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(212) 358-7800

348 1st Ave (20th & 21st)
New York, NY 10009 40.73546 -73.979319

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Neighborhoods: Stuyvesant Town, Midtown

vamosnyc.com

Hours:

Daily 11am-11pm

Price:

$$$

Last updated 5.12.11

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Margaritas, Lunch Spot, Prix Fixe Menu

Cuisine:

Mexican

Special Offers

Editor's Tips

What People Are Saying About Vamos

The Owner

Vamos

Owner

Happy Hours4pm to 7pm Special Nights:Monday: All you can eat Tacos+1 Frozen Margarita $19Saturday and Sunday : Prix Fixe Brunch Americano (Including 1 Mimosa) $14.95 Special Events:Every Last Saturday of the month it's Cinco De Mayo all over againFrozen Margarita $6Come Join us for the best margarita in NYC

Provided by CityGrid

Featured Review

Justin Hartung

Contributor

This taqueria could easily fit a couple of restaurants in its massive space. High-backed wooden chairs and a low ceiling painted painted with bright colors add a dash of intimacy. On the other hand, stacks of T-shirts for sale, the post-work crowd gathered at the square-shaped bar and the extra-smiley service add up to a somewhat suburban-feeling scene. If the decor leans toward the impersonal, this taqueria's grub sparkles with personality: tender tacos filled with everything from pulled pork to crispy shrimp, ancho chile hanger steak, lamb burritos and more.

Editor's Tips

What to Drink:
Served in stemless glasses, the potent margaritas rank with the city's best and come in surprising flavors like lemon basil, cilantro, and tamarind.
Where to Sit:
In addition to the square bar, there's also bar seating facing the open kitchen, which can provide more low-key seating when the tables are full.
Brunch:
Taqueria twists on brunch fare include serrano peppers added to an egg and ham sandwich, and pancakes made with plantains.
The Extras:
Visit sister restaurant Petit Abeille next door.
ambiance
100.0% positive
  1. “recommend it to anyone looking for a nice atmosphere & great food.”
  2. “The bartender was fun and attentive.”
  3. “It's a shame - this is a great location and even with the shortage of restaurants in the Sty town area and the fact that I live across the street - I would not go back to Vamos.”
  4. “Amazing food, warm atmosphere, tasty drinks!”
  5. “love the atmosphere too.”
  6. “have a few dips in their world-class guacamole and enjoy the atmosphere, just wonderful.”
  7. “We were all very surprised by the quality and freshness of the food, this is serious Mexican food presented in an elegant manner and in a funky modern decor.”
dessert
100.0% positive
  1. “There is a nice selection of desserts as well, tres leches cake is my favorite.”
  2. “had the burrito which I liked, the guac was good and the tres leche cake was really good!”
drinks
100.0% positive
  1. “and I love the special drink they serve on monday nights- it has cucumber in it with strawberries.”
  2. “The food, the drinks the whole experience is wonderful.”
  3. “three glowing reviews written on the same day using terms like "i extended this unique bar experience.”
  4. “feel that now i can finally get myself to walk several blocks for good food, friendly staff and much cheaper drinks.”
  5. “I'f you're looking for a great authentic mexican dish accompagnied by a solid drink at a reasonable price you should definitely try out VAMOS!”
  6. “extended this unique bar experience with dinner in the restaurant, service was very good and the food is always good.”
  7. “We all started with a few of their gourmet Tacos which might be some of the best in town and enjoyed sharing and tasting, the only thing is that our cocktails took a little long but it was worth the wait as their concoctions are fresh fruit based and very”
  8. “Their drinks are wonderful, especially their Mojitos.”
  9. “great variety of tequila mixed drinks will floor you but in combination with the delicious upscale Mexican food it will make your night.”
  10. “That's all I need good drinks, good food and friendly smiles.”
  11. “Some things to consider - The music is always on point sometimes there is a live Dj that accompanies the great food and well mixed drinks.”
  12. “The drinks are absolutely delicious.”
  13. “Amazing food, warm atmosphere, tasty drinks!”
  14. “The front bar is a great place to enjoy a few margaritas (with cointreau!)”
  15. “Their drinks are potently delightful.”
food quality
91.85999870300293% positive
  1. “had the burrito which I liked, the guac was good and the tres leche cake was really good!”
  2. “that said, i will give it another shot, hopefully the people of the neighborhood are not so desperate for decent food options that they won't voice their opinions and get this place to perk up a little.”
  3. “The food is great here and the staff is very friendly.”
  4. “excellent and diverse mexican food”
  5. “This isnt the coolest, but it is inexpensive and darn good food.”
  6. “Service was friendly, Their Margaritas are HUGE and delicious.”
  7. “Great food.”
  8. “Most dishes put an "interesting spin" on regular Mexican food and are very tasty.”
  9. “It is a great spot to get drunk and also to eat wonderful food.”
  10. “Great restaurant, great food, great experience!”
  11. “The drinks are absolutely delicious.”
  12. “We spilt the Ensalada Mixta for starters - a huge house salad with jicama, avogodes dressing, queso fresco and tortilla strips - it was delish.”
  13. “feel that now i can finally get myself to walk several blocks for good food, friendly staff and much cheaper drinks.”
  14. “That was an amazing fish!”
  15. “Amazing food, warm atmosphere, tasty drinks!”
  16. “really like their chicken mole poblano, it's a chicken dish w/ a brown sauce and sesame seeds, their hanger steak with it's side mashed potatoes.”
  17. “had the Al Pastor tacos - pulled pork topped with caramelized onions, pineapple and cilantro wrapped in corn tortillas, that were incredible.”
  18. “We were all very surprised by the quality and freshness of the food, this is serious Mexican food presented in an elegant manner and in a funky modern decor.”
  19. “recommend shrimp salad, quesadillas and lamb burritos.”
  20. “It's a little more pricy than your basic burrito joint, but everything I have eaten there is yummy.”
  21. “the food was so-so and i only ate there is i was really hungry, didnt want to order in AND was willing to pony up for the huge price tag on the small portions.”
  22. “recommend it to anyone looking for a nice atmosphere & great food.”
  23. “The guacamole was quite good - not the best I've ever had, but pretty tasty - although a little over priced for the amount.”
  24. “That's all I need good drinks, good food and friendly smiles.”
  25. “The food is OK but overpriced for what it is and the margaritas are great.”
  26. “We all started with a few of their gourmet Tacos which might be some of the best in town and enjoyed sharing and tasting, the only thing is that our cocktails took a little long but it was worth the wait as their concoctions are fresh fruit based and very”
  27. “The food is good, not extraordinary but pretty good.”
  28. “For the portion sizes the restaurant may seem expensive, but the food itself is absolutely wonderful.”
  29. “The food is decent but way overpriced considering the small portions!”
  30. “The frozen, fruit flavored margaritas are not only delicious, but strong!”
  31. “extended this unique bar experience with dinner in the restaurant, service was very good and the food is always good.”
  32. “Love the tacos and quesadillas.”
  33. “I'f you're looking for a great authentic mexican dish accompagnied by a solid drink at a reasonable price you should definitely try out VAMOS!”
  34. “First came the beef tacos- which was pretty decent but not spectacular.”
  35. “The food, the drinks the whole experience is wonderful.”
  36. “I've been to Vamos a few times and the food has been consistently fresh and delicious, great margaritas as well.”
  37. “great variety of tequila mixed drinks will floor you but in combination with the delicious upscale Mexican food it will make your night.”
  38. “Some things to consider - The music is always on point sometimes there is a live Dj that accompanies the great food and well mixed drinks.”
  39. “My friend had the Cochinita - yucatan style slow cooked pork with mixed marinated onions wrapped in a banana leaf, and it melted in your mouth!”
  40. “once seated, our waiteress - who was adorable and very efficient - recommended the tuna tostadas for an appetizer - absolutely delicious.”
  41. “The food is great, service friendly and prices reasonable.”
  42. “That's really all I needed to enjoy my meal but the Tacos were also surprsingly delcious.”
  43. “The chips were warm and crisp, and the accompanying salsa was tasty - though not very spicy (a good thing for many).”
menu variety
100.0% positive
  1. “that said, i will give it another shot, hopefully the people of the neighborhood are not so desperate for decent food options that they won't voice their opinions and get this place to perk up a little.”
  2. “great variety of tequila mixed drinks will floor you but in combination with the delicious upscale Mexican food it will make your night.”
  3. “There is a nice selection of desserts as well, tres leches cake is my favorite.”
  4. “excellent and diverse mexican food”
  5. “They even have a brunch menu which is very good.”
overall
100.0% positive
  1. “say good because there are a number of things that bring down what could be a wonderful place.”
  2. “The front bar is a great place to enjoy a few margaritas (with cointreau!)”
  3. “Its a great place to sit and grab a bite, check it out.”
  4. “think what most people need to know with regards to this restaurant is that overall its a good place.”
  5. “Great music and a good place for large groups.”
return potential
100.0% positive
  1. “It's a shame - this is a great location and even with the shortage of restaurants in the Sty town area and the fact that I live across the street - I would not go back to Vamos.”
  2. “I'd recommend this place for a group of friends or even a date and will definitely go back.”
  3. “Overall, it was a memorable dinner and experience and I will definitely be back for happy hour!”
service
81.94000244140625% positive
  1. “The food is great here and the staff is very friendly.”
  2. “Service was friendly, Their Margaritas are HUGE and delicious.”
  3. “extended this unique bar experience with dinner in the restaurant, service was very good and the food is always good.”
  4. “that said, i will give it another shot, hopefully the people of the neighborhood are not so desperate for decent food options that they won't voice their opinions and get this place to perk up a little.”
  5. “They work hard, they work all night, so don't be a snob and try to complain that they have bad service because I have seen first hand how hard they work.”
  6. “The bartender was fun and attentive.”
  7. “The service is always very fast and attentive, I have never experienced rude waitstaff or managers.”
  8. “The service is horrible.”
  9. “Worst bartender”
  10. “typically i am an "on the rocks w/salt" girl, but the bartender encourgaged me to try a cilantro margarita which was amazing.”
  11. “That's all I need good drinks, good food and friendly smiles.”
  12. “I've eaten there several times as I kept going back for convenience sake and never had good service.”
  13. “feel that now i can finally get myself to walk several blocks for good food, friendly staff and much cheaper drinks.”
  14. “think what most people need to know with regards to this restaurant is that overall its a good place.”
  15. “They could have been slightly more attentive, but they made great recommendations and I always appreciate that.”
  16. “The food is great, service friendly and prices reasonable.”
  17. “The service wasn't half bad too!”
  18. “Our waitress was fantastic.”
value
90.90999603271484% positive
  1. “The food is great, service friendly and prices reasonable.”
  2. “The guacamole was quite good - not the best I've ever had, but pretty tasty - although a little over priced for the amount.”
  3. “We all started with a few of their gourmet Tacos which might be some of the best in town and enjoyed sharing and tasting, the only thing is that our cocktails took a little long but it was worth the wait as their concoctions are fresh fruit based and very”
  4. “This isnt the coolest, but it is inexpensive and darn good food.”
  5. “We spilt the Ensalada Mixta for starters - a huge house salad with jicama, avogodes dressing, queso fresco and tortilla strips - it was delish.”
  6. “For the portion sizes the restaurant may seem expensive, but the food itself is absolutely wonderful.”
  7. “the food was so-so and i only ate there is i was really hungry, didnt want to order in AND was willing to pony up for the huge price tag on the small portions.”
  8. “I'f you're looking for a great authentic mexican dish accompagnied by a solid drink at a reasonable price you should definitely try out VAMOS!”
  9. “The food is decent but way overpriced considering the small portions!”
  10. “The food is OK but overpriced for what it is and the margaritas are great.”
  11. “Vamos is not super expensive, but it's the little things that get me.”
wait time
50.0% positive
  1. “My friend had the Cochinita - yucatan style slow cooked pork with mixed marinated onions wrapped in a banana leaf, and it melted in your mouth!”
  2. “We all started with a few of their gourmet Tacos which might be some of the best in town and enjoyed sharing and tasting, the only thing is that our cocktails took a little long but it was worth the wait as their concoctions are fresh fruit based and very”
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

11/10/10

Terrific skirt steak

by SteveD69 at Citysearch

We just tried this place the other night and were pleasantly surprised. The guacamole was very tasty.

The skirt steak was fantastic, cooked just the way I like it. Rice & beans were good overall.

Definitely recommend this place. Nice bar area as well.

4 Star Rating: Recommended

03/18/10

Memorable Mexican

by prlgirl , Citysearch Contributor at Citysearch

Vamos is a great neighborhood, Mexican spot. I meet friends here on occassion after work for happy hour margaritas. They allow you to indulge on chips and dip that aren't stale or an afterthought. Love the tacos and quesadillas. The frozen, fruit flavored margaritas are not only delicious, but strong! And the DJ on Friday and Saturday nights plays a great mix of music. Definitely a place to check out on Cinco de Mayo.

  • Pros: Chips, maragaritas
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

12/28/09

Friendly Service

by JGZ at Citysearch

I was there for lunch during the week, so it wasnt so crowded - but something tells me this spacious restaurant gets quite lively on weekend nights.

The chips were warm and crisp, and the accompanying salsa was tasty - though not very spicy (a good thing for many). I enjoyed my enchiladas suizas, though they could have been slightly more seasoned. Still, overall, a good effort.

Service was friendly, Their Margaritas are HUGE and delicious.

Its a great place to sit and grab a bite, check it out.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

10/21/09

AMAZING FOOD

by Cari2527 at Citysearch

The food is great here and the staff is very friendly. I come here every time i get a chance. I recommend it to anyone looking for a nice atmosphere & great food. The drinks are very well made too. Don't get me started on the desserts they are to die for. ...YUMMM!

  • Pros: BEST QUESADILLAS
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

06/13/09

Great restaurant, great food, great experience!!!!

by pickyeater215 at Citysearch

This has become one of my regular spots. The food, the drinks the whole experience is wonderful. If you're not into loud music though, this place might not be for you, and New York City might not be either. I've never had a bad experience there. The waitstaff is always so wonderful and always makes my experience a good one.

It is always busy and they are always running around so give the guys a break! They work hard, they work all night, so don't be a snob and try to complain that they have bad service because I have seen first hand how hard they work. The bad reviews below seem to be from close minded people who can never be satisfied.

Thank you Vamos for always being so accommodating and for the best happy hour! See you again soon!!!

  • Pros: The food, the margaritas the service!
  • Cons: Absolutely nothing!!

The Details on Vamos

Place Categories:

  • great mexican food
  • friendly service
  • best fruit flavored margaritas
  • great place
  • great bar experience
  • wonderful mixed drinks
  • nice atmosphere
  • great mexican restaurant
  • pretty decent beef tacos
  • great mexican spot
  • very friendly staff
  • especially liked fried red snapper
  • yummy everything
  • really good cilantro margarita
  • great big space
  • worst bartender
  • warm chips
  • always so wonderful waitstaff
  • love mexican
  • incredible watermelon margarita
  • reasonable price
  • really good tres leche cake
  • nice big glasses
  • authentic mexican dish
  • love special drink

As Seen In…

Best of Citysearch

New York

Message from Vamos

  • WEEKLY SPECIALS!
  • GREAT MEXICAN CUISINE!
  • VOTED BEST MARGARITA 2007

Happy Hours

4pm to 7pm

Special Nights:

Monday: All you can eat Tacos+1 Frozen Margarita $19

Saturday and Sunday : Prix Fixe Brunch Americano (Including 1 Mimosa) $14.95

Special Events:

Every Last Saturday of the month it's Cinco De Mayo all over again

Frozen Margarita $6

Come Join us for the best margarita in NYC

Vamos

Free appetizer with the purchase of any drink(per table)

Free appetizer with the purchase of any drink(per table)

Valid until 4/29/13

Vamos - 348 1st AveNew York, NY10009 - (212) 358-7800

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