El Aguila: Authentic Mexican Cuisine in Spanish Harlem

El Aguila Introduce

For many New Yorkers, the search for authentic, flavorful, and affordable Mexican food is a constant quest. In a city where options are plentiful but quality can vary, finding a true neighborhood gem is a special discovery. Enter El Aguila, a beloved Mexican restaurant nestled in the heart of Spanish Harlem. It’s the kind of place that feels like a well-kept secret, known and cherished by locals for its genuine flavors and welcoming atmosphere. Unlike many larger, trendier spots, El Aguila focuses on what truly matters: providing delicious, traditional Mexican comfort food that is both satisfying and incredibly well-priced. Whether you’re a long-time resident or just passing through, this is the spot to experience a taste of Mexico without leaving the city. It's a place where every dish, from a classic taco to a hearty torta, is prepared with a taste of home and a commitment to authenticity.

El Aguila is perfectly situated to serve the vibrant community of Spanish Harlem. You can find this casual and cozy eatery at 1634 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10029. Its location on Lexington Avenue makes it highly accessible, whether you're traveling by subway, bus, or on foot. The restaurant is conveniently located near the 103rd St subway station, making it a simple stop for anyone coming from different parts of the city. The area is known for its rich culture and bustling streets, and El Aguila fits right in, offering a quiet spot where you can take a moment to enjoy a meal while people-watching through the front windows. While the seating may be limited, this only adds to its intimate and neighborhood-focused feel. It's a true community hub where locals gather for a reliable and tasty meal.

El Aguila offers a variety of service options to fit the diverse needs of New Yorkers on the go. They prioritize efficiency and convenience while maintaining the quality of their food.

Dine-in: El Aguila has a casual and quiet atmosphere with indoor seating. This provides a comfortable space for customers to sit down and enjoy their meal, making it a great choice for solo dining or a relaxed meal with a friend.
Takeout: The restaurant’s fast service makes it an excellent option for takeout. Whether you’re on a lunch break or grabbing dinner to eat at home, your order will be prepared quickly, ensuring you don't have to wait long for your food.
Delivery: For the ultimate convenience, El Aguila offers delivery, allowing you to enjoy their authentic Mexican food from the comfort of your home or office. This is a popular option, especially for their most beloved dishes like burritos and tacos.

The menu is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to authentic Mexican cuisine, featuring a wide range of comfort food options.

Tacos: A customer favorite, the taco menu includes classic fillings such as "Roasted Pork Taco," "Grilled Beef Chopped Steak Taco," and "Mexican Goat Taco."
Tortas (Mexican Sandwiches): The tortas are a definite highlight. As one reviewer noted, the cheese they use gives the torta an incredibly delicious flavor. Options range from "Fresh Grilled Chicken Breast Torta" to the impressive "Cubana Mexican Torta." Tortas are a hearty Mexican sandwich, typically served on a soft roll, filled with meat, cheese, beans, and various toppings. It's a must-try for any newcomer.
Burritos: Known for their generous portions, the burritos are a popular choice for a filling meal. The "Grilled Beef Chopped Steak Burrito" and "Mexican Goat Burrito" are among the many options available.
Mexican Breakfast: For those looking to start their day with a savory meal, El Aguila serves a traditional Mexican breakfast, including classics like "Huevos Rancheros" and "Huevos Con Chorizo."
Late-Night Food: As a spot that offers late-night food, El Aguila is the perfect destination for a delicious and satisfying meal after hours.

What truly sets El Aguila apart and makes it a must-visit spot in the city are its unique features and highlights.

Authentic & High-Quality Food: Reviews from real customers consistently praise the food's authenticity and flavor, describing everything from the tortas to the tacos as "really tasty." The food is described as 100% Mexican, making it a genuine culinary experience.
Affordability: El Aguila is known for offering great value for money. The prices are affordable, making it a perfect spot for students, budget-conscious diners, or anyone looking for a satisfying meal without a high price tag.
Fast & Efficient Service: While one reviewer noted that customer service could be improved, the speed of service is consistently praised. For a quick bite, this fast service is a major highlight.
Quiet & Casual Atmosphere: The atmosphere is described as casual and quiet, which is a rare find in a bustling city like New York. This makes it an ideal spot to relax, eat, and people-watch, as one reviewer pointed out.
Comfort Food: The restaurant specializes in comfort food. From "Tacos Dorados" (rolled and fried tacos) to a massive, flavorful torta, every item on the menu is designed to be hearty and satisfying.

For those ready to experience the delicious food and welcoming atmosphere of El Aguila, here is the essential contact information.

Address: 1634 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10029

Phone: (212) 426-2221

Mobile Phone: +1 212-426-2221

What is worth choosing about El Aguila? The answer lies in its unwavering commitment to authentic, delicious, and affordable Mexican food. It's the kind of place that embodies the true spirit of a neighborhood eatery—a spot that prioritizes flavor and value over frills and trends. For a New Yorker, the ability to get a quick, satisfying, and authentically flavored meal at an affordable price is a huge win. Whether you’re craving a classic taco, a massive torta, or a plate of chilaquiles for breakfast, El Aguila delivers. The "100% Mexican" flavor praised by customers, along with the generous portions, ensures you’ll leave feeling full and happy. It’s a reliable go-to for lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack, and its quiet, casual setting provides a much-needed break from the city's fast pace. El Aguila isn't just a place to eat; it's a culinary haven for those who appreciate good food, great value, and a genuine, no-fuss experience.

El Aguila Menu

Tortas (Mexican Sandwich)
Fresh Grilled Chicken Breast Torta $12.75
Mexican bolillo bread spread with mayonnaise refried beans, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, jalapeños. And Oaxaca cheese
Ham & Cheese Torta $12.75
Mexican bolillo bread spread with mayonnaise refried beans, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, jalapeños. And Oaxaca cheese
Ham & Pineapple Torta $12.75
Mexican bolillo bread spread with mayonnaise refried beans, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, jalapeños. And Oaxaca cheese
Roasted Pork Torta $12.75
Mexican bolillo bread spread with mayonnaise refried beans, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, jalapeños. And Oaxaca Cheese
Breaded Beef Steak Torta $12.75
Mexican bolillo bread spread with mayonnaise refried beans, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, jalapeños. And Oaxaca cheese
Goat Torta $12.75
Mexican bolillo bread spread with mayonnaise refried beans, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, jalapeños. And Oaxaca cheese
Grilled Beef Steak Chopped Torta $12.75
Mexican bolillo bread spread with mayonnaise refried beans, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, jalapeños.and Oaxaca cheese
Cubana Mexican Torta $14.75
Roasted pork, ham, salchicha, breaded beef, and sunny side egg. Mexican bolillo bread spread with mayonnaise refried beans, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, and jalapeños.
Breaded Chicken Cutlet Torta $12.75
Mexican bolillo bread spread with mayonnaise refried beans, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, jalapeños. And Oaxaca cheese
Non Spicy Marinated Pork Torta $12.75
Mexican bolillo bread spread with mayonnaise refried beans, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, jalapeños. And Oaxaca cheese
Chicken Chipotle Sauce Torta $12.75
Mexican bolillo bread spread with mayonnaise refried beans, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, jalapeños. And Oaxaca cheese

Tostadas
Goat Tostada $5.99
Fried corn tortilla, refried beans, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cilantro sour cream, cotija cheese, and avocado.
Tostada (Choice Of 1 Meat) $5.25
Fried corn tortilla, refried beans, lettuce, tomatoes, onions,cilantro sour cream, cotija cheese, and avocado.
Veggie Tostada $3.99
Fried corn tortilla with beans, onion , cilantro , lettuce , tomatoes, avocado sour cream and cotija cheese
Asada Tostada $5.99
Fried corn tortilla, refried beans, lettuce, tomatoes, onions,cilantro sour cream, cotija cheese and avocado.

Nachos
Pastor Nachos $11.75
Melted mozzarella cheese on tortilla chips, beans, sour cream, pico de gallo, and jalapeños.
Plain Nacho $10.75
Melted mozzarella cheese on tortilla chips, beans, sour cream, pico de gallo, and jalapeños.
Chicken Nacho $11.75
Melted mozzarella cheese on tortilla chips, beans, sour cream, pico de gallo, and jalapeños.
Asada Nacho $12.25
Melted mozzarella cheese on tortilla chips, beans, sour cream, pico de gallo, and jalapeños.
Carnitas Nachos $11.75
Melted mozzarella cheese on tortilla chips, beans, sour cream, pico de gallo, and jalapeños.

Tacos Dorados
Tacos Dorados $9.75
Deep-fried corn tortilla filled with shredded chicken. Lettuce tomato onion cilantro avocado on top sour cream and cotija cheese

Tamales
Tamal Verde $2.75
Spicy green sauce with chicken.
Tamal Rajas Con Queso $2.75
Jalapeno and Cheese
Tamal Rojo $2.75
Non spicy red sauce with chicken.

Quesadillas (Flour Tortillas)
Quesadilla (Choice Of 1 Meat) $11.75
Flour tortilla, with your choice of meat, mozzarella cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, cotija cheese, sour cream, and avocado.
Asada Quesadilla $12.25
Flour tortillas, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, lettuce, cotija cheese, sour cream, and avocado.
Cheese Quesadilla $9.75
Flour tortilla, mozzarella cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, cotija cheese, sour cream, and avocado.

Tacos
Roasted Pork Taco $4.25
Soft corn tortilla folded around a filling of meat. Served with onion, cilantro, lime, and Mexican salsas.
Mexican Style Sausage Taco $4.25
Soft corn tortilla folded around a filling of meat. Served with onion, cilantro, radish, lime, and Mexican salsas.
Grilled Beef Chopped Steak Taco $4.99
Soft corn tortilla folded around a filling of meat. Served with onion, cilantro, lime, and Mexican salsas.
Fresh Grilled Chicken Taco $4.25
Soft corn tortilla folded around a filling of meat. Served with onion, cilantro,lime, and Mexican salsas.
Mexican Goat Taco $4.99
Soft corn tortilla folded around a filling of meat. Served with onion, cilantro, lime, and Mexican salsas.
Fish Taco (Fried Tilapia) $4.75
fried tilapia served in a soft corn tortilla with onion, cilantro, lettuce, tomatoes lime and Mexican salsa
Non Spicy Marinated Pork Taco (Pastor) $4.25
Soft corn tortilla folded around a filling of meat. Served with onion, cilantro, lime, pineapple and Mexican salsas.
Veggie Taco $4.25
Served with corn tortilla Rice, beans, guacamole, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and cilantro.and Mexican salsas.

Bebidas
Snapple $2.50
Bottled Water $1.25
Mexican Sodas $3.50
Canned Soda $1.75
Aguas Frescas $5.50

Ensalada
Asada Salad $10.75
Lettuce, grilled asada (steak), tomatoes, onions, avocado, cilantro, and lime.
Chicken Salad $9.75
Lettuce, grilled chicken, tomatoes, onions, avocado, cilantro, and lime.
Family Pack Salad $29.99

Side Orders
Beans $3.49
8 oz. Black or pinto.
Pico De Gallo $0.00
Chopped tomato, onion, cilantro, salt and lime.
Elote $3.99
Cooked sweet corn slathered in mayonnaise, tajin and sprinkled with cotija cheese.
Chips $3.99
Bag of fried corn tortillas
Guacamole $0.00
Mash avocados lime, chopped onion, cilantro, tomato and salt.
Rice $3.49
8 oz.
Sour Cream $2.49
4 oz.

Burritos
Tinga Burrito $9.75
Shredder Chicken in chipotle sauce . Beans, rice, lettuce, onions, cilantro, tomatoes, and sour cream wrapped in a flour tortilla.
Mexican Goat Burrito $11.75
Beans, rice, lettuce, onions, cilantro, tomatoes, and sour cream wrapped in a flour tortilla.
Mexican Style Sausage Burrito $9.75
Beans, rice, lettuce, onions, cilantro, tomatoes, and sour cream wrapped in a flour tortilla.
Non Spicy Marinated Pork Burrito $9.75
Beans, rice, lettuce, onions, cilantro, tomatoes, sour cream and pineapple wrapped in a flour tortilla.
Grilled Beef Chopped Steak Burrito $10.75
Beans, rice, lettuce, onions, cilantro, tomatoes, and sour cream wrapped in a flour tortilla.
Veggie Burrito $9.75
Rice, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, guacamole,wrapped in a flour tortilla.
Fish Burrito $10.75
Fried tilapia with Beans, rice, lettuce, onions, cilantro, tomatoes, and sour cream wrapped in a flour tortilla.
Roasted Pork Burrito $9.75
Beans, rice, lettuce, onions, cilantro, tomatoes, and sour cream wrapped in a flour tortilla.
Grilled Chicken Burrito $9.75
Chicken . Beans, rice, lettuce, onions, cilantro, tomatoes, and sour cream wrapped in a flour tortilla.

Desayuno (Mexican Breakfast)
Huevos A La Mexicana $10.75
Two eggs, tomatoes, jalapeños, and onions. Served with rice, beans, and tortillas.
Huevos Con Chorizo (Plate) $10.75
Scrambled eggs with Mexican sausage served with corn tortillas, rice, and beans.
Chilaquiles $10.75
Tortilla chips simmered cotija cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and onion in mild green salsa.
Huevos Rancheros $10.75
Sunny side up eggs on a corn tortilla with mild red or green sauce.

El Aguila Details

Service options
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates

Dining options
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Table service

Atmosphere
Casual
Quiet

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids

El Aguila Photos

El Aguila Location

El Aguila

New York New York County New York Lexington Avenue

1634 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA

El Aguila Reviews

An average rating of ★4.4 from 692 user reviews.

tamaleshorchatatortacashierchicken burritosbarbacoagoatauthentic tacoschipotlecarnitas tacos

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I tried their torta and absolutely loved it, the cheese they use gives it such a delicious flavor! I also had the carnitas tacos and the red tamales, and everything was really tasty. The service is very quick, which I appreciated. They could improve a bit on customer service, but the food more than makes up for it. I’d definitely come back for more tacos. The prices are affordable, and everything tastes 100% Mexican. Highly recommend!
July 02 · Arturo Sevein
A Gem in Spanish Harlem. The Custer service was great. The food is even better. Nice quiet spot with indoor seating facing windows. You can eat and people watch. I had a Toscana with everything. It was huge flavorful and filling. If you like spicy like me, I suggest the jalapeño and avocado sauce. RECOMMEND
July 30 · claribel pons
I’ve been coming here for 12 years back when they had their location on 116th street and Lexington. I wish they would open another location there again (it use to be 24 hours). They have the best food. The cashier was super nice and sweet to me.
April 18 · Li
I’m so happy to have found this gem nearby. They have different tamales and agua frescas regularly. So far my favorites are the cactus pineapple agua fresca, watermelon agua fresca and the jalapeño y queso tamale. The rojo and verde tamales are also very good. Flavorful and affordable, tysm!
August 13 · RD
Just went and ordered 2 burrito bowls, 1 chicken and 1 steak. Besides the food being mediocre at best, it was the rudeness and audacity of the workers that really stood out. Being a manager in the restaurant business myself, the importance of a customer’s food allergy must always be taken into account and also very seriously, which is exactly what just happened to me. I notified the lady packing my food that I have severe allergies to avocado to which she completely ignored and continued to make my bowls right next to the avocado on the line. I would not recommend this place to anyone, especially to people who have allergies like me. These people don’t care and all they want is your dollar.
August 03 · Amanda Williams