Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Food
Still Got It: Paquito's In The East Village
By
Nathan Tempey
Published Jan 10, 2016
Modified Jan 10, 2016
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Nathan Tempey
Published Jan 10, 2016
Modified Jan 10, 2016
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
In this city, restaurants come and go faster than you can say "ethically sourced ramen burger." And even though there are great new additions to the culinary landscape popping up every week, you've gotta give kudos to anyone who can stick it out for over a year. With that in mind, we bring you Still Got It, our tribute to establishments that continue to serve mouthwatering meals and drinks long after the buzz has faded—or where the lingering hype is still justified.
Long-time East Village burrito spot Paquito's opened as a no-frills hole-in-the-wall with a takeout-oriented operation perfect for pre-gaming ahead of a night on the town, or grabbing a bite after a long happy hour. Later, its owners expanded into a storefront next door on First Avenue, adding a spacious dining room, bar, and backyard garden to a neighborhood increasingly lousy with cramped, shadowy establishments offering small plates and large tabs.
Where it all began. (Yelp)
Today, the eat-in side of Paquito's offers a sanctuary of calm—or at least a decent likelihood of finding a table—and cheap eats in a neighborhood where the simple proposition of meeting a friend for dinner can easily veer into a stressful bummer spiral. And importantly, the food is reliably tasty. The burritos, a main attraction, come with the lettuce and pico de gallo on the side. The cactus burrito is hiding in the vegetarian section of the menu, but it's a treat, and a fun departure from middle-of-the-road American Mexican fare (nopales neophytes take note, though: cactus has a slimy texture and can be an acquired taste).
It's hard to go wrong on this menu—the enchiladas Acapulco, swimming in tangy-smoky chili guajillo, are another highlight—and there's plenty for the spice-averse as well as those craving carefully made, fusion-free Mexican.
Also of note: with $5 margarita specials, and massive $10.95 lunch specials, Paquito's can be the spot for your happy hour or midday meetup. And if you're on a budget or not looking to linger, stick to the takeout side, where everything runs $2 or so cheaper. Come spring or the next hint of eternal summer, though, that ample, breezy garden will be well worth the price of admission.
Paquitos, 143 First Avenue between East Eighth and East Ninth streets in the East Village. Sunday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to midnight; Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. (212) 674-2071
Tagged
burritos
east village
finding a table
paquito's
still got it
unpretentious
Nathan Tempey
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE food
Can opening a restaurant in a New York museum turn the food into a work of art?
These city institutions — including museums, galleries, and auction houses — are hoping customers will find a luxurious meal to be as appealing as the priceless works on the walls.
By
Joshua David Stein
Published Nov 4, 2026
Why NYC restaurants are playing coy about sustainability
Though it has multiple benefits, the practice remains popular for one basic reason: it saves money.
By
Samantha Dady
Food
Why NYC restaurants are playing coy about sustainability
Though it has multiple benefits, the practice remains popular for one basic reason: it saves money.
By
Samantha Dady
Where are the cheapest drinks in NYC? A new report details the city's average prices.
By
Hannah Frishberg
North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.
By
Robert Sietsema
10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City
By
Robert Sietsema
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .