Mercadito
New York, NY 10009
Phone: (212) 529-6490
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- Between East 11th Street and East 12th Street
- Directions:
- L at First Ave
- Hours:
- Mon 12pm-4pm, 5:30pm-11pm, Tue-Thu 12pm-4pm, 5:30pm-12am, Fri 12pm-4pm, 5:30pm-1am, Sat 11:30am-4pm, 5:30pm-1am, Sun 11:30am-4pm, 5:30pm-11pm
Editorial Review for Mercadito – by Allison Austin
The Scene
With table seating for just 14 inside (there's an enclosed back patio area with additional seating) and a bar that fits about eight, this softly lit, wood-lined jewel box of a place emanates a cozy warmth and a get-to-know-your-neighbor charm. Service is rushed yet friendly, always taking the time to check in and chat.
The Food
Chef Patricio Sandoval starts with the building blocks of authentic Mexican cuisine and adds his own flair. That means the just-mashed guacamole is brightened with little bits of mint and pineapple, and that shrimp seviche arrives in an addictive chili-coconut milk and lime juice bath. Tacos, including tender ancho-guajillo-rubbed pork and rosemary-marinated chicken with corn, come three to a plate and are perfect for sharing. Don't leave without ordering Sandoval's outstanding baked oysters, which arrive in their shell topped with a bit of manchego cheese and homemade chorizo.
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Insider Tips
What to DrinkThe house margaritas are outstanding, especially the citrus version with orange, grapefruit, lemon and a bit of habanero for zing, and the margarita "de playa" with orange, lime and jicama juices, and a touch of chipotle. For purists, the chelada---beer, lime, Worcestershire and Tabasco.
Know Before You GoAfter opening with a no-reservation policy, the restaurant is now taking reservations.
The ExtrasWant to enjoy Mercadito's authentic cuisine at your next party? Call for catering rates.
User Reviews for Mercadito
09/16/2008 Posted by nycshan
My friends and I had reservations on Saturday night for 8:30. It was raining, so obviously the outside seating was not an option. We had to wait until 9:30 to sit and we had to stand outside in the rain while waiting for our table due to the tight quarters inside. No apologies, no explanation, nada. The food was yummy, though petite...to put it nicely. Our waitress was nice, but the management is rude.
08/20/2008 Posted by andy99
The restaurant completely lost our reservation and did nothing to accomodate us when we were there. We were told "it should only be 5-10 minutes" three times and finally got fed up and left. I get the sense that they did not lose our reservation but rather did not have the guile to just admit that they were full. Like other bullsh*t NYC restaurants, the policy at Mercadito is to take more reservations than they can honor in order to ensure that they get business. Considering we tried to eat here on a Tuesday, I can only imagine how many frustrated customers wait for their "reservations" on a weekend. Save your money and eat at Papaya Dog instead
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