Mexican Market in Albany
There's a lot packed in a small space.
Blink and you'll miss the new Mexican Market at Central and Allen Streets in Albany.
But for a small space, the selection will impress you.
Mexican Market is an awesome new addition to the Capital Region ethnic market scene.
I found a variety of spices, food and beverages that are tough to find in this area.
There are Mexican sodas in glass bottles made with real sugar! You'll also find juices, a variety of Mexican fresh cheeses, shelf-stable items like salsa, canned beans and vegetables, snacks, and sweets. While I was there another customer started to reminisce about a certain candy they had that she hadn't had since childhood in Mexico.
But my favorite part of the store is the wall with bagged herbs -- whole tamarind pods, dried hibiscus flowers, and an assortment of dried chili peppers. They're opposite a shelf with chicharrones, possibly my second-favorite part of the store.
Mexican Market also serves prepared foods. At the moment they're mostly take-out, with tacos, burritos, and sandwiches available during the weekday. Prices range from $5.50 - $7.99. I had some tacos during an earlier visit, and not only are they good, but they come out hot in about five minutes. They're simply dressed with onions, cilantro, salsa, and a wedge of lime on the side.
Owner Emmanuel Santacruz recommend coming in on the weekend for a wider menu to select from, featuring fresh soups like menudo and posole. He's planning to expand the store in the back to allow diners space to eat in.
Bring your appetite and some cash -- they don't do credit cards.
Earlier on AOA: La Marqueta Frank and Giovanni's
Find It
Mexican Market
654 Central Ave
Albany, NY 12206
7 days, 9 am - 10:30 pm
518-729-5138
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Comments
I was psyched to see this place open up on my route to/from work! It's too bad that days after their grand opening, CDTA decided to build a monstrosity of a bus stop right in front of the place, totally obscuring it from view.
But I see that they've moved their sign to the top of the building for better visibility. I hope this place does really well... I gotta try their tacos sooooon.
... said Paul on Jan 6, 2011 at 11:56 AM | link
Yum, Sounds like this our closest thing to a taco truck!
... said MattW on Jan 6, 2011 at 12:00 PM | link
Just made my day.
... said James on Jan 6, 2011 at 12:49 PM | link
FIVE minutes for hot, fresh, authentic tacos? Dont tell Bros. Tacos that - they'll be forced to shave some time off their half-hour average.
... said Mike10778 on Jan 6, 2011 at 3:03 PM | link
Thanks so much for checking this place out, Albany Jane. I'm looking forward to trying it. Is there any parking nearby? I know you can't park right out front.
... said Amy on Jan 7, 2011 at 1:00 PM | link
This is a great little store. Their tamales wrapped in banana leaves are delicious. Wait until you see the wall of different dried chiles.
... said Third Auntie on Jan 7, 2011 at 4:11 PM | link
A friend just told me about this place the other day. She advised about the bus stop blocking the view. But if we are positive about it, it is a good reference!
I was driving on Central trying to find the place, following my friend's directions. I wasn't sure if I had already passed the place, or still needed to drive a little further... but then I remember about the bus stop. That was my reference. If I haven´t seen the bus stop, then it must be a little further... Saw the bus stop, looked up and saw the sign! found it!
:)
I'll try it and post my comments latter!
... said Susy GarcÃa on Jul 31, 2011 at 10:51 AM | link
I went yesterday. They had a very decent variety of products! Real Mexican products and brands. Things that I thought I wouldn't ever find here, they had it. I got some longaniza, mazapanes, queso fresco,queso cotija, and a bag of maseca (corn flour to make tortillas, sopes and other stuff).
They had shrimp soup! it was delicious! just like I would have it in the beach in México.
The menu they have looks very decent too. A bunch of different dishes. I will definitely come back and try something else!
Everything is to go, since they don't have a sit down area yet. I was talking to the owner and he was saying he is saving money to expand and include a sit down area.
I am so happy I found this place. I will support them as much as I can to help them stay in business and expand and do better.
Thanks Albany Jane for this post!!
... said Susy GarcÃa on Aug 1, 2011 at 4:36 PM | link