Profile

If reliable, authentic Mexican meals and strong, sweet margaritas are what you seek, andale to Arriba Arriba. This Hell's Kitchen institution has weathered the neighborhood's transformations and continues to draw packed, boisterous crowds, especially on weekends. Despite its homey atmosphere, the noise factor makes it best suited for groups. If you truly want to listen to your dining companion, try going for lunch, when the $7.95 special includes a drink. At dinner, generous portions of house specialties like enchiladas suiza, with a rich, green pepper cream sauce, chicken mole, and quesadillas (in spicy chorizo, chicken, shrimp and vegetarian varieties) please the palate and are quite affordable. The menu occasionally veers from Mexican staples like the tasty burritos de camarones—shrimp in a light tomato sauce served with salad—but few frills are to be found here. Still, Arriba Arriba manages to hit the spot for hungry neighborhood denizens who enjoy chasing their meals with tequila. — Bree Coven

Sat.—Sun., 11 a.m.—4 p.m., $11.95 prix-fixe, free cocktail

Happy Hour
Daily, 4 p.m.—7 p.m., bar only, half-priced second drinks

Lunch Special
Mon.—Fri., noon—4 p.m., $7.95

Chicken mole, $14.95; enchiladas suiza, $12.95; combination platter, $12.95