Calexico

Calexico started as a street cart in 2006, and has been serving award-winning Cal-Mex cuisine to New Yorkers ever since. Founded by 3 brothers from the border town of Calexico, California (California + Mexico = Calexico), Calexico's Upper East Side outpost serves elevated West Coast-style Mexican food and cocktails in a beautiful space on the corner of 78th Street and 2nd Ave. The vibe is lively and relaxed, with an eclectic soundtrack that leans toward 60's garage rock, vintage punk, and old school hip hop. On weekends, Calexico serves what many consider to be the best Mexican brunch in New York City. Calexico has received a good deal of recognition, having been voted the "Top Mexican Restaurant in NYC" by the readers of Zagat. Calexico has won coveted Vendy Award multiple times, and was named to the Daily News' prestigious list of "The Most Influential Restaurants of the Decade," alongside Roberta's and Per Se.