El Mitote — Restaurant in New York

I hate to say this, but this is a Mexican restaurant for people who have never had Mexican food (i.e. yt people) The food is not good and it does not lend itself to authentic Mexican flavors. I ordered a tostada as well as chips and guacamole. The tostada was very small, and it was a tostada like I’ve never had before, and not in a good way. The beans were a weird flavor, and so were the carnitas. It tasted like food that was made in a crockpot by Aunty Susan in Macon, GA. The guacamole was a very small portion, and the chips seem like they were the broken pieces from the bottom of a bag. I also ordered a Tamarindo drink, and it was not good at all. It tasted like it was made from one of those premade packages that imitate aqua frescas. (I.e koolaid package) There was salt and Tajin on the table however neither were usable given that they had been exposed to moisture and it had clumped together. I would say that the waitstaff were friendly and professional, and that was the only good thing about this experience. Lastly, the tables are in close proximity to each other, and therefore be prepared to have your dinner interrupted by the conversation of your neighbor. I had a very obnoxious Ken sitting very close to me, and I couldn’t even focus on my own thoughts, because his conversation was so loud and dominating. Honestly, I would say this was the least favorite Mexican food I’ve ever had and that says a lot because I have been to many, many countries and many different, Mexican restaurants. I would...

I’ve been a loyal customer of El Mitote for a couple of years now. I even went there to celebrate after I got married, but after the experience I had on my most recent visit, I’m never going back. I went for early dinner on Sunday, June 5th. I was seated in a table for three. After a couple of minutes the “manager” came over and asked me to leave because my party was incomplete. This was not a concern, when I was first got seated but all of sudden it was. He asked for my name to add it to the waiting list but never wrote it down. One of my friends arrived and I approached the “manager” to ask him if I still had to wait for the other person to get there, and in a very condescending manner, he pointed to the table and told me to just go. We ordered food and drinks and once the bill was paid, the manager immediately came to the table to kick us out. The whole time I was there, I observed the same individual be extremely welcoming and friendly to white customers but he treated us like we were a bother. It was an infuriating and humiliating experience. I have spent so much money at this restaurant and I was treated like I didn’t have the purchase power or like I was asking for a free meal. I took the time to read the negative reviews for this place and they all have the same issue in common… they’re all minorities that had a very unpleasant experience because they were ignored and treated poorly. It shouldn’t matter what race your customers are, we all deserve to be serviced and treated equally. I’m...

My boyfriend were attracted by what seemed like lovely atmosphere inside and the California beach theme, which contrasted favorably with NYC in February.

Decided to stop in here for dinner before a show at the Beacon Theatre. The main dining room was already super crowded at 6 PM, but we were able to sit at bar stools in the window overlooking the street.

I was pleased to see some decent vegetarian/vegan options on the menu. My boyfriend opted for a Pacifico draft beer, the grilled corn, and fried avocado tacos. I decided to get a dharma bowl with grilled tofu, kale, black beans, and quinoa. It's served with grilled zucchini, sweet potato, and special sauce.

Our food arrived promptly. The corn was doused in cream and cheese, and my boyfriend seemed to enjoy it. He even said, "We have to figure out a way to copy this at home!" He also liked his avocado tacos. I tried a little bite of avocado, and it was creamy and fried well. I liked my bowl for what it was. The flavor wasn't to-did-for, but it filled me up and made me feel nourished. I was looking for something on the healthier side anyway. I also enjoyed the hot sauce on the table. I'd come back for the vibe and the...