Oso

"Are there bears in Mexico? That’s a thing we Googled while waiting for our tacos at Oso (translation: bear), a cool Mexican restaurant in Hamilton Heights. Turns out, Mexican grizzlies became extinct a long time ago. Which is sad, but at least the tacos here turned out to be pretty good. (If you’re not feeling tacos, there’s a wide-ranging menu of stuff to keep you happy.) Oso isn’t big, but the colorful space is the kind you'll want to hang out in for a while, especially when drinking their excellent margaritas." - the curious uptowner, sonal shah

"At Oso, you can enjoy a procession of tacos and an app for under $50 in a unique industrial space where skulls are abundant. There’s a sugar skull mural, stray skulls of different sizes scattered about, and a glowing bull skull that stares down at you as you share guac at a candlelit table. With a little mood lighting, all of this is surprisingly romantic. Wine and cocktails go for $12-$15, and they also have a Happy Hour from 12-6pm in case you’re already in the early-bird special stage of your relationship. " - neha talreja, bryan kim

"Housed within a brick storefront across from the City College of New York, this welcoming little spot is a true neighborhood gem." - MICHELIN Guide

"Oso is the kind of place where you could bring a date you’re trying to impress for several rounds of margaritas, a few empanadas, and a whole fried fish. It’s a casual spot, and you could probably eat here in your pajamas, although your date might not be as impressed by that. If you live near Hamilton Heights or go to City College, this should be one of your go-to places in the neighborhood." - will hartman, bryan kim, willa moore, neha talreja

"Housed within a brick storefront across from the City College of New York, this welcoming little spot is a true neighborhood gem, thanks to Chef Cassandra Rhodes’ concise, well-conceived menu, which draws inspiration from the street food of Mexico City. A Dia de los Muertos mural marks the wall opposite the open kitchen, where you’ll see industrious cooks working the grill and pressing house-made corn tortillas at a steady clip, which helps explain why they’re always so wonderfully tender and fresh. The tacos, like a spot-on al pastor, are of course excellent, as are homey offerings like braised chicken salsa verde enchiladas, smothered in melted queso Oaxaca. Save room for irresistible churros, served with chocolate- and cinnamon-caramel sauces." - Michelin Inspector