I have a secret to tell. A secret in which only the readers of this blog will discover. I have a fetish for Mexican cuisine. Did she really just say that? Yes, I did. Is it weird? Maybe. Do I care? Not really. Why? Only because I stumbled across the most amazing restaurant and I fell in love. Gabriela’s, which rests on the corner of 93rd Street and Columbus Avenue, has the perfect blend of modern day Mexican cuisine and is perfect on any day of the week for city goers in search of a good time and an amazing cultural experience.
Making its debut in the restaurant industry in 1992, Gabriela’s Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar is said to have some of the best Mexican food one can ever find in the city. Greeted by authentic Mexican style doors, one is instantly tossed into an environment that embodies every aspect of Mexican culture from the music, to the décor, even down to the cushions on the chairs and the dish listings in the menu -they are first listed by their Mexican name with an English 
translation to follow. And the staff is beyond friendly; as you are waiting to be seated, every server who passes by offers a smile. In the three times I have been there the service has been quick, friendly and consistent. The menu, which was created from family recipes, offers a full variety of Mexican Cuisine- quesadillas of all kinds (chicken, beef, shrimp etc.), guacamole, flautas, ceviche, tacos, salads, burritos and so much more. I ordered what is the best quesadilla I’ve had to date. You name it, they have it. The displays of the dishes are strategically detailed to resemble Mexican culture. Mexican style artwork border many of the plates on which the food is served while other dishes such as Flautas Jalisco, are served on long rectangular plates, with drapings that exude all that is Mexico.
One cannot turn a blind eye to the elaborate Tequila Bar, which is decorated by lights on top of lights on top of lights. In the warmer months, they even have an outdoor drinking area. It’s as close as you get to Mexico if you haven’t already taken that Spring Break trip to Cancun. What’s the one thing that’s more important than a student having a good time? The cost of said fun. Gabriela’s is generous on your pocket, and isn’t just another place that will make a student feel guilty for spending money they shouldn’t have on service and food that wasn’t even worth it. Appetizers start at $9 with entrees being as low as $12 and did I mention it’s delicious?
Thinking about paying Gabriela’s a visit? Be sure to make a pit stop at the Campus Clipper website to download a coupon that includes a complimentary 8oz frozen beverage with a Student ID.
Samantha Williams, State University of New York College at Old Westbury, 2012
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