02/26/09

I <3 Chef Ivan!

by AlphaWhiskey

I feel so fortunate to have stumbled upon this diamond in the rough. I have tried just about everything on the menu and have found myself endlessly impressed. The fish tacos are amazing...as are the pork. Wonderful drink menu that compliments any meal. The guacamole here is unlike any I have other had...you must try the watermelon! So inspired. The flan is prepared beautifully. Service here is prompt and professional. This is the perfect spot for a casual date. Feel free to ask the Chef for his suggestions...he has never steered me wrong.

• Pros: Beautifully prepared...inspired food.
• Cons: Wish is was a little bigger...but not at the expense of it's inherent charm.

02/09/09

Really Special

by AMandK

My husband and I love this place, especially early on in the evening at the bar. The food and service are fantastic--really unique. We've had the taquitos as a two-top at the bar (regulars) as well as a full roasted fish with a large party. Really wonderful.

01/11/09

Great neighborhood spot !!!

by skwire

I usually cringe when I see trendy new places like this opening up in my neighborhood. I say to myself ' Oh no, another hipster spot with half hearted service, attitude at the door and second rate food . But after 3 visits I have to say Mercadito Cantina is a great little local spot. The food is amazing . They are using high quality ingredients here . That said , the potions are a bit on the small side . Like I said , the place seems trendy from the outside and the music and atmosphere is obviously geared towards a younger hip 20 something crowd. The difference here ( and the reason why I LOVE this place so much ) is that there is zero attitude or pretension from the staff. I have eaten at some of the best restaurants in nyc and I have rarely been treated better than I have at this place . A bunch of sweet kids are running this place and they will jump through hoops to make you feel welcome and special. First visit my wife and I were thanked by the owner (who seemed like a kid himself) who then sent us the best flan we've ever had. 2nd visit on a busy friday night with no reservation , he remembered us by name and sat us immediately . The bartender bought us drinks 'for coming back !!!' 3rd visit and we are treated like old family members and on a first name basis with the whole staff . This is a great spot and I'm glad it's here in the east village and I hope that others who intend to open restaurants in the area take a cue from Mercadito Cantina .

12/10/08

Warning: Seriously addictive!!!

by losbusogs

After having been here three times in a week, I think it's safe to say that we are addicted to this place! Everything here is absolutely spectacular: The food, the drinks, the people, the overall vibe. We've had almost everything on the menu and can honestly say we've never had a bad plate. In addition to being incredibly generous, the staff go out of their way to make everyone feel special and accommodated, which certainly has made us come back again... and again. Mercadito Cantina is a great addition to the neighborhood and we look forward to going back gain...and again....and again.

11/25/08

best fish tacos

by lacatarina

I went to Cantina last Sunday after I read ?the best fish taco? review from chef Eric Ripert and I was blown away by the fish tacos.

It?s is great to be only a few blocks from this cute restaurant, I am definitely coming back.

• Pros: amazing food and creative drinks
• Cons: impossible to get in between 8-10

07/19/08

AMAZING tacos and even better drinks!!!

by em913

Had dinner at Mercadito Cantina last night and I was totally blown away. Their traditional guacamole was the best I've ever had and their salsas were so creative and unique. Even though their house cocktails don't feature hard liquor they're incredible and eclectic. Who would have thought to mix cilantro, muscat and agave?? (That's the noc elegante by the way). They even have a whole line of cocktails made with beer that are incredibly refreshing. The tacos were like nothing I've ever had. My favorites were the vegetarian (mushroom and manchego cheese) and the talapia. The dessert was the crowned jewel on top of this already amazing dining experience. We had two different types of flan that melted in my mouth. The service was excellent as well. The staff is well-informed and will never hesitate to explain their wonderful dishes and offer recommendations no matter how busy they are. I highly recommend checking out Mercadito Cantina, it's really unique and I've never seen anywhere like it.

• Pros: Tacos, drinks, service
• Cons: None!

Editorial Review

by Contributor

The first taqueria within a planned series, distinguished by original recipes from its sister establishments.