Why Come Here? NYC’s best queso dip, riffs on Tex Mex specialties
While New York’s Mexican scene has been on the rise in recent years with strong additions in the authentic and Cal-Mex categories, “Mexican” cuisine’s third jewel in the crown has languished behind. I am speaking of course of Tex-Mex. It’s clear that the city yearns for queso dip, fajitas and all the other creamy, cheesey, beefy stylings of the Lone Star State’s proudest food group (maybe tied with deep-fried anything). To see this you need look no further than the popularity of newcomer Javelina. I recently shared a lunch here with Chelsea-Rae, whose always entertaining food blog is required reading. The place was jam packed that weekday afternoon and apparently has been since opening two months back.
Javelina’s interior is a blend of both Tex Mex and NYC restaurant elements (as is the food.) The bright aqua green chairs and booths matched with Soutwestern tile work and cactii definitely harken to a warmer dessert climate. But then you’ve got your exposed brick and piping, open kitchen and the fact this place would be considered a closet in Texas to remind you you’re only a few blocks from Union Square.
The offerings draw from all over the state but the biggest draw are the queso dips. This is basically cheese melted to a semi-liquid state and covered with chilis, cilantro, pico de gallo and the “option” to add your choice of meat. From there the menu gets into all your Tex-Mex favorites from fajitas to enchiladas to red chili and some regional specialties as well. Prices are pretty fair with most of their quite filling entrees going for less than a Jackson note. I came at lunch so I avoided the booze, but they appear to be doing a nice selection of tequila & mezcal cocktails. Here’s what we tried:
Yellow Queso Dip w/ Chorizo 
There is an option to add meat to your dip. There is also an option to add electricity to your apartment. Sometimes options are silly. We added the spicy crumbled chorizo and were very pleased. As for the dip itself, it’s creamy, cheesy and slightly spicy from the serranos. I would call this the best rendition I’ve had in NYC and possibly ever, even if (or maybe because) they shun the traditional Velveeta. Plus its easily big enough for four.
Chile Relleno 
One of my favorite chile rellenos, it’s stuffed with beef and covered with cheese and tomatillo salsa which is all good. But the thing that puts this one over the top is the nutty-sweet sprinkling of toasted pecans and raisins.
Puffy Taco 
This sounded cool but was ultimately undone by its own puffiness as the shell overpowered what was inside. Which was a shame because the spicy pork shoulder was quite tasty on its own.
Right Amount for 2? Queso Dip (good luck finishing it) plus 2 entrees
Javelina
119 East 18th Street (Park Ave S & Irving Pl)
New York, NY
