The Midtown Diner That Corners the Market on Mexican Breakfast

Chiliquiles, pan dulce, huevos rancheros, tamales, and the rare taste of machaca

Chiliquiles come with a fresh green salsa and a runny fried egg at Animo! [exclamation theirs]

Few restaurants have excited me lately as much as Animo! — not a chemical compound, but Spanish slang meaning something like "Forge ahead!" or "Cheer up!” Open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days, it’s the rare spot in town that specializes exclusively in Mexican breakfasts. The restaurant open since last October is the creation of owner Roberto Levinson, who was born in Monterrey, Mexico, and chef Jonathan Barragan.

The interior of Animo! very much resembles a diner.

It occupies a corner on the East Side: 1004 Second Avenue at 53rd Street. The place might have once been a diner, because despite sparkling new fixtures, and undulant gray-green walls, the tight space is still dominated by a lunch counter looking into the kitchen, and booths beside windows on the street side. A glass case to the left of the cash register contains Mexican breakfast pastries, in much the same way a regular diner offers muffins and pies. Place your order at the counter and then find a seat if you intend to stay. Crowded at breakfast and lunch, much of the business is currently carryout.