Casa Enrique

In prime Long Island City, near to Manhattan, this authentic eatery excels in serving traditional family recipes earning them a loyal following of those who savor top-notch, quality Mexican food. This energized hotspot has a clean white interior, which allows you to focus on the expertly prepared favorites like mole enchiladas, ceviche de pescado and lamb shank braised in chili. With low-key but diligent service, and a humble whitewashed decor, the food is what carries the show here. There is a lively bar area but also smaller more romantic tables for couples on a back covered patio. Fresh ingredients and deep rich flavors give a complexity to the traditional Southern Mexican inspired cooking, which is characteristically unique and robust. Chef Cosme Aguilar, a native of Chiapas, the southernmost region of Mexico, livens it up with unapologetically spicy chili accents that add explosive high notes. The three homemade salsa choices that come with a meal can add a combustible fuel to the fire, and these pair with a fine selection of specialty regional tequilas for the true adventure seeker.