La Esquina

La Esquina is Nolita's de facto gastronomic gatekeeper sporting a Mexican restaurant often described as a speakeasy due to its behind-the-scenes subterranean entrance scheme, a cafe on street level, and a sit-down counter style taqueria facing the active arteries of Lafeyette and Kenmare Streets and the long-beloved local perching spot/urban oasis, Petrosino Square.

As far as triple-threats go, this is easily the most impressive, if not the only one-stop spot downtown. From a hearty breakfast in the morning, brunch at the cafe, or celebrity spotting in the restaurant in the wee hours, La Esquina is well recognized as a junction in its neighborhood AM or PM.