cops standing in the line at this taqueria caught my eye, knowing as I do that people who work a neighborhood day in and out know what's hot and what's not. Here, there is something authentic—from the heart—for everyone:
Taco toppings include cheese (Cotijam, oaxaca and mozzarella), pineapple, jalapeños and pico de gallo. Norteñas and Cubanos ($13)—sandwiches with bean spread, mayo, lettuce, tomtoes, avocado, meat and mozzarella—come filled with steak, Chorizo, breaded beef, ham, sausage, smoked ham or queso de puerco. Cemitas ($11) provide papalos, chipotle peppers, avacado and oaxaca cheese on baked sesame bread.
A typical Burrito Bowl ($12) includes rice, black beans, lettuce, sour cream, cotija cheese and corn, with a choice of meat.
If the capper is not the Gordita de Chicharrón ($7) made with a corn-based patty, lettuce, sour cream, cotija cheese, and crackling pork rind, it has to be the Taco al Pastor—spit-roasted spicy grilled pork with charred pineapple and onion.
Bottled drinks ($2.75) include Mexican Coca-Cola (differentiated from USA made one by its absence of corn syrup), Sidral, Sangría and Mineragua, Tamarind and Mandarind.
If you're staying in Harlem consider delivery from the online menu (tel: 212.289.2963).
Find your way with 304 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
S&P Sandwich Shop, opened in 1928, serves Jewish classics like matzoh ball soup and latkes in a nostalgic setting that feels like stepping back in time. A must-visit!
by
"Rubenstein Atrium" in New York's Lincoln Center has a free performance every Thursday night. I recommend you try to arrive around 18:30 to catch a seat.
by
Games of Professional Baseball in New York doesn't just mean watching the Yankees play and paying 100s of dollars: watch a Class A game for much cheaper!
by
"Gray's Papaya" in New York equals classic hot dogs. This place has been here at least 45 years, and it's easy to see why. Great people-watching spot too.
by
"Revson Fountain" at the Lincoln Center in NYC is one of the results of the renovation that started in 2006. It's spectacular and a must-see!
by
"Paris Cinema", est. 1948, is the last single screen cinema in NYC today; what irony that it was saved from closing by Netflix itself...
by
The White Clam Sauce linguine is classic. So much is served that what can’t be eaten on the spot can be taken home and easily reheated the next day,
by
At the "American Legion Post 398" in New York City I get to hear jazz played the old fashioned way, Harlem in the '30s, '40s and '50s...
by
"A Great Day in Harlem" is an important photo of 58 jazz greats taken in 1958 in NYC. The building on 126th Street where it was taken is still there...
by
The 13-mile Hudson River Greenway in NYC, which begins at the George Washington Bridge, is the most heavily used bike trail in the USA...
by
"New Plaza Cinema" in NYC has one mission: to show independent, foreign and classic films. It is run by a grassroots group; how long will it survive?
by
304 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 304 Insider Tips