NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE

Spanish for “the corner,” La Esquina looks just that: an unassuming corner on Kenmare and Lafayette Streets. But, this corner is much more than meets the eye: it’s a three-part speakeasy. To wit: From 8am to 2am, you’ll find a ramshackle counter-service taqueria hawking tacos and tortas like the Conchinita Pibil, with its marinated hunks of pork topped with pickled onions and jalapeños. Next door, the café is airy and sleek, serving more sophisticated fare like ceviches and huevos rancheros. Downstairs is the real star though. To enter, you sneak through the kitchen, to the cloistered underground dining room—a dark, candelabra-lit taverna with sexy leather banquettes, and hidden lounge areas envelops you. Order something equally as sumptuous now. May we suggest the La Esquina Mole Negro Enchiladas with rotisserie chicken in mole sauce, rice, iceberg and radish? Wash it down with one of over 200 premium tequilas: The limited edition Chamucos Reposado tequila is a good start.

Photo credit: Natalie Soud