0 Followers
Arriba Arriba
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Arriba Arriba
8.3
A long-running, family-owned cantina with a straightforward take on comfort-leaning Mexican fare and strong margarita culture. Expect reliable staples, generous portions, and a classic Midtown West vibe that rewards repeat visits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada, Chicken Enchiladas, House Margarita
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Decades-deep Hell’s Kitchen cantina anchored by classic cooking.
Who should go: Families and groups wanting dependable Mexican.
When to visit: Weeknight dinner or weekend lunch.
What to order: Carne asada, enchiladas, margaritas.
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu tequila pours for better value.
Arriba Arriba
8.2
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
A classic Hell’s Kitchen taquería offering traditional tacos, enchiladas and margaritas — valued for consistent flavors and a friendly staff. Easy spot for a satisfying, affordable dinner near the theater district.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Tacos, Shrimp Fajitas, Classic Margaritas
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Traditional tacos and fajitas served at good value near midtown.
Who should go: People craving classic Mexican fare
When to visit: Pre‑theater dinner or casual lunch
What to order: Carne Asada Tacos, Shrimp Fajitas, Margarita
Insider tip: Weekday lunch tends to be quieter — ideal before showtime nearby.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available, but can be difficult to find after 6pm. Valet parking options nearby may be available depending on the time of day.
Dress code: Casual – Jeans and a T-shirt are perfectly fine, but feel free to dress up a little for a casual night out.
Noise level: Moderate – The ambiance is lively but still conducive to conversation, so you can hear your date without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: Expect a 30-45 minute wait during peak hours on weekends, especially after theater performances.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait during lunch on weekdays, though it can get busier before nearby shows.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - There are several vegetarian options, including quesadillas, tacos, and veggie fajitas.
Vegan options: Limited - There are a few vegan options like guacamole and veggie tacos, but the menu is not vegan-specific.
Gluten-free options: Yes - Gluten-free options are available, and the kitchen takes care to avoid cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, it’s a relaxed and casual spot with great food and a warm atmosphere, ideal for conversation. It’s also close to the theater district, making it convenient if you plan to catch a show afterward.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You can often get a table without a reservation, especially for lunch or early dinner. However, reservations are recommended for weekend dinners or if you're planning to dine around showtimes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, the atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, with portions that are perfect for kids. High chairs are available, and the staff is very accommodating.
Best For
Better for: Arriba Arriba is a better option for quick, affordable, and delicious Mexican food in a lively atmosphere. Its proximity to theaters makes it ideal for pre-show dining.
Skip if: If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience or a quieter, intimate setting, this may not be the best choice. Also, if you're specifically looking for vegan or gluten-free fine dining, consider alternatives.
Arriba Arriba
7.8
A family‑owned spot dishing out classic tacos, carne asada and enchiladas along with house margaritas — a relaxed, no‑frills option in Hell’s Kitchen. Good for casual dinners and a consistent taco fix when you want more than street‑food stakes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Taco, Chicken Enchiladas, Margarita Special
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Solid classic tacos with margaritas in a family‑run setting
Who should go: Groups or families wanting casual tacos
When to visit: Evening dinner or weekend lunch
What to order: Carne asada taco, chicken enchiladas, margarita
Insider tip: Happy‑hour margaritas are best value
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but can be difficult to find after 6pm. No valet service.
Dress code: Casual attire is fine – jeans and a t-shirt are perfectly acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate – conversation is easy, though it can get a bit louder during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation
Weekday lunch: No wait typically
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – a few vegetarian options, including beans and cheese tacos.
Vegan options: Limited – a couple of options like the vegetable taco or guacamole.
Gluten-free options: Yes – separate prep area for gluten-free items and options like corn tortillas.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s a casual, low-pressure environment ideal for easy conversation. The tacos and margaritas are a crowd-pleaser, but it's not particularly intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, though it can be busy on weekends, especially during dinner. Arriving early or on a weekday lunch will minimize wait time.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – the relaxed atmosphere and family-oriented setting make it great for kids, and there are kid-friendly menu options.
Best For
Better for: Better for casual taco cravings and a laid-back vibe with margaritas in a family-run spot. Great for groups or casual hangouts.
Skip if: If you're looking for upscale Mexican dining or a more intimate date-night setting, this place may not be ideal.
Arriba Arriba
8.3
A long-running, family-owned Hell’s Kitchen staple where big fajita platters and classic combo plates meet a margarita-heavy happy hour culture. The kitchen sticks to comforting, familiar Mexican-American standards, and the room stays reliably busy. Come for straightforward flavor, generous portions, and a festive neighborhood feel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada platter, Chicken Enchiladas, House Frozen Margarita
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Decades of neighborhood loyalty plus a crowd-pleasing margarita lineup.
Who should go: Locals, families, and casual group dinners.
When to visit: Early evening for happy hour and fajitas.
What to order: Carne asada, enchiladas, frozen margarita.
Insider tip: Ask for a booth in the back for a quieter meal.
Arriba Arriba
8.3
A long-running, family-owned Hell’s Kitchen standby known for unfussy, crowd-pleasing tacos and one of the neighborhood’s most dependable margarita happy hours. The kitchen keeps things classic—think sizzling meats, bright salsas, and fast-moving platters made for sharing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Tacos, Shrimp Tacos, House Frozen Margarita
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Neighborhood institution with a happy hour locals trust.
Who should go: Casual groups craving classic Tex-Mex tacos.
When to visit: Late afternoon into early evening.
What to order: Carne asada tacos, shrimp tacos, frozen margarita.
Insider tip: Ask for the spiciest house salsa—it's not always on the table.