While authentic Mexican food has thrived in Jersey City Heights for over 15 years, it often gets overlooked. This vibrant neighborhood, though requiring a multi-leg journey via subway, PATH, and bus, boasts a hidden gem: a diverse and delicious array of Mexican cuisine rivaling established hubs like Corona, East Harlem, and Sunset Park. A recent culinary exploration of Central Avenue uncovered some of the best Mexican food experiences, and perhaps even inspiration for your next Mexican Jersey design.
A Culinary Tour of Jersey City Heights
Over three hours, a whirlwind tour of five distinct Mexican eateries revealed a spectrum of regional specialties, exceeding expectations of finding the Oaxacan food initially sought. Each restaurant offered a unique take on Mexican culinary traditions, from traditional Oaxacan tamales to innovative fusion dishes.
Los Tres Chilitos: A Taste of Oaxaca
Los Tres Chilitos, owned by Oaxacan natives Haydee Gomez and Jose Luis Martinez, began as a food truck and blossomed into a brick-and-mortar restaurant 12 years ago. The cozy dining room features sturdy wooden furniture and a bustling taco station. Their reputation for selling out of banana leaf-wrapped tamales by late morning proved true. The pollo mole, pollo verde, and cheese and tomato tamales were all sampled, with the moist and richly flavored cheese and tomato emerging as the favorite.
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The weekend special, pozole verde, a Guerrero specialty, offered a verdant flavor enhanced by crumbled tostadas. A standout dish was the pambazo, a Veracruz-inspired, Mexico City street food staple – a chorizo and potato sandwich on a roll soaked in red chile sauce.
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Taqueria Restaurant Oaxaca: Bodega Turned Taqueria
This unique establishment blends a bodega with a taqueria, offering groceries alongside delicious Mexican fare. The pork and cheese torta, a crusty roll overflowing with head cheese, cheese, avocado, and vegetables, is a must-try. However, the true star was the entomatadas – folded tortillas bathed in a vibrant tomato sauce with a hint of green chile, then topped with crema. The lightly fried tortillas added a delightful richness.
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Torta Truck, Los Amigos, and Mike’s Restaurant: Diverse Flavors
Torta Truck, despite its name, is a stationary taqueria with a limited but well-executed menu. The al pastor taco, with its perfectly balanced pineapple and flavorful meat, was a standout. Los Amigos impressed with its extensive menu featuring unique dishes like tacos quillos, rolled tortillas filled with goat barbacoa and caramelized onions. Mike’s Restaurant, a former pizzeria, offered a surprising fusion sandwich with pulled pork, black beans, avocado, and onion rings.
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Jersey City Heights: A Mexican Food Paradise
Jersey City Heights offers a treasure trove of authentic Mexican culinary experiences. From traditional Oaxacan fare to innovative fusion dishes, this neighborhood provides a diverse and delicious journey through the heart of Mexican cuisine. The vibrant food scene provides ample inspiration for unique and stylish Mexican jerseys, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and culinary artistry found within this hidden gem.
