BITES ON A BUDGET is a toothsome and tasty series where members of the OC family forage for great food – under $10!
Ever since I touched down in JFK from a 5-day trip to the Yucatan peninsula, I've been experiencing violent fits of Mexican food cravings. By which I mean I spent a entire afternoon scouring lower Manhattan for Mexican crema (to drizzle onto my attempt at homemade chilaquiles, a tortilla chip-based dish), only to end up snatching sour cream from some overpriced Soho bodega and desperately diluting it with water.
Granted, Mexican joints pepper the New York City foodscape. And while many spots serve up deliciousness (Tacombi is a personal fave; Plato Julia at La Esquina, got luv 4 u), the places that aren't on the pricey side tend not to offer much beyond your basic tacos and quesadillas. But Papatzul, a five minute walk from OC's doorstep, gives it to you. Among the menu options are sopes (savory, dense corn cakes––think a tortilla's fat cousin––topped with beans, meat, crema, cheese, and salsa), tlacoyos (thick, oblong tortillas stuffed with ingredients), huaraches (tlacoyos topped with the works rather than stuffed), and enchiladas (rolled stuffed tortillas doused in tomato and chili sauce).
I stopped in for a fix of sopes ($8.71) and nearly cried they were so good. The corn dough's mealy texture was heavenly, and the diced chorizo spicy and flavorful. My friend ordered the huaraches (also $8.71), which were just as absurdly delicious with their blanket of refried beans, juicy chipotle beef, and smoky guajillo chili salsa. Each of our tabs were closer to $10 which––I know––isn't the most budget-friendly. But sometimes, desperado times call for desperado measures.
PAPATZUL
55 Grand St.
New York, NY 10013
MAP
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Sopes
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Topped with diced chorizo, refried beans, crema, onions, and queso fresco
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Mealy goodness
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Huaraches, topped with refried beans, chipotle beef, and guajillo salsa
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Papel picado decor and vintage Mexican posters
Ever since I touched down in JFK from a 5-day trip to the Yucatan peninsula, I've been experiencing violent fits of Mexican food cravings. By which I mean I spent a entire afternoon scouring lower Manhattan for Mexican crema (to drizzle onto my attempt at homemade chilaquiles, a tortilla chip-based dish), only to end up snatching sour cream from some overpriced Soho bodega and desperately diluting it with water.
Granted, Mexican joints pepper the New York City foodscape. And while many spots serve up deliciousness (Tacombi is a personal fave; Plato Julia at La Esquina, got luv 4 u), the places that aren't on the pricey side tend not to offer much beyond your basic tacos and quesadillas. But Papatzul, a five minute walk from OC's doorstep, gives it to you. Among the menu options are sopes (savory, dense corn cakes––think a tortilla's fat cousin––topped with beans, meat, crema, cheese, and salsa), tlacoyos (thick, oblong tortillas stuffed with ingredients), huaraches (tlacoyos topped with the works rather than stuffed), and enchiladas (rolled stuffed tortillas doused in tomato and chili sauce).
I stopped in for a fix of sopes ($8.71) and nearly cried they were so good. The corn dough's mealy texture was heavenly, and the diced chorizo spicy and flavorful. My friend ordered the huaraches (also $8.71), which were just as absurdly delicious with their blanket of refried beans, juicy chipotle beef, and smoky guajillo chili salsa. Each of our tabs were closer to $10 which––I know––isn't the most budget-friendly. But sometimes, desperado times call for desperado measures.
PAPATZUL
55 Grand St.
New York, NY 10013
MAP
Sopes
Topped with diced chorizo, refried beans, crema, onions, and queso fresco
Mealy goodness
Huaraches, topped with refried beans, chipotle beef, and guajillo salsa
Papel picado decor and vintage Mexican posters