Florencia 13

I'm from LA originally although I have been here for 30 years. I definitely got an LA vibe going into the place.
The food was great. The queso fondido (spelling?) and the enchilada's were superb. I'm definitely going back!
BTW, this isn't my first review but I don't usually take the time to write them-but this place deserves the get some praise. Orale!

Albin Konopka

Pros: I loved everything but the..

Cons: flautas

Posted 09/06/09

I have made Florencia 13 a common destination to start my evening. Great drinks and burritos always make for a good evening. I would go as far as to claim this is my favorite mexican food spot in NYC.

Pros: drinks, burritos

Cons: small venue

Posted 08/23/09

This is a great place for Angelinos in New York. The owner left L.A. to escape the rift raft and started this restaurant/bar, and brought with him authentic Mexican food. The drinks are solid and the ambiance is unbeatable. I especially enjoy mingling with other Angelinos, either travelers or students.

Pros: Love the ambiance, staff, margaritas, and al pastor tacos

Cons: Small venue, but intimate.

Posted 07/28/09

We've been here before and sat at the bar and was treated really great by the bartender. He served us great drinks. we just recently went back last weekend and was rudely told if we are not eating we could'nt sit at a table near the window, fine but say it nicely. this place is small and there was one seat left at the bar at it was pretty cramped. so we stood no big deal, had another good round of drinks. we finally got a seat and there was a bus boy filling water carafes who practically yawned in our faces, it didnt seem like a real yawn seemed like he was being purposely rude to us for some strange reason. all in all come to this place if you want to eat not just hang at the bar, its too small and you feel like you are practically up the bartenders/busboy/waitress' you know what.

Pros: great drinks

Cons: rude staff/ too small

Posted 04/30/09

I've been There a few times and I must say: It's Simply DELICIOUS. The food is always fresh and tasty no matter what time and it always leaves you wanting more and more ...maybe because there is So much to choose from! They have EVERYTHING . Great selections .......

Posted 03/04/09

OK SO I WAS IN FLORENCIA THIS PAST SATURDAY FOR BRUNCH AND I MUST SAY THE FOOD WAS OUTSTANDING!! HAVENT HAD SUCH A GREAT CHORIZO AND EGGS ANYWHERE ELSE....THE COMPLIMENTARY BLOODY MARY OR MIMOSA WAS VERY WELCOMED....THE SERVER WAS AWESOME, VERY AWARE OF WHAT WE NEEDED AND WAS ALWAYS AROUND TO CHECK ON US....COOL SHIRT DUDE!!

WILL DEFF BE GOING BACK THERE MORE OFTEN

Pros: GREAT FOOD, SERVICE AND PRICES

Cons: TOO SMALL!!!

Posted 01/11/09

Outside of that RUDE female bar tender & the one busboy who seems to watch you instead of get what you need the place is alright. There is a male bartender that more than made up for the bad service of his fellow employees. Atmosphere is perfect and safe. There is no way a Silverlake ex-pat would be safe in place like this out west! Great place for the west coasters who miss home & for the New Yorkers who want a taste of the TRUE Los Angeles, not that hyped up, Hollywood phoniness.

Pros: Great MALE bartender

Cons: Female Bartender, bus boys who don't get out of their seats

Posted 12/12/08

Very good Mexican place. They use all fresh ingredients and I love their San Fernando . My margarita was just okay. The decor was very weird, did not fit the food at all, also kind dirty and customer service is eeehh. Now the food I give 5 stars! Literally the best La Colonia Red Chile I ever had. That's coming straight from a Mexican. I would recommend to everybody.

Posted 09/25/08

Can't believe the person b4 me compares these homemade chips and salsa with Costcos!! Just proves some people don't know good food when they have it!! We have been coming to Flo for great homemade dishes since they opened and have never been disappointed!! They have way of making simple dishes very creative and delicious. The margaritas have always been strong and fresh and if you don't want to pay for the "homies", you shouldn't order it!! We are originally from California and recognize good CaliMex food when we taste it and Flo has it all!! You won't be disappointed!!

Pros: Great Atmosphere!!!

Cons: Too bad it's a small place and they need a second one !

Posted 07/19/08

My search for basic, authentic mexican continues cause I didn't find it at this restaurant. Chips and salsa were probably from Costco. Our margarita's tasted like generic lime corn syrup. My friend got the fajitas and they were ok. I got a buritto which had pineapple in it. I am always willing to try something new, I thought the pineapple might be grilled or have spices on it. But they pretty much opened a can of pineapple and dumped it in the burrito. Nice try but not good. Nothing here was willing to come back for. The decor was cool(they have a low rider bike in the corner) and they have a margarita that comes with a Homies Doll that you would get out of the .25 cent machine(creative). There are other places that are better.

Pros: Decor

Cons: Everything else

Posted 07/14/08

New York is great because you can find a ton of great little restaurants, however I will no longer be looking for a new spot to go since I have found Florencia 13. Laurie, one of the wonderful servers, took great care of us and made our visit great!. The food was outstanding...make sure to start with some of their spicy guac and of cource a flaming margarita. If you want a friendly restaurant with great atmoshpere look no further. Enjoy!!!

Pros: freindly accomidating service and of cource flaming margaritas

Cons: can't think of one

Posted 04/19/08

Flo 13 is by far my favorite spot in New York to hang my hat up in. I love the staff that make you feel at home and are always super attentative. The Margaritas kick butt at least that's what I remembered before I blacked out! *kidding*

Love you guys - see you tonight!

Posted 04/09/08

Have heard about this place from friends who discovered it. All I can say is "Amazing"! Was very impressed with the food, drinks, almosphere! I had been searching for great "Cali" style food for the last 3 years since I"ve moved here and finally, I am home!! Great staff, too!! Will highly recommend Florencia to everyone!

Pros: Thumbs up! Great Ambience!!

Cons: None but can get crowded

Posted 04/01/08

Have to say that based on the other reviews i was looking forward to going to this restaurant. We finally had to go get the waiter and ask him to bring us a glass of water, and then again had to get someone to come over to take our order. I love good food, but unfortunately, we didn't have any here. I wouldn't even call it mediocre. Actually Taco bell would have probably been just as good. We aren't drinkers, perhaps a few margaritas are needed to improve the quality of the food. Overall beyond disappointing on all counts - food and service. totally not recommended.

Pros: None that I can think of

Cons: Food, Service

Posted 03/18/08

As a loyal and faithful Florencia 13 customer, I often check citysearch in anticipation of them receiving best Margarita and burrito.. again.
Please note that I've been consistenly going to this POSITIVE and high-energy filled hotspot for over a year. I still go there about 3 times a week, and truly feel like I'm part of La Familia.

Although I have never written a review before, after viewing the aftorementioned review, I was SHOCKED and appalled at the audacity at the particular customer to dare to try to denote the value of the staff there. I feel debted and compelled to rebuttle. Why? Because on that particular evening...last friday, the 3rd,

I WAS THERE.

I was sitting at the bar, and the restaurant was busy. Um, Friday night... at Florencia...being a 1/4 busy??? Just thinkin about that fabricated image seems ridiculous.

Other dedicated regulars and myself were enjoying the fantastic food and mood set prior. This girl, whom the staff tried politely to accomodate, didn't stop trying to feed her demanding ego from the get go. I saw first hand that Ms. Manager/Wench with the red hair (who isn't a wench at all, and had never been anything but always striving to please the customer). She was professional and courteous as always, but Ms. Young Thang just would not give it up. She was disruptive to myself and the other bar-goers, and I would've let this go, but not when you attempt to belittle such a great staff. Then again, let's not forget that this is NY, and some insecure, mentally unstable people, and their equally pugnacious posse will never be pleased.

And, from what I gather, if it was the equally negative friend who wrote the review, you will (hopefully) grow up one day and discover that you must give respect to receive it. On behalf of the dedicated regulars, please DON'T come back.

Few restaurants exude so much love. For their food, drinks, and mostly their PEOPLE. And we, in return will always be loyal.

VIVA FLORENCIA!

Pros: Drinks, Food, Attentive Staff

Cons: Kitchen closes at midnight- should be open 24 hours!!

Posted 03/13/08

I'm sorry, truemargaritalover, but were you sitting at our table when we were rudely addressed with no provocation by two different members of the Florencia 13 staff? Oh, and yes my "insecure, mentally unstable and equally pugnacious posse who will never be pleased" always enters a restaurant looking for a good fight - really? We have a bit more going on in our lives than that! I have to wonder if you perhaps work at Florencia with the critique you gave my review!! You really took it a little too personally...isn't this a medium where consumers are able to give their honest opinion? Oh, and if a restaurant posts their information, shouldn't they be prepared for a dose of honesty? If someone like you feels the need to stand up for an establishment and a staff like that, then I hope I NEVER meet you! YES...on a Friday night it was only 1/4 full when we got there! If you had been there when we arrrived (as you may remember it was a rainy night and it really didn't start to fill up until 8:30 - we were there BEFORE that!) you might actually have a leg to stand on! Yes, my friend got incensed but ONLY after we were treated rudely time after time after time! YOU need to up your standards, truemargaritalover! Maybe if you ever ate anywhere other than Florencia you would understand what true customer service really is!

Pros: Food, drink

Cons: Staff is ridiculous!

Posted 03/06/08

This restaurant has a neat theme. It's TINY so you need to come at an off peak hour. Typical NY prices.

Pros: Unique, down to earth

Cons: TINY

Posted 02/02/08

Thankfully my adventurous side brought me here a few years ago. So glad to have a scrumptious spot, where the ambiance reflects the So-Cal feel...try the green chillie sauce(homemade) in addition to your entree and wash it all down with a tasty little caiparinha(you wont regret it). I would recommend this place to anyone looking to slow it down in this fast-paced city...that is until you have one too many flaming margs-oh well do it anyway!

Pros: Attracts a down-to-earth crowd, great bartender

Posted 11/25/07

I went to Florecia 13 for dinner last night with 2 friends, and we'll definitely be back. The place is tiny, and since they don't take reservation, I was a bit worried about getting a table on a Friday. But we arrived around 8 and were seated right away. The food/drink was delicious at very reasonable prices (we shared guacamole, had three entrees and two drinks each, and the check was $100), but the best part was the staff. They just couldn't be nicer.

Pros: Excellent food, warm service, great prices

Cons: No reservations

Posted 10/27/07

The inside of my stomach was applauding after eating and drinking in this restaurant. I had the Santa Monica burrito which was out of this world. Get it wet, which means there is cheese and sauce on top. I can't tell you how delicious it was. It is filled with shredded chicken. The margaritas were awesome as well. I forget the name of the margarita I had, but it had tequilla and grand mariner in it. The service was great. Our waitress handled the whole dining room with some help from her runner. Everything was great. I'm going back without a doubt

Pros: Santa Monica Burrito and Margaritas

Cons: tight seating, but I don't mind that....you might

Posted 07/28/07

I stopped by Florencia 13 a couple of weeks after it opened in 2005. I was visiting NYC for a week from LA and wandering around the Village when I saw the sign. Needless to say, I was a little shocked (Nobody from NYC seems to understand the significance of "Florencia 13"). I then saw the menu and laughed because once upon a time I had been locked up with some guys from Maravilla...so I went inside to see what was up. The brother and sister who own and run the place with their parents took me in like family- turns out they were really from Florence.

That week, I ate there almost every night. I recommended the place to all my friends in NYC and all my friends who visit NYC from all over the world. My boy said the chile relleno is just like his tia used to make.

I make sure to go back there every time I visit New York.

Bottom line- this place has great decor, very classic LA style- it would fit right in in Silverlake/Los Feliz. Great zoot suit and lowrider memorabilia on the walls. Excellent atmosphere/ambience with dark lighting and lowrider oldies playing on the radio. Good crowd- a lot of Los Angeles expats hang out there. Good, strong drinks, great
margarita recipe- be sure to try the flaming margarita.

The owners and staff put the h in hospitality. They are saints who provide salvation for homesick Angelenos.

The best part, though: the food! Good mexican food, especially LA style, is damn hard to find in NYC- because of the Dominican/Cuban/Puerto Rican influence, you can almost never get good refried beans. The enchiladas taste just like what we get back home! Pretty much everything on the menu is great.

This is my favorite place to hang out in NYC, period. Make sure you go there, and when you do, tell Leonard that Devo said "what up!"

Pros: Best place to hang out in NYC, period. Amazing food, ambience, service, and drinks. A taste of LA for homesick Angelenos!

Cons: I live in Los Angeles, so I can't be there more often

Posted 06/04/07

Was brought here by a friend for Cinco De Mayo and all I can say is "WOW"!! Was amazed at the great food and drinks and what a fun place! The atmosphere was awesome!! It was packed (who couldn't help but come to Florencia for Cinco!)and even though we had to wait for about an hour, it was well worth it! The service was outstanding. They really make you feel at home! The owners are amazing people! It was so funny to see that big limo bus stop in front of the restaurant and see all those people run into Florencia for margaritas! It was definitely a fun time had by all!! Can't wait to go again and also, can't wait for Cinco again!! If you haven't made a visit, you should do it ASAP!!!

Pros: Nothing negative about this place!!

Cons: Wish it were Cinco de Mayo everyday!!

Posted 05/07/07

I came with my girlfriend to Flo's the other night on sunday and again had a fab time. Although the food took a little long to come out this time ( the waitress let us know that a fridge had broke, so maybe thats why). Despite that, everything was great. I really like the vibe of this place, very down to earth. The waitress seemed to be running around alot because the bartender often was not to be found. After we left I saw him out side doing shots with friends. And eveb besides that we still had a very good time. Our shrimp flauntas were very good and our East L.A's were strong and 16 oz of greatness. I know i'll come back and i think i made a regular of my girlfriend as well.

Pros: Great wait service, nice lighting, amazing unforgettable food

Cons: Took a bit to get our drinks and our food, kinda tight eating space

Posted 04/26/07

My daughter recently moved here from L.A. and she discovered this tiny gem! Being a new yorker from years back and living in L.A, I had doubts she would find good California Mexican food (there is a difference!) until she brought me here and I have to say that this is the Best Calif-Mex in the city, not like most mexican restaurants which end up being very touristy and not "fusiony" at all! If you are looking for simply delicious food (and abundant) look no further! The margaritas are great and you can't go wrong with the music and ambience!! Great place for Cinco de Mayo! (Wish I didn't have to go back to L.A.!!) But will definitely be back and will make sure all my new york friends come here!! Great service staff, too!!

Pros: Wish they were in L.A!!

Cons: None!

Posted 04/24/07

My boyfriend and I went here last night for his birthday. It was our third or fourth time there. As before, the food is amazing. I can't reccomend the shredded chicken tacos enough, they're to die for! Maybe it was an off night (a Tuesday) but the service was awful. We had to flag someone down after 10 minutes to get a basket of chips. Drinks were good as always but after we finished them (before the entrees arrived) the waitress never even came around to see if wanted more. We would have spent more $$ on drinks but it didn't seem worth it for the service we were getting. We'll go back but I'm crossing my fingers the service is better next time.

Pros: Ambience, Food

Cons: Tiny space, poor service

Posted 04/24/07

I visited New York last week and found the most amazing restaurant. I asked all my friends and family where I can get great Mexican food and Florencia 13 kept coming up. I went there and the owners, Ralph and Rina, treated me like I was part of the family. The burritos and tacos were soooo good! I will go here every time I'm in NY. I live in LA and I know good Mexican food...Trust me! This place is grrreat. You have to try the Flaming Margarita. It is one HOT drink. This place has it all. The ambiance is perfect for a night out with your amigos. They play hip music complimented by great decorations on the walls. I wish I could be eating a Florencia Burrito right now!!! This place is where it's at. Thank you Ralph, Rina, and the rest of the family for making my trip to NY special...like part of the family.

Respectfully,
Jon Genender

Pros: Food, drinks, ******Service******* Ambience

Cons: Nothing...Everything was great

Posted 04/05/07

We traveled to NY for vacation and heard the reviews on this place, so we decided to check it out. We are from LA and were very impressed with the deco and feel of the place. Its like we had stepped into a small place in East LA with family. The staff was super friendly and took a moment to chat with us since they too were from LA. The food was good and fairly priced , I recommend the soups and enchiladas! They kept the margaritas coming which were very good as well! No blended ones here , we enjoyed them all on the rocks as they should be enjoyed! I recommend the Florencia and the East LA margarita as we sampled a few that night. The place is small and cozy and perfect for enjoying an evening dinner, date, or night with drinks and friends. We were very sad to have to leave this place that night. This place is worth checking out and we will definitely be returning to hang there next visit. Big Thanks to Rina, Ralph, and Leonard who made us feel @ home!!!

Pros: Friendly Staff, Good drinks

Cons: Not good for large groups

Posted 03/20/07

After reading all the reviews and finding only a few negatives, I have to say this place is still #1!! It never ceases to amaze me how people complain about the prices as they give you generous portions compared to alot of other places and isn't it Quality, not quantity that counts? Also, I have to address the previous reviewer who says Florencia is changing. In all fairness to this restaurant, Nothing can be farther from the truth! I We have been coming here since the beginning and so what if there is a mixture of people coming here?? Isn't that what makes NYC what it is?? As far as regulars not coming back, please speak for yourself as alot of us support Florencia and are proud of their success. If they have reserved tables, more power to them!! And us as "regulars" are still at Florencia which has not changed but only gotten better!!

Pros: Thumbs up for the food, drinks and ambiance!!

Cons: None! If you have a large group, make reservations.

Posted 03/09/07

I believe I was one of the first customers of this great west village spot, considering my first visit I chatted with the owners about how the first week being open was going. Been going there since then on a very regular basis. My last visit the restaurant didnt even look or feel the same. Every table had reserve signs on it and packs of hungry and thristy woman crowded the bar. As i waited for a table I saw the swarm of people that really had no clue of what Florencia 13 stood for. Classic southern california food with a mellow environment. That whole image recently slipped out the back door and now is the new place for the midtown finance woman to go to. The regulars that put this place on the map including myself will not be returning to the place we use to call our spot. Good luck

Pros: good food

Cons: lost its environment

Posted 03/08/07

The tacos are crispy (but greasy) and the mole is authentic but the flautas and enchiladas are bland. Yes, it is like California Mexican in East LA but since when is it OK to charge 18.00 for a small enchalada and two tacos?! It's standard street food which doesn't mean it's bad but there's a cap on how much you can reasonably ask for rice, beans, lettuce and cheese.

The drinks ARE fantastic and I became a Bloody Mary fan thanks to their creative bartender but for 78.00 (two entree's, an app and 2 drinks) I can think of a dozen better deals in NY. The ambiance is pure Los Angeles Grit. Old school Tupac and Tacos make for a fun night out but not at these prices. If this joint were actually in the city they are trying to recreate the locals would call it LOCO 13.

Pros: Atmosphere, drinks, decent food, nice servers

Cons: The mark up on the food is insane, some fare is greasy and bland, tiny space

Posted 02/28/07

I live in the neighborhood but had never been to Florencia 13 and went last weekend for their new brunch and got a recommendation from their manager to try the "stuffed" French Toast. She had just finished eating it and promised me it was to die for. She was right. In fact every recommendation I got from her or the bartender was right on and made me wonder if there was anything there that wasn't to die for. The food was crazy good, the drinks went down easy, and the staff was accomodating and easy to talk to. It is definately my new neighborhood favorite. I can't wait to go back this week for dinner.

Pros: food, service, drinks

Cons: I had to go home

Posted 02/19/07

Have been searching for GOOD cali-mex food since I moved here from S.F. and have finally found my second home!! Food is fantasic (not fusion!), drinks and service are great! I heard that the owners are very nice. Did not get to meet them this time but will definitely be back! Other places "claim" to be great but this place does it right!! Nice laidback vibe!

Pros: Great ambience!

Cons: None!!

Posted 02/18/07

LOVE it! LOVE it! Great food, great atmosphere, authentic chicano owner. Easy going vibe with great food and drinks. The owner will sit at your table for a chat and to discuss the pictures on his wall. There is a load of history in there, if you ask.

Pros: Service, Food, Drinks

Cons: none

Posted 02/08/07

I relocated to NYC and was recommended to this wonderful place by friends who know good cali-mex food. I have to say that I tried different places and have always come back to Florencia. New places have cropped up around there but as always, Florencia still beats them for taste and quality. Along with great food they have amazing margaritas and great customer service! They can get pretty hectic on the weekends but that's what draws the crowds. Everybody want to eat at Florencia!!

Pros: Best Value

Cons: Wish it were bigger!!

Posted 01/14/07

I spent my college years in San Diego and one of my food staples was the tasty fish taco. I ended up at Florencia on a Sunday afternoon with my friends from California that read about it online. Everything was amazing the food was perfect, the drinks were tasty and the waitress was hilarious. I even met the whole family. I've been back on many ocassions since, but I prefer the slower Sundays as compared to the crazier weekend nights. If you go by make sure you ask Chockie for a spicy La Chicana, it's the perfect start to any Sunday afternoon and she usually has a good story or two.

Pros: The Food, the service, La Chicanas

Cons: The busy nights are too hectic to enjoy a good meal.

Posted 10/20/06

There are endless amounts of restaurants in NYC, and I think I have been to half. Honestly this tops them all. The atmosphere is great, the food is delicious, and the management is superb! Did I mention that the drinks are amazing? I highly recommend The Flaming Margarita..

Pros: food, people, atmosphere

Cons: I wish the location was bigger so I could bring more people!

Posted 09/28/06

We were there for a friend's birthday, expecting to have some good food among friends. But once we stepped in, it was like home. This is especially true for those of you who know authentic mexi-cali cuisine. The food is what we remembered from our days in Los Angeles. Truly tasty and unforgettable. I had the Playa Del Rey burrito and my fiancee had the fish and shrimp tacos... all yummy. You have to try the Flan! Another great plus is the hospitality. You were greeted at your table by the owners. This is a real family run operation. A must see and frequently patroned place. It's a definite, that we'll be there again... and again.

Pros: Music, Decor, Food

Posted 08/09/06

I've been in NYC for 15 years and I rarely have the chance to get back to LA, where I grew up. I was happy to stumble across this tiny( but cozy) slice of home, hidden in the West Village. The food is excellent and quite a bargin for New York prices. I really enjoy the cholo worshipping decor and Lennard and I have been known to throw back shot after shot on a Saturday night. If it's a killer margarita or top-notch Mojito that you crave, look for Chockie, I think she works Fridays and Sundays and your mouth will thank you. Ralph and Rina are also a lot of fun and treat everyone just like family. Everytime I have someone from hom visiting, I bring them by for the LA kitch factor. The only complaint that I have is the music, as it's not unusual to hear the same song three times in one hour. I look forward to seeing you guys after I get back from vacation.

Pros: Family, Friends, Food and Pomegrante Mojitos

Cons: Music, Reservations are only for 6 or more, Prices went up

Posted 07/05/06

The food is terrific; not your ordinary Mexican food, this is flavorful, well-seasoned, authentic. The place is tiny but comfortable. Service is great. Highly recommended.

Pros: terrific homestyle Mexican food

Cons: gets crowded on weekends; not the place for more than a 4 people; did I mention it was tiny?

Posted 06/29/06

My wife and I stumbled upon Florencia 13 purely by accident. Little did we know that it would end up being our home away from home in NYC. I grew up and have lived in the Los Angeles area for 35 years. Take it from me, a true Southern California native, the food at Florencia 13 is the real deal, real Southern California style Mexican food. The margaritas are the best that I've ever had, make sure that you order it flaming. The thing that I most enjoy about this restaraunt is the cool vibe and the hospitality given to us by the owners. I highly recommend Florencia 13, the food is great, the margaritas are the best, and the cool vibe, So Cal style, and the hospitality is the best. Make sure you stop by here and don't forget, order your margarita flaming ;)

Pros: Great food, GReat drinks, Great people

Cons: None

Posted 06/25/06

As a Southern California native I was really taken aback by the LACK OF GOOD Mexican food restaurants in NYC.... until I came upon FLORENCIA 13 by chance one day on my first visit to the city. Let me just say that after a week in NYC I was starting to feel a bit home sick for the Los Angeles area and FLORENCIA 13 was like a little piece of home away from home. The food REALLY IS Southern California style Mexican food and it's to die for. The ambiance is cozy and relaxed, the owners are friendly and made us feel right at home. You have to try the margaritas as they are the best I've ever tasted just about anywhere! If you haven't been here yet.... SHAME ON YOU! DROP WHAT YOU'R DOING AND GO NOW! ;-)

Posted 06/21/06

If you are looking for authentic SoCal Mexican cuisine than you must try Florencia 13. Run, don't walk..I'm serious. The food is that good! I've been living in the city for about 4 years now and this is the first time I have ever found a place that mirrored the quality of the incredible Mexican restaurants in Southern California. I had the Fish Tacos and the only way to describe them was WOW. Thank you Ralph, Rena, and family for bringing this amazing restaurant to the west village. I'll be back again and again and again!

Pros: Food, Service, Ambiance

Posted 05/20/06

Real East and South L.A. mexican food has finally made it's way to NYC. It must have been old home night during our visit on a Friday evening in April, but a good majority of the restaurant patrons were visiting from or L.A. transplants. This was a real sign that Florencia 13 was truly an authitic west coast mexican joint. Who else would know better? The food was outstanding in full L.A. effect and the margaritas are huge, served in a pint glasses and were very tasty. Owners Ralph, Rena and thier kids were gracious hosts and make the dining experience complete. Some may complain about the prices, but get real everything in New York is expensive. Have you ever bought an avocado there? I found the prices to be reasonalbe considering the quality and hope that they consider opening a store on the west coast sometime in the future.

Pros: Authentic, Hospitality, Atmosphere

Cons: Size

Posted 05/07/06

Another So Cal now New Yorker who thinks this is the best Mex around. Good food, Great Margaritas and the service is so far above par for Soho/Village. Always a good scene and a friendly vibe like no other. Can you tell I like this place. Been there many a time and will continue to drink the East LA Margarita. Feliz Cinco de Mayo.

Pros: good scene, good ambience, good vibe

Cons: friendly owner, friendly staff

Posted 05/04/06

I must say Florencia 13 makes the best burritos i've ever had. I recomend the East LA Burrito wet with tomatillo and the fish tacos are my new addiction. I am in constant search of good tequilla and tasty margaritas. I was in last Friday and Chalkie made me the best margarita I'd ever had east of the Mississippi. I met Ralph and Rena,the couple that own my new favorite Mexican joint and they are the nicest people in NYC. I plan on coming back for dates and when my mom(from Texas) is in town. Keep up the good work and don't forget I'm down for a tasty Flaming Florencia Margarita next time I'm in.

Pros: Drinks, Owners, East LA burrito

Cons: N/A

Posted 05/01/06

Being from Claremont I was happy to find food that tastes like home. The fish tacos are excellent but I would avoid the Flautas as they are usually too burnt or greasy. I recomend sitting at the bar to eat, as it can take forever to get a seat and I've had both waitresses mix up my drink orders. The margaritas are going to cost you, but are very tasty if you happen to catch the right bartender ( Leonard and the girl with the tattoos seem to know what they're doing). The family that runs Florencia is nice and I usally have a great time. I just wish the prices were like back home.

Pros: Fish tacos, Family, Drinks

Cons: Table service, price, Flautas

Posted 04/17/06

I've dined in some very fine places, and this was not one of them. I don't know where all of these other reviewers came from - maybe from S. Cali? I am not familiar with Mexican food there, so perhaps it is "authentic", but I am familiar with Mexican food from Mexico and this was nothing like it. The ingredients, especially the cheese, were sinfully low-grade and generic. The plates looked unappetizing and were incredibly scant for the price. On the up-side - the ambiance and service were nice and the margaritas were definitely good - but you'll pay for it - and most margaritas are good if you use top-shelf tequila.

1 appetizer + 2 a la carte entrées + 2 drinks = $53 (and I didn't leave full)

Posted 04/13/06

As if it wasn't enough that New York City is a great city, it has been blessed with Florencia 13. Coming from Los Angeles, California, I attended NYU and stayed in Greenwhich village this past summer (05). While there, one night I decided to take a walk. While doing so, to my amazment from afar I saw the face of a pachuco dislpayed on a red banner. I entered the establishment and I was welcomed by Lenard. I have to say that Lenard and his family are amazing people, and all those who work there as well. Now, my GOD!!! The food, was to die for. I felt as if I was back in East Los specifically. The tacos, the burritos, and the gucamole, just amazing. The drinks are great too. When you are there, ask for the Lenard Special (mixed drink), mention George from UCLA recommended it.

Pros: Food, Drinks, Owners & Workers

Cons: That it's not in LA

Posted 03/08/06

My fellow Chicanos found their way to NYC! This is the first restrant in NYC that serves great food like they do back in East L.A. The food is absolutely authentic and fresh, furthermore the drinks are delicious and one of a kind. The owners are genuine people who make you feel at home and always bring a smile to your face. THANK YOU for finally bringing the closest thing to my mothers dishes to the city!

Pros: Atmosphere, Food, Owners

Cons: Service

Posted 12/01/05