El Aguila

Open 24 hours, this authentic, lively Mexican joint has become an institution in East Harlem's "Little Mexico" neighborhood, where people come at all hours of the day (sometimes with lines down the block) to fill up on tacos, tortas, burritos and stews. The original El Aguila is located in Passaic, NJ, and this offshoot is just as terrific. Family friendly, but also perfect for late-night munching after one too many margaritas, the menu's highlights include tamales de queso and steak burritos as big as your head.