Photo by Anthony Spicola via Google Maps
A popular Mexican restaurant where Akhtar Nawab served as Executive Chef, earning three stars from The New York Times and a James Beard Award.
Akhtar Nawab is an acclaimed chef, restaurateur, and author known for his innovative approach to Mexican cuisine and his significant contributions to the New York City dining scene. He is the owner of multiple...
Last updated: 6/30/2026, 4:50:04 AM
La Esquina is a vibrant Mexican brasserie, cantina, and taqueria known for its innovative rendition of Mexican-inspired street food. It offers an attractive interior with a lively atmosphere, often featuring salsa and merengue music. The restaurant has multiple locations across New York City, including SoHo, Midtown (the specified location), Upper East Side, and Moynihan Train Hall.
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Add yoursCustomers consistently praise the delicious food, particularly the chicken tacos, brisket tacos, mexifries, fried plantains, and coconut flan. The drinks, especially the margaritas, are also highly rated. Reviewers frequently highlight the friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable staff, as well as the amazing atmosphere and pleasant music. While portions are generally considered decent, some note they can be on the smaller side. Overall, it's seen as a highly recommended spot for its food, drinks, and ambiance.
La Esquina operates several locations throughout New York City, each offering a unique experience while maintaining the core Mexican brasserie concept. The restaurant is known for its energetic vibe and commitment to authentic, yet innovative, Mexican flavors.
The Downtown location's brasserie hours suggest that evenings are the primary time for dining, with the kitchen open until 11 pm on weekdays and later on weekends. It's ideal for dinner and late-night visits, or simply for drinks and enjoying the lively atmosphere.
