La Esquina

An entire Mexican world on Kenmare Street in Soho has become a hotspot for hipster designers and white-collar Manhattanites. Look for a crowd of people eating on the street outside what appears to be a corner bodega. During the summer, they sometimes put tables out. If you want to relax away from the prying eyes of passersby, you'll have to go in through a special door. A girl will greet you and take you past the kitchen, down a staircase, to a brasserie-style restaurant with a trendy atmosphere and delicious Mexican food and cocktails.

The restaurant was conceived of as a sort of modern speakeasy, its seemingly ordinary storefront concealing more "interesting" happenings below ground. La Esquina is interesting above and below, and although the atmosphere differs, both are lively and positive spaces. The food is surprisingly authentic for such a fashionable place, and there are vegetarian options.

We recommend: Begin with fish or chicken tacos, then get Ceviche Acapulco, Carne Asada, and Elotes Callejeros.

Cuisine: authentic Mexican with th twist

Atmosphere: lively

Crowd: Soho residents, with a sprinkling of celebrities, hipsters, and underground artists

FYI: Call ahead to reserve a table at the brasserie.

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