Midtown Manhattan is usually where good food goes to die in a sea of overpriced salads and tourist traps. But then there’s La Esquina. If you’ve spent any time looking for a taco that doesn't taste like cardboard near 55th Street, you’ve probably seen the neon sign. It's a bit of a weird one, honestly. While the original Kenmare Street location in SoHo is the one that basically invented the "secret basement" aesthetic in the mid-2000s, the Midtown outpost—officially known as La Esquina Midtown on 55th—is a different beast entirely. It’s faster. It’s louder. It’s somehow both a corporate lunch spot and a place where you can get a decent tequila flight at 2:00 PM on a Tuesday.
People get confused about La Esquina NYC Midtown because they expect the moody, subterranean "speakeasy" vibe of the downtown flagship. You won't find the heavy doors or the "you're not on the list" attitude here. This is the "Taqueria" and "Cafe" version of the brand. It’s stripped back. It’s focused on the food. And frankly, that’s why it actually works for the neighborhood.
What to Actually Expect at La Esquina NYC Midtown
Walk in and it’s narrow. Tight. The smell of charred corn and carnitas hits you immediately, which is a relief when you’ve just walked past five different generic delis. The Midtown location is primarily a counter-service operation, though they do have the seated "Cafe" area. It’s a savior for the 1:00 PM lunch rush.
The menu isn't trying to reinvent Mexican cuisine. You’ve got your basics: tacos, tortas, and quesadillas. But the execution is where they separate themselves from the Chipotle-adjacent spots nearby. They use real corn tortillas that have that specific, slightly nutty chew. The Al Pastor is the move. It has that perfect balance of salty pork and the sharp, acidic hit of pineapple.
Don't expect a quiet meal. It’s Midtown. Between the office crowds from the nearby MoMA area and the tourists who wandered off 5th Avenue, the decibel level is high. It’s a "get in, eat the best taco of your week, and get out" kind of place.
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The Menu Breakdown: Beyond Just Tacos
Everyone goes for the tacos, but the Tortas are arguably the hidden MVP of the Midtown menu. The bread is pressed just enough to get a crunch without shredding the roof of your mouth.
- Pollo Rostizado: The roasted chicken is juicy, which is a miracle for a high-volume Midtown kitchen.
- The Corn (Elote): You cannot skip the grilled corn. It’s slathered in mayo, cotija cheese, and chili powder. It is messy. You will get it in your teeth. It is 100% worth it.
- Breakfast Tacos: If you’re in the area before 11:00 AM, they do a solid egg and chorizo situation that beats a soggy bagel any day of the week.
Honestly, the salsa roja has a kick that surprises people. New York "spicy" is usually pretty weak, but La Esquina doesn't totally play it safe for the tourists. They have a house-made hot sauce that they sell in bottles, and if you're a heat chaser, you should probably grab one for your office desk.
Why the Location Matters (and Why It’s Not SoHo)
The biggest misconception about La Esquina NYC Midtown is that it’s a nightlife destination. It isn't. If you want to spot a celebrity or sit in a dark corner with a $20 cocktail, go to the SoHo location. Midtown is about utility. It’s about the fact that 55th Street is a culinary wasteland for anything under $40, and La Esquina provides a high-quality escape.
The "Cafe" section in the back of the Midtown spot offers a bit more of a sit-down experience. It’s better for a quick business meeting where you actually want to enjoy your food. You can get a Michelada or a Margarita here, and they are surprisingly stiff. The tequila selection is curated—not massive, but high quality. They aren't serving the bottom-shelf stuff that gives you a headache before you’ve even finished your chips.
The Pricing Reality
Let’s talk money. This is Manhattan. You’re going to pay more for a taco here than you would in Jackson Heights or Sunset Park. That’s just the tax for being in the 10019 zip code. You’re looking at $14 to $18 for a set of three tacos. Is it "authentic" pricing? No. Is it fair for the quality of the ingredients and the location? Yeah, probably.
When you compare it to the price of a sad, pre-packaged sandwich from a nearby chain, the value proposition starts to look a lot better. You’re paying for the fact that the steak is actually marinated and the salsa wasn't made in a factory three weeks ago.
Avoiding the Tourist Trap Trappings
Because it’s near the MoMA and Central Park, La Esquina NYC Midtown gets slammed with tourists. If you want to avoid the worst of it, timing is everything.
- Avoid 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM: This is the peak corporate rush. The line will be out the door, and you'll be eating your taco standing up on the sidewalk.
- The 3:00 PM Sweet Spot: If you can swing a late lunch, the place breathes. You can actually snag a stool and enjoy your meal without someone's elbow in your ribs.
- Online Ordering: Use their website. If you’re working nearby, don't just walk in. Order ahead, skip the line, and take it back to the office or over to Paley Park for a much better experience.
The staff handles the volume with a sort of weary efficiency. They aren't going to be your best friends, but they get the food out fast. In Midtown, speed is a currency, and they trade in it well.
The Verdict on La Esquina NYC Midtown
Is it the best Mexican food in New York City? No. You can find better carnitas in the Bronx or deeper into Brooklyn if you’re willing to travel. But is it the best Mexican food in this specific five-block radius of Midtown? Absolutely.
It succeeds because it doesn't try to be the SoHo speakeasy. It knows it’s a high-volume taqueria serving people who are usually in a hurry. The consistency is what keeps it alive. Whether you go on a Monday morning or a Thursday night, the carnitas tastes the same. The chips are always salty enough. The lime is always fresh.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Order the "Platitos" if you're not that hungry: The smaller plates like the ceviche or the kale salad (yes, they have a kale salad, it's Midtown) are surprisingly fresh.
- Don't skip the drinks: Even if you're not doing booze, their Aguas Frescas are legit. The Hibiscus (Jamaica) is tart and not overly sugary.
- Watch the space: It is tiny. If you have a large group, do not just "show up" at noon. You won't get a seat. This is a 1-3 person max type of spot.
- The Secret to the Salsa: If you find the green salsa too mild, ask for the "salsa brava." It’s not always on the counter, but it’s there.
If you’re stuck between a boring meeting and an afternoon of sightseeing, La Esquina NYC Midtown is the shot of adrenaline you need. It’s loud, it’s cramped, and the food has actual flavor—which makes it a total unicorn for 55th Street. Grab two Al Pastor tacos, a side of elote, and find a spot to sit outside. You won't regret it.