I went to this place over 20 years ago when the company I worked for (Louis Vuitton) had our holiday party there . I've been eating to go back ever since . I decided a great way to celebrate getting my MASTERS would be to come back ....and it did NOT disappoint. EVERYTHING was good ....the guac , the rice & beans wirh pico & cheese and the tacos I had (carnitas and fish) the music was also what I was NOT expecting ...a mix of pop , r&b and hip hop My friends also enjoyed (one of which was a vegetarian who had the mushroom taco) I will absolutely RETURN again .....it just reminds me of OLD NYC .....cool underground spots that not too many people know about read more

This Mexican speakeasy was on my list for a long time and I certainly do not regret finally trying it out. You need to enter the taco place, then be led downstairs, then through the kitchen to enter a large underground stylish restaurant. I loved the vibe from the beginning and the elegant way the hostess took us to our table. As for food, the tacos were really good, even if not the best I had, but pricey for the quantity. I had to order 4 tacos. The ceviche was tasty but small too for $23, and the pineapple barely tasted. My friend had the pork, which was falling off the bone, but too sweet for his taste. I would go back for an happy hour, not a meal if I'm hungry and don't want to spend much. Lovely place still. Worth a visit. read more

La Esquina - SoHo - Tacos - Latin American Near Me - New York, New York

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Entered a small taco place to find out there's a speakeasy attached, ended up getting a table at La Esquina. Had to walk through the kitchen to find the seating making it feel truly hidden. We had great service and delicious food! Tons of specialty cocktails are on the menu, our server gave us great recommendations in the passion fruit and spicy cucumber margaritas. Ribs were falling off the bone and came with tortillas and Brussels sprouts. There were two of us and we found splitting an appetizer of queso fundido and the full rack of ribs was a good amount of food. We came with no reservation but will try to make one next time to get a better table. Grateful to be accommodated as walk-ins! read more

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TL;dr: enter the speakeasy through the taco shop (the corner deli). The food is great! We went to the corner deli for some tacos, but upon walking in it became so much more. As you enter, you may find two short queues. One for tacos and another to a subterranean speakeasy. As we went down stairs, we were guided by black mats that led us through dim hallways, the kitchen, and eventually a small podium occupied by the host. Everything on the menu looked delicious! We started with queso fundido mixed with chorizo along with warm tortillas. 5/5 We shared a full rack of the guava bbq ribs, which came with tortillas and fried brussel sprouts. These were excellent! The meat came off the bone effortlessly and we were able to keep our hands clean (for the most part) as we assembled each tortilla. My only gripe was that this lacked some sort of bright flavor. Maybe green onions? 4/5 The drinks were fun and creative! I had el macizo with passion fruit! Very flavorful, excellent presentation! read more

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The best tortilla soup! Very good Mexican food and drinks. Reservation highly recommended. Order the tacos (really good)

La Esquina is on Kenmare St. in the Soho section of Manhattan. The establishment includes a nicely-sized storefront w/outdoor seating. Once you go inside, & walk downstairs through the kitchen area, etc. what awaits you is a speakeasy w/ a bar, mini-lounge space & dining room area. La Esquina lower level is cozy/quaint, has beautiful lighting / decor, & overall dope vibes. Visiting La Esquina multiple times, various small & main plates have been ordered. Memorable Dishes Include : Sopa De Tortilla - Smoky Hearty Chicken & Tomato Soup w/ Avocado, Queso Fresno, Crispy Tortilla Strips, etc. - fabulous. Enchiladas De Mole - Chicken, Mole Sauce, Crema Fresca, Oaxaca, w/ Cheese & Sesame Seeds - hearty & flavorful. We came here recently on a Sunday night for dinner & both had tasty La Esquina Burgers w/ Fries. The La Pina Fuerte Cocktail - (Mezcal, fresh pineapple & rosemary), the Pepino Diablo Cocktail - (Tequila, Cucumber, Jalapeño & Lime), the El Macizo - (Tequila, Resposado, Blood Orange) & the Lemon Drop Shots (Cheers to the fellow patron that treated us to the Shots) were fantastic! The Cocktails were well-prepared. When we went on that particular Sunday for dinner, La Esquina was in full swing, w/ one of the nicest bartenders ever & a Live DJ Set. The DJ was playing reggaeton, & salsa music & had a significant amount of the crowd dancing! We had a good time. esquinanyc.com @esquinanyc Sun. - Wed. - 6pm - Midnight Thurs. - Sat. - 6pm - 2am read more

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Bouncer at the front wouldn't let me and my friends in solely because the way we looked. Incredibly rude wearing a red white and blue polo. I hope this changes. I have been enjoying the speakeasy for 2 years now and will not return read more

A fun place to go with friends on a night out for decent Mexican food. It's certainly a good way to start the night.

I got the rib quesadilla which was good. I enjoyed it and did not have any complaints outside of the fact that it was a bit greasy. I then woke up the next morning and was in a state of constant vomitting and diarrhea. I'm not sure what that was about, but I did enjoy the food. Thank you all for the yummy food! read more

I've been here about 3 times for lunch. The first time we came it was a group of 4 of us. Food and drinks are always amazing here. I love their shrimp tacos. One time i came and Chris rock was also having lunch here but i didn't want to bother and take a photo. Seems like he's a regular here. The staff here is always nice and friendly, my only issue is the bathroom is small and needs and upgrade read more

The environment, food, service, drinks, everything about this spot was phenomenal. We were looking for a more casual spot to eat at that would be quick and this totally hit the spot. The steak is a must try, the drinks are great, and the guacamole is fresh and chunky. Overall, this will become a staple for me in NYC. read more

La Esquina - SoHo - Topo Chico Sparkling Water blood orange margarita ranch water - Latin American Near Me - New York, New York

He seems pretty full with reservations and had a private party coming in, but we were able to squeeze us in in the downstairs area. The food was fantastic. Everything was quick. We were able to eat and get in and out before the new reservations came. read more

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This hidden gem is Mexico in SoHo! The tequila selection is insane and the savory food is elevated without being snobby. But the best part is the atmosphere! The decor, service and most importantly the staff are top notch. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!! read more

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Very cool concept with speak easy after detouring through a flight of steep stairs and main kitchen. Good menu selection with good vibes and music. read more

I live in California and am skeptical of Mexican food in NY. But La Esquina is the real deal. Everything was terrific. Fun environment, good service. read more

I love the convenience of this place! The service was quick, and we enjoyed our meal at the cute little bar seating. The tacos were packed with flavor--so delicious! read more

La Esquina - SoHo - Elote Callejero - Latin American Near Me - New York, New York

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Love this place food is amazing service is ok the ambiance is always a good time highly recommend for a night out!

Roses are red, violets will take care of you! We had a fabulous time, thanks to violet the hostess! Food was delicious and service was incredible Thank you La Esquina xxx read more

Gary and Juan are the best. Margaritas are amazing. Food is to die for. Ask for Juan at the bar

Bartender Jayden is the best. Best drinks best service and she was killing it. Tacos and corn were bomb

Food was very good but the service was not the best. We were seated inside so I can only imagine how slow the service was for people sitting outside. The outdoor seating has small circle tables which wouldn't work for a group large than 3 people. The staff was really nice with their efforts of trying to seat my group of 5. Even though the staff was polite, the service was just so slow. I ordered a non-alcoholic beverage and had to remind the waiter because he had forgotten. My friends who had ordered cocktails gave up on ordering more rounds because they knew the drinks would take a while to arrive to our table. We ordered guacamole and the ceviche as appetizers for our table. For both, we didn't receive enough chips and had to ask for more. The guacamole and ceviche both were tasty. The ceviche seemed to be prepared in a more Ecuadorian ceviche matter. It had a lot of lime juice cooking the fish. I ordered the pork belly tacos and the bistec tacos (without cheese). Both were really delicious, no complaints. The food is the shining star at this place. If you live nearby, I'd opt for take-out. read more

La Esquina - SoHo - Pork Belly Tacos and Bistec (sin queso/without cheese) Tacos - Latin American Near Me - New York, New York

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Aaaaahhhh.... Delicious! It is a tiny spot with big flavor! The staff is as amazing, meal and drink suggestions, attentive, and super friendly. We were seated outside on a Saturday night at 630, and the sky opened and it started pouring. We made our way inside. They had saved us a seat! During a busy rush! I will definitely return! read more

Purely here for the vibes! I love the speak easy element to this restaurant. It's a sexy, dim lit restaurant with house music blasting in the background. I'd say it's a great a date spot but not if your date is a foodie - the food and drinks are nothing to write home about. I ordered the passion fruit margarita, pork belly chicharron taquitos, camarones enchilados, and the Acapulco ceviche. Don't be fooled, the taquitos are quite literally small street tacos as opposed to a fried rolled up taquito I had envisioned. Same with the enchilados! I am perhaps uneducated and didn't realize there was a different between enchilados and enchiladAs, but these were a deconstructed version that was fine but overall meh. The dish I most regret ordering is the ceviche. It was drenched in tomato juice, which I typically don't mind, but it was this thick red texture that made me feel it was straight from a can. Would I come back? Maybe not, but I didn't hate my experience! The staff was on top of it and our food came out quick. No complaints there. read more

La Esquina - SoHo - Pork Belly Chicharron Taquitos - Latin American Near Me - New York, New York

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Great food, great drinks, great service. Came here with a few coworkers for some late night bites and was not disappointed. The restaurant is considered a speakeasy, so make sure you make reservations prior. Tacos are authentic and they pair very well with the beers they have on tap. The ambience is awesome with a vampire/prohibition vibe. Overall, I had a great experience and would definitely come back. read more

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I've lived in New York for over 12 years and I've never been treated worse. For no valid reason they didn't let us in the establishment while they let other people in and had no explanation why they could go in and we couldn't. The dj came out to get us and they rejected him again with no reason. The bouncer was clearly racist and a terrible person. The host was also terrible and had no condolescence to how we were being treated. read more

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I'm going to give it 4 stars based on one thing, the tortilla soup is amazing. I keep Coming back for it. Everything else is fine but that soup mmmmm read more

From the moment you walk in staff is on point and very attentive. It's a cozy spot perfect for birthdays and date nights. The music was definitely on point as well there was a live DJ and a space for large groups near the bar. I had the chicken tortilla soup and sweet plantains with salsa verde and cotija cheese on the side. My boyfriend had the enchilada de mole everything was delicious and tasted homemade. NOW the DRINKS! we decided to get the pitcher of the passion fruit El Macizo, and let's just say it did not disappoint . read more

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As visitors to NYC, we loved everything about LaEsquina. What a great experience to walk up, take a look from outside and think to yourself, "why are we here!" After being let in the door and told to walk down the stairs and through the kitchen...still wondering! Once inside, walking into the bar area, it is a true experience! I could not stop looking around and being so thankful that I got to experience something like this that you can only get in NYC! The service was great, even though it did get quite crowded. The drinks were great and the food was authentic and wonderful! Do yourself a favor and be patient and get a reservation for dinner! You will enjoy a dinner here with friends or family. read more

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Spicy margarita was delicious, but tacos were just okay. Pescado was super dry. Service was lacking because they had one girl managing all the tables read more

Did you know that La Esquina means the Corner Kitchen in Spanish? Well, this delicious corner restaurant on Kenmare Street is my kind of kitchen. Did you also know that there is a downstairs tequila bar serving 100 types of tequila? I didn't.. and if I wasn't on a work lunch I would have investigated further... La Esquina has outdoor seating, a pick up station for orders to go and a dining room ( upstairs are booths and tables and downstairs is the tequila bar). I truly loved the decor in the dining room: weathered tables, dim lighting, a sexy cute bar and the walls were wall papered with the risqué "Sexico". I was seated quickly and reviewed the menu which is small but smart. The options are simple: soup, tacos, quesadillas and salads. I was craving rice and beans but knew I needed a bit more, thus, I ordered the Pollo Rotiziado tacos with a side of rice and beans with salsa, corn and Queso Fresca. The tacos are small ( 2 for $11) but the chicken, cilantro and spices were delicious. The small order of rice and beans were absolutely scrumptious. It's fitting that I visited La Esquina on Halloween, they're having La Dia de los Muertos celebration.. how absolutely spooky. It's great finding different lunch places and I know this corner kitchen is one I'll be visiting time and again. read more

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The lady answering the phone was rude, dismissive, not helpful, bothered, and everything else that goes with that. I was calling to find out if the other location on 71st was open because the phone just rang rang rang with nobody picking up. The weather was really really cold and we didn't wanna walk to 71st unless we knew that it was open. So we called it so whole location and the lady kept saying I don't know I don't there, I don't know I'm not working there. read more

Very cool speakeasy - you go next to the actual restaurant where a super nice and friendly gentleman lets you in and you follow directions to an underground bar/lounge. Interior is a dark and mysterious mix of Industrial and Mayan elements. Drinks were lovely and so was the food. Had the plantains and queso fundido and a few margaritas. One of those places to bring out of town friends for a great night out. read more

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**EVEN IF YOU MAKE RESERVATION AHEAD OF TIME, THE BOUNCER WILL ONLY LET YOU IN IF YOU PAY HIM CASH AT THE DOOR - PLEASE READ.** I went to La Esquina the other night for a friend's birthday party. My friend reserved a private room for a large group of people, and all of us spent a ridiculous amount of money on the occasion. I actually showed up a little late to the party, and as the manager instructed us all to do, I gave the birthday girl's name at the door. I told the bouncer that you see in the photos below in the black suit that I was here with the "[birthday girl's] reservation." The bouncer said, and I quote: "Too full. You're not getting down there." I said we had a private room reserved ahead of time. He said, and I quote: "I don't care." And went back to watching his football game on his cell phone (see photos below). We waited up there for about 30 minutes. At one point, the birthday girl came up to get us, and the bouncer STILL wouldn't let us in. It took the entire group coming upstairs from the private room to convince him. Just appalling, unprofessional behavior from this man, an agent of La Esquina. There's more. While we were waiting upstairs, there was a group of three men that attempted to get in. They asked the bouncer if they could go down. The bouncer replied "reservations only." The three men then handed the bouncer $60 cash, and he let them down. Without. A. Reservation. My impression of this entire situation is that the only reason that the bouncer would not let us in for the private reservation is that we did not give him cash. If we had paid him cash like the three men did, he would have let us down. And that is extortion. Plain and simple. **TO MANAGEMENT - If you doubt the details of my story, please watch the security footage from the evening and it will verify every detail of my account.** read more

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Last Thursday I had lunch here. Carnita Tacos and Elotes Callejeros. The tacos were fine but the elotes (grilled corn) was not as the corn cob had frizzled corn which was not succulent. I was sitting or trying to sit on a rickety stool which was making me nervous in case I fell. Years ago when I worked in this neighborhood I used to come to La Esquina with colleagues and we all liked the place a lot both at the counter and at the restaurant. Fast forward the prices have shot up but the quality has not. The guy who took the order explained the increase - blame it on Covid which pretty much has ruined a lot of things and lives. I doubt if I will ever return here. read more

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What a surprise this was! I have passed this restaurant in Soho many times and just tried it for the first time. The kitchen, main eating area, and bar is downstairs. Just passing by, you have no idea about all of this. The ambiance on a Friday night is even better with a live DJ and dancing. So much fun!! To drink, I had the passion fruit margarita. The passion fruit flavor was on point and the spicy tajin rim gave it the perfect amount of kick. Our table shared the queso starter which was probably the biggest happy surprise for me since I usually do not like queso. It was thicker than most I've seen and the pumpkin seeds on top gave it a sweet flavor. I really enjoyed it! For my main course, I went with our waiter's recommendation of the COSTILLAS DE PUERCO (bbq ribs). These were 12/10 delicious! They were so tender that the meat literally fell of the bone. This dish comes with a side of pickled veggies and is topped with cilantro. Can't recommend enough! Another good thing to know is that they do allow you to bring in outside cakes for birthdays or other celebrations. They brought the cake out with candles, cut up pieces for each of us, and then boxed the rest up. read more

La Esquina - SoHo - EL MACIZO CON FRUTA - passion fruit - Latin American Near Me - New York, New York

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After an unpleasant dinner where service was more than poor and hence no tip was given, a few days after I find out the restaurante charged my card without my consent or knowledge for an additional 18%. I already made contact with the restaurant. read more

This place was disappointing. They have good happy hour specials on drinks but they had too much sour mix in them. The chips tasted like they came from a bag and the guac was pretty bland. read more

La Esquina - SoHo - Sexico - Latin American Near Me - New York, New York

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The best guacamole I have ever had in my life. Full stop! The shrimp taco was also beyond fantastic. Lovely atmosphere; our waiter was perfect. read more

Loveddd the esquite. The server was friendly and I really enjoyed the shrimp tacos. My husband got the brisket and bistec tacos, which he taught were tasty as well. read more

Looking for a spot with great vibes to celebrate a birthday with a large group? La Esquina delivers! I came here with a group of 10 people to celebrate a friends bday. We were seated off to the side for larger parties. Very spacious, bottles of tequila decorating the walls and sickkkkkkk art work. Due to the party size a prix fixe menu was mandatory. $65pp gives you a 4 course meal, not including beverages, tip & tax. Beverage packages can also be added on for an additional $70-$90. The prix fixe has chicken, red meat & fish options. Served family style beginning with appetizers. Everything I ate was good but collectively as a group we all agreed it wasn't enough food for 10ppl. I was definitely still hungry at the end of the night. My cocktail for the night was the Pepino Diablo which is essentially a spicy margarita. It was ok, could've had more tequila & less cucumber. Our waiter was consistent making sure we were good but not rushing out either. By 11pm La Esquina was a full on vibe with great music playing, enough space for my friends and I to dance and drinks still flowing. The food was solid so I'll definitely be back. read more

La Esquina - SoHo - Latin American Near Me - New York, New York

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