Paraiso Azteca Restaurant

This inexpensive East 16th Street spot polarizes visitors. Those who stick to traditional heavy meals like chile de puerco and rotisserie chicken with rice and beans are rewarded with generous portions and uncompromising heat. However, the experience comes with a caveat: diners frequently report highly inconsistent service, noting long wait times, indifferent staff, and occasionally cold food or sticky tables. A visit can yield either a comforting meal or a frustrating wait depending on the day.