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66th St (1)
59th St-Columbus Circle (1, A, C, B, D)
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Guacamole made to taste, table side and frozen pomegranate margaritas keep me coming back time after time.
Great service for both small and large parties, good Mexican food in New York is hard to find. At Rosa Mexicano you will not be disappointed. The food, service and feel is the same between the Lincoln Center and Union Square locations although I prefer the atmosphere of the Upper West Side. The Arrachera con Camarones is a crowd favorite as is the Mole de Xico.
Whenever I'm in the city, I make sure to visit Rosa Mexicano.
I'd have to give this place a 3.5 stars due to the amazing freshly made guacamole!
People: mix crowd
Food/Drinks:
Chips & Guacamole -- must get, it's extremely delicious, can't go wrong w/ this one!
Mushroom Quesadilla was a little burnt
Empanadas were average, nothing super special.
I got the carne asada tacos which were okay, the beef lacked a little flavor, though the salsa and sauces were good.
Price: $$-$$$
Service: Super nice & friendly staff
Ambiance: Chic Mexican Restaurant,. High ceilings, fancy waterfall wall at the entrance. I prefer hole in the wall Mexican food.
Groups: yes, it's a huge place. Good for a special occasion.
Would I come back? Fun dinning, yes. Authentic Mexican food, no. Chips & Guac. yes.
Is this the Mexican food I've ever had? No!
Is this some of the best Mexican food I've had in NYC? Yes!
Rosa Mexicano combines pretty cool decor and lively atmosphere with Mexican inspired menu that have everything from basic Mexican to a dish like Duck with a Blackberry sauce. The freshly made table-side guac will impress most, but I'm spoiled since I have Charrito's across the river. I tried the Chamorro (Pork Shank) and the Ceviche... along with a few other apps and desserts I can't recall.
Everything was good, but in a city like New York, is good enough. I can't say I'm running to get back there, but if I had to plan a dinner for 5 or more people in the city where Mexican was a preferred cuisine, this place is a no-brainer.
The only saving grace at Rosa Mexicano is the freshly made guacamole. It is delicious and you know it's fresh because they make it at your table. The remainder of the menu is hit or miss. I truly feel that Rosa Mexicano is the type of restaurant that tries too hard to be cutting edge and trendy but fails in the process. As an avid fan of Mexican food, I love traditionally prepared foods but also like to try new and innovatice creations. Unfortunately, the creations at Rosa Mexicano fall short.
I didn't expect to like it here because I'd been to the one near Union Square and it was mediocre. I was surprised. The drinks were great. The fresh guacamole was great. The service was great. And the food and dessert--pretty good. I had the red snapper--liked it a lot. Others had the lamb chops, the avocado salad, and the salmon, and everyone liked what they got. For dessert we all split the cheesecake--very Mexican, I know. But it was a really good consistency. So, four stars.
CAVEAT: I'm only giving this a 3 star, b/c I've only been there once and I can ONLY vouch for what I had.
I went there for a "payday dinner" with my summer class, and we all had a very good time that we even considered going back again.
There is a duck dish on the entree's menu that is INCREDIBLY good. It was a good portion that I shared with my friends, and it was definitely well received.
I'm a fan of guacamole, so this place fits me well. Incredible guacamole. But, when they say spicy, they mean it. Don't try and be cool if you can't handle the fire.
The margaritas? Eh. I could take 'em or leave 'em. Yes they are strong, but if I wanted a margarita that only tasted like tequila I'd have just ordered a shot. That's exactly what my margarita tasted like.
I recommend giving this place a shot, but I wouldn't recommend this place with a substantial certainty that you'd like it. It's a definite "give it a try" place and not a "you'll love it."
I came here with some family that was visiting NY. Now You see that I am here for dinner with some older people, why would the hostess seat me on the first level by the loud bar with no view or decor? Really rude and unprofessional.
I had to say that I would like to be seated upstairs, there were alot of empty tables as well upstairs, why she wanted to seat me by the bar? I have no idea.. We had a nice view overlooking lincoln center, decor was really beautiful, waiter was very polite, food was good.. the Guacomole was so tasty and good.
If it wasn't for the hostess I would have given this place 5 stars
After a lovely opera at the Met we stopped by here for a quick majito and guacamole. That's all we had and i can only review that.
The down stairs bar was filled, which is not hard to accomplish since there are like 3 table tops and a bar. After speaking to the hostess she lets us go upstairs to a table even though we're not planning on having dinner.
The place itself looks nice. The wait staff was very friendly. When you order guacamole they wheel over a little cart and make it fresh right in frond of you, catering to your specifications. It can out fresh and delicious. I can't say as much about the majitos.
Bottom line: not a bad place for a quick snack after a show. :)
Came here for a "quick" drink before the Met Opera. Don't make the same mistake.
We were directed to find our own table on the sidewalk, and then waited. A. Long. Time. For. A. Server. Then, a long wait for menus. An even longer wait for him to return and take our order (when he insisted on taking my credit card inside, presumably in case we got bored of all the long waits and left without paying). An even longer wait for him to bring drinks. An incredibly long wait for the check.
My drink was not good. An interesting twist on a mojito using cilantro, which overpowers all the other ingredients.
There were other tables vacant, so the place was not full to capacity. From arriving to leaving, one drink took over 90 minutes. I won't be back in a hurry (no pun intended).
The margaritas are excellent one of the few places that really knows how to make them. I recommended getting the rested tequila one, with Grand Mar, simply amazing.
The food was good as well as a whole and I would've given the place 4 stars but they made me take my hat off in the dinning room. Had I not been with a large group I'd just left. They need to realize that ancient social conventions and NYC don't mix. So if you go make damn sure you are not hiding a hideous fro underneath your hat like I was and then try the guacamole, it was excellent
If I were judging this place on the overall menu, it would get 2-3 stars. But its high on atmosphere and has (IMO) the best guacamole in the city. The margaritas are great as well.
I've found two or three dishes that they make well (the duck in habanero cream sauce is at the top of that list). If you stick to guacamole, margaritas, and that one dish you love, you can't go wrong.
I had dinner here before heading off to the Opera.
I had the Salmón en Manchamanteles, which was absolutely delicious. My friend had the Filet Mignon with Mushrooms which was quite tasty as well. I was sad that my stomach couldn't hold more food. The guacamole made at the table was fresh and yummy as well.
I would have given the restaurant 5 stars had the hostest not been a little on the snotty side.
previous reviews we right on. i will go back just for the guacamole. We had the Pork Shank and Red Snapper. Both were recommended by the server and were both awesome. This is not your typical mexican rice and beans place. Upscale/goumet mexican not your "on the border" type mexican. Great service too ! We had three people and dinner and a few drinks came to $104 and we split the two entries.
The atmosphere was great on the second floor, the staff was phenomenal, the food was great and the guacamole was out of this world. I would totally recommend this place for great Mexican in NYC.
The staff is very professional.
The food is mediocre, but not worth the price.
It's really nothing special though.
Safe to say it's very unlikely I will be coming back again.
Feel free to try it, but it won't be a very memorable dinner experience, for better or for worse.
When i was watching Trumps MTV show Pagent Place, they girls often went to this restaurant and it looked quite good. They serve upscale mexican food, a little pricey. We had their tortilla soup that was good but was a little greasy. Also we tried their chicken tacos, i wouldnt reccomend them. It is a really preety restaurant on the inside, but the food is mediocre.
So good! The red snapper is one of the best I have ever had! You must get it! I've been here twice and that is the only thing I have ever gotten. The black beans that come with dinner rock too! I am a little confused...two months ago I got only half of a red snapper tail and tonight I got both halves. Did the bus boy eat my other half two months ago, before it got to the table? Another patron remarked at how big my portion was and asked if I knew someone. I know I will be disappointed next time I eat here and only get a half!
It is one of the best!
Beautiful Decor, way overpriced drinks and food.
The guac was great, the crab enchiladas -- eh, nothing special and the fondue appetizer was not so good. I pretty much had to make my own mini burritos with the little tortillas in order to eat the fondue.
Unbelievable pricing!
Good high-end Mexican food.
The tableside-mixed guacamole is really good. The guy making it is a pro - cutting and scooping avocados in seconds, mixing it all up - it's actually impressive to watch. It takes me much longer to do what he does.
Anyway, so the guac is excellent - they serve it with chips and mini flour tortillas.
The sangrias are decent. The white one is really good, the red one is average. The "individual" servings are mini-carafes that really amount to two glasses so you could probably just order for one, get another glass, and both have a regular glass of sangria.
The meal was chicken in a mole sauce. It was okay. That's it.
Dessert was deep fried churros. The consistency wasn't great. Not like what you'd expect or necessarily want from a churro. Very chewy, not crispy enough on the outside.
Great meal overall, but a bit pricey.
Great place. Went for the first time last night and it is fabulous. The restaurant itself is gorgeous and a really great space. The decor may not be Mexican per say but it definitely evokes that classic Mexican feel.
I had a house margarita on the rocks with salt. The drink wasn't worth $11, it wasnt anything to write home about.
For food I had a three course meal from NY Restaurant week menu. For my appetizer I had the chicken flautas, main course the carne enchiladas, and for dessert a chocolate bread pudding. The food was AMAZING. I couldnt finish it all because there was so much but you can ask your server to box it up as they take the courses away.
The guacamole was the best I've had in the city. Very authentic and chunky NOT creamy like most restaurants.
I loved this place. The staff was so kind and attentive and the food was fantastic. Hope to go back soon but the money this is a factor. A dinner for four people with two guacamole appetizers cost us well over $200 before tip.
What a joke this place is - NYers lured here by pricey drinks and a trendy atmosphere are somehow convinced that the food is good.
If you have ever had authentic Tex-Mex, you know that Rosa Mexicano is an Americanized restaurant that, despite using higher quality ingredients, pales in comparison to the ubiquitous fast food restaurants in Texas.
The truth is, Rosa is just a Mama Mexico's that commands higher prices by virtue of its location and ill-deserved inertia.
If you're looking for Nuevo Mexicana Comida, you can't really go wrong at Rosa.
The menu is extensive and offers creative dishes such as Pescado a La Verucrazana and Mixiote de Cordero along with staples like mole enchiladas (pork, chicken, beef) and tacos, too.
Everyone raves about the guac -- yeah yeah whatever. I guess I'm just not a big fan of guac, especially for $14.
I opted for the mole enchiladas with beef and they were pretty tasty -- but not as tasty as La Taqueria, and about twice as expensive. For me the highlight was the margarita.
A recent survey in the WSJ showed that Rosa's margaritas outshone its competition in terms of taste and, more importantly, alcohol content.
Service was adequate if a bit iffy (I had to ask twice for silverware and napkins didn't arrive until after the drinks).
Would I go again? Sure, I would. But I'm not in a rush. Meantime I'll stick to my local spots.
I liked the place. I was staying at the Empire Hotel with my family and it was right around the corner so we figured what the hell. I loved the guacamole they make at your table (nice and chunky) but the entrees were very average. Let's put it this way, I've had better, especially at their prices. Not cheap. Well at least the $16 marg I ordered was strong!
Perhaps where they lack in taste, they make up in atmosphere. It is a pretty and trendy Mexican joint. There is definitely an element of street appeal. My family really loved it:) I think its a great place to bring out of towner's!
MMMMM GUACAMOLEEE (yes, that was in all capital letters, and spelled with a couple extra m's and e's than normally necessary)!
I always thought this place would be sort of just like Dos Caminos. Which, in truth, it sort of is. I probably like the decor at Dos Caminos (Park) better. Guacamole is obviously very important to me, and I probably wouldn't be able to distinguish the guacamole I had here from what I have had at Dos Caminos.
The boy and I both ordered tacos. I had pulled pork, he had steak. Both were pretty good. Portions were big - I could not finish my entree (this is a rare occurrence for me). But this may be because we licked our guacamole bowl clean.
And just so I can use the word "guacamole" at least ten times in this review, I would recommend you definitely order the guacamole (whether you like mild guacamole, medium-spicy guacamole, or very-super-hot guacamole) when you go.
Really cute place. I am a huge fan of guacamole and margaritas so when a friend suggested we try this place after a long walk in Central Park, I thought it was brilliant!
Located across the street from the Lincoln Center, this rather large eatery is on the high-end of Mexican fare.
The ambiance is beautiful and the space is ridiculously large.
Our waiter was FANTASTIC. He gave great recommendations and was very patient.
We tried the tuna and shrimp ceviche and the chicken tortilla pie. Both flavorful.
We also ordered a guac to share- I love how they pulled up with a cart filled with fresh avocados and all the ingredients for the creamy goodness. Now if only someone can tell me where to buy one of those heavy stone guac bowls....
The margaritas are good and STRONG. I tried the mango, pomegranate and the cucumber (okay this one was with Vodka). Needless to say, i was pretty toasted by the time we left.
After hearing so much hype about this place I'm glad to say it mostly lived up to my expectations, if not more.
Good job Rosa M!
My experience at Rosa Mexicano has just gotten worse and worse. The drinks are so so but strong, so I guess that's good.. the service is even less impressive.. Last time I was there, my friends and I just wanted appetizers, drinks, and dessert, but because we didn't order any entree, our service was distinctively poor compared to the tables around us. I think our waiter came by just once to take our order and only came back to ask us to order more...
Anyways, the food isn't that impressive either. I've actually lived in Mexico, but the dishes really don't resemble the food I had there very much. For example, they actually had a cheese fondue dish. How many times have I seen fondue at a Mexican restaurant in Mexico City? Nada. I don't know; maybe I haven't tried enough dishes and their other dishes are more authentic. Perhaps I'll come back here again for their guacamole. The guacamole is pretty good, so I suggest just sitting at the bar, order drinks, and snack on guacamole.
Went there recently with MA BOO and can't say I was impressed. Yeah they make the guac in front of you..blah blah blah...still wasn't impressed. Whole Food Guac is the bestest. They must sprinkle some crack in it or something.
ANYWHO. I got the chicken flautas. They were crispy, greazy and tasted like foot. Not that I eat foot. But I'm just sayin. SHUT UP.
Don't eat here for Mexican. I'd rather buy my own ground beef, some Ortega taco shells, etc etc and make it myself.
Orale Ese.
I love mexican food. I love the decor and ambiance of Rosa Mexicana. I don't love the menu, as it tries to be upscale and trendy with the items-everything is great the way it is, don't change it! The waitstaff was decent, despite considering themselves uber important and snooty. The margaritas were yummy. Nothing goes better with margaritas than guacamole - I'd be happiest with drinks and appetizers. It's expensive mexican food, but it's worth it for a fun night out.
Being that NYC has virtually no good mexican restaurants, Rosa Mexicano is definitely pushed into the 5-star range based on what's available. If you want GOOD mexican food in NYC, you have to suck it up and make the trek and fork over the cash and go to Rosa's.
The guacamole here is absolutely phenomenal. If you're from Los Angeles though, the guacamole might not blow you away, because it is so easy to get good guacamole there. We are talking about NYC though, where it is virtually impossible to get your Mexican fix.
When you want good Mexican food, go to Rosa's. Order the guacamole and some margaritas (which are amazing) and feel safe going with anything on the menu.
I think I'm going to have to go here again this week...
The fact that I worked here (for too long) and still get the craving to come back for the pomegranate margaritas and filete con hongos surely says something! After all, it's rare that one can experience such jarring, traumatic memories and still have the desire to return to the scene of the crime.
Having been yelled at, insulted, and threatened as a Maitre'd here (because people throw tantrums when they're hungry), I'll give you this advice:
MAKE A RESERVATION IF YOU DON'T FEEL LIKE WAITING FOR A TABLE. AND IF WE SAY WE'RE BOOKED, THAT'S BECAUSE WE ARE. Oh, and yelling at the staff doesn't get you seated sooner. Sorry.
Was I just yelling? Why is everything getting dark?
Anyway, on a more practical note, the guacamole, frozen margaritas, and authentic dishes are delicious and are consistently good. If ever you have a less than perfect experience, make sure to tell a manager! They will do everything in their power to make things right.
The bottom line is that Rosa is FUN and ENJOYABLE. It's the kind of place where it's fun to go all out. Starve yourself all day so that you have room for appetizers, guacamole, drinks, entrees, and dessert. You'll be glad you did, and even when the $150 dollar bill comes for you and your date, you'll be drunk off of the strong drinks and won't care/notice until your statement comes at the end of the month.
Would I work here again? I'd rather eat poison. But I will definitely be back the next time I plan a nice night out.
High end Mexican with prices to match. I just feel like this place is a tourist trap - the kind of place where suburban parents come to take their struggling Manhattanite kids out to dinner and splurge. Crowded, a scene, kind of tacky in an over-the-top-over-designed kind of way and, of course, expensive. What am I doing here?
The food is just ok. A burrito is a burrito and a margarita is a margarita. It's Mexican food that doesn't suck but half of the places on 9th Avenue are going to be as good and at half the price. Right? Is this a first date kind of place? Maybe. But it feels contrived and one step away from being a suburban shopping mall chain. That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.
Wow, it is hard to find good Mexican food in New York City--a recent trip to TA Cocina almost put me off chile rellenos forever. But Rosa Mexicana is really, really good if you like spicy, complex moles and salsas, and margaritas that don't have bar syrup in them--which, obviously, I do. They even have a michelada on the drink menu. I had pretty much given up ordering drinks at Mexican places, because at this point, I can make a much better michelada or margerita than most places serve (and cheaper) but their drinks were quality.
The guacamole is very good, but yes, overpriced. I don't care if it's made in the back or at the table, it's not a complicated process and shouldn't cost $14. The chips are fresh, and the tortillas they serve are most definitely homemade and delicious. I could just sit here and have chips, guac, and the a** burning roasted chile salsa (omg) and tomatillo salsa and I could be happy. Well, maybe I would need a side of that habanero amarillo mole that came on the duck tortilla pie appetizer.
I was so full that unfortunately I didn't get to order from the FESTIVAL HELADO menu. They had crazy amazing flavors like coconut lime, poblano sorbet, and sweet potato rum raisin. Mmmmmmmm... next time, for sure.
We had one michelada, two appetizers, and split guacamole with friends,and our total with tip was $50.
We came here for a quick lunch. It was a rainy Saturday and we arrived in the nick of time. A performance of Lincoln Center was letting out and we scored a great table upstairs for four by the window. By the time we sat for two or three minutes, every table was filled. No reservations needed.
The restaurant is beautiful and airy. We only wanted to get drinks and apps but it turned to a full-on lunch. White sangria was yummy and strong. Guacamole was made right in front of us and it was very tasty but I consider MY own quacamole to be the the "biznass". Service was very cordial. I had some sort of beef dish with tortillas and it was flavorful. I really can't remember the name but the meat was tender and juicy.
All in all a great impromptu lunch. Delicious and wondrous.
The best of the Rosa Mexicano chain (not a huge fan of the original on the East side). Fresh guac made to order, killer pomagranate margheritas, and my favorite Mexican dish in the city (the perfectly cooked steak with tequilla / mushroom / cream sauce -- last item on the menu). All this in a cool space complete with Acapulco cliff drivers in minature lining the waterfall alongside the staircase to the main dining level. Why not 5 stars then? Honestly, unless someone can prove me wrong, the best Mexican in the world is a restaurant known as Tequilla's in Philly (and I have worked in Mexico City and tried some of the best food there). And nothing in NY that I've tried compares...hope I'm wrong but I'll still drive down a few times a year for their queso fundido with chorizo and real chihuaha cheese alone. In a pinch, Rosa is a capable replacement and my favorite Mexican place in the city, but not at the level of Tequila's.
As a hostess here from the past, you'd think I would be biased. But before jumping to conclusions I just want to state that if you think about it, most people DONT like where they work. I have seen sides of Rosa no regular guest would ever know about. That said, I think my recommendations are worth something more then just an easy thumbs up from a former employee.
Upper West side is the "classiest" of the three locations. It tends to attract the Lincoln Center/Opera crowd, the more uptight customers, the celebrities, the tourists who know somebody. Personally, as snooty as it may seem, I enjoy it because it has a quality to it that the other two don't exude.
Let's start from the entrance. It's always a blast watching people figure out where the door is. It's the big glass one right in front of you. Not on the sides. The bar to your left is always populated. Sometimes there are some entertaining characters who are always up for a convo. I have seen many first date meet ups occur here. You can also order food to the bar which is a good option to a sit down dinner, if the bar is not too crowded. Do not attempt this on a weekend night.
Call for reservations if you are coming for dinner. Especially on the weekends. You can wait up to two hours if you dont. The hostesses are not being bitches when they say they cant sneak you in. There really is no room, as big as the place is.
As far as the menu, I like to describe it as gourmet Mexican. It's not your typical texmex dishes claiming its Mexican. Each dish has something just a little different about it that sets it apart from your other places. I'm a fan of the guacamole of coarse, the steak tacos, and it's not on the menu anymore but they used to make a killer Chilean sea bass. I wash it all down with a frozen pomegranate margarita with salt.
If you are looking for a tasty brunch, many people don't think of a place like this but I would recommend it. People who have been are usually pleasantly satisfied, if not more. It's not nearly as loud in the place during day hours so that is nice also. Plus you have a better chance of sitting by the lovely waterfall wall everyone is obsessed with sitting by. (Please don't spill anything though because it falls on the hostesses head.)
Not to mention the staff are extremely accommodating! :) From entrance with a big smiling hostess, to waiters who take classes to know precisely what they are talking about, to the "have a nice night" as you walk out the door EVERY time, you could not be upset with us for trying so hard to make you happy.
The homemade guacamole is marvelous. We also like their steak fajitas. Generous portions and reasonable prices.
This place is like classed up mexican food which I don't have a problem with that because I thought the flavors were decent. I got the skirtsteak/carne asada tacos. The skirtsteak was seasoned well and was on top of a layer of cheese. Also their red sauce was very flavorful~ The guacamole was good, i like it chunky. I liked the small warm tortillas. The atmosphere was nice, everyone's polite. Had a good time :)
I love Mexican food, but it is actually fairly hard to find some that is good and is quality. Rosa fits the bill for both. It has vrey good food, quality food, but you will pay for it.
Be prepared to wait a bit for a table, even if you have reservations. While waiting, feel free to partake at the bar. However, be forwarned, it can be crowded and virtually impossible to move around. Once you get seated, make sure you try the BIG margaritas and the fesh, tableside made Guac. It is fantastic!!! As far as the main course goes, I personally like the Carne Asada meal. It will blow you away. Quite honestly, each time I have been here, neither myself, or my friends have had a bad course. Try it out sometime. Treat yourself and enjoy!!!
Consistent option near Lincoln Center. The space has a nice vibe though it can get a little loud on the first floor.
The food and drink are creative and predictably-good.
Aye Caramba.
I am a fan of a margarita. I am an even bigger fan when a place can make them as good as me. This place was close - but damn good- that I had probably a few more than I should have. Ouch.
We had fresh guacamole. They have the table side thing down to a science with a whole rolling guac cart setup. They mean business with that guac. The guacamole itself was pretty good- again, the one I make at home is better but since I wasn't making it, it was still acceptable.
The bar is too small for the place in my opinion. Trying to wedge in there and get a drink took a little doing.
Bathrooms were clean- always a bonus.
Neighborhood: Midtown East
Category: Mexican
Neighborhood: Upper West Side
Category: American (New)
Neighborhood: Flatiron
Category: Mexican
Neighborhood: Upper West Side
Category: American (Traditional)
Neighborhood: Upper West Side
Category: Mexican
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