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Comal
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Comal
8.6
Comal channels contemporary Mexico City into a compact Lower East Side dining room with art-lined walls and a focused, shareable menu. A Michelin-recognized kitchen turns out precise small plates and larger dishes built around chiles, masa, and seafood, paired with a tight wine list and cocktails that reward lingering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Potato Mil Hojas with Spot Prawn, Crab Tostada with Eggplant, Mussel with Corn Custard
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Modern Mexican plates with serious technique in a gallery-like room.
Who should go: Groups sharing inventive Mexican plates with strong cocktails.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours, especially weekends with full energy.
What to order: Potato Mil Hojas, crab tostada, soft serve for dessert.
Insider tip: Order broadly and share; portions are designed for the table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in this part of Chinatown/LES; expect difficulty after 6pm. No valet. Best bet is nearby garages on Ludlow or Essex.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished — elevated denim is fine, but most guests opt for dressy tops, button-downs, or chic night-out outfits.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; conversations are doable at two-tops but group tables get energetic during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for walk-ins depending on party size; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — Comal is primarily a dinner-focused restaurant.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Multiple strong options built around masa, vegetables, and chiles; several small plates can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited but possible — a couple plates can be modified; ask staff for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Very good for gluten-free diners due to masa-based dishes; many items are naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate room, shareable plates, and polished cocktails create an elevated but comfortable vibe ideal for a date with built-in conversation points.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible early or late in the evening, but peak hours fill quickly. Walk-ins should expect a wait or counter seating depending on the night.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — the space is tight, the crowd is adult-leaning, and the menu skews sophisticated. Older teens who enjoy adventurous dining will fare best.
Best For
Better for: Refined, Mexico City–inspired plates with precise technique and a more intimate, art-forward atmosphere than many downtown modern Mexican spots.
Skip if: You want large portions, casual taqueria pricing, or a quiet room — the experience here leans elevated, curated, and social.
Comal
8.7
Comal is a Mexico City–influenced restaurant from chef Gaz Herbert, turning the former Gem Wine space into a moody room for modern Mexican plates and serious cocktails. Recent press praises dishes like lengua al pastor and mussels with corn custard, making it a downtown choice for small celebratory dinners and chef-driven date nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lengua al pastor, Mussels with corn custard, Crispy sweetbreads with pineapple and tortilla
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Mexico City–inspired plates and cocktails in an intimate, design-forward space.
Who should go: Modern Mexican fans celebrating with a small group.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours, especially weekend evenings.
What to order: Lengua al pastor, mussels with corn custard, crispy sweetbreads.
Insider tip: Plan a later seating if you want the room at full, lively energy.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Norfolk and Rivington; expect metered spots to be scarce after 6pm. No valet service. Rideshare drop-off is the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy. Dark denim is fine, but most diners opt for elevated attire suitable for date nights and small celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. You can hold a conversation at a two-top, but the energy rises significantly during peak weekend hours.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–75 minutes without a reservation; bar seats sometimes open faster for parties of two.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; early weekday dinners typically have short or no wait if you're flexible on seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable-forward small plates and sides are naturally vegetarian, though the menu leans protein-heavy overall.
Vegan options: Limited — typically 1–2 dishes can be made vegan, but the kitchen does not specialize in fully plant-based preparations.
Gluten-free options: Strong — many dishes are masa-based or naturally gluten-free; staff is knowledgeable about modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The moody lighting, polished service, and shareable plates create an intimate, upscale atmosphere ideal for a first date that feels intentional but not overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly. Walk-ins for two have the best chance, particularly earlier in the evening or later after 9pm. Groups should reserve in advance due to the restaurant’s compact layout.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The room skews adult, with dim lighting and a cocktail-focused experience. Best for teens and up; no kids’ menu or stroller-friendly space.
Best For
Better for: Polished, modern Mexican plates with high-end execution and a moodier, more intimate setting than larger neighborhood Mexican spots. Ideal for celebrations that want both creativity and ambiance.
Skip if: You want casual tacos, large portions, or a quiet dining room. Also skip if your group includes picky eaters or strict vegans who need more extensive plant-based options.