El Paisa

Nice place here in the Heights. Excellent prices, great service, and good atmosphere. Truly a place I would recommend for some late night tacos. Definitely would come back.

A fantastic little cute Mexi-Colombian spot with a real sweet homey vibe. Staff is just so fantastic! So incredibly nice and always on point. There's very little seating available, which to me is what makes it so special. So be sure to come at a good time. This is one of those places you can't help love to bits.

Delicious food, quick and easy! ordered the breaded chicken torta for $10 and got a huge sandwich that would be $18 anywhere else in nyc. Stuffed with avocado in every bite! Literally going again tomorrow.

“El Paisa” ¡El país! ¡Un increíble favorito del vecindario! Translation: An awesome neighborhood favorite! PEACE! Wow well where do I begin? I’m a hard worker. I mean that’s really an understatement. I average 50 – 55 hr. work weeks with half of that coming from overnight hours. You can only imagine how hungry I can get as a young man working nearby. I one stumbled upon this local place after trying a few different places and man, I’ve found another home! I recently had the pleasure of dining at “El Paisa”, and I must say, it was an excellent experience that left me wanting more. How much more? Enough that I’ve been here for seven+ consecutive nights! Just imagine! The highlight for me is the humble and timid like young man at the register by the name of Juan! He’s special! Timid smile with a patient energy and attitude who is very knowledgeable about his culture and its foods/drinks! He’s literally here every single night I’ve frequented here! He’s sacrificed his summer nights to assist his family business owned and ran by his awesome mother, Lilia who stands out with crimson bright dyed hair short in stature but you can tell she means business! How honorable of him! What a dynamic mother son duo! From the moment I stepped in, oddly enough? I felt home if home was the heart of Mexico – warm and inviting ambiance decorated with trinkets and things that set the tone for an authentic no frills Mexican dining experience! From murals to hanging mini sombreros down to the creative hand written menus decorating the walls coercing you to be more personable and ask about the food instead of aimlessly scouring a menu to pick a meal. At this point? Young Juan already knows my custom order! Three mushroom veggie tacos with beans replacing the broccoli, accompanied by guacamole on top! If I’m feeling extra I get one if there in house naturally made juices like their delicious pineapple juice, or hibiscus or in house horchata that are sure to compliment mi comida(my food)! Never overly seasoned or salty it’s made just right to fit the palate with condiments of sour creams and hot sauce to custom tailor to your liking! I love having that control; not having the venue dictate that for me! They also take well to smh constructive feedback I provide them if the food was off because the chef was different on the grill that given night, etc etc etc. The other highlight of course is my go to meal in the veggie mushroom tacos(I don’t eat meat) with an awesome blend of textures! Each bite holds its own! Tacos so filling I’m beginning to think they’re mini unraveled burritos haha. The mushrooms were perfectly sautéed, offering a meaty richness that beautifully complimented with the fresh grilled vegetables. The combination is nothing short of perfect for to me. Mexican music serenading me while I eat feels so warm here. I sometimes doze off I get so comfortable haha making these tacos and a visit to “El Paisa”(“the country”)an absolute must-try for anyone in the uptown, NYC Washington Heights area especially since they’re open late until 2:30AM! Overall, “El Paisa” stands as a shining example of what a small hole in wall Mexican restaurant should be. Great tacos and excellent or food with even better customer service! It has carved a special place for me and will forever be one of “my spots”. I’m really going to miss Juan when his Summer comes to a close and he goes back to school however he has assured me that Mami Lilia will take good care of me and my custom order!I Viva la Mexico y “El Paisa”!

It seems this place is under new management. Whatever the reason, the person behind the counter was the same taking the orders and he had no manners or restaurant skills at all. The restaurant was out of a lot of things in the menu.. No Expresso/Lattes but the watery coffee they served was cold because they used cold milk instead of steamed. The Golden Tacos we ordered were way below par for a restaurant run by Mexicans.. Right now, I recommend staying away from this place until they get their stuff together

The workers are really nice and the food is really authentic; tasted great, would recommend!

Fantastic real Mexican food! I felt like home. Best huarache I ever had. One of the worst services I ever got. The best part is when the employee told me she wants her tip in cash, after she give me one of the worst services of my life... lol... I became speechless.

This place used to be Grito, and it's now under new ownership. They don't have their liquor license yet, but the food was good, and the staff was attentive. I will definitely be back to try their breakfast options.