New York City is a hub for foodies from all over the world. From pizza to bagels to hot dogs, the city has it all. But one dish that New Yorkers can't get enough of is queso. Whether you're a tourist or a local, finding the best queso in town can be a daunting task.
With so many options to choose from, it's hard to know where to start. That's where this guide comes in. We've scoured the city to bring you the best places for queso in New York City.
From traditional Tex-Mex to gourmet fusion, the queso scene in NYC is as diverse as the city itself. But what exactly is queso? At its most basic level, queso is a melted cheese dip that's often served with tortilla chips.
But there's so much more to it than that. The type of cheese, spices, and additional ingredients can vary from restaurant to restaurant, making each queso dish unique.
Whether you're in the mood for a classic queso dip or something a little more adventurous, we've got you covered.
We've tried and tested countless queso dishes across the city to bring you the top spots. So, get ready to indulge in creamy, cheesy goodness as we explore the best places for queso in New York City.
1. Taqueria St. Marks Place
Taqueria St. Marks Place is a cozy Mexican restaurant that serves up delicious queso. The atmosphere is casual with a dark and colorful interior.
The menu has a wide selection of authentic Mexican dishes, including tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. The portions are just enough to satisfy your hunger.
The queso is creamy and flavorful, and the chips and salsa served for free to start the meal are the perfect touch.
The service is fast and friendly, and the prices are affordable. If you're looking for a great place to enjoy some queso, Taqueria St. Marks Place is definitely worth checking out.
2. La Contenta Oeste
La Contenta Oeste is a must-visit for anyone craving delicious Mexican food.
The queso is a standout dish, with a rich and creamy texture that's perfectly balanced with just the right amount of spice.
The menu is filled with other tasty options, from the fresh and flavorful quesadillas to the mouth-watering carne asada tacos.
The staff is friendly and attentive, making for a great dining experience. Don't miss out on this neighborhood gem!
3. Blue Maiz
Blue Maiz is a laid-back Mexican restaurant that offers classic dishes such as burritos and tacos. The food is fresh and tasty, with flavors that dance in your mouth.
The carne asada is a must-try, and the queso is creamy and delicious. The staff is friendly and efficient, and the venue has a decent amount of seating.
The decor is clean with wood accents and industrial vents painted blue and green as their logo.
The light fixtures are unique but create a bit of a lighting effect. Blue Maiz is a great spot for a casual, quick Mexican meal at a reasonable price.
4. El Rancho Burritos
El Rancho Burritos is a small Mexican joint that serves up big portions of delicious food at affordable prices.
The queso is a standout dish that is full of flavor and pairs perfectly with their freshly made chips.
The restaurant may not have the best ambiance, but the quality of the food more than makes up for it.
The staff is friendly and the service is quick. Don't miss out on this hidden gem for some of the best Mexican food in town.
5. El Centro
El Centro is a small and lively Mexican eatery serving delicious queso. They use fresh ingredients and traditional flavors, making their food stand out.
The service is quick and attentive, creating a great dining experience.
The prices are reasonable and the portion sizes are generous. The atmosphere is rustic with a Hispanic flair, making it a great spot for date night or after-work cocktails.
If you're in the mood for some tasty queso, El Centro is definitely worth a visit.
6. Eva's x Cinco de Mayo
Eva's x Cinco de Mayo is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Mexican queso. With an extensive menu, there are plenty of options to satisfy every taste bud.
The friendly staff is always ready to help, and the service is quick. The portions are generous and come at an affordable price.
The fresh ingredients make the food taste great, and the healthy options are a plus. The casual counter-serve atmosphere is perfect for a quick bite or a lunch break.
Don't forget to grab some of their house-prepared freshly made chips on the side. Eva's x Cinco de Mayo is a hidden gem that you won't regret trying.
7. Mi Nidito
Mi Nidito is a Mexican restaurant that offers made-to-order Mexican fare with many vegetarian options.
They have a variety of margaritas to choose from. The staff is super-kind and hospitable, making the dining experience enjoyable.
The queso is delicious and authentic, made with fresh ingredients. The cozy atmosphere adds to the overall experience.
It is definitely worth a visit for anyone looking for great Mexican food and a friendly atmosphere.
8. Casa Bocado
Casa Bocado is a hip Mexican restaurant and bar that serves regional cuisine and tequila.
The stylish and light-filled space is perfect for a fun night out with friends. The grilled skirt steak and guacamole are excellent, as are the fish tacos.
The queso is a must-try, and the margaritas are tasty and strong. The only downside is the noise level, which can be too loud at times.
All in all, Casa Bocado is a great spot for delicious food and drinks with a cool atmosphere.
9. La Loteria
La Loteria is a Mexican restaurant that serves mouth-watering queso. Their cheese dishes are a must-try, especially the fried cheese with chorizo.
The servers are friendly and attentive, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
The restaurant also offers a great selection of margaritas to pair with their delicious food.
The menu is imaginative, and the presentation is modern and sleek. La Loteria is a great place to enjoy a satisfying Mexican meal.
10. Conmigo
Conmigo is a cozy Mexican restaurant that offers a variety of tasty dishes.
Their queso is a must-try, as it is creamy and flavorful. The tacos are also delicious, and the tortillas are made fresh in-house.
The staff is friendly and provides good service. The ambiance is warm and inviting, making it a great spot for a date or a casual night out with friends.
Conmigo is definitely worth a visit for anyone looking for a satisfying queso fix.
11. Dos Toros Taqueria
Dos Toros Taqueria is a must-visit for anyone who loves Mexican food. Their queso is simply amazing and is made with high-quality ingredients.
The restaurant offers a Chipotle-style system and has a variety of options to choose from, including burritos, tacos, and quesadillas.
The staff is friendly and the service is fast, making it a great spot for a quick lunch or dinner. The outdoor seating and windows add to the experience, making it a perfect place to grab a bite on a nice day.
All in all, Dos Toros Taqueria is a great place to satisfy your craving for delicious Mexican food and queso.
12. Rosie's
Looking for a place to satisfy your queso cravings in a lively atmosphere with elevated takes on traditional Mexican dishes and margaritas to boot, Rosie's is the place to be.
With freshly made corn tortillas and a variety of delicious dishes, including the standout queso fundido, plantains, and shrimp tacos, Rosie's is a must-visit spot for any foodie.
The staff is attentive and friendly, and the outdoor seating is perfect for enjoying a meal with friends. Don't miss out on this gem of a restaurant!
13. Empellon Al Pastor
Empellon Al Pastor is a contemporary Mexican hot spot that serves up innovative tacos and creative cocktails.
This hip outpost is known for its delicious queso and guacamole.
The atmosphere is dimly lit and has a cool vibe, making it a great place to hang out with friends. The service is outstanding and the prices are reasonable.
If you're looking for a tasty queso fix in a trendy setting, Empellon Al Pastor is definitely worth a visit.
14. Tortaria
Tortaria is a colorful Mexican sandwich spot that serves up delicious queso.
The bodegalike eatery has a warm and inviting ambiance, and the service is excellent.
The queso is flavorful and pairs perfectly with their crispy tortilla chips. The menu also includes tasty fajitas, tacos, and margaritas.
If you're looking for a great spot for queso, Tortaria is definitely worth checking out!
15. Papatzul Soho
Papatzul Soho is a casual Mexican cantina that serves up classic Mexican fare and potent margaritas.
The food is fresh and not over-sauced, with standout dishes like Chorizo and Cheese and Enchiladas Rojas de Pollo Gratinadas. The tamarind margarita is a must-try, and during happy hour, it's only $6.
The atmosphere is informal and warm, making it a great spot to hang out with friends. However, it can get crowded during peak hours, so be prepared.
All in all, Papatzul Soho is definitely worth a visit for some delicious queso and Mexican cuisine.
16. Mad Dog & Beans Mexican Cantina
Mad Dog & Beans Mexican Cantina is a must-visit for queso lovers.
This Mexican restaurant offers a variety of finger foods, tacos, and burritos, but their queso is the star of the show. The portion size is generous and the flavor is rich and creamy.
The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring a great dining experience. The atmosphere is lively and perfect for hanging out with friends over margaritas and queso.
Mad Dog & Beans Mexican Cantina is definitely worth a visit for anyone craving delicious queso.
