La Esquina Introduce
La Esquina is a vibrant and beloved Mexican restaurant that brings a taste of authentic Mexican flavors to the heart of New York City's Upper East Side. This establishment has quickly become a local favorite, known for its cozy ambiance, delicious food, and lively atmosphere. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or a lively get-together with friends, La Esquina offers a welcoming and memorable dining experience. The restaurant’s commitment to quality is evident in every dish, from the fresh ingredients used in their guacamole to the perfectly seasoned fillings in their tacos and quesadillas.
The atmosphere at La Esquina is both casual and trendy, making it a great spot for a variety of occasions. The outdoor seating is a major highlight, especially on a nice day, providing a wonderful setting to enjoy a meal and a refreshing drink while people-watching. The indoor space is equally inviting, with a cozy and lively vibe. This dual-seating option caters to different moods and seasons, ensuring that La Esquina is a great choice year-round. The service is often praised for being fast and friendly, which is particularly appreciated by busy New Yorkers looking for a quick and satisfying meal.
La Esquina has also built a reputation for its wide range of offerings, from classic comfort foods to creative cocktails. It's a place where you can find everything from a simple yet delicious side of rice and beans to a refreshing, hand-crafted margarita pitcher. The restaurant's popularity among locals and tourists alike is a testament to its consistent quality, great ambiance, and a menu that truly captures the essence of Mexican cuisine. It's not just a place to eat; it's a place to relax, enjoy good company, and savor great food.
La Esquina is perfectly located at
1402 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA
, making it a highly accessible destination for anyone in the Upper East Side and surrounding neighborhoods. The restaurant’s address places it in a prime spot on 2nd Avenue, an area known for its vibrant street life and array of dining options. Getting to La Esquina is simple, whether you're walking from a nearby office, apartment, or a public transit stop. Its location is convenient for both a planned dinner and a spontaneous stop-in.For those who prefer to dine outdoors, the restaurant’s ample outdoor seating is a major draw, providing a wonderful street-side dining experience. Inside, the restaurant is also well-designed to be inclusive and accessible. The establishment features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a comfortable meal. This attention to accessibility is a key part of the restaurant's commitment to welcoming all members of the community.
The central location of La Esquina also facilitates its takeout and delivery services, ensuring that your order arrives fresh and quickly. This is particularly useful for those seeking a late-night bite or a quick meal at home. The restaurant's presence in this busy New York neighborhood makes it a convenient and reliable choice for authentic Mexican food.
La Esquina provides a variety of service options to accommodate every diner’s needs and preferences. Their offerings are designed for convenience and a great experience.
Dine-in: The restaurant offers a casual and cozy setting for guests to enjoy their meal at their own pace. With both indoor and outdoor seating, patrons can choose the ambiance that best suits their mood. Table service is provided for a full-service experience.
Outdoor Seating: A major highlight, the outdoor seating area is perfect for a warm day or a pleasant evening. It's a great spot for sipping margaritas and enjoying a meal while taking in the neighborhood atmosphere.
Takeout: For those on the go, La Esquina offers efficient takeout service. You can place an order and pick it up quickly, making it a great option for a fast and delicious meal.
Delivery: The restaurant provides reliable delivery service, bringing its authentic Mexican cuisine right to your doorstep. This is ideal for a night in or for a convenient office lunch.
Catering: La Esquina offers catering services, making it a perfect choice for events, parties, or office gatherings. You can bring their delicious food and festive spirit to your own event.
La Esquina is celebrated for its distinctive features that make it a standout Mexican restaurant in New York.
Authentic Mexican Cuisine: The menu is packed with classic, authentic dishes that are executed to perfection. From the delicious **carnitas** to the flavorful **Bistec con Queso Taco**, the food is consistently praised for its quality and taste. The **Mains** section, with dishes like **BISTEC**, offers a more substantial meal for those with a larger appetite.
Amazing Guacamole and Tacos: The **GUACAMOLE** is a popular highlight, often described as great and fresh. The variety of tacos, including **Tinga de Pollo**, **Camarones**, and the highly recommended **steak and shrimp tacos**, are a major draw for customers.
Creative Cocktails and Pitchers: The bar offers a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, with the margaritas being a particular highlight. Options like the **Spicy Daisy** and **Pina Fuerte** are unique and delicious. The availability of **pitchers** makes it a perfect spot for groups.
Cozy and Welcoming Atmosphere: The restaurant has a casual, cozy, and trendy vibe. It's described as a family-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly, and a transgender safe space, making it an inclusive and welcoming place for all crowds. The bar onsite adds to the lively and fun atmosphere.
Fast Service: Customers consistently note the fast service, which is a significant highlight, especially for those with limited time for lunch or dinner. This efficiency contributes to the restaurant's popularity.
For reservations, inquiries, or to place an order, you can contact La Esquina at the following:
Address:
1402 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA
Phone:
(646) 613-7100
When you visit La Esquina, the menu offers so many delicious choices that it can be hard to pick just one. However, there are a few items that are consistently lauded by customers and are an absolute must-try.
For starters, the **GUACAMOLE** is a non-negotiable choice. It's fresh, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with a side of **CHIPS & SALSA**. Many customers also rave about the **queso flameado**, which can be customized with delicious additions like mushrooms for a unique and savory experience.
As for the main course, you can't go wrong with the tacos. The **Carnitas Taco** is a crowd favorite, noted for being "so delicious" by a satisfied customer. The **Bistec con Queso Taco** is another excellent choice, offering a hearty and cheesy option. The **Taco Special** and **Family Meal** are great for those who want to try a variety or are dining with a group.
The quesadillas are also a fantastic option. The **Brisket Quesadilla** is a standout, and the special that includes **moros y cristianos** (rice with black beans) is a particularly great meal deal. This combination is a classic and comforting choice that is guaranteed to satisfy. For something a little different, the **La Esquina Burger** is a surprisingly delicious pick.
Don't forget to save room for dessert and drinks. The **Coconut Flan** is a rich and decadent treat that will transport you with its authentic flavor, reminiscent of traditional flan from Puerto Rico. To drink, the **Spicy Daisy** or **El Macizo con Fruta Passion Fruit** margaritas are highly recommended for their unique and refreshing taste. Ordering a pitcher is a great idea if you are with a group.
Ultimately, what makes La Esquina worth choosing is its blend of authentic, high-quality food, a lively and comfortable atmosphere, and excellent service. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch, meeting friends for a drink, or settling in for a full dinner, La Esquina delivers a taste of Mexico that is perfect for any occasion in the city.
La Esquina Food & drink
STARTERS & BOWLS
- GUACAMOLE $14.00
- CHIPS & SALSA $9.00
- SIDE OF SALSA $5.00
- CLASSIC BOWL $14.00
Lentil and Bean Salad, Roasted Squash, Oyster Mushrooms, Lettuce, Pickled Onion, Avocado, Rice
- ENSALADA DE LA CASA $12.00
- SOPA DE TORTILLA $12.00
BURRITOS & FLAUTAS
- BREAKFAST BURRITO $9.00
- BRISKET BURRITO $12.00
- FLAUTAS $10.00
TACOS
- BISTEC CON QUESO TACO $6.00
- BRISKET TACO $6.00
- CAMARONES TACO $6.00
- CARNITAS TACO $5.75
- COLIFLOR TACO $4.50
- PESCADO TACO $6.00
- SHIITAKE TACO $5.25
- TINGA DE POLLO TACO $5.50
- TACO SPECIAL $18.00
- FAMILY MEAL $48.00
QUESADILLAS
- BISTEC QUESADILLA $14.00
- BRISKET QUESADILLA $14.00
- CARNITAS QUESADILLA $13.00
- CHORIZO QUESADILLA $12.00
- QUESO QUESADILLA $9.00
- SHIITAKE QUESADILLA $12.00
- TINGA DE POLLO QUESADILLA $12.00
- QUESADILLA SPECIAL $19.00
TORTAS
- LA ESQUINA BURGER $19.00
- VEGGIE BURGER $18.00
MAINS/SIDES
- BISTEC $29.00
- ELOTE CALLEJERO $6.00
Grilled corn, queso cotija, mayonnaise & chili powder
- ESQUITES $7.00
- PLATANOS $7.00
Fried Plantains, Salsa Verde, Queso Fresco
- EJOTES $7.00
Grilled string beans, lime garlic dressing
- MOROS Y CRISTIANOS $6.00
Side of rice & black beans topped with, pico de gallo & queso fresco.
- SIDE RICE $5.00
- SIDE BEANS $5.00
- SIDE GUACAMOLE $9.00
- FRIES $7.00
- TORTILLA CHIPS $4.00
- SIDE AVOCADO $5.00
- TORTILLAS $4.00
COFFEE AND DESSERT
- TRES LECHES $10.00
- COCONUT FLAN $9.00
- MEXICAN HOT CHOCOLATE $7.00
- DRIP COFFEE $5.00
- TEA $5.00
MARGARITAS
- SEXICO $14.00
- SEXICO PITCHER $56.00
- MEZCAL SEXICO $14.00
- MEZCAL SEXICO PITCHER $56.00
- SPICY DAISY $16.00
- SPICY DAISY PITCHER $65.00
- EL MACIZO CON FRUTA PASSION FRUIT $16.00
- EL MACIZO CON FRUTA PASSIONFRUIT PITCHER $65.00
- EL MACIZO CON FRUTA MANGO $16.00
- EL MACIZO CON FRUTA MANGO PITCHER $65.00
- PEPINO DIABLO $16.00
- PEPINO DIABLO PITCHER $65.00
- LA PINA FUERTE $16.00
- LA PINA FUERTE PITCHER $60.00
- EL MACIZO CON FRUTA BLOOD ORANGE $16.00
- EL MACIZO CON FRUTA BLOOD ORANGE PITCHER $65.00
WINES
- AH SO VIURA AND GARNACHA BLANCO (WHITE) $12.00
- AH SO, GARNACHA ROSE (ROSE) $12.00
- GOTHAM PROJECT, CABERNET SAUVIGNON $12.00
SODA AND WATER
- MEXICAN COKE $4.00
- JARRITOS $4.00
- COCA COLA $3.00
- DIET COKE $3.00
- GINGER ALE $3.00
- JAMAICA $8.00
- HORCHATA $8.00
- STILL WATER (SMALL) $4.00
- STILL WATER (LARGE) $8.00
- SPARKLING WATER (SMALL) $4.00
- SPARKLING WATER (LARGE) $8.00
- LEMONADE $8.00
- GINGER BEER $4.00
La Esquina Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
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
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
La Esquina Photos










La Esquina Location
La Esquina Reviews
margaritasguacamolebowldrinksfishmusictortilla soupelotefrozenwalk
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1My husband and I had a concert at the Bohemian Hall right around the street from the La Esquina. We only had an hour for a quick dinner and found the La Esquina. Wow we are pleasantly surprised with their cozy ambiance and great food. My husband had a beef brisket quesadillas special that came with moros y cristianos (rice w black beans) and I had two carnitas. They were so delicious we devoured them. I was planning to taste his rice side dish. But it was so delicious I finished it👍🏼. We had an enough time left to ordered and finished a delicious coconut flan. It reminded us a flan from PR.We will definitely come for a quick taco/quesadilla night here again👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
March 14 · Gina Lee-GlauserThis place always is a great stop! I love how much outdoor seating they have, especially on a nice summer day it's wonderful to sit outside and sip margaritas with some guac! I recommend the spicy jalapeño margarita for drinks, it does have a nice kick! Go with a pitcher if there are 4 of you or more, def worth it. I love their queso flameado, top it with mushrooms and it's a great combo - almost feels like you're eating a quesadilla :) Overall: Good guac, great steak and shrimp tacos, love the mushroom add on option to anything!Wish they had a better wait system, on busy nights it would be nice to leave my phone numbers / have an app to let us know when our table is ready. Right now it's all done via a list so you have to stand and wait.
August 14 · Sarah LoboWe’ve been coming to this neighborhood restaurant for years. It use to be one of our favorites. The food was authentic, well priced and plentiful.Ever since they renovated, the portions are half the size (and more expensive) and it’s just not as fresh. This has been the last few times we went. So disappointing . Last night the steak in the taco was like shoe leather- so tough and no flavor. Their sopa de tortilla (which was one of our faves) is now half the size with less chicken. Guacamole portion is so much smaller as well.The music was BLARING; and in a small place like that it’s just unnecessary. Turn it down so that your customers can enjoy and converse. We liked the choice of tunes; just not the volume. Service is always good as are the drinks.
May 18 · Lee VFood is good but a bit pricy for tacos. 2 tacos was 15 dollars. Horchata was watered down.
November 30 · S SCute informal Mexican joint.Good salads, tacos and traditional dishes at a reasonable price
April 23 · Andrés Berl
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