The tlacoyos were bomb. So great to have something with nopales. Loved my food and the agua fresca de jamaica. read more

La Cocina De Mama - Tlacoyos - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

Food including chips and salsa were delicious. Prompt service. Pricey for the meal. Limited parking. read more

I went in because I had seen they had gorditas de chicarron and I had been craving some. I ordered that and a side of rice and agua de jamaica. The gordita was okay, I feel like it could've had a little bit more flavor. The rice was also okay, wasn't the best mexican rice and could've had more flavor. The agua de jamaica was great though. Service was fast, I was dining in and they had plenty of seats even though it wasn't very spacious. Food came out fast and they even had good music. read more

La Cocina De Mama - rice & Gorditas de Chicarron - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

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Pros Excellent food $$ Friendly staff Quick & attentive service Casual & quick ambiance Small space Cons No alcohol Uncomfortable stools read more

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Yes, yes yes yes yes! I really love this place. It is so authentic and delicious and you could not ask for more. The size of the serving that you get could be two dinners easily, and the price quite reasonable. It's a perfect spot for Mexican food in the area and everything tasted so fresh and nothing was gimmicky. It's literally made right in front of you and everyone that works here is really nice and hard-working. It's cute inside, although I've never eaten in. read more

Tuesday August 5Th, 2025. This cute little spot has the sweetest, kindest employees and owners. Not only is the food delicious, but I recently also had a bathroom run emergency, though I did not buy or was not a customer, they kindly allowed me to use their bathroom. I offered them cash after, as per I was so grateful, and they said "it's okay, but no," and wished me well. Just for this, I will always recommend them, and I will bring them many customers. read more

The food was really Oaxacan inspired food!! Definitely fresh with no preservatives!! Plan to go again to try their chilaquiles!! read more

We shared the Tlacoyos and a Torta Milanesa. Both were fresh with fabulous flavors. The torta was an overstuffed flavor bomb of breaded chicken, sliced tomatoes, pickled jalapeños, cotija cheese, crema, with a housemade red pepper sauce. The Tlacoyos was a heaven made marriage of black bean stuffed and grilled corn masa wi with a salad of sliced lettuce and pickled slivered nopales on top. Garnished with cotija cheese, crema, and a housemade red pepper sauce. The restaurant is tiny, with stools and a wall facing counter to put your plate on. Service is attentive with the owners checking in to be sure we liked the DF styled Mexican style food. read more

Man I loved everything about this place. It's a really really small place with just a guy in a kitchen and asks you what you want with no order counter or anything and only wall seating. Everything I got was so good. Their maiz is insane. Their tortillas and also the Gordita is was stole the show for me. The horchata was really really good and everything was super affordable. Talked to the guy for 15 minutes. He gave me a fist bump, and I'll be back to get some chillaquilles. I think about this place a lot, if you haven't been then you must come here! read more

La Cocina De Mama - Chicken taco Horchata Gorditas de Chicarron - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

We ordered delivery for the superbowl festivities. As the nachos were a big portion it lacked taste seasoning or something I don't know maybe because it was delivery but it was meh.. not sure if I'd try them again read more

The tacos were soooo good. Especially the taco de enchilada. It had a hint of cinnamon in the spices. The service was fast and the food was very fresh. Definitely will be going back. read more

Small tiny place full of good dishes that makes you go back to times when your mother only cooks for you. read more

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The food is great I had drinks and derssert too was out with my friends And everybody enjoyed a great time read more

Awww, this little kitchen is adorable. Right off the corner of the street, it offers a wide variety of freshly cooked Mexican fare. And it's glorious! It's a one woman show here on the grill and serving the customers. With its cute Mexican decor on the outside, give it a try. It won't disappoint you one bite!! read more

La Cocina De Mama - Menu with Taco Tuesday Special - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

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I have ordered from La Cocina De Mama three times! The first time was a few months ago and the food was delicious and it was just okay. The second time I ordered was a few weeks later and for some reason the quality of the food was just awful compared to the first time. I decided to give them another chance last night because I enjoyed my first meal from them! I ordered a Carne Asada burrito and a Al Pastor Taco. I had no problem with the taco it was delicious. HOWEVER the Carne Asada burrito had little to NO steak was just pure rice and beans. Very disappointing, but it gets worse. I woke up at 2:30 am with the worst stomach pains and immediately was vomiting. Today has been the worst sick day I've had in so long. I 100% got food poisoning from this food and regretted ordering it so much throughout the day. Take what you will from this review. I will be avoiding this place from now on. Just be careful. read more

La Cocina De Mama - Burrito de "Bistec" - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

AN UNDERRATED GEM. Hands down the best Mexican food I've had in Harlem. The atmosphere is very nice, they have great music and the staff is very accommodating. Will definitely become a regular read more

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I just ordered take out from this restaurant and it was so delicious. I was looking on an order delivery app to find out what I wanted to eat for dinner. And then this restaurant came up, and all the photos looked amazing, and all food really reminded me of what I would eat growing up in LA. When the food arrived, my order was correct, and I I could tell from when I opened the box that this was going to be a delicious meal, and it really was. I ordered two shrimp tacos, one fish taco, and some taqueritas. Then I've ever ordered to my house. That actually tasted good once I got here. It is hard for me to find pescatarian friendly mexican food in New York City. Growing up in los angeles, it was really simple, but here it seems very meat heavy. So I was so happy to find something so delicious that reminded me of home. I highly recommend this restaurant and would love to order again and go in person! read more

Friendly people and delicious food. Tacos al pastor, carnitas torta, and horchata all amazing. Would go back!

Had an amazing experience!! Carlos helped me get a large order figured out for a work lunch and I could not have enjoyed everything more. Everyone loved the burritos and quesadillas!! Food was fresh and serving size was perfect for a large group. read more

La Cocina De Mama - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

This place is a hidden gem. Boyfriend and I just moved here, and were so happy to find this spot. It's a small place with booth seating, and open kitchen. Tacos (fish, al pastor) were delish, and we look forward to trying the others. I had a random craving for wings and ordered half bbq/half buffalo...they were the perfect wings. We will be back! read more

Good presentation. Chicken was a bit dry and it's pricey for what you get. (Flautas don't even come with a side). Nothing worth traveling uptown for. read more

I'm so glad I found this place, I've already gone back twice in two weeks and plan on returning soon. Their food is so yummy, and reasonably priced. Definitely get the chips and guacamole, I can't say how good their bowls are and super filling. The staff has always been kind and prompt with the service. Bringing all my friends here before Central Park dates! read more

What an appropriate name for this restaurant . The food really does taste like a mama's cooking . A grand- mama I.e. because it is that damn good and full of love . The area is not the greatest so I'd say it's more of a takeout restaurant or for delivery . It is a tiny restaurant but has space for about 4 people indoors if need be . Anyhow , Back to the delicious food . I went ahead and got afew things after feeding off the confidence of the two ladies running this business . They were basically guaranteeing that I'd love the food , and quite frankly they were right !The chicken burrito was simply perfect . The size is huge and stuffed with black beans , fluffy rice and really excellently cooked and seasoned chicken . Everything is relatively mild in flavor but still comes together nicely for a really great taste without being too in your face . The size of pico de Gallo gives it an even greater dimension in flavor lesser so the accompanying side of sour cream . I also had a beef taco . It reminded me of my own ground beef when I make meat sauce for my pasta. I'd like to think I make it damn good, but it wasn't what I wanted to be reminded of when I ate it . Still, I'd rate the beef taco a solid 4/5 . You get a healthy amount of beef , lightly seasoned with cilantro etc . What I really appreciated the most so far from this restaurant was their steak taco . The steak taco was flawless . The steak was easy to chew ( most restaurants don't grasp this ) , plentiful and very tasty , again without being over the top with seasonings or sauces . Surprisingly , I didn't get any sauces in my takeout bag so perhaps they forgot or they simply don't make. Either way, I truly didn't need it nor miss it which was a first for me . This restaurant has mastered simplicity is how I'd put it succinctly . It's the type of food you can eat often without getting sick of it because it's just balanced perfectly . The love these women have for their business and how much they appreciate their customers truly permeates . This is a true neighborhood gem deserving of 5 stars . P.s. They referred to me as , "papi" as I was leaving and that made my day , but in no way did it shape my review . read more

One of my favorite Mexican spots in East Harlem. Food is always consistent, flavorful, and substantial. It's a small spot, there is some bar-style seating, but it's a good vibe and the people who run it are always so nice! I have been here multiple times - I've had their tortas, enchiladas, elote, rice bowl, and gorditas - all of which have been very well made. They also have aguas frescas. Truly a hidden gem in the neighborhood! read more

A hidden gem in East Harlem, La Cocina de Mama serves fresh Mexican food out a cozy nook in the corner of 109 and Lexington. We ordered Carnitas Nachos, Steak Sopes, and Steak Quesadilla; no crumb left behind. The meat was well seasoned. The horchata had an authentic Mexican taste which transported me back to my visit to Mexico. Highly recommend. Support small businesses as they are the backbone of America. read more

La Cocina De Mama - Nachos de Carnitas - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

You could walk pass this place 20 times and not even know it. A small take out spot right off Lexington. I was looking for a coffee shop when I came across this gem during the summer. I had a burrito and it was delicious and guilt free. Was it a one time deal? I had to go back and check. Brought my wife with me this time and we indulged on steak, al pastor and chicken tacos. Then went for the nachos. Wow!! Some places make nachos with poco de Gallo, some use refried beans. I always feel like my nachos are missing something. At La Cocina de Mama you get the works. It was the best nachos we have had all summer. Consistent! Guilt Free! Delicious! Put it up against any spot on 116th. read more

I got a burrito and it seriously might have been the best burritos I've ever had. Not to mention it was ready in what felt like max 10 minutes after ordering. The staff were all super nice and helpful. Plus the burrito was only 14 bucks! Definitely will be going back. read more

Truly, your mother's kitchen. Stop in and order from the counter, chat with the cook. Delicious, quick, easy. Authentic.

The reviews are no lie! This place is incredible. Had the el pastor tacos with cactus salad and the Gordita. Both were delicious, will definitely be back to try more! read more

Their milanesa torta is delicious!! I'm Mexican and good Mexican food is hard to find here. This milanesa torta may be better than my mom's (please don't tell her). read more

Hello, So this restaurant is a hidden gem in Spanish Harlem. We went to the restaurant at 9:30 and still received service and were treated like family. It was a group of 10 or more of friends enjoying the environment. The food was exceptional and recommend the mama bowl for sure. At the end of the night we received the thank you from the owners and received free dessert on the house. Will definitely come back again. Might be a weekly meet up spot... read more

So happy I could cry! We moved to NYC from LA during the pandemic and the only thing we've really missed is the abundance of great mexican food. After trying dozens of places, I had almost given up. But this place saved me! The guacamole is amazing, and the tacos and burritos are both so tasty. In a city with so few (almost no) options for great Mexican food, this place delivers. read more

The food here is just perfect, good service, and everything about this place is good! I highly recommend eating here! Tacos de Cecina is always my go to and it's perfect every time. read more

La Cocina De Mama - Tacos de Cecina - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

Excellent food all the time, Always fresh always delicious customer service is always great! I order at least once a week sometimes twice

Absolutely fantastic food. I went there when it first opened about two years ago and then just forgot about the place and stopped by today for a tostada. A huge amount of food for very little and it was utterly delicious. Friendly service and everything is super authentic. These people clearly take pride in what they produce. Another great East Harlem Mexican restaurant! read more

I moved to NYC from Southern California 3 years ago and this is one of the only Mexican restaurants in NYC that serves GOOD Mexican food that's comparable to Southern California. It's tasty, authentic, and affordable. The tacos al pastor and the quesadilla de tinga de pollo are my favorite. read more

Delicious food, staff are wonderful, and great prices try the nachos they fireee when ever you in harlem pop out!

The food here is muy sabrosa, seems like a good family run business they were so nice. I enjoyed my quesadillas and the prices were great too! I can't wait to go back! We also tried the barbecue chicken fingers with fries. Also amazing!! read more

Ordered the steak burrito + guacamole to go . Asked to put the pico and crema, hot sauce (which is verde) inside the burrito, which was great! It was warm, tasted fresh and loved that they put the burrito back on the flattop, big fan! 4/5 could have used more steak and less beans. Overall a very tasty spot! read more

Love this place. Extremely clean and the staff is friendly. Food is wonderful and always made quickly so you can enjoy hot off the grill. The quesadillas, tacos al pastor, all delicious. My new go to. read more