Oso

Housed within a brick storefront across from the City College of New York, this welcoming little spot is a true neighborhood gem, thanks to Chef Cassandra Rhodes’ concise, well-conceived menu, which draws inspiration from the street food of Mexico City. A Dia de los Muertos mural marks the wall opposite the open kitchen, where you’ll see industrious cooks working the grill and pressing house-made corn tortillas at a steady clip, which helps explain why they’re always so wonderfully tender and fresh. The tacos, like a spot-on al pastor, are of course excellent, as are homey offerings like braised chicken salsa verde enchiladas, smothered in melted queso Oaxaca. Save room for irresistible churros, served with chocolate- and cinnamon-caramel sauces.