I usually try to follow the Miss Menu rule of not going back to the same restaurant twice. It's pretty hard to avoid in NYC though, especially when it's insanely hot or cold outside and you don't want to travel too far for a good meal. For days like those, my friend AS and I have picked a great restaurant to have as our go-to...Baby Bo's Cantina.
Baby Bo's is the ultimate hole-in-the-wall Mexican joint. I somehow went 4 years of living in this neighborhood before actually giving it a try. That has all changed now! The best way I can describe the interior of Baby Bo's as a Mexican Fiesta on crack. Christmas lights line the ceiling, and funky murals, wooden crosses, and mirrors line the walls.
I've been there on different nights of the week, and each time it's been packed. Luckily the service is prompt, so the tables turn over pretty quickly. But if you do have to wait, definitely start off with a margarita at the bar. The atmosphere may be a little chaotic, but the food is far from it.
They brought out chips and salsa right away. The chips are great, not too greasy, but the salsa isn't my favorite. Too much like a pico de gallo, and not enough "sauce." I decided to order the Vegetable Enchiladas Suizas, one of my favorite Mexican dishes. Two fresh corn tortillas were filled with grilled vegetables (broccoli, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini), and topped with salsa verde, crema, and monterey jack. The enchiladas and all the other entrees are served with red rice and refried beans. The flavors of this dish are fantastic. The vegetables were grilled really nicely. And, the salsa verde and the crema really complimented each other. AS ordered the Classic Vegetarian Burrito, and really enjoyed hers as well.
There are a handful of Mexican restaurants within blocks of Baby Bo's, but this one definitely stands out from the crowd. The food is great, the atmosphere is lively, without being crazy, and it's reasonably priced. There is a large list of specials that change daily, ranging from appetizers to quesadillas to surf 'n turf. They have a lunch special for $7.95, and a weekend brunch for $8.95.
Baby Bo's
627 2nd Avenue
b/t 34th & 35th Streets
Menu Pages listing
Baby Bo's is the ultimate hole-in-the-wall Mexican joint. I somehow went 4 years of living in this neighborhood before actually giving it a try. That has all changed now! The best way I can describe the interior of Baby Bo's as a Mexican Fiesta on crack. Christmas lights line the ceiling, and funky murals, wooden crosses, and mirrors line the walls.
I've been there on different nights of the week, and each time it's been packed. Luckily the service is prompt, so the tables turn over pretty quickly. But if you do have to wait, definitely start off with a margarita at the bar. The atmosphere may be a little chaotic, but the food is far from it.
They brought out chips and salsa right away. The chips are great, not too greasy, but the salsa isn't my favorite. Too much like a pico de gallo, and not enough "sauce." I decided to order the Vegetable Enchiladas Suizas, one of my favorite Mexican dishes. Two fresh corn tortillas were filled with grilled vegetables (broccoli, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini), and topped with salsa verde, crema, and monterey jack. The enchiladas and all the other entrees are served with red rice and refried beans. The flavors of this dish are fantastic. The vegetables were grilled really nicely. And, the salsa verde and the crema really complimented each other. AS ordered the Classic Vegetarian Burrito, and really enjoyed hers as well.
There are a handful of Mexican restaurants within blocks of Baby Bo's, but this one definitely stands out from the crowd. The food is great, the atmosphere is lively, without being crazy, and it's reasonably priced. There is a large list of specials that change daily, ranging from appetizers to quesadillas to surf 'n turf. They have a lunch special for $7.95, and a weekend brunch for $8.95.
Baby Bo's
627 2nd Avenue
b/t 34th & 35th Streets
Menu Pages listing
Comments
James - I finally did...LONG overdue!! I've been back a few times since, and have had great meals every time! Glad you loved El Parador. Actually had a celebrity sighting there, so we must not be the only ones who know how great it is!