El Aguila

Span the East Harlem stretch of Lexington for a Mexican restaurant that skips the theatrics and puts the plates first. El Aguila rolls tacos and quesadillas at a clip, so your quick bite feels almost immediate, whether you’re breaking fast or sliding in for late-night munchies. Vegetarian small plates sit beside the heavier comfort food, while coffee keeps the counter crowd awake. They also pencil breakfast into the daily grind, so mornings here aren’t stuck between three choices.

Find El Aguila tucked between the brownstones at 1634 Lexington Avenue. Dial (212) 426-2221 for the scoop, then cue your maps listing for the final hop: directions pull you the rest of the way.