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Cosme
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Cosme
8.3
A contemporary Mexican dining room that plays in the fine-dining lane—bold sauces, refined technique, and a menu designed for sharing across small plates. It shines when you build a meal around signature proteins and tostadas, then finish with one of the dessert staples. Expect a scene-y room and pricing that pushes value down even when the cooking lands.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck carnitas, Uni tostada, Corn husk meringue
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Fine-dining Mexican built around iconic signatures like duck carnitas.
Who should go: Food-driven diners planning a night out
When to visit: Weeknights for calmer pacing
What to order: Duck carnitas, uni tostada, corn husk meringue
Insider tip: Order family-style and anchor the meal with one signature protein.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is very limited; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy. Jeans are fine, but polished shoes and a put-together look fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. You can talk, but it’s not a quiet, intimate dining room.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; longer during peak Friday/Saturday hours.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait most days; short waits possible during peak lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several strong vegetable-forward dishes and tostadas work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited – a few vegetable-based options can be adapted, but it’s not a vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes – many naturally gluten-free dishes; staff is knowledgeable about accommodations.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something high-energy and impressive. It’s better for confident, food-driven dates than quiet getting-to-know-you conversations.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes at lunch or early weeknights, but dinner is competitive. Bar seating is your best walk-in option.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. The menu, pacing, and scene are geared toward adults rather than younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Refined, modern Mexican cooking with signature dishes that feel destination-worthy and polished.
Skip if: You’re looking for casual Mexican, strong value pricing, or a quiet, relaxed dining experience.
Cosme
8.8
A Flatiron destination where modern Mexican technique shows up in tight, high-impact dishes and a serious bar program. The taco move here is to treat them as part of a composed meal—pair one standout taco order with a signature large-format plate so the experience reads restaurant-first, not snack-first.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck carnitas, Seasonal taco selection, Guacamole with house tortillas
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Restaurant-level Mexican cooking where tacos share the spotlight with signature large plates.
Who should go: Date nights and food-first diners
When to visit: Early dinner on weeknights
What to order: Duck carnitas, 1–2 tacos, guacamole
Insider tip: Keep it tight: one taco order, one signature main, then dessert.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; garages nearby on Park Ave South and Irving Place are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy — jeans are fine if polished, but most diners lean upscale.
Noise level: Moderate — energetic dining room but still comfortable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; bar seating may move faster.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait most days; occasional short queue during peak business lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable-forward dishes and tacos, plus adaptable sides.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable dishes can be modified, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many dishes are naturally gluten-free; staff is knowledgeable about modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it feels special without being stiff, and the shared-plate format gives the meal a natural rhythm that works well for conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — early weeknights or late evenings have the best odds, but reservations are strongly recommended for peak dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — the room, pacing, and menu are geared toward adults; better suited for teens than younger kids.
Best For
Better for: A polished, restaurant-first Mexican experience with standout cocktails and composed plates that go beyond tacos.
Skip if: You’re looking for a casual taco crawl, quick bites, or a budget-friendly Mexican meal.
Cosme
8.7
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Girls Night Out Approved
Group Dining Gatherings
A modern Mexican room that balances polish with real energy—built around confident sauces, sharp technique, and a menu that rewards decisive ordering. The best meals here land when you mix one knockout seafood bite with one larger centerpiece.
Must-Try Dishes:
Uni tostada, Duck carnitas, Corn husk meringue
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Modern Mexican cooking with signature sauces and high-impact classics.
Who should go: Food-forward diners who like buzz with polish
When to visit: Early dinner for the easiest timing and best flow
What to order: Uni tostada, duck carnitas, corn husk meringue
Insider tip: Order one seafood starter and one big centerpiece—then stop.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited street parking; nearby garages on E 19th St and Park Ave South are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—stylish jeans are fine, but most guests dress up a bit.
Noise level: Moderate to loud—buzzing dining room where conversation is possible but not hushed.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 15 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetable-forward dishes and sauces that can form a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with guidance from the server, but not menu-forward.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many naturally gluten-free dishes; staff is knowledgeable about modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you like energy. It’s stylish, confident, and fun, but better for diners who enjoy buzz over quiet intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes at lunch or early dinner, but prime-time nights are tough—bar seating is your best fallback.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. Best for teens who eat adventurously; the room and pacing are geared toward adults.
Best For
Better for: High-impact modern Mexican flavors with polish, energy, and standout signature dishes.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic meal or a deeply traditional Mexican experience.
Cosme
8.8
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
A high-energy modern Mexican room that works for celebrations when you order decisively—one standout seafood bite up front, then a larger centerpiece with sauce-driven confidence. It’s polished without feeling precious, and the buzz makes birthdays and group toasts feel natural.
Must-Try Dishes:
Uni tostada, Duck carnitas, Corn husk meringue
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Modern Mexican cooking anchored by signature sauces and big-hit dishes.
Who should go: Groups celebrating with cocktails
When to visit: Early dinner for smoother flow
What to order: Uni tostada, duck carnitas, corn husk meringue
Insider tip: Pick one seafood starter and one centerpiece—then stop.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is limited and competitive; garages nearby but expect a short walk.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine, but this is a polished, photo-forward room.
Noise level: Lively and energetic—conversation is possible, but expect buzz, especially at peak dinner.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait most days; short waits during peak lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetable-driven dishes and sides that can form a complete meal.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable dishes can be adapted, but not a full vegan lineup.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free dishes; staff is knowledgeable, but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for confident first dates or celebratory energy—it's loud and buzzy rather than intimate or quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible at off-hours or at the bar, but prime dinner slots fill quickly—plan ahead for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids—the noise, pacing, and menu skew adult; better for teens or special occasions.
Best For
Better for: High-energy celebrations, sauce-driven modern Mexican, and nights that feel like an event rather than a hushed meal.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic dinner or low-key conversation—look elsewhere for calm or candlelit settings.
Cosme
8.5
A modern Mexican dining room that’s built for buzz: confident cocktails, sharp plating, and a room that stays lively without turning chaotic. Go in with a clear arc—one raw or tostada starter, one signature main, and one dessert—so the meal stays intentional.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck carnitas, Tuna tostada, Corn husk meringue
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Contemporary Mexican cooking with cocktail swagger and polished execution.
Who should go: Cocktail-forward celebrators
When to visit: Early dinner before the room peaks
What to order: Tuna tostada, duck carnitas, corn husk meringue
Insider tip: Pick two lanes—raw/tostada plus one main—then stop.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive after 6pm; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine, but polished tops, heels, or jackets fit the room better.
Noise level: Moderate-lively—conversation is easy at early hours, gets louder as the night builds.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, often longer after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside peak business lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-driven starters and mains that feel intentional, not like afterthoughts.
Vegan options: Limited but possible with guidance—best to flag upfront and lean on vegetable courses.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free options available; staff is knowledgeable, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially early. The room feels exciting without being overwhelming, cocktails help break the ice, and the menu encourages sharing without pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible early or late, but risky during peak dinner. Bar seating moves faster and is a solid fallback if you’re flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this is an adult-focused dining room built around cocktails and pacing, better suited for teens at most.
Best For
Better for: Polished, modern Mexican cooking with a nightlife-adjacent energy—stronger for cocktails, buzz, and celebratory nights than quieter peers.
Skip if: You want a calm, traditional Mexican meal or a value-driven dinner—this is about experience and execution, not casual comfort.
Cosme
8.5
A modern, scene-forward Mexican dining room where the best bites land when you treat it like a composed meal, not a taco crawl. The kitchen’s strengths are big-flavor centerpieces and smart, high-acid balance—go in with a plan, share intentionally, and finish with dessert that’s become part of the restaurant’s identity.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck carnitas (with tortillas), Tlayuda, Corn husk meringue
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: High-end Mexican cooking with a signature carnitas centerpiece.
Who should go: Big-night diners who want a real meal
When to visit: Late dinner Thu–Sat for peak energy
What to order: Duck carnitas, tlayuda, cornhusk meringue
Insider tip: Commit to one centerpiece and build around it—don’t over-order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited street parking; nearby paid garages on E 21st St and Park Ave South are the most reliable after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—nice jeans are fine, but most diners treat it as a night-out spot.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours—conversation is possible but not intimate-quiet.
Weekend wait: 60–90 min without a reservation, often longer after 8pm
Weekday lunch: 15–30 min at peak, shorter if you arrive early
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward dishes and tortillas work well as a composed meal.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with modifications, but not a strong suit.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas and naturally gluten-free dishes are available, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a polished, high-energy impression. It’s better for confident, conversation-forward dates than quiet getting-to-know-you dinners.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but unpredictable. Bar seating is your best bet; arrive early or be ready to wait on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids. The menu, pacing, and noise level skew adult; best for teens who enjoy adventurous food.
Best For
Better for: Elevated Mexican flavors, signature centerpieces, and a scene-driven dining experience that feels like an event.
Skip if: You want casual tacos, quick bites, or a budget-friendly late-night stop—this is a planned, splurge-level meal.