One Dollar Mexican opens on 38th Avenue

We're always on the look out for ways to stuff ourselves as cheaply as possible, and a spot that just opened on the corner of 38th and Clay, just two doors down from Buchi Cafe Cubano, may take the prize for the least expensive meal in the city -- most...

By Laura Shunk

September 21, 2011

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We're always on the look out for ways to stuff ourselves as cheaply as possible, and a spot that just opened on the corner of 38th and Clay, just two doors down from Buchi Cafe Cubano, may take the prize for the least expensive meal in the city -- most fast-food chains included.

One Dollar Mexican isn't much to look at inside or out, but the name doesn't lie: the hand-written board lists tostadas, chile rellenos, green chile, beef or chicken tacos and a few burritos, and every dish is priced at a dollar a pop. Rice and beans come in at a bargain 50 cents, and the food is supplemented by a full line of snow cones, shaved on the spot and then drizzled with one of about ten flavors of syrup.

The new spot has been open for two weeks, says Eric Alvarez, the owner. And though he's never been in the restaurant business before, he's banking on his recipes -- plus his prices -- to pack the people in. And that's a fair bet, judging from the line of people waiting to order at lunch yesterday.

One Dollar Mexican will be open again at 10 a.m. today. Get in line!

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Laura Shunk was Westword's restaurant critic from 2010 to 2012; she's also been food editor at the Village Voice and a dining columnist in Beijing. Her toughest assignment had her drinking ten martinis and eating ten Caesar salads over the course of 48 hours. She still drinks martinis, but remains lukewarm on Caesar salads.

Contact: Laura Shunk

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