Only a few places stand out - El Centro on West 54th and 9th Ave has the best burritos in town - authentic Mexican home cooking and the best margaritas / Mexican in Manhattan. Downtown, Papatzul in SOHO has the best upscale entrees that are variations of what Mexicans make at home. And both Hecho en Dumbo on the Bowery and Mercadito Cantina on Avenue B have the best tacos this side of the Mississippi. Hecho en Dumbo in particular has burritas, little burritos that are to die for! And Hecho en Dumbo has the best cocktail menu of the restaurants I listed

Suenos in Chelsea is awesome. So is Toloache in the Theater District (surprising, given the neighborhood). As for dishes, it really depends on what you like. Honestly, everything at both places is pretty spectacular "

I love El Maguey y la Tuna (321 E. Houston St. - between Attorney and Ridge). It's a small family owned place - the food and drinks are great, the service is excellent, the portions are big and the prices are really reasonable!
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I know it's a hike, but taqueria y fonda on amsterdam and 107 is amazing. It's a total hole in the wall, but probably the best mexican I've found in NYC. The vegetable burrito comes with actual vegetables like spinach and carrots and broccoli in it, and you can get brain tacos if that's your thing.

And it's cheap enough for non-trustfunded columbia students!

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Link to them!   Dos">http://www.brguestrestaurants.com/restaurants/dos_caminos_third_avenue/index.php"">Dos Caminos
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Don't leave without trying the Dos Caminos guacamole! (served in a cool looking mexican pot)  They play music like mgmt and phoenix, it's kind of funny but still works. "

Go to Dos Caminos.  There's four of them all in different parts of the city.  Great authentic food with a fiesta kind of trendy like atmosphere.  Most have outdoor seating, great this time of year!
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Agree with Dos Caminos.  The one in Mid Town is like three floors or something crazy.  With an outside area too.  They can take huge parties there as well.  I went with a group of 17 the other night.  Great times!
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