Javelina Introduce
For anyone in New York City with a craving for Tex-Mex cuisine, Javelina is a name that immediately comes to mind. Located in the bustling Union Square neighborhood, this restaurant is a beacon for those who appreciate the comforting, flavorful dishes of Texas. It’s a place that was created out of a simple need: to bring the taste of a Dallas-style Tex-Mex restaurant to a city that was surprisingly lacking in this specific culinary niche. Javelina is more than just a place to eat; it’s an experience that captures the warmth and hospitality of Texas, right here in the concrete jungle. Its menu is a tribute to classics that are heavy on flavor and generous in portion, making it a go-to spot for satisfying a serious hunger.
Javelina has earned a stellar reputation since its opening for its commitment to serving authentic Tex-Mex food. This isn't a place for minimalist or deconstructed dishes; it's all about bold flavors and hearty portions. The atmosphere is casual, cozy, and trendy, creating a lively and welcoming environment. Whether you're in for a quick bite or a long, leisurely meal with a group, the space is designed to be comfortable. The restaurant is particularly famous for its queso, which has been lauded by critics and customers alike as some of the best in the city. Paired with a great cocktail program, including a variety of margaritas, Javelina provides a complete dining experience that is both fun and fulfilling. It's a place that celebrates the joy of good food and great company, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists who know where to find the real deal.
Javelina is perfectly situated at 119 E 18th St, New York, NY 10003, USA, placing it in the dynamic and highly accessible Union Square area. This location is a major advantage for diners, as it's a central hub for multiple subway lines, including the 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, W, and L trains. The restaurant is just a short walk from the Union Square station, making it a convenient destination from almost any part of Manhattan or even Brooklyn and Queens. The neighborhood is known for its vibrant energy, with the famous Union Square Greenmarket, parks, and numerous shops, all contributing to the area’s popularity.
For those traveling by car, there is paid street parking available, though like most of New York City, it requires some patience. The restaurant is also noted for its accessibility features, including wheelchair-accessible entrances, restrooms, and seating, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a meal comfortably. The location makes it an ideal spot for a wide range of occasions, whether it's a business lunch, a casual dinner, or a pre-theater meal. The fact that it's in a neighborhood that's always buzzing adds to its appeal, as Javelina becomes part of a larger, exciting outing. The Union Square location means there's always something to do before or after your meal, solidifying Javelina as a prime choice for a well-rounded day or night out.
Services Offered
- No-Contact Delivery, Delivery, Takeout: Javelina offers various convenient ways to enjoy their food at home, including no-contact delivery, making it easy to get your Tex-Mex fix.
- Dine-In and Table Service: The restaurant provides a full sit-down dining experience with a dedicated staff for table service, ensuring a comfortable and attentive meal.
- Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner: With a wide range of dining options, Javelina is a great choice at any time of day, from morning breakfast tacos to late-night fajitas.
- Catering: For events or parties, Javelina's menu of Tex-Mex classics is available for catering, perfect for feeding a large group with crowd-pleasing favorites.
- Reservations: Given that the restaurant can be busy and often has a wait, especially during peak hours, Javelina accepts reservations for lunch, brunch, and dinner, which is highly recommended for planning.
Features / Highlights
- Legendary Queso: Javelina is famous for its queso. The menu features several varieties, including the classic Traditional Queso, White Queso, and the crowd-favorite "Bob Armstrong" and "Mag Mud" dips.
- Great Cocktails and Bar Onsite: The bar is a central feature, known for its excellent cocktail program, particularly the margaritas. The variety of options, from classic to specialty, is a major draw.
- Authentic Tex-Mex Cuisine: The menu is a love letter to Tex-Mex, with dishes like sizzling fajitas, enchiladas with rich sauces, and a variety of tacos that are made with genuine Texan recipes.
- Kid-Friendly: With a dedicated kids' menu, high chairs, and an accommodating staff, Javelina is a great spot for family dining.
- Late-Night Food: The restaurant offers late-night food, making it a perfect spot for a post-show or late-night meal in the Union Square area.
- Vegetarian Options: A wide variety of vegetarian dishes are available, including Veggie Fajitas, Zucchini Tacos, and Veggie Enchiladas, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Contact Information
Address: 119 E 18th St, New York, NY 10003, USA
Phone: (212) 539-0202
What is worth choosing
Choosing Javelina is a decision to experience a taste of Texas without leaving New York. It is worth choosing for its unwavering commitment to authentic Tex-Mex comfort food, a culinary style that is distinct from traditional Mexican cuisine. The main reason to come here is the food itself, and you can't go wrong starting with the Queso Sampler to get a feel for their famous dips. The sizzling fajitas are a must-try, known for their high quality and generous portions, perfect for sharing. For those looking for a truly Texan experience, the Brisket Tacos or the Steak & Sour Cream Enchiladas are highly recommended. The flavors are clean, balanced, and perfectly seasoned, showing a dedication to the craft that sets them apart.
Beyond the food, Javelina's atmosphere and service are what make it truly special. Despite being a popular and often busy spot, the service remains kind and attentive. The bar offers a vibrant energy and the cocktails are perfectly crafted, not too sweet and with a good balance of flavors. The fact that the restaurant can accommodate a wide range of needs, from groups to solo diners and families, shows its genuine hospitality. It’s a place that makes you feel at home, even if you’re miles away from Texas. For a satisfying, flavorful, and fun dining experience, Javelina is an excellent choice in the heart of Union Square.
Javelina Food & drink
Dips (Online Ordering)
- Traditional Queso $13.00
Yellow cheese, tomatillos, serrano peppers and pico de gallo.
- White Queso $13.00
White cheese, jalapenos, roasted poblanos and pico de gallo.
- Fried Jalapeño Queso $14.00
traditional queso with fried jalapeños and salsa verde
- Bob Armstrong $15.00
Choice of traditional or white queso with guacamole, ground beef, pico de gallo and sour cream.
- Mag Mud $14.00
White queso, black beans, pico de gallo and guacamole.
- Queso Sampler $17.00
Traditional queso, white queso and choice of Bob Armstrong, Mag Mud, or Fried Jalapeno Queso.
- Guacamole $15.00
Mashed avocado, cilantro, jalapeno, tomato and onion served medium or hot.
- Chips & Salsa $4.00
Fresh roasted tomatoes, jalapeños, garlic, onions, and cilantro, made fresh daily.
- Skinny Dippin' $4.00
Jicama, carrots and celery sticks.
- TO GO CHIPS & SALSA $4.00
- Half Pint Pico De Gallo & Chips $6.00
- Extra Chips $2.00
- PINT: Yellow Queso $22.00
- PINT: White Queso $22.00
- PINT: Guacamole $28.00
- PINT: Mag Mud $26.00
White queso, black beans, pico de gallo and guacamole.
- PINT: Bob Armstrong $28.00
Choice of traditional or white queso with guacamole, ground beef, pico de gallo and sour cream.
- QUART: Yellow Queso $44.00
- QUART: White Queso $44.00
- QUART: Guacamole $56.00
- QUART Bob Armstrong $56.00
Choice of traditional or white queso with guacamole, ground beef, pico de gallo and sour cream.
- QUART: Mag Mud $52.00
White queso, black beans, pico de gallo and guacamole.
Fajitas (Online Ordering)
- Steak Fajitas $29.00
- Chicken Fajitas $25.00
- Shrimp Fajitas $27.00
- Carnitas Fajitas $28.00
- Veggie Fajitas $21.00
- Steak & Chicken Fajitas $27.00
- Shrimp & Chicken Fajitas $26.00
- Steak & Shrimp Fajitas $29.00
- Steak & Carnitas Fajitas $29.00
- Chicken & Carnitas Fajitas $27.00
- Shrimp & Carnitas Fajitas $28.00
- Black Angus Ribeye Fajitas $40.00
A 10 oz Chile-rubbed Black Angus ribeye served on a bed of sauteed onions & poblano peppers, topped with pistachio chimichurri sauce, and served with roasted potatoes, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo & our house-made flour tortillas.
- Steak, Shrimp & Chicken Mixtas $34.00
- Steak Fajitas For Two $57.00
- Chicken Fajitas For Two $49.00
- Shrimp Fajitas For Two $53.00
- Carnitas Fajitas For Two $55.00
- Veggie Fajitas For Two $41.00
- Steak & Chicken Fajitas For Two $53.00
- Shrimp & Chicken Fajitas For Two $51.00
- Steak & Shrimp Fajitas For Two $57.00
- Steak & Carnitas Fajitas For Two $57.00
- Chicken & Carnitas Fajitas For Two $53.00
- Shrimp & Carnitas Fajitas For Two $55.00
- Steak, Shrimp & Chicken Mixtas For Two $67.00
- Black Angus Ribeye Fajitas For Two $79.00
Two 10 oz Chile-rubbed Black Angus ribeyes served on a bed of sauteed onions & poblano peppers, topped with pistachio chimichurri sauce, and served with roasted potatoes, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo & our house-made flour tortillas.
Appetizers (Online Ordering)
- Quesadilla. $13.00
Flour tortillas filled with cheese and pickled jalapenos with guacamole, pico de gallo and sour cream.
- Nachos $12.00
Corn tortilla chips topped with mixed cheese, house pickled jalapenos and refried beans with guacamole, pico de gallo and sour cream.
- Chicken & Cheese Taquitos $12.00
Deep fried rolled corn tortillas filled with roasted chipotle chicken and topped with cotija cheese, salsa verde, & crema
Enchiladas (Online Ordering)
- Enchiladas De Tejas $20.00
Mixed cheese, red chili gravy, chili con carne, fresh onions, fried jalapeños and cilantro. Served with your choice of Mexican or jalapeno rice and black or refried beans.
- Chicken Enchiladas $21.00
Chipotle marinated chicken, roasted tomatillo sauce, mixed cheese, fresh onions and cilantro. Served with your choice of Mexican or jalapeno rice and black or refried beans.
- Steak & Sour Cream Enchiladas $24.00
Grilled hanger steak, sour cream sauce, yellow American cheese, pickled jalapeños & cayenne pepper. Served with your choice of Mexican or jalapeno rice and black or refried beans.
- Mole Enchiladas $20.00
Pulled chicken with our eighteen-ingredient chile cocoa mole. With fresh onion, seasame seeds, cotija & cilantro (contains pine nuts & almonds). Served with your choice of Mexican or jalapeno rice and black or refried beans.
- Veggie Enchiladas $19.00
Sautéed mixed vegetables, poblano sauce, mixed cheese, lime cream & pico de gallo. Served with your choice of Mexican or jalapeno rice and black or refried beans.
- Stacked Brisket Enchiladas $24.00
Stacked tortillas with layers of slow cooked beef brisket with poblano cream sauce, onions, cheese and jalapenos. Served with your choice of Mexican or jalapeno rice and black or refried beans.
Three Tacos (Online Ordering)
- 3 Brisket Tacos $25.00
Slow cooked beef brisket, jalapeno gravy, cilantro, onions and poblano peppers and cotija cheese.
- 3 Chicken Tacos $22.00
Grilled chicken, guacamole, lettuce, pico de gallo and cilantro with cotija cheese.
- 3 Crispy Beef Tacos $20.00
Hard shell corn tortilla, ground beef, pico de gallo, shredded mixed cheese, lettuce and cilantro.
- 3 Grilled Shrimp Tacos $25.00
Grilled shrimp, lettuce, salsa cruda, cilantro, pico de gallo and cotija cheese.
- 3 Fried Fish Tacos $23.00
Shiner beer battered mahi-mahi with salsa verde, peach pico de gallo, cabbage & cilantro
- 3 Zucchini Tacos $20.00
Fried avocado, poblano sauce, pico de gallo, cotija, lettuce and cilantro.
- 3 Al Pastor Tacos $23.00
Spice rubbed marinated pork topped with cilantro, onions, grilled pineapple and an avocado tomatillo salsa
Two Tacos (Online Ordering)
- Brisket Tacos $17.00
Slow cooked beef brisket, jalapeno gravy, cilantro, onions and mixed peppers and cotija cheese.
- Chicken Tacos $15.00
Grilled chicken, guacamole, lettuce, pico de gallo and cilantro with cotija cheese.
- Crispy Beef Tacos $14.00
Hard shell corn tortilla, ground beef, pico de gallo, shredded mixed cheese, lettuce and cilantro.
- Grilled Shrimp Tacos $17.00
Grilled shrimp, lettuce, salsa cruda, cilantro, pico de gallo and cotija cheese.
- Fried Fish Tacos $16.00
Shiner battered mahi-mahi with salsa verde, peach pico de gallo, cabbage & cilantro
- Zucchini Tacos $14.00
Fried avocado, poblano sauce, pico de gallo, cotija, lettuce and cilantro.
- Al Pastor Tacos $16.00
Spice rubbed marinated pork topped with cilantro, onions, grilled pineapple and an avocado tomatillo salsa
Soups & Salads (Online Ordering)
- Texas Red Chili $11.00
Our award-winning Texas no-bean chili topped with shredded cheese, fresh onions, cilantro & fried jalapeños Choice of: mild or spicy
- Tortilla Soup $11.00
Shredded chicken in a pasilla chili broth with avocado, sour cream, cilantro and fried tortilla strips.
- Chicken Avocado Soup $11.00
grilled chicken served in a bone broth with avocado, zucchini, squash, corn, onion, celery and carrot
- Texan Caesar $15.00
served in a fried flour tortilla shell, romaine lettuce tomatoes, cotija cheese, jalapeño caesar dressing
- Javelina Salad $15.00
Baby arugula, tomatoes, fresh jicama, toasted chile lime pecans, pickled red onions and guacamole served with pomegranate vinaigrette.
Sides & Additions (Online Ordering)
- Flour Tortillas $3.00
- Elotes $7.00
- Jalapeno Rice. $4.00
- Mexican Rice. $4.00
- Black Beans. $4.00
(vegetarian)
- Refried Beans. $4.00
- Side House Salad $6.00
mixed greens, diced tomatoes, cotija cheese & jalapeño ranch dressing
- Corn Tortillas $3.00
- Side Of Sour Cream $2.00
- Side Of Guacamole $4.00
- Side Of Pico De Gallo $2.00
Breakfast Tacos (Online Ordering)
- The Original $12.00
Scrambled eggs, potatoes and cheese with choice of meat. Served with house made tortillas.
- Red Headed Stranger $15.00
Scrambled eggs, brisket, black beans, avocado and cheese with ranchero sauce. Served with house made tortillas.
- 3 The Original $17.00
Scrambled eggs, potatoes and cheese with choice of meat. Served with house made tortillas.
- The Cadillac $15.00
Scrambled eggs, chorizo, jalapeno, white queso, puffy taco shell.
- 3 The Cadillac $22.00
Scrambled eggs, chorizo, jalapeno, white queso, puffy taco shell.
- 3 Red Headed Stranger $22.00
Scrambled eggs, brisket, black beans, avocado and cheese with ranchero sauce. Served with house made tortillas.
- Migas Tacos $15.00
Scrambled eggs, shredded cheese, bacon, pico de gallo, bits of fried corn tortillas.
- 3 Migas Tacos $22.00
Scrambled eggs, shredded cheese, bacon, pico de gallo, bits of fried corn tortillas.
Breakfast Main (Online Ordering)
- Egg-Chilada $16.00
Egg-coated flour tortilla, filled with grilled chicken, chorizo, fajita peppers & onions. Topped with sliced avocado, pico de gallo & traditional queso
- Huevos Rancheros $15.00
Fried eggs, choice of black or fried beans, corn tortillas, ranchera sauce, shredded cheese and Mexican rice.
- Buttermilk Pancakes $13.00
Whipped butter, syrup, & powdered sugar
- Children's Pancakes $6.00
- Children's Scrambled Eggs & Bacon $5.00
Children's Menu
- Children's Chicken Fingers $9.00
- Children's Quesadilla $8.00
Texas Beer & Cider, Bottled Imports (Online Ordering) (Must be 21 to Purchase)
- Shiner Bock CAN $8.00
Must be 21 to purchase. IN ACCORDANCE WITH NY LAW, FOOD MUST BE PURCHASED IN ORDER TO PURCHASE TO GO ALCOHOL.
- Modelo Especial CAN. $8.00
Must be 21 to purchase.
- Negro Modelo BTL. $8.00
Must be 21 to purchase. IN ACCORDANCE WITH NY LAW, FOOD MUST BE PURCHASED IN ORDER TO PURCHASE TO GO ALCOHOL.
- Austin Eastcider Dry Cider CAN $8.00
Must be 21 to purchase. IN ACCORDANCE WITH NY LAW, FOOD MUST BE PURCHASED IN ORDER TO PURCHASE TO GO ALCOHOL.
Cocktails To Go (online ordering) (Must be 21 to Purchase)
- 16 Oz To Go Margarita Traditional Rocks (Makes 3 Cocktails) $30.00
Must be 21 to purchase. IN ACCORDANCE WITH NY LAW, FOOD MUST BE PURCHASED IN ORDER TO PURCHASE TO GO ALCOHOL.
- 16 Oz To Go Margarita Jalapeno Rocks (Makes 3 Cocktails) $30.00
Must be 21 to purchase. IN ACCORDANCE WITH NY LAW, FOOD MUST BE PURCHASED IN ORDER TO PURCHASE TO GO ALCOHOL.
- 16 Oz To Go Margarita Prickly Pear Rocks (Makes 3 Cocktails) $30.00
Must be 21 to purchase. IN ACCORDANCE WITH NY LAW, FOOD MUST BE PURCHASED IN ORDER TO PURCHASE TO GO ALCOHOL.
Canned Sodas (Online Ordering)
- Sprite (CAN) $2.00
- Coke (CAN) $2.00
- Diet Coke (CAN) $2.00
- Ginger Ale (CAN) $2.00
Javelina Details
Service options
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great cocktails
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Paid street parking
Javelina Photos
Javelina Location
Javelina Reviews
quesomargaritasenchiladasbrunchhabanerohappy hourbrisketpeachbartenderfrozen
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Chips and salsa right as we sat down was such a nice welcome! Salsa was very good, chunky but good hold on the chip. The queso sampler is a must!! Super yummy!Steak and sour cream enchiladas are very heavy, but very good. Would recommend sharing them! Friends said the mole enchiladas and taco salad w steak were also pretty solid.Service was very kind, even during the rush! It was pretty loud in there though, so conversation was a bit rough at times.8/10
July 19 · Athena LyThe kitchen treats food preparation as an art form. The team showed real hospitality. Their flavor combinations work perfectly! They serve clean food with balanced seasoning. This place creates dishes I'll want again.
August 25 · Ana ButlerI had an amazing experience at this Tex-Mex restaurant! The service was exceptional, and Victoria, our server, was absolutely fantastic. She was so attentive and sweet, making sure we had everything we needed. The food was delicious and fresh. I was especially impressed with how quick the service was; we barely sat down before the salsa and chip were on the table! Incredible job all around. Highly recommend!
December 22 · Roldany AlmonteFun fact: I HATE it when restaurants are stingy with the AC on scorchingly humid days.As soon as we walked into Javelina on a muggy day that would've made the Amazon jealous, I knew I was in for a nightmare of a dinner. There was no discernible air con, and all the diners looked like they had just finished a HIIT workout. Shiny and sweaty...yuck!The food wasn't bad, but it wasn't remarkable enough to overlook the fact that I was melting. Our Habanero Queso with Chorizo was proper spicy, but that actually made the experience worse, since we were chugging (and requesting) ice cubes every 20 min. In fact, the ice cubes didn't last longer than 5 min before they were gone.The Veggie Enchilada and Steak & Shrimp Fajitas were both fine as well, and if I hadn't been broiling, I might've been able to enjoy them.For what it's worth, service was pretty attentive and friendly. They seemed almost apologetic about the humidity, but not enough to either turn on the AC or explain why it wasn't on.In sum: hot, spicy Tex-Mex in 95-degree humidity. Not my cup of horchata, but maybe others can stand it.
July 08 · Josephine LeeAmazing. This is delicious, fair priced, fresh food. You get unlimited chips and salsa and the staff are super attentive and will constantly bring refills. I would suggest getting the white queso. They have great fajita skillets which are perfect for sharing with 2 people (you get rice, beans, toppings, meat, and tortillas), and you can get more shells for $3. The drinks are pricey but good. The staff here are great and the space is nicely designed. Couldn’t ask for more in a dining experience.
January 17 · Maddy A
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