LA ESQUINA
For the longest time, when I thought of La Esquina, I thought of that gorgeous mahogany speakeasy shrouded by the guise a no-frills tin façade claustrophobic taco stand. You see, years ago, I'd doll up with my crew, walk into this nondescript taco stand with the huge sign that read "La Esquina" meaning "The Corner", through a hidden door in its wall that inevitably was guarded by a big man leaning nonchelantly on it as though he were waiting for his taco order, down a flight of questionably safe stairs and through a kitchen to get to the tequila bar that is now known as "The Brasserie". Since then, the taco stand, more formally known as the “Taqueria”, has expanded, has outdoor tables, and due to it’s popularity, and an expansion, there is a full taco cafe. Decidedly, I finally went in for the tacos.
I’ve been back again and again, and can now boast that the food food says it all, and it’s yelling at the top of it’s lungs “I’m fantastic”! For anyone looking to satiate a Mexican food craving, this is the place to be! With high quality ingredients, sauces created in the restaurant—which I'm told is rare for Manhattan—and a variety of dining spaces that cater to your current mood from fancy, to “I just want to sit and eat”, to grab-and-go, there’s a room for that! I love everything about this experiential restaurant.
What this is not is a restaurant to go to and order humbly. If you’re that kind of person who doesn’t repeat restaurants often, I’m calling you out here. When you go here, order a ton cause you need to experience as much as possible! It’s all delicious! From the Elotes Callejeros, aka Mexican street corn that’s grilled doused in mayo, Cotija cheese and chile powder; to the Queso Fundido for those looking to finish off their meal in a cheesy food coma; to any (and all) of the tacos; to the Adobo de Puerco there is no weak dish on the Lucha Libre Mexican Wrestling Mask logo embellished menu. Go, eat it for yourself! Ooh, and do yourself a favor, don’t skip the Mole Enchiladas, it would be the worst thing you could possibly do.
