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Covacha ico

Covacha
- 368 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024

Mexican restaurant ★4.0 (291)·$30–50

368 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024, USA

4.0
Had a great experience at Covacha! The food was delicious - fresh, flavorful, and with great vegetarian options. Good music in the background - a perfect night out with friends was icing on the cake. Shout out to Gloria, our friendly and attentive server, and to Nicholas, who kept everything running smoothly. We felt well taken care of. Highly recommend Covacha - you won’t be disappointed! - Nancy C
Covacha Overview Intro Menu Detail Photos Location Reviews
$30–50 per person Reported by 291 people$10–20$20–30$30–50$50–100

Covacha Introduce

Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico right here in New York City at Covacha, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of the Upper West Side. This women-owned restaurant has quickly become a local favorite, celebrated for its authentic, flavorful Mexican dishes and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re a New Yorker looking for your next go-to spot or a visitor seeking an unforgettable meal, Covacha offers a dining experience that is both sophisticated and comfortably casual.

From the moment you walk through the door, you’re greeted with a cozy and trendy vibe, complemented by the tantalizing aromas of traditional Mexican cooking. Covacha prides itself on using fresh, high-quality ingredients to create a menu that pays homage to classic recipes while introducing creative, modern twists. With a focus on community and hospitality, the staff ensures every guest feels right at home, making it a perfect spot for any occasion, from a quick bite with friends to a special dinner with family.

The commitment to excellence is evident in every dish, from the rich, complex flavors of their moles to the perfectly balanced cocktails. The attention to detail, friendly service, and vibrant energy make Covacha a standout destination for anyone craving a true taste of Mexico. It’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a space where you can relax, enjoy great food, and make lasting memories.

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Location and Accessibility

Covacha is conveniently located at 368 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024, USA, placing it in a prime location on the Upper West Side. Situated near the American Museum of Natural History, it's an ideal stop for lunch or dinner after a day of exploring the city's iconic attractions. The neighborhood is well-serviced by public transportation, making it easily accessible from all boroughs. For those driving, paid street parking is available nearby, though we always recommend checking local regulations. The restaurant is committed to ensuring a welcoming experience for all guests, offering wheelchair-accessible entrances, restrooms, and seating.

The bustling energy of Columbus Avenue provides the perfect backdrop for this lively restaurant. The outdoor seating is a popular option on pleasant days, allowing you to enjoy your meal while soaking in the vibrant city life. The combination of a fantastic location and excellent accessibility makes Covacha a convenient and stress-free choice for your next dining adventure.

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Services Offered

Covacha provides a full suite of dining and service options to cater to every need and preference, including:

  • Dine-in: Enjoy the full restaurant experience in our cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere.
  • Takeout: Place your order by phone and pick it up to enjoy our delicious food at home or on the go.
  • No-contact delivery: Have your meal delivered safely to your doorstep.
  • Outdoor seating: Relax and dine al fresco on our outdoor patio, perfect for people-watching.
  • Reservations: We accept reservations to help you plan your visit and ensure a table, especially during peak hours.
  • Table service: Our attentive and friendly staff is dedicated to providing an excellent dining experience.
  • Special Menus: Enjoy dedicated menus for lunch, brunch, and happy hour, with options designed to fit any time of day.

In addition to these core services, Covacha offers a wide variety of menu items to suit different tastes and dietary needs, including vegetarian and vegan options. The restaurant is also family-friendly, with high chairs and a kids’ menu available, making it a great spot for groups and families. The bar onsite serves a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including great cocktails and wines. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a full-course meal, Covacha is ready to serve you with exceptional quality and service.

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Features / Highlights

Covacha stands out for a number of reasons that make it a top choice for locals and visitors alike:

  • Great Cocktails: The bar at Covacha is known for its expertly crafted cocktails. From classics like the Mojito and The Mule to signature drinks like the Mezcalita and Frozen Margarita, there's a perfect drink to complement your meal. Happy hour offers a fantastic opportunity to try these at a great price.
  • Fast Service: Customers consistently praise the restaurant's efficient and quick service, ensuring you get your food and drinks without a long wait. This is particularly appreciated by those grabbing a lunch special or a quick bite before heading to a show or event.
  • Women-Owned: As a women-owned business, Covacha adds to the rich tapestry of diverse and inspiring entrepreneurial stories in New York City. This adds a unique layer of pride and community support for patrons.
  • Inclusive Atmosphere: The restaurant identifies as LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space, creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for everyone. This, along with the casual and cozy vibe, makes it a spot where all are welcome.
  • Fresh and Authentic Menu: The menu features a wide array of authentic Mexican dishes, from classic favorites to unique creations. Highlights include the Quesabirrias, Enchiladas, and the unique Guacamole Ashes. The lunch and brunch specials also provide great value and a chance to explore different flavors.
  • Vegan & Vegetarian Options: With dishes like the Tostadita, Esquites, and various tacos, Covacha ensures that those following a vegan or vegetarian diet have plenty of delicious options to choose from.

These highlights, combined with a great location and friendly staff, make Covacha a highly recommended dining spot on the Upper West Side.

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Contact Information

To make a reservation, inquire about a special event, or place a takeout order, you can contact Covacha directly:

Address: 368 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024, USA

Phone: (212) 712-2929

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What is worth choosing

So, why should Covacha be your next dining destination in New York? The answer lies in its perfect blend of authentic cuisine, vibrant atmosphere, and exceptional service. The menu is a journey through the heart of Mexico, offering everything from savory dinner platters like the Birria and Barbacoa Tapatía to lighter options like the Crud of the Day. The happy hour, with its discounted tacos and cocktails, is an unbeatable deal and a great way to unwind after work. Patrons consistently rave about the food's freshness and flavor, highlighting dishes like the Chilaquiles Rojos and the popular Quesabirrias.

The experience is enhanced by the friendly and attentive staff, who, as one reviewer mentioned, make you feel "well taken care of." The restaurant's commitment to creating a safe and welcoming space for all, coupled with its excellent accessibility and range of dining options (including brunch and happy hour), makes it a true neighborhood gem. Whether you're gathering with friends, enjoying a solo meal, or having a family outing, Covacha provides a memorable experience that will have you coming back for more. It's more than just a meal; it's a celebration of great food, great company, and the vibrant spirit of Mexican culture, right here in the heart of NYC.

Covacha Menu

  • STARTERS

  • GUACAMOLE ASHES $16.00

    blackened tortilla and chile ashes, smokey and full of flavor but mild in heat

  • ESQUITES $13.00

    these elotitos are grilled slathered corn kernels cooked with tequesquite, a natural mineral salt used by our pre-hispanic ancestors, with chipotle mayo, lime juice, tajin, crumbly cotija cheese, fresh epazote, morita oil

  • QUESADILLA NEGRA $18.00

    a mighty fine crunchy black bean empanada filled with wild ‘shrooms, cheese and corn truffle “Huitlacoche”, served over black Huitlacoche sauce, onion and radish in tomatillo salsa, crema, cotija cheese, and tortilla ashes

  • SOPA $9.00

    is one of mi abuelita’s favorite recipes, and it comes with a touch of crema; avocado, crispy tortilla, and chile ancho garnish Cup 9 / Bowl 14

  • CEASAR SALAD $16.00

    With romaine hearts, aged cotija cheese & panko crumbs.

  • CRUDO OF THE DAY $22.00

    made fresh with today’s catch, and seasonal selections

  • COVACHAS

  • ENCHILADAS $25.00

    bien requete sabrosas chick-filled with roasted tomato and morita sauce, cheese, crema, avo puree, radish, and cilantro;Don’t worry VEG friends, we also make them with wild mushrooms tinga and veg crema

  • QUESABIRRIAS $25.00

    the iconic traditional dish from Jalisco is served in artisanal tortillas with birria broth on the side, to deep-in your quesadillasChick (’en) 22 / ‘Shroom 22 / Beef 25

  • FLAUTAS $22.00

    these rolled crunchy tacos are also called ‘tacos dorados’, they come over two mouthwatering salsas: guajillo and tomatillo; topped with crema, cotija cheese, fresh radish, cilantro. Chicken 22 / Cauli Florets 22

  • DINNER PLATOS

  • BIRRIA $34.00

    the ICONIC traditional dish from Jalisco is a heavenly broth made of a blend of spices, and served with a variety of protein slow-cooked in their own jus; onion and cilantro. Rice on the side Market ‘Shrooms 28 Chicken 28 Beef 34

  • ZARANDEADO $45.00

    this is our memory from the sunsets of the Mexican Pacific ocean, a whole charred red snapper, butterfly split, rubbed with achiote adobo; heirloom cucumber, purslane, pickled onion. rice and beans on the side

  • BARBACOA TAPATÍA $34.00

    this very soft, over-night roasted beef shank is a staple from the streets of Guadalajara, with radish, and jalapeño; brothy beans on the side. Get dirty, make your own taco with your lovely hands

  • MOLE DULCE $25.00

    a classic from the Tequila Valleys of Aunt Felix, this sweet mole is aged for 30 days, served with charred Tatume squash, purslane, mustard greens, pickled radish, cambray petals, and sesame seeds

  • BURRITOS & CHILAQUILES- Served every day until 4:00 pm

  • YAKA-TINGA BURRITO $19.00

    pulled jackfruit tinga cooked with caramelized onion, tomato, and chipotle; fresh radish, red onion, jalapeño, and avocado, rice and beans

  • CHICKEN BURRITO $19.00

    this tender free-range chick is slowly cooked with spices and smoked chiles, with purslane, onion, pickled carrot, morita sauce red bell pepper and chile toreado, rice and beans

  • CHILAQUILES ROJOS $18.00

    tronadores como en mi pueblo!crunchy totopos bathed in chile de arbol sauce; refried red beans, crema, cotija cheese, cilantro, onion, avocado, and chile ashes. you can add: two eggs (your style) + 3.5chicken birria +6 - beef barbacoa +8

  • LUNCH SPECIAL Served from Monday to Friday 12pm-4pm

  • BIRRIA $23.00

    Our iconic birria broth from Jalisco served the traditional way with onion and cilantro; comes with rice and black beans ~ choose: beef (+$6) or our wild mushroom delicacy

  • BRUNCH Served Saturday 12pm to 4pm | Sunday 11am to 4pm

  • HUEVOS RANCHEROS $21.00

    two eggs sunny side up, over crunchy tortillas, refried beans, covered with red OR green salsa or Divorciados with both salsas; avocado

  • HUEVOS CON CHORIZO $19.00

    a mighty egg burrito made with spicy chorizo and avocado; served with bravas machas and morita sauce

  • BENEDICTINOS $21.00

    two poached eggs over black ashes sope, avocado, watercress, morita hollandaise; papas machas. add chorizo +4

  • SIDES

  • PAPAS MACHAS $8.00

    Crispy baby potatoes tossed with spicy salsa macha

  • CAULI CHICHARRON $9.00

    Crispy cauliflower with parmesan, evoo, limonetta, and toasted sunflower seeds

  • ARROZ $5.00

    White rice

  • REFRIED BAYO BEANS $6.00

    Soft and creamy, sparkled with cotija cheese

  • BROTHY BLACK BEANS $6.00

    Hard and nutty, and vegan

  • HEIRLOOM CORN TORTILLAS $4.00
  • SALSA MEXICANA & CHIPS $8.00

    AKA: Pico de Gallo

  • SALSA DE AMOR $2.00

    (de amor-didas) aguales! these chilitos ‘tan echilosos. hot roasted serranos to bite with your food for an enhancing rancho experience

  • PICKLED VEGGIES $7.00

    house-pickled seasonals with HojaSanta oil

  • HAPPY HOUR - Every day 4-6pm

  • THE MULE $12.00
  • MOJITO $12.00
  • HIBISCUS JAMAICON $12.00
  • FROZEN MARGARITA $12.00
  • MEZCALITA $12.00
  • HOUSE SPRITZ $12.00
  • DRAFT BEER $6.00
  • NATURAL WINE $10.00
  • CHIPS AND SALSA $7.00

    Corn tostadas and Pico de Gallo

  • TOSTADITA $8.00

    Crispy corn tostada, crudo of the day

  • FLAUTAS $7.00

    Chicken filled, salsa verde, crema, cotija cheese

  • QUESO FUNDIDO $10.00

    Mexican-style melted cheese, Toppings: chorizo or pico de gallo, artisanal tortillas

  • TACO CAULI CHICHARRON $6.00

    Chipotle cabbage slaw, onion, cilantro, salsa taquera, touch of macha

  • TACO CHIPOTLE SHRIMP $7.00

    Marinated in chile morita, red cabbage relish, chipotle aioli, cilantro

  • TACO PORK BELLY CARNITAS $7.00

    Salsa verde, fresh radish, cilantro

  • TACO CATCH OF THE DAY $7.00

    Hoja Santa marinated Fish of the day, roasted tomatillo salsa, chayote, watercress, and pickled onions

  • TACO YAKA TINGA $6.00

    Pulled jackfruit cooked with caramelized onion, tomato, and chipotle, cured red onion, pickled veggies, cilantro, salsa

  • HOUSE PICKLED VEGGIES $6.00

    house-pickled seasonals with HojaSanta oil

  • DESSERTS

  • AVO MOUSSE $13.00

    with ginger shaved ice, and achiote merengue

  • CHOCOLATE $13.00

    Spicy bitter chocolate mousse, with pumpkin seeds crumbs, and wheat rainbow ‘oblea’

  • Buñuelo $13.00

    cinnamon-sugar dusted dough fritter; vanilla ice cream, milk caramel

  • Tres leches $13.00

    a deconstructed version with marscapone cheese, milk caramel cajeta, wheaped cream, pumpkin seed crumbs

Covacha Details

  • From the business

  • Identifies as women-owned
  • Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • No-contact delivery
  • Delivery
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Great cocktails
  • Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Happy hour drinks
  • Happy hour food
  • Hard liquor
  • Organic dishes
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Vegan options
  • Vegetarian options
  • Wine
  • Dining options

  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
  • Amenities

  • Bar onsite
  • Gender-neutral restroom
  • Restroom
  • Wi-Fi
  • Wi-Fi
  • Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Trendy
  • Crowd

  • Family-friendly
  • Groups
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Locals
  • Transgender safespace
  • Planning

  • Accepts reservations
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • Credit cards
  • Children

  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
  • Kids' menu
  • Parking

  • Paid street parking

Covacha Photos

Covacha Picture 1Covacha Picture 2Covacha Picture 3Covacha Picture 4Covacha Picture 5Covacha Picture 6Covacha Picture 7Covacha Picture 8Covacha Picture 9Covacha Picture 10

Covacha Location

Covacha

368 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024, USA

Covacha Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 1673 user reviews.

natural history museumveganbrunchhappy hourmezcaltepachetomato soupmichelintres lechespork belly

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1
  • Had a great experience at Covacha! The food was delicious - fresh, flavorful, and with great vegetarian options. Good music in the background - a perfect night out with friends was icing on the cake. Shout out to Gloria, our friendly and attentive server, and to Nicholas, who kept everything running smoothly. We felt well taken care of. Highly recommend Covacha - you won’t be disappointed!

    July 08 · Nancy C
  • This is a great spot for lunch right behind the museum of natural history. Everything was very tasty and the staff were very attentive. They have a lunch special that is a sample of a few items but a normal entree is just as good.

    August 15 · Zachary Martz
  • Really unexpected gem! The kids menu had great options, and I really enjoyed the tomato soup and shrimp tacos. The service was top, with friendly waiters, fast and easy seating, and speedy order delivery. After a wonderful experience at the museum, this just made the day even better.

    August 18 · Sarah Benichou
  • Absolutely loved my experience at Covacha! The pulled pork tacos were packed with flavor—perfectly tender and topped with just the right amount of fresh garnish. The chicken flauta was beautifully presented and tasted incredible, with the vibrant sauces adding a delicious touch. The margaritas were spot on—balanced, refreshing, and the ideal complement to the meal. Service was solid throughout, attentive without being overbearing. Highly recommend if you’re looking for elevated Mexican cuisine in a fun, colorful setting. Will definitely be back!

    March 22 · Jeff Scott
  • I recently visited this Mexican restaurant and had a mostly positive experience. The food was genuinely good—fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and nicely presented. Service was impressively fast, which made the whole dining experience smooth and enjoyable.That said, the portions felt a bit on the small side, especially when compared to the price. You leave satisfied, but maybe not fully full.Also, the restaurant brands itself as offering an "elevated" take on Mexican cuisine. While that might appeal to some, it does take a bit away from the warmth and authenticity you'd expect from traditional Mexican spots. It feels more like a stylized interpretation than the real deal.

    July 06 · Remus Muresan

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