ZipPicks Awards
Best Mexican in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Tacos in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Burritos in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Happy Hour Mexican in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Happy Hour Tacos in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Master Critic Review
El Parador Cafe
8.7
El Parador Cafe is a white-stucco, low-lit Mexican dining room that has been serving mole, fajitas, and margaritas since 1959. Regulars treat it as a grown-up spot for sit-down dinners, strong drinks, and plates that lean more classic than trendy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mole poblano de pollo, Grilled chicken fajitas, Baja fish tacos
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: NYC’s oldest continuously running Mexican restaurant, with classic mole and margaritas in a low-lit room.
Who should go: Couples and groups craving classic old-school Mexican with margaritas.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners and lingering weekend celebrations with margaritas.
What to order: Mole poblano chicken, sizzling fajitas, house guacamole with margaritas.
Insider tip: Ask for a quieter table toward the back if you want conversation-friendly volume.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual works well—jeans are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate and intimate—easy to hold a full conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait if dining early; light waits during peak office lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several classic vegetarian-friendly plates and customizable options.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable-based dishes can be modified, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn-based dishes, grilled proteins, and many sauces are naturally gluten-free with staff guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its low lighting, classic atmosphere, and strong margaritas make it intimate without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays or early evenings, but weekend dinners are tough without booking ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Kids are welcome earlier in the evening, but the dim lighting and cocktail-first energy make it better for adults at night.
Best For
Better for: Classic sit-down Mexican with history, strong margaritas, and comfort-driven plates rather than flashy trends.
Skip if: You want trendy tacos, ultra-modern fusion, or a loud party scene—newer spots will suit that vibe better.