Móle Cantina Mexicana: Authentic Mexican Cuisine on the Upper East Side

Móle Cantina Mexicana- Upper East Side Introduce

Introduction / Overview

Welcome to Móle Cantina Mexicana, a hidden gem nestled in the vibrant heart of the Upper East Side. This authentic Mexican restaurant brings the bold, rich flavors of Mexico right to your neighborhood. Móle Cantina Mexicana is more than just a place to eat; it's a dining experience rooted in tradition and passion. Proudly identified as both a Latino-owned and women-owned business, this establishment offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere where every guest feels like family. Whether you're craving classic tacos, flavorful enchiladas, or a refreshing margarita, Móle Cantina Mexicana promises a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds south of the border.

The restaurant has earned a reputation for its fast service and an impressive selection of cocktails, making it a popular spot for both lunch and dinner, as well as a great option for solo diners. The casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop for any occasion, from a relaxed family meal to a fun night out with friends. Known for its dedication to fresh, high-quality ingredients, Móle Cantina Mexicana offers a diverse menu that includes vegetarian and vegan options, healthy dishes, and a variety of small plates perfect for sharing.

What truly sets Móle Cantina Mexicana apart is its commitment to creating an inclusive and friendly environment. The space is a transgender safe space and LGBTQ+ friendly, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and respected. With a menu that caters to various dietary needs and a welcoming staff, it's easy to see why this spot has become a local favorite. The culinary team meticulously crafts each dish, from the savory House Specialties like Cochinita Pibil and Carne Asada to the delightful desserts such as Pastel De Tres Leches. This dedication to authenticity and quality is evident in every bite, promising a memorable meal with every visit.

---

Location and Accessibility

Located at 1735 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128, Móle Cantina Mexicana is easily accessible for residents and visitors alike on the Upper East Side. The restaurant's prime location makes it a convenient stop whether you're running errands, catching up with friends, or simply looking for a great meal. For those driving, paid street parking is available nearby.

The establishment is committed to providing a comfortable experience for all guests, offering excellent accessibility features. It boasts a wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible restrooms, and wheelchair-accessible seating, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their dining experience without any hassle. The interior layout is thoughtfully designed to accommodate various needs, making it a truly inclusive space.

In addition to its welcoming physical space, Móle Cantina Mexicana offers several convenient service options. You can choose to enjoy your meal with their outdoor seating, perfect for a sunny day or a breezy evening. For those who prefer to dine at home, they offer no-contact delivery, standard delivery, and takeout services. They also provide curbside pickup, making it simple to grab your food on the go.

---

Services Offered

Dine-in and Outdoor Seating: Enjoy a cozy meal inside or a relaxing one at the outdoor seating area.
Takeout, Delivery, and Curbside Pickup: Perfect for those who want to enjoy Móle Cantina's delicious food from the comfort of their home. No-contact delivery is also available.
Reservations: Dinner reservations are recommended, and the restaurant happily accepts them to ensure you get a table at your preferred time.
Table Service: Experience friendly and efficient table service from a dedicated staff.
Catering: While not explicitly mentioned in the provided information, many restaurants with a diverse menu and strong takeout/delivery service also offer catering for events. Please check directly with the restaurant for details.

---

Features / Highlights

Authentic and Diverse Menu: A wide range of traditional Mexican dishes, from tacos and burritos to House Specialties like Pescado A La Veracruzana and Carnitas.
Dietary-Friendly Options: Offers a variety of healthy options, organic dishes, vegan options, and vegetarian options to accommodate all guests.
Exceptional Beverages: Known for great cocktails, including a selection of Margaritas and Mojitos, as well as a full bar with beer, wine, and hard liquor. Don't miss the Happy Hour drinks and food specials.
Family-Friendly Environment: The restaurant is good for kids, with high chairs available and a dedicated kids' menu.
Inclusive and Welcoming Atmosphere: A casual, cozy, and trendy space that is family-friendly, great for groups, and prides itself on being LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space.
Efficient and Friendly Service: Recognized for its fast service and the welcoming, helpful nature of the staff.
Owned and Operated with Pride: Móle Cantina Mexicana is a Latino-owned and women-owned business, adding a unique and meaningful dimension to its identity.

---

Contact Information

Address: 1735 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA

Phone: (212) 289-8226

---

What is worth choosing

Móle Cantina Mexicana stands out on the Upper East Side for a multitude of reasons, making it a destination worth choosing for your next meal. The commitment to authentic Mexican cuisine is at the core of its appeal. The menu is a testament to the rich culinary traditions of Mexico, featuring dishes that are both classic and innovative. From the flavorful Tacos De Arrachera to the comforting Sopa De Tortilla, each item is crafted with care and a deep respect for flavor. The house specialties, in particular, offer a taste of true Mexican artistry, with dishes like Cochinita Pibil and Steak A La Mexicana showcasing a balance of spices and textures.

Beyond the food, the atmosphere at Móle Cantina is a key draw. The space is casual, cozy, and trendy, providing a welcoming environment whether you’re coming in for a quick lunch or a celebratory dinner. The restaurant's dedication to being a safe and friendly place for everyone, including the LGBTQ+ community, reflects a modern, inclusive ethos that resonates with today's diners. The staff's professionalism and warmth, as noted by customer reviews, enhance the overall dining experience, making you feel valued from the moment you walk in.

The beverage program is another compelling reason to visit. The reputation for great cocktails is well-deserved, with a variety of options including refreshing Margaritas and Mojitos that perfectly complement the spicy and savory notes of the food. The happy hour specials are a great way to unwind after a long day without breaking the bank.

Finally, supporting a Latino-owned and women-owned business is an important consideration for many in New York. Móle Cantina Mexicana represents a community-focused enterprise that contributes positively to the local economy and culture. This, combined with the restaurant's commitment to quality food, fast service, and a truly welcoming environment, makes it a top choice for anyone in the Upper East Side looking for a genuine and delicious Mexican dining experience.

Móle Cantina Mexicana- Upper East Side Food & drink

Tacos
Tacos Americanos $12.50
2 hard shell tacos, ground beef, lettuce, cheese, onion, cilantro, and salsa. No rice and beans.
Baja Style Fish Tacos $25.00
Three flounder tacos served on blue corn tortilla with lettuce, pico de gallo, and avocado. Chipotle and jalapeño mayo are served on the side. No rice and beans.
Baja Style Shrimp Tacos $24.00
Three shrimp tacos served on blue corn tortilla with lettuce, pico de gallo, and avocado. Chipotle and jalapeño mayo are served on the side. No rice and beans.
Grilled Salmon Tacos $24.00
Three tacos on flour tortilla served Baja Style. With lettuce, avocado, pico de gallo. ON the side chipotle and jalapeño mayo.
Flautas Doradas $19.50
3 crispy tacos stuffed with shredded chicken or beef. With sour cream, cotija cheese, lettuce and salsa, rice, and beans.
Tacos "Taco Taco" $28.00
Three tacos with our famous chipotle pork (taco taco) strips, on blue corn tortilla. Served with "charros" style beans, guacamole, and charred baby onions. No rice.
Tacos De Arrachera $28.00
Three tacos with our marinated and grilled skirt steak served on flour tortillas. Served with "charros" style beans, guacamole, and charred baby onions. No rice and beans.
Tacos Al Pastor $28.00
Three tacos with adobo marinated pork and grilled pineapple on blue corn tortillas. Served with beans, guacamole, and chipotle salsa. No rice.
2 Tacos $14.00
Soft corn tortillas topped with onions and cilantro and salsa on the side. No rice and beans.

Burritos and More
Burritos $15.00
Large flour tortilla stuffed with rice and beans and your choice of filling. Served with pico de gallo and sour cream on the side.
Chimichangas $18.00
Crispy flour tortilla stuffed with rice and beans, topped with cheese, lettuce, sour cream, and salsa.
Burrito Bowl $18.00
Your choice of protein or veggies served with rice, black beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, and cheese. Sour cream and salsa on the side.
Burrito Enchilado $18.00
Large flour tortilla crisped on the grill and filled with rice, beans, and your choice of filling; then smothered with our traditional enchilada sauce and topped with melted cheese.
Fiesta Burrito $20.00
Flour tortilla w/Rice, black beans, steak or grilled chicken, sautéed onions & peppers, sour cream, cheese & pico de gallo.

Especialidades de la Casa / House specialties
Pescado A La Veracruzana Con Camarones $29.00
Filet of fish and shrimps sautéed with finely chopped tomatoes, onions, olives, and capers. Served with rice, beans, tortillas, or mixed green salad.
Shrimp A La Mexicana $28.00
Shrimp sautéed with fresh jalapeños, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. Served with rice, beans, and tortillas.
Carnitas $27.00
Chunks of pork "confit" served with pico de gallo and salsa verde on the side. Served with rice, beans, and tortillas.
Chiles Rellenos $26.00
Two fire-roasted poblano peppers stuffed with "queso fresco," served in our own fresh-fire roasted tomato sauce. Served with rice, beans, and tortillas.
Steak A La Mexicana $28.00
Strips of skirt steak sautéed with fresh jalapenos, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. Served with rice, beans, and tortillas.
Cochinita Pibil $27.00
Yucatan style pork, marinated w/achiote and slowly cooked wrapped in banana leaves. Served w/black beans, salsa verde, & blue corn tortillas.
Carne Asada $28.00
Marinated and grilled skirt steak served with a cheese enchilada, "charred" baby onions, and guacamole. No rice and beans.

Salads
Ensalada Con Queso Fresco $14.00
Mix field greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and onions with firm fresh mild cheese. Homemade chipotle vinaigrette on the side.
Avo-Shrimp Salad $19.50
Grilled shrimp, cilantro rice, black beans & avocado slaw.
Ensalada Con Croquetas De Queso De Cabra $15.00
Ancho chili-crusted goat cheese croquettes over mixed field greens, cucumber, carrots, tomatoes, and onions. Homemade chipotle vinaigrette on the side.
Taco Salad $15.00
Mixed field greens, tomatoes, onion, carrots, cucumber, avocado, and cheese served in a tortilla basket. Homemade chipotle vinaigrette on the side.
Ensalada Mixta $12.50
Mix field greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and onions. Homemade chipotle vinaigrette on the side.

Enchiladas
Enchiladas $19.50
Two Corn tortillas rolled, topped with green or red salsa, melted cheese, and served with rice and beans.
Enchiladas De Mole Poblano $29.00
Three chicken enchiladas smothered with our signature Mole Poblano sauce (contains nuts) and melted cheese. Served with rice and beans.

Desserts
Pastel De Tres Leches $11.50
Vanilla sponge cake soaked with sweet three milk cream.
Pastel De Chocolate $11.50
Moist Callebaut chocolate cake with luscious Kahlua mousse and strawberry sauce.
Flan $10.50
Mexican cream caramel.

Beverages
Lemonade (16 Oz) $4.95
Jamaica/ Hibiscus (16 Oz) $4.95
Hibiscus natural flower, fresh fruit drink.
Tamarind (16 Oz) $4.95
brown tropical pulp, Fresh fruit drink.
Horchata (16oz) $4.95
Can Of Soda $2.95
Mexican Soda Jarritos $4.75
Jarritos Flavors: Mandarin, fruit punch and grapefruit.

Mexican Lunch / Almuerzos
Huevos Rancheros, W/Rice, Beans & Tortillas $17.00
Two eggs sunny side up sautéed in a bed of ranchero sauce served over corn tortillas. Served with rice, beans, and corn tortillas.
Huevos A La Mexicana, W/Rice, Beans & Tortillas $17.00
Scrambled eggs with jalapeños, onions, and fresh tomatoes. Served with rice, beans, and corn tortillas.
Huevos En Salsa Verde, W/Rice, Beans & Tortillas $17.00
Scrambled eggs with green tomatillo salsa. Served with rice, beans, and corn tortillas.
Huevos Con Chorizo, W/Rice, Beans & Tortillas $17.00
Scrambled eggs with Mexican-style crumbled sausage. Served with rice, beans, and corn tortillas.

Soups
CALDO TLAPENO $14.00
Medium Spicy broth with chicken, mushrooms, chickpeas, potatoes, rice, avocado. W/tortillas
Pozole $18.00
Traditional hominy corn and pork soup served with sliced avocado, shredded lettuce, lime chili & chips.
Sopa De Tortilla $12.50
Tomato-based soup, garnished w/tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, and sour cream.
Caldo De Pollo $11.00
Homemade Mexican-style chicken soup with rice, onions, and cilantro.

Sides
Charros Style Beans $6.00
Tortillas $2.00
Four pieces.
Guacamole (4oz) $4.00
Freshly made with avocado tomatoes onions cilantro and jalapeño. served with chips and salsa.
Homemade Chips $3.00
Crispy tortilla chips.
Jalapeños $2.00
Jalapeños side
Salsa And Chips $5.00
Rice $4.00
Steamed seasoned rice (4 oz).
Pico De Gallo $2.00
Cheese $2.75
Side of cheese (4oz).
Beans $5.00
Cebollitas Asadas $7.50
Grilled baby onions.
Homemade Salsa $2.75
Side of salsa (2 oz).
Fried Plantains $7.95
Fried sweet platains.
Guacamole (4oz) And Chips $6.50
French Fries $7.95
French fries, spicy or regular.
Sour Cream $2.00
Side of sour cream (2 oz).

Burgers
Torta (Mexican Hot Sandwich) $16.00
Telera bread spread with beans and melted cheese, your choice of protein, lettuce, tomato, onions, jalapenos and mayo.
Mole Burger $22.00
10 oz Pat LaFrieda short rib beef burger. Topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese, sautéed onions & peppers, jalapeños & sour cream. Side fries.

MARGARITAS, BEER & MORE!!
MOJITOS $17.00
Freshly made w/muddled lime & mint. Add a flavor to make it even better!
BEER $8.00
MARGARITA (16oz) $15.00
16 OZ MARGARITA MADE W/ 100% BLUE AGAVE TEQUILA, FRESH LIME & YOUR FAV FLAVOR
Bonterra Cavernet Sauvignon $20.00
375ml Bottle. Red California Wine Cavernet Sauvignon. *Limited Existence*

Fajitas
Vegetarian Fajitas $25.50
Sautéed onions and peppers. Served with rice, beans, flour tortillas, pico de gallo, sour cream, and salsa.
Steak Fajitas $28.50
Sautéed onions and peppers. Served with rice, beans, flour tortillas, pico de gallo, sour cream, and salsa.
Chicken Fajitas $27.00
Sautéed onions and peppers. Served with rice, beans, flour tortillas, pico de gallo, sour cream, and salsa.
Shrimp Fajitas $28.50
Sautéed onions and peppers. Served with rice, beans, flour tortillas, pico de gallo, sour cream, and salsa.

Antojitos / Appetizers
Fresh Guacamole $15.00
Made with onions, tomatoes, cilantro & jalapeños. Served with chips and salsa.
Nachos $11.00
Our homemade chips covered with cheese, sour cream, jalapenos, and pico de gallo.
Fiesta-Quesadilla $20.00
Large flour tortilla w/cheese, sautéed onions & peppers. Sour cream, pico de gallo, and salsa on the side.
Quesadilla $11.00
Large flour tortilla filled with cheese, grilled and served with pico de gallo, lettuce, and sour cream.
Taquitos Con Guacamole $14.00
Two crispy rolled tacos stuffed with potato and chorizo, topped with guacamole and sour cream.
Ceviche De Camaron $18.00
Mexican-style shrimp ceviche with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and avocado. Chips on the side.
Empanadas $12.00
(2) Traditional flour sough empanadas, stuffed with cheese and your choice of filling. Served with salsa and sour cream on the side.
Elote Asado $8.00
Grilled fresh corn with Cotija "añejo" cheese, lime, and chili powder.

Móle Cantina Mexicana- Upper East Side Details

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

Service options
Outdoor seating
Curbside pickup
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
Healthy options
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

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safespace

Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Paid street parking

Móle Cantina Mexicana- Upper East Side Photos

Móle Cantina Mexicana- Upper East Side Picture 1

Móle Cantina Mexicana- Upper East Side Picture 2

Móle Cantina Mexicana- Upper East Side Picture 3

Móle Cantina Mexicana- Upper East Side Picture 4

Móle Cantina Mexicana- Upper East Side Picture 5

Móle Cantina Mexicana- Upper East Side Picture 6

Móle Cantina Mexicana- Upper East Side Picture 7

Móle Cantina Mexicana- Upper East Side Picture 8

Móle Cantina Mexicana- Upper East Side Picture 9

Móle Cantina Mexicana- Upper East Side Location

Móle Cantina Mexicana- Upper East Side

New York New York County New York 2nd Avenue

1735 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA

Móle Cantina Mexicana- Upper East Side Reviews

An average rating of ★4.2 from 573 user reviews.

margaritashappy hourmoledrinkssangriaappetizerspartytres lechesdeliverywalking

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

We came here because we were doing laundry next door. It was nice, the nachos have a good size and are very tasteful. We also had the queso fundido with chorizo and it was good but if I had to pick, I’ll stick with the nachos. The passionfruit margarita was the highlight for me and the service. Andrea was our server and she was super friendly. Thanks for everything
June 05 · Andrea Garcia
Delicious Mexican food. Really friendly staff and a fun atmosphere. I'd highly recommend visiting Móle Cantina if you want to try authentic Mexican food.
April 22 · Ararat Mnatsakanyan
Found a Lil Mexican gem on the streets of East Village on a rainy day! 5 friends looking for a place to eat and we stumbled upon Molé (authentic Mexican food). The tacos are a particular favorite, with a wide variety of fillings to choose from. The restaurant also offers a great selection of margaritas and other cocktails. We ordered nachos, veggie tacos, cheese quesadillas with some veggies and a side of guacamole with chips. Portions were great to share, filling too. I devoured the 🌮 🌮, it reminded me of Mexico city tacos! Very flavorful! It's a small restaurant with bar, cozy ambience, great service and expectional food! Great team! Keep it up!Definitely coming again!
January 08 · roma mangwani
I went to Mole Cantina restaurant because it had good reviews. I order tacos with meat but they did not have, which was very surprising. Maybe because on the menu it was not that expensive. I decided to order Pico de gallo & jalapeño Nachos. To my surprise it was not that great. Very little chicken and sauce , jalapeño and cheese. I had also ordered drinks during happy hours 4 fruit and mongo margaritas, happy hour price was expensive at $12 ea and when served it had more ice than liquor and not able to taste the fruits. I also decided to order Bisteck A La Mexicana, the food was a little too much salt , its rice tasted like box rice and dry. The service was ok , and the waitress was very attentive and I did express my concern of the food and drinks. That is why I gave it a 2 stars. I think they need a chef that knows how to cook authentic Mexican dishes. As a business owner who travels a lot, I try to go to different restaurants to try different ethnic foods and dishes.
January 24 · Latin Impulse Magazine
The fresh guacamole and chips ($16 plus tax) would be reason enough to try Molé. It’s that good. The chipotle pork tacos (2 for $14) were delicious, but at that price it would have been nice to get a small side rather than just shredded lettuce.
November 20 · Augusto Paulino