Macondo
(212) 473-9900
157 E Houston St
New York,
NY
10002
40.7229
-73.9891
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Lower East Side, Bowery
What People Are Saying About Macondo
The Editor
Joshua Bernstein
Citysearch
The Lower East Side goes tropical at this bright and airy bar, decorated with faux ivy and fruits suspended in nets that dangle from the ceiling. While the open kitchen serves savory street eats including empanadas and arepas, the real stars of the show are mixologist Junior Merino's playful, fruit-based cocktails, like the potent, mint-tinted Guava and Whiskey and the knockout, meal-in-a-glass Aguacate and Mescal ($7.50). It's a blended, silky-smooth mixture containing mescal, agave nectar and--get this--avocado.
High Marks
"Seems they use a lot of really interesting things like refurbished airline seats and plywood molded into beautiful booths." (gloflo, Citysearch user)
"Great place to relax and unwind with friends while enjoying delicious food and friedly staff." (cacula, Citysearch user)
"The cocktail menu is absolutely amazing, fresh and innovative." (JulianaCanido, Citysearch user)
Low Marks
"Not great service...our drink order was incorrect multiple times, and the food was in very small portions." (nyc55555, Citysearch user)
"It was uncomfortably hot inside...Possibly Macondo is still in its infancy, but there are much better choices in the neighborhood." (ilovemax, Citysearch user)
User Reviews
ilene117
June 28, 2009
Went out on a double date & had a fabulous time!! Didn't have any problem getting a table on a rainy Friday at about 8pm but the place filled up shortly thereafter. The waitress (Charlotte i think) was enthusiastic and very attentive to every detail. We ordered an assortment of food to share & a pitcher of the tamarind tequila drink- soo good & not too sweet. The server recommended this specialty sparkling beer drink which you use a flask to drink out of & it proved a great time for all. The food came out one thing tastier than the other- the manager came over and said hello and even sent out a few things just because. The dessert of churros & donuts wasn't too memorable but they were a tasty way to finish the meal. We stayed for over 2hrs and they didn't push us out or make us feel unwelcome ever. I will definitely return to try some more food items & their long tasty drinks. Having worked in many restaurants i appreciate when i can go out and be treated well just because and for that i give this place 5 stars!!!
read full review
flo
June 10, 2009
As somebody else pointed out, most 5 star reviews here have one thing in common: the reviewer has never written about another place, except two people who also gave their sister restaurant Rayuela 5 stars. Sounds suspicious ?, imho rather amateurish, but unfortunately very common and easy to do on this site and others. Let the dice fall where they may, people. If you guys at Macondo are good enough, it will show eventually, but please don't try to manipulate us with these fake testimonials. Having said that, I am going this week and will report about it. Hope Kevin Spacey is not sitting next to me, I'd prefer Benicio del Toro.
read full reviewmariaparra
March 11, 2009
Loved It! I was there last Thursday and waited for my friend at the bar while having a cocktail made with... avocado???? (a little risky I must say... some sort of frozen avocado drink mixed with a hard core Latin liquor) Absolutely amazing!!! Turned out to be that my friend never showed up and so I decided to stay for dinner at the bar. I had three to-die-for tapas including one named pastelon something made with plantains and beef and manchego cheese... Wow! I wish my "friend" would've been there with me. We're trying again next Friday. It's been a while since I've been to a place where I go for the risky options (I'm addicted to the flavors I know) and leave the place more than satisfied. Beautiful experience.
read full reviewThe Details on Macondo
Food Served:
Cure your hunger pains with pan-Latino street eats like codfish-stuffed arepas, shrimp ceviche and barbecued lamb tacos.
Fun Fact:
Prior to its tropical transformation, this space housed the drab--and quickly shuttered--LoSide Diner.
Outdoor Seating:
For prime people-watching on sunny, sultry days (or hot nights), nab one of the outdoor stools that line Macondo's concrete counter.
