On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.

Florencia 13

4 star rating
based on 72 reviews

Category: Mexican  [Edit]

Neighborhood: Greenwich Village
185 Sullivan Street
(between Houston St & Bleecker St)
New York, NY 10012
(212) 677-6830
Nearest Transit:

W 4th St (A, C, E, B, D, F, V)

Houston St (1)

Prince St (R, W)

Attire:
Casual
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Price Range:
$$
Good for Groups:
No
Good for Kids:
No
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Delivery:
Yes
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Good for:
Dinner
Alcohol:
Full Bar

72 reviews for Florencia 13

Review Highlights   

user photo
"Both the shrimp tacos and fish tacos are light and delicious." (in 9 reviews)
user photo
"The bartender was very friendly (and made awesome margaritas." (in 30 reviews)
user photo
"…LA native, I can say, yes this is Southern California-style Mexican cuisine…" (in 6 reviews)
loading  Loading...
Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of jennifer c.

 

4

26

jennifer c.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
10/30/2009

I've repeatedly heard the fact that there is no good Mexican food in New York. I think this place would prove everyone wrong.

A friend and I ate here due to the fact that she grew up in the Florence area of South L.A. as a kid. When we got there, the owner was sitting at the bar, and she had to ask him if that is where he grew up as well. His answer was yes, and so he sat down with us at our table and recounted his L.A. days while giving us a complimentary round of drinks from the bar. Even though I eventually told him that I did not grow up in L.A. but in southern-southern-southern California and now lived in L.A., he was still very nice. (Not to mention that he did actually know the area where I grew up.)

The decor rides the line between swanky and east L.A. circa 1986. To give an idea, the bar is fairly pretty with Mr. Cartoon style drawings framed right next to it. That and the fact that almost every dish was named after a neighborhood in L.A. was almost enough to make us homesick. The food is straight out of Los Angeles. If you're looking for real Southern California Mexican food, I don't think it'll get more authentic in New York than this.

Photo of Olivia G.

Elite '09

25

174

Olivia G.

Brooklyn, NY

5 star rating
10/17/2009

Even though I haven't been here in about 3 years... I do intend to return.

The friendliness of the owner mixed with the deliciousness of the food, couldn't get better. He, the owner whose name I've forgotten, assured us (solely there for drinking), that his food was some of the best Mexican food on the East Coast. With him being from Southern California and being Mexican, who am I to doubt him?

So my best friend, Mexican born, and I returned for the food on a late-night calorie craving adventure. It was super crowded and loud. But the food was much more Mexican than either of us anticipated.

5 stars for the drinks, too, at the bar or at a table.

Photo of Cassandra W.

Elite '09

22

78

Cassandra W.

New York, NY

5 star rating
9/18/2009

I would definitely describe this as one of the best mexican places I have been to in NYC. It's the type I prefer.
Maybe it's because I drank down 2 delicious cocktails (I highly recommend getting a drink here) before, but I really believe the food was just delicious on it's own.

The bartender was very friendly (and made awesome margaritas). I was very impressed with the service staff.
I'll be back.

Photo of Jane K.

Elite '09

2156

455

Jane K.

New York, NY

4 star rating
Updated - 8/7/2009

Florencia 13 redeemed itself with happy hour last night. What?! You'd cave for $5 margaritas too!

I'm still not completely sold but the nachos were humongous and the chips were homemade, the guac perfect and the price - $13 - totally reasonable since it was big enough to cover a 2 person dinner. The happy hour foodstuffs are only available at the bar so we sat outside with our nacho monster and just drank the cheapy happy hour margs which were both delightful and strong.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (4)
  • Funny (5)
  • Cool (4)

1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 3 star rating
    12/1/2008

    Alright, I found this about on par with Bamboleo down the street. Being a California native it's… Read more »

Photo of Adrian V.

 

3

38

Adrian V.

Queens, NY

5 star rating
7/15/2009

My favorite Mexican spot in New York, hands down.

This is unlike most Mexican restaurants in New York in the sense it really features and captures SoCal-style Mex.  Much of what you'll eat here is very different than the Mexican you are used to eating.

The place has an East L.A. gang theme--hence, the name Florencia 13, which is the name of an actual street gang--and the owner, Ralph, is a former O.G.  Maybe naming the restaurant after a gang he was once in is his way of celebrating where he came from and where he is now in life.  Gang stuff aside, Florencia 13 is a family-run place.  Ralph's wife works there, as does one of his sons I believe.  They'll introduce themselves if they're around.

The food is great.  The drinks are great.  It's just a really awesome spot.  It is small so make reservations if you can.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (2)
  • Funny (1)
  • Cool (2)
Photo of H R.

 

0

13

H R.

New York, NY

4 star rating
8/29/2009

Fish tacos + margaritas with Homies proudly astride= Five stars.
Over-salty beans + weirdly tiny salsa dishes=Two stars.

But good fish tacos trump pretty much anything else so we'll call it four and move on. I'll definitely be back.

Photo of Mark S.

Elite '09

17

132

Mark S.

New York, NY

4 star rating
7/20/2009

I groggily woke up for work and first thing I notice are three little Homie figurines laying on my dresser. My brain races back recounting last night's memories and I finally recall the evening's festivities, which began at Florencia 13.

I showed up early for our dinner reservation (45 minutes early because my friends said the reservation was for earlier than it actually was; sneaky sneaky). This gave me a chance to chat with the bartender, Lori, who gladly kept my attention with margaritas and conversation. The Homie Margarita to be exact (hence the tiny figurines on my dresser). Lori also recommended a number of items on the menu, however the one she seemed most keen on was the El Sereno Al Pastor Tacos. Done. On a side note, the bar seemed to be host to quite a few regulars, of which 3 were from California and said that this was the place they came to when craving some Mexican food.

Eventually seated at the table, after a number of margaritas and tequila shots, we ordered a few rounds of the Nachos, which were very tasty and heavily loaded with cheese, guac, jalapenos, sour cream and a bunch of other stuff. At this point, all I could remember of Lori's recommendations was Pastor, pork and tacos. I quickly scanned the menu to find the dish she was referring to and ordered it a la carte. I was pleased with my selection and after all was said and done, I was fat and happy.

The only downside was that table service was noticeably slow, but aside from that I would come back here again. It's got a cool SoCal vibe and I wouldn't mind taking down one of the "low rida" bicycles and going for a spin. And besides, any place that has a signed photo of Danny Trejo hanging on the wall gets bonus points in my book.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
  • Funny (1)
  • Cool (1)
Photo of Elijah C.

Elite '09

8

76

Elijah C.

Brooklyn, NY

5 star rating
9/9/2009

would give 4 stars but really, in nyc, there's not that much better in terms of good mexican. this place is cali mex. but in a really good way. i had beef tacos and was very surprised and delighted with how good they were. rice and beans were good as well as fresh chips and salsa.
they have a nice tequila selection, and although the place is a bit pricey, i look forward to coming back soon.

sincerely

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
  • Funny (1)
  • Cool (1)
Photo of W M.

 

0

14

W M.

Port Reading, NJ

4 star rating
8/16/2009

Good food and cheap (for NY) drinks.
Can't beat that,can ya?

I would recommend this place to anybody who asked me for GOOD food in SoHo

Photo of D. Marcus A.

 

0

4

D. Marcus A.

New York, NY

2 star rating
9/28/2009

I don't get the good reviews on this place.  We have been here twice now, and both meals were as equally disgusting.  They use low grade meats and cheeses, the food is doused in sauce to the point of soup, the rice was dry and almost crunchy, and the beans were mostly water.  The guac was brown.  And the margaritas?  If you like 90% mix to 10% tequila then you will love this sickly sweet concoction.  This place is well below average in my humble opinion.  Avoid.

Photo of Kelly B.

Elite '09

164

254

Kelly B.

Brooklyn, NY

4 star rating
5/1/2009

Just like about everyone else reviewing this place, I too am a (Southern) California native intrigued by the promise of good home cooking. Now I'm not one to be dazzled by fancy words like "al pastor" or "flauta" - I believe the quality of Mexican food must be ascertained by the cook's capability to execute this cuisine in its purest naked form - and for me that is the Bean and Cheese Burrito. There is no where to hide mediocrity inside of this astute classic entrée... no pico, no crema, no guac... and to my great surprise my meat-loving-also-from-CA companion agreed. So without discussion we ordered two El Gringo Burritos (bean and cheese $7).

The presentation delighted me - a single dry (deflated) log neatly folded with a casual pile of shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes. But this burrito bared the most important trait that is almost impossible to find in NYC, you could eat it with your hands! The beans were a touch runny, but this improved as the it cooled, and a fat luscious orange cheese vein ran all the way through the burrito. Overall I am pleased to jump on the "its tastes like Southern California" bandwagon... but I have to qualify this statement as follows: "It tastes just like UNREMARKABLE Southern California Mexican food."

I also find it a bit suspect that everyone seem to be yelping about these $5 happy hour prices, but when I was there at 6pm on a Monday the waiter nor the menu alerted us to this bargain and we were charged the full price for our delish  margaritas. I'm not crazy about tequila but the grapefruit jitters added to the Paloma Margarita ($9) created a vastly more palatable drink which would have tasted better for $5.

We also partook of the Nacho Trece (Beans, Cheeses, Guacamole, Sour Cream, Pico de Gallo, Jalapenos, Olives & Green Chile) which was hardly finger food. The sloppy wet delicious pile required forks and many many napkins to consume and at $12 was by far the best value on the menu. My friend also ordered the Elysian Park Flautas (with Grilled Shrimp $10) which were surprisingly larger then our burritos.

CONCLUSION: Florencia 13 is good enough for us desperate transplants trapped on this desolate island, but I would never ever ever ever bring anyone who still lived remotely close to Southern California here unless I was trying to make so point about just how deprived I am. If Florencia 13 had opened in Los Angeles I'm not sure it would have survived this long... but here in New York the Camarillo family has established a legacy.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (4)
  • Funny (2)
  • Cool (4)
Photo of Jasmine L.

Elite '09

12

187

Jasmine L.

Astoria, NY

4 star rating
7/3/2009

I'm getting hungry just thinking about this place. The food here is really good, so come hungry and i promise you'll leave full and satisfied.

the chips and salsa were right on point, the guacamole was tasty, with just enough spice and seasoning and and my shredded beef enchiladas and rice were full of flavor - which is probably why i cleaned the plate :)

the only disappoint of the night was the "flaming margarita," which sounds more exciting than it actually is. but, the margaritas were good and made with premium liquor.

if you're looking for quality mexican food, this is definitely a spot to check out, and just prepare to wait for a table since the place is small, but it's worth it.

Photo of nay i.

 

3

2

nay i.

New York, NY

5 star rating
5/18/2009

LA native finally found a "california mexican" restaurant in NYC that earns the title of the genre. not only did they offer regionally-elusive fish tacos, but the ingredients were fresh and delicious--typical of los angeles and not the sorry produce that passes for greens in new york. i only had the fish taco-$6 (breaded tilapia), shrimp taco-$6, and mexican corn on the cob ($3.5) but i want to go back and try everything on the menu. the black cherry mojito is some good stuff.

EXTRA points for authentic ambiance. low-rider bicycle on display, 'aztec ball court' painting, and complete LA-style music blasting from the speakers, including 'regulate' (warren g), 'gimme a little sign' (brenton wood), and the rev. al green. the LA-neighborhood named dishes are a fun touch as well. finally, slow as he was, our stoned waiter made me feel at home, too.

angelenos, enjoy.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (2)
  • Funny (1)
  • Cool (1)
Photo of Lisa Q.

Elite '09

207

257

Lisa Q.

New York, NY

3 star rating
4/17/2009

Uh, holy fuck. The margaritas are enormous (huge, tall glass) and lethal.

Their salads are kind of meh and I had a bite of my date's pork dish which wasn't terribly flavorful but comforting.

The bartender was really nice. She's been there forever and remembers names and preferences, excellent.

I've always passed by and been beckoned by  the mustached logo... the crowd is pretty good looking, I'll probably be back for drinks but not food.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (6)
  • Funny (2)
  • Cool (1)
Photo of Paul D.

 

1

7

Paul D.

New York, NY

5 star rating
8/28/2009 1 photo

Great beer specials, better food-especially the beef quesadilla! Awesome service from real nice dudes.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
Photo of Krissy O.

Elite '09

21

80

Krissy O.

East Norwich, NY

4 star rating
4/21/2009

Ok, not the most romantic spot in the world. But this is remedied by serving a delicious strawberry margarita, spicy guacamole and tomatillo salsa, and one of the best fish tacos I have ever tasted. Even the beans and Spanish rice on the side are delicious and fresh. The sangria left much to be desired (in my opinion) but if that's the worst they can do- then, well, that's not too shabby.

The place was clean and very darkly lit. I'd imagine a much cooler atmosphere at night but during the day it just makes food hard to see... thank goodness we sat at the tables near the windows during a sunny day.

The price with an appetizer of chips and guac, 2 entrees and 4 drinks and tip came under $75. One could do worse.

I'd come back for those tacos. Mmmm. What a tangy treat.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (3)
  • Funny (1)
  • Cool (3)
Photo of Justine S.

Elite '09

113

226

Justine S.

Brooklyn, NY

4 star rating
4/9/2009

I think my stomach cried a little last night in joy. From the guacamole alone.

I was early waiting on some folks and got to hang with the two lovely ladies working there. Bartendar & Hostess/Waitress...seriously lovely, sassy and fun!  I even got a peep while I was waiting.

Drinks were delish and priced accordingly -I got some drink called a paloma (grapefruit jitters, tequila, lime)  + they have the standard margaritas & they serve micheladas. We got tacos, enchiladas, guacamole...the works. Everything was delicious. Grilled Shrimp Tacos were pretty fantastic!

Great, fun spot. 80s music was fun and doesn't detract from what could be a great date joint. It is small and dimly lit. If you are looking for good mexican in that area...def hit it up!

People thought this was:

  • Useful (2)
  • Funny (3)
  • Cool (2)
Photo of Madhuri S.

 

14

28

Madhuri S.

New York, NY

4 star rating
3/23/2009

FINALLY. I was so sick of eating east cost's rendition of mexican food. I've tried most of the spots in the city and never been impressed. Most places are overpriced and what I like to call "foo foo" mexican food. I like my Mexican food like I like my Indian food. Sloppy, spicy and cheap.
If your from California and you are craving some enchiladas this is the closest you will get to satisfaction in this city.

I would give this place 5 stars, but the waitress placed us at a table where we couldn't move our elbows and kind of struggled to eat. It was so cramped, the server couldn't even give me my food without spilling a little on me in the process.  We were also next to the bar, so drunk "Homies" kept knocking into us. But if your able to deal its totally worth it for the food.

ps. gotta love any place with recession specials.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (2)
  • Funny (1)
  • Cool (2)
Photo of Megan C.

Elite '09

38

91

Megan C.

New York, NY

5 star rating
2/23/2009

Surprsingly delicious mexican! Too often restaurants try to make mexican into some weird hybrid high-end concoction that lacks any flavor. La Esquina? Rosa Mexicano?

Not true here. The guacamole was delicious and I had the best fish tacos since I was in... well Mexico..

It's a great spot but small so be prepared!

People thought this was:

  • Useful (2)
  • Cool (1)
Photo of Matthew C.

 

0

13

Matthew C.

Howard, MD

4 star rating
8/16/2009

Excellent food here, but better not have too much to drink before climbing down the narrow stairs to the bathroom!  The service was very attentive and everything came pretty quickly.  My wife had the fish tacos and said they were very good.

Photo of Ashley H.

 

0

14

Ashley H.

New York, NY

5 star rating
8/11/2009

Extremely delicious tacos, the guacamole is to die for, and the service is friendly and attentive.  I love to go here and sit out front with my Chihuahua.  I'm from Texas and good Mexican is not as easy to come by as most New Yorkers seem to think, but let me tell you, this place is doing right by me.  Its easy to miss, kind of tucked away and not too showy, but I strongly recommend for anyone with a real love of la comida mexican.

PS.  Seriously, Guacamole.  Do it.

Photo of Kristine R.

Elite '09

81

233

Kristine R.

New York, NY

5 star rating
11/8/2008

YAY!!!!!! AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FOOD!

Seriously, it's good.  One of the best in NYC and trust me it's hard to find good Mexican food in the city.

I had the beef enchiladas which were quite tasty and I liked the chips and salsa.  The chips were those authentic ones and not those tostitos kind. The enchiladas tasted like something I could get back home. Yum! The sauce was just right and it came with a generous portion of beef. The beans were rice were tasty as well. I also had a mojito which was good.

But I am so glad I found a restaurant that has authentic tasty Mexican food.  I will defintely be coming back here.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (4)
  • Funny (2)
  • Cool (3)
Photo of simone f.

 

13

33

simone f.

Woodside, NY

5 star rating
2/16/2009

HELL YES! Florencia 13 is a true original, and I hope it's in NY to stay.

Having lamented the state of Mexican food in NYC for years, HANDS DOWN, Florencia 13 is the best option for Californians looking for their Mexican food fix. It's soooo good, and it's so fun to hang out there too.

As an LA native, I can say, yes this is Southern California-style Mexican cuisine. What this means is yes, on any given night, you may overhear the bartender explaining the Chicano movement to a clueless e. coast guero. Yes, there's a framed and autographed Art Laboe picture on the wall. Yes, there's a lowrider bike on display accompanied by the best in lowrider oldies blasting over the stereo. If these are qualities that appeal to you, please rush to Florencia 13 now! If not, please go off to Rosa Mexicano or whatever other lame Mexican food wannabe restaurants Zagat reviewers are touting these days.

The only downsides:
1) The NYC-style prices. (I get it, NY real estate prices are high.)
2) The refried beans could use a little more lard...But the excellent rice more than makes up for any shortcoming in the frijoles.

That being said, I will keep celebrating my birthdays by ordering Chavez Ravine combos here as long as I live on the east coast. It's one of my favorite places in New York, period. It keeps me going when I'm homesick, and it's a great place to grab guacamole and margaritas with friends after work. Great churros too!  :)

Photo of Lisa R.

 

1

5

Lisa R.

New York, NY

4 star rating
3/2/2009

I was just here for friend's birthday and I was so pleasantly surprised with the food.  Since I'm originally from LA, I never really expect NY Mexican food to actually be good, but this place was great and reminded me of why I miss LA.

I had the tacos al pastor, they were great.  The margaritas were good, but a little on the pricey side ($10, unless you hit up happy hour then they're $5).  But you get a Little Homey with it, so I guess that makes it worth it?  I say why not collect them all!

Photo of Marissa C.

 

0

12

Marissa C.

New York, NY

5 star rating
7/29/2008

I took my boyfriend here recently for his birthday (he loves Mexican food, and always complains about not being able to find good stuff in the city). So I did a little research and picked out this place. I made a good call!

The margaritas were DIVINE...I've had so many cheap margaritas in my time that I'd almost forgotten what the good stuff tasted like! The House Margarita was 5 bucks (it was happy hour) and decently-sized.

We got the guacamole as an appetizer, and it was also fantastic. For entrees, I chose the enchiladas, and my boyfriend go a burrito (the one with chile relleno) and both were absolutely delicious and really filling.

After we had eaten, I was getting a little perturbed because they weren't bringing our check (I had asked for it) but then all of a sudden the bartender and waitresses came over with a piece of cheesecake with a candle sticking out of it, singing happy birthday to my boyfriend! The bartender had noticed it was his birthday when she checked our ID's, and brought out the cheesecake free of charge!

So, EXCELLENT food, service, and ambiance. I wouldn't try to come here with all of your best girlfriends on a Saturday night (it's TINY) but I would definitely recommend checking it out on a weeknight. Yay!

People thought this was:

  • Useful (3)
  • Cool (1)
Photo of Michael S.

 

14

40

Michael S.

New York, NY

5 star rating
10/20/2008

I lived on Bleecker and MacDougal for 2 years and I didn't dine here once during that time. It took me 4 years after I moved away to the wasteland that is Murray Hill for a friend to bring me here.

I remember telling him that I have definitely seen the flag to this place, but I never even thought twice about giving it a chance because of the horrible trauma of eating "mexican" at the armpit of the village, Panchito's.

Naming and creating a theme for a restaurant after the infamous gang in LA, La Florencia, is pretty clever. I love that they strictly play West Coast Hip Hop, Funk and Old-Soul on the speakers.  I lived in LA for 2 years am still in withdrawal from SoCal Mexican food, BUT I will say that the Santa Monica Burrito here is up there with anything I have had in LA.

One of my favoriate restaurants in NYC, simply due to that Santa Monica Burrito.

To Live and Die in LA!!!

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
  • Funny (1)
  • Cool (1)
Photo of Monica R.

Elite '09

93

207

Monica R.

Brooklyn, NY

3 star rating
8/23/2008

3.5 actually.

I ate dinner here last night with my date.  He and I both LOVE Mexican food and thoroughly miss El Cholo in Pasadena (being Californian transplants and all).  I chose this restaurant based solely on Yelpers reviews and it wasn't all that bad.

It is super duper small and no AC, but the ambiance is so cute and very So Cal like.  He and I both ordered the chicken enchilada plate which we wolfed down.  He told me he's tried out other mexi spots in NY and F13 was by far the best he's had- that's major brownie points for this place.

But, being that F13 popped my NYC Mexican food cherry, I am on a mission to find an even better spot.  And when I do, I'll scream it from the Yelp mountain tops!

p.s. No reservations for parties under 6 people.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
  • Cool (1)
Photo of Maciej L.

 

2

6

Maciej L.

New York, NY

4 star rating
5/1/2009

The 'go-to' neighborhood spot for great mexican food - the guac, the tacos, and the margs.  My favorite is the Chicken Tacos a la Florencia... made fresh and full of flavor.  Ambience is typical of a mexican joint - loud, upbeat, energetic.  Recommended.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
Photo of Chantelle K.

Elite '09

213

263

Chantelle K.

NY

4 star rating
5/22/2008

Yum! I went here last night based on a recommendation from Keri M. who knows how snobby I am about Mexican food (I'm from California, I can't help it.)

Anyhow, hard to miss with the gigantic mustachoed man with sunglasses painted on the red awning, Florencia 13 is a little hole in the wall with about 10 tables and a tiny bar with seating and decked out with lots of skeletons and pictures of tattooed people. As soon as I walked in, I LOVED it. My friend Court and I sat at one of the rickety tin tables up front for some window gazing (it's Fleet Week, gotta love the sailors). We both got margaritas with salt for $7, Court got the chicken quesadilla and being the Fatty Boom that I am, I got the combo flauta platter that comes with rice and beans.

It certainly met my Mexican food cravings. Spicy, crunchy, flavorful. No ground beef and ketchup type of fare. The waitress was also super cool and laidback, letting us nurse our margs as we caught up. I definitely plan to be back again to try their wet burritos (my absolutely favorite EVER!)

People thought this was:

  • Useful (2)
  • Cool (1)
Photo of Jilly j.

Elite '09

22

293

Jilly j.

New York, NY

3 star rating
11/2/2008

We came here on a Sat night, 7:30ish and were sat right away. Very tight seating. Extremely loud for such a small space. Felt kinda rushed.
Menu wan't layed out nicely which made me take forever to figure out what I wanted. Drinks were way over priced. We got a medium size picher of sangria which served us three drinks each for $22 over one drink for $9 each.
Food was good but not out of this world.
Maybe we came at an off night but I'm totally not sold...

Photo of Lee O.

 

3

44

Lee O.

New York, NY

3 star rating
5/16/2009

Food + drinks are fine, a little too pricey, but what is that guacamole? Thats not guacamole, and thats not how they serve it in LA.

Photo of Kellser G.

 

11

171

Kellser G.

Brooklyn, NY

4 star rating
11/1/2008

Good Drinks.
Good Fish Tacos.
Good Bartender.
Good lil' Plastic Toys in Yer Drinks.

For a California girl who didn't realize she was leaving the good Mexican food behind, I was glad to taste some great fish tacos again. Yummers.

Photo of Sam L.

 

7

10

Sam L.

Detroit, MI

4 star rating
3/3/2008

Step through the door and past the curtains and you'll find yourself in a little slice of made-up SoCal right in the middle of Greenwich Village. The lowrider with the high handlebars, skulls wearing bandanas, lots of candles, framed photos of some homies adorning the walls, and patrons drinking Pacifico and Negro Modelo; the place has the look and vibe of your typical Santa Ana cantina.  

The staff is friendly and welcoming, another refreshing reminder of SoCal hospitality.  And they've got Dos Equis, which i haven't seen anyone drinking since my high school days in Anaheim.  Chips and salsa are complimentary, which is a rarity in Manhattan but the norm in Cali, and they make a damn tasty chile relleno.  

So if you're a west coast transplant like me and want to bask in that Mexi-Cali vibe for a bit, then have a Dos Equis at F13 and reminisce about the good old days on the west coast.  I wouldn't change a thing in the place, except to maybe have some Lighter Shade of Brown playing on the stereo...

People thought this was:

  • Useful (2)
  • Cool (3)
Photo of Geoff L.

Elite '09

26

139

Geoff L.

Redwood City, CA

3 star rating
7/13/2008 3 photos

When I saw the big red sign, I thought I was in for a great meal at a trendy California-inspired Mexican place. I walk in, and it's nothing more than a small bar. I was shocked that the Yelp gods directed me here for good Mexican food, but I picked up a menu and made a choice. I went with the first burrito on the list, it was something like "El Original". I sat at the bar, greeted the bartender and the other folks at the bar, and waited.

When it arrived, I got a little scared (look at the picture I posted). I tried picking it up, and it fell apart. I cut into it, and out comes a gushy mess of I don't even know, but it looked disgusting. I took a bite, and it was the saddest excuse for a burrito I've ever tasted. I could only taste one flavor, which should never happen when eating a burrito. I tried the meat, and it was overcooked and underseasoned. I could only hope that the chips and salsa could hold me over, but no. The chips were fine, but the two salsas they brought out were awful. The red salsa was very watery and had nothing in it, and the green salsa appeared to be the same as the red salsa, except green. I was sitting there, 2 bites into my meal, not wanting to take another bite.

It was a strange moment. I turned to the bartender, feeling that I could be honest with the guy since we'd built such a strong rapport in the 8 minutes I'd been there, and said, "Can I be honest with you man? This is terrible." He apologized and asked if I'd like anything else, so I scan the menu for something they couldn't possibly mess up and choose the steak quesadilla. I was feeling a little better at this point, so I settled into my chair for my second wait of the evening.

The bar was very lively. There were only 6 of us including the bartender, but the bartender seemed to know just about everyone at the bar. I could tell this was a neighborhood place, and I liked the vibe I got; it was like I was part of the family. The bartender actually introduced me around the table! It was really cool. Anyway, people start ordering drinks, and the margaritas the bartender was making looked amazing so I got one. He filled the glass half up with two kinds of tequila, then he made his own margarita mix in a martini shaker and added a little bit, and topped it off with something carbonated from the soda gun; not what I expected from a margarita. It was AMAZING. One of the best alcohol content to taste ratios I've ever had in a margarita.

Finally, my steak quesadilla arrives. It's AWESOME. The cheese is perfectly melted, the pico de gallo on top is really good, and the steak is tender. I was so glad that I didn't have to give this place 1 star. It's funny though, because this dining experience had elements of a 1-star and elements of a 5-star. I was most impressed by the selection of tequila and other liquor at the bar, the quality of drinks, and the ambiance. The food is actually pretty good as far as bar food goes, just STAY AWAY FROM THE BURRITOS.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
Photo of Alexis A.

Elite '09

8

185

Alexis A.

New York, NY

4 star rating
7/7/2008

Delicious.  Love their margaritas with fresh fruit.  They have tamales which I always appreciate and beef enchiladas another favorite.  Both the shrimp tacos and fish tacos are light and delicious.  Just sad I didn't find this place sooner.

If Chipotle or Benny's is your idea of food - well, good luck to you and stop staying you eat Mexican food - what you really like is fast food crap.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
Photo of Matthew E.

Elite '09

25

573

Matthew E.

Brooklyn, NY

4 star rating
6/10/2008

Best Mexican I've had up to date (including a couple authentic places in Arizona). I've also been there with a Mexican born and raised in Arizona who was raised by a chef, a visiting Columbian as well as a Dominican who eats out constantly and all of them say it's the real deal and the best Mexican they've had in the city and probably ever.

The margaritas (though a bit pricey) are fantastic, the enchiladas are amazing, the burritos are also great. Really haven't gotten anything I didn't like from these guys. I might be a regular if I lived in the area and made more money.

People thought this was:

  • Funny (1)
Photo of Jacquie S.

 

1

7

Jacquie S.

New York, NY

5 star rating
2/9/2009

Great place. Perhaps not for die hard foodies but if you want to grab --excellent-- margaritas with some friends, there's no better place.

It's petite in size but has a charming atmosphere and great margaritas. waitress kinda prickly, though.

oh, and did i mention the margaritas were awesome?

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
Photo of angela n.

Elite '09

316

633

angela n.

Washington, DC

3 star rating
2/24/2008 1 photo

Sharing its name with a notorious LA gang, Florencia 13 serves "Southern California Mexican Cuisine."  The margarita came with some sort of hip hop doll (wearing a medallion, an eyepatch, a "Homies" tattoo, and a mic).

Unfortunately I ordered the wrong thing: the wet Malibu burrito. It was a green salad dressed with vinaigrette, wrapped in a tortilla, and smothered in melted cheese and green salsa.  It was peculiar. I wouldn't recommend it unless you love your burritos really vinegary.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
  • Cool (1)
Photo of G R.

 

16

97

G R.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
1/25/2008

I love Mexican food, so its hard to impress me (especially in a town like NYC) and F13 was a good surprise.  

The food alone gets 2 stars (its not great, its not bad, its food) but the family who owns the place and works there make the whole dining experience such a treat that they get two more stars from me.

The owner's son Leonard makes a GREAT margarita and treats you like family.  In fact I've been back several times and feel like its my version of Cheers in NYC.

A must go and what a great hood to have a comfort spot

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
  • Funny (1)
  • Cool (1)
Photo of Connor N.

 

7

9

Connor N.

Los Angeles, CA

2 star rating
3/8/2007

Even though the Yelp 'milicia' might have had me tarred and feathered for doing so, I was perusing citysearch the other day and found a top ten list for New York City burritos. Sitting pretty at numero uno was a place called Florencia 13. I made it my next stop.

As a critic, I'm at a disadvantage because I've been there only once, and eaten only one menu item. (The Florencia, their signature burrito, with beef) But I'll accept this disadvantage because I'm never going back. Thirteen dollars, plus tip, for a burrito without rice or beans or guac: How this reminds anyone of California autentico fare I don't know.

I do know I'm being particular and not just a little curmudgeonly, but I'm a burrito addict on a budget (what true burrito addict isn't) and despite the obvious care put into the beef, this burrito deserves no more than two stars.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (2)
  • Funny (2)
  • Cool (1)
1 to 40 of 72 |  
Page: 1 2
Write a Review

People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...

  • Photo of Murphy & Gonzalez

    Murphy & Gonzalez

    3.5 star rating
     14 reviews

    Neighborhood: Greenwich Village

    Category: Mexican

  • Photo of Mexicana Mama

    Mexicana Mama

    3.5 star rating
     53 reviews

    Neighborhood: West Village

    Category: Mexican

  • Photo of Big Enchilada

    Big Enchilada

    3 star rating
     37 reviews

    Neighborhood: Greenwich Village

    Category: Mexican

  • Photo of Mercadito

    Mercadito

    4 star rating
     137 reviews

    Neighborhood: East Village

    Category: Mexican

  • Photo of Lupe's East LA Kitchen

    Lupe's East LA Kitchen

    3.5 star rating
     42 reviews

    Neighborhood: SoHo

    Category: Mexican

People Viewed This After Searching For...