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La Cabaña Mexican Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
La Cabaña Mexican Restaurant
8.0
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
La Cabaña Mexican Restaurant is a cozy Fifth Avenue dining room known for steak ranchero, tortas, and margaritas served late into the evening. With a slightly more polished feel than some nearby taquerías, it works well for casual celebrations, small-group dinners, and relaxed nights over plates and drinks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak ranchero with rice and beans, Torta de pollo asado, Enchiladas with house sauces
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Cozy neighborhood restaurant where steak plates and tortas pair with cocktails.
Who should go: Small groups planning relaxed, drink-friendly Mexican dinners.
When to visit: Evenings after 7pm for a livelier room and bar energy.
What to order: Steak ranchero, torta de pollo asado, a round of margaritas.
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu specials—staff often highlight seafood or steak plates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Fifth Avenue and side streets; can be tough after 7pm, easier earlier in the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and a nice top are fine, but many diners dress slightly elevated for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate to lively in the evenings—conversation is easy at off-peak hours, louder after 8pm.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several veggie-friendly tacos, quesadillas, and tortas, plus bean-based plates.
Vegan options: Limited—some tacos and sides can be customized without cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn-based tacos and many grilled plates are naturally gluten-free; confirm sauces with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's cozy, energetic without being overwhelming, and the cocktail list helps break the ice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weeknights and early weekends, but expect a real wait after 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for early dinner hours—families come in before 7pm, but later at night it skews adult and cocktail-focused.
Best For
Better for: Sit-down Mexican dinners with cocktails, celebratory group meals, and a more polished vibe than nearby taquerías.
Skip if: You're looking for ultra-fast tacos, a quiet dining room, or strictly traditional, no-frills street-style Mexican.
La Cabaña Mexican Restaurant
7.9
A small, colorful sit-down spot serving enchiladas, grilled meats, and cocktails, with weekend hours that edge into the late-night window. It’s a relaxed option when you want a proper table, hot food, and one more round without leaving Sunset Park.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak ranchero, Enchiladas verdes, Torta de pollo asado
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Cozy dining room with late-hours plates and cocktails on 5th Avenue.
Who should go: Friends wanting a seated meal and drinks late.
When to visit: Friday and Saturday nights for the latest hours.
What to order: Steak ranchero, enchiladas verdes, pollo asado torta.
Insider tip: Use the later weekend hours for a quieter, post-dinner drink and snack.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be challenging after 7pm on weekends, easier on side streets a few blocks toward 4th Avenue.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — jeans, sneakers, and going-out tops are all common.
Noise level: Moderate — lively but you can still hold a full conversation at the table.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation during peak late-night hours.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several enchiladas, rice-and-bean plates, and veggie torta options.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with vegetable dishes and modified sides, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Some options — grilled meats, rice, beans, and corn tortillas are safe choices with staff guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something relaxed and unfussy — it’s better for easy conversation and cocktails than for an upscale, romantic impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes — especially on weekdays. On Friday and Saturday nights, expect a short wait after 8pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the evening, yes — kids are welcome for dinner hours, but it shifts to an adult crowd later at night.
Best For
Better for: Seated late-night Mexican meals with cocktails and group-friendly tables in Sunset Park.
Skip if: You’re looking for ultra-authentic street tacos, ultra-budget pricing, or a quiet, upscale date-night atmosphere.
La Cabaña Mexican Restaurant
7.7
La Cabaña Mexican Restaurant sits across from the busier 5th Avenue traffic with a smaller, more relaxed dining room and a menu built around enchiladas, grilled meats, and cocktails. Prices are still accessible for sit-down service, especially given the portion sizes and long hours into the evening. It’s a comfortable option when you want a proper table, hot plates, and one more round without leaving the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak ranchero, Enchiladas verdes, Torta de pollo asado
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Relaxed sit-down spot for grilled plates, enchiladas, and reasonably priced drinks.
Who should go: Friends wanting a low-key Mexican dinner with cocktails.
When to visit: Evenings and late weekends when the room has a gentle buzz.
What to order: Steak ranchero, enchiladas verdes, pollo asado torta.
Insider tip: Use the later weekend hours for a quieter, post-dinner drink and plate without crowds.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable on side streets but tougher after 7pm on weekends.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are completely fine.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak hours but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak hours without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos, enchiladas, rice and beans, and cheese-based dishes are widely available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few plant-based options can be assembled with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — corn tortillas and grilled meats work well, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something relaxed and pressure-free with margaritas and comfort food rather than a formal dining vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially on weeknights and earlier weekend evenings; peak dinner rush may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common, portions are generous, and the menu is approachable for kids.
Best For
Better for: Sit-down Mexican meals with cocktails, relaxed pacing, and comfort-focused plates at accessible prices.
Skip if: You want trendy tacos, ultra-authentic street food, or a high-energy late-night party scene.
La Cabaña Mexican Restaurant
7.8
La Cabaña sits just off the busier stretch of 5th Avenue with a compact dining room and a menu that leans into steak tacos, tortas, and classic plates. Prices are moderate, but portions and freshly made salsas keep it competitive as a quieter alternative to the larger rooms nearby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Suadero tacos, Bistec torta
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Cozy 5th Avenue offshoot offering well-executed tacos in a calmer room.
Who should go: Small groups wanting tacos and drinks without major crowds.
When to visit: Evenings before peak rush or slower late-night windows.
What to order: Al pastor tacos, suadero tacos, bistec torta.
Insider tip: Sit toward the back for a quieter experience than the front bar area.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; manageable earlier in the evening but tight after 7pm due to nearby dining traffic.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed — jeans, sneakers, and everyday attire are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate — you can hold a full conversation without raising your voice, especially away from the bar.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak hours, shorter later at night
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cheese quesadillas, veggie tacos on request, rice and beans
Vegan options: Limited — possible with custom orders like vegetable tacos without dairy
Gluten-free options: Some options — corn tortilla tacos are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something casual and low-pressure — it’s quiet enough to talk and relaxed enough to keep things easy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially on weeknights. On busy weekends, short waits are common but turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families come regularly, and the menu is approachable for kids with simple tacos and plates.
Best For
Better for: Calmer sit-down tacos with solid portions and salsa quality without the chaos of bigger 5th Avenue dining rooms
Skip if: You want ultra-cheap street tacos, heavy nightlife energy, or trend-driven Mexican fusion