Fodor's Expert Review Fonda

Authentic and flavorful contemporary Mexican food, perfectly mixed cocktails, and amiable staff define this cozy restaurant—the first of three in New York City overseen by award-winning chef and cookbook author Roberto Santibañez. It's tempting to order by sauce alone: enchiladas with mole, lump crab croquettes with avocado serrano sauce, and poblano peppers with roasted-tomato chipotle sauce. The small space is always buzzing, and there's backyard seating.