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Cafe Mogador
Master Critic Reviews (8 Lists)
Cafe Mogador
8.5
A warm, always-busy Moroccan mainstay that’s at its best when you order like a regular: one tagine, one grilled plate, and a couple of classic spreads to start. It works equally well for brunch crowds and weeknight dinners when you want steady, spice-forward comfort.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken tagine with preserved lemon and olives, Lamb tagine, Moroccan mint tea
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Moroccan comfort classics that stay craveable across brunch and dinner.
Who should go: Brunch teams, dates, and tagine-first diners
When to visit: Off-peak brunch or early weeknight dinner
What to order: Chicken tagine, mixed mezze, mint tea
Insider tip: Go tagine + one grill plate, then stop—dessert is optional.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability and competitive after 6pm—plan to walk, rideshare, or use nearby garages.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans are fine, but many diners lean polished for dates and brunch.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy at brunch and early dinner, louder during peak dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 30–60 min without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: 10–20 min typical; earlier lunch often no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—strong options including vegetable tagines, mezze, eggs, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—several vegetable tagines and spreads; confirm preparation details with staff.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes (tagines, grilled meats, salads); cross-contamination possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—warm lighting, comforting flavors, and shareable plates make it easy and low-pressure, especially at brunch or early dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, but expect a wait during peak brunch and weekend dinners; go early or off-peak for the smoothest entry.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—welcoming vibe and familiar flavors work for kids, though tighter seating and peak noise make earlier visits better.
Best For
Better for: Reliable Moroccan comfort that works equally well for brunch and dinner, with tagines that outperform trendier, less consistent spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate room or ultra-modern plating—choose a calmer Mediterranean bistro instead.
Cafe Mogador
8.7
A long-running Moroccan standby that stays busy because it delivers the core hits with steady confidence—tagines, couscous, and warm, spice-forward comfort that works for both brunch and dinner. The room is lively and packed, so the best experience comes from a focused order: one tagine, one grilled plate, and a couple of classic spreads to start.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken tagine, Couscous royale, Mint tea
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Moroccan comfort classics that stay craveable across brunch and dinner.
Who should go: Brunch crews, dates, tagine-first diners
When to visit: Off-peak brunch or early weeknight dinner
What to order: Chicken tagine, couscous, 1–2 mezze
Insider tip: Order one tagine plus one grill plate—skip over-ordering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and competitive, especially evenings and weekends. Plan on walking or rideshare.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual. Jeans and sneakers are fine, but the room trends polished at night.
Noise level: Lively and loud during peak hours; conversation is possible but not intimate when packed.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak brunch hours
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait outside of peak brunch window
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — strong selection including vegetable tagines, couscous, salads, and mezze.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — several vegetable-forward dishes and spreads can be ordered vegan.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free options (grilled meats, tagines without couscous), but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you like energy and buzz. It’s warm and atmospheric, but better for confident conversation than quiet intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait during brunch and weekend dinner. Going early or late dramatically improves odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime meals; the menu works for kids, but tight spacing and noise make evenings less ideal.
Best For
Better for: Reliable Moroccan comfort food with all-day appeal and a proven brunch-to-dinner track record.
Skip if: You want a quiet, leisurely meal or a reservation-only, white-tablecloth date-night experience.
Cafe Mogador
8.4
A long-running East Village brunch anchor that keeps the room lively while delivering bold, spice-forward plates that still feel clean and balanced. Order like a regular: go egg-based, add one grill item, and let the harissa and herbs do the work.
Must-Try Dishes:
Moroccan Eggs, Middle Eastern Breakfast, Merguez Sausage
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Moroccan-leaning brunch classics with high-volume reliability.
Who should go: Brunch groups and visiting friends
When to visit: Early weekend brunch to beat lines
What to order: Moroccan Eggs, Middle Eastern Breakfast, merguez
Insider tip: Pick one egg plate and one grill plate for the table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking. Street parking is very limited; expect circling or use a nearby paid garage if driving.
Dress code: Casual-brunch friendly. Jeans, sneakers, and relaxed weekend wear are standard.
Noise level: Lively to loud during peak brunch—conversation is possible but not intimate.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—this spot is best known for brunch; evenings are calmer but not the main draw.
Weekday lunch: Short wait or none outside peak hours; weekends can be 30–60 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—strong vegetarian presence with egg-based plates, salads, and spreads.
Vegan options: Limited but doable with mezze-style ordering and modifications.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes; cross-contamination possible, so ask before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual daytime dates than intimate first dates—the energy is fun but loud and bustling.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait on weekends. Go early or off-peak to minimize the line.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for brunch—families are common, though it’s busy and better suited for older kids than toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Flavor-forward, spice-driven brunch plates with consistent execution at scale.
Skip if: You want a quiet, leisurely brunch or a reservation-only, low-noise experience.
Cafe Mogador
8.4
A high-volume East Village institution that still cooks like a real kitchen, not a factory—especially when you order into its spice-and-herb strengths. The move is an egg plate or tagine anchor with one shared mezze side, keeping the table satisfied without over-ordering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Moroccan eggs, Lamb tagine, Mixed mezze plate
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Big-room energy with consistently strong Moroccan-leaning cooking.
Who should go: Groups and visiting friends
When to visit: Weekday dinner to dodge peak lines
What to order: Moroccan eggs, lamb tagine, mezze plate
Insider tip: Build one shared mezze, then commit to mains.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited in the evening. Plan on walking, rideshare, or nearby garages if coming from outside the neighborhood.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual. Jeans and sneakers are common, but a slightly polished look fits the room best at dinner.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours—easy conversation at lunch or early dinner, tougher during weekend rush.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially Friday and Saturday nights.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days, with brief lines during peak noon hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—strong vegetarian options including eggs, vegetable tagines, couscous, and multiple mezze plates.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—several mezze and vegetable dishes can be ordered vegan with minor adjustments.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes available, but cross-contamination is possible in a high-volume kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re comfortable with energy and buzz. It’s lively and social rather than intimate, which works well for conversational chemistry but less so for quiet romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but timing matters. Go early on weekdays or off-hours; weekend nights almost always mean a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can handle a busy room and bold flavors. Not ideal for strollers or very young children during peak times.
Best For
Better for: Large-group dining, shared plates, and spice-driven comfort food that holds up even at high volume.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate chef-counter experience or tightly choreographed tasting menu pacing.
Cafe Mogador
8.6
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
A high-volume East Village institution that still runs like a real kitchen at lunch, with fast-moving service and plates that stay flavorful even when the room is packed. The best business move is to anchor with Moroccan eggs or a tagine-style main and keep the order tight so you’re in and out without feeling rushed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mogador Breakfast, Moroccan Eggs, Lamb Tagine
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Big-room lunch energy with Moroccan staples that hold up under volume.
Who should go: Teams and client lunches that need reliable crowd-pleasers
When to visit: Weekday lunch right at open
What to order: Moroccan eggs, tagine, mezze side
Insider tip: Order one mezze and commit to mains—don’t over-spread.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; plan on walking, rideshare, or nearby garages rather than circling.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but business-casual works best for lunch meetings.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours — you can talk, but expect background buzz when full.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Short wait or no wait if you arrive at opening; 15–30 minutes closer to noon
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple strong vegetarian options including Moroccan eggs, mezze, and vegetable-forward plates.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — several mezze and vegetable dishes can be ordered vegan with minor adjustments.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes available, but cross-contamination is possible in a busy kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, energetic first date than an intimate one — the food impresses, but the room can be loud.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially at lunch or early dinner — timing matters more than reservations here.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can handle noise and shared plates; less ideal for strollers or very young children at peak times.
Best For
Better for: Fast-moving, flavorful business lunches that feel substantial without dragging out the meal.
Skip if: You want a quiet, low-volume lunch or a private-feeling conversation — choose a calmer dining room instead.
Cafe Mogador
8.6
A long-running East Village institution that still feels like a real kitchen late, especially when you order the classics that move fast and stay flavorful. It’s strongest for a later dinner that doesn’t feel like a compromise—Moroccan staples, steady service under volume, and a room that hums without turning chaotic.
Must-Try Dishes:
Moroccan eggs, Lamb tagine, Hummus with pita
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: A true East Village staple for Moroccan-leaning classics at scale.
Who should go: Groups or dates that want reliable flavor
When to visit: Late dinner before the last seating
What to order: Moroccan eggs, tagine, hummus
Insider tip: Order one mezze plus mains—too many small plates slows everything.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited after 6pm. Plan for paid garages nearby or rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but a slightly polished look fits the room at night.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy on a date, louder with full groups.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; later seatings move faster.
Weekday lunch: Short waits or no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several reliable options including Moroccan eggs, vegetable tagines, and mezze.
Vegan options: Limited—some mezze and vegetable plates work; ask the server to guide substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Limited—naturally gluten-free dishes exist, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—warm lighting, steady pacing, and familiar flavors make it comfortable without feeling boring.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially later at night; aim for off-peak hours or be flexible with seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the evening, yes; late-night hours skew adult and lively.
Best For
Better for: Late dinners that still feel like a real meal—classic Moroccan dishes executed well under volume.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate room or highly experimental cooking—choose a smaller, calmer spot instead.
Cafe Mogador
8.4
A longtime East Village anchor for Moroccan-inspired comfort that still works as a practical meal, not a project. The move is to order one signature dish plus one shared plate so you get the full flavor range without drifting into a long, brunch-style wait.
Must-Try Dishes:
Moroccan eggs, Chicken couscous, Merguez platter
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A decades-old East Village standard for Moroccan flavors that still feel current.
Who should go: Groups splitting mains and shareables
When to visit: Weekday lunch for easier seating
What to order: Moroccan eggs, couscous, merguez
Insider tip: Go off-peak and keep the order tight to avoid pacing drag.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and competitive after 6pm. Public transit or rideshare is strongly recommended.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans are fine, but many diners lean slightly polished, especially at night.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy conversation at lunch, slightly louder during weekend dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially Fri–Sat after 7pm
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside peak noon hour
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple strong vegetarian mains and shareables, including eggs, couscous, and vegetable-forward plates.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—several vegetable dishes and sides can be combined into a full meal.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes available, but cross-contamination is possible; communicate clearly with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—warm lighting, shareable plates, and approachable flavors make it comfortable without feeling generic or overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but timing matters—weekday lunch and early dinner are easiest; peak weekend nights require patience.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids who are open to bold flavors; tighter seating and noise make it less ideal for strollers or very young children.
Best For
Better for: Reliable Moroccan-inspired comfort food with broad appeal that works equally well for groups, dates, and casual meals.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate room or a fast in-and-out meal during peak weekend hours.
Cafe Mogador
8.4
A long-running East Village room that’s at its best when you lean into Moroccan comfort and bright Mediterranean starters instead of overthinking the order. It’s a reliable, upbeat meal with enough menu variety to keep kids and adults happy, especially at brunch or an early dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Moroccan eggs, Chicken tagine, Mixed mezze platter
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Moroccan-leaning classics and brunch that stay dependable at high demand.
Who should go: Families who want a real sit-down meal
When to visit: Weekday brunch or early dinner to minimize waits
What to order: Moroccan eggs, chicken tagine, mezze to share
Insider tip: Start with mezze first—then pick one tagine as the table anchor.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and competitive in the East Village, especially after 6pm. Garage parking available a few blocks away.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual. Jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are completely fine.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — easy enough for conversation, but it gets energetic during peak brunch and dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, sometimes longer during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of peak brunch windows
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple strong vegetarian dishes including Moroccan eggs, salads, mezze, and vegetable tagines.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — several mezze, salads, and vegetable-based plates can be ordered vegan with guidance.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free options available, but no dedicated preparation; best for gluten-sensitive rather than celiac diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for daytime or early evening. It’s upbeat, unfussy, and welcoming, though it can feel busy rather than intimate during peak times.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect waits on weekends and popular brunch hours. Arriving early or slightly off-peak dramatically improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — particularly for brunch and early dinner. The menu has familiar flavors, portions are shareable, and the lively room tolerates kid energy well.
Best For
Better for: Reliable, crowd-pleasing Moroccan-Mediterranean food with broad menu appeal for groups and families.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dinner or a tightly focused, high-end Moroccan experience.