Taqueria Y Fonda La Mexicana: Authentic Mexican Cuisine on Amsterdam Ave

Taqueria Y Fonda La Mexicana Introduce

Nestled on the bustling Upper West Side, **Taqueria Y Fonda La Mexicana** stands as a testament to authentic, long-standing Mexican culinary tradition in New York City. This beloved local spot has been serving the community for over two decades, earning a reputation as a go-to destination for anyone seeking a true taste of Mexico. Far from the polished, upscale establishments that dot the city, this taqueria offers a genuine, no-frills experience where the quality and flavor of the food take center stage. It's the kind of place that has become a staple for locals, known for its generous portions and honest, delicious cooking.

Stepping into Taqueria Y Fonda La Mexicana is like discovering a hidden gem. The atmosphere is cozy and casual, providing a comfortable space to enjoy a meal without any pretense. The restaurant proudly identifies as both Latino-owned and women-owned, adding a layer of community and heart to its operations. This isn't just a place to eat; it's a place with a history and a story. The consistent quality of their dishes and their commitment to traditional recipes have allowed them to thrive for over 25 years, a remarkable feat in New York City's ever-changing culinary landscape. Whether you're a long-time resident or just passing through, this is a spot that promises an authentic and satisfying dining experience every time.

Location and Accessibility

Conveniently located at **968 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025, USA**, Taqueria Y Fonda La Mexicana is a true neighborhood cornerstone. Situated on a vibrant street, the restaurant is easily reachable for locals and visitors alike. Its central location on Amsterdam Avenue makes it highly accessible via a variety of public transportation options, including several bus lines and subway stations that are just a short walk away. This ease of access ensures that a craving for authentic Mexican food can be satisfied quickly, whether you're heading home from work, meeting friends for lunch, or simply out for a stroll.

The establishment's prime spot also means you can enjoy your meal in a dynamic urban environment. For those who prefer dining al fresco, **outdoor seating** is available, a wonderful option for enjoying a warm day while you savor your meal. The availability of outdoor seating also makes it convenient for pet owners, as dogs are allowed in the outside area. The area around the restaurant is lively and well-lit, providing a comfortable and safe atmosphere for late-night diners. This combination of an easy-to-reach location and a welcoming ambiance makes Taqueria Y Fonda La Mexicana a highly convenient and appealing choice for any meal.

Services Offered

**Outdoor Seating:** Enjoy your meal outside on a nice day. Perfect for people-watching and a relaxed dining experience.
**Dine-in:** A cozy and casual atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop for enjoying a meal with friends or family.
**Takeout:** Place your order and pick it up to enjoy their delicious food wherever you'd like.
**Delivery:** For those who prefer to stay in, the restaurant offers a convenient delivery service.
**No-Contact Delivery & Curbside Pickup:** Prioritizing safety and convenience, they offer no-contact options for both delivery and pickup.
**Late-Night Food:** Craving a delicious meal after hours? They serve food late into the night.
**Catering:** Planning a party or an event? The restaurant offers catering services to bring their authentic Mexican flavors to your gathering.
**Table Service:** Sit back and relax while the friendly staff takes your order and serves you at your table.
**Alcohol and Beer:** Enjoy a selection of refreshing beers to complement your meal.

Features and Highlights

**Authentic Mexican Flavors:** With over 25 years of experience, the restaurant has mastered the art of traditional Mexican cooking, offering dishes that are rich in authentic flavors.
**Generous Portions:** Customers consistently praise the restaurant for its large, satisfying portions at very reasonable prices. You get a lot of value for your money here.
**Diverse Menu:** In addition to classic taqueria fare like tacos and tortas, the menu features a variety of specialty dishes like **Alambres**, **Chiles Rellenos**, and a personal favorite, **Cecina Platter**, offering more variety than many other Mexican spots in the city.
**Fast Service:** Known for its quick and efficient service, this is a great option for a fast and delicious lunch or dinner.
**Casual and Cozy Atmosphere:** The restaurant provides a relaxed and comfortable setting, making it perfect for a laid-back meal.
**Family-Friendly & Good for Kids:** The welcoming environment and diverse menu make it a great spot for families with children.
**Popular with College Students:** Its affordable prices and delicious food make it a frequent favorite among the local college crowd.
**Long-Standing Reputation:** As a long-time establishment, it has earned a reputation as a reliable and authentic spot for Mexican food.

Contact Information

Address: 968 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025, USA

Phone: (212) 531-0383

What is Worth Choosing

When you're looking for a Mexican food spot that delivers on taste, value, and authenticity, **Taqueria Y Fonda La Mexicana** is a standout choice. What sets this restaurant apart is its long-standing presence in the community. Having been in the same location for over two decades, it has solidified its reputation as the "Mexican O.G." of the neighborhood. This isn't a trendy new spot; it's a reliable, time-tested institution that has consistently delivered delicious, large portions of food at prices that won't break the bank. This commitment to affordability without sacrificing quality is a significant advantage, especially in a city where dining out can often be an expensive affair. Customers frequently note that their meals, including drinks, come in at a fraction of the cost you might find elsewhere, making it a perfect spot for budget-conscious diners, including the many college students who frequent the establishment.

The true heart of Taqueria Y Fonda La Mexicana lies in its menu. While many newer taquerias in the city offer a limited selection, this place provides a rich variety of authentic dishes. The **Tortas** are a must-try, with options like the **Torta Cubana** and **Barbacoa Torta** offering a hearty and flavorful experience. For those looking for something beyond the usual tacos and burritos, the **Specialty Dishes** menu is where the magic happens. A customer favorite, the **Alambres**, is a great example of the unique offerings you can find here. Similarly, the **Cecina Platter**, which features salted, dried beef, is a personal favorite of many regulars. These dishes showcase a depth of culinary knowledge and a commitment to providing a true taste of Mexican tradition that goes beyond the basics.

Finally, the atmosphere contributes to the overall appeal. While some might describe it as "a little rougher around the edges," this is precisely where its charm lies. It's a cozy, unpretentious space that puts the focus squarely on the food and the people enjoying it. The casual vibe makes it welcoming to everyone—from solo diners grabbing a quick bite to families looking for a relaxed dinner. The fact that the restaurant is **Latino-owned and women-owned** adds another layer of warmth, giving you a sense that you are supporting a business with deep roots in the community. The combination of its legacy, expansive and authentic menu, excellent value, and friendly atmosphere makes Taqueria Y Fonda La Mexicana a truly worthwhile choice for anyone in New York seeking a genuine and satisfying Mexican dining experience.

Taqueria Y Fonda La Mexicana Food & drink

Dinner Menu - Beverages
Agua De Jamaica $5.99
12 oz.
Agua De Tamarindo $13.99
32 oz.
Agua De Horchata $7.99
16 oz.

Dinner Menu - Quesadillas Y Huaraches
Huaraches $16.99
Quesadillas $12.99
Toquerio's quesadillas are usually made with our homemade corn tortilla filled with choice of protein. Topped with pico de galo, lettuce, sour cream and powdered Mexican cheese. Can be made with flour tortilla as requested.

Dinner Menu - Side Orders
Guacamole & Chips $15.99
Salsa Verde
Beans $5.99
8 oz.
Chipotle Queso Dip With Chips $8.99
Rice $5.99
8 oz.
Queso Oaxaca $2.99
Salsa Tomatillo
Flan $8.99
Pico De Gallo
Salsa Roja
Sour Cream $2.99
2 oz.
Guacamole $3.99
2 oz.
Mole Rojo Or Verde
Cotija Cheese $1.75
2 oz.

Dinner Menu - Signature Premium Burritos
California Style Burrito $19.99
French fries inside the giant burrito with base ingredients.
Fish, Cactus Chipotle Burrito $23.99
French fries inside the giant burrito with base ingredients.
Salmon, Cactus, Chipotle Burrito $23.99
French fries inside the giant burrito with base ingredients.
Mango, Jalapeno Burrito $19.99
French fries inside the giant burrito with base ingredients.
Goat, Cactus, Chipotle Burrito $24.99
French fries inside the giant burrito with base ingredients.

Dinner Menu - Tortas
Barbacoa Torta $17.99
Traditional Mexican sandwiches, featuring a soft bolillo bread toasted to perfection. Protein for filling, all including refried black beans, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, creomy avocado slices, jalapenos and mayo.
Chorizo Torta $13.99
Traditional Mexican sandwiches, featuring a soft bolillo bread toasted to perfection. Protein for filling, all including refried black beans, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, creomy avocado slices, jalapenos and mayo.
Torta Cubana $17.99
Traditional Mexican sandwiches, featuring a soft bolillo bread toasted to perfection. Protein for filling, all including refried black beans, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, creomy avocado slices, jalapenos and mayo.
Carnitas Torta $13.99
Traditional Mexican sandwiches, featuring a soft bolillo bread toasted to perfection. Protein for filling, all including refried black beans, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, creomy avocado slices, jalapenos and mayo.
Milanesa De Pollo | Rez Torta $16.99
Traditional Mexican sandwiches, featuring a soft bolillo bread toasted to perfection. Protein for filling, all including refried black beans, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, creomy avocado slices, jalapenos and mayo.
Steak Torta $15.99
Traditional Mexican sandwiches, featuring a soft bolillo bread toasted to perfection. Protein for filling, all including refried black beans, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, creomy avocado slices, jalapenos and mayo.
Shrimp Torta $17.99
Traditional Mexican sandwiches, featuring a soft bolillo bread toasted to perfection. Protein for filling, all including refried black beans, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, creomy avocado slices, jalapenos and mayo.
Birria Torta $15.99
Traditional Mexican sandwiches, featuring a soft bolillo bread toasted to perfection. Protein for filling, all including refried black beans, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, creomy avocado slices, jalapenos and mayo.
Chicken Torta $13.99
Traditional Mexican sandwiches, featuring a soft bolillo bread toasted to perfection. Protein for filling, all including refried black beans, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, creomy avocado slices, jalapenos and mayo.
Al Pastor Torta $15.99
Traditional Mexican sandwiches, featuring a soft bolillo bread toasted to perfection. Protein for filling, all including refried black beans, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, creomy avocado slices, jalapenos and mayo.
Fish Torta $17.99
Traditional Mexican sandwiches, featuring a soft bolillo bread toasted to perfection. Protein for filling, all including refried black beans, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, creomy avocado slices, jalapenos and mayo.
Ahogada Torta $18.99
Mouthwatering torta drowned in spicy red or green salsa pocked with base ingredients.
Salmon Torta $17.99
Traditional Mexican sandwiches, featuring a soft bolillo bread toasted to perfection. Protein for filling, all including refried black beans, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, creomy avocado slices, jalapenos and mayo.

Dinner Menu - Specialty Dishes
Fajitas $23.99
Protein of choice sauteed with green peppers and onions. Served with Mexican rice and black beans. Corn tortillas as requested. All plates served with yellow Mexican rice and black beans. Corn tortilla served on the side.
Pipian $23.99
Choose from chicken, beef or pork protein. Sauteed with garlic, onions, tomatoes and jalapeno peppers. All plates served with yellow Mexican rice and black beans. Corn tortilla served on the side.
Chuletas De Puerco $26.99
Juicy fried or grilled pork chops grilled to perfection and smothered in your choice of spicy green or red salsa. All plates served with yellow Mexican rice and black beans. Corn tortilla served on the side.
Salmon Garlic Platter $26.99
Our salmon garlic platter, featuring tender salmon infused with the savory aroma of garlic. Want to turn up the heat? Add our red spicy garlic sauce for on extra kick of flavor. All plates served with yellow Mexican rice and black beans. Corn tortilla served on the side.
A La Mexicana Platter $23.99
Choose from chicken, beef or pork protein. Sauteed with garlic, onions, tomatoes and jalapeno peppers. All plates served with yellow Mexican rice and black beans. Corn tortilla served on the side.
Chile Ajo Platter $24.99
Savor the bold flavors of Mexico with our signature chile ajo planer. Succulent grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak marinated in a tantalizing blend of garlic and chili. All plates served with yellow Mexican rice and black beans. Corn tortilla served on the side.
Camarones A La Mexicana $26.99
Popular Mexican dish featuring shrimp cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with onions, garlic, jalapenos, and cilantro. All plates served with yellow Mexican rice and black beans. Corn tortilla served on the side.
Goat Cactus Platter $26.99
Tender goat meat in smoky chipotle sauce. paired with succulent cactus. Served with Mexican rice and beans for on authentic taste of Mexico. All plates served with yellow Mexican rice and black beans. Corn tortilla served on the side.
Mole Poblano $23.99
Chicken smothered in rich and flavorful mole sauce, sauce, served with rice and beans. All plates served with yellow Mexican rice and black beans. Corn tortilla served on the side.
Tilapia $31.99
Treat yourself to our whole fried tilapia, crispy and golden, drizzled with a fresh garlic sauce that's bursting with flavor. Want to spice things up? Add our red garlic spicy salsa for an extra kick. All plates served with yellow Mexican rice and black beans. Corn tortilla served on the side.
Came Enchilada Platter $23.99
Mexican dish featuring lender, seasoned pork in o zesty red enchilada sauce. All plates served with yellow Mexican rice and black beans. Corn tortilla served on the side.
Chiles Rellenos $25.99
PobIano peppers stuffed with Mexican cheese. battered. and fried. All plates served with yellow Mexican rice and black beans. Corn tortilla served on the side.
Grilled Chicken Platter $21.99
Served with Mexican rice and beans. All plates served with yellow Mexican rice and black beans. Corn tortilla served on the side.
Bistec Encebollado $24.99
Classic Mexican dish consisting of thinly sliced beef steak (bistec) that is cooked with onions. The onions are caramelized to enhance their sweetness and depth of flavor, creating a delicious sauce that coats the steak. All plates served with yellow Mexican rice and black beans. Corn tortilla served on the side.
Mole Verde $23.99
Green mole sauce smothered in protein of choice. All plates served with yellow Mexican rice and black beans. Corn tortilla served on the side.
Chicken Chipotle $23.99
Indulge in the bold and smoky flavors of our sauteed chicken chipotle platter. Tender grilled chicken breast marinated in a rich and savory chipotle sauce, perfectly charred to perfection. All plates served with yellow Mexican rice and black beans. Corn tortilla served on the side.
Enchiladas De Mole Red Or Green $23.99
Three corn tortillas filled with either chicken, pork or beef. Topped with sour cream, cheese, cilantro, tomatoes and onions. Topped with sour cream, cheese and pico. All plates served with yellow Mexican rice and black beans. Corn tortilla served on the side.
Camarones A La Diabla $26.99
Spicy Mexican dish featuring shrimp cooked in a fiery chipotle sauce. All plates served with yellow Mexican rice and black beans. Corn tortilla served on the side.
Cesina Platter $23.99
Thinly sliced, marinated beef, traditionally served grilled to perfection. All plates served with yellow Mexican rice and black beans. Corn tortilla served on the side.
Enchiladas Suizas $26.99
Three corn tortillas filled with either chicken, pork, or beef, topped with a melty cheese, and baked to perfection. Topped with sour cream, cheese and pico. All plates served with yellow Mexican rice and black beans. Corn tortilla served on the side.
Alambres $25.99
If you love tacos try our savory alambres. Served with your protein of choice, green peppers, onions, and melted cheese, salad, fresh guacamole and bacon all served on a sizzling platter over corn tortillas. All plates served with yellow Mexican rice and black beans. Corn tortilla served on the side.
Chiles En Nogada $31.99
A traditional Mexican dish featuring roasted poblano peppers stuffed with a sweet and savory filling of ground meat, fruits, nuts, and spices. Topped with a creamy walnut sauce (nogada). All plates served with yellow Mexican rice and black beans. Corn tortilla served on the side.

Taqueria Y Fonda La Mexicana Details

From the business
Identifies as Latino-owned
Identifies as women-owned

Service options
Outdoor seating
Curbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Comfort food
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy

Crowd
College students
Family-friendly

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments

Children
Good for kids

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Taqueria Y Fonda La Mexicana Photos

Taqueria Y Fonda La Mexicana Location

Taqueria Y Fonda La Mexicana

New York New York County New York Amsterdam Avenue

968 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025, USA

Taqueria Y Fonda La Mexicana Reviews

An average rating of ★4.4 from 511 user reviews.

wallareatortasmolenachostamalestortilla chipsfriedal pastorbirria

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Love this spot, affordable and delicious. Seating is limited BUT the spot wasn't so busy. We got the nachos with al pastor and two modelo, total was under $40. There's a bathroom too.
May 17 · Sara P.
This place is the Mexican O.G. - been in the same spot for about 25 years now.It’s looking a little rougher around the edges these days, but they are still slinging large portions of tasty Mexican dishes at very reasonable prices. They always have at least a bit more in the way of variety than most of the newer Mexican Taqueria type spots. Try the Alambres for something a bit different. They also have cecina beef which is a personal favorite. On this particular day, I went for the Torta con carnitas.If you are hungry and in the mood for Mexican, you aren’t going wrong here.
March 08 · Thomas Secor
Overall this was a great experience! The chips and salsa were complimentary and tasty! The staff was friendly! The Birria tacos were delicious! The variety of individual tacos we ordered tasted great, and they definitely were not stingy on any meat filling. The only downside was the chicken enchilada plate - it lacked flavour (the enchiladas) and the sauce was a little sour. But overall, we would definitely go back!
July 26 · Kirsten Kostomarov
Tacos Cano (formerly known as Taqueria Y Fonda) still has the freshest, tastiest food in the neighborhood and the friendliest service. For a 'hole in the wall', the atmosphere is cozy and uplifting. If you are local to the neighborhood, you need to try this place. They are also great with dietary restrictions such as vegan.
August 11 · TheMarchFourth
@netgonenutsforfoodDelicious, unpretentious, filling, and such kind service 😊 Honestly one of the best Mexican places I’ve had in NYC. Cannot believe I only discovered this on the day of graduation 😂⭐️Birria tacos: The consommé was super flavorful and the cheese inside the taco made me so happy⭐️Enchiladas with Mole: The mole sauce was decadent, and you could really taste the chocolate undertones. A good balance of savory yet slightly sweet notes came through
May 21 · Nutjaree C