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Park Place (S)
Eastern Pkwy (2, 3)
Botanic Garden (2, 3, 4, 5, S)
Mon-Thu. 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
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Oh my Gosh - what could be better than a cozy little restaurant with amazing Mexican food that fills you up for about six bucks? And without fluorescent lighting or a huge illuminated picture menu!
I adore Chavella - the service is friendly, the prices are spot-on, and the tacos are seriously delicious. I highly recommend this place for dinner with a friend - but definitely not dinner with a group, because it's so tiny!
I revisited Chavella's for dinner and I couldn't eat 2 of my 3 tacos. The fish taco actually tasted like nothing at all and the other one (I can't remember which) was too sweet. I thought i liked mole but apparently not.
This was a sad 2nd visit and I don't think I will be coming again because a Mexican restaurant is only as good as its tacos.
Chavella's is great! It's a teeny place, but full of charm and the guys who work there are so nice.… Read more »
Where's the spice? Seriously. I had high hopes for this place, given the overwhelmingly positive reviews here, and so I ordered the one thing any "authentic" Mexican restaurant worth its salt would never dare screw up - the chicken mole. Forget about tamales, forget about tacos, forget about the guacamole and the chips and salsa, forget about "tortas" - the true test of a Mexican restaurant is its mole.
Chavella's mole was bland and underseasoned, and while the chicken was tender, the dish lacked the oomph, that subtle, slightly smoky, peppery heat, that a good mole should never be without. I got the slight bitterness of the chocolate, but without that peppery element, it's just not a proper mole. It's just white meat chicken in a bland, slightly bitter brown gravy. The rice was similarly underseasoned and lackluster. Very disappointing.
I love this place and I have from the start: never had a bad experience here.
Sure, it's small, but they've just added enclosed outdoor seating which makes the common waits less wait-ish. And the previously open-style kitchen is now shielded behind a fairly massive wooden wall.
Sadly, I've never gotten really, really deep into their menu - I tend towards the specials, the tacos, a few apps and, of course, the tortas (sandwiches.)
Simply put: if you're a fan of latin/mexican foods then you won't be disappointed with your meal at Chavella's - just know that you'll be close to your neighbor, but the service is good and the kitchen is fast.
Enjoy!
Although you are packed in like sardines, you'll feel like lucky fish after dining at Chavella's!
The trio of bright, flavorful salsas prep your mouth for the wonderful flavors in your meal. I ate three $3 tacos: fish with cabbage (a rarity), marinated chicken (solid), and cactus/pickled jalapeno (unique and tastily memorable). My friend had the half chicken (moist and well-seasoned) and salad (good dressing).
After leaving, I immediately began scheduling my return visit...
Wow! is all I can about Chavella's. What a surprise the place was for me! A fantastic experience over and over, great food, great prices, great atmosphere.
Maybe it's just me, but finding good latin/mexican food in the NYC area is not always easy. Sure there are some great gems here and there, and there are some crazy fancy and expensive ones on manhattan, but finding a neighborhood spot that actually serves decent, authentic food thats not overpriced is hard to find. Honestly, this place IS one of the gems, Im just lucking enough to call it a neighborhood gem.
As close to real mexican as you can get in NY and very good mexican too. This is not tex mex and its (mostly) not Northern mexican food. That means those from ARizona who say its not authentic --i say well not to you but its very close to food in Mexico city.
Has some days where the food is better than others but its never ever bad; somedays its just spectacular. The fish in plaintain leaves is great, Plato Don is perfect for two and so affordable. Tacos are uniformly lovely. waitstaff isn't always attentive they are usually very busy--they aren't checking to see if everything is ok. But if you ask for something they get it quickly.
It's only flaw is that its crowded. It's a small space so it can be a wait and uncomfotably packed at peak hours.
I went here with some friends a few months ago and didn't know where I was. Half-way through my meal last week I realized, shit son! I've been here before.
Maybe it was too many Pacificos last time that made me not remember, but this time there's no way I could leave without remembering their salsas!
I've never creamed my pants over salsa before but let me tell you sister, this stuff is as good as it gets. Verbena in salsa verde? whoda thunk! The fish tacos are tasty treats as well, and the decor is perfect. Wait... no... all the tacos were good! Such creative mixes.
Too bad I live two blocks away, I'd rather live above it so I could eat it more than once a week.
"Man this place is fucking small." was the first words out of my mouth when I walked in. In my opinion, that really is never a good thing. No, I don't like big open warehouse restaurants, or massive impersonal places like Lombardi's, but what I dislike even more is locking arms with both patrons on either side of me, just to squeeze my fat ass into a seat.
Yes. I am exaggerating.
However, being half-Irish and half-Jewish, I have come to terms with the importance of size and realize that great things can come in small packages.
Yes. I am referring to my man parts.
So with an open-mind I entered the close space and had one of the better mexican meals I have had in NYC. It was really really good. The soft-shell tacos are exactly how I get them in San Diego, and the mole enchiladas were spot on on. Cheap too.
Oh yeah, M-F 4-7 happy hour: 2 dollar tacos and 3 dollars beers.
Yes. A definite revisit.
One of the best authentic Mexican restaurants in NYC.
Chavella's is really, really small. As a result, it's entirely possible you will have to share your table with another couple whom you've never met. Just so you know, the following will freak them out:
1. Asking them to hold your hand as you say grace.
2. Lustily staring at the woman as you eat your food.
3. Lustily staring at the man as you eat your food.
4. Guiltily staring at the man as you eat HIS food.
5. Making loud, exaggerated moaning sounds after each bite.
Fortunately, you do not have to exaggerate much, because Chavella's serves some DELICIOUS grub. So far, I've only had the pleasure of partaking in brunch, but it was awesome.
The lady and I went half and half on the Torta Mananera (essentially a chorizo, egg and cheese, with black bean spread) and the Chavella's Omelette (bacon, avocado, pico de gallo) with chorizo hash and greens on the side. Both bursting with flavor, but I think I prefer the omelette by a hair. Seriously though, I would eat either over and over again, and then I would probably vomit because that would be too much food for one sitting.
Brunch was $12, served with Mexican sweetbread and a juice, coffee, tea or sangria. The lady went with the mango juice, which was tasty. I tried the sangria, which turned out to be very good...dark and winey.
There's a little dotted red line under "winey," telling me that's not a word. But then again, there's one under omelette as well, so it can't be trusted.
I'm not into Chavella's at all. Maybe it's because I lived on the west coast for a few years where tacos are cheap and amazing (especially lengua!) or maybe it's because they are very scant with cheese. Actually I found myself hungry after both times there. Such a shame. I don't feel very compelled to try again.
When I moved from California, everyone told me there was no good Mexican food in New York. They were not correct. The best of NYC's low-end and medium-range Mexican food can hold up just fine against anything I've eaten in SF and LA. I can't speak for the high-end of Mexican food on either coast, because I'm chronically unemployed. I look for value, I look for flavor, and I look for convenience.
Chavella's has flavor, value, and, luckily for me, it's conveniently located in Prospect/Crown Heights. It is a small spot, it's true, but you can pick-up, or get delivery.
Their fish tacos are the best I've had on the east coast. Their salsas are fantastic. There is a happy hour. The waitstaff is friendly and efficient.
Every night has a recurring special. Chavella's Wednesday night special is chilaquiles. Have you ever had chilaquiles? It's sort of a breakfast dish, but it works for evening fare, too. It's basically tortilla chips, salsa, egg, and cheese. It is keyboard mashingly good and I guarantee that unless you hate Mexican food, you will crave this dish after trying it.
Some of the best tacos in NYC, a hidden gem. Definitely go for the papas con chorizo. It seems so easy but I tried to replicate it at home and failed miserably.
My must-visit taco spot in Brooklyn.
Chavella's is a great, but tiny, authentic Mexican place. Cool atmosphere, not trendy or stuffy or overbearing in any way, just kind of...chill.
Try the Chorizo con Huevos Torta for brunch.
I also have to add that I love the service at Chavella's--casual but damn efficient and friendly.
And that the potato flautas are so freakishly good and yes you've probably never had them before and probably can't find them anywhere else in NY.
Best Mexican I have had in NYC so far. Try the aguacate torta and the trio of salsas. I think I… Read more »
Lunch here is a treat! Daily specials like today's Chilaquiles - delicious! They also have hard to find items like Huitlacoche. A friend advises their tamales are terrific - can't wait to go back.
Our friends were cRaZy about this place. I was impressed as well, Mexican cuisine not tex-mex. Quality was very good.
I have a sister down in Tennessee outside of Knoxville. For several years of her life, she referred to her vagina as her "fish taco." This wasn't some phase she went through in high school where she was just trying to say things to shock people as she was almost thirty years old at the time running around the goddamn Bible Belt talking about how she wants some dude to "eat her fish taco."
Needless to say, the thought of eating fish tacos now makes me uncomfortable. That is, until I had the fish taco at Chavella's. It's just so goddamn wonderful. And cheap too, especially if you go during happy hour.
I've had just about everything on the menu at Chavella's and I haven't had a bad meal there yet. The beer's pretty cheap during happy hour, the GUAC is wonderful, and here's the best part...it's located about equal distance from my mine, Kyle's, and Bill's apartments. I love when things are close!
This is the best Mexican food in Brooklyn, period! My family lives in New Mexico, so I am spoiled, and the only place that has come close to sating my cravings for Mexican food in NYC is Chavella's. I love the elotes callejeros to start, and then I always order the chicken torta. If your friends are in town for the weekend, take them to brunch! It's $12 all-inclusive, and you can't go wrong. Also, I don't know if they still do this, but be sure to hit up happy hour if you live in the area. Three dollar beer and two dollar tacos (I think, or vice versa)! You can't get any better than this. Love love love!
The Mission is to taquerias as Crown Heights is to fried chicken. As much as I couldn't wait to leave San Francisco, I miss my burritos. Chavella's doesn't have burritos, but what they do have is amazing chicken mole tamales, and quesadillas filled with squash blossoms and cojita. Everything is very reasonably priced (around $3 each). Their guac is deliciously spiced and served with fresh tiny tortillas. So much better than tortilla chips. Service is super friendly, and they deliver to my house...dangerous!
Chavella's should not be overlooked if you're in the area. I've had brunch, lunch, dinner, and take out from here and have always been satisfied. The prices are reasonable and the food is good. The pan-Mexican menu has some great options and they serve enough beers, wine, and sangria to keep me happy.
Recommendations:
Torta Mananera (eggs, chorizo, black bean spread, and queso on a traditional Mexican Bread) and a white sangria for Brunch.
Trios of Salsa(salsa verde, chipotle salsa, and pico de gallo) and a modelo especial for lunch
Aurelia's Mole Chicken with Black beans and glass of Emir Torrontes Clasico 2005 for dinner.
The restaurant seats about 20 people so expect a wait if you bring more than 4 people. It's cash only but there is a ATM next door.
This is one of those places that make me jealous it's not in my neighborhood. Take out from here a couple times a week could bring my life just a little bit closer to complete.
Size and vibe, it reminds me of Pequena in Fort Greene. Snug, but comfortable. Prices are extremely reasonable. You can spend just a few bucks and have a taco and a beer, or spend a bit more and glut yourself.
Had the Carne Enchilada Torta and some Guacamole, and would go back just for these two things. The Michelada is fun to try, especially if you're like me and will put hot sauce on/in/over/under anything.
A friend had the Enchiladas with Mole, which seemed tasty. It was definitely a sweeter Mole than you typically see, but had the grit that made you hopeful it was made back in the kitchen. Going to give it a try in the future.
Really looking forward to going back for the tacos and a full serving of mole.
I live in D.C., but I'm from California and since moving to the east coast, I have been extremely disappointed with the quality of mexican food. Now, I now I've been spoiled because over half of the population in California is Latino and most are Mexican, but you would think that someone would open up a good Mexican restaurant.
Chavella's is two things. Super cute and Super tasty. It's so small, (and I know that's very normal in New York) but it's not cramped, it's cosy and the food is really flavorful. I had the cheese enchiladas because I'm a vegetarian and the sauce that came with it (choice of green or mole) I chose green was so flavorful, spicy, sweet so good.
The truth was it felt like authentic Mexican food, not even just good street food, it was authentic. So If you want to taste real Mexcian food in Brooklyn go here!
Sorry New York, but your mexican food sucks. As a Californian I am disappointed time after time trying a new place. One collective star lost because the concept of chips and salsa is totally lost here. Chips and salsa are the bread and butter of mexican food (or at least mexican food in white person world, and lets be honest who is your target audience here?....) Minus another star because my water was warm, I know it is Mexican food but lets not make the WHOLE experience too authentic shall we. The last Negative star because I got no lime with my tacos.... Even the mexicans are crying this time guys. Tacos are just carnival food without a slice of lime. Seriously you can give me the worst shit service ever and fart in my face, just get the damn food right. I'm dying here without my mexican food.
Don't worry I will give you guys another shot.
This is my favorite restaurant by far in Prospect Heights. The food is great and the atmosphere is cozy and fun. Ordering in from here works well too. Only thing is that it's a really small place so sometimes I worry about if it will be too full and I'll have to wait. But this has happened only rarely. The weekend brunch is divine. Staff is friendly and professional.
A Mexican restaurant that delivers! I was all over this spot once I found out. After ordering, I swear the delivery guy was there in less than 15 minutes. This made me a little nervous because if the food came so fast, I figured it wouldnt be fresh. I was pleasantly surprised. The food was both hot and delicious. I ordered the chicken flauta dinner and a chicken tamale. The flautas were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The black beans that came with the rice, were the best I've ever tasted from a takeout Mexican restaurant, and I'm generally not a huge fan of beans. The tamale, I wasn't a big fan of, but I wouldnt take my word for it, as it was my first time ever eating a tamale.
I've eaten here 30 times in the past 2 years and I always beat myself up for not coming here more. Chavellas is awesome! Whenever I have company over I always bring them here and they are always impressed. The cuisine is oaxacan, which is a bit different than the traditional mexican people are used to.
A breakdown:
-Atmosphere is very chill. A great place to meet up with friends and the food is delicious. Sometimes I come here during their great happy hour and read a book while I chomp on tacos and sip a beer. Or its a great spot to meet up with friends for dinner or brunch. During their busy times it can be a little bit of a wait... but I think they are expanding their front area to seat more people.
-I think I have tried everything on the menu and yet to find something I don't like. My new staple is a tamale or the corn, the chile relleno sandwich, and a cold Pacifico. Though if you are a newcomer to Oaxacan food, I would really try something with the mole sauce.
-The best part of this place is the price! Almost never more 15 for my meal (with a drink).
I was really hoping to be blown away by this place. Perhaps I need to try some other things, but the truffle quesadilla I had was kinda bland. The fish taco was ok, but I will say their verde, pico de gallo and hot sauces are pretty damn tasty. I will go back again since they are so close, and have many other things, like tortas, that I really want to try.
My friend brought me to this adorable lil' place, saying that a former Californian like me would appreciate Chavella's food & ambiance. We sat outside and as others have noted, the street is surprisingly quiet.
We started with the trio of salsas which includes a really fantastic pico de gallo. Fresh, fresh, fresh! For our meals, my friend got a huge veggie plato (served in pretty blue dish that holds several other tiny dishes so as not to mix the different foods, for those of you who are anti-food integration) and shared some guac, black beans, grilled lemon/pepper seasoned corn, & soft taco shells. I got the salad w/ grilled shrimp (yes, I shared, too!). All of the food was delicious!!!
Chavella's does indeed serve my favorite kind of veggie-heavy California-style Mexican food and the prices are decent. Highly approve!
Now if only I could find this in Chicago...hello Chi? can you at least get some black beans? thanks.
I placed a take out order form them. It was ready when I arrived and, DELICIOUS. It was so good, and so fresh. Avocado slices, mole, and salsa trio. I just found a new spot.
"Its not authentic Mexican food, its TexMex" the friendly waiter explained to the order of a burrito, but they do have authentic Mexican food like cactus salad, trust me there is a reason why cactus looks the way they do.
"what happened?" I run out and ask the lucky outside seated folks, "why is everybody on their feet?"
"the guy just past by the second time, picked up her iphone off the table and ran off"
well, it might be located in Prospect Heights, Crown Heights or Fort Greene, whatever you feel like, but it's BedStuy to me and for all who worked this area for 2 years.
Tasty food, cozy dining room, nice outdoor seating and a bathroom sink filled with pebble stones.
All you people from "California" or "Texas" or "Arizona" who unanimously agree that this is "most authentic Mexican food I've experienced since living an hour from the Mexican border in Tucson, AZ" have let me down. I am very disappointed in you because I've come to trust my fellow Southwestern Yelpers to directed me to decent Mexican food in NY; but for all your primping and prancing if the word "authentic" the food here is simply NOT GOOD! And before you say it must have been what I ordered (because I'm the lame ass vegetarian), are at lease 4 people on here that state they have "tried almost everything on the menu" and have never been disappointed or let down. How can this be when these two terms personify my meal here.
My sangria left me smacking my lips seeking any semblance of sweetness (or alcohol) but all I could taste was watered down wine and lemon rind. The taquitos were just ok, but begged for a splash of lime... or some salt perhaps... http://www.yelp.com/bi... The Aguacate con Queso tacos were lightly dabbed with bland black beans and the queso fresco was barely detectable dust, they were like joke tacos http://www.yelp.com/bi...
But the worst was the quesadillas, we order the Huitlacoche (mexican corn truffle) and the Flor De Calabaza (blossom squash, oaxaca cheese, and epazote) both of which were as appetizing as paper pulp; and the little side of sleepy mole was no help at all.
Look, the fish tacos and other supposable fabulous meat dishes here are probably goodish; but for a Mexican restaurant that is really pushing the vegetarian/vegan-friendly agenda hard, Chavella's sent me running home yapping "Yo Quiero Taco Bell" (or Pequena)
"What do you think?" asked my friend as I took my first few bites of taco goodness at Chavella's.
The pork taco was pretty damn tasty, I replied, but the steak taco was awesome, the best I've had in awhile. Normally I take my time when I eat, but these little puppies were gone in a segundo.
My friend seemed perfectly pleased. She had been telling me about her favorite Mexican restaurant in Prospect Heights for a few weeks, and now I was trying Chavella's for myself.
We arrived on the most humid, disgusting night of the year. The atmosphere inside was cozy but it was just too damn hot (no AC), so we opted for a table outside.
Chavella's is actually a great place to dine al fresco as there's not much else going on the street, so it's pretty quiet and chill. And the service could not be friendlier.
Started the meal with a trio of salsas, served with homemade round tortilla chips. Mmmmmmmm. For dinner, we each had dos tacos and a michelada -- modelo especial served with spicy sangrita. Fresh and authentic, todos.
As I sipped my drink, I pondered the possibility of moving to this n'hood. Having a restaurant like Chavella's nearby makes Prospect Heights muy bueno in my book.
"The first time I came here five years ago, it was like I stumbled on a secret," said my amiga. "Now it's definitely become more popular, but it's still my favorite place in the hood."
After my first experience at this authentic little Brooklyn gem, I am not surprised my friend loves it so. Looking forward to my next meal here.
Love, love, love this place. Ignore all the snobby "I'm from Cali/the southwest so I'm an expert on Mexican food" reviews; the owner Arturo is from actual Mexico, not "American suburb marginally proximate to Mexico" so quit whining about the food being inauthentic.
Also, this place is tiny, so if your party is more than 2 it might be a good idea to call ahead Thurs-Sat and ask about the wait.
That being said, some things here that are awesome (note: most of the dishes are small and cheap, except sandwiches and plates, so I def recommend trying a few different things):
Tlacoyos con nopales: my absolute fave. Gotta try it. Bright fresh and complex flavors.
Quesadillas: I can personally vouch for the Tinga and Papas con chorizo. Simple but delicious.
Tacos: Nopales and Chipotle chicken FTW! The chipotle sauce is smoky and face-rocking.
Enchiladas: Not a huge fan of mole (in general), but the green sauce is great.
Pollo al horno: Simple, but well executed and tasty.
Arroz con leche: probably terrible for me, but I honestly don't care.
The only thing I can't recommend is the sangria. It's pretty bad. Trust me.
Good food with unpretentious service.
If you didn't know about Chavella's and you were in the neighborhood, I doubt you would stop by. It is across from a rehabilitation center on a rather lonely block, in a not-so-nice area of town.
Great spicy cactus salad. I also loved the three salsas that came with the tortilla chips. They range in spicyness (pico de gallo being the spiciest and my favorite.)
I am not sure about it being "the best Mexican I ever had" (It's not. That honor goes to Tacubayo in Berkeley, CA), but it is not bad. Sangria was unimpressive. Next time I am getting a cerveza and the cactus taco for sure.
Oh, and BTW, expect to be creepily stared at by the deliverymen during dinner if you are a female sitting outside. No me gusta.
This is one of my favorite restaurants...in the WORLD.
Seriously, Chavella's (and I don't even really know how to properly pronounce it) touches my heart. I am a tough critic on Mexican food because I'm that rare Texan-Californian hybrid who somehow found herself in Brooklyn. Chavella's is neither tex-mex or fresh-mex. It's just good quality, authentic Mexican food served in a lovely, homey setting. I want to move in and be the head chef's big spoon.
I love that a lot of their dishes are kind of a-la-carte style and really affordable. So, it's really easy to order a big spectrum of your favorites. My favorites include their spicy corn (YUM), fish tacos (I HAVE to get at least one EVERY time I go), and their cactus tacos. Their mole sauce is pretty rockin' too. Oh and the Mexican corn truffle in the quesadilla section was very original. Gosh, now I want it bad. I could eat it here twice a day, every day.
major kisses to Chavella's.
This is the place for brunch in Brooklyn! This place has a quaint atmosphere and everything is fresh and served hot. Delicious breads and pastries.
Service is always friendly.
What happens when the b/f & I are chillin' on the couch on a lazy Saturday, watching a "Man vs. Food" marathon?
We decide to create our own " M vs. F" challenges...in comes Mexican joints in BK.
Our 1st stop was Chavella's.
Good service, nice people.
Other peoples orders look really fuckin' good & well served.
We ordered the fish tacos, bistec taco, carne enchilada taco & an order of guacamole.
Unfortunately, the aguas frescas weren't available because they were using the machine for sangria instead...I can't hate on wanting to offer the enjoyment of spirits.
The habanero salsa was on point with the spiciness. So on point, that, not taking under consideration the skin irritation it might cause, I would have slathered it all over my body...ooor maybe not...nonetheless, it was guuuud!
The bistec meat had a great taste to it.
The carne enchilada sauce was hearty & complimented the meat.
The chipotle sauce served in all the tacos gave it that tasty kick that probably is Chavella's signature.
Definitely well served tacos.
The tortas I saw being served looked on point & they were using the correct type of bread, 'telera', it's the little details like that that totally count.
I thought the prices were pretty decent for NY standards.
Hell ya, I'm going back.
Cash Only. Does delivery.
Cozy, affordable, small neighborhood place with outdoor seating.
I've been here several times and the food and service has been consistently good. I love their grilled corn and their fish tacos. Do try their guac and seafood ceviche, too. Their ceviche has pineapple in it so it's sweeter than your typical ceviche.
It gets really hot and noisy inside, so I recommend sitting outside if possible.
Daisy Hour!
Neighborhood: East Village
Free Appetizers for Yelpers!
Neighborhood: Park Slope
Neighborhood: Prospect Heights
Category: Mexican
Neighborhood: Prospect Heights
Category: Diners
Neighborhood: Prospect Heights
Category: Diners
Brooklyn, NY
Category: Caribbean
Neighborhood: Prospect Heights
Category: Burgers
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