La Esquina – Mexican
Tucked away behind an unassuming storefront, this vibrant sanctuary pulses with the energy of a hidden cantina, where the air is thick with the scent of charred chiles and slow-roasted carnitas. Hand-pressed tortillas cradle bold, zesty flavors that dance alongside salt-rimmed cocktails, creating a spirited escape that feels like a secret slice of Mexico City.
200 West 55th Street, NY 10019 +1-646-613-7100 https://www.esquinanyc.com/location/la-esquina-nyc-midtown/Rating: 4.2/5 (875 reviews)
Cuisine: Mexican
Price range: $$
Dietary options: low-carb, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, high-protein, keto, mediterranean, pescatarian, heart-healthy, plant-based, low-fat, sugar-free, paleo, diabetic, whole30, anti-inflammatory, south-beach, clean-eating, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, atkins, weight-watchers, volumetrics, tlc, detox, alkaline, zone, mayo-clinic, pegan, candida, macrobiotic, slow-carb
Currently open
Hours
- Monday - Sunday
- 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
What diners are saying
Diners are pleasantly surprised by this hidden gem, praising the vibrant atmosphere filled with classic salsa music and friendly, welcoming service. Guests rave about the authentic flavors, highlighting standout dishes like the tender brisket tacos, generous prawn bowls, and sweet platanos, alongside a light and tasty coconut flan. The drink menu is a major draw, with reviewers celebrating the delicious classic, mango, and strawberry margaritas as perfect accompaniments to the lively, inviting vibe.
Menu
- Plato Julia - $16: Rice, Mixed Greens, Black Beans, Roasted Corn. Green Beans, Queso Fresco, Avocado, Pumpkin Seeds & Pico de Gallo. Add Protein $5 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Volumetrics, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb
- Ensalada De La Casa - $12: Mixed Greens, Avocado, Queso Fresco, Tortilla Crisps, Sesame Seeds, Balsamic Vinaigrette Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Heart-Healthy, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Volumetrics, TLC, Mayo-Clinic
- Esquites - $7: Grilled Sweet Corn topped with Cotija Cheese, Aioli, and Chili Piquin, served warm Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Guacamole - $15: Made fresh daily with Hass Avocado, Onion Cilantro, Lime, Tomatoes, Jalapeños, served with Corn Chips
- Sopa De Tortilla - $14: Smoky Hearty Chicken and Tomato Soup served with Avocado, Queso Fresco, Crispy Tortilla Strips, Toasted Ancho Chili, Lime Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Volumetrics, Mayo-Clinic
- Tinga De Pollo Taco - $5.5: Slow Cooked Chicken, Avocado, Chipotle Sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating, Mayo-Clinic
- Short Rib Taco - $6: Beer Braised Short Rib, Cilantro, Tamarind, Pickled Red Onions Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
- Bistec Con Queso Taco - $7: Seared Rib Eye, Monterey Cheese, Onions, Cilantro, Salsa Roja Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Carnitas Taco - $7: Citrus Confit Pork, Cilantro, Onion, Salsa Verde Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating, Mayo-Clinic
- Pescado Taco - $7: Beer Battered Market Fish, Red Onion, Salsa Verde Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Mushroom Taco - $5.5: Roasted Mushrooms, Mint, Garlic, Epazote, Salsa Roja Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Pegan
- Queso Quesadilla - $9: Monterey Cheese, Pico de Gallo, Salsa Roja Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Tinga De Pollo Quesadilla - $12: Slow Cooked Chicken, Avocado, Chipotle Sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Short Rib Quesadilla - $15: Beer Braised Short Rib, Chipotle, Tamarind, Pickled Red Onions Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Bistec Con Queso Quesadilla - $15: Seared Rib Eye, Monterey Cheese, Onions, Cilantro, Salsa Roja Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Carnitas Quesadilla - $13: Citrus Confit Pork, Cilantro, Onion, Salsa Verde Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Chorizo Quesadilla - $12: Chorizo Papa, Pico De Gallo, Tomatillo Salsa Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Mushroom Quesadilla - $12: Roasted Mushrooms, Mint, Garlic, Epazote, Salsa Roja Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Chilaqueles Verdes - $18: Crispy Tortillas simmered in Salsa Verde, Egg, Pico de Gallo, Queso Fresco, Black Beans. Add Protein $5 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- Enchiladas De Mole - $28: Roasted Chicken, Mole Sauce, Crema Fresca, Oaxaca Cheese, Sesame Seeds, Pear Dietary tags: High-Protein
- La Esquina Burger - $19: Brisket Blend, Special Sauce, American Cheese, Jalapeños, LTO and Fries Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Ejotes - $7: Charred String Beans, Lime, Garlic Dressing Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida
- Platanos Machos Fritos - $7: Fried Plantains, Queso Fresco, Salsa Verde Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, High-Fiber
- Moros Y Cristianos - $6: Rice, Black beans, Queso Fresco, Pico de Gallo Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb
- French Fries - $8: Crispy Fries, Pico de Gallo, Cotija Cheese, Chipotle Mayo Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free
- Spicy Carrots - $6: Pickled carrots, Vegetables, onions, jalapeno peppers Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida
- Cafe Tres Leches - $12: Light Chiffon Cake, Whipped Cream, Coffee Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Mexican Panna Cotta - $12: Queso Asadero, Pineapple, Pumpkin Seed Brittle Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Pescatarian
- Sexico Margarita - $15: Cazadores Blanco, Lime, Orange, Agave
- Spicy Daisy Margarita - $16: Tanteo Jalapeño, Lime, Orange, Agave
- Coca Cola - $3
- Jarritos - $4: Mandarin, grapefruit, tamarind
- Horchata - $5: Refreshing, Mexican rice drink
Frequently Asked Questions about La Esquina
- Does this restaurant offer good ambiance?
- With a 4.2/5 rating, guests praise the vibrant atmosphere filled with classic salsa music and describe it as a lively, inviting escape.
- What are the main concerns mentioned in customer reviews?
- Reviews mention no concerns, instead praising the vibrant atmosphere, friendly service, authentic brisket tacos, and various fruit-flavored margaritas.
- What are the most popular dishes at this restaurant?
- Popular dishes include tender brisket tacos, generous prawn bowls, sweet platanos, coconut flan, and classic, mango, and strawberry margaritas.
- Which dishes work for multiple diets at once (e.g., keto + gluten-free)?
- The Mushroom Taco accommodates gluten-free, low-carb, and vegan diets, while Ensalada De La Casa serves low-carb, vegetarian, and heart-healthy needs.
- Is this restaurant good for casual dining or more upscale?
- This restaurant offers a casual, vibrant cantina atmosphere featuring salsa music, friendly service, and moderate ($$) pricing.
- How many reviews does this restaurant have?
- The provided information for La Esquina does not include the specific number of reviews the restaurant has received.
- Is this restaurant suitable for families?
- The restaurant features friendly, welcoming service and approachable menu items like quesadillas, tacos, and guacamole within a vibrant, inviting atmosphere.
- How does this restaurant compare to others in the same cuisine type?
- This moderate ($$) Mexican restaurant maintains a 4.2/5 rating, distinguished by its authentic brisket tacos and vibrant, music-filled atmosphere.
- What percentage of this menu works for vegan, keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diets?
- Vegan options include the Mushroom Taco, while low-carb and gluten-free choices feature the Mushroom Taco and Ensalada De La Casa.
- What's the best way to experience this restaurant?
- Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with salsa music, friendly service, and authentic flavors like brisket tacos paired with signature margaritas.