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Casa Enrique
$$ · Mexican, Tacos, Brunch

5-48 49th Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101

ZipPicks Awards

Best Mexican in Long Island City Best Tacos in Long Island City Best Brunch in Long Island City Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Long Island City Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Long Island City Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Long Island City Best Trendy Restaurants in Long Island City Best Restaurants With Private Dining Rooms in Long Island City Best Business Lunch Restaurants in Long Island City Best Happy Hour Mexican in Long Island City Best Happy Hour Tacos in Long Island City Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Long Island City Best Family Friendly Restaurants in Long Island City

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Casa Enrique 8.8
Long Island City-Hunters Point
Vibes: Date Night Magic Trendy Table Hotspots Group Dining Gatherings Business Lunch Power Players
A long-running LIC destination for regionally rooted Mexican cooking that leans into big, slow-cooked plates as much as tacos. The room stays energetic, and the kitchen’s best dishes reward ordering beyond the basics—think mole, braises, and seafood with deep chile-driven flavor.
Must-Try Dishes: Mole de Piaxtla, Braised lamb shank, Branzino “al pastor”
Scores:
Value: 7.8 Service: 8.3 Consistency: 9.1 Food Quality: 9.1 Atmosphere: 7.5 Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized Mexican cooking anchored by mole, braises, and bigger plates.
Who should go: Food-focused dates and groups ordering family-style
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for smoother pacing
What to order: Mole, lamb shank, a taco or two
Insider tip: Order at least one “big plate” plus tacos to balance the meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be tight in the evening, easier earlier or during lunch
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but polished casual fits the room
Noise level: Moderate to loud—energetic room, conversation is easy but not hushed
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward tacos, sides, and mains
Vegan options: Limited—some dishes can be adapted, best to ask the server
Gluten-free options: Yes—many naturally gluten-free dishes, especially moles and braises
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if food quality matters. It’s lively rather than intimate, but sharing standout dishes makes it feel intentional without being stiff.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights or lunch, but weekends are tough. Walk-ins work best early or late; otherwise, expect a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? More adult-leaning. Older kids who eat broadly are fine, but there’s no kids menu or family-focused setup.
Best For
Better for: Deep, regional Mexican flavors and slow-cooked dishes that go beyond taco-focused spots
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, fast service, or a casual taco-only experience