ZipPicks Awards
Best Mexican in Upper East Side
Master Critic Review
La Esquina - UES
7.8
A casual Upper East Side outpost with a menu that leans street-food-forward, then extends into cocktails and richer plates if you keep going. It’s strongest when you build around a taco set (one or two proteins) and add one sharable starter, rather than trying to sample everything.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Taco, Bistec Con Queso Taco, Guacamole & Chips
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Street-food-style tacos with a cocktail program built for lingering.
Who should go: Groups chasing tacos plus margaritas.
When to visit: Happy hour window or early weekend dinner.
What to order: Carnitas taco, bistec con queso taco, guacamole & chips.
Insider tip: Pick two taco proteins for the table and repeat—best signal-to-noise.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; paid garages within a few blocks are the most reliable option. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but many guests lean dressy for cocktails.
Noise level: Moderate to loud—energetic room where conversation is possible but not intimate-quiet.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian tacos, sides, and apps make it workable.
Vegan options: Limited—can assemble a meal from veggie tacos and sides, but not a deep bench.
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes—corn tortillas and GF-friendly proteins, but cross-contamination is possible.
Best For
Better for: Cocktail-driven taco nights, group energy, and a social UES scene where ordering repeats well.
Skip if: You want destination-level Mexican cooking or a quiet, food-first dinner—more focused taquerias or calmer sit-down spots will read stronger.