Mariachi Mexico named one of USA TODAY’s best restaurants in 2024
Take a look inside Mariachi Mexico in Armonk, NY, named one of USA TODAY’s best restaurants of 2024.
Mariachi Mexico, which made this food reporter’s “Best thing I ate” list in 2023 and was also included on the 2024 USA TODAY Restaurants of the Year list, is closing due to a lease issue.
The sister-run Mexican spot, which has been in Armonk for 35 years — the past 11 of which were rebranded from Tex-Mex to a farm-to-table focus — will serve its last dinner March 23 with a party planned for March 22.
“The landlord has decided not to renew our lease, without providing a reason or previous notice,” wrote chef/owner Joana Herrera in an Instagram post March 1. After “extensive negotiations” through their respective legal teams, an agreement was reached and an end date determined.
“While this chapter is closing, we will cherish the memories and experiences we’ve shared,” posted Herrera, who said that while it’s been emotional and difficult, she and her sister Meto Herrera are grateful for the unwavering support, loyalty and kindness.
“From the bottom of our hearts, we appreciate our customers for making our journey so rewarding.”
A long history
There’s been a lot of history and love in the building at 405 Main St. where Herrera’s parents first signed the lease March 20, 1990, and where Meto and Herrera shared a lot of memories of what had been their parents’ dream.
When Herrera received the USA TODAY “Best Restaurants” honors, she told The Journal News/lohud how grateful she was to be able to cook the kind of food she grew up with, and the importance of honoring traditions.
That meant a focus on seasonality with meals at Mariachi Mexico rarely the same. A large blackboard in the back was updated constantly, showcasing where Herrera, a regular at the Union Square Farmers Market, Hastings, Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow TaSH and Union Square Market, sourced from that week.
Mexican ingredients such as huitlacoche, hoja santa, squash blossom, papalo, pipicha, and alaches were also a big focus, with Herrara also growing her own flowers and herbs at the restaurant, visible from planters in front and back.
In addition, everything, from quesadillas plazeras to tetelas and memelas, are pressed to order, with many items gluten-free and vegan.
Judy Gilmartin-Willsey who’s owned Framings in Armonk for 38 years, has long been one of the restaurant’s regulars who is heartbroken by the news.
“I’m deeply saddened by the decision of the landlord to decide not to continue renting to a local restaurant which has been such a lovely part of our community,” she said. “I know for a fact that this has nothing to do with their ability to pay or their popularity of their restaurant.”
If you go
Address: 405 Main St., Armonk, 914-273-6805, mariachimexico.biz.
Hours: 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday; to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
35th Anniversary Celebration: from 6 to 10 p.m. March 22 with a DJ, a la carte food menu and a special cocktail menu.
Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter.