El Aguila — Restaurant in New York

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Mexican food around UES / East Harlem.

Truly amazing Mexican food at amazing value. Came here because some hispanic friends recommended it with their approval. They were absolutely ON POINT.

I came with my girlfriend for Sunday lunch - we got a goat torta, asada quesadilla, verde tamale (green sauce & chicken), and large horchata (everything came out to around to just ~$34 and were were stuffed). Everything is truly amazing and we didn't wait long at all for the food - the goat does have a bit of smell if you are sensitive to that, otherwise I absolutely loved it. They were really generous with the protein quantity as well. The horchata leans towards the sweeter side but it was a nice complement to the meal. And last but not least, they have three amazing sauces that you can self-service: green, green & avocado (def give this one a try), and red (spicy). They were absolutely phenomenal sauces that took the meal to another level. Fair warning that it's quite spicy so if you don't enjoy spicy flavors as much as I do, please always sample a small amount first before committing.

In terms of seating - there are about three small tables with 3 chairs to each, so don't come in fully expecting to be seated. You might need to take this one to go.

Bonus #1: there's a small 5% discount for students (and I think veterans a few other groups as well, there's a sign on this next to the cashier)

Bonus #2: there's a nice carrot cake spot close by called Lloyd's Carrot Cake cafe for some dessert...

I went here tonight before they closed for the 1st time and ordered a chicken burrito with no lettuce and no sour cream. 3 goat tacos, and 3 elotes... Lemme just say the burrito was huge I couldn't finish it my husband had to finish it for me. My husband loves the goat tacos. He said the meat was a little bit chewy tho. The elotes we loved them even my 1 year old was busting it down. They gave me a free I think enchilada or IDK what she said it was but we didn't try it because we were so stuffed. I'm about to have my c section for my twins in 6 days and I feel like I'm about to explode from all the food. I would definitely be coming back. That food got me sleepy now 🥱😴😴😴😆 We was busting that food down we forgot to take a picture.. oops 🤤😋🤣☺️🫄

PS the lady at the register that I see a lot of people complaining about was very nice and I didn't wait long for my food so idk what other people are complaining about. It was pretty busy when I was in the restaurant. Also imo the prices...

Over the years I’ve compared any taco, burrito, or torta I ate against this place and still have not found an equal.

Even on an off day or during a rush, the food is well-prepared (meat is flavorful, sauces are vibrant & spicy) and fresh (including the produce, you can taste it in the onion, tomato, cilantro, guac etc) and portions are solid.

I’ve also only experienced great service. Recently I called to ask for sauces in a delivery order I’d placed online and the lady was more than friendly and accommodating about it. Ordering in person is also smooth. Never feel rushed to choose anything and they always double-check if it’s con todo or if something is sold out. Cashiers are remarkably warm to the point that I recognize them quickly by their smiles! It’s a fairly busy restaurant so I don’t take it to heart if the cashier is short with niceties...