Mexico Diner

How Tammie Teclemariam Spent Her James Beard Weekend

"A comforting neighborhood Mexican diner that feels reliably familiar and is especially valuable for late-night meals; the staff will seat and serve you (unlike many corner-store–based spots), and the restaurant recently expanded into an adjoining space to handle Sunday crowds and big soccer nights, though the reviewer prefers the smaller original room connected to the kitchen with neon-lined windows. Signature items include tacos filled with partially gelatinous carnitas seared on the flat top, a taco salad served inside a fried-flour-tortilla bowl, enchiladas suizas (a standout example of Swiss–Mexican fusion), and tamales that are always available—steamy, soft, and wrapped in banana leaf for extra flavor. The diner shines with two salsas—a flaming-hot burnt-orange version and a bright, biting verde—served generously in jars with spoons so diners can douse everything; steady delivery orders and late hours make it an easy go-to for a cold beer, unlimited salsa, and dependable, homey Mexican food." - Tammie Teclemariam