La Esquina Brasserie

You have to try this place! you walk up to a very unassuming deli-like restaurant and note that you have a reservation for La Esquina - the place was empty - no tables, nothing. The host radios to somebody else that hes sending a party of 2 down. Then a hidden door in the wall opens and we are led to the basement of this building which is likely 100 years old - Very cool! - food was great and service was great too! Neat place!

Came on a day where there was a heat wave going on and the AC was not working properly. When we asked the waiter about what’s going on with the AC they said it’s not working too good due to the heat outside? This definitely put a damper on my experience because I feel like it would’ve been perfect had the AC been working, drinks were great and so was the food. The music was also good, they played a lot of Spanish music.

Stumbled upon La Esquina Brasserie entirely by accident, walking along Lafayette Street in New York, but what a find it turned out to be! A tour guide had mentioned it, but discovering it on my own made it feel like a hidden gem.The atmosphere was absolutely beautiful. You head down the steps, and it’s like stepping into a secret speakeasy. The lighting was just right, creating a warm and inviting vibe. The barmen were fantastic—friendly, professional, and really added to the experience.The food was another highlight. Their tacos and other dishes were delicious, and the drinks paired perfectly. What surprised me most was how reasonably priced everything was; it felt like a luxury experience without breaking the bank.The crowd there was equally wonderful—friendly, relaxed, and lovely to chat with. It added to the charm of the place.I’d recommend La Esquina Brasserie to anyone looking for a unique and memorable spot in New York. It’s more than a meal—it’s an experience you won’t forget.

I loved the service at La Esquina. They were quite prompt and had attentive service. Especially the waiter Ozzy he was very professional. The food order came fast, I did not have to wait long for delicious food! Would defiantly come back again and recommend to friends and family to try out some fun Mexican food!

Really cool vibes, we had a great time here. We came for dinner and ordered a bunch of things family style. The dessert were not to die for, but everything else was fantastic!! I specially liked their margaritas

I have travelled the world extensively over 40 years. I ate at all restaurants ranging from pop & mom’s to Michelin three stars. This is my honest review of the underground speakeasy restaurant La Esquina. Reservation is required to access this one via a guarded door leading to the underground scene with cramped but very lively bar, restaurant and dj scene! Food is generally very good but nothing that particularly stands out as deserving five stars.

Amazing food and drinks….little gem of a place located downstairs

I came here for a date night as I never tried La Esquinas restaurant down in the basement, I have had the Tacos upstairs which are good. I had to book this reservation a month in advance. Upon arrival I was promptly greeted. The host’s, servers, and waiters were all great and friendly! I got a passion fruit Margarita, it was delicious, which was the best of the meal. The ambiance was cool, it has a speak easy vibe. As far as the food goes I was disappointed. We ordered 2 types of Tacos, the crab tostadas, the corn, and the ribs. The tortillas for the tacos were soggy unfortunately, the tostadas tasted like it had canned crab. I would recommend as a cool spot for good drinks but not necessarily for the food.

My favorite hidden spot for tacos and margs! I really enjoyed the passion fruit Margarita and the pork belly tacos. Amazing vibe, excellent music and friendly staff. Thanks to Ashley, Ruby and James. I recommend that you make a reservation since they are usually busy.Looking forward to my next visit at LA Esquina! Highly recommended!AbducciMontréal, CA

I loved this place. Conveniently located with outdoor seating as well. The tacos were honestly amazing! I am definitely going to go back and try allOf them on the menu. And the margarita that I had was great as well.If youre looking for great tacos and margaritas youve come to the right place.

It’s definitely more a bar than a restaurant. Food was on, good but classic, but the really loud music was too disturbing to enjoy it fully. Not my vibes.

We received many recommendations for this restaurant and decided to make a reservation for a table of 8 on Saturday eve. We arrived on time but had to wait for an hour as the restaurant had forgotten to keep the table reserved for us. Instead of apologizing, they blamed us for the mistake. The service was terrible and the heat inside the restaurant was unbearable due to the overcrowded seating.Despite all of this, the food was good. We believe that if we had received our table on time, we would have had a great evening there.

One of the absolute best experiences we have had in the city. I only added one picture of the outside and one of the inside.I am not going to reveal anything further details. If you want to have amazing food, amazing atmosphere, and an amazing experience...THIS IS THE PLACE!So incredibly happy we came!

I enjoyed my experience at La Esquina. The bistec tacos was excellent also because the meat was. I likes the Pollo quesadilla with the little (not too much) spicy green sauce. The atmosphere is very pleasant and friendly. Definitely recommend it.

Terrible Experience at La EsquinaMy experience at La Esquina de Soho was incredibly disappointing. After waiting for over an hour for our food, we politely asked our waiter about the delay, only to be met with rudeness and a dismissive attitude. His response, Cant you see Im alone here? was both unprofessional and disrespectful. To add insult to injury, we were charged a whopping $38 for just two margaritas and a sparkling water. The exorbitant prices coupled with the appalling service make this establishment one to avoid at all costs. Save your time and money and dine elsewhere.

I am sorry to say, but this was the worst torta Ive ever had. The menu described the Torta De Agucate Con Queso as Avocado, Queso Fresco, Black Beans, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Chipotle Mayo. However I received a torta with avocado, queso fresco, lettuce, and tomato. The overwhelming flavor was lettuce. There was maybe a quarter of a teaspoon of chipotle mayo and black beans (and that is a generous estimate). For a $14 sandwich ($17 with tip) I expected so much more. And strangely the side of greens came with balsamic vinaigrette?? How I wish this place didnt disappoint.The only positives were a nice staff and atmosphere.

I had the most awful experience at La Esquina last night. I have been here many times before and have had a lovely time so I decided to bring my mother and father who were visiting. First off, I called to make a same day last minute reservation (maybe this is where I went wrong?)We get there, and I ask if it is possible to use the elevator to get downstairs(I’ve seen this done before so I know it is). I was told that this wouldn’t be possible at the moment (okay fine maybe they are load in something or the elevator is temporarily out of order) we didn’t ask questions because we were hungry. My mother is 70. She ended up walking down the stairs because you didn’t seem interested in accommodating us and with my mother, going down the stairs isn’t as difficult going up. When we got downstairs, we notified the host that we would like to take the elevator up at the end of our meal and the host agreed. Then we got seated at a table that was covered in dirt/debris.I alerted the waitress to this when she initially came to ask about our water order. She ignored the filthy table and just came to the table to pour our water and poured in to dirty glasses despite me pointing out that they and our table were dirty and asking if we could be moved. She at that point tried to take our drink order and was very rude when my mother asked some questions about the menu. While she was busy switching out the filthy glasses, another waiter came over because he could see that our table was covered in dirt and offered to help. We told him that at that point we had seen enough and asked him if he could call the elevator so we could leave. My parents waited downstairs for the elevator while I went upstairs with the host because he told me that he wanted me to speak with the manager. While I was upstairs someone told my parents that they were not allowed to use the elevator because my mother was not in a wheelchair. While waiting for the elevator someone essentially pushed them up the stairs. At no point did anyone try to be accommodating to someone elderly, apologetic, or even cordial about any part of this situation.

We got there around 8:00 oclock Thursday. My buddy was inside ordering the tacos and other stuff and I was outside grabbing the table and chairs, Serving guy comes out and shout at me what am I doing I told him Im trying to get the table while my buddy is inside ordering food he said no because there was only two of us and theres a 4 chairs we cannot have that table. So we went inside Another guy was there and saying we cannot stay inside so we came back out we were able to save by the window outside but no chairs.Food was OK I had better.

Quality of food has gone done substantially. This place was known for pioneering mexican food in nyc. Now, even the guac doesnt hit the mark. Things have no spice whatsoever. It’s at best a party spot, dont expect a culinary experience

It’s very unfortunate that I had a bad experience because I go here a lot. The food is great overall. Unfortunately the bouncer wasn’t and it’s always the same bouncer that helps us and always lets us in no problem. Today he decided to be in a nasty mood and was getting heated for no reason. Saying we needed reservations for the bar. Where have you ever heard you need a reservation to stand at bar it’s the dumbest thing ever. I don’t recommend it and no longer will be going here.

Was looking randomly for a place for dinner and found this! Taco sizes were just nice, servers were super friendly and attentive, crowd was rather loud since it was a Friday night. Experience was awesome coz of the food and servers. Basement was an eye opener 🤣

We had dinner at their Kenmare St restaurant. It was quite a nice walk through kitchen down to a very lively place full of music. They have created a rustic ambience i of a Mexican shack. Food was delicious. Chamorro - roasted pork with black beans, rice and tortillas was excellent and portion was big. The music on our table was a bit loud and staff could not be of any help to reduce the volume. Overall a good dining experience.

This was one of the best experiences Ive ever had! You enter through what looks like a service entrance, go down the back stairs, through the kitchen and every into an open space that houses a bar and is bumping. Beyond that is the quaint dining area which is delightful as well. The food and the staff are all amazing! You must go. You must also make a reservation I believe!

Been around since 2006. This establishment is a nyc restaurant success story. The food is great and the ambiance is amazing. Good thing its still not ruined by tourists. The doorman at the front make sure only stylish locals get admitted to this venue, which Im very thankful for because as is, the place is always packed. The price of food is high but u pay for quality, service, ambiance, and exclusivity. Long live La Esquina!

By far the best tacos I have had in my entire life so fresh so tasty just incredible!! The people that work here are lovely as well :)

Love this place. Cool speakeasy underground bar restaurant with a great atmosphere and food. Make sure you book and then enter the corner deli and see the waiter at the door inside. You walk downstairs and through the kitchen to the bar and restaurant. The food is fabulous and the service is very efficient. Expect to be sitting g close to other tables as they do squeeze you in.

Shrimp tacos so good theyll make you cry!!So glad we found this place when visiting! Great spot with a seating outside or inside just around the corner. Great variety and for the quality the price is perfect. Everything was absolutely delicious. We had various tacos, elotes for the table (on the cob too my favorite!), and a bunch of margaritas in various styles. As prefaced, the shrimp tacos were the absolute best [thing Ive ever had]. Staff and service was attentive ans friendly. I cant wait to come back!

Don’t let the outside of the restaurant trick you. After a short walk down the stairs and trough the kitchen a fantastic restaurant and bar opens up!The food is really good and the service is impeccable!You can split the “mains” for two and have some tacos by the side!The frozen margaritas is to die for!

Menu didn’t have a lot to choose from. The shrimp tacos was pretty good but the corn tortilla was falling apart. The rice bowl with beans wasn’t anything to brag about. Beans tasted like it was drained out of the Can. Quick service.

Service was friendly. Small but intimate casual place. Flavours were on point. The ceviche was highly recommended and Im glad we ordered it. It was refreshing and wonderfully balanced - made with red snapper fish. The tacos were savoury and prepared well. Happy I got the Fish Tacos - market fish was mahi mahi. Definitely will be back again!

The tacos here are some of the best I have ever had. Great texture and lots of seasoning for the tacos! Dont forget to pair it with some Jarritos!! 🌮🌮🌮

Walked by, saw this place and liked the vibes.The elote callejero is so good.Wifey absolutely loved the camaron tacos.I got the bistec con queso and it’s pretty solid.Definitely give this place a try

Very solid Mexican. We were upstairs at the cafe part. Ceviche and Elote for starters were both fresh and tasty, and the tacos were solid. The bistec was especially flavourful. The pescado tacos were decent but not amazing.Will definitely be back to try the downstairs part though as the menu and vibe is much different.

Went and grabbed lunch with a friend and this was the perfect place . The food was amazing but what made it even better was the exceptional service and knowledge our server Ozy provided. Ozy recommended the steak and it was to die for as well as he makes one of the best passion fruit margaritas I’ve ever had . The establishment is super cozy and welcoming . Can’t wait to return !

Great place to stop for a quick bite or sit down. Their tacos are awesome. They make the food both quickly and fresh. Highly suggest stopping here if your in the neighborhood.

Really cool venue hidden underneath a regular fast food place. You have to make your way through the kitchen. Food is really good and the service was quick.

Start to finish a great experience.Venue cleverly done, adding a mysterious adventure to the atmosphere.Top rated tequila drinks!

La tinga tacos were delicious

The service was great and food was fine, but they didn’t play one Latin song. When I’ve been to La Esquina in the past, the music was always a vibe. The music on Saturday night felt like we were at a frat party. A lot of basic house music.

Enjoyed the food but was not surprised. The service could be improved. Small and cramped dinning area. Club had a big line, so we decided to go for dinner first, when we went back surprisingly we were told there was a private event(?).

Very bad service by the waiter, not approachable at all, seems in a rush all the time, the food was just acceptable nothing special and after the payment he demanded for a tip for having done the bare minimum.Very expensive, bad service.Not recommended at all.

Was turned away from an event that was a Mexican festival and they turned me down because “the entrance was only at 10:30” and they let people in before 10:30 discrimination at its finest. How you turning down a group of Mexicans for a Mexican event but let it in white people.

My husband and I both really enjoyed our food. The tacos were great and so was literally everything else that we ordered. I also loved my spicy cocktail, cant recall the exact name. The waiter was very sassy, but I wouldn’t say he was rude. I found the vibe to be great as I really enjoy people watching. We paid around 300 usd which isn’t little for a street place like this but I think it was worth it 🍹

The tacos here are delicious. It was my first time and I am definitely going to stop by more often. I ordered the rib eye steak taco and it was full of amazing flavor. The line was long, but we got our food in record time.

My favorite were the belly pork tacos. Excellent Mexican food. Nice place to hang out with friends and have some fun.

The best thing we had was the Tecate and hot sauce. The tacos are overpriced and terrible (bistec con queso and cauliflower taco). Queso Fundido came with no pumpkin seeds, wet tortilla chips and tasted like the cheese from dominos pizza. We had to add hot sauce just to get any flavor.Just get drunk on $6 Tecates and leave.

Good street side tacos are hard to find, this place is a gem. Great tacos and great drinks. Fast service. Get the Pepino Diablo and the carnitas tacos.

This place is OK. I was in the upstairs part but they also have another bar completely separate from this. I will have to come back and check it out. The menu is very small. The portions are small so eat before you come here. I had the shrimp salad which was pretty good. The desert was bangin. The cucumber spicy margarita is phenomenal. It is very beautiful inside. Also, instagramable.

Really good sopa de tortillas and barbacoa. All good is good. Service is ok. Tacos are expensive for what you get but really good.

Speakeasy doesn’t open until 6:00 PM. Cozy cafe with top notch selection of tacos. Celestial tequila with orange garnish went down easy. Quaint place to try; busy location requires patience. Not recommended for children, although there were couples with children here. But it didn’t seem like they were enjoying themselves.

Amazing service. Great margaritas. Open seats for us when we walked in without reservations. Great food. I loved the chicken tacos and tortilla soup. Definitely smaller plates but you end up being full by the end with an appetizer and taco/other item. 10/10.

I am extremely appalled by the level of service in the restaurant. The service was so bad I could see people leaving before their meal came because the service was so bad. The waiter ignored me three times while I was trying to ask for some Ice. When we were ready to order he just stared at us not saying anything until we started ordering. I noticed the waiter kept ignoring other customers and just went to the bar to look on his phone. Eventually, the food came (which I enjoyed). When it came time to pay, the waiter forced that I needed to pay him 30 percent. When I clicked 20 percent, he said the tip was a mandatory charge of his service and he pressed 30 percent. To combat this, I put the custom tip and put in 5 dollars which he said custom tips are not allowed and changed it to 25 percent. I went back and pressed a 5-dollar tip and just left. This kind of bullying was something I would expect in a high school drama and not in an acclaimed restaurant. I have worked in the restaurant industry for years and know what its like to have a bad day, but never in a million years would I expect to turn out like this jerk.

Just dropped by La Esquina again after a few years – yup, that was my second time there. I just chilled at the counter this time, grabbing some fish tacos and a beer that the super nice lady there recommended. Seriously, everything was top-notch. The fish in those tacos? Fantastic! And the beer? Just hit the spot. It was the perfect pick-me-up for my afternoon munchies, keeping me going until dinner. Can’t wait to swing by again for another round. If you’re around, definitely give it a try – you won’t regret it!

Was able to walk in on a Wednesday with no issue. I would try to get a reservation if you are going to go on a week day. The menu was simple and our food was delicious

This place is a secret! In the basement of the building is a fantastic bar located. The bar keeper are very friendly and the cocktails are tasty. Only complain is, that you still have to wait quite a long time even with a reservation.

Nestled within a vintage bodega in the heart of SoHo, New York City, La Esquina blends old-school charm with a trendy twist. The cool ambiance sets the stage for a promising dining experience. While the appetizers arrived promptly, the service took a nosedive thereafter, with long waits and a lack of attentiveness. The absence of offers for second round drinks further dampened the overall experience, overshadowing the delicious food offerings. Despite the enticing flavors, the disappointing service shortcomings at La Esquina warrant a 3-star rating.

Great fun club atmosphere best corn on Cobb in city had ribs and Tres leches cake all good

This used to be one of my favorite places to come and dance to Latin music but it is very clear they only care about appealing to their white clientele now. Such a shame. I hope they get back to their roots.

Always a good idea! It’s a hidden gem in the city. (Well not so hidden anymore) . Food is tasty and drinks are great. Make a reservation in advance if you want to stay for dinner. Otherwise it’s nice to hang out by the bar. Food is available at the bar as well. Took a few friends there who were visiting. It was a success every time

I recently visited La Esquina and had a fantastic experience. My server was amazing - attentive and friendly, despite the restaurant being busy. The food was great too, with delicious Mexican cuisine that left me wanting more. I highly recommend this restaurant for anyone looking for a top-notch dining experience. Cant wait to come back!

Absolute amazing. I felt like i was back in Mexiko!!

Joined at the counter upstairs with a great beer and wonderful avocado tacos 🥑. Delicious!

My sister got a table here and we invited friends. We had a few more people show up than RSVPd. Went to get them up at the front but the bouncer wouldnt let them through. I tried to tell him it was for a birthday event and it was only two more people and he threw me against the wall very aggressively. We will never be going back here again. The music wasnt good and the bartenders were very rude and I watched them pour pre made margaritas from a plastic container. Also, the dining area we sat in smelled like raw sewage. There were buckets and tin foil all over the pipes and ceiling. Not worth it, spend your money elsewhere!

Brilliant atmosphere. Great food. Little hidden gem of a place with amazing tacos. James, the manager is the nicest man who helped my friend who fainted suddenly. So accommodating, calm and relaxed. Made us feel very welcome. Cheers to James

Great little spot with tasty plates.We particularly enjoyed the queso fundido, served sizzling on in a cast iron skillet!Reasonable prices, can become crowded and service might be impacted.

Great location, music and concept!Stopped by for a lunch break and really enjoyed it

I just went for party and it is really good, kind of difficult to get a reservation but the the atmosphere inside is amazing. Latin music and good drinks

By far the best and coolest restaurant I’ve ever had the pleasure of dining at. So much fun! Definitely an experience and not just a meal. I’ll be coming back!!!

I was so looking forward to our visit to La Esquina after my friend had highly recommended it.Sadly the reality was far from pleasant.Our server was incredibly cold and rude to us throughout. She clearly looked at us like tourists who didn’t matter & the service she provided was the worst I have experienced in my life.She took our drinks order then 5 mins later returned saying “I forgot your order what did you want”. At this point I could tell she didn’t like the look of us and decided we’d just order a couple of plates and leave as fast as possible.The food was good at least.The server did a check back on the table next to us saying “is everything ok for you?” Then turned to us and sharply asked, “good?”When she collected our check with the money, I was APPALLED - as she flicked through the receipts and counted the cash then and there on our table. It was like she was waiting for another opportunity to be rude & was expecting us not to not pay or not tip.I should not have tipped at all because she didn’t deserve a dime from me. The server had already dampened our evening enough - my boyfriend had proposed a couple of hours before and we thought we’d be happily celebrating there. How wrong I was.I did round up & leave a tip because I just wanted to get out of there without anymore hassle.A horrible experience. This was on 27th Dec. Please train your staff to treat customers like human beings.

The staff was super attentive and they kept the drinks and food flowing. I came with a big party and we had a prix fixe menu. The tostadas and tacos were good. I thought the streak was a little tough. I would recommend the elotes. The margaritas were delicious and deadly. I would be back.

I cant remember how many times Ive eaten at this place or ordered lunch takeout for the crew for one of my fashion photoshoot nearby. A great character for the neighborhood and great for people watching too. I painted a portrait of the restaurant for my series of Disappearing New York, which you can see on my website, KovalFineArt dot com.

Best place in the city. Who doesnt like a speak easy?This has been my go to place for years. Only the cream of the crop at this place and absolutely amazing food and drinks.Instagram @jarnold45 for live adventures and jokes

Started coming to La Esquina over 15 years ago and the tacos are even better now than they were back then. A lot of memorable nights down there.

Meh, very tiny portions. We got sat down and ordered drinks and some food. When it arrived it was obvious it wasnt enough, so we ate it and then asked to order more. The waitress told us wed have to move tables because our table was slated for another party (it was 25 minutes after we sat down!!).Ive never been asked to move in a restaurant in my life. So, sure, we moved.New table was dirty and the water guy poured water in to the dirty glass (with lipstick on) and didnt clear the old forks etc.service never got better. No apology or anything.Place for tourists that they can kick out ASAP.

Great underground (hidden) restaurant, loved the vibe here super lively! The tacos were special but the quesadilla definitely wasn’t, mushroom:cheese ratio was quite unbalanced. Definitely recommend drinks and tacos though and especially good for a weekend/Friday night 🤩

Bistec tacos are a must. Always trust a torta as an alternative. Amazing spot at this iconic SoHo location with kind and helpful staff.

It’s very obvious that the tales of this restaurants has reached a lot of Swedes, being a Swede myself it felt pretty weird hearing so many Swedish voices in one place. However, the drinks are delicious and the food is great, maybe a little overpriced but still it is an experience to visit this place under ground. You will need to book a table.

Great food, great atmosphere. We were seated in the basement which has a great vibe. Little bit too crowded for me though, it felt like we basically shared a table with our neighbors even though we had separate tables. The music is a bit too loud as well, which makes it kinda hard to talk. The food compensates a lot though. We had cauliflower tacos, brisket tacos, plantains, guacamole and ceviche.

The food is amazing. The service is unforgettable, very friendly and protective.

You must eat indoors! Make a reservation and bypass the sidewalk tables. The gentleman serving the sidewalk was quite rude, as we arrived 10 minutes before opening. He simply said they aren’t open, rather than explaining the indoor and outdoor service areas were different. We weren’t the only ones confused as there was another table that arrived before us. After walking down the stairs and through the kitchen, we were seated in a dark basement with lots of ambiance. The food was just as good as the atmosphere, and we even got a taco to go from the window upstairs. The only disappointing thing is that what is written on the window is no longer served. No el pastor, tongue or cochinita

RUDE SERVER!! The waiter was extremely rude! We were about to take a seat on one of the open tables outside not knowing there was a reception (there is none, just a tiny sign saying please wait). There was no way to understand that we were supposed to be seated and one of the waiters spoke to us very aggressively with a very derogatory tone. He said “Excuse me! What do think you guys are doing?” He was very loud and we really felt offended. We ended up not eating at the place and left. I will never come here.

Simply one of the best hidden treasures of SOHO. Try the queso with fried pumpkin seeds- Amazing. Sorry for only half of the queso in the photo, we could not stop eating it.

I didnt eat here but heard its amazing - the corner of one of New Yorks Insta worthy stops!

Diana the manager is one of the most nastiest, condescending, human beings to ever exist. If yr a female dj, don’t even bother stepping foot in this establishment. She’s a well known female hater and rather work with men than provide a safe, professional, and RESPECTFUL environment for all genders.

I’ve never experienced this in my life, not even sure I believe it happened.Tried to go in for a drink with a friend, the bouncer said it was reservation only all night. We told him we were just looking to grab a drink at the bar, he said they don’t allow it, the standing bar area is reservation only too and “just get it in your head, you’re not getting in tonight. Just leave”.After maybe a 30 second conversation where I just asked to stand at the bar.I had been there before more than once for just a drink, never been told that the bar area is reservation only but oh well.As we’re standing outside looking on maps for somewhere else to go, 3 large groups all walk in one after another (6-8 people each). Someone from each group greets him and gives him a handshake like they’re friends. They’re all let in. He’s not checking any names on any reservation list. No IDs checked. NothingA big group of guys we had seen who hadn’t gotten in before for the same “reservation only” excuse, left to get cash, then they were let in.I mean… what. This dude was so rude and awful. And corrupt?La Esquina… seriously. You guys should fire this guy. Bouncer last Saturday. Tall with a pin stripe suite and a wicked power trip.

I went here for my bachelorette expecting it to play latino music. But OMG this was the whitest place ever. If you want latino music do NOT come here.

Unreasonably loud. Think ambulance directly in front of you with its sirens on, plus a construction crew jackhammering the side walk… all for 2 hrs while you try to eat dinner. It was physically painful and impossible to speak with anyone at the table even directly across from you, you have to lean in and full on scream to communicate.Food was okay. They know Deff know their tacos.Bathrooms were filthy.

Amazing, everything! Tacos, ambiance, music, lighting. Just go

Great experience. Stephanie, the manager, and Sebastian (new guy) were awesome. Made us all feel loved and the food was delicious.Get the tacos..all the tacos. drinks were done nicely too. If this is normal service then you guys really exceed expectations. Well done.

Very good food. Great drinks.A little too much pomp and attitude, but once you settle into the space its pretty fun and mellow. The dining hall is pretty packed, not somewhere you go to find a quiet booth, youll likely be smashed right up against another table, but I think thats part of the fun.

La Esquina was the perfect place to celebrate a large birthday party! Everything including the venue itself, the food/drinks, and the incredible waitstaff were outstanding. We rented out the private room and chose the cocktail party option. Highly recommend for a fun and memorable evening. Special shoutout to Claudia who organized and was amazing to work with!

Went on a Monday. Was told could not eat downstairs without a reservation so I checked on resy and they had reservations open. When we went downstairs they place was 70% empty. Food was average, service was slow.

Awesome food. Service needs improvement.

The food here was great. The waiters was great as well. Made sure we had everything.

The ambience of the place is beautiful. Food is amazing. We ordered the tacos and steak and it was absolutely mouth watering.I have knocked off one star from my review because of the lack of service for food ordering as we have to order ourselves from the bar, which was quite annoying. The servers was also initially quite pushy and have repeatedly asked us if we are done with our food although there were clearly food on it.One guy waiter noticed that this behavior was very annoying and had apologized for it. So all good.

Drinks and atmosphere were great. Food on the other hand was very mediocre, with the exception of the ceviche de coco. Tacos were bland, could get MUCH better from a random taco truck, queso fundido tasted like plain cheese, tostadas were literally on tiny round chips, and the tortilla soup tasted like V8 with other things thrown in. For the price of everything ($200+), definitely expecting much better and to actually be full.

Quite possibly the worst restaurant EVER. I have travelled the world and never been treated as badly as I was tonight. The host and hostess were SO rude. We booked a table for 3 adults and we were given a table for two with a ledge on the side for the third person. No one understood the issue and no one cared so we left. And went to Soho Diner. Go spend your money there! It was amazing!! is

Wow. What an amazing place for dinner or drinks. Dont be fooled when you first walk past the upstairs kitchen - this place is at the top of its game with food, drinks, and service. Wish there were chances to rate higher on Google Reviews. Go here! You wont regret it!

We dined in the basement private room which was great but the seating was awkward for our party. We had to sit some in the middle and had to awkwardly turn around to speak with one another.The food was good but not fantastic for the price. The spicy cucumber marg was too sweet and they didn’t have a ton of variety in other popular drinks. It also turned into a club so it wasn’t conducive to conversation.PRICEY - $300/person.I wouldn’t go back to this location. The other faster more casual ones I’d do again.

What an incredible place! I went with my friends while visiting New York and it’s my fav place so far!!!! The food, the service, the atmosphere…unbeatable.Julio was the best waiter ever, if you read this Julio, thanks so much for making our night unforgettable

We stepped in waited for 15/20 minutes to get in to downstairs….Highly recommend for reservation in advance.. we couldn’t get the tables or bar .. too busy,but we went the cafe dining..Love the vibe and food. Definitely will come back again

Nice tacos on the go, would go back for sure.Nice location as well.

Love getting tacos from here because the soft tacos are made from corn so gluten friendly! The chicken and beef tacos are delicious and the plantains and the rice & beans! Chefs kiss. I like that the tacos dont come with cheese and you can get the sides without cheese. So gluten and dairy free friendly ✨️

Thought this place was going to be good after seeing the reviews but this place was disgusting, the food was terrible, we paid more than $100 for 4 plates that were disgusting and the utensils were dirty. NEVER WILL GO HERE AGAIN! Overpriced place, I will pay $12 for two tacos if they are at least good but the tacos were disgusting, my whole family had an upset tummy!

Verrry cool place. Very good service and great food. Tasty and generous. Cocktails are good too.

The best tacos ever!! Also vegetarian option

Amazing food and cocktails, the downstairs bar is buzzy and we were able to eat at the bar as we hadn’t booked a table. Great margarita and food was delicious.

Went out for a 12 person birthday dinner and the experience was ok. Aesthetic was nice, definitely paying for environment. Chose the prefix dinner, food was good but portions could’ve been more, had to ask for more because they didn’t bring out enough food. Sangria was watered down and the bill jumped up $80 more than what was quoted. $225+ for an ok time.

Used to be a good spot but when you have tacky stuck up seaters telling you youre late for your reservation when youve been at the location and checked in with the doorman and need to make a call, leaves a bad taste in your mouth just like the faint scent of sewage at one of the seating area. Drinks are good but overpriced, 2 tacos for $12 is a joke, small portions, $2 for a refill of chips. So many other good spots in the city to waste your time here anymore. Its also about the hidden appeal and exclusive advanced reservations. Dont waste your time. Good ambiance, nice bar area but its lost it.

Margarita pitches were amazing and the vibes were cool downstairs. Definitely should have ordered better on my end but get the queso fundido for sure.

Awesome lunch, food was authentic and the service amazing - very flavourful. Had the bisteca tacos and the fried banana (don’t let this fool you - tastes nothing like banana and it’s very tasty coupled with a spicy sauce). Definitely highlight of the day.

Ive eaten outside twice and the food is amazing. However, the service is so. bad. Both times. I had to go inside to the brasserie and order. There were two waitress and only one person eating outside. The waitresses still rarely came outside.

Avoid at all cost. This place is horrible. If I could give them a zero rating I would. They dont even deserve a one star. We ordered food (with the recommendation of the bartender) and food was brought to our table. We ordered Tostitos avocado and my receipt said tostadas avocado. However, one of items delivered to our table was i guess the wrong tostados avocado. This is my first time at this place, how was I supposed to know what I ordered vs what I got. The bartender was so disrespectful over a mistake the kitchen made. She spoke to us in a very disrespectful and degrading way and basically accused us of stealing someones order. We tried to speak to her respectfully yet she continued to be so rude and dramatic. We asked to speak with a manager and the manager was even more disrespectful and wanted to move us. We referred to her as ma’am and she somehow found that disrespectful and insisted that we move. Ive never been so embarrassed in my whole life. This place should be ashamed of their customer service. The bartender and manager were so petty. What a shame.

Been there just for happy hour, must come again for dinner. Magical place, nice atmosphere! Highly recommend. We had a corona beer and a sangria. When you step inside you’ll have to pass kitchen and stairs; once you get there first thing you can see is an amazing atmosphere, with soft lights and candles.La Esquina is the perfect place if you have to celebrate a big birthday party, you can also rent a private room. Can’t wait to come here again, this is a must when you’re in new york city. Even though we just had cocktails, we love this place and we’re looking forward to have a great dinner here

Bad experience. We had a table at 08:45 but we’re told to wait at the bar. We asked several times over the coming 30 minutes but a very unfriendly lady told us to “just wait”. An hour later there was still not a table for us. She just shrugged and asked if we wanted to cancel our reservation. Which we of course did and went across the street for a great Israeli meal instead. Oh - and the crowd was hip back in the 10’s. Now it’s more of a dorm party if you look at the crowd. So no real reason for the lady to have an attitude. Good music though.

Far and away the best Mexican food Ive had in the city. Every dish was good, just too hard to pick a stand-out. Gets pretty busy so either reserve far in advance or show up super-early or super-late. Really good music on when I went too (not something Id usually notice). Great drinks options and ambiance.

Must Have! Highly recommend! I had the chips and guacamole and elote!!! I had the chicken, shrimp, and steak tacos... AMAZING. The service was very friendly... the vibe was right.. all the things yall... my drink was so good too, had to get two.

Really fun place for a night out in the city! The vibe and atmosphere here is something that you have to experience for yourself. Definitely make a reservation to have a meal in the speakeasy downstairs where, you walk past the kitchen to finally find an underground restaurant/bar oasis.They serve pretty good drinks and Mexican food, but I would good here for the ambience and coolness factor.

I really like this place. The food is good, the atmosphere is fun and the service is friendly. I have to stop coming though because quite frankly, it is too expensive for lunch. The tacos, after tax, are at least $5 each. The tortilla soup is $8 but they just cut the size in half. I will miss you La Esquina. Good bye.

I am Mexican visiting NY. Really disappointed ! The prices are extremely high for the food they serve. Tacos!!! really??? two tiny bistec tacos for $16 USD?? plus 25% tip?? no way! and the tables too close to each other really unconfutable. For that prices at list you should add some rice or beans.

Food was 10/10 & the bar staff was amazing & super helpful and made delicious drinks!The food was tasty af we wanted to order more and more. We got the mussels, bistec, pollo, camarones and chicharrón tacos which were all mouthwatering. We also ordered the queso fundido (10/10!).I give a 4 because the hostess legit gave us looks all night and made us feel uncomfortable for being a group of 9 sat in the bar area (which we were told we could be sat there without a reservation). Hostess made us put our coats in the coat check because it looked “messy”.Shoutout to Juan at the bar for being the best! And thanks for fitting our group even though we didn’t have a reservation.

Excellent place for a date for two, with friends, or after work, it doesnt look kid-friendly, so you might want to leave them at home for this one.Authentic Mexican character and food. The service is what you would expect from a well run Mexican restaurant/ Bar/ Nightclub.Good ambiance, music, and decoration. Tables are very close to each other, but in this place, it adds to the experience, we didnt mind other patrons from neighboring tables.

Will not be returning. We came into the restaurant expecting to have a nice dinner. Was greeted with the N- word being dropped left and right over the speakers. When I asked our waiter if they’d be able to change the music and they told us no because they “dont control the music”. Trying to endure the music, it got to a point where I had to address a group of employees directly. The second time I addressed them, then the music changed. But I thought they couldn’t change the music?When going into a restaurant that charges upwards of $10 for 2 tacos, I expect to hear music that makes everyone feel comfortable. Especially when I was the only black person in the establishment.Also, the food was beyond average. Very plain flavors and the corn in the Elote was old.

I absolutely love this place. You can tell that they take their time and take pride in everything they make. The meats are amazing and I crave the chicken tortilla soup. They also have a few different seating areas so they are great for a quick bite while shopping in soho or make a Reservation for the private indoor dining which is great for a night out.

Ok, at the first step. everything was really good. Really good place, after 4 beers and Two margaritas with my friend the bartender said to us that the manager said that we have to drink water, the reality is that we were perfectly we work in hospitality and we know how to behave in any place. So the fact that put us in a situation as alcoholics made me put in a position to say that this the worst place to try to scape in a casual and friendship way.. never recommend I feel that you guys stole my money because a really spend. A good amount of money… hope you guys regret about this action and put damages in a person. You guys will know about this situation really well

Great little lively speakeasy styled Mexican restaurant and cocktail bar hidden behind a secret door. Im a big fan of tacos and these guys over delivered. Even catered for my dairy free partner. Margaritas were pretty great too. A little loud for a date night but a great evening for a group. Will be back soon!

We came at 10pm for a drink and were told no entrance without reservations, at full capacity. Rick at the front asked for $20 for each of 4 of us and let us in with $50 total. Bar was half full and definitely not at full capacity. Avoid this place.

Get the veggie quesadilla. It has huitlacoche in it. If you dont know it, Google it, then try it!

Everything there is just great. Don’t miss the corn in the starters - so simple yet so delicious.

Bouncer was really mean, food was mid af. Stay away

I had fish tacos and the elote. Delicious but small. I landed from Argentina and the dolar hurted, so if you are from the third world, avoid because a meal is a supermarket week 😂

An unforgettable experience for sure!Dont think Ive ever seen such a lively atmosphere for an underground restaurant. The vibe and decor cant be beat. I would say this is a must visit on any trip for at least a cocktail or two. There is a dance floor, but literally no room to move or dance. Its pretty much a stand only bar area to grab a couple drinks and enjoy the DJ.That being said, my whole group found the food pretty average. I wouldnt return for food. The large portion meals were solid, but on the dryer side. The lamb made much more sense than the pork belly did as far as make-your-own-tacos go, but were still a tad disappointing. The other taco and ceviche dishes were ok, but very forgettable.

Finally got to try the Mexican underground dining experience. A non descript simple but full kitchen is operating on ground level. On closer look, many people hover by a certain staff only door. A bouncer stands in front of the door and scrutinize papers carefully. It was not easy to get a rezzie but when you made it through the door, they treat you well. Servers were well informed, efficient and polite. The food was great. Especially liked the warm tortillas wrapped in clean linens and the perfectly ripe avocados. The most beautiful and cool crowds underground, so dress casual but chic.

Went here with the gf and another couple recently, this place is awesome! Very cool decor, you enter through a dumpy taco stand, down a flight of stairs, past the kitchen and into a really cool lounge / bar area. The dining room is small but very quaint. Food was delish! Great steak and the tacos were on point. Only downside is they only take reservations three weeks in advance.

Upon entering we were ushered to a waiting area near the bar. It was in the walkway of where the kitchen and restaurant is so therefore we felt like a nuisance to the staff as we kept getting in the way. There didnt seem to be a host informing guests on what was happening. After about 10min we had to find a staff member to ask about our table. We had a reservation for 8:15pm. She told us to get a drink at the bar and wait. We didnt get seated at our table till 8:50pm. So my initial experience with this restaurant was dissatisfaction. Once served, we had the fish tacos which didnt have much flavour, and the lamb which was chewy and not tender enough. I did enjoy the string beans and the huarache dona emi. The music is soo loud that the wait staff dont tell you what they are serving. Its just put on the table. Besides that, the decor and atmosphere is cool. But dont expect anything amazing.

As you approach, you see what looks like a traditional US diner. Neon lights and all. Get to what looks like a service entrance, knock on the door and a doorman answers. Takes your details and disappears returning seconds later with a smile to welcome you in. This place is awesome. Great food. Even greater vibe. Nice contemporary setting. Not cheap. Hard to find a place with more vibe. I can see why it is difficult to get into. Superb! Make a booking well in advance!

A great hidden spot for some killer tacos 🌮 delicious cocktails and an absolutely wicked atmosphere! Had the absolute best time here, the staff are super cool and very fun! There’s a lot of secret charm and character hidden in this place… You just need to take the time to scratch beneath the surface!

Went for the first time last night and I must say, anything is on point! You have to try the pork belly tacos. You will love them!

The music is so loud. Literally no one in the entire establishment wants it this loud. No one is dancing. Play it at a normal volume.

Food was amazing, really well presented, very tasty and a overall average price range.Cashier and Server were rude, there was nobody serving the tables so i went to the front to order, i state that im gonna sit and the girl on the register says ok. While im waiting at the table here comes the server who basically yells at me saying i cant sit there, the girl calls me my food on a bag and says that unfortunately i cant sit because I already ordered from the window, but she said yes when I asked in the first place? I left and just ate in the little park on the other side of the street.

Nice clubby vibe if you go to bar for drinks but can be hard to hear if you’re going for dinner. The food was alright nothing special but the drinks were nice. Nice place to go with friends to chill.

Definitely an amazing experience! The food was delicious, I especially recommend the Suadero tacos, the Chile en Nogada and the queso fundido😍. Our server Julio was super attentive and gave us great recommendations. The cocktails were delicious, the music is such a vibe and the service is super friendly. Reserve in advance and try to avoid weekends as it gets too packed. Loved loved loved the entire experience, I will be back!

Was excited to try this place but was sad to be denied access because i was with a group of “guys”This is a restaurant not a night club right?

I dined in upstairs with the cafe menu. It’s more casual up there than the downstairs which is a more of an outing, with a fun sexy vibe. The speakeasy/ nightlife is fun and busy. But for the cafe dining… the Elotes (street corn) was my favorite thing. Everything else was just average. Tacos ok, soup ok. I had a horchata drink and tried the coconut flan which were both ok. I’d be interested in trying the Brasserie menu downstairs which offers a wider variety of dishes.

If you look something different..this is the place.Is not just another mexican restaurant. Its a speakeasy restaurant. Don’t be scared, because a simple sight from outside you want to Run away!!! But after you pass through a metal door and down the stairs you will be in a excelent place having dinner with you family, wife or lover.

To reach the brasserie, walk through the taqueria and over to the bouncer, who will lead you down the stairs, past the kitchen and into the dimly lit restaurant. Its like a taco speakeasy.The best spot in NY. Atmosphere and decor are so cool. Bar and drinks were excellent. Food and service were wonderful.

The food was fantastic as always. The atmosphere is a little divey but that’s no issue when you’re in good company. The staff was very polite and attentive.

Really cute place - perfect for a date. However, the staff were rude (especially the guy at the door) and acted like they were doing you a favour by acknowledging your presence. I waited ten minutes standing right in front of the staff at the door that completely ignored me- when I mentioned I had a reservation, he didn’t even look at me when I spoke and shrugged it off and told me to wait a second. Apart from the lack of hospitality, the actual restaurant was cosy and has a good ambience.

Great food, OK service, a little on the pricey side.Try the corn (off the cob) as your side and the shrimp tacos - amazing.I didn’t like how there were no sides to he main plates but at least I enjoyed my food. Tables are tight downstairs, it’s super dark and loud so I didn’t love how I had to yell at my friend so she can hear what I was saying 😬

Nice terrasse to feel the Manhattan vibe. The food was pretty good and the cockails were well done. The price was good for the area.Overall, we really enjoyed our dinner at La Esquina.

It was a rad spot. I was visiting NYC and paid a visit to a friend who was playing music in the downstairs level. It was very ambient lighting, cool interior decor, and lots of amazing cocktails. The food was very well made, and I cant wait to return very soon.

Food was disappointing and really expensive -12 dollars for two tiny tacos? Tables are too close together, impossible to have a private conversation. We heard all the conversations of the two tables next to ours, so much so that it felt like we were a party of six instead of two. Our waitress was great, though.

I really didnt want to give such a mediocre star rating, but the food was awful. The only reason Im giving 3 stars is for their drinks - they are phenomenal. We ordered all vegetarian dishes and each of them had no flavor, very plain, just overall really disappointing. I have come here several times for the bar and last night was the first time I tried their food and was just utterly disappointed. I wouldnt spend my money here again on the food but would definitely come back for the drinks?

Pretty cool place, good carnitas tacos . Awesome location . Cool to sit down and people watch

By far the best Mexican cuisine Ive ever come across. A little on the more expensive end if you go downstairs into the speak-easy, but worth every penny. Loud, lounge like environment, but extremely chic and sexy. One of my select favorites.

A speakeasy taco shop- awesome. The hassle you have to go through to make a reservation- yawn. I wish this place had a little more innovation in its dna. Dont get me wrong there is nothing bad about this place but it has the potential and environment to do something spectacular. I wish they had an innovative take on dining other than the standard tacos and sopas. I would certainly go here again but I dont think I would ever make the reservation myself.

Been here a few times before and it was all right but the very last time it was bad. Not only did they spill two of our drinks and it wasnt until we had to say something to get a reorder but they also tried to scheme us with additional tips in our bill.

Really really unimpressed with this place! I had heard great things about the other locations and was excited that one opened up in my neighborhood. Stopped by the other day for a late lunch and was disappointed pretty much from the second we walked in the door. Stood at the entrance while someone from La Esquina was standing right in front of us half looking at us and half having a conversation with someone behind her. We politely waited for her to finish, thinking she was the hostess, but only AFTER we asked for a table for two were we told there was no hostess and to sit wherever.Will not be coming back as their attitude about the ordering, seating, etc process was really off putting and nothing tasted good enough for it to be worth trying to get an actual meal out of it. Id like to think it was the fact that we came at a somewhat off time, but if anything all that would have helped us with was using OTHER customers as an indication of what to do since they had plenty of opportunity to make sure we knew what the process was and did not even attempt to help us out.

Super fun place, great music with the best vibes to party

It looks like just a taco shop but it’s soo much more! Must make reservations. This is a very trendy place. The queso dip was delicious! I got the steak tacos which were pretty tasty but definitely small for the price. Drinks are also expensive around $14 to $16.

Had the chicken enchiladas with mole and really enjoyed it. The cocktails are pretty tasty as well. Ambience was very chill and hip. Service was good. Id go again.

My Wife booked this place. No idea what to expect. Dont let the front throw you off.Atmosphere was great and the food was perfect. I really enjoyed it. Great place to eat with a few friends. Will worth it.Note you must book as it gets very busy. Highly recommended.

Very high quality good; hidden, underground vibe makes patrons feel like they’re part of the “cool kids” group; yet despite the fancypants geographic location, hip factor by being somewhat “underground,” and very good food, the price for the meal was manageable. None of us grimaced when we saw the final bill at the end of the meal, which, by the way, included multiple generous cocktails!