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Móle Mexican Bar & Grill
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Móle Mexican Bar & Grill
7.6
A neighborhood Tex-Mex fixture with roots dating back to the early ’90s, Mole West Village focuses on crowd-pleasers: brisket tacos, mole enchiladas, and tableside guacamole backed by a deep tequila list. It’s more about generous plates and casual comfort than precision cooking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mole Enchiladas, Brisket Tacos, Tableside Guacamole
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 6.2
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Long-running Tex-Mex spot with big portions and tableside guac.
Who should go: Groups wanting easy Tex-Mex and strong margaritas.
When to visit: Early evening for families, later for drinks and crowds.
What to order: Mole Enchiladas, Brisket Tacos, Tableside Guacamole.
Insider tip: Request a terrace table on warm nights for a quieter meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; typically tight in the West Village, especially after 6pm. Expect to circle for 10–15 minutes or use a nearby paid garage on Hudson or 7th Ave.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual. Jeans and relaxed attire are standard; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially during peak dinner and happy hour. Conversation is doable but not quiet.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer during warm-weather patio season.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk-ins are common.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — tacos, enchiladas, salads, and sides can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited but doable — a few items can be modified, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Several GF-friendly items and corn-based dishes, though no dedicated GF kitchen area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Decent for casual dates, especially if you want margaritas and a relaxed vibe. Not ideal for intimate or quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, particularly on weekdays or earlier in the evening. For prime weekend slots or outdoor seating, expect a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — family-friendly in the early evening with approachable dishes and a laid-back setting. No dedicated kids’ menu, but portions work well for sharing.
Best For
Better for: Large portions, crowd-pleasing Tex-Mex, energetic happy hour drinks, and outdoor seating compared to more refined Mexican spots nearby.
Skip if: You’re seeking regional Mexican cooking, quiet dining, or chef-driven refinement — alternatives like more upscale or traditional Mexican restaurants will fit better.
Móle Mexican Bar & Grill
8.4
Dating back to the early 1990s, Móle’s Jane Street location is a sit-down Mexican bar and grill that leans on big portions, classic plates, and an agave-heavy bar program. With strong multi-platform review volume and a dedicated happy hour, it functions as the reliable, slightly quieter alternative to the 7th Avenue party spots.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tableside guacamole with warm chips, Steak or chicken fajitas served sizzling, Shrimp tacos with house salsas
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 6.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A long-running Jane Street Mexican spot where generous plates and margaritas anchor a dependable happy hour.
Who should go: Small groups wanting sit-down Mexican with solid drinks.
When to visit: Weeknights during happy hour for easier seating and deals.
What to order: Tableside guacamole, shrimp tacos, sizzling fajitas with margaritas.
Insider tip: Ask for bar seating during happy hour—service is quicker and portions often feel more generous.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Jane Street; expect tight availability after 6pm. Nearest paid garage is on Hudson Street, a 5–7 minute walk.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and sweaters are common, but many diners dress slightly elevated for evening margaritas.
Noise level: Moderate—lively during happy hour but still workable for conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes for small groups; longer for parties of 4+. Bar seating often opens faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; immediate seating is common.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple options including enchiladas, quesadillas, salads, and veggie tacos.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 dishes can be made vegan, and some sides work, but customization may be required.
Gluten-free options: Several gluten-free items available; corn tortillas are an option, though no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's warm, slightly quieter than nearby party spots, and the margaritas plus tableside guac create built-in interaction without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weeknights or early evenings. Weekends fill up quickly; bar seating is the fastest path to walk-in dining.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably—early evenings work best. High chairs are available, and staff handles families well, though later happy hour crowds skew adult.
Best For
Better for: Sit-down meals with larger portions, calmer happy hour energy, and strong margaritas compared to louder 7th Avenue spots.
Skip if: You want ultra-cheap eats, a fully vegan menu, or high-end, chef-driven Mexican—other West Village options fit those needs better.
Móle Mexican Bar & Grill
8.2
Part of a small group dating back to the early 1990s, Móle’s Jane Street location plays like a classic sit-down Mexican with a dedicated happy hour and a long taco list. Tableside guacamole, strong margaritas, and steady value make it a quieter, more traditional alternative to 7th Avenue party spots for after-work tacos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas tacos, Carne asada tacos, Tableside guacamole
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A long-running Jane Street Mexican bar and grill where happy hour tacos, guacamole, and margaritas feel more neighborhood than scene.
Who should go: Groups wanting sit-down tacos without 7th Avenue chaos.
When to visit: Weeknights at happy hour for easier seating and deals.
What to order: Carnitas tacos, carne asada tacos, tableside guac.
Insider tip: Ask which tacos are on happy hour pricing—servers will steer you toward the best-value picks that night.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Jane Street and adjacent blocks is limited and tight after 6pm; no valet service. Expect to circle or use nearby paid garages on Hudson or Greenwich.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans, sweaters, and relaxed button-downs all fit the neighborhood vibe.
Noise level: Moderate—conversational at most tables, with occasional peaks during happy hour.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes for walk-ins depending on weather and neighborhood foot traffic.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though service is slower during peak tourist windows.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several veggie tacos, enchiladas, and sides are reliably available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 taco builds can be modified, but the menu is not strongly geared toward fully plant-based diners.
Gluten-free options: Good options—corn tortillas are available and many plates can be prepared gluten-free with minor adjustments.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re after a relaxed, low-pressure setting with solid margaritas and comfortable booths. It’s casual and friendly rather than flashy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually—weeknights and early happy hour are the safest bets. Weekends fill up quickly, so walk-ins may face short waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with school-age kids; the menu is approachable and service is patient, though peak happy hour can feel crowded for very young children.
Best For
Better for: More low-key, sit-down tacos and margaritas than the louder 7th Avenue hotspots; dependable quality without the party atmosphere.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge or vegan-focused Mexican—trendier spots and plant-based specialists in the area will serve you better.