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Flores
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Flores
8.6
Design-forward Union Street spot from Back of the House (since 2016) with handmade tortillas, a dedicated Happy Hour, and tacos ranging from carnitas to pescado. Locals come for polished service, agave flights, and a lively room that still handles groups well.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Taco, Pescado Taco (fried or grilled), Chicken Tinga Taco
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Hand-pressed tortillas and a real HH menu with snack pricing.
Who should go: Cocktail crews and small-plate sharers
When to visit: Mon–Fri 3–5pm; Sundays from 3pm for extended HH
What to order: Carnitas, pescado, chicken tinga tacos
Insider tip: Standing at the bar during HH is clutch—faster drinks and quick taco refills.
Flores
8.6
Bib-forward Union Street spot for agave cocktails and polished regional Mexican, with a dedicated Happy Hour menu. Crowd-pleasing snacks and seafood pair with reliable service in a lively, design-forward room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tostadas de Atún, Queso Fundido, Carnitas Tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Serious agave program and a real Happy Hour menu with Mexican snacks.
Who should go: Cocktail lovers and small-plates sharers
When to visit: Weekdays 3–5 pm or Sundays after 3 pm
What to order: Tostadas de atún, queso fundido, carnitas tacos
Insider tip: Happy Hour also runs late on Sundays—plan a mellow end-of-week visit.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only on Union and side streets; it fills up quickly after 6pm, so rideshare is recommended on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and a nice top work fine, but many patrons lean stylish for the Union Street scene.
Noise level: Lively during Happy Hour with upbeat music and chatter; manageable for small groups but not ideal for quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seating may open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait before 1pm, modest flow mid-afternoon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetarian dishes like queso fundido, guacamole, and vegetable tacos are available.
Vegan options: Limited — about two adaptable options, including salads and modified tacos without cheese.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas and several naturally gluten-free items are offered, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the stylish bar, patio seating, and craft cocktail list make it great for a casual but impressive first date. It’s energetic but not overly loud before 6pm.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You can often grab bar or patio seats for Happy Hour walk-ins, but dinner reservations are strongly advised on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — daytime and early Happy Hour visits are fine for families, though the bar crowd dominates after 6pm. No kids’ menu provided.
Best For
Better for: A more polished Happy Hour experience than casual cantinas, with refined cocktails and upscale design.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet meal or budget-friendly tacos — this spot shines more for ambiance than value dining.
Flores
8.1
Modern Mexican brunch with agave-friendly cocktails and bold, sunny plates. The stylish Union Street space suits leisurely weekend spreads and vibrant overhead shots.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilaquiles, Huevos Rancheros, Breakfast Tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Stylish Mexican brunch with a strong agave and cocktail program.
Who should go: Brunch crews who love margs and color
When to visit: Sat–Sun 11–12 for best light and pace
What to order: Chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, breakfast tacos
Insider tip: Pitcher margaritas pair well with share-heavy brunch orders.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Union Street and nearby side streets is metered and tight after 11am; no valet service offered.
Dress code: Smart casual; brunch attire leans stylish—think jeans with a blouse or button-down.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during brunch hours; upbeat playlist and crowd chatter make it energetic but manageable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before 12:30pm; reservations recommended for groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several options including chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and veggie tacos.
Vegan options: Limited – about 2–3 modifiable options; staff can accommodate requests.
Gluten-free options: Yes – many dishes are corn-based and gluten-friendly; gluten-free tortillas available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – Flores offers a lively yet stylish setting with bright decor and cocktails that keep things fun and relaxed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible for small parties if you arrive before peak brunch hours (before 11am) or late afternoon; otherwise expect a short wait at the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat – staff are accommodating and there’s room for strollers, but the high-energy brunch scene suits older kids or family brunches more than toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Flores excels at colorful presentation, cocktail-forward brunch, and group-friendly energy compared to quieter neighborhood cafés.
Skip if: You prefer a calm, minimalist brunch or need quick service—this is a social, linger-long kind of spot.
Flores
8.6
Polished Mexican with hand-pressed tortillas, a strong agave list, and dinner that runs late on weekends. Go when you want tacos alongside shareable plates in a buzzy but conversation-friendly room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas tacos, Huitlacoche quesadilla, Carne asada tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Hand-pressed tortillas with late weekend dinner service.
Who should go: Date-night diners and small groups
When to visit: Fri–Sat 9–10:30pm for lively seating
What to order: Carnitas tacos, huitlacoche quesadilla, carne asada
Insider tip: Request extra tortillas—they’re pressed to order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Union and nearby residential blocks; can be tough after 7pm on weekends, no valet offered.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but most guests lean dressy with a dinner-out polish.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzy energy with music but still comfortable for date-night conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seating occasionally available for walk-ins.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; service starts early for neighborhood regulars.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple menu items including enchiladas verdes, roasted mushroom tacos, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize a few dishes, but options are more sides than mains.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many dishes use corn tortillas and masa; staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, great cocktails, and lively but not overwhelming energy make it ideal for a relaxed first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible early or late evening; prime dinner slots fill fast. Bar area is first-come, first-served and a solid fallback.
Is it kid-friendly? Accepts families early evening, but the scene skews adult after 8pm. No kids’ menu though staff accommodate simple requests.
Best For
Better for: Upscale ambiance and cocktail program make it stronger for dates or group dinners than casual taquerias nearby.
Skip if: You’re after quick late-night tacos or takeout—service is sit-down and pacing is unhurried.
Flores
8.6
Modern Mexican with handmade corn tortillas, polished service, and late dinner hours on Union Street. It’s the upscale option when you want strong margs, shareable plates, and a buzzy room that still works for conversation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas with handmade tortillas, Huitlacoche quesadilla, Churros
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Hand-pressed tortillas and a cocktail program served late on weekends.
Who should go: Date-night diners and small groups
When to visit: Fri–Sat 9–10:30pm for lively, late seating
What to order: Carnitas, huitlacoche quesadilla, churros
Insider tip: Request extra tortillas—they’re pressed to order and worth it.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited after 6pm on Union Street. Best to use nearby lots on Webster or Green for reliability.
Dress code: Smart casual—think jeans with a blazer or a casual dress. Most guests lean stylish but relaxed.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—buzzing energy late nights, but you can still hold a conversation at smaller tables.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seats fill fast after 8pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait before 1pm; light midweek crowd.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple dishes like huitlacoche quesadilla and veggie tacos available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items can be customized; ask staff for off-menu tweaks.
Gluten-free options: Yes—most tacos and mains are gluten-free thanks to corn tortillas and careful prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, polished service, and an energetic but not overwhelming vibe make it ideal for a lively first date with cocktails and shared plates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible before 7pm or after 9:30pm; otherwise expect a wait. Bar seating can be a good fallback for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—better for adults and teens due to late-night crowd and strong cocktail focus. Lunch hours are more relaxed for families.
Best For
Better for: Upscale late-night dining with handmade tortillas and craft cocktails—stronger ambiance and service than most Union Street Mexican spots.
Skip if: You want a quick, casual taco joint or need early dinner seating—try Tacolicious or Las Mestizas instead.
Flores
8.5
Modern sit-down Mexican on Union Street known for handmade corn tortillas, slow-cooked carnitas, and polished service. Families come for shareable plates and a lively room that still works for conversation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas with house-made tortillas, Huitlacoche quesadilla, Churros with Mexican hot chocolate
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Handmade tortillas and a Bib-Gourmand-caliber menu executed with polish.
Who should go: Families wanting elevated sit-down Mexican
When to visit: Early evening before peak Union Street rush
What to order: Carnitas, huitlacoche quesadilla, churros
Insider tip: Ask for extra tortillas—pressed to order and worth it.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Union Street and nearby residential blocks; metered until 6pm and competitive on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual—nice jeans or casual dresses fit right in; polished but not formal.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is possible at smaller tables, but weekend evenings get energetic.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–60 minutes without a reservation after 6:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically seated within 10 minutes; no reservation needed.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—ample options like roasted cauliflower tacos, mushroom quesadillas, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited—2–3 adaptable dishes if you omit cheese or crema; staff is accommodating.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn-based menu with many gluten-free items; request gluten-free chips to be safe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want energy and great cocktails over formality. It’s upbeat but not too loud—ideal for a casual, lively first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible early evening or weekday; on weekends, reservations are highly recommended. The bar and patio sometimes have walk-in availability.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are common early in the evening. High chairs available; menu includes approachable options like quesadillas and tacos.
Best For
Better for: Flores excels at blending upscale presentation with family accessibility—better cocktails, tortillas, and plating than most neighborhood Mexican spots.
Skip if: You’re looking for ultra-quiet dining or quick counter service; this is a full-service spot with a lively atmosphere.
Flores
8.4
Polished Union Street spot pairing regional Mexican plates with a serious agave program. Crowd-pleasing carnitas, chile relleno, and enchiladas meet cocktails that make it a dependable date-night or group pick.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Michoacán-Style, Chile Relleno, Enchiladas de Pollo
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Regional recipes with an expansive tequila/mezcal list.
Who should go: Cocktail-loving Mexican food fans
When to visit: Weeknights 5–6pm or after 8:30pm
What to order: Carnitas, chile relleno, enchiladas de pollo
Insider tip: Ask about agave flights to explore lesser-known producers.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—tight on Union Street after 6pm, so use nearby residential blocks or ride-share.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but most guests dress up a bit for date night or cocktails.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy to talk at smaller tables, louder at the bar and during weekend dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; the bar fills early for drinks while waiting.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick seating before 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several options including chile relleno, esquites, and seasonal salads.
Vegan options: Limited—ask about modifications; a few vegetable-based dishes can be adjusted.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many dishes naturally gluten-free; staff is knowledgeable about substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, strong cocktails, and polished service make it ideal for a relaxed but impressive first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You can try for bar seating or late-night tables, but weekend reservations are highly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids due to noise and cocktails-first vibe, though older teens are fine during early dinner hours.
Best For
Better for: Upscale cocktails and polished ambiance compared to most neighborhood Mexican spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet or budget-friendly taqueria-style experience—this leans more lively and refined.