This was my first visit, and overall, it was a pleasant experience. However, the seating was not what I expected, you will be sitting really close to other people, the place is small, which might not be ideal for everyone. Ordering is done through a QR code, and the food is brought to your table, which was convenient. The cappuccino was good, but the brewed coffee was too bitter for my liking. The vegan Chiroso tacos were tasty, while the huevos rancheros were average. The tortillas are not traditional Mexican tortillas; they have a texture more similar to naan. Tres leches cake was 4/5, think and moist. The bathroom is beautiful. read more

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Excellent. Came here for breakfast and was very impressed. -Try the pastries -We ordered a quesadilla, muletta, and tacos. All 5/5 -Service great. They were very accommodating to us (we had a stroller). All employees were kind -Pretty little environment -Coffee looked good. Can't wait to try their lunch menu. 5/5. Thrilled to finally have great Mexican food in the area read more

Excellent Mexican breakfast/brunch food and service - well executed and authentic. The tres leches cake was also excellent. Will come again. Ambiance is very casual. read more

A cute and somewhat small establishment with a lot to offer specially in the Turtle Bay neighborhood. Authentic Mexican spot with Great vegan chorizo. They take a spin on the fast casual restaurants with s more of a welcoming restaurant style. You have the option of sitting or take out. They have high tops which is great for solo dining or with a friend, they also have a few larger seating areas. What's also cool is that they serve alcohol. The chicken and avocado chilaquiles were amazing and came out in like 5 minutes. The carajillo is an espresso martini and horchata had a baby. Definitely recommend. read more

Animo - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

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I have The Infatuation to thank (https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/best-mexican-restaurants-nyc) and my friend who chose Ánimo! for dinner on 7/5/25 (which we did after seeing the terrific Duke & Roya at the Lucille Lortel). Safe to say Ánimo now rivals The Smith (across the street on the southeast corner) for my attendance in the area. Beginning with my El Pastorcito (which included mezcal, pineapple juice, ancho reyes, lime juice, rimmed with Tahine), which was terrific, followed by really good guacamole, joined by in-house fried corn tortillas and accompanied by three sauces, two of which I asked if they'd get the license and sell them (guajillo, pineapple & chile de arbol), the meal continued to soar with Enchiladas de Mole Poblano and Huevos Norteños. Caroline, our server, was terrific, as was the entire staff. Shouts to Rommel. Whether you're in Turtle Bay or on your way to the Koch Bridge, or you simply want terrific Mexican food, go to Ánimo. read more

I walk by this place all the time since it's in my neighborhood and they always seem busy. So figured I should check it out. I've never been drawn to Mexican food in New York because it always feels too Americanized. I enjoyed my first meal here and plan on definitely going back. I ordered the Huevo Con Chorizo and Maiz De Otoño. Both very flavorful. The green salsa was perfection. Since they almost forgot my drink I got a pastry on the house as an apology. Very sweet of the restaurant to do that. I found the atmosphere relaxed. The restaurant is set up like a diner with booths and a counter space that faces the window. Perfect for people watching. Despite how packed the restaurant was today the staff was friendly. Very happy that I live so close to this little gem. read more

Animo - Huevo Con Chorizo - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

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We came here for restaurant week and sat at their bar seating. Was a great meal, I would say the highlights were the appetizers (chicharron, guacamole and tuna tostadas). All 3 were great and on top of the Raul, the manager was super attentive. He spent a lot of time chatting with us. I was really great service. We were excited about the entrees, but I'd say they fell short of the appetizers. We had the steak, chicken enchiladas with Mole and the red snapper. Mole sauce was flavorful, but was a bit on the sweet side, could have been balanced with more spiciness. Steak dish was pretty standard, and the Snapper was nicely cooked, but could have done with some sea salt to finish it off and a heavier broil on the skin for some crispness. Overall though, the entrees were good. For dessert, the Tres Leches cake was out of this world. One of the best Tres Leches we've had anywhere. The chocolate cake with flan was just ok, a little overbaked. And the cheesecake was nice and light, but just not as good as the Tres Leches. Would come back just for that dessert. Overall was a great meal, and we'll try and find our way back there to try their Al Pastor tacos, as those looked really good. read more

First timer here! Came across Animo while searching for a near by walking distance brunch spot! The service was AMAZING, I felt very welcome and all servers made sure I had everything I needed. The food was 10/10 and let's not get started on the horchata latte... I would definitely recommend! They even held the door open for me as I walked out! read more

Animo - Enchiladas Verdes & Chilaquiles with horchata latte - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

The food is delicious, the service is quick, and the ambience is relaxed. Their verde sauce is actually good!! Must try if you're craving authentic Mexican food! read more

Animo - Chilaquiles Verdes with scrambled eggs and add avocado! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

The food here is pretty good. I had the molletes with added vegan chorizo, as well as a Moca Maya (mocha with some cayenne pepper). The molletes were on perfectly fluffy bread topped with beans and cheese, with pico de gallo on the side. The added vegan chorizo was a nice touch as well. The mocha was also nice - not too sweet with just the right amount of spice to complement the chocolate. The prices are quite fair at $26 with tax and tip. read more

Animo - Molletes with Vegan Chorizo - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

Freshest food, everything was delicious but the guacamole was the best we'd ever had, just outstanding! The Mole chicken enchiladas were filled with beautifully prepared off the bone chicken, excellent! The wonderful service was such a plus. Our server Clara even brought (without being asked!) us a salsa that was spicy as we had mentioned that we like our spicy level on the hot side! So sweet. Cannot wait to return. From the moment you step in you will feel the warm and kind ambiance. The staff here really go above and beyond. Highly recommend!! read more

Animo - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

The food was delicious and fresh. Service was incredible, Diana was the sweetest and really made our experience. The restaurant itself was also very cute and ambient. If I could give 6 stars, I would read more

Animo - Chicken Chilaquiles and Molletes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

A shiny and zesty new addition to the UES, Animo brings a deliciously fun vibe, complete with authentic dishes, creative coffee, and more. I tried the Chilaquiles with chicken, and the colorful dish was hearty and comforting, bursting with savory spice. The egg was perfectly sunny side up, and the chicken was tender and well-seasoned. I tried all three sauces offered at the table, and each was punchy and piquant. Also delightful was the Moca Maya - a wonderfully chocolatey, spicy coffee that blew me away. The restaurant feels surprisingly open, considering the small footprint, likely due to the wall of windows flooding the space with natural light. Decor is crisp, clean and slightly whimsical, and service was welcoming and very friendly. I can easily see this unique spot comfortably finding its niche in the UES scene :) read more

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Ánimo is a Midtown cafe serving breakfast and late night music and cocktails. Choose a coffee or drink w a sugar pastry or burrito. Marvel at shelves filled with designs. Gracias read more

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This was AMAZING! Insanely accommodating, friendly and helpful staff. Huge clean bathroom with an ambiance of rushing water and birdsong--SO RELAXING. Extensive menu with plenty of gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options. Appreciated that I was able to charge my phone behind the counter because my battery was dangerously low. Everything was delicious and I cannot wait to be back. But one thing though that I'm still perplexed about and makes me a little hesitant to return is that after my friend and I paid for our meal, an order of chilaquiles and enchiladas verdes, we were told we still had more on our bill to cover? Not sure what else it could've possibly been when we had only ordered those two items and gotten some tap water. Anyway, I went ahead and paid another 8 bucks and have zero clue what for when I'm pretty sure our total for our two items were paid in full (came out to 34 I think and we didn't do any add ons) but in the moment I was just so adamant about covering the charge before my friend who was visiting from Paris could that I didn't question it. Didn't get a reciept or anything so I have literally zero clue what happened and I regret having not asked what it was for. Otherwise this place is totally an easy 5 stars. Maybe there was a misunderstanding. Would love some clarity. read more

i had such an enjoyable solo lunch during restaurant week. the space is upbeat and welcoming, and the staff is so friendly. there were so many smiles, i almost forgot i was in nyc! i brought a book to read, but didn't even crack it open because the food came out fast. i really enjoyed the mini tostadas with chicken and the pork cutlet was easily 1.5 lbs of deliciousness. until they expand next door, the space is great for up to parties of 4. the seating is almost evenly split between counter seating and tables, which is reminiscent of that neighborhood diner where all types of locals stop by for eats before/after work, or duo friends/colleagues meet to catch-up. i hope they're able to maintain the quaint feel after their expansion. i can't wait to see more of the artwork and design that they come up with once the new space is revealed. read more

Such authentic mexican food cafe/diner. Simple decor and space but omg don't let that fool you. Their food is so authentic, tastes like what I'd get in CDMX! Loved the mexican style corn muffin (gluten free too!) and the tuna tostadas, the steak w beans and rice, and shrimp tacos. Next time will need to try the Margarita. Def coming back and checking out their other items. Bonus point - the waitstaff is SO nice and warm. Feel like they really care to put a warm touch to everyone's dining experience. read more

A light brunch in a casual , yet amiable , atmosphere . Prince point very reasonable . Lovely staff , very accommodating. read more

Visiting the city for the weekend and came across this gem! I'm from Southern California where we have amazing Mexican food and this was easily comparable to some of the best Mexican food I've had! The staff were so friendly and helpful. Tara, Rommel, Hilda, and Johnathan were very welcoming and helpful with the menu! Cozy atmosphere and would definitely come back! read more

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Tried the Torta de Milanesa from MealPal pickup, it was so good. Will definitely come back. Also appreciate the very friendly employees. read more

Animo - Torta de Milanesa - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

Excellent food and very friendly employees. The bathroom was also immaculate. The avocado toast was yummy and the burrito was tasty and fresh. This restaurant has a very good vibe and the music was awesome read more

The spot looks cool and the service was adequate. However the portions are extremely small and the food, though tasty, is very overpriced. Three stars. read more

Food was overall great and staff were very nice. Just wish that everything that was in the dish was stated on the menu. We got a breakfast burrito and didn't list that lettuce was inside and asked the waiter what was in it before we ordered it and had to send it back because of this read more

The food here is both beautiful and tasty and the space is nice and full of light. The refried beans reminded me of the "puddle beans" I grew up eating in the South which are harder to find in NYC. The verde sauce was also one of the better ones I've had in the city too. I have no complaints! read more

Friendly, neighborhood atmosphere with high-quality ingredients and amazing attention to detail! Perfect for a casual coffee / lunch / early dinner. They also do fun classes & events like tortilla classes, at a reasoable price point. read more

Animo is a great discovery. We grew up in Mexico City and brunch today at Animo took us back to that place we grew up in. Really authentic food. We had the Enchiladas, which were great and we took a Concha to go. Just by looking at it I know it is the real deal. Can't wait to come back to have the tacos al Pastor and their home made mole. Service is what you would expect while in Mexico. Super warm and they went out of their way to make sure we felt like royalty. Also, can't wait to check out the expansion to the next door space. read more

Went to the restaurant in the mid afternoon. Not too crowded. Staff was very attentive. Chicken sandwich was great!. read more

Animo - Table sauces - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

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Great food, drinks, friendly staff, will be back. The carnitas were great, the corn tortillas were awesome.

Amazing! Food and drinks are very tasty and unique! There is nothing like this and although it's not your typical breakfast fare... I could still go there every day! There is something for everyone in my family to enjoy! Chilaquiles, pancakes, and juices are delicious! read more

Living across the street, I patiently waited for this gem to open & so glad that time has finally come. I've been a total of 3x now & truly, I'd eat every meal here if I could. Growing up in South San Diego, this place reminds me of home. The food is super authentic & fresh, & the staff is beyond (in the best way possible) friendly. Such a breath of fresh air for NYC! Everything is made in-house including the tortillas, pastries (omg, the pastries!), hot sauce, etc. Anyway, I'm obsessed & although I would like this place to be my little secret, I'm super hopeful they thrive & stick around forever & ever. read more

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If there is one place to go for food when journeying through Sutton place it is hands down Animo on the corner of 53rd and 2nd ave. When this place first moved in my fiancé, and I would go post weekend workout to enjoy some coffee and authentic pastries and baked goods. Over time we explored the rest of the brunch and lunch menus much to our delight and continued patronage. The chilaquiles are my favorite thing to order whenever I go for a quick sit-down bite to eat, the choice of meat toppings and side of black bean mole make this the dish to have for first timers. Recently they started serving dinner where they tested some menu items out on individuals who signed up to try them (along with a make your own taco experience). There is nothing bad to say about this place whatso ever, but as a piece of advice make sure when you go to grab a seat and enjoy your food while watch how busy this wonderful little Mexican restaurant can get! read more

Delicious food. Good service. Staff was also very nice and attentive. Chile Relleno and Mole were excellent.

I was skeptical when this place opened as a breakfast only joint. With their success they expanded to a full menu and bar. We had our first dinner this evening and WOW the drinks were fabulous and the food was exceptional. It is currently restaurant week so we maybe sampled more of the menu than we normally would have. Loved the tuna tostadas. I don't even like mole, but it was incredible. They are thriving and expanding and I couldn't be happier for the Animo family! read more

The BEST breakfast burrito in the city wow. Came in and they were all so friendly and treated us so well. We sat at the bar area and got 2 breakfast burritos. They were amazing!! Definitely coming back for dinner too. read more

Amazing food, amazing service, the Breakfast Burrito with Barbacoa was incredible, friendly ambiance and very friendly staff!

I'm a Mexican from Houston and this food was AMAZING! Great and true flavors, terrific service from everyone, and such a wonderful ambiance!

Food is great. Recommend the Cochinita Pibil sopes, café de olla, and the corn bread is phenomenal !! Also, staff is very nice and the place is super clean. read more

Go here! For great food and friendly service. Everyone behind the counter greeted me with a smile when I walked in. Such a bright, friendly space. We make chilaquiles at home from our Gilmore Girls cookbook...and here we are for the weekend stumbling on a place that makes the best in the city. Serendipity! Thanks, Animo! read more

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Bro the Torta Chorizo is so kickass, fell in love with it and leaving the place in a food coma rn.

Great place for a quick breakfast taco early morning. Their Huevo con barbacoa is my favorite. Chill staff and clean vibe. And they have 3 full homemade hot sauces at each table. The pineapple one is the most unique. read more