Ponche Taqueria — Restaurant in New York

Wow! Super impressed with this place found it while looking for Mexican food in the area before a show and weren't quite sure what to expect, but it had good reviews so we stopped by. When we got there we were a little concerned find that it was cash only, however we had passed an ATM on the street. Wish it had said this online, but we were able to work it out so it's fine.

Went inside to find that there was one big table with about eight people and then about 4-5 smaller tables that were all occupied. We asked how long the wait would be, knowing that we didn't have much time because we were seeing a show in about an hour and they said that a table would be up in about 20 minutes - seeing our concern they instead offered to bring in another table from the back for the two of us. This was super thoughtful and made it much easier because we didn't end up having to wait at all.

Next surprise was that was apparently BYOB which we were not aware of either, but they apologized and let us know that if we wanted,we could go out to the corner store while we waited for food and that we could buy beer there, which is what we ended up doing. Also very nice and thoughtful suggestion on their part to let us leave once we are already seated and prepare food in the meantime.

Once we got back the food came out pretty quickly. We had seen an order of "nachos "go by before that I looked really good so we had ordered that these were one of the more simpler options for nachos on their menu, which were just topped with crema, tomatillo sauce and cheese. They were AMAZING! So tasty and the chips were super crispy. We got the guacamole which didn't taste very fresh (it was extremely cold which also made me think it was just sitting in a fridge), but still good and a great size portion with tons of chips. We each got only one taco just because we didn't have enough time to eat more, but I truly wish we had gotten a few more because they were SO good. I got the carnitas borrachas and my friend got carne asada. SO good.

This place is definitely no frills, street food-type Mexican, but I would 110% come back despite it being extremely...

I assume most people are rating this very high because it is an incredible bargain for NYC, and that is certainly a good reason, but I think it's overrated at 4.5 stars. Shouldn't be any higher than 3.75 or 4 stars. Still, we enjoyed our meal and and felt the food was tasty and fresh. Staff were incredibly friendly and excellent service.

Chips and guac: loved the seasoning on the chips, but they tasted like they'd been sitting out for a few hours. Not a huge issue. The guacamole was super fresh. A bit heavy on the lime, but I don't mind that.

Meats: carne asada was excellent. Some of the best I've had anywhere. The carnitas' taste was acceptable, but it was just chopped pork and soggy--more like what you get at Chipotle, far from the authentic tender and slightly crispy little morsels you would get in California. The fish taco was ruined by the drenching of the mayo-based sauce. Really too bad, as what breaded mahi mahi I could actually taste was amazing--very light and delicately flavored. Why, why did they have to ruin it with mayo?!

They need to make a few tweaks if they want to be "authentic" Mexican. First, brown your rice before cooking! I don't understand why East Coast Mexican restaurants skip this simple but incredibly important step when preparing rice. The texture is just not right without it. Next, for the tacos, use two tortillas, por favor, and load up the cilantro and finely diced onion. Last, stop using mayo based sauces. Just. Stop.

Still, great little spot with lots...

Everything I've had here is INSANELY good - SO reasonably priced. It's so cliche sounding, but this is 100% a hole-in-the-wall place serving fresh, authentic af Mexican fare that will blow your socks off esp relative to the unassuming facade and small seating area. If you think Los Tacos / Los Mariscos is good, um then you definitely need to come to Ponche. Guac is fresh and delicious. The burritos are big, plump and also delicious af, the tacos are tan ricos with a wide assortment of delectable protein fillings to choose from...alambre and carne asada are both solidly on top imo. First time I went I got camarones (shrimp), battered fish (not sure of menu name) and alambre. Camarones were good, fish was very good, alambre was bomb af, so the second time I went I went all in for 3 alambre bc I was craving some delicious juicy steak with onions peppers, cheese and tomatillo sauce - whoa. So freaking delicious. They bring mild and hot salsa to table so you can add heat according to preferences. I plan to be taking many more friends here and my boo whenever we in the mood for hella good Mexican. I brought these friends the second time, two of which have also traveled extensively in Mexico, and they agreed that the food was authentic and delicious as all get out. Hoping that this place will continue to grow in popularity and move to bigger digs! I'm already having anxiety pangs at the thought of it ever...