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Ofrenda
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Ofrenda
8.3
Since 2010, Ofrenda has served polished Mexican plates and tequila-heavy cocktails in a narrow, candlelit room just off Sheridan Square. Locals lean on it for happy hour margs, guacamole, and late-night tacos with a West Village crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ofrenda Guacamole, Smoky Jalapeño Margarita, Shrimp Tacos
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Long-running tequila cantina with serious margaritas and late hours.
Who should go: Cocktail lovers and small groups starting a West Village night.
When to visit: Weekday happy hour for value, weekends for buzz.
What to order: Ofrenda Guacamole, Shrimp Tacos, Smoky Jalapeño Margarita.
Insider tip: Ask for patio seating in good weather; it changes the feel.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in the West Village; expect to circle. Nearest paid garages are within a 3–5 minute walk.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual. Jeans and a nice top fit in; many guests lean slightly dressy at night.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively, especially during happy hour and weekend evenings. Conversation is doable but not hushed.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, depending on party size and weather.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; early evenings may see a short queue during happy hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veg-friendly options like guacamole, vegetable tacos, salads, and sides.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be made vegan with modifications; confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Several GF-friendly dishes (tacos on corn tortillas, mains), but no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The candlelit room, strong cocktails, and upbeat but not overwhelming noise level make it a solid pick for a casual, fun first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, especially on weekdays. On weekends, walk-ins are possible but expect a wait; bar seats usually turn faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids during earlier hours, but the bar-forward vibe and lively crowd skew adult-oriented after 7pm.
Best For
Better for: Reliable margaritas, upbeat social energy, and approachable Mexican plates in a central West Village setting.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, highly traditional regional Mexican cooking, or strict gluten-free or vegan accommodations.
Ofrenda
8.3
Opened in 2009, Ofrenda is a cozy West Village Mexican cocina and tequila bar where daily 4–7pm happy hour drives heavy sidewalk and bar traffic. Strong review volume, press attention, and a serious mezcal program make it a go-to for discounted margaritas and focused snacks rather than full-on banquet plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoky Jalapeño Margarita with Herradura tequila, Tacos de Pescado (Baja-style fish tacos), Queso fundido with warm tortillas
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 6.6
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A mezcal-focused West Village Mexican bar where daily happy hour margaritas and small plates dominate the draw.
Who should go: Couples and friends prioritizing cocktails and bar snacks.
When to visit: Daily 4–7pm happy hour before the sidewalk fills.
What to order: Smoky Jalapeño Margarita, fish tacos, queso fundido.
Insider tip: Opt for an outdoor two-top facing 7th Avenue if you want people-watching without deafening bar noise.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive after 5pm; rely on nearby paid garages along 7th Avenue or on W 12th Street.
Dress code: Smart casual with a slight lean dressy; elevated tops, boots, and date-night denim all fit the crowd.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud during happy hour; conversation is possible at outdoor tables but tougher inside the bar area.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes for walk-ins during peak happy hour overlap; bar seats turn faster.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — Ofrenda is primarily an afternoon/evening operation with no typical lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetarian small plates and tacos, though not a fully dedicated menu.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 adaptable items; cocktails are fully accessible.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes can be made gluten-free (corn tortillas, guac, ceviche), but no dedicated prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — dim lighting, strong cocktails, and intimate two-tops make it a solid first-date pick, especially outdoors where noise drops.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for small parties before 6pm, but expect a wait during the 4–7pm happy hour rush. Outdoor tables fill fastest.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — it’s cocktail-forward with limited space and louder bar energy. Best for adults and teens, not young children.
Best For
Better for: Stronger mezcal and margarita program than most happy hour spots in the area, plus a cozier date-night atmosphere.
Skip if: If you want large entrée portions, quiet dining, or a family-friendly setup — nearby sit-down Mexican spots are better fits.
Ofrenda
8.2
Since 2010, Jorge Guzman’s Ofrenda has been a tequila-forward West Village standby where daily 4–7pm happy hour fuels sidewalk seating with margaritas and tacos. It’s more about strong drinks and snackable plates than long, lingering dinners, especially when discounted pastor and shrimp tacos hit the bar menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
3 pastor tacos (happy hour), Smoky jalapeño margarita, Queso fundido with tortillas
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A tequila-focused Mexican bar where daily happy hour tacos and margaritas spill onto 7th Avenue sidewalk tables.
Who should go: Friends chasing strong margs and shareable tacos.
When to visit: Daily 4–7pm before the sidewalk and bar pack up.
What to order: Pastor tacos, shrimp tacos, smoky jalapeño margarita.
Insider tip: Happy hour deals apply at the bar first—grab stools there if sidewalk tables are on a wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and metered along 7th Avenue; expect difficulty after 5pm. Best bet is nearby garages on Perry St. or Charles St.
Dress code: Casual but polished—jeans and a nice top fit in, especially for happy hour crowds.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak happy hour; conversation is doable indoors but tougher at sidewalk tables.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes for outdoor tables; bar seats turn faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though lunch service is lighter than evenings.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—vegetarian tacos and small plates are regularly available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items can be made vegan, but the menu is not primarily plant-based.
Gluten-free options: Several gluten-free taco options; corn tortillas are standard, but cross-contamination is possible due to shared prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—margaritas, warm lighting, and buzzy sidewalk seating create a lively but intimate vibe. Go early in happy hour for clearer conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially at the bar or sidewalk tables before 6pm. After 6:30pm, expect a short wait unless you head straight for bar stools.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—daytime and early evenings work for families, but the tequila-forward bar scene is more adult-focused after 6pm.
Best For
Better for: Stronger margaritas and one of the most reliable daily happy hours in the West Village, plus prime sidewalk seating for people-watching.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal or a full entrée-focused dinner—this is more of a drinks-and-tacos hangout than a long sit-down feast.