mm “We have people coming from all countries of Latin America,” said Hernandez.

“Sundays and Mondays are bachata nights for the Colombians and Ecuadorians, while Fridays and Saturdays we have live Mariachi so people can sing along.”

                But the bar not only caters to new arrivals but also provides entertainment to the weathered immigrants.

            Reyna Garcia, 42, drinks the last of her beer and puts the bottle down, as the Mariachi band gets ready to play. Her husband sits at their table, clapping for her to sing her favorite song, “Hermoso Carino” (beautiful love).

            Garcia starts to sing and tells the public to join her in the chorus.           

            Garcia now the owner of a clothing store in Queens, came to New York in 1982, but every Friday she is transported back to Mexico, when she gets up and sings with the Mariachi.

            “I sing because music makes me feel alive,” said Garcia. “It takes me to my home and reminds me of my dear country I left behind.”           

            The crowd cheers as she gives the microphone to the next singer.  Hernandez smiles and sums up what this place means to him and many others: “We are a little corner of Mexico where everybody is welcome.”

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