☞ EAT: El Paso Taqueria Opens New Takeout

There was a new, better sit-down-and-eat deli shop at the corner of 104th and Lexington that opened in spring (top photo) but now it seems like another place has taken the spot over. El Paso Taqueria (lower photo), which is directly across the street, seems to be expanding their empire now that they newly acquired this corner storefront as a takeout joint. They also have a small restaurant on 116th Street that is not quite as large as the flagship restaurant in this section of East Harlem. Glad to see that these guys are doing pretty well in these tough times. Also, the lower photo partially shows the big lot that currently has construction going on for that Glass Spire building: LINK. El Paso Taqueria to Go is at 1642 Lexington Avenue, Tel. 212.722.1113. Read all things El Paso Taqueria in our past posts: LINK. Photos by Ulysses

☞ EAT: El Paso Taqueria

The larger of two eateries, El Paso Taqueria on Lexington Avenue, between 103rd and 104th Street might be the best mexican restaurant in town. Even the most particular critics from the west coast have confessed the food holds up. Some folks think the service is hit or miss but most would agree the place is worth coming back to. When the weather is warmer, the back yard seating is also a plus. El Paso Taqueria is on 1642 Lexington Avenue. Tel. (212) 831-9831. The closest subway is the 6 train at 103 Street which is only a block away. Read about the other restaurant in our other post: LINK. Photo by Ulysses. www.elPasoTaqueria.com

☞ CELEBRATE: Cinco de Mayo in Harlem

East Harlem's 116th Street now has a Mexican majority population so it is only natural to check out the new ethnic enclave for Cinco de Mayo. Here are some of the notable restaurants in El Barrio that have a good balance of ambiance and food.  There's also the reliable Lolita's in South Harlem for those who live further west.

El Paso Taqueria, 1642 Lexington Avenue, between 103rd and 104th Street.  This is the largest of the two restaurants in East Harlem and is located right by the subway station at 103rd.

El Aguila, 1634 Lexington Avenue, between 103rd and 104th Street.  This former retro diner space turned into a Mexican restaurant in last year and is also right by the 103rd Street station.

El Paso Taqueria, 237 East 116th Street, between Second and Third Avenue.  The smaller version of the Mexican eatery further east but there's definitely enough charm to the space to make it worth while.

El Aguila, 137 East 116th Street at Lexington.  This is the original El Aguila which was voted as one of the best spots to have tacos in the city. The Mexican fast food vibe is also a notable element of this eatery.

Mojito's, 227 East 116th Street, between Second and Third Avenue. Another small restaurant on 116th Street with a backyard patio.

Cafe Ollin, 339 East 108th Street, between Second and First Avenue. It's a hole in the wall but sort of works in kitschy way. The location isn't the best but the food is a standout here.

Lolita's Restaurant, 57 Lenox Avenue between 112th and 113th Street. The exterior on at Lolita's is pretty modest but one will find a surprisingly pleasant atmosphere and great food in the interior.

☞ CELEBRATE: Cinco de Mayo in Harlem

East Harlem's El Barrio now has a Mexican majority population so it is only natural to check out the new ethnic enclave for Cinco de Mayo. Here are some of the notable restaurants in the area that have a good balance of ambiance and food.  There's also the reliable Lolita's in South Harlem for those who live further west.

El Paso Taqueria, 1642 Lexington Avenue, between 103rd and 104th Street.  This is the largest of the two restaurants in East Harlem and is located right by the subway station at 103rd.

La Fonda Mexican Restaurant, 1634 Lexington Avenue, between 103rd and 104th Street.  This former retro diner space turned into a Mexican restaurant in recent years and is also right by the 103rd Street station.

El Paso Taqueria, 237 East 116th Street, between Second and Third Avenue.  The smaller version of the Mexican eatery further east but there's definitely enough charm to the space to make it worth while.

Mojito's, 227 East 116th Street, between Second and Third Avenue. Another small restaurant on 116th Street with a backyard patio.

Cafe Ollin, 339 East 108th Street, between Second and First Avenue. It's a hole in the wall but sort of works in kitschy way. The location isn't the best but the food is a standout here.

Lolita's Restaurant, 57 Lenox Avenue between 112th and 113th Street. The exterior on at Lolita's is pretty modest but one will find a surprisingly pleasant atmosphere and great food in the interior.

☞ SEE: El Barrio Week 2011 Wednesday Events

June 8th–10th, 5:00 PM-7:00 PM: El Barrio Eats! Happy hour drink specials at participating restaurants:

Creole Restaurant at 2167 Third Avenue: LINK
Don Pedros at 1865 Second Avenue: LINK
FB Lounge aka La Fonda Boricua at East 106th Street: LINK
Camaradas El Barrio at 2241 First Avenue: LINK
Gran Piatto D’Oro at 1429 Fifth Avenue: LINK
Agua Fresca at 207 East 117th Street: LINK
El Aguila at 137 East 116th Street: LINK
Makana at 2245 First Avenue: LINK
El Paso Taqueria at three locations in El Barrio: LINK


June 8th, 5:00 PM–10:00 PM: Creole Restaurant – Comedy night! Live comedy hosted by Smokey Suerez, $5.00 Cover. Happy Hour 5:00 PM and show begins at 9:00 PM.  Featuring live R&B and spoken word.

June 8th, 6:00 PM-9:00 PM: Wepa Wednesday at El Museo del Barrio – Free Evening Walking Tour of El Barrio, extended Gallery hours, live DJ-in-residence, and drink specials. RSVP: 212.831.7272. More details at www.elmuseo.org

June 8th, 6:30 PM-11:00 PM: Salsa Wednesdays at Taller Boricua. Salsa Dance Party. Drink specials and admission. www.tallerboricua.org

☞ WALK: East Harlem's Famous Murals

One of the most dramatic sections of East Harlem is at the intersection of 104th Street and Lexington. Not only is this the nexus of some great restaurants that have appeared in the area (El Paso Taqueria, Lexington Social, East Harlem Cafe) but also the fact that it represents the art of El Barrio. The tenement building at this corner has one of the most noticeable, large scale works called "The Spirit of East Harlem," which was created back in 1978 by Hank Prussing. Even in those years when crime was intolerable in the city, it's amazing to see the arts flourish in this part of Harlem and have it still remain today. Definitely worth the walk over for those into community artwork and murals. The closest subway is the 4,6 on 103rd Street. Photos by Ulysses

☞ EAT: El Paso Taqueria on 116th Street

Located on the "little Mexico" strip of East 116th Street, this Mexican restaurant is the one where you can find both locals and newcomers. Zagat-rated, along with a good review from the New York Times, the menu is pretty authentic. Although tight on space, the tiled bistro tables and woven cafe chairs add enough charm for those in need of some ambiance. 237 E 116th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue. Tel. (212) 860-4875. Take the 6 train to 116th Street.

☞ DRINK: Where to Watch the World Cup Games

So waiting for beer gardens to open might not be the way to go if folks want to grab a drink and see the World Cup with a convivial crowd. What we did notice walking around this weekend was that there were many establishments all over Harlem that had the international flags up on their awnings and were indeed open to have people come in to watch the big football event (yes, we call it soccer around these parts). The above photos show the festivities at Central Harlem's Shrine bar at ACP/7th Avenue (between 133rd & 134th), Cafe Amrita in South Harlem (110th & FDB), and El Paso Taqueria at 116th Street (between 3rd & 2nd Avenue) in East Harlem. Are there any other places out there that everyone is going to catch the game? All photos by Ulysses

☞ ARCHITECTURE: East Harlem's Glass Spire

A reader just sent us the link to the project at 1635 Lexington Avenue that we first saw activity on about a month ago. The huge lot by El Paso Taqueria at 103rd Street has been sitting vacant for the past couple years but we saw some construction starting on the site recently. So now it turns out the 60,000 square foot, 42 unit, mixed-use building will be called the Glass Spire. Not much else on the building but you can check out the Gilman Architects' work on their site: LINK. Read more about this 1635 Lexington Avenue in our past post: LINK

☞ SEE: The Super Bowl This Weekend in Harlem

Sunday, Februay 5th, Starting 4:00 PM, The Super Bow at Sylvia's, 328 Lenox and 126th Street. Complimentary appetizers and beer specials with the $10 cover.  More details and RSVP info at: LINK

Sunday, Februay 5th, Starting 3:00 PM, The Super Bowl at Harlem Tavern, 2153 FDB/8th Avenue at 116th Street. No cover, $25 beer buckets and food specials perfect for the game.  More detail at: LINK

Sunday, February 5th, 6:30 PM, The Super Bowl at El Paso Taqueria, 1643 Lexington Avenue at 104th Street. No cover, all beers 1/2 price complementary taquitos, nachos & tequila shots sponsored by Pavoneo Tequila: LINK

Sunday, February 5th, starting at 6:30 PM, The Super Bowl at Shrine, 2271 ACP/7th Avenue by 134th Street. Central Harlem's new music venue will have the big game on the screen with no cover. More details can be found at the Shrine site: LINK