I wanted to try the unique lonche banados so I came to Macario. A mom & pop shop specializing in th Guadalajara sandwich and other staple Mexican dishes. The interior is nice. There's a good amount of seating plus a bar to enjoy your food. They've done a good job at transforming the space through the art work and overall layout of the space. I like how the menu visually guides you through ordering your lonches. I started with lonches bañados. That gets drenched in tomato sauce. The bread soaks up all the juices. Plus you can taste the spice on this one. Be prepared to get messy. Then I had the lonches prensados using the same sauce but only inside the sandwich so it was more balanced. Not as spicy as the first one and the bread is crunchy. Lastly I tried the plain lonches that has no sauce. I love how refreshing the sandwich is by itself. They do a good job at providing fresh ingredients all through out. All the ingredients are freshly made ensuring that the quality is there. It was a learning experience trying these lonches. I would definitely come back to check out the other Mexican dishes they have to offer. read more

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Came Here by Accident. Glad I Stayed. I'm going to be completely honest: I ended up at Macario by mistake. I was headed to a different restaurant, sat down, looked around, and only then realized I was very much not where I thought I was going. By that point the place was completely empty, I was already sitting there, and this particular location seems to have had enough bad luck with restaurant turnover that walking straight back out felt unnecessarily brutal. So I stayed. I'm glad I did. The thing to get here is the pulled pork lonche bañado. It's huge, but more importantly, it's actually good. The pulled pork was beautifully tender without becoming mush, and the sauce was fantastic: rich, tangy, and carrying exactly the right amount of heat. Apparently the lonches are what Macario is known for, and after eating one, I completely understand why. This could easily have been one of those oversized sandwiches where size is doing all the work. It isn't. There's real flavor here. I also tried the chicken quesadilla, which was much more ordinary. Nothing wrong with it, but there isn't much going on beyond chicken and cheese, and the chicken was a little dry. Chicken is admittedly hard to get exactly right in a quesadilla, but this one landed squarely in "fine." The accompanying salsa is mild but genuinely tasty and helped considerably. That contrast actually clarified the restaurant for me: don't come here expecting every menu item to be equally interesting. Come for the lonches. They seem to be the point, and based on the one I had, they deserve to be. The restaurant itself is small and quaint, and they were playing The Smiths, which immediately improved the odds that I was going to enjoy being stranded at the wrong restaurant. The menu is also refreshingly focused: lonches, pressed sandwiches, quesadillas, nachos, and Guadalajara-style guacamole rather than an encyclopedia pretending to be a menu. Was this the dinner I intended to have tonight? Absolutely not. But I'm glad the mistake introduced me to the pulled pork lonche. If you're curious about Macario, that's absolutely where I'd start. It's clearly the thing they do best, and based on the one I had, it deserves more attention. read more

Second weekend in a row the hub and I are having this crave-worthy sammy, the Pork Prensado. The freshly baked bread is incredible, the perfect combo of crunch and loft. Fill this bread with tender pulled pork, their signature sauce and cheese and you have a masterpiece. If you like a little heat -- which we do -- ask for pickled jalapeños on it. We actually prefer this "prensados" sandwich to their signature one -- the "bañados" -- where the sandwich is topped with the sauce. To be clear, you can't go wrong with either option -- both are delicious and have similar flavor profiles -- just depends how saucy you want to get. We like to keep the sauce between the bread. If you somehow have enough room for dessert after eating the massive, super filling sandwich, try the frozen lime pie. The version they had today was lime with coconut and it was super delicious -- intense lime flavor with a touch of sweetness from the coconut. I wish I didn't know how good it is, as now I'm going to want it every time. The staff is super friendly -- we ended up chatting with the owner, Marshall, for a while today -- and the vibe is mellow. All around, Macario is a winner! read more

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Whenever I meet someone vehemently passionate about anything, it's infectious. It gets me FIRED up. My most recent infection of passion comes from Macario in Park Slope, as they are the first restaurant in the US to serve lonche bañados, which are a staple in Guadalajara. The owner, Marshall, was raised in Guadalajara and lived there for more than 40 years, and it's been his dream to introduce the lonche bañado to us gringos. If you're like me before walking in here and have no idea what a lonche bañado is, I got you. It's a Mexican baguette filled with savory pork and bathed in a rich, warm, slightly spicy homemade tomato sauce that's poured over the top. The menu is small but we started with the guadalajara guacomale and nachos, and both blew us away. It's that real homemade chunky-type guac and they put that tomato sauce on the nachos that brought them to another level. They source only local and organic ingredients and it SHOWS. The lonche bañado runs $16 a piece and you have options for the traditional pork, chicken, or cheese, and this thing is a MONSTER. The whole portion could feed a family. Marshall gives you a full rundown on how to eat it properly, with 3 fingers and a spoon, but I threw caution to the wind and just went at this thing with my mule skinners. It shows up drowning in tomato sauce, and is unapologetically messy. It doesn't care about your feelings. The bread absorbs just enough of the sauce to become tender while still holding the structure of the sandwich beneath. Every bite tastes like the entire kitchen showed up to the function. It's rich, chaotic, and deeply satisfying in that soulful, street-corner kind of way. It's the kind of sandwich you remember long after you've wiped the sauce off your hands. I've never eaten anything like it, but to me, this is what life is all about. It's why I love food so much. I learned a tiny bit about Guadalajara without having to leave New York City. THANK YOU MACARIO! THANK YOU MARSHALL! IG @johnny.novo Tiktok @jnov__ Substack @johnnynovo read more

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My wife and I stumbled upon Macario in Park Slope before seeing Bruce Springsteen at the Barclay Center, and had a nice dinner there. Service was excellent, food was excellent, and the ambiance was good! I had the "El Macario" sandwich, and it was delicious. The creamy sauce was a bit messy but flavorful and the portion was large (see photo). My wife had a quesadilla (her usual) and said it was very nicely prepared. Comfortable seating and super-friendly staff - would definitely eat there again if we lived closer. read more

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Brooklyn now has both types of smothered sandwich from Guadalajara: the torta ahogado at Cruz del Sur near Barclay's Center and the lesser known lonches bañado at Macario. The former is fantastic, and the latter even better. I had never heard of the lonche bañado when I first heard of Macario but I've yet to be let down by a Mexican sandwich so decided to give it a shot. My girlfriend and I visited on a quiet Sunday morning. On entry there are tables along the windows and the counter in the middle. Service was immediately great. The owner, aware that not many Americans had heard of a bañado before, immediately began explaining the menu along with a sample of bread and sauce. If you'd had any doubts, they'll almost certainly vanish. I ordered El Macario, the signature pork sandwich bathed (bañado!) in sauce, while my girlfriend ordered the prensado with cheese. After a few minutes, confusingly, we had three sandwiches: the prensado, a pork sandwich with sauce, and a pork sandwich that still needed a bath. I ate my saucy sandwich and quickly discovered the second half comes out dry so it can be sauced after you're done with the first half. This worked exactly as intended and both halves were warm, saucy and the bread still crunchy. Both sandwiches were fantastic. The sauce is incredible. My girlfriend was dipping her pressed cheese in my sauce, which almost reminded me of a grilled cheese with tomato soup. Overall a fantastic addition to Brooklyn. I look forward to returning often. read more

Macario - El Macario - Baado waiting on the counter for me - Mexican Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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This is the kind of place you long for in your neighborhood--delicious, savory, authentic, local, and fresh, with kind engaged staff to book. Our son is in a weekly camp near here; we stopped in for lunch while he was there a couple of weeks ago, and were so blown away, we could not wait until the following week to come back with him. On our first visit, when they learned we hadn't been here before, they gave us generous samples of their bread and sauce to help us decide. We decided to start traditional, having their traditional Lonches Bañados sandwich, which comes drenched--and I mean drenched--in an incredible, rich, every so slightly-spicy tomato sauce. Traditionally pulled pork, they also serve chicken and cheese options--we ordered one of each to share and went to town. Served on a crispy, flaky birote (mexican-style baguette), bathed in warm, hearty, slightly spicy tomato sauce. You've heard of Five Napkin Burger... this is a ten napkin sandwich, and worth the mess (and this coming from someone who is a bit of a neat freak. The owner, Nelson, told us of growing up in Guadalajara, of his love for the food and desire to bring it here authentically. He proudly explained that their meats and bread are purchased fresh daily, and the signature sauce--in his family for 60 years--is made fresh daily as well. He even demonstrated some wizardly technique for holding the sandwich with three fingers and dipping in the sauce and keeping yourself clean that, well... perhaps one can learn after 10 sandwiches or so... I look forward to practicing until I get it. While I strongly recommend the Lonches, the other options we had on visit 2 were pretty amazing as well--the presnado sandwiches are more of a panini version of the lonches (much better bread)--thinner and more lightly sauced--still excellent and less messy. Our son had no interest in a sandwich so we got a guacamole quesadilla which was excellent, with some very tasty guac. Ther is currently no booze on the menu, but Nelson told us of his delightful goal to bring in artisanal mezcals to pair with their food. As rare as it is for me to say this though, it is incredibly worth it to come here without booze. This spot is so delicious and unique... worth the mess you will make to dig into these sandwiches--come enjoy this local gem. read more

Macario - Mexican Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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During my time in GDL, I used to love the ubiquitous loncherias across the city center. A simple sandwich with panela, Mexico's slightly saltier answer to fresh mozzarella, would always serve as a comforting and hearty midday meal. Now these same bites are available at NYC's first traditional GDL-style loncheria. They specialize in the lonche bañado, which is the cousin to the more famous torta ahogada. Unfortunately they don't have a vegetarian version of the meat-based tomato sauce, so I wasn't able to sample it on my recent visit (hopefully that's an eventual addition to the menu). I instead stuck to a simple pressed sandwich with panela and vegetables. The cheese and birote baguette both tasted very fresh, and the environs are somehow cozy despite being right on 4th Avenue. A great addition to the area, especially with Cruz del Sur closing recently. read more

Macario - Mexican Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

This is a new sandwich shop in Park Slope! They specialize in lonches bañados, which is a well-known dish from Guadalajara. I loved that the staff are putting so much care into explaining their sandwiches and their origins. They gave me a sample to try before ordering! It was a very welcoming experience as I wasn't 100% sure what I was walking into. I thought this was your regular sandwich shop - boy, I was wrong, but in the best way! The sauce itself is spicy, but so very delicious! You have a choice of chicken, pork, or vegetarian (cheese & veggie) sandwiches. You can also choose your "sauce level." Lonches bañados are sandwiches bathed in their in-house spicy tomato sauce. Lonches prensados are pressed sandwiches served with their in-house sauce and Oaxaca cheese. If you really want, you can skip the sauce altogether by ordering lonche clásicos. Of course, I wanted the full experience; however, if you are not ready for a slightly messier meal, lonches prensados are a happy medium. I ordered the pulled pork lonche prensado, and it was delicious and filling. I really loved the crispiness and freshness of the bread. Will come back soon!! read more

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I had the most delicious "lonche bañado" -- a Mexican lunch sandwich "bathed" in a light tomato & red chile sauce. Can't wait to go back and try other items there! The owner, Marshall, patiently explains all the options and the best way to eat the potentially-messy, sauce-y sandwich. He is a fantastic embassador, introducing this Guadalajaran treat to NYers. read more

Macario - outside - Mexican Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Tasty, affordable, good portions, and excellent service. We've been excited to try this spot after seeing a video on YouTube about how it's the only place in NYC that serves this kind of sandwich. Glad to report that it tastes as good as it looked online. My partner and I shared the original "El Macario" sandwich, which was delicious and generously portioned. The creamy macario sauce is definitely messy to eat, but packs such great tomato flavor with the right amount of spice. (Worth noting that they offer a version of their sandwiches with sauce on the inside.) Also excellent: the guacamole with chicharrones, a popular way to eat guac in Guadalajara, and the first time we've encountered that in NYC. You can also order it with chips instead. Beyond the food, the owner Marshall's passion was a highlight. You can tell he really cares about offering a great experience. Right after we walked in, he called us over to talk through the menu and offer samples of the items we were interested in. He also explained that they use locally sourced, fresh ingredients for everything. As far as the restaurant itself, it has a good amount of seating: a mix of booths, tables, and counter seats. Food came out very quickly too. Glad we made the trek from Queens. We'll def be back soon! read more

Macario - El Macario - pulled pork on Mexican Birote bread, bathed in Macario sauce - Mexican Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Lovely experience all around. Bright, welcoming cafe good for the entire family - complete with baby seats and dog bowls for all members. The food was delicious and unique. The sandwiches are a Guadalajaran speciality, and unlike anything in Brooklyn right now - saucy, flavorful, and generously portioned. Service was patient and welcoming. Will be back!! read more

Macario - Macario, cute spot on a cute block - Mexican Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Came on in and the owner Marshall, offers a free taste. A nice gesture, but I had made a pilgrimage and didn't need to be sold. The El Macario sandwich is a nice size, large enough to be filling, but manageable. He serves it in two enamel coated steel dishes. The first half comes with a lesson and is sauced with a mildly spicy sauce, similar to a vodka sauce, topped with a bit of crema, the latter applied the way they do balsamic glaze. If you want to eat it the proper way, you start with a spoon, but soon you abandon that and your fingers and face are covered in sauce. The crusty bread is of excellent quality, the pork tender, the sauce deep and rich. When you're ready, bring your the bowl with the second half back to be sauced. I had no need of dinner, violating Le Code Gourmand. If this sounds overwhelming, have the pulled chicken lonche de pollo as La Portena did - the same high quality roll, pulled chicken, lettuce tomato. We chatted with the owner, and his story is worth telling, but I'll let him tell it to you. We were also treated to a taste of house made key lime pie - which is not the standard version - the best description is the texture is more like cake. I am hoping the lonches banado catches on, and I can convince Marshall to open a branch of Macario closer to home! read more

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Not terribly exciting. The vegetarian option on the sandwich is just a slab of cheese (I think they forgot to add lettuce and tomato to mine, but that wouldn't have improved it that much). The bread is a little too crusty, making it sort of hard to bite down on. The sauce for the bañado sandwiches is tasty, but still doesn't justify the $16 price tag. read more

some of the most unique and delicious food i've had in new york. very sweet people cooking family recipes. clean and cute inside. read more

Macario - frozen key lime pie - Mexican Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Hearty and absolutely delicious! Never had anything like it before. The tomato sauce is so warm and flavorful. We tried the classic Banados which soaks up the sauce right up and the prensados which was crispy and cheesy! Ended up ordering a side of the sauce to eat with the prensados as well! read more

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Try it - you won't be sorry. Tasty sandwich, great staff, relatively cheap for the amount of food you get, and if you're like me, a new cuisine to say you have tried (and loved). Will be coming back for sure! read more

Delicious warm lonches. Showcasing another side of what Mexico has to offer. Simply amazing & tasty. Well deserved recognition read more

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Amazing delicious sandwiches if you travel to Mexico if you are a fan of Mexican food this is very satisfying place. I genuinely recommend this. I order the classic pork. read more

Macario - Pork deliciousness - Mexican Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Delicious Lunch ! Superb sauce and very tasty sandwich Staff is wonderful and very attentive, they take the time to explain and gave samples. Look forward to try more of the menu Go there now ! read more

Service was quick and friendly and the spot is kept well(nice and clean). The sandwich was the bomb. I was going to include some more pics but, my mouth was faster than my hands. You can tell the ingredients are fresh and the sandwich was seasoned into heaven. Just like I like it. I'll definitely be coming back! read more

Macario - Mexican Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Such a wonderful experience. Delicious messy sandwiches and such a warm and welcoming staff. They took the time to explain the sandwiches to us and even gave us a sample to help us decide. read more

What a great lonche! Never had one like that before. The sauce is amazing! Definitely will be back.

The pork "lonche banado" was delicious as was the pork "lonche planchado", which is the same sandwich but without the tasty soupy sauce. I was partial to the planchado since it was less messy to eat. I was told by the owner, that all ingredients are locally sourced, organic, and prepared daily - no "take out the day-old sauce from the fridge and reheat it for the customer"! I will return to have the other alternatives in chicken and cheese. The ambiance was without loud mariachi music to talk over; the premise comfortable and inviting; the bathroom was super clean; and the service was helpful and friendly. PS: the pork rinds and guac were amazingly good and worth the try! read more

Agree with top reviews. Nice to see Mexican food representation from a different region (Guadalajara). If,you like heat, ask for a side of pickled jalapeños- so delicious with the sandwich. The bread is wonderful with a nice crunchy crust and soft inside to soak up the smoky tomato sauce. Add a Jarritos soda and it's a great lunch. The sandwich is enough for two! Get the guacamole with chicharonnes too! read more

This is the spot. Read about it in the NYT today and paid a visit. So authentic with steering from a knowledgeable staff. Great options from their classic to other sandwiches. The bread is a phenomenal cross between soft and crusty. Outstanding. Chatted with owner Marshall who could not have been more accommodating. We think he planned out our next trip to Mexico. The guacamole was so f'in good as well. Pay them a visit. You'll leave happy... read more