Mercadito

Mexico City—born chef Patricio Sandoval reinterprets traditional Mexican cuisine using local ingredients at this East Village taqueria. Part of a small national chain, the Avenue B Mercadito (Spanish for “little market”) is housed in a narrow, thatched-roof space with colorful Mexican paintings and rough-hewn wooden tables. Portions are small to encourage sharing, and the menu includes fresh ceviches, botanas (snacks), and inventive tacos, like the rosemary-marinated skirt steak with potato, avocado, poblanos, tomato crema (cream), and Manchego cheese. The late night all-you-can-eat taco deal is especially popular, as are the fresh fruit margaritas and red sangria tinged with cinnamon.