El Maguey y La Tuna
New York, NY 10002
Phone: (212) 473-3744
- Directions:
- F, V at 2nd Ave
- Hours:
- Tue-Sun 11am-11pm
Message from El Maguey y La Tuna
A Taste of Mexico in the Lower East Side- Weekend Brunch Sat & Sun.
- Frozen Drinks & Happy Hour!
- Great Mexican Brunch Tues-Sun
- Reservations On Weekends
Paid advertisement by El Maguey y La Tuna.
Editorial Review for El Maguey y La Tuna – by Allison Austin
The Scene
It takes a few minutes to get used to the lighting--the red bulbs cast a pink veil onto the red-floral vinyl tablecloths. You'll have to go through the kitchen to use the restroom, but it's all part of this diminutive restaurant's charm. Dinner feels like going to a new friend's cramped apartment--expectations are low, and you'll have a better time than you thought you would.
The Food
The menu is Mexican; authenticity depends on the dish and to some extent, on who's tasting it. Two large, shareable salads--one with grilled cactus, another with avocado and cilantro dressing--stand out. Spicy pork tacos--on corn tortillas with salsa fresca--and coctel Acapulco (shrimp cocktail) come awfully close to those found on the beaches of Mexico. Mole lovers will find a deep, thick, chocolatey version--nicely spiced and blanketing tender chicken. Carne asada and enchiladas verdes are also good choices.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
What to DrinkThe restaurant now has a full bar and serves margaritas.
When to GoBrunch is served daily from 12pm-4pm. Choose between huevos rancheros, the "El Maguey" omelette with peppers, sausage and guacamole and assorted tortas.
CateringCatering is available for any occasion.
User Reviews for El Maguey y La Tuna
11/29/2007 Posted by alpearsall
This is not Tex-Mex (there is a difference), so don't come here expecting it. But if you want good, honest, downhome Mexican food like they make on the border (which is where I grew up), this is your place and it will not disappoint. The meat is pulled, not ground. The emphasis is on flavor and not heat index (and if you want your salsa spicier, they have hotter salsa in the back; just ask for it - I usually mix a spoonful or two of the hotter stuff into the milder stuff). I have always loved everything I've ordered, but my favorite thing is their posole, and they make it just like my mom does. When I can't get on a plane and I need a taste of home, I come here. It's well worth the trip to the LES.
Pros: casual, good food, friendly service
Cons: small, not much in the way of ambience
09/12/2007 Posted by surfguido
After reading all the positive reviews, I was very excited about trekking to the outer region known as lower very east side. I should have known reading the menu online that it might disappoint. To caveat, I've spent most of my adult life in Texas, and I like the basics tex mex/american - my favorite things are far from adventurous: beef tacos or fajitas - but I've had enchiladas, mole, etc. Alas, I never realized it could be so hard to get basics downs like chips and salsa - I like my chips very thin and crispy, and I like my salsa basic with kick - literally roasted roma tomatoes, Serrano peppers, salt and pepper. Unfortunately, this place was average on all this - hard thick chips that chipped my teeth, and a very mild/sweet salsa which had cilantro and onions, but no kick. They didn't even have ground beef tacos - and the only toppings they had on their tacos were onions, guacamole, and pico. 90% of tacos I've eaten in Texas come with lettuce and cheese. Server recommended the mole chicken - I went with the Steak Asada which was basically the steak fajita not chopped - oversalted and well done - I like my meat a little rare. The positives was the service was good and friendly, and the margaritas were tasty and strong - and cheap during happy hour $4 from 6-9pm. Unlike many here, my search will go on, and Chipotle will still sadly reign as the best tex mex, particularly for the value - next up though is Mexi Mama's.
Pros: Tasty, strong, and reasonably priced (during happy hour) margaritas.
Cons: Chips, Salsa, Tex/Mex American not good, location
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