Although the upstairs may be deceiving, this subterranean Mexican brasserie is one of New York's most valuable hidden gems. on street level, you will see what looks like a small Mexican taco stand- that's exactly what it is, serving the hipsters and elite-alike quick bites on the go through all hours of the night, but if your one of the lucky few to snag a reservation at the real crown jewel, you'll find yourself walking past a door disguised as a taqueria counter and a sign that reads “Employees Only.” The underground dungeon-like atmosphere is both spooky and sexy, adorned in dark wood and distressed stone walls covered with racey artwork. Here you will find a crowd of models, musicians and the wealthy set of cool, sipping on some of the best margaritas and dining on perfectly prepared mini tacos and ceviche.

All of the real foodies in the New York dining scene have been raving about Alma since its opening, ten years ago. Handcrafted by the four owners, each of the three floors provides a different atmosphere but the winning floor is always the the roof deck, opened year-round for brunch and dinner. With panoramic views of Manhattan, we suggest going at sun down for a truly memorable experience. Always fresh and exciting, with an emphasizes on seafood, this menu serves all of your classic Mexican favorites and dessert so beautifully crafted that you may feel guilty digging in, but trust us when we say you must.

With a chef/owner who was born in Mexico City, the cuisine doesn't get much more authentic than this. Patricio Sandoval offers guests the flavors of Southern Mexico at his two tiny taquerias, but our favorite continues to be the smaller, East Village location. With cozy worn-in walls and an authentic decor- it's hard not to feel as though your dining in a small mexican village when you enter Mercadito (meaning "little market"). With bold flavors and a generous menu of ceviches, botanas (snacks), and more than a dozen types of tacos, we suggest you pair your meal with a few of the muddled fresh fruit margaritas.

This festive, two-story space features a guacamole bar as well as a ceviche bar, which is a traditional Latin american preparation for meats and fish where they are cooked with acid from citrus. The exceptional tequila list and festive decor are authentic enough to make you feel as though your on vacation. Chef Julian Medina's creative cooking incorporates seasonal and natural ingredients into his creative creations, featuring over a dozen different chiles. With a menu that never seizes to amaze, this Mexican midtown restaurant is sure to have you saying o