The very first meal I had in New York City was at Blockheads. Even though summer is coming to an end Blockheads has a great outdoor seating area where you can grub on chips and salsa and enjoy the nice weather. My favorite thing about Blockheads? The Blackflower margarita!!! A mix of sangria and margarita, they are lethal, they are delicious, and best part? They’re CHEAP. Also the quesadilla salad, which is basically a quesadilla, with some lettuce on it…is REALLY GOOD.

I LOVE NEW YORK, I LOVE NEW YORK!!!!! Why the excitement??? Oh just because Mary Ann’s is on the corner of my block! It may not look like much on the outside, in fact, it’s just the same old cheesy Mexican decor you’d find in your suburban neighborhood. Don’t let the painted on scenery fool you, you can get a plate of chimichanga’s that will blow your mind away.

Most people would never want to openly admit that they ate here….it’s cheap, it’s a bit dirty looking from the outside…..BUT, THE FOOD IS AWESOME. Conveniently located near NYU for penny pinching college students with large appetites, Big Enchilada lives up to it’s name, small prices, big portions.

Once on set working as a frazzled production assistant, Burritoville came to my rescue. First off, how awesome is it that “ville” is on the end of it, if Burritoville were a place I’d live there. I digress, so when catering was short on food for a VERY LARGE crew of hungry models (an oxymoron I know) and rich executives, all I had to do was call in reinforcements i.e. BURRITOVILLE. The day ran smoothly, the clients and my boss were happy and full. I even smuggled a couple burritos home in my purse. Don’t judge.

I have friends who are regulars here, they walk in and aren’t even handed a menu. My friends are picky, so this place HAS to be good. They have good taste and definitely a taste for things that are expensive…like a $65 margarita!

It’s consistent. Sure, not authentic but if you’re craving some standard melted cheese, quickly, running between meetings or subway stops, Taco Bell never fails. Plus, as you can see above they always have good commercials.

It wasn’t long ago that finding a Chipotle was like going on a scavenger hunt for movie stubs from the 1980’s (yes, I’ve done this.) Now you can find Chipotle’s allllll over New York City. Plus, you can order ahead online with their fancy burrito making website. You click the images just the way you’d put your burrito together if you were actually there. Convenient AND delicious.

I personally think it’s a bit of a rip off of the original, listed above, but still good nonetheless if you aren’t able to find a Chipotle. If you’re watching your calories it’s much better to choose Qdoba, they have a little bit more variety and healthier options.

You know you’re at a restaurant with strong margaritas when you meet friends for drinks and by the end of the evening you’ve accidentally enabled one of them to cheat on their boyfriend, after one shot of tequila too many. Benny’s is always buzzing with energy, the windows look out over Greenwich ave, prime for good people watching. And like I said, their not kidding around when you order a margarita. You may be able to even save a buck or two, Benny’s is cheap, cheap, cheap.

Now onto a Mexican joint that’s a bit more high class. Usually the words classy, sophisticated, chic….don’t follow up the phrase, Mexican restaurant. This is an exception! If you’re trying to save money I wouldn’t suggest Rosa’s, you can breeze through fifteen bucks just by ordering the guacamole (though it is freshly made table side.)

I’ve never met a local who has been into Caliente Cab, since it SCREAMS tourist. Flashy, obnoxious, but like I said…it’s hard to mess up Mexican food. If you want an evening where you can shamelessly take “vacation Myspace pics titled: My Trip to New York!” this is where you should do it.

ALSO conveniently located on my block, yes now you all know where I live, Rocking Horse is Mexican food for the modern day foodie. The restaurant is decorated like they were waiting for their debut in a Sex and the City episode. Bright colors, good lighting, fancy chefs, and Mexican food that doesn’t REALLY taste like Mexican food but maybe a meal from a challenge on Top Chef, it’s worth it to have a meal here.

If you blinked, you’d miss this place. Sometimes the restaurants that are harder to find and a bit unassuming are some of the best. Is it because you have to search for them so it’s more of a treat? Who knows. I only know it tastes good, so it may be a bit of a secret but it’s my delicious little secret.