0 Followers
Al Horno Lean Mexican Kitchen
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Al Horno Lean Mexican Kitchen
8.1
Al Horno Lean Mexican Kitchen takes a build-your-own burrito and bowl format and steers it toward grilled proteins, whole grains, and lighter sauces. It’s a go-to for nearby offices needing fast, relatively healthy Mexican that still tastes satisfying.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lean beef barbacoa burrito, Morning breakfast burrito, Gym Bowl
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Health-leaning Mexican bowls and burritos with plenty of customizations and grilled proteins.
Who should go: Health-focused diners wanting lighter Mexican bowls, burritos and salads.
When to visit: Office lunches, pre-gym dinners, or quick solo refueling stops.
What to order: Lean beef barbacoa burrito, Gym Bowl, citrusy grilled chicken bowl.
Insider tip: Use the online ordering during weekday lunch to skip the ordering line entirely.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; nearby garages on 3rd Ave and East 31st offer paid hourly parking.
Dress code: Casual and athletic-friendly — gym clothes, office casual, or jeans and a tee all fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate — easy to have a conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak early evening, often faster later at night.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes during the noon rush, minimal wait outside of peak lunch window.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie bowls, rice, beans, grilled vegetables, and multiple salsa options.
Vegan options: Yes — buildable bowls with beans, vegetables, rice, guacamole, and multiple vegan-friendly salsas.
Gluten-free options: Yes — bowls are naturally gluten-free; corn-based options avoid flour tortillas.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? More practical than romantic — great for casual daytime get-to-know-you vibes, not for a moody dinner date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — this is a fast-casual setup with open seating, no reservations needed.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple build-your-own bowls and mild proteins work well for kids, though seating is better for quick meals than long family dinners.
Best For
Better for: Faster service, lighter ingredients, and macro-friendly Mexican compared to heavier sit-down taquerias.
Skip if: You’re craving traditional tacos, margaritas, or a full-service Mexican dining experience.
Al Horno Lean Mexican Kitchen
7.6
Al Horno Lean Mexican Kitchen in Kips Bay centers its menu around lighter burritos, bowls, and salads built with grilled proteins and vegetables. It is a go-to for office and neighborhood crowds who want something filling but not overly heavy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kale Burrito, Cauliflower Burrito, Baked Falafel Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Health-leaning burritos and bowls with grilled proteins and plenty of vegetables.
Who should go: Office diners wanting a lighter burrito that still fills you up.
When to visit: Weekday lunch rush or early dinner before delivery orders spike.
What to order: Kale Burrito, Cauliflower Burrito, Baked Falafel Burrito.
Insider tip: Customize with extra grilled vegetables and salsa instead of heavy sauces for a cleaner build.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots are limited and hard to find during lunch and after-work hours. Garages available nearby but not directly adjacent.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, athleisure, and office casual all fit in comfortably.
Noise level: Low to moderate — counter-service bustle but easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak early evening, otherwise minimal
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes during the noon rush, typically no wait outside peak
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetable-based burritos and bowls, including cauliflower and falafel options.
Vegan options: Yes — several builds can be made fully vegan with grilled vegetables, grains, and house salsas.
Gluten-free options: Yes — bowls and salads are naturally gluten-free; staff is accommodating with modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional sit-down date — it’s better for a casual daytime meet or quick pre-event bite rather than an intimate evening outing.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with open seating, so you simply order and grab a table when one opens.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and teens who like build-your-own bowls and burritos; no dedicated kids’ menu or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Lighter, cleaner burritos and bowls with a true health-forward focus compared to heavier, cheese-loaded taquerias nearby.
Skip if: You’re craving indulgent, sauce-heavy burritos, sit-down service, or a lively dinner atmosphere.