Javelina

People from Texas, we’re sorry. NYC has a long way to go when it comes to Tex-Mex. But in the meantime, consider Javelina. The casual spot has locations on the Upper East Side and Union Square, where you can pair syrupy sweet margaritas with what is arguably the city’s best queso. (Ask a New Yorker for the city’s best queso and they’ll likely tell you to go to Yellow Rose . But ask a Texan who’s been eating queso since they began ingesting solid food, and they’ll direct you here.) Get the queso sampler, which comes with four types—we like the traditional yellow, and the Bob Armstrong with ground beef—and a steady stream of chips for dipping. The rest of the food is unremarkable, but the portions are large, as they should be for a Texas-themed restaurant.

Food Rundown

Margaritas

Agave experts might disapprove of these margaritas, which taste like a future hangover in the very best way. But as long as you’re not a tequila snob, these are the perfect queso accompaniment, and during Happy Hour—Monday through Friday from 4-6pm—they’re only $8.

photo credit: Javelina

Queso Sampler

One cup of queso isn’t enough. Four cups of queso is just right. The sampler platter comes with traditional queso, white queso, and a habanero variety, plus your choice of a loaded one—try the Bob Armstrong, with guacamole, ground beef, pico de gallo, and sour cream. And eat all the chips. They’ll bring more.

Enchiladas

Solid. Even more solid after making good use of Happy Hour. But not necessary. Go big on tequila, chips, and cheese, and then go elsewhere for dinner after if you’re still hungry. J.G. Melon is a five minute walk away, for what it’s worth.