Recommendations

A spicy, authentic, cheap Mexican lunch joint that’s been burning the lips off of happy flatiron workerbees for over ten years.

Guide: Entrepreneur (Jack)
Location: Flatiron

Strengths

• A spicy, authentic, cheap Mexican lunch joint that’s been burning the lips off of happy flatiron workerbees for over ten years.
• I never went to Chipotle in the early days, pre Mickey-D’s, but I’m guessing they started out like this. Fortunately for patrons (though not for the owners) Uncle Moe’s hasn’t changed much over time.
• I wonder how many Silicon Alley fortunes have been made and lost over Uncle Moe’s Burritos. Hmmm.

Shortcomings

• While the staff is friendly, there’s a formula here, and before you pick up on it, the place can be a little intimidating. Once you get the hang of it, the process is part of the fun.
• The line can get really long. It usually moves fast, but if it’s ridiculously long, come back another day (or another hour).

Insider tips

• The seating area is essentially a cafeteria. You’re usually better off taking your food to go.
• This is not light food. You’d better have some caffeine nearby or you’ll be snoozing through those afternoon conference calls.

Anecdotes

• I skip the menu altogether, and just tell them what I want, which is usually a burrito to go, with some sort of meat, lots of cheese, sour cream, and salsa. I always pick up lots of extra toppings at the little self-serve condiment bar around the corner, including several types of extra hot sauce.