Anita's Cuisine: Authentic Latin American Flavors in Washington Heights

Anita's Cuisine Introduce

Located in the bustling Washington Heights neighborhood, Anita's Cuisine is a true family-owned gem that brings the authentic flavors of Latin America to the heart of New York City. As a Latino-owned and women-owned business, Anita's offers more than just a meal; it provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere where every guest feels at home. The restaurant’s casual and family-friendly vibe, coupled with its commitment to serving fresh, delicious food, makes it a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're craving a quick bite, a leisurely dinner, or a place to enjoy live music and happy hour, Anita's Cuisine is a vibrant and inviting destination.

The menu at Anita's Cuisine is a celebration of classic Latin American dishes, with an impressive variety that caters to all tastes. The "Tacos & Garnaches" section is a particular highlight, offering an array of tacos with fillings like Birria, Spicy Pork, and Shrimp, ensuring there's a flavor for every palate. The "Favorites" menu includes comforting and familiar dishes such as Nachos, Burritos, and Chimichangas. For a more substantial meal, the "Platillos" menu features exquisite entrées like Carne Asada, the hearty Molcajete, and a range of seafood options like Camarones Cremole and Mojarra Frita. Vegetarians and vegans will also find plenty of choices, including a Veggie Taco, Avocado Salad, and a selection of organic dishes.

Beyond the savory dishes, Anita's Cuisine offers a variety of delightful desserts and drinks. The dessert menu features classics like Churros and Flan, as well as unique creations like Fried Ice Cream and a Cheesecake Chimichanga. To complement your meal, you can choose from a selection of refreshing beverages, including Mexican sodas and homemade Aguas Frescas. The restaurant is also a great place to unwind, with a full bar onsite offering a selection of beer, cocktails, and hard liquor, including happy hour specials. The presence of live music adds to the lively and fun atmosphere, making it a place where you can not only eat but also enjoy a full sensory experience.

What truly sets Anita's Cuisine apart is its dedication to creating a community space. The restaurant is known for being family-friendly, with a dedicated kids' menu, high chairs, and even a changing table. It’s also recognized as a welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ and transgender communities, fostering an inclusive environment for everyone. This commitment to hospitality, combined with a menu of delicious and comforting food, has made Anita's Cuisine a beloved institution in Washington Heights. While some reviews mention mixed experiences with food temperature or service speed during busy times, the consistent positive feedback on the food's seasoning and the professionalism of the staff highlights the restaurant’s overall high standards. It’s a place where you can count on a good meal and a positive vibe.

Location and Accessibility

Anita's Cuisine is conveniently located at 1559 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10040, USA. Situated in a bustling part of Washington Heights, the restaurant is easily accessible by public transportation and is a central point for locals in the community. For those who are driving, there are options for both free and paid street parking nearby, making it convenient to visit. The restaurant is also designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance. This ensures that all members of the community can enjoy a meal comfortably.

Services Offered

Takeout: Place an order to go for a delicious meal on the run.
Dine-in: Enjoy the full restaurant experience in a casual and friendly atmosphere.
Catering: The extensive menu and family-friendly focus make it a great choice for catering events and large gatherings.
Counter service: For a quick bite, customers can order and pay at the counter.

Features / Highlights

Live music: Enjoy a lively and entertaining atmosphere with live music performances.
Fast service: Known for its quick and efficient service, making it a great option for a fast lunch or dinner.
Serves local specialty: Offers authentic Latin American dishes that are a favorite in the New York community.
Late-night food: Satisfy your cravings with delicious meals available late into the evening.
Family-friendly: The restaurant is equipped with amenities like a kids' menu, high chairs, and a changing table, making it an ideal spot for families.
LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safespace: A welcoming and inclusive environment for all guests.

Contact Information

Address: 1559 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10040, USA

Phone: (646) 398-8894

What is worth choosing

Anita's Cuisine is a worthy choice for New Yorkers looking for an authentic, family-friendly dining experience. The menu is a major draw, offering a wide and diverse selection of Latin American dishes that go beyond the usual fare. The quality and authenticity of the food, as highlighted by a customer review praising the outstanding steak, are a significant reason to visit. The pricing is also very reasonable, offering great value for the quality and portion sizes provided. The presence of a full bar and the option for happy hour drinks make it a versatile spot, whether you’re looking for a quick meal or a place to relax and unwind.

Beyond the food and drink, the atmosphere and service are what truly make Anita's Cuisine stand out. The casual and welcoming vibe, combined with the professionalism of the staff, creates a comfortable and enjoyable dining environment. The live music adds a layer of entertainment that transforms a simple dinner into a memorable experience. The restaurant’s strong commitment to being a family-friendly and inclusive space makes it a reliable choice for a diverse range of customers. While some guests have noted minor issues with food temperature or service, the overwhelming positive feedback on the flavor and seasoning of the food solidifies its reputation as a reliable and delicious local spot. For a taste of Latin American culture and cuisine in a fun, friendly setting, Anita's Cuisine is an excellent choice.

Anita's Cuisine Menu

Appetizers
Taquitos De Pescados $13.95
Guacamole & Chips $12.95
Queso Fundido $13.95
Calamares Fritos $12.95
Flautas De Pollo $12.95
Buffalo Wings $11.95
Chicken Fingers $8.95
Quesabirria $13.95
Cocktail De Camaron $18.95

Tacos & Garnaches
Chicken Taco $11.95
Pollo.
Birria Taco $11.95
Beef Taco $11.95
Bisteck.
Spicy Pork Taco $11.95
Carne enchilada.
Mexican Sausage Taco $11.95
Chorizo.
Pork Ears Taco $11.95
Oreja.
Cecina Taco $11.95
Tripa Taco $11.95
Pork Taco $11.95
Carnitas.
Veggie Taco $11.95
Vegetable.
Shrimps Taco $11.95
Camaron.
Fish Taco $11.95
Pescado.
Quesadilla De Maiz $11.95
Crema y queso.
3 Memelas $11.95
Salsa, cebolla, crema y queso.
8 Chalupas $11.95
Salsa, crema, queso y cebolla.
Peq Hurache $11.95
Frijol, lechuga, crema y queso.
3 Sopes $11.95
Frijol, lechuga, crema y queso.

Favorites
Quesadilla $13.95
Melted asadero, cheese in 13" flour tortilla.
Nachos $13.75
Tortilla chips with refried beans, melted asadero, jalapeno, sour cream, guacamole.
Burritos $14.95
Stuffed with rice, beans, cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole, served cream.
Cemitas $10.95
Portuguese roll avocado, jalapeno, onions, cheese and chipotle.
Tortas $11.95
Portuguese roll with beans, avocado, lettuce, tomato, jalapeno, onions, cheese and mayonase.
Tostadas $11.95
Refried beans, cheese, sour crema, lechuga and aguacate.
Chimichanga $15.95
Stuffed with meat of choice served with rice and beans.

Sopas and Ensaladas
Caldo De Camaron $18.95
Cazuela De Marisco $25.95
Avocado Salad $12.95
Taco Salad $13.95
Queso, crema, lechuga, pollo, tomate, cebolla.
Mexican Cactus Salad $12.95
Queso, tomate, cebolla, jalapeno, cilantro.
Tortilla Soup $12.95
Queso, chicharon, aguacate, crema, tortilla.
Pozole $16.95
Tostadas, cebolla, rabo.
Caldo Tlapeno $12.95
Zanahoria, papa, garbanzos, cilantro y cebolla.

Platillos
Mar Y Tierra $31.95
5 camarones, bistec y arroz.
Carne Asada $24.95
Ensalada, arroz y frijol.
Tampiquena $28.95
Churrasco, rajas, poblano, arroz y frijol.
Chuletas Fritas $18.95
Tostones y ensalada.
Enchiladas De Mole $18.95
Pollo, lechuga, crema, queso, cebolla, arroz y frijol.
Bisteck Con Nopales $24.95
Nopales, cebollines, jalapeno, tortilla, arroz y frijol.
Mixiotes De Cordero $29.95
Papas, arroz y salsa.
Carnitas $24.95
Pico de gallo, arroz, frijol y tortilla.
Enchiladas Bandera $18.95
Salsa verde, roja, crema, queso, arroz, frijol, pollo o bistec.
Pescado A La Talla $32.95
Ensalada, arroz, frijol y 2 sopes.
Mojarra Frita $24.95
Arroz, frijol, ensalada y tortilla.
Camarones Cremole $26.95
Mole, portobello, arroz, frijol y ensalda.
Camaron A La Diabla $22.95
Ensalada, arroz, frijol y tortillas.
Molcajote $42.00
Pollo, carnitas, enchilada, cecina, camarones, chorizo en salsa, queso, aguacate, arroz, frijoles y tortilla.
Tabla Ranchera $59.95
Asadura, rellena, chorizo, cecina, enchilada, arroz y frijol.
Fajitas
Chilaquiles Regular $13.95
Chilaquiles $17.95
Carne.
Alambres $24.95

Postres
Fried Ice Cream $9.00
Cheese Cake Chimichanga $9.00
Platanitos De Feria $9.00
Churros $9.00
Pastel De Chocolate $9.00

Drinks
Can Of Soda $3.00
Mexican Soda $3.50
16 Oz. Smoothie $7.00
Mangonada $9.00
Peq Aguas Frescas $3.50
Grande Aguas Frescas $7.00
Jugo Naranja $7.00
Agua Locas $10.00
Batidas Locas $10.00
Cafe De Olla $3.00

Anita's Cuisine Details

From the business
Identifies as Latino-owned
Identifies as women-owned

Service options
Takeout
Dine-in
Delivery

Highlights
Fast service
Live music
Serves local specialty
Sports

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Hard liquor
Late-night food
Organic dishes
Quick bite
Vegan options
Vegetarian options

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Counter service
Dessert
Seating

Amenities
Bar onsite
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safespace

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards

Children
Good for kids
Has changing table(s)
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Free street parking
Paid street parking
Parking

Anita's Cuisine Photos

Anita's Cuisine Location

Anita's Cuisine

New York New York County New York Saint Nicholas Avenue

1559 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10040, USA

Anita's Cuisine Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 181 user reviews.

mexican foodbuffetmusicenvironmenttastegratuitybartenderbirriabirthdaywater

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Anita Cuisine, and the experience was exceptional. The food was absolutely delicious—particularly the steak, which was of outstanding quality and prepared with fresh ingredients.The service was equally impressive. Our server, (Yara) greeted me warmly and remained attentive throughout the meal. Her professionalism and positive energy created a welcoming atmosphere, and she ensured that I was well taken care of.Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and I appreciate the high standard of both the food and service.
July 30 · Azael Trujillo
Where to begin … let me start off with the ‘good news’. The good thing is that the meat was well seasoned. The hibiscus drink was not too sugary or bitter; it was the perfect balance. Also, prices were affordable.However, as OTHERS have stated in their review, the food is reheated. In the third image I added, if you take a close look at the tortilla, you can tell that it is reheated. The tortilla is not fresh and nor is the meat - meaning that the food did NOT come out hot. It’s as if it was simply placed in a microwave. (The food did also come out fairly quick considering the amount of tacos that were served.) Now “why did my party and I not speak up?” It’s the fact that it was tasty. The food is delicious, don’t get me wrong. But I would have preferred something fresh.To add on, the servers, I don’t recall their names, were CONSTANTLY coming up to us and asking if my party and I were “okay.” It’s one thing to ask, but it’s another thing to consistently show up when it’s quite evident that my party and I were still eating. They kept removing plates, practically rushing us, even though there was no one else waiting for a table. I found it very rude and quite frankly, annoying. There’s a limit to everything.Would rate my personal experience a 2.5/5
August 12 · Daysi Perez
I recommend this place for sure but definitely wont be mind blowing it’s good Mexican foodLet’s start with the likes. The quality of the meats was really good tacos was on point I can see why their buffet on Sundays is a hit the meats are delicious. 🤤. Drinks are ok one drink I had that was there most popular they said to me didn’t taste like anything wasn’t good at all tasted like water. Now the margaritas they were really good flavor was amazing sugar and Salt rims hit the best. Drinks are a bit pricy but I guess it’s ok if you expect it.Nice vibe they said they would have a dj from 1-4 I went from 1-4 no dj at all kinda sucked but a lot of places uptown no consistent with music and events so it’s ok also if it’s expected.Sat music was low wasn’t a party vibe more like a let’s eat vibe I wanted to drink for brunch so wasn’t for me that day. I can see the appeal though.If I return it will be with a group to have the bigger drinks and see what they like.Service was ok a best I always tip well and they changed after that but I’m leaving by then so don’t really care how much they like the tip after 😂 but overall a cool spot for drinks and food will return to try the buffet I’m interested on how that would be.Follow @imbroke_eats and @imbroke_rob
June 16 · ImBroke Rob
Today I went to my favorite spot.My husband and I went to order food to take out.I hardly 💯💯recommend this place to dine in or either order food to take. There food are bomb best place to eat Mexican food. This place never disappoint!!! Their drinks are great and their Service also is great. They are very kind. This is our third time going there and we love it 💯💯💯....
April 04 · Jarhline Cruz-Reyes
Is a very cozy place to enjoy with the family and have some delicious food accompanied with delicious drinksService is excellent and the staff are super friendly definitely I recommend it to come and enjoy
May 09 · XiomyNY Rod