El Maguey y La Tuna

Claim
marker

321 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002-1127 (at Between Attorney St and Ridge St)
New York, NY 10002

marker
(212) 473-3744
Incorrect info? Correct your listing
Photos
El Maguey y La Tuna - New York, NY
Reviews
( 52 )
( 9 )
( 5 )
( 0 )
( 1 )

Best

fresh food that does not seem slopped together

Worst

Poor service, no ambiance, below-average food, and over-priced. Granted it was busy due to Cinco de Mayo, but it was completely chaotic -- our order was messed up and on numerous...

Great Time 8/12/2006

I have been on a hunt all summer to find great Mexican food in NYC, and this is the closest to the real thing that I've had so far. I went with a group of friends during their 3rd year Anniversary, and had a blast. They were very busy because of all of the festivities and probably a little understaffed, but they were all very friendly and hard-working. The cheese enchiladas, rice, salsa and margaritas were all excellent. The guacamole wasn't spicy though, it was very ""avacodo-y."" If you know what REAL Mexican food is, this is the closest you'll get in the Big Apple. Pros: food more
Reply | Report abuse |

This is real Mexican food... 7/14/2006

I too come from rural West Texas and am always suspicous of any Mexican restaurant outside of Texas, CA, Southwest, etc...I know that sounds snobbish, but I know what good Mexican food is and this restaurant is the real deal. Like homemade. The chile on the enchiladas is fresh with actual spice to it, the beans taste homemade...the way my grandma's taste, and the hot chile/salsa is wonderful. If you want real Mexican food, come here! No glitz, no glamour, just a cozy, unimposing, small charming place to get some real food. more
Reply | Report abuse |

this Mexican food snob has met his match 5/25/2006

Coming from rural West Texas, I'm about as tough a Mexican food critic as you'll find and I absolutely ADORE this place. The food is as authentic as you're likely to find in NYC and the service is impccable. Every time I go I feel like I'm visiting old friends. The place is run by a single family and they always remember me even though I only come in once every month or so. Must try the Mole enchiladas and have the flan for dessert! Make reservations on Thurs or Fri night because the place is small and fills up quickly! Pros: charming, inexpensive, authentic Cons: small more
Reply | Report abuse |

This is home made Mexican ! 3/26/2006

I'm on a quest to find the best Mexican restaurant in the city and this is by far the best one. I've been to some very well known places in the city and their so called Mexican food is always a disappointment. This place is nothing fancy, and kinda off the beaten path, but- the service is so wonderful and the staff very warm. Menu offers great selctions, and the prices are just right. Try the Sopapilla for dessert, wow what a treat. And the Carnitas tacos, yummy... so so good. If you're looking for true hom made Mexican food you must come here! Pros: food, prices, service more
Reply | Report abuse |

Size doesn't matter! 3/2/2006

In a visit from Los Angeles to New York, my fiancée introduced me to the Maguey y La Tuna. I was certain there was no good Mexican food in New York, but el Maguey proved me wrong. The restaurant small size concerned me but on my first bite of the Mole Poblano the rich flavors excited me. Size no longer concerned me because I realized that the food served at the Maguey is fresh, authentic and delicious. Besides the home-style feeling of the food the staff is really friendly and attentive. The waitress drink recommendation was excellent. The Sangria was smooth and strong but my favorite was the fresh oranges in the drink. I recommend all Californian's to visit the Maguey and try their delicious flautas with salsa and guacamole. Pros: Authentic food, Friendly Staff, delicious margaritas more
Reply | Report abuse |

Our New Favorite Restaurant! 11/23/2005

Only in NY does a Saturday night include amazing Mexican food, great service and getting married! On Saturday, November 19, my fiancé and I were married at El Maguey y La Tuna!! We happily signed the papers while eating amazing guacamole, nachos, chicken mole, fajitas, and more. We drank margaritas, sangria and the staff broke out shots of Jose Cuervo in honor of our union! The dessert was divine and they even made us tamales to take home! Although, we are having a ceremony with our families next year, our evening here will be in our heart and minds forever!! THANK YOU EL MAGUEY Y LA TUNA!!!! more
Reply | Report abuse |

Homecookin' 11/14/2005

A friend and I sought out this restaurant because of Citysearch reviews, and we weren't disappointed. The food was delicious, and flavorful. Not what normally passes for Mexican in NYC. The margaritas were potent (do check to see how much the tequila list will run you, however. I wouldn't drink premium tequila in a margarita. Those are for sipping!) The mole sauce was dense, multi-layered with flavor. The portions were huge, and the prices were dirt cheap. Will be going back again! Not much to look at, though, but don't be put off. Pros: food, portions, prices Cons: street parking, a little hard to find more
Reply | Report abuse |

Excellent Experience! 11/14/2005

If you want a comfortable, relaxed, friendly, and no frills atmosphere with delicious and affordable Mexican food, then look no further! A group of us went here for dinner the other night and had a great time. The margaritas were made to perfection, the entrees were fresh and full of flavor and the staff was outstanding! I will definitely be returning with friends to make sure this hidden Mexican haven gets the recognition it deserves! Pros: food, drinks, staff more
Reply | Report abuse |

Pretty Blown Away By This Place 11/5/2005

This place is just really good. After I finished my meal here, I felt like my six-year quest for a good (not just decent, but good) Mexican place was over. The food here, IMO, is more Tex-Mex or Cali-Mex than authentic Mexican. I still like Mexicana Mama for more authentic Mexican food. Just really, really impressed with this place. My life was just a little more complete after walking out of this place. Pros: Sangria, Carnitas, Quesadillas Cons: Out of the way, A little small more
Reply | Report abuse |

Eat here. 10/27/2005

Seriously, you'd be a fool not to. It's cheap and delicious -- just like the Mexican food I grew up with in Oklahoma. The salsa tastes fresh, with plenty of cilantro and a little bite. If you like it spicier, you can doctor it up (as we did) with the hot sauce on the table. The guacamole was delicious -- and they give you a lot of it. I had the mole verde, which covered large pieces of pork that were so tender that my knife was rendered useless. It was served with warm corn tortillas, rice and beans. My date had the chiles rellenos, which he deemed the best chiles rellenos he's ever had. Our waitress was very friendly and efficient. Did I mention it's cheap? For the guacamole, two entrees, two margaritas and a beer, the tab was $53. Pros: guacamole, chiles rellenos, price more
Reply | Report abuse |

""Fiesta Platter"" 10/3/2005

Last Friday, I was walking with my college friends through the streets of the Lower East Side, when I saw a BIG sign that read ""Fiesta Platter"". With the Yankees and Boston Logos on it we thought that we should go in and check what this platter had to offer us. We reserved a Platter for Saturday. In which contained eveything that we expected for a good baseball game and good company. You could expected us back at the ""Maguey"" for reserving more platter for this postseason of the playoffs. Oh Yea, I can't forget to mention that we stood there on Friday and Drank from the new Drink Menu they have, big improvement. Highly Reccomended!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pros: Fiesta Platter, Drink Menu, Inexpensive more
Reply | Report abuse |

User review by spdrgrl3 8/18/2005

The food was delicious, as were the margaritas. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. We had a big group and were there for a couple of hours, yet we never felt rushed. I had the enchiladas verdes, which were excellent. Be sure to leave room for desertthe sopapilla is worth it. It's a small place, so if you have a large group it is best to make a reservation. Pros: food, service, price more
Reply | Report abuse |

Excellent Food 8/3/2005

The servive the food the price all great!!!! I recommend to everyone... more
Reply | Report abuse |

you WILL find your must have food fix! 7/14/2005

took forever to find real mexican food in NYC until i moved a few doors away and then BAM! left on my own again! okay, i am still pissed that El Maguey y La Tuna is no longer in williamsburg! loved the weekend late night live music. hate going to the LES, but, i am forced to go for the mole poblano (am addicted) and enchiladas (try any - they are all great). pozole and menudo are musts especially after late nights out drinking. please please come back!!! Pros: good prices, nice folk Cons: not near me anymore more
Reply | Report abuse |

mmmmm 7/7/2005

delicious food, excellent service, and a super friendly staff... definitely worth a visit Pros: food Cons: out of the way more
Reply | Report abuse |

Great food! 6/10/2005

I've been coming to this place for years, it's by far the best mexican restaurant in the city. Just wanted to let everyone know how great the new margaritas are though! I heard through a friend that they just got their liquor licence, so I had to go see what all the buzz was about. They were so good! Much better (and cheaper) than another certain LES Mexican restaurant... The food was outstanding, but that's a given. Everyone should to this place! Their margaritas are so refreshing during the hot NYC summer days. more
Reply | Report abuse |

This restaurant is off the chain! 6/9/2005

Being that I'm from Mexico, I know good Mexican food when I taste it. I've been to so many Mexican restaurants (in all boroughs), but El Maguey Y La Tuna is by far and away the best! My friend told me I had to go check this place out, and I'm so glad I did! The enchilladas al maguey y la tuna were soooo good. Even better than my mom's cooking! And their new margaritas were so tasty, I didn't even realize how strong they were (and cheap)! You NEED to go to this place. And the waitresses are hot! more
Reply | Report abuse |

Fiesta Time! 6/5/2005

This is my spot! The waitress told me that El Maguey has thier liquor license they can serve tequila and Margarita! I am so happy! Now, this is the spot to go afterwork. Great food, nice & strong margaritas on the rock! Make your reservation at this joint. This is the next hot spot for the summer! Especially, that is so lay back and down to earth! Pros: margaritas, menu, atmosphere more
Reply | Report abuse |

Margaritas!! 6/4/2005

El Maguey y la Tuna is serving Margarita! Finally! There Margaritas are really good and strong! I have been going to this spot since, last summer and the owner told me that they were working on thier license. Well, they finally have their liquor license. I lovethier food. It is the best Mexican food in LES and East Vilage. Enchiladas verdes and Enchiladas Rancheras delicious! Los Tacos - the best in town! Love their salsas!! Cool place to hang out and now more then ever! Margaritas & Tequila with their food, party time! this is a awesome joint! Pros: margarita, service, enchiladas more
Reply | Report abuse |

Feels like home 6/4/2005

It was my first time in New York and as a El Paso native I was highly suspect that there was any good Mexican food in this city. Locals recommended El Maguey y La Tuna. It has a cozy atmosphere and satisfying food that took me back home. Actually, it may have even been better than home but Shhh! My friend and I started off with ensalda de nopales. The cilantro dressing was very refreshing. I loved the Enchiladas al Maguey Y La Tuna. My friend enjoyed the Jalepeno Burrito. Although they did not serve margaritas, they made up for it with great sangrias. In addition to the great food, friendly service made me realize why this is such a local favorite. P.S. Thanks Jimmy from the subway for the recommendation. Pros: Inviting atmosphere, Friendly wait staff, Amazing enchiladas Cons: Long walk-Worth it! more
Reply | Report abuse |
< Previous 1 2 3 4 Next >
Menu for El Maguey y La Tuna


Summer SALE!!!:
15% OFF all yearly plans
Use year15 at checkout. Expires 1/1/2021

Traditional Mexican Cuisine & Margaritas in NYC's Lower East Side!

Owner Message

  • Happy Hour:Tue-Fri 11am-7pm.
    Cocktails, Sangria & Margarita Specials

    Mexican Brunch:Tue-Sun 11am-4pm

    Since 1993, El Maguey Y La Tuna has been a family run business serving the general public a taste of traditional Mexican cuisine.For 10 years,El Maguey y La Tuna became the prime location in Williamsburg Brooklyn specializing in Regional cooking from Puebla, Mexico.In the midst of business flourishing,El Maguey Y La Tuna was temporarily shut down to an unexpected fire in the building.However, not even a fire could stop the longevity of this family run business.

    During the reconstruction stages,the family decided not only to rebuild but to relocate to the Lower East Side of NYC.Besides being home, the family moved El Maguey Y La Tuna to the Lower East Side because it observed a vacuum of traditional Mexican Cuisine.Years later, El Maguey Y La Tuna continues to serve residents.

Editorial

  • The Scene
    It takes a few minutes to get used to the lighting--the red bulbs cast a pink veil onto the red-floral vinyl tablecloths. You'll have to go through the kitchen to use the...

  • 5/17/2005 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Tue-Sun 11am-11pm
  • Payments: Master Card, Visa
  • Neighborhoods: Downtown, Lower East Side
badge