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Video: Check out our favorite Mexican spots in Coney Island and see who wins our TONY taco-eating contest.
TAMALES
A few blocks off the boardwalk is Alex Deli and Grocery (1418 Mermaid Ave between 14th and 15th Sts, 718-265-0675), a convenience store with serious Mexican comestibles. We like the spongy, corn-husk-wrapped tamales: Chicken-filled specimens swim in spicy salsa verde or inky, chocolaty mole. Since they’re priced at a buck each, you’ll have money left over for the Cyclone.
BURRITOS
The hand-painted sign for Mixteco Grill (1609 Mermaid Ave between 16th and 17th Sts, 718-996-1601) announces a no-frills eatery that slings monumental burritos. Flour tortillas are jam-packed with peas and rice, black beans and heaps of pork, beef, chicken or sausage (try the fiery enchilada pork), then doused with cooling stripes of crema fresca.
TOSTADAS
Though this mobile grill advertises onion rings and ribs, a closer look reveals Coney Island Tacos (Stillwell Ave between the Boardwalk and Bowery St, no phone). The trailer dispenses the plump namesakes, but tostadas ($3) are the real bargain. A flash-fried corn tortilla is heaped with black beans, tender pork, chicken or beef, avocado and lettuce, then showered with salty cotija cheese.
TACOS
Steps from the freak show sits Tacos El Sabroson (W 12th St between Bowery St and Surf Ave, no phone), a bustling taco stall whose grills are sizzling with chorizo, carne asada and crispy, droolworthy carnitas. Your preferred meats (or nonmeats, including avocado and black beans) come piled into warm tortillas ($3), served ready for zippy salsa verde or gratis guac.
QUESADILLAS
Near the Skee-Ball arcade, Plaza Mexico Doña Zita (Bowery St at Henderson Walk, no phone) makes the finest quesadilla this side of Sunset Park. A griddle-crisped corn pancake gets overloaded with mushrooms, spicy chicken (veggies can replace the meat) and queso fresco. It’s folded into a half-moon and anointed with tomatoes, lettuce and, if you choose, garden-fresh pico de gallo.
TORTAS
While Grill House (Boardwalk at Stillwell Ave, no phone) hawks fried shrimp and ice cream, its Mexican counter (look to the far left) cooks jaw-stretching tortas ($7) to order. The sandwiches balloon with black beans, tomatoes, lettuce, queso fresco and a mess of meat (chorizo is tops). Cleaved in half, they’re perfect for sharing.
BAKED GOODS
Mexican flags and piñatas decorate Herradura Grocery Deli (1627 Mermaid Ave at 17th St, 718-996-8193), an unassuming bodega with a delectable bakery. The sweet, crumbly pan dulce are sold by the bag, but for more variety, snag a tray and tongs and help yourself to cherry-stuffed pastries and crunchy, sugar-dusted batons (75¢–$1 apiece).
MEXICAN POPSICLES
Find the icy antidote to summer at J+A Grocery Deli (1530 Mermaid Ave at 15th St, 347-673-8062), a bodega stockpiled with Paleteria La Michocana Popsicles (from North Carolina, not NYC). The flavors range from fresh-fruit like mango, maguey or watermelon, to richer bars stocked with strawberries, pistachios or coconut. Can’t decide? Try two. At $1.25 apiece, you can afford it.
