Cocina Consuelo — Restaurant in New York

First of all, I want to mention that the restaurant had a cute ambiance. I visited with a party of four, excited for authentic Mexican cuisine after reading many glowing reviews. As a Mexican food enthusiast—having traveled extensively across Mexico, including Oaxaca on several food tours—I had high expectations. Unfortunately, Cocina Consuelo was a bit underwhelming.

I usually wouldn’t write a review, but after a $260 bill (including tip and one alcoholic drink), I felt compelled to share. Each dish was very small, and we left feeling a little hungry. Our visit was quick, taking no more than an hour from start to finish.

Some specific points: I ordered a tequila cocktail and was told they had no lime — surprisingly odd. The guacamole was underwhelming, with using no more than half an avocado, little flavor, and four tiny homemade tortilla chips for $18. The filet mignon was tender and cooked rare but came in just six thin slices for $40. The duck leg mole was mediocre at best: one duck leg with very little meat, and the mole, which is usually a favorite of mine, was bland and sour. The tiny piece of branzino could have been fresher and was quite bland, especially lacking salsas to enhance the flavor—Now that I think about it there was absolutely no home made salsas at all which bring such flavor—a key element in Mexican cuisine. We had one other tiny dish that I won’t even go into as it's not worth it.

While I appreciated that the dishes had no carbs other than a tortilla on the side, adding some options might help guests feel more satisfied. Overall, the food was bland and somewhat odd for a place claiming to serve home-style Mexican cooking. After visiting, I really don’t understand the five-star reviews—where have people been eating?

I wouldn’t quite call it a hole in the wall, but the space is definitely modest—just 8 to 10 tables tucked into a small dining room. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but at these price points, I expected a more elevated experience. Living in New York, I’m used to paying premium prices, but for $260, I was hoping for more depth, flavor, and attention to detail on the plate. Sadly, Cocina Consuelo didn’t deliver the complexity or soul I associate with true Mexican...

We used to live just around the corner, they officially opened just a week before we moved away. We only had time to pop in once to check out the space and grab a coffee, but we’ve been dying to come back and experience a full meal. And wow it was more than worth the wait.

We had high hopes going in, especially after reading about the story behind the restaurant and the owner’s background in the culinary world. But somehow, the experience still exceeded every expectation.

The food was absolutely phenomenal. We ordered the Guacamole, Romanesco, Birria Bone Marrow, and Mama Chelo Jalapeños, and honestly, every single dish hit. But the Birria Bone Marrow was the clear standout. It was insanely flavorful, and when we scooped it into the homemade purple corn tortillas, it became what might just be the best taco I’ve ever had. Plus, the little bone marrow shot after was such a fun and clever touch. Loved it so much!

The cocktails were also a pleasant surprise, delicious, strong, and definitely worth the price. Each one was basically the size of three standard NYC cocktails, and beautifully balanced.

What made the experience even better was the atmosphere. The space feels warm and personal like home, but elevated. Every detail was clearly thoughtfully chosen, from the handmade-looking Mexican fabric napkins, to the little plants, hanging pictures, and art that give the place so much character.

This isn’t just a restaurant it’s a full-on experience. The vibes, the food, and the kindness of the staff and owner make Cocina Consuelo feel truly special and divine. We’ll definitely be coming back, especially for that bone marrow and we can’t wait to try everything else...

1st,

i just wanna say from the outside this place looks amazing, and love what they did to the little spot herein the corner and i lovee that the neighborhood is getting diverse with more food locally. interior wise i love it as well!! BUT!

2nd

food was okay, not saying its not good but for the portion and size compared to price? i wouldnt do it again and again im not trying to discredit there place or anything but it was okay 4/10 pancakes were the best thing out of there and that says alot

3rd.

my mom my brother and my nephew experienced racism in this restaurant now the reason im saying this is because the service was horrible. one they didnt give us utencils out. while other people had utencils( mind you other people of lighter skin). ( and while yes they could have forgetten but for 20 mins?) for sucha small place? come on. 2 when they did they'd always forget something a napkin a fork , water something. and 3 when we asked to packaged our food we didnt even get a bag or nothing. at least for a restaurant thats OVERPRICED and has a cozy attmosphere at least a bag would have been nice. we're from south america so i ddint expect this restaurant to be like this towards us. we're not rude people we also deserve to be treated equally. its just crazy to me because this is a small little restaurant and there was a lot of people of white decent and we were the only hispanic customers, so am i crazy to think this? it was packed too so idk. this is my opinion. i have no hate towrads the people hard working people there or anything...