ZipPicks Awards
Best Cheap Mexican Food in Bensonhurst
Best Mexican in Bensonhurst
Master Critic Review
El Mexicano Restaurante & Cafe Inc 3
7.8
A Bay Parkway Mexican counter-style stop that’s strongest when you commit to one lane: birria, a cemita, or a hearty sautéed plate. The menu breadth can pull you in different directions, but the best meals stay focused and repeatable.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos de Birria, Cemita, Bistec a la Mexicana
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Counter-style Mexican comfort with both birria and sandwich depth.
Who should go: Takeout regulars and sandwich-and-taco people
When to visit: Late morning through dinner
What to order: Tacos de birria, cemita, bistec a la mexicana
Insider tip: Pick either birria or a cemita—don’t split attention across both.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Bay Parkway and nearby side streets; usually manageable during the day, tighter after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, hoodies, and work clothes all fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy to have a conversation, more counter noise than crowd noise.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak hours, often shorter for takeout
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some meat-free plates and sides, but menu is meat-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited—possible with modifications, but not a core strength.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—many birria and sautéed plates are naturally gluten-free if ordered without tortillas.
Best For
Better for: Focused, filling Mexican comfort food when you want birria or a hearty sandwich without fuss or long waits.
Skip if: You’re looking for a sit-down dining experience, a broad vegetarian menu, or a polished date-night atmosphere.