Toloache

I came here for dinner with two other friends. Think this place is where a lot of business people meet up for drinks and socialize or whatever b/c there were so many professionally dressed people there when we went in. The place was packed and loud...so a bit hard to hear when speaking to each other. We got the Frutas, Medium guacamole and it was good but you could only taste the apples, pomegranates and guacamole...hard to taste the other ingredients like the mango and basil that were supposidly in it. I ordered the Suadero brisket tacos...the meat was so tender and really good. I couldn't really taste the horseradish crema (which I didn't mind b/c I don't like horseradish) but it was pretty good. I've heard they are known for tacos and I would come back to eat tacos...but you might want to get a few orders if you plan on eatting it as your entree...you get two small tacos.

We love Mexican food. The Americanized version and true authentic Mexican. So when we were out the other night with friends, living in NYC, from Mexico we asked what is their favorite spot. Toloache, they told us, we had to try. When we arrived I looked at my husband and said "Why did you take me to a Times Square tourist trap?" (No offense to our tourists, we love you! Keep coming back.) But don't let the address fool you. I would recommend Toloache to any New Yorker. The atmosphere was really welcoming and warm, not kitchy. The munu was very interesting and delivered in its promise of the tastefully unusual with chipotle salsas, adobo rubs, black truffel quesidillas and even grasshopper tacos (which we didn't try). Only in Mexico City, which I might add was ranked in the top 5 in Forbes Best Food Cities, have I had Mexican food this good. Service, ehh. Price, ehh. But overall...Just go! It's worth the trip.

The food was very tasty although too expensive, even for the Theater District. Drinks were tasty too but too weak. I don't mind small portions but prices should be more in line. I wish I could say that I'd go back, because I did enjoy the food, but I doubt I will because if I'm going to spend that much money on dinner ($90 pp including drinks but no dessert), I'm going to go to a fine dining establishment.

I went here this past Saturday because of Toloache's rave review of their tacos on refinery.com. Agreed the tacos were pretty good, but the portions were small for tacos. They only give you 2 small tacos, which to me is not filling. The host seated us at first downstairs in a booth, and we asked to change seats and sit upstairs and she kind of gave us a hard time asking why and trying to persuade us that downstairs was much better. After getting a seat upstairs, I was still kind of upset because the tables are set extremely close together, like you are in the party next to you. Also, I think the experience would have been better had a table of about 6 not been laughing so loudly that it started to ruin my meal. I would return, but maybe no on a Saturday.

Being from AZ, I have to give recognition when I find above average Mexican food on the East Coast. The food was perfectly spiced and very flavorful. The guac was deliciously fresh. This is a great pick, especially for a neighborhood spot. I agree that the portions are small and definitely on the pricey side. Based on the flavor though I can't wait to go back and try something else!

Just for a little perspective to start off I grew up in Texas. The food at this place is okay, which is saying a lot compared to a lot of Mexican restaurants in NYC. The prices however are absolutely outrageous. Sixteen bucks for a taco lunch plate with two tiny tacos. Four bucks for chips and salsa!? I would never come back here on that basis alone. The folks do not have their heads on straight.

I have eaten here many time, both much and dinner. I also love getting just a margarita from Dave at the bar (Wednesday and Thursday nights). I have taken many people here and everyone loves it. I have never had a bad experience. It is more expensive than most Mexican places in the city, but well worth it. The food is fantastic. This is go to midtown spot. You need a reservation if you want to eat pre-theatre, or just go after 8.