Empellon Cocina

The most impressive thing about Cocina is the space. Accommodating dining room, nicely approachable bar, sharp and pleasing color scheme. The least impressive thing about Cocina? The food? Yikes. We sampled quite a few dishes and if you want to leave with the mindset of returning, sit at the bar, take in the sights, order a Michelada and the Pistachio Guacamole and call it a night. The Scotch Egg was crazy salty. The "famous" carrots? Now-famously bland and undercooked. And although the squid appetizer turned heads with its off-putting odor, the taste was worth the risk. The red snapper cevice tacos was a plate of food best described as "soft and white". The odd German - Mexican sausage entree was heavy yet tasty. Maybe we just ordered the weakest dishes...but in a city with so many amazing Mexican restaurants offering so many different creative takes on Mexican food, we just won't go back Empellon Cocina to find out.

This place is amazing. Are you thinking of going? Go. Actually go right now. It'll be well worth it. Great food, really amazing quality and detail. Guc is insane and unexpected. Salsa's are rich and luxurious. The melted cheese with lobster, habit forming goodness. Chicharron were to die for. Short rib taco is like St Patty's day and cinco de mayo had a baby and their love child is on your plate. Slow roasted pork is also out of this world good. Desserts were also equally as good. The stand out was the chocolate cake with goats milk ice cream. Drinks were awesome. The dishes on tables around us looked amazing as well. Service was also wonderful and attentive without imposing. This place is just delicious.

My boyfriend and I just tried Cocina, we had our expectations set high because we love taqueria. Everything was top notch from the food to the service. My boyfriend tried three different tequila based cocktails -- all delicious. I had some amazing white wine. The guac was very adventurous and so tasty. The Smoked Ricotta , Peeky Toe Crab, and the Lobster/ Cheese dish were OUT OF THIS WORLD AMAZING! My boyfriend had the rabbit and couldn't stop raving about it. We can't wait to go back.

What a treat in the village... my fav..Melted Tetilla Cheese with Lobster Tomate Frito and Kol (Yucatan style white sauce)... it is on my must do list every time i am in the city....perfect portions...great value...

I'm a huge fan of both Empellon taqueria and now Empellon Cocina. This chef Alex Stupak is incredible! Super talented kid. Cocina is a beautifully designed and sexy restaurant in the East Village. Staff was inviting, warm, and knowledgable on the product. The menu has a lot to offer and the items we had (guac w/pistachios!, lobster tetilla queso fundido, avocado grains salad, manila clams, ribeye steak, and coc) were all AMAZING. Flavors were complex and memorable. Can't wait to go back soon.