Pan American Phoenix

Mexican grocery stores in New York tend to cluster in neighborhoods where the rent stays low. Pan American Phoenix bucks that trend. It sits on Lexington Avenue, a stretch better known for dry cleaners and chain pharmacies than for specialty imports.

Shoppers who need dried chiles, Oaxacan cheese, or a particular brand of masa harina will find them at 857 Lexington Ave New York, NY 10065. The shelves hold staples that rarely make it onto mainstream supermarket aisles, along with pantry items that can turn a weeknight dinner into something closer to what you’d eat in Puebla or Mexico City. They also stock tortillas pressed fresh on-site, salsas in glass jars, and a rotating selection of Mexican candies and snacks.

Questions about quantities or substitutions can be answered by calling (212) 570-0300. The staff can confirm whether a certain mole paste is in stock or suggest an alternative for a hard-to-find ingredient. A quick phone call saves a trip when time is tight.

Directions are straightforward: the map at this link will place you right outside the storefront. For anyone navigating the Upper East Side, it’s a quiet corner where the usual urban rush fades into the background.