Charley Brown’s Mexican
The vibe: You’ll feel like a hipster among the Warholesque portraits of Mexican celebrities. The overall vibe is energetic and fun thanks to the bright red and purple splashes all over the place.
The food: Among the popular classics, you might want to try the well-spiced albondigas (meatballs, B185) and their elaborate nacho platters (chicken or beef, B210).
The drinks: Their house sangria (B168) is delicious. They also have some pretty tempting deals all week, such as a 20 percent discount for teachers (on food) on Thursdays and margarita and sangria at half price on Tuesdays.
Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-651-2215. BTS Nana. Open Tue-Sun 5.30pm-midnight
Sunrise Tacos
The vibe: The place is tiny and cramped, with only a few seats inside and at a communal counter looking out over a sad parking lot. But we like the fact that it’s open 24 hours a day, making it a great late-night stop for night crawlers or any time you have the munchies.
The food: Burritos (B252-282) seem to be the most popular item like elsewhere and our top filling is carnitas, but don’t visit Sunrise without trying their tacos, skip the flour tortilla and opt for either a soft or crunchy corn tortilla (B252-282). They’re messy affairs—especially the hard shells, which tend to explode with the first bite. We also vouch for their homemade pecan pie (B85).
The drink: Another specialty of the house is the margaritas (B170), which are made with real lime juice and either fresh or frozen fruit, such as blueberries. You won’t feel the tequila in just one glass, but a one-liter pitcher will get you there.
236/3-4 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-229-4851. BTS Asok. Open daily 24 hours
Tacos and Salsa 
The vibe: The bright pink exterior of this tiny shophouse (with welcoming cactus out front) hides a low-key decor, with burnt-orange and yellow walls, bright tablecloths and whimsical Frida Kahlo-style paintings by the owner. A Latino soundtrack adds to the mood.
The food: The new owner took over the restaurant a couple of years ago but the kitchen still boasts authentic dishes similar to her hometown of Mexico City. Start off with the chips with five different salsas (B40), from classic tomatoes and onions to the considerably hotter green pepper and garlic chili and oil (similar to our namprikpao), all served in small portions for tasting. The guacamole (B120) here is smooth and mild in flavor, the perfect accompaniment for their amazing quesadilla (B140/180), with the grilled meat of your choice, or their burritos, best served wet (B240).
The drink: The owner also takes great pride in her margaritas (glass or jar, B170/B800) available in flavors like passion fruit and peach—not too sweet and pretty darn potent. If that doesn’t finish you off, dive into ‘The Bowl’ or Margochela (a bowl of margarita served with an upturned bottle of Corona, B700), recommended for three or four drinkers.
49 Sukhumvit Soi 18. 02-663-6366. BTS Asok. Open Mon-Fri 3-11pm; Sat-Sun 11pm-midnight
Sabroso Mexican Tapas Bar
The vibe: The previous owner of Tacos and Salsa (on Sukhumvit 18), Jorge Bernal, now has a new Mexican offering. Sabroso is actually quite serene offering a rare chance to tuck in some Mexican dishes amid a garden with fountain thanks to the location in this lush community mall way out in the Town in Town area.
The food: The place serves up classic dishes at very affordable prices like enchiladas (B150) and tacos (pork, beef, chicken or fish, B120). Do try the rarer dishes like the very delicious tostadas (toasted tortilla with chicken, B70) where the chicken is fried with chili and chipotle sauce--very flavorful. Hungover? You can drop by on weekends for a late breakfast with dishes like huevos rancheros (B160), too.
The drink: There’s mojito, sangria and margarita at B130 a glass and B600 a jug. Beers include Corona (B130), Singha and Heineken (B90).
Tree Square, Inthra Phon Rd., 02-935-6800. Open Tue and Fri 4-10pm; Sat-Sun 11:30am-10pm
La Monita Taqueria
The vibe: With its green tables, matching benches, orange walls, and Mexican flag hanging from a wall, La Monita’s décor is like a stern reminder that Mexican food isn’t big on presentation. Diners range from Tex-Mex-starved yanks to Thais who can switch effortlessly from their mother tongue to English.
The food: Hands-down the best place to get a super flavorful quesadilla or fish taco (B70-80) and cozy up with a date or a large party of friends. For the basic guacamole (B150), the avocado is creamy goodness, the onion’s flavor fresh and crisp, the coriander sharp and bright and it’s all perfectly seasoned with just enough lime and cumin. The burritos (B280-330) are a surprisingly airy sensation with luscious cream and tender steak. However, the Mexican-style soft corn tacos (B85-150) are where La Monita’s full potential is expressed. If it’s more convenient for you, they also have a food truck-imitating branch in Siam Paragon (G/F) offering a briefer menu.
The drink: To complete your meal, look no further than the margaritas, which come in gold (B250) and silver (B220).
888/26 Mahatun Plaza Arcade, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-650-9581. www.lamonita.com. BTS Phloen Chit. Open 11:30am-10pm
