Insider Pages Reviews for Cabrito

3 Stars: Good service, great drinks, very pricey for mexican (by JT2002)

JT2002 — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 09:00:00 GMT

We ate here on a Sat. night with four people. Our waiter was super attentive and always made sure we had drinks and was great about explaining the menu. The drinks were good but pricey..$10 for a marg. and $10-15 for a small tequila. The food was decent quality but for the price not worth it. For 1/3 of the price I've had significantly better in jersey city of all places. I like this restaurant but the prices are too high. Lupes in the city has similar food at half the price.

5 Stars: Best margs and Hot staff=nobrainer girls! (by CaraTbaby)

CaraTbaby — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:00:00 GMT

I went out last weekend with all the girls and we decided to go back to our mexican love Cabrito, as some of my co workers and I think its great. We had such a blast! Happy hour was bumping and the margs are sooooo good! The cute bartenders kept giving us these yummy not too sweet but not watered down at all shots of tequila and hibiscis or something(I might have drank just about anything they were serving:) We decided to stay for dinner as we were joined by four other friends and without a reservation on a friday night the manager was able to move tables and rearrange the room to fit all 9 of us! That doesn't happen in this city as far as I know. If you haven't been try it out, the enchiladas are delicious and awesome tacos

5 Stars: This place rocks! (by fixer6767)

fixer6767 — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:00:00 GMT

This place is awesome! The food is spot on and the drinks are very well balanced. This is one of the best mexican restaurants in NYC for sure (real mexican, not that tex mex garbage)!

5 Stars: JUST GET THE SHORT RIBS (by sillygoat23)

sillygoat23 — Fri, 01 May 2009 09:00:00 GMT

All you need to know is get a bees knees to start with some rajas then get the short ribs and all will be right with the world.

4 Stars: Great Mexican food is here! (by ploomis)

ploomis — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 09:00:00 GMT

The food is fabulous and the prices are even better. The atmosphore cozy and fun. Staff attentive and helpful. I recommend the Cabrito.if you want the best mexican food in the city, go here.

5 Stars: Honestly the best mexican food I've ever had (by livesformexican)

livesformexican — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Seriosly, I've been to mexico several times, lived in arizona, and would rather eat at Cabrito! The carnitas are deliciously tender and crispy at the same time, the Pozole is awsome (and it comes with pork ribs!) corn tortillas are Soooo fresh. Chef Dave Shutenberg ( wierd he's a gringo) is a god and handsome too! brunch rocks, dinner, rules, lunch is honestly the best time to check it out, not hard to get a table, like it can be at night. Although waiting at the huge bar and sampling awsome cocktails, and the great tequilla menu, is as much fun as diving into the house made choriso hurache! Go to this restraunt ready to have a good time and eat great food!!! No realy, go now! Right now!

3 Stars: A long wait and pricey drinks... (by monkeyfun)

monkeyfun — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:00:00 GMT

We waited close to two hours when we were initially told it would only be thirty. We also watched the bar tender thinning out the drink with soda when my drink didn't call for it: club soda really waters down a drink when the glass is already filled to the top with ice.

The food however was pretty good and fairly reasonably priced.

5 Stars: Best Mexican Restuarant in West Village (by EKM45)

EKM45 — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 09:00:00 GMT

If you are going for a drink or just to get a bite to eat, give your taste buds a treat and head over to Cabrito, in the West Village. You won't be disappointed. Great food + Great people = A great meal

5 Stars: fabulous food, great staff (by ajackley)

ajackley — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 09:00:00 GMT

The food is fresh and delicious, the margaritas are made with good tequila, fresh lime juice and little else, and the staff is fabulous. What more could you possibly want? Go before it's too busy to get in.

5 Stars: AWESOME!!! Must check this place out... (by NYCfloyd)

NYCfloyd — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Awesome drinks, very cool bartenders and the steak taco's are simply the best. We came in on a Saturday night and had a great experience. I am telling all my friends about this place and probably going back tonight!

5 Stars: great staff! yummy food (by mladerri)

mladerri — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 09:00:00 GMT

i live in Maryland, but frequent NY often. One place i must go everytime is Cabrito. The food is amazing. I'm from California originally and I can never find good guacamole on the east coast, but Cabrito's guac is yummy and just like home. Besides the food being great, the staff makes it worthwhile to stop by. They welcome everyone with a smile. Sit at the bar and chat with the friendly Denson. He'll also make you a fierce margarita! Be careful, they come with a hidden kick in the pants. See you guys soon!

5 Stars: This place just started brunch...It rocks!! (by JTB35)

JTB35 — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:00:00 GMT

My girlfriend and I live in the neighborhood and have been waiting for Cabrito to start doing brunch. Finally, they started this week and it was awesome! The menu has about 10-12 choices for $12 per person and you can add on 3 brunch drinks for an additional $9!! We werent planning on drinking but at that price how could we say no? The bloody mary was amazing...nice and spicy. As far as food we had french toast that was crusted with corn flakes & canela, a spicy mexican eggs benedict on brioche, and best of all bisquits & gravy with chorizo...All around the meal was awesome. I highly recommend Cabrito.

5 Stars: Try the Carnitas!!! (by JoJoApplles)

JoJoApplles — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:00:00 GMT

The Carnitas are awesome! I dont know how they get them so crispy and juicy at the same time! They came with home made tortillas which were amazing as well as some green salsa and crema. We also did a flight of reposado tequilas, most i've never heard of (they have about 50 types), but they were really tasty. Def check this place out!

5 Stars: This place just started brunch...It rocks!! (by jtb5)

jtb5 — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 09:00:00 GMT

4 Stars: Really good food, but a great experience! (by chrisdunning)

chrisdunning — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:00:00 GMT

I was coming home from work (7th ave west village) and passed this mexican place. My coworkers and I stopped in for their happy hour and had a blast. The margaritas were all fresh juices, the steak tacos were outstanding perfect seasoning and cooked med rare, but the kicker was the service. When we arrived we were greeted by the bartenders welcoming, "make yourselves comfy anywhere like." We ordered our drinks and, on the house, the manager let me try a different little more expensive tequila in my margarita. I think it was reposado something but it was truly the best margarita I've ever had! The bartender then told me all about what I was drinking and where it was from in mexico, and before I knew it my three coworkers had finished their beers and ordered a pitcher with the same recommended tequila. We stayed for about three hours and had a really good time. We will be back at least once a week after a night like that!

4 Stars: Best fish Tacos this side of the Mississippi!!!!! (by slikrik024)

slikrik024 — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 09:00:00 GMT

I am from Sacramento and just moved to the west village where everything is pricey and to me over rated. I heard about this place from some friends and decided to give it a try, I am soooooo happy I did. I just ordered a few fish tacos because when done well they are my favorite, and they were perfect. Not to battered, not fishy at all, really just nice and refreshing. I haven't had fish tacos this good even in Cali! (my friends in CA will never beleive me!) I finished and sat at the bar for awhile trying to meet some new people and ended up being there till close. The bartender basicly broke down the science of tequila to me and helped me fill alot of gaps and falsehood I had about the liquor. All in all a fun spot that the owners and chef should be really proud of

5 Stars: Why go out after dinner with a place like this... (by ben2312)

ben2312 — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 09:00:00 GMT

First I must say how nice the staff was to me and my girlfriend...I don't know much about mexican food and was literally guided through the menu by our waiter...most of the things I couldn't pronounce (pizzoli & pollo barbacowa) were amazing and I never would have tried them if I wasn't helped...the drinks were good and strong, unlike most places around town, and our dred headed waiter even bought us a round of shots (does anyone even do that anymore?)Then this is the craziest part... when we were done we could see that there was alot of people waiting to sit and eat, but the staff didn't make us feel like we had to get up at all, in fact they bought us churros instead...my girl loves dark chocolate and these little fried dough things sealed it for her...we will definitly be back soon with our friends

5 Stars: An excellent trip (by InFromChicago)

InFromChicago — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Last night 4 of us headed down to Cabrito to grab dinner for my birthday per the recommendation of a friend. We had a reservation at 9, showed up a bit late and the general manager (Jessie) still sat us down within only a few minutes even though the place was totally packed. The general manager then gave us a free round of tequila on the house, and it wasn't Cuervo :)! We also had excellent wait staff who allowed us to jam an extra chair into our table for a 5th person once they arrived.

The food was excellent all around.
The service was quick and incredibly friendly.
The prices were strikingly low compared to what I've seen around New York.
It was easy to find and had a great atmosphere.

5 stars all the day. Go get yourself some Chorizo tacs :).
The only thing I'd say to stay away from was the Guac, I just wasn't a fan.

5 Stars: Cabrito is a great additon to Carmine St!! (by Dell34)

Dell34 — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 09:00:00 GMT

I live one block away and go to Cabrito 2-3 times a week. Finally this area has a good mexican restaurant thats actually authentic and doesnt serve red and blue tortilla chips! I have had most things on then menu and products seem to be very high quality and the flavors are bold and delicous. If your looking for somthing refreshing to wash it all down go with the margarita...its awesome! It does get pretty busy on the weekends so make reservations or just stroll in during the week.

5 Stars: Great Tasting Food - especially the carnitas (by cruiser07)

cruiser07 — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:00:00 GMT

On a recent visit to NY I dined at Cabrito with family members. Not being too venturesome with unfamiliar foods, I settled on a fish taco and a margarita with the chef's recommended brand of tequila. Both were excellent, but it was not until I started sampling my companions' orders - carnitas, cabrito, and pork huarache that I really understood what the hoopla on Cabrito is about. Though I've eaten Mexican food for years, this was the first time I could taste the distinct flavors of the delicious fresh ingredients used, especially in the sauces. What a difference from the mass market Mexican at home! I instantly fell in love with the crunchy crusted carnitas and will be back for more the next time I'm in town.

4 Stars: Great place to hang! (by Foodie50)

Foodie50 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Awesome margaritas! Bartenders make great recommendations. Just tried the new spare rib special! One of the best mexican dishes ever! Not sure why but, been there many times and place always filled of hot women...

5 Stars: Try the Carnitas!!! (by JoJoApples)

JoJoApples — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 09:00:00 GMT

5 Stars: Best date spot... (by FreddyBones)

FreddyBones — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Came to cabrito with a date on saturday night and had a great time! The music was up beat, the staff was very helpful and the the food was amazing. We ordered a bunch of food to share...some things that stood out where the jalapeno rellenos, frijoles purecos and the pork belly tacos! Besides the food the margaritas were amazing. They use all fresh juice's and you can really taste the difference! I highly recommend Cabrito!

5 Stars: Amazing!!! (by SoYummyInMyTummy)

SoYummyInMyTummy — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 09:00:00 GMT

After many years looking for the perfect Mexican restaurant, at last! I am in love. I have been to fancy places in the city, been to the semi-scary places everywhere, been to the taco ladies in Jackson Heights but none of them made my soul happy. My search is over. Cabrito is the perfect mix! Everything I ever wanted in a Mexican Restaurant. Amazing food, service, music, location and booze. I go for Bourbon, tooo many chips with the homemade salsa's and slow cooked items (goat, green chili, ect.). See you there!

5 Stars: Great vibe, amazing drinks, authentic food.... (by NikiEyeBrow)

NikiEyeBrow — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 09:00:00 GMT

This place is the real deal! I stopped by with some friends last week not knowing what to expect and we were all amazed! My family used to take a trip to a different part of mexico every year and this brought back some memories. The chorizo huarache was spot on, the enchiladas were amazing and the tacos were some of the best ive ever had. Besides the classic mexican fare there was also a pork belly taco that was insanely good...it was so different than anything i have ever had, yet so delicious. I highly recommend this place for any one looking for serious food in a fun environment....

4 Stars: Solid Mexican Eats AND great cocktails? Please... (by toreupfromthefloorup)

toreupfromthefloorup — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Went to check out Cabrito last week. Reviews have been good, some user feedback had been mixed, but I figured what the hell. Glad I went. Staff was great. Sat at the bar and had some great cocktails, all recommended by my bartender. Cant remember names, but had a watermelon mezcal something, and a chile infused rum something. All well poured, and delicious. Ordered some tacos. Tongue was delicious. They had a special of pork belly as well. Some spicy glazed thick cut belly with a fresh apple salad on top. I wouldnt call it standard mexican fare, but it was hella good. Interesting music mix ranging from hipsterish to electronic, to classic rock to hip hop. Kept me entertained. ANyhow, I ended up hammered on delicious drinks and dont remember much else of what I ate, though I remember enjoying myself immensely. I will most definitely be back.

5 Stars: Best Enchiladas in NYC!!!! (by MrMcMuffin)

MrMcMuffin — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Cabrito has the best cheese enchiladas in the city! They are so simple and delicious. They are served with queso chihuahua cheese and a red chili sauce that is perfectly balanced. I am a huge meat fan and i order the cheese enchiladas almost every time i go. If you go going during lunch/brunch they will put two over easy eggs and carnitas on top of the enchiladas. This might possibly be the best hang over dish you can get! Get to Cabrito and check it out!!!

5 Stars: Best Margaritas in NYC...Guava, Watermelon or Hibiscus! (by Dunzo50)

Dunzo50 — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 09:00:00 GMT

I am very picky about my margaritas. Typically all flavored margaritas are way to sweet and are usually made with packaged juice. Not at Cabrito....All there juices are fresh squeezed and it defineatly makes a difference! To top it off they have about 50 types of tequila to choose from! I highly recommend this place to any one looking for great drinks and awesome mexican food! FYI - sit at the bar.

4 Stars: Carnitas+Tequila=One Hell of a Good Time (by mayorgreen)

mayorgreen — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Being from out west, I'm pretty hard pressed to find good Mexican food here in NYC. At Cabrito, I've found at least part of what I've been so desperately seeking. At the top of my list are the delectable carnitas. They're just plain perfect, I don't know what else to say. Eat them, you won't be disappointed, I promise. Next up is the extremely impressive tequila selection behind the bar. Not the place to go for shots with your buddies, but definitely a destination for the tequila connoisseur (or just plain old drunk with taste).

The only thing on the menu I had a problem with was the cheese enchiladas, the most basic staple, and the focus of my continuing quest. While they were, indeed, extremely delicious, the price is simply not justifiable. At $15, the plate comes out sans rice and/or beans, and honestly looks a little...pinche (there's really no other word). They're served, essentially, a la carte, though they're priced as an entree. Like I said, delicious, but a little overpriced.

Overall, a great eat. Go there, enjoy yourself, and the lovely, friendly staff. This place is for fun and friends. Great for hanging, nuff said.

5 Stars: Get there! but only if you want amazing food. (by DenavaNYC)

DenavaNYC — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Originally from the southwest and having a Mexican mom makes me a pretty tough audience and I LOVE this place. When I am looking for a place to eat out it needs to have good/fun atmosphere, waist staff, value and amazing food. A great cocktail doesn't hurt. It's NYC there are plenty of places to choose from and I am a regular here. I can have a dinner with my husband, groups of friends and even my toddler here and always have a great time. See you there!!

5 Stars: Best Carnitas in NYC!!! (by Joey678)

Joey678 — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:00:00 GMT

I have had carnitas at every good mexican spot in NYC. I am a huge pork fan and i can always tell when its done right. At Cabrito they are served with home made tortillas, crema, onion, cilantro, and some type of green salsa. The meat is slow cooked and then quick seared on the grill. The end product is juicy, fatty pork with an amazing crisp crust around the outside. The flavor is unreal! I def recommend trying the carnitas, and get a sandia to wash it ll down!

5 Stars: A shot of life with a side of sangrita! (by BigAmiller)

BigAmiller — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:00:00 GMT

I went to Cabrito and was wowed by the extensive tequila selection. The bartender guided me though the night with a few of his favorites tequilas and they did not disappoint. The tequilas also came with a very yummy sangrita shot on the side. First I tried the jalapeno rellenos . It is a spicy yet savory dish that I washed down with a refreshing shot of horchata. After that I had the carnitas which the bartender also recommended and he was spot on. Each bite was packed with flavor. I was very impressed with the food, service and atmosphere and will defiantly be back there soon!

5 Stars: seasonal and local product driven mexican...and great drinks! (by dinnerhuey)

dinnerhuey — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 09:00:00 GMT

I live in downtown manhattan and when I first read about Cabrito in New York MAgazine's Goat article I was very intrigued. So, I paid a visit and it was immediately apparent that this was not you average mexican joint. The place is comfortable, layered with handmade mexican tile and great rock and roll music! The servers explained the provenance of much of the meats...goat from a small family farm in vermont, heritage pork, housemade tortillas...wow, I thought, not the run-of-the mill stuff. The a I tried a Sandia...a mix of mezcal, campari and watermelon juice (fresh juice!) and I my lips began to water. Slow roasted goat, 15 hour cooked carnitas and a pork belly taco with jicama tamarind slaw and I was convinced that this is the best mexican join in NYC, no doubt. Fresh, friendly, no pretentions and real high quality product...and the prices are low to moderate...this is the kind of forward thinking, new generation of ethnic restaurants our city needs...keep it going guys...we love you!

5 Stars: Much Needed Quality Mexican (by cochon)

cochon — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:00:00 GMT

In a town where quality mexican food seems hard to find Cabrito is a great addition. The food is consistently delicious and service friendly and down to earth. I've eaten here several times and have never been disappointed. The homemade tortillas are not to be missed and the cocktail menu is definitely worth checking out as well. The one caveat would be cost, if you are looking for cheap mexican food then Cabrito is not for you. However, if you are willing to pay a little more for super fresh, high quality food give it a try!

5 Stars: Sooooooo Goooooood!!!! (by brklynsteph)

brklynsteph — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 09:00:00 GMT

I've been to Cabrito countless times & have not been dissapointed at all. The tacos (and everything else on the menu) are great, the drinks are strong (and fun, try the Sandito) & the service is dead on!
They can accomodate large groups at a table in the back - i went to a friends birthday dinner there & had so much fun. Highly Recommended!!

5 Stars: great neighborhood restaurant (by lolquint)

lolquint — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Growing up in Phoenix and traveling to Mexico as well as the surrounding states left me with quite a love of Mexican food. When we go to New York, Mexican food is not something we go out of our way to look for. Cabrito is like the Cantina we would visit at Rocky Point in Sonora, comfortable, welcoming, great Margaritas and boisterous. The dishes are very tasty and well thought out, not your typical cheese enchilada, more authentic and savory. I would eat here on a regular basis should I live here.

4 Stars: Pleasantly surprised! (by flurdelsol)

flurdelsol — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:00:00 GMT

I've been searching for YEARS for some good "authentic" Mexican food in the city and alas...my search is over! The food is off the hook, my favorite was the Quelites Con Frijoles...gotta try the guac and chips (chips are homemade!) and the Carnitas...freakin' delicious. The music rocks, the staff is pretty attentive, not to mention easy on the eyes and the margaritas have a subtle kick that creeps up on you. A VERY pleasant surprise, would definitely go back.

5 Stars: I LOVE this place. (by SarahMaeCampbell)

SarahMaeCampbell — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:00:00 GMT

I LOVE this place. This is such a great break from the ordinary upset of "mexican" food you find anywhere else in the city. The food is so fresh and flavorful, seasoned so perfectly and cooked so well, if I lived on Carmine I would be there every night. The goat is the signature which I have had 2x and it was amazing each time. The fish tacos are great and the tortillas are made fresh (I asked the waiter). I have been to Mexico quite a bit in my time and the flavors here are the real deal. Try the inventive drinks too, the Dark and Stormy is simply perfect and the Sandia is so refreshing and great. I could go on about this place. The staff is very friendly and informative. It has been great for me with a date and also with a few of my girlfriends.

5 Stars: Best Authentic Mexican in Manhattan!!!! (by jesse2525)

jesse2525 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 09:00:00 GMT

This place is one of the best mexican restaurants/bars in Manhattan. First off, I love Carmine st and that whole area where it meets bedford. There are a lot of great places to eat and Cabrito is a great additon to the neighborhood! The cocktails where amazing (try the bees Knees) and the bartender reccomended an amazing sipping tequila which we chased with home made sangrita. The food was great...the Carnitas are a must have!! They were so juicy and full of flavor. The ceviches where both amazing and the tacos where fairly well sized and full of flavor. I have been there 4 times since they opened and have never been disappointed...

5 Stars: by fare the best mexican food in the city! (by adhesive)

adhesive — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:00:00 GMT

i love this place! I really could eat there everyday! i have never eaten at a mexican restaurant that uses such quality product you really can tell. i think they even make their own tortillas they are amazing. margaritas made fresh squeezed lime juice really what else could you want. just really blown away i could bath in the carnitas. i live a round the corner and will be renewing my lease based solely on Cabrito. Ok so i love mexican food and Cabrito has the best. thanks for opening guys look forward to my next vistit

5 Stars: Good Food Good Fun (by allipick)

allipick — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 09:00:00 GMT

I walked in the place and immediately liked it - good laid-back vibe. 1 fish taco, some carnitas and an ice cold can of Tecate (lime juice drizzled on top) later I was plotting my next meal there. Granted, my standards are Mexican are low in NYC, but I've eaten here twice and left very content both times. Service was great and the food was simple and tasty. My only wish is that every dish had a couple less dashes of salt and a couple less dollars in price. Despite that, I'm a big fan. Highly Recommended.

1 Stars: Overpromised and underdelivered (by Haus25)

Haus25 — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 09:00:00 GMT

I was very excited when I heard this place was opening and even more excited when I read about the chef. I consider myself a lover of Mexican food and have eaten it all over the country and more importantly in Mexico. Generally I am suspicious of any Mexican place that falls on the higher end, but the way Cabrito was positioned pre-open it seemed like authenticity was primary. Authentic or not the food was simply boring and incomplete. The guac and chips were a weak attempt. The guac was over blended and had already begun to oxidize so it must have been made much earlier in the night. The chips it was served with were particularly disappointing as they were almost all crushed. For my entree I had the cabrito. I am a fan of goat and given the fact that it is not that common, I jumped at the opportunity to try Cabrito's effort. It was served to me as "The House Cabrito". The piece of goat I was served was flavorless, greasy and covered with chunks of fat. The only redeeming part of the meat was that while it was not butchered properly it was cooked very well and had a nice slow cooked consistency. The so called "House Cabrito" was served with 3 tortillas, salsa boracha and sour cream. The tortillas seemed more like the kind you would buy in the grocery store even though they are claimed as "House Made". The salsa boracha was too sweet and didn't really add much. A total disappointment that was made worse by the fact that it is supposed to be their specialty. They have El Yucateco hot sauce so that is a plus. The service was mediocre. While our waiter was friendly, we were poorly attended. This could be due to the poor and inconvenient layout of the tables. Finally, it was overpriced. For $23 the "House Cabrito" should have not only been tremendous but high quality-something special. I would like to retry this place a few months from now because I would really like it to be good. Overall, it seems that Cabrito's effort is incomplete and needs some development.

1 Stars: dissapointing (by girl42)

girl42 — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 09:00:00 GMT

I was really looking forward to our dinner here and I am sad to say I was totally disappointed. It was pricey and not very good. My guac was bland and it went down hill from there. To top it off the staff was inattentive and left me feeling like an unwanted house guest. With so many great restaurants around don't waste your time or money on this one.