Description
The fact that Paquito's rhymes with taquitos is no accident; this East Village taqueria specializes in the kind of casual Cal-Mex/Tex-Mex that has been filling the stomachs of college students for decades now. This is the hearty, cheesy fare that Americans know and love: gooey nachos, crispy chicken tostadas, hulking steak burritos, cheesy enchiladas and more. Most dishes are also available in vegetarian versions, with spinach and grilled veggies subbing in for carne asada and carnitas. The restaurant also specializes in shrimp-filled versions of classics like quesadillas and fajitas. At first glance, the place looks like your standard neighborhood taqueria, with a dining room outfitted with bright yellow paint, exposed brick, sombreros, ceramics and other Mexican tchotchkes. Where the restaurant really surprises is its leafy back patio, a breezy space with stone tile floors and green plants hanging over the walls. Wash everything down with a margarita or Mexican soda. —Keith Wagstaff
