Animo! — Restaurant in New York

Animo: A Cozy Taste of Mexico in Midtown East

Located on 2nd and 53rd, Animo is a charming cafe-restaurant that brings authentic Mexican flavors to the heart of Midtown East. Known for its inviting ambiance and traditional touches, it’s the perfect spot for a casual breakfast, a light lunch, or simply enjoying a warm drink with a sweet treat.

The agua de jamaica is a standout here—available unsweetened or sweetened, it strikes the right balance for all palates. Pair this with their protein huevos rancheros, a flavorful and satisfying dish, though some may find the portion on the smaller side. As one guest remarked, “The huevos are delicious, but don’t expect to share.”

Coffee lovers will appreciate the café de olla, served in a charming Mexican ceramic cup that adds an authentic touch to your experience. Their lattes and cappuccinos are expertly crafted and pair beautifully with their selection of pan dulce, offering a true taste of Mexico’s café culture. As one reviewer noted, “The conchas are fresh and the perfect companion to a frothy latte.”

With its welcoming atmosphere, warm service, and flavorful menu, Animo is a delightful escape in the middle of the city—a place where tradition meets modern convenience. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick coffee or a leisurely meal, it’s sure to leave you feeling both satisfied...

We came here for restaurant week and sat at their bar seating. Was a great meal, I would say the highlights were the appetizers (chicharron, guacamole and tuna tostadas) and Tres Leches cake. All apps were great and on top of the Raul, the manager was super attentive. He spent a lot of time chatting with us. It was really great service.

We were excited about the entrees, but I’d say they fell short of the appetizers. We had the steak, chicken enchiladas with Mole and the red snapper. Mole sauce was flavorful, but was a bit on the sweet side, could have been balanced with more spiciness. Steak dish was pretty standard, and the Snapper was nicely cooked, but could have done with some sea salt to finish it off and a heavier broil on the skin for some crispness. Overall though, the entrees were pretty good.

For dessert, the Tres Leches cake was out of this world. One of the best Tres Leches we’ve had anywhere. The chocolate cake with flan was just ok, a little overbaked. And the cheesecake was nice and light, but just not as good as the Tres Leches. Would come back just for that dessert.

Overall, it was a great meal and we’ll try and find our way back there to try their Al Pastor tacos, as those looked...

I have eaten at Animo! twice. Both times, the food was way above the other Mexican restaurants in Midtown Manhattan. It is immediately clear that the chef is proud of his work. The food impresses as genuine, with no shortcuts taken in preparation. Tastes are layered and distinct. Various chilis are present as required, but don't overpower the other tastes. Sauces or salsas provided on the side are distinct and clearly freshly made in-house. Service is very friendly and knowledgable, able to explain the ingredients that went into different preparations. It was heart warning to watch the servers help a handicapped person to get in and out, without waiting to be asked for it. The ambiance is bright and pleasant, design modern and creative, very pleasant. When you visit, note the beautiful alebrijes (colorful folk art sculptures) showcased on shelves towards the back of...