Skinny's Cantina – Mexican
Bathed in the warm glow of neon and rustic wood accents, this vibrant cantina pulses with a rhythmic energy that feels like a perpetual urban fiesta. Guests gather over salt-rimmed glasses of artisanal margaritas and plates of slow-braised meats that burst with the smoky heat of chipotle and the bright, zesty tang of fresh lime. It is a soulful celebration of Mexican flavors where the clinking of glasses and the aroma of sizzling comals create an inviting escape perfect for lively social gatherings.
4705 Center Boulevard, Long Island City, NY 11109 (718) 729-8300 https://www.skinnyscantina.com/Rating: 3.9/5 (989 reviews)
Cuisine: Mexican
Price range: $$
What to order at Skinny's Cantina
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Shrimp & Avocado Salad | 56.2 g | 64.7 g |
| Chicken Fajita | 111.2 g | 46.2 g |
| Nacho Fries | 44.2 g | 39.9 g |
| Clase Azul Repo | 74.2 g | 36.5 g |
| Chorizo Hash & Eggs | 31.4 g | 34 g |
| Clase Azul Añejo | 57.4 g | 29.9 g |
| Cantina Burger | 139.1 g | 28.9 g |
| Rosé (Glass) | 8.6 g | 26.3 g |
| Cantina Margarita Pitcher | 24 g | 23.7 g |
| Avocado Toast | 32 g | 23 g |
| Skillet Mac & Cheese | 38.8 g | 22.7 g |
| Two Eggs Any Style | 15.9 g | 22.6 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
What diners are saying
Diners consistently praise the vibrant, trendy atmosphere at Skinny Cantina, describing it as perfect for both family outings and date nights. Standout dishes include the "amazing" chicken fajitas, mole short rib enchiladas, and juicy shrimp tostadas, while the guacamole and tres leches cake are celebrated as flavorful highlights. While service experiences vary from quick and friendly to merely functional, guests appreciate the strong drinks and solid food, though many note the automatic 20% gratuity and higher price point typical of the LIC waterfront location.
Menu
Brunch Starters
- Guacamole - $14: Hass avocado, diced onion, jalapeño, cilantro Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, High-Fiber, Alkaline
- Queso Fundido - $13: Melted cheese, rajas de chile poblano
- Chorizo rojo - $4 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Slow-Carb
- Skinny’s Wings - $16: Sweet & Spicy Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Low-Sodium, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Carnivore, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Crispy Calamari - $16: Fried jalapeños, avocado aioli Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced
Brunch, Eggs & More
- Street Churro French Toast - $16: Berry compote Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Chorizo Hash & Eggs - $22: Potato, black beans, corn hash, fried egg
- Avocado Toast - $18: Sourdough toast, sundried tomato spread, poached egg Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber
- Buttermilk Pancakes - $14: Butter, maple syrup Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, GERD-Friendly, TLC
- Add Blueberries (Pancakes) - $2 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian
- Add Chocolate Chips (Pancakes) - $1 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian
- Steak & Eggs - $24: Skirt steak, chimichurri, scrambled eggs, home fries, toast
- Skillet Mac & Cheese - $21: Corn, jalapeño, bacon, green onion
- Smoked Salmon Benedict - $23: Hollandaise, mixed green salad, home fries Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian
- Crispy Chicken & Waffles - $18: Spicy habanero honey
- Two Eggs Any Style - $18: Bacon, home fries, toast Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced
Salads
- Shrimp & Avocado Salad - $19: Lettuce, tomato, onion Dietary tags: Halal, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, High-Fiber, Alkaline
- Roasted Corn Salad - $13: Mixed greens, avocado, roasted corn, tomato, crispy bacon bites with jalapeño vinaigrette Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC
- Caesar Salad - $13: Romaine, queso fresco, tortilla chips, housemade dressing Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian
Skinny's Favorites
- Cantina Burger - $20: House blend beef, lettuce, pico de gallo, American cheese, chipotle aioli
- Birria - $22: Adobe braised pulled beef, diced onions, cilantro, lime, adobo broth Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Renal, Slow-Carb
- Chicken Fajita - $26: Peppers & onions, guacamole, pico de gallo rice & beans, warm tortillas Dietary tags: High-Fiber
- Crispy Pescado - $18: Beer battered tilapia, pickled cabbage, cilantro lime cream Dietary tags: Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced
- Veggie Burrito - $17: Scramble eggs, spinach, zucchini, Monterrey cheese, black beans Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC
Fries & Sides
- Applewood Bacon - $5 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, South-Beach
- Homefries - $6 Dietary tags: Halal, Low-Sodium, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Dressed Greens - $6 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Halal, Low-Sodium, Atkins, South-Beach, Carnivore, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Sweet Potato Fries - $8 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Slow-Carb
- Sliced Avocado - $4 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, Carnivore, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Nacho Fries - $9 Dietary tags: High-Fiber
- Rice & Beans - $7 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Anti-Inflammatory, Low-Cholesterol, Macrobiotic
- Street Corn - $7 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Renal, Macrobiotic
- Bacon or Sausage - $7 Dietary tags: AIP, Lectin-Free
Brunch Drink Special
- Bottomless Mimosas or Bellinis - $40: 90 minutes. Choice of 1 brunch entree included. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
Skinny's Cocktails
- Cantina Margarita (Small) - $16: El Tequileño Blanco, Gran Marnier, Lime, Agave Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal
- Cantina Margarita (Large) - $21: El Tequileño Blanco, Gran Marnier, Lime, Agave Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal
- Coconut Passions (Small) - $16: Coça Pura Tequila, Coconut, Passionfruit Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, TLC
- Coconut Passions (Large) - $21: Coça Pura Tequila, Coconut, Passionfruit Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, TLC
- Skinny’s Old Fashioned (Small) - $18: Abasala Mexican Whiskey, El Tequileño Reposado, Walnut Bitters Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal
- Skinny’s Old Fashioned (Large) - $23: Abasala Mexican Whiskey, El Tequileño Reposado, Walnut Bitters Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal
- Mezcal Margarita (Small) - $16: Ojo de Tigre Mezcal, Lime, Agave Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Mezcal Margarita (Large) - $21: Ojo de Tigre Mezcal, Lime, Agave Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- The Mexican Mule (Small) - $16: Ojo de Tigre Mezcal, Lime, Ginger Beer Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Renal
- The Mexican Mule (Large) - $21: Ojo de Tigre Mezcal, Lime, Ginger Beer Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Renal
- South-Side of the Border (Small) - $16: Fiera Habanero Tequila, Lime, Pineapple Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Renal, Slow-Carb
- South-Side of the Border (Large) - $21: Fiera Habanero Tequila, Lime, Pineapple Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Renal, Slow-Carb
- Easy Breezy - $16: Rockey’s Botanical, Passionfruit, Aperol, Sparkling Wine Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Lectin-Free
- Berry Got Back (Small) - $16: Ojo de Tigre Mezcal, Fiera Habanero Tequila, Rockey’s Botanical, Strawberry Purée Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based
- Berry Got Back (Large) - $21: Ojo de Tigre Mezcal, Fiera Habanero Tequila, Rockey’s Botanical, Strawberry Purée Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based
Frozens
- Frozen Margarita or Piña Colada (Small) - $15 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Renal, Lectin-Free
- Frozen Margarita or Piña Colada (Large) - $19 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Renal, Lectin-Free
- Add Flavor (Frozen) - $1: Mango, Passionfruit, Strawberry, Peach, Guava, Wildberry, Pineapple Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
Pitchers
- Classic Margarita Pitcher - $55
- Frozen Margarita Pitcher - $60
- Mezcal Margarita Pitcher - $60
- Cantina Margarita Pitcher - $65
- Easy Breezy Pitcher - $60
- Add Flavor (Pitcher) - $5: Mango, Passionfruit, Strawberry, Peach, Guava, Wildberry, Pineapple Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
Brunch Drinks
- Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice - $8
- Coffee - $5
- Tea - $4
- Hot Chocolate - $5
- Bloody Mary - $14
- Bloody Maria’s - $14 Dietary tags: Halal, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
Wine, Sangria & Cerveza
- Prosecco (Glass) - $15
- Prosecco (Bottle) - $60 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Atkins, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Pino Grigio (Glass) - $15 Dietary tags: Halal, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Pino Grigio (Bottle) - $60 Dietary tags: Halal, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Sauvignon Blanc (Glass) - $15 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Atkins, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Sauvignon Blanc (Bottle) - $60 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Atkins, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Chardonnay (Glass) - $15
- Chardonnay (Bottle) - $60
- Rosé (Glass) - $15 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Lectin-Free
- Rosé (Bottle) - $60 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Cabernet Sauvignon (Glass) - $15 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Atkins, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Cabernet Sauvignon (Bottle) - $60 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Atkins, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Pinot Noir (Glass) - $15 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Atkins, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Pinot Noir (Bottle) - $60 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Atkins, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Malbec (Glass) - $15 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Atkins, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Malbec (Bottle) - $60 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Rioja (Glass) - $15 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Lectin-Free
- Rioja (Bottle) - $60 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Atkins, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Red & White Sangria (Small glass) - $15 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Lectin-Free
- Red & White Sangria (Large glass) - $19 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Lectin-Free
- Red & White Sangria (Pitcher) - $60 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Cholesterol, Lectin-Free
- Allagash (On Tap) - $9 Dietary tags: Halal, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Blue Moon (On Tap) - $9 Dietary tags: Halal, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Montauk IPA (On Tap) - $9 Dietary tags: Lectin-Free
- Austin Cider (On Tap) - $9 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Corona (Bottle) - $9
- Modelo Especial (Bottle) - $9 Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal
- Modelo Negra (Bottle) - $9 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal
- Dos Equis Amber (Bottle) - $9 Dietary tags: Low-Cholesterol
- Dos Equis Lager (Bottle) - $9 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based
- Pacifico (Bottle) - $9
Premium Agave
- Don Julio 1942 - $50
- Clase Azul Blanco - $30
- Clase Azul Repo - $50
- Clase Azul Añejo - $75 Dietary tags: Lectin-Free
- Casa Dragones Blanco - $20
- Casa Dragones Reposado - $30 Dietary tags: Halal, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Casa Dragones Añejo - $50 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Halal, South-Beach, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- El Tequileño Reposado Rare - $50 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Halal, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Carnivore, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Flecha Azul Cristalino - $30 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Halal, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Patron Platinum - $30 Dietary tags: Halal, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Contraluz Mezcal Cristalino - $20 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Atkins, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
Frequently Asked Questions about Skinny's Cantina
- Which dishes work for multiple diets at once (e.g., keto + gluten-free)?
- Shrimp & Avocado Salad and Queso Fundido both work for multiple diets including keto, gluten-free, high-protein, and nut-free.
- Which diets does this restaurant support based on its menu?
- Skinny's Cantina supports keto, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, paleo, and high-protein diets with dishes like shrimp salad, avocado toast, and fajitas.
- Is this restaurant good for casual dining or more upscale?
- Skinny's Cantina offers a casual, vibrant, and trendy atmosphere suitable for family outings and date nights with moderate ($$) pricing.
- What type of cuisine does this restaurant specialize in?
- Skinny's Cantina specializes in Mexican cuisine, featuring dishes like guacamole, queso fundido, chorizo rojo, and chicken fajitas.
- What do customers love most about this restaurant according to reviews?
- Customers praise the vibrant atmosphere, strong drinks, and standout dishes like chicken fajitas, mole short rib enchiladas, and shrimp tostadas.
- What should first-time visitors know about this restaurant?
- Expect a vibrant atmosphere and popular chicken fajitas, but be aware of the automatic 20% gratuity and moderate ($$) pricing.
- Is this restaurant good value for money?
- Skinny's Cantina offers moderate ($$) pricing with solid food and strong drinks, though reviews mention an automatic 20% gratuity.
- Is this restaurant suitable for families?
- Diners describe the 3.9/5 rated restaurant as perfect for family outings, offering kid-friendly items like chocolate chip pancakes and skillet mac and cheese.
- What is this restaurant's overall rating?
- Skinny's Cantina has an overall rating of 3.9/5, with guests frequently praising the vibrant atmosphere and flavorful Mexican dishes.
- Does this restaurant offer good ambiance?
- Diners consistently praise the vibrant, trendy atmosphere, rated 3.9/5, describing it as perfect for both family outings and date nights.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Skinny's Cantina?
- Shrimp & Avocado Salad, at roughly 64.7g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
Restaurants near Skinny's Cantina
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- Pueblo Querido Coffee — Mexican
- Al Horno — Mexican
- Taqueria Ramírez — Mexican
- Mexico Lindo — Mexican
- Casa Enrique — Mexican
- La Mexicana Bar and Grill — Mexican
- Chinelos Birria Tacos — Mexican
- Blend LIC — Mexican
- Los Tacos City Habanero — Mexican
- Mad Dog & Beans Mexican Cantina — Mexican
