About
Welcome to the vibrant world of Mole Cantina Mexicana, located on the bustling Upper East Side of Manhattan at 1735 2nd Ave. This charming eatery has quickly established itself as a beacon of authentic Mexican cuisine, captivating the taste buds of locals and visitors alike. With a menu that brims with flavor and generous portions, it’s no wonder that Mole has garnered such glowing reviews from its guests.
The standout dish, as many patrons agree, is undoubtedly the tacos. Bursting with a variety of savory fillings, these petite delights transport you straight to Mexico City with each bite. One enthusiastic reviewer even remarked, 'I devoured the tacos; it reminded me of Mexico City tacos! Very flavorful!' This sentiment echoes through the restaurant, as diners rave about the fresh ingredients and rich culinary traditions that define their offerings.
Another remarkable highlight is their guacamole, described as a mountain of creamy delight, perfect for sharing but entirely tempting to finish solo. With portions so plentiful, it’s easy to see why one diner advised that it’s best enjoyed among friends. As the crowd favorites emerge, the fried shrimp tacos also claim their spotlight—perfectly battered, these indulgent treats are a must-try.
Mole Cantina Mexicana prides itself not just on its food, but also on its delightful atmosphere and exceptional service. Guests report a warm welcome, often singled out by mentioning the attentive staff, including notable mentions like Gustavo and John, who ensure that every visit feels special. The cozy ambiance invites you to linger, sip on refreshing margaritas—with a popular passion fruit twist—while you savor the lively chatter that fills the air.
In this thriving spot, every meal is an experience that celebrates authenticity and community. Mole Cantina Mexicana isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a destination for those seeking true Mexican flavors paired with top-notch hospitality. Discover the essence of Mexico on the Upper East Side—it's a journey worth taking!
“ In my humble opinion, Mole Mexican Bar & Grill has the best Mexican food in Manhattan. The food is so flavorful . Excellent customer service and atmosphere. Great hospitality by Gustavo ”
“ The guac was huge, but tasty. Definitely need three people to finish it. My dad really liked the mole. My other dad really liked the omelette. My fried shrimp tacos were AMAZING. Perfectly battered and fried. HUGE portion sizes though. So full. Took it home. I also believe this is woman owned at least bc I think the woman who greeted us was the owner and really wanted us to enjoy. ”
“ Found a Lil Mexican gem on the streets of East Village on a rainy day! 5 friends looking for a place to eat and we stumbled upon Mole (authentic Mexican food). The tacos are a particular favorite, with a wide variety of fillings to choose from. The restaurant also offers a great selection of margaritas and other cocktails. We ordered nachos, veggie tacos, cheese quesadillas with some veggies and a side of guacamole with chips. Portions were great to share, filling too. I devoured the , it reminded me of Mexico city tacos! Very flavorful! It's a small restaurant with bar, cozy ambience, great service and expectional food! Great team! Keep it up! Definitely coming again! ”
“ Delicious Mexican food. Really friendly staff and a fun atmosphere. I'd highly recommend visiting Mole Cantina if you want to try authentic Mexican food. ”
“ I thought that would be nice to have a drink, and a little snack over here, but that wasn’t nice Instead - it was wonderful! My mother is in love with the Margaritas with passion fruit!!! From my side - I was just wondering if that Mexican beer, that was served for me could be better (I think no) And the tacos (our lil snack, which we shared) was just on the another level Three tacos in one portion? You get my life and soul for this food Also the prices are completely fine and fair! John puts so much effort, is attentive and tactful Sweetheart! We loved to have you as our waiter! Well surely be back ”
“ Always have a solid meal here, from the guacamole to the fresh fruit puree cocktails to each entree I’ve tried (fajitas, green sauce cheese enchiladas, chimichanga, etc.). It’s one of my go-to Mexican restaurants in the area! Just know it will be a little expensive but tasty. ”
“ Ive been here twice and have enjoyed both visits. We chose to sit outside, and that did not effect our service. Waiter was kind and quick with our stuff. We started with the empanadas and they were very good. The crema and sauce that came with it elevated the flavors and I enjoyed it. The mains were also good, flavorful except for the rice and beans. I almost feel like the star of the dishes are what you order and the rice and beans are second thought. The drinks were good as well, good size and alcohol present. The pina colada tastes exactly as it should, and I had a watermelon margarita. It was good, watermelon flavor was light. Overall, I enjoyed this spot and would return or recommend! ”
“ After walking around in the heat, we went in for a margarita. They didn’t disappoint. The ceviche and tacos were very good. It was the right choice ”