El Maguey y La Tuna
Categories:
Catering Companies, Restaurants, Mexican Restaurants
Details:
Brunch, Business Dining, Cheap Eats, Food Delivery, Group Dining, Lunch Spot, Romantic Dining, Special Occasion Dining
Insiders:
Message from El Maguey y La Tuna
Happy Hour- Tues-Thurs and Sundays 4-8PM Cocktails, Sangria & Margarita Specials Since 1993, El Maguey Y La Tuna has been a family run business serving the general public a taste of traditional Mexican cuisine. For 10 years, El Maguey y La Tuna became the prime location in Williamsburg Brooklyn specializing in Regional cooking from Puebla, Mexico. In the midst of business flourishing, El Maguey Y La Tuna was temporarily shut down to an unexpected fire in the building. However, not even a fire could stop the longevity of this family run business. During the reconstruction stages, the family decided not only to rebuild but to relocate to the Lower East Side. Besides being home, the family moved El Maguey Y La Tuna to the Lower East Side because it observed a vacuum of traditional Mexican Cuisine. Years later, El Maguey Y La Tuna continues to serve residents.
Editorial by
The SceneIt takes a few minutes to get used to the lighting--the red bulbs cast a pink veil onto the red-floral vinyl tablecloths. You'll have to go through the kitchen to use the restroom, but it's all part of this diminutive restaurant's charm. Dinner feels like going to a new friend's cramped apartment--expectations are low, and you'll have a better time than you thought you would.
The Food
The menu is Mexican; authenticity depends on the dish and to some extent, on who's tasting it. Two large, shareable salads--one with grilled cactus, another with avocado and cilantro dressing--stand out. Spicy pork tacos--on corn tortillas with salsa fresca--and coctel Acapulco (shrimp cocktail) come awfully close to those found on the beaches of Mexico. Mole lovers will find a deep, thick, chocolatey version--nicely spiced and blanketing tender chicken. Carne asada and enchiladas verdes are also good choices.
Key Points
- Frozen Drinks & Happy Hour!
- Great Mexican Brunch Tues-Sun
- Reservations On Weekends
The Inside Scoop
- Catering - Catering is available for any occasion.
- When to Go - Brunch is served daily from 12pm-4pm. Choose between huevos rancheros, the "El Maguey" omelette with peppers, sausage and guacamole and assorted tortas.
- What to Drink - The restaurant now has a full bar and serves margaritas.
Latest reviews from Citysearch.
Had the best Cinco De Mayo celebration here! It was crowded, so the service was just a little slow (we thought they ran out of plates), but the staff was very friendly and accomodating. The waitresses led the entire restaurant into celebration after everyone was drunk off of their yummy sangria. We had a very good time, and the food was GREAT. Would definitely return.
Pros: Inexpensive, Good Food, Fun Atmosphere
Posted 05/08/04
I know mexican food and I've never tasted mexican as authentic as this in New York City. The waitstaff is unbelieveably helpful/kind and it's still a 'hidden gem' so they have time for special attention and even samplings and tastings of menu items you may not have thought to order.
I highly recommend this laidback restaurant with a lot of heart and character behind the idea.
Posted 05/02/04
This Mexican restaurant is the real deal!! Especially, when you have Tacos de Lengua, Mole Poblano, and Pozole. This is the place to eat at the Lower East Side. And they have Mexican Brunch everyday from 12pm-5pm.
Good place to come with a large group or a date!!
Pros: food, service, cozy
Posted 11/19/03
Unlike so many Manhattan restaurants, the wait staff at El Maguey really seems to care. Yes, the food was good, but it was the pleasant service that made this place worth going. Where there is good food, great service, and reasonable prices, a restaurant has made its mark.
Pros: Excellent Service, Reasonable Prices, Legitimate Atmosphere
Posted 11/08/03
In an invigorating neighborhood like the Lower East Side, where traditional and modern cultures become one, the emergence of El Maguey Y la Tuna is well received. The quality of authentic cuisines from Puebla has not been lost. The warmth of the tortillas in your hand as you dip into the rich mole come close to the meals served at small pueblos. The selection is diverse so that clients have a range of traditional Mexican food and the modern adaptation of it. Even with the move from Brooklyn, the Chili Rellenos and Enchiladas are still to die for. The ambiance is one that is left to the client, which is perfect for big groups. The excitement that comes from sizzling platters can be soothed by the expanded Mexican beer selection. I recommend this place for anyone who wants to go eat in Puebla but enjoys living in the LES.
Pros: Comfort food , Delicious Dark mole , Friendly Staff
Cons: no margaritas
Posted 10/13/03
The experience could have been a lot better had the service been more adequate. After waiting for quite a while, our drinks, appetizers and fajita entree were served at the same time. Fajitas were served sans tortillas or sides, so it just sat there getting cold, while we finished off the appetizer and waited for my guy's entree . Finally, I said something and they took it back to warm it up. Then his food arrived and we waited for mine. And waited and waited, until we had to say something again. When I did get it, it was only lukewarm, masking the flavor I could have gotten out of it.
I will go back, because the head waitress made a sincere effort to apologize and the food was reasonably good. But if I ever see our waitress from that night again, I'm running out the door screaming.
Pros: Food could be good
Cons: That waitress~
Posted 10/10/03
This is a great little Mexican place close to Parkside Lounge. The food is some of the most authentic Mexican I've had in NYC, and the BEST mole. Everything tastes like it just came out of mom's kitchen. The portions are huge and the prices are very cheap. Fresh corn tortillas, nice and spicey salsa, great sangria, a ton of entree options, and darn good desserts.
Pros: Authentic Mexican , Cheap, Great Service
Cons: None
Posted 09/18/03
This place just opened up on a barren stretch of Houston, and it's a welcome addition to the neighborhood. The staff is so friendly, the food is home-cooked goodness at an inexpensive price and it's right around the corner from my apartment :) Forget Clinton St - this place is THE neighborhood restaurant. Plus, they were the only place serving actual food during the blackout, so I am forever loyal.
Posted 09/03/03
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