La Esquina
New York, NY 10012
Phone: (646) 613-7100
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- Lafayette Street and Cleveland Place
- Directions:
- 6 at Spring St
- Hours:
- Taqueria: 12pm-5am, Cafe: Mon-Fri: 12pm-12am, Sat-Sun 11am-12am
Editorial Review for La Esquina – by Kathleen Squires
The Scene
A sleekly restored diner car doubles as a taqueria and a front for one of the city's most stylish dining destinations. Behind the door marked "Employees Only," down the stairs and through the bowels of the kitchen, lies a gothic vault ornamented with wrought iron gates and dripping candelabras. Clusters of fashion and music types, outfitted in their best dungeon glam, augment the allure.
The Food
Thankfully the unique space doesn't outshine the food, influenced by consultant Richard Ampudia of nearby Cafe Habana. Every step pleases, from skillfully balanced seviches to authentically styled tacos and the generously flavored mains. If the kitchen keeps turning out winners like the soothing, tangy cold avocado and tomatillo soup, a plump, herb-infused whole red snapper, and spongy tortillas stuffed with meats like citrusy, slow-roasted pork, the crowds will persist long after the cachet wanes.
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Insider Tips
The ExtrasFor a quick bite and more limited menu, try the attached Cafe Esquina, open for lunch and dinner. Even more pressed for time? Line up at the taqueria's take-out window.
What to DrinkMargarita-lovers can choose from 70 fine tequilas; or try the agua frescas, water and juice blends, for a nonalcoholic refresher.
Outdoor SeatingDuring warmer months, get there early to nab one of the sidewalk tables.
User Reviews for La Esquina
02/12/2008 Posted by aim2008
What a waste of time. I arrived at 6:15pm for a 6:30pm reservation, I checked in with the girl at the door and was waiting for my boyfriend to meet me upstairs in the trailer part before heading down to the restaurant. When he arrived at 6:35 we headed downstairs through the kitchen only to find out that our table had been given away. Whatever happened to a 10 minute grace period? The staff was so pretentious and offered no resolution to the problem except to say we shouldn't of been late. Is it really worth going through all this for so so Mexican food. Walking through the kitchen is gross and the mats are filthy also.
Cons: poor service
01/31/2008 Posted by SinclairT
I agree very much with some of the previous reviews. The food is not good in any way and there is so much attitude from the staff , it is just laughable. If you want to feel like a 15 year old , trying to be really really hip, this is the place for you. You must enter thru a "private" door , and walk thru the kitchen to get to the underground dining room. I don't know about you , but having a stream of people walking by my food as it is being prepared , doesn't whet my appetite. In addition , as I entered the dining room, it really had an odd and bad smell. You got used to it, but really , do you want to have to get used to some bad smell in a place where you are paying to have dinner? The restaurant just felt dirty. Needless to say , I won't be returning , or recommending it .
Pros: Can't think of one
Cons: Smelly , contrived, average food, attitude
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