Ponchito's Taqueria
If you're looking for fast and easy, large quantities, and a no-frills-type of Mexican, head to Ponchito's Taqueria. The simple roadside Taqueria offers merely 15 seats in its small dining area and three menu choices: burritos, tacos, and super burittos (extra meat). Regulars enjoy the huge chile-rubbed steak burrito and the carnitas--seasoned pork simmered in beer broth, then browned--corn tortilla taco. Open until 3 a.m., Ponchito also delivers.
Ponchito's Taqueria
3800 New Court Ave.
Syracuse, NY 13206
(315) 218-0294
Alto Cinco
Nestled on a hip street just east of Syracuse University's campus, Alto Cinco boasts a majority of vegetarian dishes--a rarity in Mexican cuisine. Inside its small, cozy interior, passionate cooks pour their hearts into the unique Mexican menu. Signature dishes include the catfish burrito: filled with lightly fried catfish, homemade chipotle mayo, cheese, lettuce, rice, salsa, red onion and fresh-squeezed lime, and the Monterey quesadilla: a grilled flour tortilla with cheddar-jack cheese, cilantro pesto and roasted red peppers served with salsa and sour cream. Insider tip: not on the menu, but always available and delicious-- the chicken nachos. Order them as an entree. And don't forget to order the signature sides: jalapeno cornbread, and a small house salad-- mixed greens with salsa, cucumbers, scallions, radishes, red onions and lime vinaigrette. Perfect Mexican food at honest prices.
Alto Cinco
526 Westcott St.
Syracuse, NY
(315) 422-3633
The Mission
Offering a plethora of burritos, enchiladas, and tacos alongside fancier entrees and antojitos (appetizer plates, literally, "little whims"), this Pan-American restaurant specializing in Mexican and South American foods, is a winner. Homemade salsas include a mild Pico de Gallo, smoky Roasted Tomato Chipotle, the bold Tomatillo Serrano, and the extra hot, citrus Papaya Habanero. But the restaurant's true charm lies in the locale. The building, built in the 1840's, was Syracuse's former Wesleyan Methodist Church. Back in the day, the Church was a way-station on the Underground Railroad. Maintaining its historic charm, the Mission offers high-quality Mexican fare amidst an authentic aesthetic.
The Mission
304 E. Onondaga St.
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 475-7344
