10/17/08

horrible, very expensive place for a big party

by ktobiassen

My friend had her birthday party here. Upon arrival, we were told that there would be a price fixe of $30 per person for chips, ceviche, and tacos. Not what I might have chosen, but whatever, fine. We were also informed that there would be a price fixe of $30 per person for open bar. When we explained that several people in our group don't drink, we were basically told tough luck -- opting out of open bar was not an option. This was a 40-year old crowd, generally not big drinkers. With the tax, tip, and kicking in for the birthday girl, it was almost $80 per person for tacos and one or two drinks. I feel robbed and angry.

Take a look at the people giving this place 'awesome' ratings -- it seems the vast majority of them have only reviewed this one particular restaurant. Highly suspicious!

• Pros: tacos and guacamle are very good
• Cons: draconian party policies, highway robbery

09/16/08

Poor service, Great food

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.

08/20/08

"Lost" Reservation

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

08/07/08

Scary Customer Service - Stay Away

by erock3

We had a terrible experience with the manager of this establishment. He basically erased our reservation and pretended we didnt have one. Never been treated worse in a restaurant.

This place needs a new manager badly and i feel sorry for the people who have to work for him.

05/22/08

Good restaurant, wish I was allowed to stay longer.

by nyc4lyfe

Great atmosphere, good food. The guac was amazing. Really nice place. The only problem is that my friends and I were rushed out the door literally as we paid our check. After dropping a solid amount of money on dinner and drinks, I'd expect to be able to finish my drink. Kind of a turn off.

• Pros: guac, ambience
• Cons: service-too rushed

04/29/08

Intoxicating Drinks, Delicious Food and Great Service

by Rohit1

It's a rare dining experience in New York to be ushered into a fun, vibrant scene at no sacrifice to great food and accommodating service. Yet Mercadito accomplishes this balancing act with aplomb, good-heartedness and creativity. Not surprisingly, the drinks, especially the ones laced with peppery bite are like sucking down ice, sweetness and fire - that really leaves you happy and mellow. The fish tacos are great - but I imagine just about everything on the menu is worth trying. I went with a big group and the servers were great and didn't rush us out despite it getting busy. Highly recommended.

04/25/08

Great mexican date and drink spot

by evbart

This is a great t little restaurant in an even better part of town. I used to live in this neighborhood, and I can't believe I've never gone here. I think it was mostly because there was always a line, and no one wants to wait in line on their own street.

Anyway, best fish tacos I've had in NYC so far. They've got some pretty creative dishes, and the drinks at the bar are a lot of fun. Most importantly the managers there were super cool with getting us seats, despite all the people waiting and all the reservations. Bartender (Mesh?) also knew all about the food, and made some great recommendations.

The restaurant itself is a bit cramped, though there is a big back room. The decor is cool, and it works as a date spot, if you're comfortable with some solid background noise. Tequila will do that.

• Pros: Fun interesting food, creative drinks, good management
• Cons: Creative drinks (some can be a bit too different, but thats good sometimes!), small space

04/25/08

Best service and ceviches in town

by Torushko

I brought my family to mercadito after receiving a great recommendation from a friend of mine. He was really right about Mercadito. Since the moment we arrived the staff was very polite and attentive. we ate in the back room and received and excellent service from Marcelo and the rest of the staff. My wife was delighted with the ceviche tasting and my children amazed me because they only want chicken fingers and fries every time we go out but in mercadito they ate everything, is not great? the pollo a la brasa was delicious with that corn pico de gallo. Finally I found a restaurant where I can bring my family without any concerns. In our ride home we could not stop commenting about our great experience at Mercadito. I am looking forward to coming back any time soon. I highly recommend mexican cuisine lovers to give a shot

04/15/08

DON'T EVER EAT HERE!!!! BAG STOLEN AND SHADY EMPLOYEES!!!

by fa451

Do not ever go here very sketchy place!!! My friend's purse was stolen here over dinner and when we realized and told the staff they were extremely uncooperative. They did not help us search the place and were very defensive. The manager didn't even offer to pay for our dinner!! The restaurant is tiny, uncrowded and only people that were ever near us was the staff.....Suspicious, right? Unfortunately for the them, whoever stole her purse used her credit cards and now police is on them. Don't recommend to anyone.

• Pros: None
• Cons: Everything

03/17/08

Where are the Carne Tacos?

by whydoineedamembername

Let me just say that I love Mercadito. While dinning there again last Saturday night I was once again impressed with the food, service, and margaritas. The tacos are my favorite - they may look small - but they are truly wonderful. I am also partial to the strawberry margaritas, but don't order them if you go to the west village location - they're not nearly as good. I was disappointed to see that they changed the menu and replaced the amazing lime and mint carne tacos with a sad substitue. The new tacos are still the same beautifully prepared skirt steak, but now they are served with fried potatoes - some sort of sharp baby french fries that add no flavor. Please, please, please bring back the old carne tacos!!!

• Pros: Tacos, Margaritas, Service
• Cons: packed, tight space