This humble deli on Ave B and 3rd has transformed into a delicious haven for authentic Mexican eats, featuring fresh tacos, tortas, and handmade tortillas.
"Depending on your geographical inclinations, this bodega that sells Mexican food on Ave B and 3rd isn’t technically on the LES, but it deserves to be on anybody’s radar in the neighborhood because of their tremendous tortas and tamales. I recently stopped in and opted for a chicken cutlet cemita, which comes on a sturdy seeded roll with crispy chicken, avocado, chipotle mayo, and tons of stringy Oaxacan cheese. I walk by this place every Sunday when I drop off my compost at the Tompkins Square Park farmer’s market, and now that I know about the excellent Mexican dishes here, I can already tell a plate of tacos or a torta are going to become one more thing I look forward to every weekend." - carlo mantuano
"This bodega that sells Mexican food on Ave B and 3rd deserves to be on anybody’s radar in the neighborhood because of their tremendous tortas and tamales. We recently stopped in and opted for a chicken cutlet cemita, which comes on a sturdy seeded roll with crispy chicken, avocado, chipotle mayo, and tons of stringy Oaxacan cheese. The tamales are another great option, especially the slightly spicy rojo that has shredded chicken and the perfect masa texture." - Carlo Mantuano
"East Village grocer Ben's Deli has rented out its grill space to chefs Ruben Cardoso and Enrique Jardines, who are running a pop-up with Mexican street food." - Luke Fortney
"Nearly 50-year-old East Village mainstay Ben’s Deli is closing for the first time in its history in response to the novel coronavirus crisis." - Erika Adams
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