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Gonzalez y Gonzalez
Master Critic Review
Gonzalez y Gonzalez
7.8
Vibes:
Live Music Showtime
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
A Mercer Street fixture since 1989, Gonzalez y Gonzalez is as much a salsa-club and margarita bar as it is a Mexican restaurant, with live bands, free dance lessons, and large-format platters. Food leans classic—fajitas, enchiladas, and churros—while the draw is big-night-out energy in the heart of Greenwich Village.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic fajitas (steak, chicken or shrimp) with warm tortillas, Shrimp enchiladas with lobster chipotle sauce, Churros with cinnamon sugar
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Long-running Mexican restaurant and salsa club known for margaritas, live bands, and dancing.
Who should go: Groups planning birthdays or big nights that mix dinner, drinks, and music.
When to visit: Weekend evenings after 9pm when the band and dance floor are busiest.
What to order: Classic fajitas, shrimp enchiladas, churros to share.
Insider tip: Reserve for larger groups and arrive early if you want time to eat before dancing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce on Mercer Street, especially after 6pm; nearby paid garages on Broadway and Lafayette are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual with a fun, nightlife-leaning edge; guests often dress up a bit for dancing.
Noise level: Loud once the band starts—expect shouted conversations after 9pm.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially after bands begin.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; the room is quietest during daytime hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options like veggie fajitas, salads, and cheese enchiladas.
Vegan options: Limited—some menu items can be modified, but options are modest.
Gluten-free options: Many items can be made gluten-free with corn tortillas; cross-contact is possible, so ask staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want high energy—live bands and dancing create a fun but very loud environment. Not ideal for quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect long waits on weekends. Walk-ins are more feasible early evening or late-night after peak dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Early evenings can work for families, but the space becomes a nightlife venue after 9pm; best for tweens/teens rather than young children.
Best For
Better for: Large-group celebrations, dancing, live music, and margarita-fueled nights out—few Mexican spots in 10012 match its entertainment-driven atmosphere.
Skip if: You want refined regional Mexican cooking, quiet conversation, or a date-night setting without club-level noise.