More than a decade ago, I first visited NYC’s oldest continuously running Mexican restaurant and raved about it. Could El Parador be as good?

I started with a margarita, selecting their spicy jalapeño one ($15) made with pepper-infused tequila, fresh lime juice and Marie Brizard Finesse Orange and served in a salt-rimmed glass. While awaiting my entree, I nibbled their warm chips dipped in their housemade also warm salsa. 

I had ordered their Mole Poblano de Pollo ($28), aware of the 25 minutes wait. The half-chicken was worth the wait, bathed in a complex mole sauce made from two dozen ingredients, including Mexican chocolate. It was as delicious as my first time there. Rice, beans and warm tortillas completed the entree. Not to be missed!

I recommend a visit to El Parador Cafe.

El Parador Cafe
Murray Hill
325 E 34th St
New York, NY 10016
(212) 679-6812
www.elparadorcafe.com