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Casa Carmen Tribeca

114 Franklin St, New York, NY 10013
$$
Mexican

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Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)

Casa Carmen Tribeca 7.8
TriBeCa
A stylish Tribeca room that plays best as dinner with drinks: a sleek space, shareable starters, and a menu that’s designed for groups who want Mexican flavors with a more modern, nightlife-adjacent feel. The wins are strongest when you focus on the signature starters and cocktail-friendly plates.
Must-Try Dishes: Crab tostadas, Chicken enchiladas, Margaritas
Scores:
Value: 7.2 Service: 7.7 Consistency: 7.8 Food Quality: 8 Atmosphere: 8.4 Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A Tribeca Mexican spot where cocktails and ambiance lead the experience.
Who should go: Friends who want drinks-first dinner energy
When to visit: Weeknights or early weekend dinner for best flow
What to order: Crab tostadas, enchiladas, margaritas
Insider tip: Order the signature tostada early before mains hit the table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in Tribeca; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jeans are fine, but most guests look polished for a night out.
Noise level: Moderate to loud — conversation is easy early, but the room gets energetic as the night goes on.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Often no wait or very short waits; dinner is the main draw.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable-forward starters, tacos, and enchilada options.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications, but not a dedicated focus.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes available; staff can guide you, but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want lively energy and cocktails. It’s more social and upbeat than intimate, so it works best for confident, conversation-forward dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, especially on weeknights or early dinners, but weekends fill up quickly — reservations are recommended for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. The vibe skews adult and nightlife-oriented, making it better suited for teens or adults rather than younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Stylish group dinners, cocktails, and a modern Mexican night-out feel in Tribeca.
Skip if: You’re looking for deeply traditional Mexican cooking, a quiet dinner, or a family-focused meal.
Casa Carmen Tribeca 7.8
TriBeCa
An elevated Tribeca room where tacos are more of a composed dinner move than a quick-hit snack: higher-end proteins, a warm, stylish space, and a pacing that favors lingering. Best when you want late-night tacos with a dress-up energy rather than counter-service speed.
Must-Try Dishes: Tacos de carnitas, Tacos de barbacoa, Tacos de lengua
Scores:
Value: 6.8 Service: 8.2 Consistency: 7.6 Food Quality: 8.1 Atmosphere: 8.5 Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: A modern Tribeca Mexican dining room with tacos that skew upscale.
Who should go: Dates and groups who want a dressier taco night
When to visit: Later dinner for a moodier vibe
What to order: Carnitas, barbacoa, lengua tacos
Insider tip: Order two taco styles for the table, then repeat the winner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Tribeca; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially after 7pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jeans are fine, but the room rewards a polished, night-out look.
Noise level: Moderate — lively enough to feel energetic but still workable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak late-night hours.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, or a short wait under 15 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable-based tacos and sides that work as a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of plant-forward options, but not a fully vegan-friendly menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas and naturally gluten-free taco fillings, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the stylish room and composed pacing make it feel intentional and romantic without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — early or late works best; peak weekend hours are tougher without planning ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — it skews adult and nightlife-oriented, better for teens than younger kids.
Best For
Better for: A dress-up taco night with atmosphere, cocktails, and lingering table time rather than quick bites.
Skip if: You want fast, cheap tacos or counter-service speed — there are better late-night utility options nearby.
Casa Carmen Tribeca 7.8
TriBeCa
A modern Tribeca Mexican dining room where richer, composed plates and cocktails make it feel like a full dinner destination, not a quick taco run. Best when you want a warmer, more elevated take on classics and don’t mind paying for the room. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Must-Try Dishes: Cochinita pibil, Enmoladas, Crab tostada
Scores:
Value: 6.9 Service: 7.5 Consistency: 7.8 Food Quality: 8.3 Atmosphere: 8.2 Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: A dressier Mexican room with cocktail-forward energy and composed plates.
Who should go: Dates and groups who want a nicer night
When to visit: Later dinner for the best dining-room vibe
What to order: Cochinita pibil, enmoladas, tostada
Insider tip: Go plate-first, then add tacos based on cravings.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in Tribeca; paid garages nearby are the most reliable option after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jeans are fine, but most diners look polished for a night out.
Noise level: Moderate — lively energy but still easy to hold a conversation at the table.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a short 5–10 minute delay
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable-forward plates and meat-free mains available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few adaptable options, best to ask the server about modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes — multiple naturally gluten-free dishes, though not a dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished room, cocktails, and composed plates make it feel intentional without being overly formal, which helps conversation flow.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights or early evenings, but reservations are strongly recommended for Friday and Saturday dinners.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — the menu and atmosphere are geared toward adults, making it better for dates or nights out than family dining.
Best For
Better for: Elevated Mexican dishes, cocktails, and a stylish dining-room experience that works for dates and celebrations.
Skip if: You want quick tacos, budget pricing, or a casual, in-and-out taqueria vibe.
Casa Carmen Tribeca 7.7
TriBeCa
A dressier Tribeca Mexican dining room where tacos feel like part of a full dinner sequence—cocktails, composed plates, then tacos to round it out. It’s best when you want a polished room and aren’t chasing pure value-per-taco.
Must-Try Dishes: Cochinita pibil tacos, Enmoladas, Margarita
Scores:
Value: 6.9 Service: 7.5 Consistency: 7.6 Food Quality: 8 Atmosphere: 8.6 Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: A polished Tribeca Mexican room where tacos complement a full dinner.
Who should go: Dates and groups who want a nicer night
When to visit: Later dinner for the best dining-room vibe
What to order: Cochinita pibil tacos, enmoladas, margarita
Insider tip: Go plate-first, then add tacos to finish and share.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in the evening; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — nice jeans are fine, but many guests dress up a bit for dinner and cocktails.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — you can hold a conversation, but it feels energetic rather than hushed.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable-forward plates and tacos are available.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications, but not a standout vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes; confirm with staff for tacos and sauces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished room, strong cocktails, and shareable plates create an easy, slightly elevated first-date setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights or earlier in the evening, but weekends are much smoother with a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — better suited for adults, dates, and groups rather than families with young kids.
Best For
Better for: Atmosphere, cocktails, and a composed dinner flow where tacos are part of a broader, sit-down experience.
Skip if: You’re focused on pure taco value, speed, or casual counter-service energy — simpler taquerias will feel more satisfying.