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Cinco de Mayo (Kips Bay)
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Cinco de Mayo (Kips Bay)
8.2
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Cinco De Mayo Authentic Mexican Cuisine runs a tight, casual spot on East 31st that doubles as both a neighborhood restaurant and a busy catering hub. People lean on it for enchilada platters, grilled chicken salads, and big trays that feed entire offices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cinco de Mayo Plate, Enchiladas, Grilled Chicken Guacamole Salad
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: High-volume neighborhood Mexican spot known for feeding offices and families with hearty platters.
Who should go: Office crews and families craving hearty, familiar Mexican combo plates.
When to visit: Weekday lunches, casual dinners, and group-friendly office catering nights.
What to order: Cinco de Mayo Plate, enchiladas trio, grilled chicken guacamole salad.
Insider tip: For groups, order the taquiza or platter-style catering so everyone can build their own plate.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spaces on nearby avenues with very limited availability after 6pm. Most locals walk or take a short rideshare.
Dress code: Very casual — jeans, sneakers, and workday attire all fit in easily.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — easy to talk at lunch, louder during peak dinner and pickup rush.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes, even during busy office lunch waves
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie enchiladas, bean-and-cheese plates, salads, and rice-and-beans combos.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with bean, rice, veggie fajita builds and no cheese or sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas, grilled meats, rice, beans, and salads work well for gluten-sensitive guests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want very casual and low-pressure — this is more neighborhood comfort than romantic atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially at lunch and early dinner; later evenings may involve a short wait but turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — simple combo plates, mild flavors available, and space that works well for families and strollers.
Best For
Better for: Big portions, fast service, dependable flavor, and feeding groups affordably — especially for office catering.
Skip if: You’re looking for trendy tacos, craft cocktails, or an elevated date-night dining experience.
Cinco de Mayo (Kips Bay)
8.2
Cinco de Mayo on East 31st Street functions as a Kips Bay workhorse for tacos, burritos, and bowls with plenty of lean and vegetarian options. It leans more toward counter-service and delivery than dining-in, but the food is fresh, customizable, and priced for weekday repeat visits.
Must-Try Dishes:
California Burrito, Burrito Bowl, Taco Salad
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Everyday-priced tacos, wraps, and bowls with lots of lighter options.
Who should go: Budget-conscious diners wanting fast, customizable Mexican meals.
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner before peak delivery windows hit.
What to order: California Burrito, Burrito Bowl with your protein, taco salad.
Insider tip: Use their direct-ordering platform for the best control over customizations.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited metered spots during the day and very difficult after 6pm. Garages are available within 2–3 blocks.
Dress code: Very casual — streetwear, workout clothes, and office casual all fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate — mostly counter traffic and delivery pickups, easy to converse.
Weekend wait: 10–20 min during peak delivery hours, shorter for pickup orders
Weekday lunch: 5–15 min during the noon rush, otherwise minimal wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie burritos, bowls, salads, rice and bean combos, and customizable tacos.
Vegan options: Yes — possible with rice, beans, veggies, guacamole, and plant-based toppings (avoid dairy sauces).
Gluten-free options: Yes — rice bowls, salads, and corn tortilla tacos are gluten-free; cross-contact possible in shared prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a romantic first date — it’s counter-service and fast-paced — but great for a casual get-to-know-you lunch or post-gym bite.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there’s no reservation system and seating is first-come, first-served, though most people order for takeout or delivery.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple menu, quick service, and mild-flavor options make it easy for kids, though there’s no dedicated kids menu or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable, highly customizable Mexican-style meals with lighter and healthier builds than most taco counters nearby.
Skip if: You want a full sit-down Mexican dining experience, craft margaritas, or a lively social atmosphere.