El Sol de Mexico — Restaurant in New York

We stumbled in after a long flight from Germany, where the Mexican food situation is charitably described as underwhelming. The woman behind the counter greeted me pleasantly. A couple with suitcases and half-empty plates canoodled at a four top. La Isla contestants mirrored on two large TVs attempted to complete an obstacle course.

"Hello," I said, "we are very hungry and in desperate need of tacos. We eat everything... except tripe. No intestines, please. Tongue, beef, pork, chicken, fish - whatever. I have been awake for 28 hours, and I have no capacity left to make a decision. You are the expert. Can you please bring us whatever is the most delicious? I trust your judgement."

The woman looked at me, a little puzzled. "How many plates?"

"Enough for two adults and a kid with a hollow leg. And... do you have Jarritos? Tamarind, maybe?"

"It's in the cooler there. You just want me to make you some plates?"

"Yes, please. I think you'll make better decisions than I will. You know what's awesome."

We grabbed the Jarritos (Tamarind, Mandarin, Pineapple) and sat down. We watched La Isla while waiting. Mouthwatering scents began to waft toward us. After a short while, the angel behind the counter approached bearing plates laden with everything that I didn't know was missing from my life.

Succulent and tender lengua, pliant steak, perfectly plump shrimp, and al pastor redolent of cumin, achiote, sizzling fat and just the right amount of char piled atop rice and wonderfully squidgy refried beans. Nopales!! Fresh green cilantro, tart lime, crisp white onion and tight rolls of steaming hot tortillas, all ready for me to shove into the mouth part of my face.

WE DEVOURED IT as locusts upon an untouched field, or perhaps just hungry travelers in search of a delicious meal. It was everything I had hoped it would be, and healed a part of my soul that I didn't realize was broken. I was grateful for every decision in my life that had led me to that moment, eating a perfect taco and swilling tamarind Jarritos...

It was an odd experience - hard to recommend as it seems pot luck as to what they bring you... Tried to order the Chiles Rellenos, but they stated they didn't have it, however they implied they have everything else. I ordered the Carne con Nopales and guacamole. The guacamole was good, but the Carne con Nopales didn't have any Nopales/Cactus in it. I asked back at the counter what happened with one of the main ingredients missing, and they stated they didn't have any Nopales. I asked why they didn't let me know when I ordered that a key ingredient is missing and she said she doesn't know what to say. I felt the price should be reduced but she thought it would be the same price without the Nopales. I stated that I came to a Mexican restaurant to try more unusual ingredients like Nopales. They weren't in the slightest bit interested - awful attitude - they seemed to have no idea...

SCAMMERS. Used to love this place great food great environment. However today changed it, I had orders 2 tacos and 1 Cemita the total would come up to 20 dollars unless I pay with card which would be much more.the price of the Cemita was 12 dollars the price of the two tacos was 8 4 each but when I went to pay one of the two guys said 22 which I found weird cause I never had to pay more unless I was paying with card which I was not when I asked why 22 they said tax BUT KEEP IN MIND they did not give me to receipt they did not use the register or anything they tried to say it tax but I know tax wouldn’t be 2 dollars on the dot. This business is taking a turn in the wrong...