Metate Introduce
Metate, located at 3515 Johnson Ave in the Bronx, is a vibrant and authentic Mexican restaurant that has become a local favorite. The name "Metate" itself is a nod to traditional Mexican culture, referring to the stone tool used for grinding maize and other ingredients, a core element of authentic cuisine. This establishment lives up to its name by offering a menu filled with traditional dishes, from classic tacos and enchiladas to specialty items like "Mole Poblano" and "Birria Platter." The restaurant is known for its cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for various occasions, whether it's a casual lunch, a romantic dinner, or a gathering with friends. The staff is consistently praised for being warm, welcoming, and providing excellent service, which contributes significantly to the overall dining experience.
Metate is not just a place for dinner; it's a versatile eatery that caters to all meal times, including breakfast and lunch, making it a go-to spot for locals throughout the day. It has garnered a reputation for its great food, an impressive selection of cocktails and beers, and a welcoming environment that is popular with locals, groups, and solo diners alike.
Situated at 3515 Johnson Ave in the Bronx, Metate holds a convenient and accessible location for residents and visitors. The restaurant is easy to find and is well-served by local transportation. For those with mobility needs, the establishment is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring that all customers can dine comfortably. While parking can sometimes be a challenge in New York City, the location on Johnson Ave is a central spot that is likely to have options for street parking. The ability to offer outdoor seating is an additional bonus, allowing patrons to enjoy their meal in the fresh air during warmer months. The restaurant’s strategic location and dedication to accessibility make it a hassle-free choice for anyone in the neighborhood.
Metate is a full-service Mexican restaurant that provides a wide range of services to accommodate its diverse clientele.
Dine-in: The restaurant offers a comfortable and inviting setting for those who want to enjoy a sit-down meal. With table service available, patrons can relax and have a complete dining experience, from appetizers to dessert.
Takeout and Curbside Pickup: For customers on the go, Metate provides efficient takeout services. The option for curbside pickup is an added convenience, allowing patrons to get their food quickly and easily without having to park and go inside.
Delivery and No-contact Delivery: As a modern eatery, Metate offers delivery services, bringing its delicious Mexican food directly to customers' homes. The availability of no-contact delivery provides an extra layer of safety and convenience, which is highly valued in an urban environment.
Reservations: Metate accepts reservations, a useful feature for groups or for securing a table on a busy night, such as Valentine's Day, as noted in a customer review. This helps ensure a smooth dining experience, even when the restaurant is crowded.
Metate is distinguished by several key features that make it a standout Mexican restaurant in the Bronx.
Extensive Drink Menu: A major highlight of the restaurant is its impressive selection of beverages, particularly its cocktails and beers. The margarita menu is extensive and creative, featuring unique flavors like watermelon, cucumber, and blueberry. A customer review praised the watermelon margarita as "the best margarita I’ve ever tried." The bar also offers a wide variety of tequilas, mezcals, wines, and beers, ensuring there's a perfect drink for everyone.
Great Food and Authenticity: The food at Metate is consistently praised for being delicious and authentic. The menu includes traditional dishes like "Mole Poblano," "Chiles Rellenos," and "Chuletas Al Pastor." The "Birria Platter" is a customer favorite, with one review noting it was "delicious." The restaurant's ability to offer both classic comfort foods and more sophisticated dishes is a major draw.
Cozy and Welcoming Atmosphere: The atmosphere is described as "cozy and cute," providing a welcoming and intimate setting for a meal. It's an ideal spot for a date night or a friendly gathering. The noise level is low enough for conversation, allowing patrons to relax and enjoy their company.
Fast and Friendly Service: A key feature that enhances the dining experience is the excellent service. Customers consistently praise the bartenders and staff for being "warm and welcoming" and "very friendly." This high level of hospitality makes guests feel special and well cared for.
Versatile Dining Options: Metate is not just for dinner. It is a popular destination for breakfast, lunch, and solo dining. The menu includes options like "Chilaquiles" for breakfast and a variety of tacos and burritos for a quick bite, making it a great choice at any time of day.
Address: 3515 Johnson Ave, Bronx, NY 10463, USA
Phone: (718) 543-4444
Choosing Metate is a decision to experience a full-bodied, authentic, and enjoyable Mexican dining experience in the Bronx. While some may find the restaurant "small and narrow," as one reviewer noted, this intimate size contributes to its cozy and personalized atmosphere. The food is the main attraction, with patrons consistently raving about its deliciousness and authenticity. The "Birria Platter" comes highly recommended by a customer, and other standout items include the "Mole Poblano" and "Chiles Rellenos," which showcase the kitchen's skill in preparing traditional Mexican dishes. The "Tostones Con Chorizo Y Queso" is another notable appetizer that highlights the menu's unique offerings. The vegetarian options and healthy choices also make it a great pick for a variety of dietary needs.
Beyond the food, the bar is a major reason to visit. With an impressive selection of margaritas, mojitos, and other cocktails, it's a destination for a night out. The "watermelon margarita" and "cucumber margarita" are particularly praised for being delicious and refreshing. The extensive list of tequilas and mezcals also provides a great opportunity for a true tasting experience. The fast and friendly service, with bartenders who are known for being welcoming, makes every visit feel special. Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, the warm reception and the high quality of the food and drinks are what truly make Metate worth choosing. It's a place that provides a complete and satisfying experience, from the first sip of a handcrafted cocktail to the last bite of a delicious dessert, cementing its status as a must-visit Mexican restaurant in the Bronx.
Metate Food & drink
Tapas (Appetizers)
- Croquetas De Pescado $9.99
Fish croquettes
- Croquetas De Jamon $9.99
Ham croquettes
- Metate Nachos $12.95
Quartered corn tortillas chips with refried beans, melted cheese topped with pico de gallo and sour cream
- Calamari Frito $16.00
Fried calamari served with chipotle ranch and tartar sauce
- Tamales $7.95
- Guacamole $18.50
Fresh ripened avocados mixed with tomatoes, onions, cilantro & optional hot serrano peppers, fresh lime juice
- Elote $7.95
Boiled corn on the cob served with mayo and grated cotija cheese topped with chile powder
- Tostones Con Chorizo Y Queso $18.95
Green plantains with Mexican sausage & cheese
- Jalapeño Poppers $12.95
Breaded jalapeño poppers stuffed with cream cheese, served with lettuce & sour cream
- Flautas De Pollo $14.95
Crispy rolled tortillas filled with chicken, topped with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, pico de gallo & sour cream
- Coctel De Camarones $18.95
Shrimp in light tomato base with onions, cilantro & avocado
Ensaladas (Salads)
- Metate Salad Mix $10.00
Spring mixed greens, romaine lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, corn, fresh orange with dressing & cheese
- Caesar Salad $10.00
Romaine lettuce, cotija cheese, tortilla croutons with creamy Caesar dressing
- Taco Salad $16.00
Served with spring lettuce, grilled yellow squash, zucchini, black beans, fresh corn, onions, cilantro and a dash of cumin. Garnished with pico de gallo and sliced avocado
Enchiladas
- Enchiladas $16.95
Platos Fuertes (Main Course)
- Chuletas Al Pastor $22.00
Pork chops marinated with our al pastor sauce garnished with avocado slices, served with corn, cilantro & grilled pineapple
- Churrasco $29.00
Skirt steak served with mashed potato and vegetables
- Pechuga De Pollo Asada $21.00
Grilled chicken with lobster chipotle sauce served with mashed potato, asparagus garnish with tortilla strips
- Mole Poblano $21.00
Served with rice & beans. Artisanal blend of chiles, almonds, raisins & chocolate sauce with chicken, your choice dark or white meat
- Chiles Rellenos $21.00
Served with rice & beans. Poblano peppers stuffed with cheese, covered in egg batter & light tomato sauce
- Bistec Encebollado $26.00
Served with rice & beans. Seasoned tender rib eye steak with onions
- Chuleta De Puerco $21.00
Grilled pork chops in a spicy chipotle sauce with green and red peppers
- Pipian Verde Con Pollo $21.00
Served with rice & beans. Steamed chicken in green sauce with tomatillo, pumpkin seeds, cilantro & jalapeño peppers
- Pipian Verde Con Pork Chops $21.00
Served with rice & beans. Grilled pork chops in green sauce with tomatillo, pumpkin seeds, cilantro & jalapeño peppers
- Birria Plater $27.95
Mariscos (Seafood)
- Camarones A La Diabla $26.95
Jumbo shrimp in spicy chipotle sauce served with rice
- Camarones Al Tequila $26.95
Jumbo shrimp in garlic white wine sauce served with rice
- Pescado A La Veracruzana $24.95
Pan seared Tilapian fillet with sautéed onions, tomatoes, green olives, capers and bell peppers served with rice & beans
- Salmon A La Parrilla $29.50
Grilled fillet of salmon with mashed potatoes, asparagus and lobster chipotle sauce garnish with tortilla strips
- Paella $32.95
Tortas
- Torta $12.00
Chilaquiles
- Chilaquiles
Quesadillas
- Quesadilla De Queso/Cheese $14.95
Tacos
- Tacos
Burritos
- Burrito $16.95
Sopas (Soups)
- Sopa De Crema De Frijol $10.00
(16 oz) Blend of cream black beans topped with tortilla strips, avocado & cotija cheese
- Sopa De Mariscos $24.95
(32 oz)Clams, shrimp, calamari, fish, zucchini, yellow squash, potato & touch of spice
- Sopa De Tortilla $12.00
(16 oz) Light tomato base soup, chicken, tortilla strips, avocado & cheese on the top
- Sopa De Pollo $15.00
32 oz
Postres
- Churros $10.00
- Tres Leches/Tres Leches Guava $8.95
- Homemade Flan $10.00
- Chocolate Mousse $10.00
Licuados De Leche
- Banana $7.00
- Fresa/Strawberry $7.00
Side Orders
- Sour Cream $2.00
- Rice & Beans $8.00
- SD Guacamole $6.95
- Avocado $6.95
- Corn Tortilla $4.50
- Chips & Salsa $8.00
- Pico De Gallo $4.50
- Flour Tortilla $4.50
- Mashed Potatoes $8.00
- Tostones $9.00
- French Fries $9.00
- Steak $12.00
- Chichen $10.00
- Rice $8.00
- Chips $4.00
Chimichangas
- Chimichanga De Pollo/Chicken $19.00
- Chimichanga De Bistec/Steak $19.00
- Chimichanga De Camaron/Shrimp $20.00
Kids Menu (For Kids Under 12)
- Cheese Quesadilla With Rice & Beans $11.00
- Chicken Cheese Taco With Rice & Beans $11.00
- Chicken Fingers With French Fries $12.00
Fajitas
- Fajitas $23.95
Margaritas
- Skinny Margarita $17.00
Silver tequila, fresh squeezed lime juice, orange liquor
- Spicy Margarita $17.00
Silver tequila, fresh jalapeno, grand marnier, fresh lime juice & agave nectar
- Mezcalita $17.00
Grilled down to perfection thin slice pineapple with 400 Conejos Mezcal
- La Mexicana $17.00
With hibiscus extract and Ilegal Mezcal
- Margarita De Sandia $17.00
Fresh muddle watemelon and 1800 Coconut Tequila
- Margarita De Pepino $17.00
Fresh muddle cucumber and Hornitos Reposado Tequila
- La Reina De Metate $17.00
Organic fresh smashed blueberries with Sauza Tequila
- La Coqueta $17.00
Fresh blackberries and pomegranate with Silver Don Julio Tequila
- Cantarito $17.00
Cristalino Tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, orange juice, fresh lime juice & squirt
- Acapulco $17.00
Mezcal, Cointreau, fresh jalapeno & fresh pineapple
- Sol Y Luna $17.00
Silver Tequila, fresh hibiscus, Cointreau, fresh lime juice & agave nectar
- Sol Y Sol $17.00
Silver Tequila, Combier, fresh pomegranate, passion fruit, fresh lime juice & agave nectar
- Pipirisnais $17.00
Silver Tequila, Tamarindo, Cointreau, fresh lime juice & agave nectar
- House Margarita $13.00
- Large Margarita $22.00
- Cadillac Margarita $17.00
- Ultimate Margarita $17.00
- Buldog $27.00
Mojitos
- Mojito Regular $15.00
Lime wedges, rum, fresh mint, agave nectar & Sprite
- Mojito Flavor $15.00
Lime wedges, rum, fresh mint, agave nectar & Sprite
- Mojito De Sandia $17.00
Bacardi, lime wedges, mint, agave nectar & fresh muddle watermelon
- Mojito Tamarindo $17.00
Brugal Rum, fresh mint leaves, agave, lime wedges & tamarind
Sangria
- Red $13.00
Brandy, Triple Sec, Sprite, orange juice & fresh fruit
- White $13.00
Brandy, Triple Sec, Sprite, orange juice & fresh fruit
- Sangria Pitcher $44.00
- Red Sangria $13.00
Brandy, Triple Sec, Sprite, orange juice & fresh fruit
- Red (Copy) $13.00
Brandy, Triple Sec, Sprite, orange juice & fresh fruit
Cocktails
- Long Island Ice Tea $15.00
Vodka, rum, gin, tequila, Triple Sec, sour mix & Coke
- S** On The Beach $15.00
Vodka, Peach Schnapps, orange & cranberry juice
- Sea Breeze $15.00
Vodka, grapefruit & cranberry juice
- Bay Breeze $15.00
Vodka, pineapple & cranberry juice
- Caipirinha $15.00
With Cachaca Rum
- Paloma $15.00
Tequila, squirt & fresh grapefruit juice
- Bloody Mary $15.00
- Negroni $16.00
Cervezas
- Corona $8.00
- Corona Light $8.00
- Victoria $8.00
- Pacifico $8.00
- Tecate $8.00
- X* Lager $8.00
- X* Amber $8.00
- Modelo Especial $8.00
- Negra Modelo $8.00
- Michelada $10.95
Mezcaleria
- 400 Conejos $12.00
- Ilegal $12.00
- Los Amantes $12.00
- Casamigos $12.00
- Alacran $12.00
- Sombra $12.00
- 7 Misterios $12.00
- Mano Negra $12.00
- El Buho $12.00
White Wines
- Glass Chardonnay $10.00
- Bottle Chardonnay $35.00
- Glass Pinot Grigio $10.00
- Bottle Pinot Grigio $35.00
- Glass Sauvignon Blanc $10.00
- Bottle Sauvignon Blanc $35.00
Red Wines
- Glass Cabernet $10.00
- Bottle Cabernet $33.00
- Glass Pinot Noir $10.00
- Bottle Pinot Noir $35.00
- Glass Merlot $10.00
- Bottle Merlot $35.00
Espumante
- Glass House Champagne $9.00
- Bottle House Champagne $35.00
- Glass Proseco $12.00
- Bottle Proseco $35.00
- Glass Moet Champagne $16.00
- Bottle Moet Champagne $75.00
Non Alcoholic
- Shirley Temple $6.00
Gingerale, grenadine
- Flamingo $9.00
Grenadine, pineapple juice, lemon juice & club soda
- Virgen Piña Colada $12.00
- Fresh Lemonade $8.00
- Diet Coke $3.00
- Sprite $3.00
- Ginger Ale $3.00
- Fanta $3.00
- Coke $3.00
- Virgen Mojito $13.00
- Virgen Margarita $8.00
- Ice Te $8.00
Juices
- Mango $5.00
- Guava $5.00
- Jugo De Manzana $5.00
- Orange Juice $5.00
Sodas
- Mexican Coke $4.50
- Topo Chico Sparkling $4.50
- Jarritos Mango $4.50
- Jarritos Pineapple $4.50
- Jarritos Fruit Punch $4.50
- Jarritos Mandarin $4.50
- Jarritos Lime $4.50
- Jarritos Grapefruit $4.50
- Jarritos Tamarind $4.50
- Diet Coke Can $3.00
- Sprite Can $3.00
- Ginger Ale Can $3.00
- Orange Fanta Can $3.00
- Coke Regular $3.00
- Pelegrino $8.00
- Pana Water $8.00
- Cosina Sodas $0.92
Tequilas
- Don Julio Silver $12.00
- Don Julio Reposado $14.00
- Don Julio Añejo $16.00
- 1800 Silver $12.00
- 1800 Reposado $14.00
- 1800 Añejo $16.00
- Avion Silver $12.00
- Avion Reposado $14.00
- Avion Añejo $16.00
- Herradura Silver $12.00
- Herradura Reposado $14.00
- Herradura Añejo $16.00
- Casa Amigos Silver $12.00
- Casa Amigos Reposado $14.00
- Casa Amigos Añejo $16.00
- Patron Silver $12.00
- Patron Reposado $14.00
- Patron Añejo $16.00
- Espolon Silver $12.00
- Espolon Reposado $14.00
- Espolon Añejo $16.00
- Maestro Dobel Silver $12.00
- Maestro Dobel Reposado $14.00
- Maestro Dobel Añejo $16.00
- Corralejo Silver $12.00
- Corralejo Reposado $14.00
- Corralejo Añejo $16.00
- Kha Silver $12.00
- Kha Reposado $14.00
- Kha Añejo $16.00
- De Leon Silver $16.00
- De Leon Reposado $18.00
- De Leon Añejo $20.00
- Milagro Silver $12.00
- Milagro Reposado $14.00
- Milagro Añejo $16.00
- Jose Cuervo Silver $12.00
- Jose Cuervo Reposado $14.00
- Jose Cuervo Añejo $16.00
- Partida Silver $12.00
- Partida Reposado $14.00
- Partida Añejo $16.00
- Jimador Silver $12.00
- Jimador Reposado $14.00
- Jimador Añejo $16.00
- Lalo Silver $12.00
- Lalo Reposado $14.00
- Lalo Añejo $16.00
- Hornitos Silver $12.00
- Hornitos Reposado $14.00
- Hornitos Añejo $16.00
- Cazadores Silver $12.00
- Cazadores Reposado $14.00
- Cazadores Añejo $16.00
- Skeleto Silver $12.00
- Skeleto Reposado $14.00
- Skeleto Añejo $16.00
- Pending $0.00
- Casa Dragones Reposado $65.00
- Clase Azul Silver $16.00
- Clase Azul Reposado $18.00
- Clase Azul Añejo $20.00
- 1942 $32.00
Vodka
- TItos $0.00
- Absolut $0.00
- Ketal One $0.00
- Grey Goose $0.00
- Stoli $0.00
Gin
- House GIn $0.00
- Tanqueray $0.00
- Bombay Saphire $0.00
Happy Hour
- Regular Lime Margarita Rocks $8.00
- Large Lime Margarita Rocks $15.00
- Regular Lime Margarita Frozen $8.00
- Large Lime Margarita Frozen $15.00
- Beer $7.00
- Piña Colada $7.00
- Sangria Red $7.00
- Sangria White $7.00
- Well Drinks $7.00
- House Tequila Shot $5.00
Metate Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Locals
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Metate Photos










Metate Location
Metate Reviews
margaritasdeliveryhappy hourburritobarfood and servicefajitasshrimpmolepork
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I’ve ordered many times from Metate and it’s always great—but I finally went in on a Friday night and it was even better. I sat at the bar and the bartender was so warm and welcoming. I tried the watermelon margarita and it was the best margarita I’ve ever tried. The service was excellent and made the whole night feel special. Food was delicious, I ordered birria plater. Highly recommend!
May 15 · Dawid JędrasikDecide to come here after leaving another restaurant, just for drinks. The place did not disappoint!! Even thought it was packed, but it was Valentine’s Day. My friend and I were able to sit at the bar while our husband’s stood behind us. The place is really small and narrow. The bartender was very friendly. Our drinks were delicious, I had a cucumber margarita. It was so refreshing. My friend had a blue berry margarita, also very tasty. I wouldn’t mind going back on a less crowded day.
February 15 · Lil MateoGreat Mexican food . A bit overpriced though . You can definitely get cheaper food with the same quality elsewhere.
May 09 · little birdI love this establishment it’s a Great local authentic Mexican Restaurant. The make the fresh guacamole right by the table. The Flavor profiles in the food are excellent and the chips are so fresh with just a hint of salt. My on the rocks passion fruit Margarita had me lit off of one drink. I ordered the Birria tacos they were so freaking so good and my partner had the steak tacos which were delicious. Loved my elote that came with my Dish. Staff is friendly attentive and super kind. Parking outside is meter only and free after 7pm.
May 01 · Chrystal TylerThis place is pretty great. Wait staff is friendly and attentive. The happy hour prices are great and the drinks come out extremely well made. As for the food, immaculately made. We had the pork chops and the torta (pork) came out hot, expertly plated, and tasty. This place is a must-visit. I usually frequent one in the Yonkers area, but their kitchen is smaller. The quality of food is the same, but the added bonus of seating and great atmosphere is valuable. Would come again and will bring others.
January 22 · Alcy Leyva
More Best Restaurants Near Me

3511 Johnson Ave, Bronx, NY 10463, USA

3519-25 Johnson Ave, Bronx, NY 10463, USA

3505 Johnson Ave, Bronx, NY 10463, USA

3533 Johnson Ave, Bronx, NY 10463, USA

3532 Johnson Ave, Bronx, NY 10463, USA

3549 Johnson Ave, Bronx, NY 10463, USA

564 W 235th St, Bronx, NY 10463, USA

3526 Johnson Ave, Bronx, NY 10463, USA

552 W 235th St, Bronx, NY 10463, USA

3535 Riverdale Ave, Bronx, NY 10463, USA

3541 Riverdale Ave, Bronx, NY 10463, USA

3603 Riverdale Ave, Bronx, NY 10463, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites






Trending Bites & Banter Posts





