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Cinco De Mayo
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Cinco De Mayo
7.7
A no-frills Midtown takeout counter that hits when you want straightforward street-food staples without committing to a sit-down meal. The best orders stay classic—tacos plus one hot item—then let their salsas do the heavy lifting for flavor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos Al Pastor, Birria Tacos, Chicken Quesadilla
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Straight-ahead takeout tacos and quesadillas built for lunch cravings.
Who should go: Office lunch runs and quick takeout seekers
When to visit: Weekday lunch before the rush
What to order: Al pastor tacos, birria tacos, chicken quesadilla
Insider tip: Add chips and guac only if you’re sharing—tacos are the priority.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability during weekday business hours. Garages nearby but usually not worth it for a quick takeout stop.
Dress code: Casual—anything you’d wear for a workday lunch or quick errand.
Noise level: Low to moderate; primarily a takeout counter with minimal lingering.
Weekend wait: Usually no wait, though brief lines can form during peak dinner pickup windows.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes during peak noon rush; near-instant outside 12–1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable tacos, cheese quesadillas, rice and beans.
Vegan options: Limited—vegetable-based tacos without dairy; confirm fillings and salsas before ordering.
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes—corn tortilla tacos are the default, but cross-contact is possible in a small kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No—it’s a grab-and-go spot without seating or atmosphere. Better suited for solo lunches or casual takeout.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There’s no real table service—plan on takeout or a very quick eat-and-go stop.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for simple tastes—quesadillas and mild tacos work well, but there are no kid-focused amenities or seating.
Best For
Better for: Fast, inexpensive tacos when you want something hot, filling, and straightforward without lines or hype.
Skip if: You’re looking for ambiance, cocktails, or a sit-down Mexican meal—this is strictly a utility play.
Cinco De Mayo
8.2
Tucked on East 43rd just off Lexington, this compact counter-service spot supplies rice-and-bean burritos, burrito bowls, and birria-forward plates to nearby offices and Grand Central commuters. With thousands of recent delivery ratings, it punches above its footprint for everyday burrito value and portion size.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super Burrito Bowl, Bean and Cheese Burrito, Cinco De Mayo Plate
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Small, delivery-driven kitchen where hefty burritos and burrito bowls show up fast and hot, with birria and combo plates as a bonus.
Who should go: Budget-minded diners needing reliable burritos near Grand Central.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner to avoid peak delivery backlog.
What to order: Super Burrito Bowl with two proteins, Bean and Cheese Burrito, Cinco De Mayo Plate.
Insider tip: Customize the burrito bowl with extra salsa verde and double-check notes for specific rice and bean preferences when ordering delivery.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on East 43rd; metered spots open up after 6pm but turnover is low. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Come as you are — casual, office-casual, and commuter-friendly attire all fit.
Noise level: Low to moderate; mostly takeout traffic, so conversations are easy at the small dine-in counter.
Weekend wait: Generally no wait; delivery orders peak, but walk-ins move quickly.
Weekday lunch: Short 5–10 minute wait during the office rush, mostly for to-go orders.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — bean-and-cheese burritos, veggie bowls, and customizable builds with grilled vegetables.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — rice, beans, salsas, and veggie builds can be ordered without cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Burrito bowls are naturally gluten-free; no dedicated prep space, so cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a date — it’s a compact, counter-service spot geared toward quick, affordable meals rather than ambience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations, and seating is first-come, first-served; expect limited counter seating at peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Friendly enough for quick meals with older kids; space is tight, so strollers and large groups may find it challenging.
Best For
Better for: Fast, filling burritos and bowls at budget pricing, especially for commuters who prioritize speed and portion size.
Skip if: You want a sit-down experience, craft cocktails, or more regional Mexican cooking — nearby full-service spots suit that better.
Cinco De Mayo
8.2
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Cinco de Mayo is a takeout-focused spot just off Grand Central known for birria, tacos and burrito bowls that eat fresher than their modest storefront suggests. Office regulars lean on the customizable plates, salsas and fair Midtown pricing for quick lunches and easy weeknight dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef birria tacos, Cinco de Mayo plate, Burrito bowl with salsa verde
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Takeout-only Mexican street food with birria and hefty bowls.
Who should go: Midtown workers wanting flavorful, filling Mexican to-go.
When to visit: Weekday lunch before peak noon rush or early dinner.
What to order: Beef birria tacos, Cinco de Mayo plate, burrito bowl.
Insider tip: Add salsa verde on the side—regulars swear it makes the meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce around Grand Central; rely on nearby paid garages along Lexington or 41st Street.
Dress code: Casual and come-as-you-are—office attire, jeans and winter layers are all typical for a grab-and-go visit.
Noise level: Low to moderate—it's a compact takeout space with some foot traffic but no sustained dining-room noise.
Weekend wait: Generally minimal since it's takeout-focused, though a 5–10 minute queue can form during peak delivery hours.
Weekday lunch: Expect a short line around 12–12:45pm; orders typically move quickly with 5–10 minute waits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian tacos, bowls and quesadillas are available, plus customizable plates with beans, rice and veggies.
Vegan options: Limited—vegan-friendly options exist using beans, rice, salsas and vegetables, but proteins and toppings skew non-vegan.
Gluten-free options: Partially—bowls and plates avoid gluten, but tortillas are not gluten-free and a shared prep environment may pose cross-contact risks.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it's primarily a takeout operation with limited ambiance. Great for a quick shared meal, not for a sit-down date setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There is little to no dine-in seating, so reservations aren’t applicable. Plan on takeout or eating on the go.
Is it kid-friendly? Kid-friendly for takeout—mild tacos, rice and bowls work well, but lack of seating means it's better suited for families eating at home or nearby public seating.
Best For
Better for: Faster service, lower prices and birria plates that feel more generous than typical Midtown takeout Mexican.
Skip if: You want a sit-down restaurant, cocktails, or an extended group meal—choose a full-service Mexican spot instead.
Cinco De Mayo
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Just off Lexington Avenue, this compact counter-service spot focuses on tacos, birria and burrito bowls that travel well back to nearby offices. With a modest but loyal review base and pricing that stays below most sit-down Mexican in the area, it’s a practical option when you want a few street-style tacos and salsa that tastes made in-house.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef birria tacos, Cinco de Mayo combo plate, Grilled chicken burrito bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Takeout-focused tacos and birria plates that feel fresher than the modest storefront suggests.
Who should go: Office workers wanting filling Mexican takeout near Grand Central.
When to visit: Early lunch or early evening before peak commuter rush.
What to order: Beef birria tacos, house combo plate, burrito bowl with salsa verde.
Insider tip: Ask for extra salsa verde on the side to brighten heavier plates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Lexington Avenue and nearby cross streets; rely on metered spots or nearby garages, especially during business hours.
Dress code: Casual — office attire, jeans and everyday wear are all appropriate for this counter-service setup.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch rush with steady takeout traffic; otherwise easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Typically no wait; traffic drops significantly outside weekday office hours.
Weekday lunch: Short 5–10 minute line during peak noon window, largely for takeout.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos, bowls and quesadillas can be built with beans, rice and salsas.
Vegan options: Limited — tacos or bowls can be customized with beans, rice and veggies, but avoid cheese and crema.
Gluten-free options: Partial — bowls and most fillings are naturally gluten-free, but flour tortillas and shared prep surfaces mean no strict GF guarantee.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — it’s counter-service with tight seating, optimized for quick meals rather than lingering. Better suited for a casual bite with someone you already know.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — no reservations are taken, and limited counter seating usually turns over fast. Most guests take food to-go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick, informal meals — simple tacos and bowls work well for older kids, but the compact layout isn’t stroller-friendly and there are no high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable birria and customizable bowls that travel well for office lunches or commuter takeaway.
Skip if: You want sit-down service, cocktails, expansive menus or a roomier dining environment — consider a full-service Mexican restaurant instead.
Cinco De Mayo
7.7
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A compact, counter-service taqueria a block from Grand Central, Cinco De Mayo is more about efficient tacos and burrito bowls than drawn-out dining, but its beer, sangria, and early-evening deals make it a practical pre-train happy hour stop. Regulars praise the birria plates and hefty nachos as strong value plays in a neighborhood of pricier sit-down Mexican.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef birria tacos, Cinco De Mayo combo plate, Loaded nachos
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: A no-frills Mexican counter with strong-value tacos, beers, and early-evening bites a minute from Grand Central.
Who should go: Commuters and office workers wanting fast, inexpensive Mexican with drinks.
When to visit: Late afternoon for a quick plate and drink before the train rush.
What to order: Beef birria tacos, Cinco combo plate, shared nachos.
Insider tip: Time your visit just before the post-work surge to snag a seat and move through the line quickly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce during peak commuter hours; nearby paid garages along Lexington Ave and 41st–43rd Streets are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Completely casual—office attire, jeans, and commuter wear are all typical.
Noise level: Moderate; the compact space stays lively during the after-work rush but still allows brief conversations.
Weekend wait: Minimal waits; the area is quieter on weekends and turnover is fast.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though a short line can form between 12–1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options—vegetarian tacos, bowls, and sides can be built with beans, rice, and veggies.
Vegan options: Limited—custom bowls or tacos without cheese/sour cream work, but offerings are basic.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas and many bowls are naturally gluten-free, but no dedicated prep area means possible cross-contact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something extremely casual and quick; the counter-service setup isn’t ideal for a lingered date but works for a low-stakes meet-up.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service with limited seating, so tables turn quickly; visit before the post-work rush for the best chance of snagging a seat.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals with older kids; there’s no dedicated kids’ menu or high chairs, and the tight space can feel crowded during commuter peaks.
Best For
Better for: Fast, budget-friendly birria plates and bowls near Grand Central when you want value and speed over ambiance.
Skip if: You want a sit-down experience, cocktails, or a quieter setting—consider a full-service Mexican spot instead.
Cinco De Mayo
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Just off Lexington Avenue, this compact counter-service spot focuses on tacos, birria, and combo plates that travel well back to nearby offices. Prices stay well below most sit-down Mexican in the area, so early-evening taco plates with a beer function like an everyday happy hour for commuters and budget-minded regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Birria Tacos, Cinco De Mayo Plate, Chips & Guacamole
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: A small, takeout-leaning Mexican counter where birria tacos and combo plates stay inexpensive by Midtown standards.
Who should go: Commuters wanting filling tacos and a drink on a budget.
When to visit: Late afternoon before the peak commuter and dinner rush.
What to order: Beef birria tacos, Cinco De Mayo plate, chips and guacamole.
Insider tip: Order ahead online for pickup if you’re timing tacos to a tight train departure window.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited along Lexington Avenue during rush hours; rely on nearby paid garages along 41st–43rd Streets if driving.
Dress code: Completely casual — office attire, jeans, and commuter wear all fit the norm.
Noise level: Low to moderate; it’s a compact counter spot where kitchen sounds are present, but conversation is easy.
Weekend wait: Minimal to moderate; 5–10 minutes since most traffic is takeout-driven.
Weekday lunch: Short wait to none before 12pm; lines form from 12–1pm but move quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — veggie tacos and customizable bowls available.
Vegan options: Very limited — can assemble a vegetable-focused plate, but options are not explicitly designed for vegans.
Gluten-free options: Some bowls and plates can be made gluten-friendly; tortillas are not certified gluten-free, and prep is not separated.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — it’s a quick-service, counter-style setup better suited for a fast meal than a lingering date environment.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — reservations aren’t used. Limited seating means you may stand or take your food to go during peak commuter windows.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally fine for older kids who enjoy tacos; no high chairs, kids’ menu, or space for strollers, so families may prefer larger sit-down spots.
Best For
Better for: Strong value pricing and quick turnaround make it better for budget-conscious diners and commuters wanting speedy tacos before a train.
Skip if: Skip if you want a sit-down meal, a cocktail-driven happy hour, or broader dietary accommodations — nearby full-service Mexican spots offer more comfort and variety.