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Ánimo!
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Ánimo!
8.6
Ánimo! is a modern Mexican café in Turtle Bay that treats burritos with the same care it gives its chilaquiles and mole, using house-made tortillas and bright, chile-driven salsas. Breakfast-leaning burritos like the Burrito Sonora and barbacoa options draw a steady crowd of Midtown East office workers and locals looking for something more thoughtful than a grab-and-go wrap.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burrito Sonora (egg, cheese, chorizo, lettuce, tomato), Barbacoa Breakfast Burrito, Carne a la Tampiqueña Burrito-style plate
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Serious, from-scratch Mexican breakfast burritos in a design-forward café setting.
Who should go: Breakfast burrito obsessives who still care about coffee and atmosphere.
When to visit: Weekday mornings and early lunches before the rush builds.
What to order: Burrito Sonora, barbacoa burrito, café de olla.
Insider tip: Go early on weekends and sit by the front windows for the quickest service and best natural light.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spaces on 2nd/3rd Ave are scarce during business hours but open up slightly after 7pm. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Casual and polished; office attire, athleisure, and neat weekend wear all fit comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate — lively counter chatter and espresso-machine noise, but still workable for conversation.
Weekend wait: Light to moderate, about 10–20 minutes; dinner isn’t their peak service.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes during the office rush; often no wait before noon or after 1:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple burritos and bowls can be built vegetarian, with eggs, potatoes, beans, or rajas.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with beans, vegetables, and salsa, but confirm tortilla and sauce choices.
Gluten-free options: Partial — bowls are naturally gluten-free; tortillas are not. No dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something low-pressure and upbeat. The bright design, quick service, and quality food make it relaxed but still charming. Not ideal if you’re seeking a long, lingering dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — Ánimo! is counter-service with open seating. Arrive early on weekends for the best shot at window seats.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for ages 6+ who can handle counter-service and slightly spicy flavors. No dedicated kids’ menu, high chairs, or stroller-heavy space, but friendly staff and quick turnaround help.
Best For
Better for: High-quality breakfast burritos, house-made tortillas, and more thoughtful execution than typical fast-casual burrito chains. Strong choice for coffee-plus-burrito mornings in Midtown East.
Skip if: You want massive, fully customizable mission-style burritos, late-night service, or a long sit-down meal — nearby taquerias or larger-format Mexican restaurants fit those needs better.
Ánimo!
8.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Brunch Bliss Spots
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Polished but homey, Ánimo focuses on from-scratch Mexican breakfast and all-day plates with house-made tortillas and pan dulce. It’s a counter-service spot that delivers restaurant-level execution on chilaquiles, burritos, and tortas, making it one of Midtown East’s most compelling casual Mexican options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilaquiles Rojos or Verdes, Burrito Mañanero - Sonora Style, Al Pastor Taco
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: From-scratch Mexican breakfast and lunch with house-made tortillas and breads.
Who should go: Breakfast lovers wanting serious Mexican flavors without fuss.
When to visit: Weekday mornings or early lunch before the office crowds.
What to order: Chilaquiles verdes, Burrito Mañanero, Al Pastor tacos.
Insider tip: Grab pan dulce to-go early; the pastry case often sells out.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Midtown East; rely on nearby paid garages on 2nd/3rd Ave if driving.
Dress code: Totally casual; office attire, jeans, and athleisure all fit in.
Noise level: Generally moderate with counter-order bustle; easy for solo dining, light conversation still manageable.
Weekend wait: Not a dinner-focused spot; evenings are quiet with minimal waits.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes during peak office rush, otherwise typically no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good options—chilaquiles, bean-and-cheese items, veggie burritos, and egg dishes.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—look for bean-based plates and customize (hold cheese/crema); tortillas are house-made and vegan.
Gluten-free options: Strong coverage—corn tortillas and many breakfast plates are naturally gluten-free, but no dedicated GF prep zone.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date enjoys casual, counter-service spots—food is excellent, but it’s more practical than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Ánimo is walk-in only. Seating turns quickly; just order at the counter and sit where available.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for toddlers and older—bright space, quick service, and mild options. No dedicated kids’ menu or high chairs guaranteed.
Best For
Better for: High-quality Mexican breakfast and quick lunches with fresher, more handmade execution than most Midtown Mexican counter spots.
Skip if: You want a sit-down, linger-worthy dinner, margaritas, or a broader regional Mexican menu.
Ánimo!
8.4
Ánimo! is a compact, design-forward Mexican spot where chef Jonathan Barragán leans into scratch-made chilaquiles, handmade tortillas, and deeply flavored moles. A focused 5–7pm happy hour pushes well-built agave cocktails and a few hearty antojitos, making it one of the strongest after-work Mexican plays in Midtown East.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilaquiles Verdes, Tacos al Pastor, Vegan Birria Tacos
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Serious, from-scratch Mexican cooking with a surprisingly polished cocktail program.
Who should go: Couples and food nerds who value scratch-made Mexican cooking
When to visit: Weekday happy hour 5–7pm or early dinner reservations
What to order: Chilaquiles verdes, tacos al pastor, vegan birria tacos.
Insider tip: Grab a counter seat near the bar for the best shot at happy hour walk-ins and to watch tortillas and cocktails being made up close.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Midtown East, especially after 5pm; expect metered spots to be scarce. Nearest reliable option is a paid garage within a 2–3 minute walk.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual. Most guests come in work attire or neat weekend wear; jeans and sneakers are fine.
Noise level: Moderate during happy hour with a lively bar; still manageable for conversation at tables or the counter.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes for walk-ins due to the compact space; reservations recommended.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though seating is limited.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good options, including chilaquiles, quesadillas, and rotating vegetable-driven specials.
Vegan options: A few well-built options like the vegan birria tacos; staff can guide substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Most corn tortilla–based dishes are naturally gluten-free; no dedicated GF prep area, but the kitchen is attentive and transparent about cross-contact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's intimate, warm, and stylish without being formal. The counter seats offer a fun, interactive vibe for a casual first date, while tables give more space for conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes. Arriving right at 5pm for happy hour or before the 7pm dinner push increases your odds. The bar counter is the most reliable for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited for adults and older kids (10+). The space is small, with no stroller storage or kid-specific menu, but accommodating for families during off-peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Scratch-made chilaquiles, handmade tortillas, and a tight agave-forward cocktail program at prices below similar Midtown competitors.
Skip if: You want expansive entrée-style platters, ultra-quiet dining rooms, or a large-group–friendly spot.