La Cocina de Mama

Classic counter-service spots anchor the Upper Manhattan dining scene—and La Cocina de Mama fills that role with small plates you can order on the fly. Bursts of cilantro and warm tortillas set the pace; expect a quick bite for lunch or dinner and a steady rotation of tacos, enchiladas, and tres leches the moment they come off the line.

A lunch counter built for solo diners maps neatly onto 154 E 109th St in East Harlem. Call ahead if the line at the counter snakes out the door; grab dessert to go if the mood strikes. Tap the map here for walking directions after you confirm the route: https://www.google.com/maps/place?ftid=0x89c2f709669145e9:0x1464b040d5ba73f0