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Sobremesa Cocina Mexicana

43-56 12th St, Long Island City, NY 11101
$$$
Mexican

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Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)

Sobremesa Cocina Mexicana 8.3
Hunters Point
A modern, cocktails-friendly Mexican spot that works best as a shareable-plates night—crispy snacks, queso, and tacos built for mixing and matching. It’s a strong pick when you want a lively room and a menu that can pivot from casual bites to a fuller dinner flow.
Must-Try Dishes: Birria tacos, Esquites de la casa, Chipotle queso & chips
Scores:
Value: 7.3 Service: 8.1 Consistency: 8.2 Food Quality: 8.5 Atmosphere: 8.4 Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Shareable, bar-forward Mexican built around tacos, queso, and snackable sides.
Who should go: Friends who want drinks and shareable plates
When to visit: Happy hour or an early weekend dinner
What to order: Birria tacos, esquites, chipotle queso
Insider tip: Start with two snacks, then add tacos based on hunger.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots nearby but can be tight after 6pm. Rideshare is easier on busy nights.
Dress code: Trendy casual — jeans are fine, but many guests lean dressy for cocktails and nights out.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — easy to talk early, louder once the room fills.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple veggie tacos, sides, and shareable plates.
Vegan options: Limited — a few plant-based tacos and sides, best to ask the server.
Gluten-free options: Some options available, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the lively atmosphere and shareable menu keep things fun and low-pressure, especially if you start with drinks and snacks.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or early evenings, but reservations are smart for weekends or groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really — it’s more of an adult, cocktails-forward spot best suited for teens and up.
Best For
Better for: Cocktails, group energy, and a mix-and-match taco-and-snacks style night.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional Mexican meal or a kid-focused family dinner.
Sobremesa Cocina Mexicana 7.8
Hunters Point
A casual Mexican kitchen that plays well for takeout tacos and quick dinners—built for flavor coverage rather than a long sit-down. Order for contrast: one rich protein, one brighter taco, and a side so the meal doesn’t flatten into the same note.
Must-Try Dishes: Birria tacos, Mushroom quesadilla, Chips and guacamole
Scores:
Value: 7.8 Service: 7.7 Consistency: 7.9 Food Quality: 8.1 Atmosphere: 6.8 Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Fast, casual Mexican that’s strongest when you order strategically.
Who should go: Takeout taco nights and low-effort dinners
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for quick turnaround
What to order: Birria tacos, mushroom quesadilla, chips & guac
Insider tip: Mix one rich item with one lighter item to keep the meal balanced.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Hunters Point; limited after 6pm, easier a few blocks inland. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy conversation, more takeout energy than dining-room buzz.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes at peak; shorter if ordering to-go
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—mushroom and veggie-forward options hold up well.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with modifications, but not a full lineup.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available; cross-contact possible in a small kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a low-key, casual hang than a formal first date—quick meals, minimal pressure, easy in-and-out.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm. Peak dinner may mean a short wait, but turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who eat tacos or quesadillas comfortably; no dedicated kids menu, but flexible ordering helps.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable tacos with solid flavor contrast—especially for takeout or casual group meals.
Skip if: You want a polished sit-down experience, cocktails, or a destination-style taco night.
Sobremesa Cocina Mexicana 7.7
Long Island City
A cozy LIC spot with well‑seasoned tacos and Mexican classics that often stays open later than many sit‑downs; pared‑down interior and flavorful fillings attract locals. Tacos here are complemented by house sauces and fresh accompaniments.
Must-Try Dishes: Carnitas Tacos, Fish Tacos, Al Pastor Tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.9 Service: 7.5 Consistency: 7.4 Food Quality: 7.8 Atmosphere: 7 Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Well‑crafted tacos with fresh, bold flavors.
Who should go: Taco lovers and casual diners at night.
When to visit: Later dinner hours into evening.
What to order: Carnitas, Fish, Al Pastor tacos.
Insider tip: Ask for extra house salsa for brightness.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability in the evening and late night—budget extra time or consider rideshare.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed—jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—generally easy to hold a conversation, though it can get livelier during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak late dinner hours; shorter later at night.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable tacos and customizable fillings available.
Vegan options: Limited—can be accommodated with veggie fillings and no dairy, but not a dedicated menu.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available; cross-contamination is possible, so sensitive diners should confirm.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something low-pressure and casual—it's comfortable and food-focused, not flashy or romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes—walk-ins are common, especially later in the evening when the dinner rush tapers off.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally fine for older kids who enjoy tacos, but the late-night vibe and limited space make it less ideal for young children.
Best For
Better for: Flavor-forward tacos with a sit-down feel when you want something more composed than a counter-service taqueria late at night.
Skip if: You're looking for a high-energy party vibe, extensive cocktails, or ultra-fast grab-and-go tacos.
Sobremesa Cocina Mexicana 8.0
Hunters Point
A relaxed, beer-friendly Mexican kitchen where tacos shine as part of a bigger comfort-food lineup—solid proteins, generous portions, and a casual pace that fits the neighborhood. Best when you want tacos with room to add a side or two and hang for a bit.
Must-Try Dishes: Al pastor tacos, Birria tacos, Elote (Mexican street corn)
Scores:
Value: 8.1 Service: 7.8 Consistency: 8 Food Quality: 8.2 Atmosphere: 7.4 Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Tacos and comfort sides built to pair with a casual hang nearby.
Who should go: Beer-and-tacos crews and easygoing groups
When to visit: Late afternoon for a calmer meal
What to order: Al pastor tacos, birria tacos, elote
Insider tip: Go with two taco styles (one grilled, one braised) to cover both lanes.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking in Hunters Point; easier earlier in the evening, tighter after 6pm. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed—jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—lively but still easy to hold a table conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short one.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable-forward tacos and sides like elote and beans.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with veggie tacos and salsa adjustments.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas are standard; confirm fillings to avoid cross-contact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something low-pressure. The casual vibe and shareable menu keep things easy, though it’s more laid-back than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes. Groups may wait a bit on weekends, but walk-ins are common and turnover is steady.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes—casual atmosphere, flexible menu, and room for families, though evenings skew more adult.
Best For
Better for: Hanging out over tacos, beers, and sides rather than quick in-and-out eating.
Skip if: You’re looking for ultra-cheap tacos or a fast grab-and-go stand.
Sobremesa Cocina Mexicana 7.9
Hunters Point
A plaza-side Mexican kitchen that pairs especially well with beer-garden energy, making it a smart happy-hour choice when you want tacos and something cold without a formal dining setup. The move is to order a tight spread, eat outside when the weather’s decent, and treat it as a casual hang that can stretch longer than planned.
Must-Try Dishes: Birria tacos, Al pastor tacos, Nachos
Scores:
Value: 7.6 Service: 7.4 Consistency: 7.7 Food Quality: 8.1 Atmosphere: 8.2 Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Mexican comfort staples that play perfectly with beer-garden hang time.
Who should go: After-work crews who want tacos outdoors
When to visit: Weekday late afternoon for easiest seating
What to order: Birria tacos, al pastor tacos, nachos
Insider tip: Aim for outdoor seats and order all at once to keep the flow.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking around the plaza; easier to find spots earlier in the afternoon, with garages a few blocks away if needed.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed—jeans, sneakers, and light layers fit the outdoor, beer-garden setting.
Noise level: Moderate to lively outdoors—easy enough for group conversation, but not a quiet date spot.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak times if you’re aiming for outdoor seating.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait, especially before the after-work rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable tacos, nachos, and customizable plates work well.
Vegan options: Limited but possible—stick to veggie tacos without dairy and confirm sauces.
Gluten-free options: Some corn-tortilla-based options available, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates than romantic ones—the outdoor, beer-forward energy is relaxed but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially during happy hour; outdoor seating turns over quickly if you’re flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes in the early evening—open-air seating and simple tacos make it workable for older kids, less ideal late at night.
Best For
Better for: Casual taco-and-beer hangs with outdoor space and low-pressure ordering.
Skip if: You want polished service, complex cocktails, or a more refined Mexican dining experience.