CANTINA 138 — Restaurant in New York

Overall rating: 4.8

I came here for a sponsored event. I’m letting you know because my meal was free. But trust assured, my judgment was not.

I didn’t realize walking in that this was a fine-dining spot. I quickly did when all of the fancy plating came out. Here’s a quick rating for all the items I tried:

Food— Guacamole: 4/5 sprinkled with beets was a fun twist. Personally could have used some more salt. Cantina Oysters: 2/5 this is not good. They mentioned they’re sourced from LI, but I really don’t believe that. Please change vendors. Beet Salad: 3/5 very unique assortment of a salad. You know you’re at a fine dining when you see an art piece on your plate. There’s a combination of queso, salad, nachos that works, but is very weird. I liked it, but would I order it again? Pulpo Al Adobe: 5.5/5 yoooo. This! Is so good. I need it again. Ps, it’s octopus. Mole Flight: 5/5 this is good. Didn’t get many chips. But I have a feeling if I was here by myself, I’d be able to get more chips.

Alcohol— cucumber: 4/5 refreshing, not that strong red one: 5/5 my favorite. Kinda like a sangria Margarita brown one: 4.5/5 extremely strong and tastes like cinnamon.

I’d recommend trying, but order other things plus...

This restaurant opened in the neighborhood a few weeks ago and finally had the opportunity to try it. The drinks were excellent and prices ranged from $16-18 per drink. They also offer happy hour but unfortunately we got there a little too late. The drinks are made with fresh ingredients and the flavors are well balanced.

We did not get to try much of their food but everything that came out of the kitchen looked amazing! I tried the aguachile negro and the ingredients tasted very fresh and the tuna was high quality. I would definitely go back again to try more of their food - especially the moles which seem to be one of their most popular dishes.

As for ambiance, pretty chill vibes with good music and a nice interior design. Last but not least, the staff was very nice. It's a small team but mighty!

Wishing this restaurant...

Beautiful moles, cocktails, and delicious small plates. The service and staff are excellent. Came here for an impromptu birthday dinner and it exceeded my expectations! Our server and the bartender (apologies I can't remember their names!) made the evening special by bringing me a wonderful birthday desert that the bartender had created, it was kind of like a deconstructed mexican snickers situation, it was so good and unexpected! The cocktails are very well made and balanced, we had the hibiscus w/ tequila one and the cucumber one with mezcal. The atmosphere is chill, good music, clean and modern. Can't wait to go back and try the octopus and the...