What's your favorite kind of food to enjoy in New York City? Italian, Halal, Classic American, Indian, Japanese... the list goes on and on and on.

Some would also answer Mexican food, but there are others who only dare to dive into Mexican dishes when out on the West Coast.

For the hundreds and hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers who aren't going out West anytime soon (nor anytime in the foreseeable future), you definitely want to keep this page bookmarked.

You see, New York City is so culturally diverse, it's oftentimes dubbed the world's melting pot. And the extensive list of foods and cultures that you can find here play a big part in that.

So really, who says NYC can't do Mexican? Here are 9 of the most authentic spots that serve up exceptional Mexican food, right here in the good ol' city that never sleeps.

By the way, since it’s impossible to include every epic Mexican joint that New York City has to offer, feel free to leave your personal favorites in the comments section below.

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1. Cantina Royal (58 North 3rd Street - Brooklyn)

Live music and a glistening chandelier bring great vibes all around to this Williamsburg cantina, and Cantina Royal's food will only add to the experience.

Fresh vegetables and dishes spiced to perfection make this place a must-try for all Mexican food aficionados.

Dishes are topped with spicy chorizo or octopus for an even more unique addition to your Mexican favorites (like tacos), but I recommend trying the tostadas: crispy fried corn tortillas topped with meat or fish, vegetables, beans, sour cream and salsa.

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2. Mesa Coyoacan (372 Graham Avenue - Brooklyn)

If you really love Mexican food, then come to this Williamsburg spot, where the food is fresh and the margaritas are fruity.

Really, there's no better way to top off a Mexican feast than with margaritas in varieties such as watermelon and grapefruit, because when it comes to margaritas, why be boring about it?

As for the food, the enchiladas verdes are stellar: your choice of filling (try the chicken) topped with delightful green salsa, cheese, avocado, and crema fresca.

Your friends will be green with envy (see what we did there?) knowing that you gobbled one of these bad boys up. Or three. But who's counting, right?

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3. Los Tacos No. 1 (75 9th Avenue)

This taco stand is located in Chelsea Market, and there are no seats, making this Californian-Mexican street food stand a true standout nonetheless.

With authentic Mexican and West Coast culinary prowess involved, you know that this food is the real-deal. And while Los Tacos No. 1's menu is limited, that doesn't mean that you won't be pleased by what they do have.

Their adobada pork is incredible when it is freshly cut from the spit and served in handmade corn tortilla tacos or in a quesadilla. So how many tacos do you think you can eat in one sitting?

Los Tacos No. 1 will truly test your boundaries in answering that question... not that you'll be complaining about that though.

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4. Tortilleria Nixtamal (104-05 47th Avenue - Queens)

Located in Corona, Queens, this taqueria prides itself on its handmade corn tortillas and use of the freshest ingredients from the kitchen to your table.

Whatever you do, don't leave Tortilleria Nixtamal without trying their tacos al pastor.

Tender grilled rotisserie pork is served alongside juicy pineapple and topped with cilantro and fresh onion. The al pastor will show you that pork and pineapple are a match made in heaven, and you do want to go to taco heaven, don't you?

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5. La Morada Restaurant (308 Willis Avenue - the Bronx)

Great guacamole is a staple at La Morada and can be seen alongside some of their dishes and served with chips. And who doesn't love good guacamole, am I right?

However, the house specialty here and what you should definitely try is one of La Morada's six moles.

In Mexican food terms, mole is a sauce that can be made in any number of different ways, and at La Morada, the show-stopping ones are the mole poblano (made with chocolate and peppers) or the mole blanco (made from a blend of pine nuts, almonds, and peanuts.)

These moles are both creamy and mild (for those who don't like to spice up their plate too much), and they are definitely worth being extra adventurous with your food.

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6. Ponche Taqueria and Cantina (420 West 49th Street)

What should you order at Ponche Taqueria? More like what shouldn't you order.

It'll be a hard choice to make, as it will be with every Mexican spot you'll visit on this list (since Mexican food is the absolute best and all that).

Try the alambre in either taco or burrito form, because grilled steak with poblano peppers is an amazing combination-- especially when you factor in all the cheese, salsa, and onions your heart could ever desire.

Fish tacos are especially great here as well, lightly-fried in tempura batter with chipotle remoulade.

Oh, and you can't forget the guacamole here, which is practically famous.

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7. La Esquina Corner Deli (114 Kenmare Street)

This Soho spot features fantastic Mexican fare all around, from breakfast burritos to tacos and everything else in between.

The tacos de pescado a las brasas (fish tacos) feature light, grilled fish with shredded cabbage, onions, salsa verde, and chipotle mayo-- and they deservedly rank amongst the best in the city.

La Esquina's mouth-watering carnitas (pulled pork) tacos are rubbed in a delightful blend of spices and will absolutely just melt in your mouth.

Also, don't forget to try their grilled corn with your meal, topped with chili powder, mayo, and crumbled cotija cheese, as customers oftentimes rave about this traditional side dish.

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8. Tehuitzingo (695 10th Avenue)

This low-key corner bodega doubles as a taqueria where you can enjoy cheap, fresh Mexican food that promises to be absolutely amazing, time after time.

This place is really great for takeout, so stop by to grab a few tacos, tortas, or burritos, and be on your merry lil' way.

Their potato tacos are served with jalapeños, and they will knock your socks off, because what could possibly be better than spicy potatoes and peppers wrapped in a tortilla, right?

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9. Burrito Box (885 9th Avenue)

Many New Yorkers swear by Burrito Box as having the best burritos around the city on lock. (And I'd have to agree with them on that.)

They serve all kinds of authentic Mexican dishes, but nothing stuns quite as much as their grilled steak burrito (stuffed to the seams with rice, beans, lettuce, cheese, and sour cream).

Meals come with a free bag of chips and salsa, so yeah, there's nothing not to love about Burrito Box.

If you enjoyed this article, check out the 9 Greatest Italian Sandwich Shops in NYC!

[Feature image article courtesy of The Infatuation]