Lalito Introduce
Welcome to Lalito, an exciting addition to New York City's vibrant dining scene. Located in the heart of Chinatown, Lalito offers a unique take on Mexican cuisine, blending traditional flavors with a modern, inventive twist. This restaurant has quickly become a local favorite, drawing in crowds with its flavorful dishes, stylish yet cozy atmosphere, and an incredibly friendly staff. Whether you're a longtime New Yorker or just visiting, Lalito provides a fresh and memorable culinary experience that goes beyond the typical Mexican fare. It's a place where you can enjoy traditional dishes rooted in family recipes, reimagined with a modern sensibility. From flavorful small plates to innovative cocktails, Lalito captures the essence of a new wave of Mexican dining. This article will walk you through what makes Lalito a must-visit spot, from its accessible location and diverse menu to its standout features and welcoming atmosphere.
Lalito is situated at
104 Bayard St, New York, NY 10013, USA
, placing it right in the bustling and culturally rich neighborhood of Chinatown. This location is not only vibrant but also incredibly accessible, making it an easy destination for anyone in the city. The restaurant's position in a neighborhood known for its diverse culinary landscape adds to its charm, offering a unique contrast to the traditional Asian eateries surrounding it. Getting to Lalito is straightforward, with numerous subway lines and bus routes serving the area. The location is well-connected, so whether you're coming from another borough or a different part of Manhattan, you'll find that it's a convenient and central spot. Its accessibility is a major plus, allowing locals and tourists alike to easily drop by for a quick lunch, a relaxed dinner, or even a late-night bite. The street itself, Bayard Street, is full of character, and a visit to Lalito can be part of a larger exploration of the area's many sights and sounds. The restaurant is a stone's throw away from public transportation hubs, so you can easily reach it without a car.Lalito offers a range of services designed to provide a flexible and enjoyable dining experience for all.
Dine-in: The restaurant provides a cozy and trendy indoor dining space. With table service, you can sit back and relax while the friendly staff takes care of your order. The atmosphere is casual yet sophisticated, perfect for a meal with friends, a date night, or a solo dining adventure.
Takeaway: If you're on the go or prefer to eat at home, Lalito offers a convenient takeaway service. You can call ahead or order in person and enjoy your favorite dishes wherever you like.
Delivery: For ultimate convenience, Lalito also provides delivery services, bringing their delicious food right to your doorstep. This is a great option for those busy days when you don't have time to cook or dine out.
Catering: Lalito also offers catering services, making it a great choice for your next event or gathering. Whether it's a small get-together or a larger party, they can provide a unique and flavorful menu that will impress your guests.
Lalito stands out for several reasons, from its exceptional food and service to its welcoming environment. Here are some of its key features and highlights:
Fast Service: Customers often highlight the quick and efficient service. The staff is attentive and ensures that your dining experience is smooth and timely, whether you're in for a quick lunch or a full dinner. This is a major plus for anyone with a busy schedule.
Unique Offerings: The menu at Lalito is full of surprises. While it includes classics, it also features creative dishes like the Vegan Caesar Salad, Kpea Huarache, and the Masa-Mousse dessert. They also offer a wide selection of beverages, including Cocktails (like the Corazón Margarita), Beer, Spirits, and a curated Wine list. The presence of options like healthy food, vegetarian choices, and small plates caters to a variety of dietary needs and preferences. Their menu is described as offering "comfort food" with a modern twist.
Casual and Trendy Atmosphere: The interior is described as modern and simple, creating a chic yet relaxed vibe. The atmosphere is casual, cozy, and trendy, making it a comfortable place to hang out for hours with friends, as one reviewer noted. There's also a fully stocked bar with counter seating.
Popularity for Various Occasions: Lalito is a popular choice for many different occasions. It's an excellent spot for lunch, dinner, and even solo dining. The friendly and warm staff, as one customer mentioned, makes it an ideal place to "camp out for hours." It's also suitable for a late-night meal, with late-night food options available. It's a place that attracts a friendly crowd, including families and locals. The restaurant also has amenities like a bar on site and clean restrooms.
Reservations Recommended: While they accept walk-ins, the restaurant is known to be quite popular. The availability of reservations is a great feature, especially if you're planning a visit during peak hours, ensuring you get a table without a long wait. Payments are convenient, as they accept credit and debit cards.
For reservations, inquiries, or to place an order, you can contact Lalito using the information below. The staff is friendly and ready to assist you.
Address: 104 Bayard St, New York, NY 10013, USA
Phone: (646) 998-3408
So, what makes Lalito truly special and worth choosing for your next meal? The answer lies in its perfect blend of tradition and innovation. Chef/co-owner Geraldo Gonzalez has created a menu that honors his roots and his mother's cooking while daring to put his own contemporary twist on each dish. This approach results in a dining experience that is both comforting and exciting. While some portions might be considered small for a family-style plate, as some reviews suggest, the quality and depth of flavor in each dish are undeniable. Items like the Fluke Ceviche, Lalito Carnitas, and the unique Plantain Cream Pie showcase the restaurant's commitment to using fresh, quality ingredients to create memorable tastes. Even a simple-sounding item like the Velvet Rope cocktail is described by a reviewer as an "amazing mezcal-focused drink."
Furthermore, the atmosphere at Lalito is a significant draw. It manages to be trendy without being pretentious, and its cozy interior makes it a great place to unwind. The warm and incredibly welcoming staff, as highlighted by numerous customers, adds a personal touch that makes you feel right at home. It’s a place where you can feel comfortable staying for a long time, enjoying not just the food and drinks but also the company and the ambiance. Lalito is an ideal spot for a quick bite, a celebratory dinner, or even a late-night snack with friends. It's a place that caters to a diverse crowd, from families to locals, all looking for a high-quality meal in a relaxed and inviting setting. The combination of its flavorful and creative menu, welcoming atmosphere, and excellent service makes Lalito a standout choice for anyone looking to explore a new side of Mexican cuisine in New York City.
Lalito Food & drink
Sweets
- Olive Oil Cake
- Tahini Bananna Loaf
- Roasted Yam & Granola
- French Toast
Salads
- Vegan Caesar Salad
- Farro & Veggies
Nch
- Guacamole
- Of The Day
- Nitas Tacos
- Kpea Huarache
Eet
- Masa-Mousse
- Tes Salad
Cocktails
- Corazón Margarita
- Tijuana Brass
- El Guapo
White
- Azimut Blanc
Others
- Fried Plantains
- Papas Bravas
- Coconut Rice & Beans
- Thick Cut Bacon
- Breakfast Tacos
- Plato Tipico
- Coconut Grits
- Soft Scramble W Smoked Sable
- Vina Zorzal
Lalito Details
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy-hour drinks
- Happy-hour food
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Small plates
- Spirits
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar on site
- Toilet
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cosy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family friendly
- Locals
Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Lalito Photos










Lalito Location
Lalito Reviews
brunchmexicanpricedrinkshappy hourbathroomschickpeacarnitascoconutyoghurt
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1This is a review of the even by Tasting Collective that we attended. It was a 10- course Nouveau Mexican Feast. It opened up about six months ago in Chinatown. We were curious to try a traditional Mexican cuisine with a modern twist at this restaurant. The interior was modern an simple, not large but not too small. They have fully stocked bar with counter seating as well.At the beginning of the event, chef/co-owner Geraldo Gonzalez came out to greet us and gave us a quick background about him and his restaurant. He offers traditional dishes he grew up with, like his mother’s cooking, with his own twist at this restaurant. Also, we learned that he does not serve avocado (in any style) here… He is somehow against it, which is kind of funny…We got to try Local Oyster Shot, Baby Corn Esquites, Boquerones Tostada, Fluke Ceviche, Lalito Carnitas, Marinated Beets, Melon Salad, Mexican, Mixed Zucchini, and Plantain Cream Pie.The portion size for family-style plates were a bit small. Which made it difficult to get the full flavor of some items. I see on the other people's reviews that the small portion size is a common thing here. Overall, the food was good, but nothing really stood out in any special way. It still was a good experience to try out some dishes from new, upcoming restaurant that seems to be getting lots of attention. Read my full review of the restaurant and food on my food blog, foodlovergirl.
July 31 · Foodlover GirlI've been raving about this place to anyone who'll listen. I've been for dinner and brunch and both times the food has been extremely flavorful and the staff incredibly warm. Like, let-my-friends-and-I-camp-out-for-hours warm. It's hard to pick a favorite from the menu, but the Velvet Rope cocktail is such an amazing mezcal-focused drink that I still think about it a month later. Definitely go.
April 08 · Katie CisnerosWe came for drinks and they were solid! It seems to be a new establishment in Chinatown. Service was good. They should get their AC working though! :)
May 17 · W GmailA little disappointing. While the style and space is nice, I may have gone at the wrong time (3pm) because I was first told there was a limited menu and then after ordering a drink told there was no food as the kitchen was closed. For a full bar I would have expected at least some snacks to be available if drinks are served.Maybe worth trying again as there aren’t many places available in this neighbourhood, but with distracted service and incorrect change it’s 3* for now.
October 29 · HowardVery small plates. No where near worth the price. Food was good but not great. Service was nice and fast.
July 21 · Tom
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