Tacos, tamales, and warm tortillas—right here on the Upper West Side.

You’re hungry. You want real flavor now. Good news: the Upper West Side has awesome Mexican spots for every mood—date night, fast tacos, big brunch, and late-night bites.

Quick answer: the best Mexican spots on the Upper West Side

• El Mitote — 208 Columbus Ave (between 69th & 70th). A neighborhood favorite with big heart and bold plates. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
• Tacombi (UWS) — 377 Amsterdam Ave. Breezy taqueria vibes and classic Mexico City-style tacos. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• Playa Betty’s — 320 Amsterdam Ave. California-style Mex with fun brunch energy. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Santa Fe — 73 W 71st St. Long-time spot for Southwestern plates and famous frozen margs. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Nina’s Great Burrito Bar — 522 Columbus Ave. Big burritos; open late on weekends. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Cilantro — 485 Columbus Ave. Crowd-pleasing fajitas, tacos, and a lively bar. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Noche Mexicana — 842 Amsterdam Ave. Cozy, no-frills, tasty tacos and platillos. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Rosa Mexicano (Lincoln Center) — 44 W 63rd St, inside the Empire Hotel. Polished plates and tableside flair. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• Taqueria 86 — 210 W 94th St. Street-style tacos with fútbol spirit. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

If you want a fast plan (eat well in one hour)

Short on time? Do this:

• Grab 2 tacos at Tacombi. Crispy fish or al pastor hits the spot. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Walk a few blocks and share chips & guac at Playa Betty’s. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Finish with a quick horchata at Noche Mexicana. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Best picks by vibe

• Date night: Rosa Mexicano (pretty room, celebratory feel). :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
• Big group: Tacombi (easy to share, lively). :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
• Brunch: Playa Betty’s (fun brunch deals). :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
• Late night (Fri–Sat): Nina’s Great Burrito Bar. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• Old-school comfort: Santa Fe (Southwest classics). :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

What to order (simple and great)

• El Mitote: Chicken tinga tacos or enchiladas suizas. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
• Tacombi: Crispy pescado or adobada. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
• Playa Betty’s: Two-taco set and a brunch drink (when offered). :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
• Santa Fe: Enchiladas and a frozen margarita. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
• Nina’s Great Burrito Bar: The namesake burrito—share it if you must. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
• Cilantro: Sizzling fajitas and house salsa. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
• Noche Mexicana: Tacos de carnitas and a side of rice & beans. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
• Taqueria 86: Birria or al pastor; grab churros if you see them. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}

Make it a taco crawl (south to north)

1. Rosa Mexicano (63rd) — one shareable starter. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}
2. El Mitote (69th–70th) — a round of tacos. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}
3. Santa Fe (71st) — split one frozen marg. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}
4. Playa Betty’s (75th) — crispy bites. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}
5. Tacombi (77th–79th area) — al pastor finale. :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}
6. Taqueria 86 (94th) — late snack victory lap. :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}

Heads-up (recent change)

Long-running Taqueria y Fonda on Amsterdam closed in June 2025, so don’t plan a stop there. :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}

Sources for places mentioned

• El Mitote (address & hours) + Eater editors mention via WSR. :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}
• Tacombi UWS location page. :contentReference[oaicite:33]{index=33}
• Playa Betty’s (address, hours, menus). :contentReference[oaicite:34]{index=34}
• Santa Fe (menu, location). :contentReference[oaicite:35]{index=35}
• Nina’s Great Burrito Bar (hours, address). :contentReference[oaicite:36]{index=36}
• Cilantro (location). :contentReference[oaicite:37]{index=37}
• Noche Mexicana (address, menu). :contentReference[oaicite:38]{index=38}
• Rosa Mexicano (relocation to Empire Hotel). :contentReference[oaicite:39]{index=39}
• Taqueria 86 (address, menu). :contentReference[oaicite:40]{index=40}
• Closure note: Taqueria y Fonda. :contentReference[oaicite:41]{index=41}

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