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Isabella's Mexican Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Isabella's Mexican Restaurant
7.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Isabela's Mexican Restaurant is a longtime Fourth Avenue spot serving breakfast plates, tortas, burritos, and nachos to neighborhood regulars. Reviews highlight quick delivery, generous portions, and a casual room that works as well for a simple morning plate as for a late-night burrito.
Must-Try Dishes:
Torta milanesa de pollo, Chicken burrito, Nachos locos with steak
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Everyday neighborhood spot for affordable tortas, burritos, and breakfast plates.
Who should go: Locals wanting dependable, no-frills Mexican comfort food.
When to visit: Mornings for breakfast plates, late evenings for delivery cravings.
What to order: Torta milanesa de pollo, chicken burrito, nachos locos with steak.
Insider tip: Delivery is fast—use it when you want hot food without leaving home.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; usually manageable during the day but can be tight after 6pm on Fourth Avenue.
Dress code: Ultra-casual—jeans, hoodies, and work clothes all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate during peak hours, quiet and relaxed off-peak.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at most during peak rush; often quicker for takeout
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie burritos, cheese quesadillas, rice-and-bean plates, and nachos without meat.
Vegan options: Limited - bean, rice, and sautéed veggie fillings work if you skip cheese and sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Some options - corn tacos and rice plates are safer picks, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for ultra-casual, low-pressure meetups than romantic dates—it’s more about comfort food than atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is a walk-in spot, and tables usually turn over quickly even at busy times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple menu items, quick service, and a relaxed environment work well for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable breakfast plates and late-night burritos when speed and value matter most.
Skip if: You’re looking for craft cocktails, polished service, or a sit-down dining experience with ambiance.
Isabella's Mexican Restaurant
7.9
Isabela's Mexican Restaurant is a neighborhood sit-down spot known for generous, budget-friendly plates, from shrimp tacos to overstuffed burritos. Regulars appreciate the home-cooked feel and consistent flavors more than any attempt at trendy presentation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp Burrito, Chicken Burrito, Bean and Cheese Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Comfort-first Mexican restaurant where burritos and plates arrive big, hot, and priced for regular weekday visits.
Who should go: Locals wanting sit-down burritos without spending much.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners when the room is relaxed but lively.
What to order: Shrimp Burrito, Chicken Burrito, chips with house salsa.
Insider tip: Ask which meats are freshest that day and build your burrito around those recommendations.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be tight after 6pm on 4th Avenue, easier a few blocks inland.
Dress code: Casual and practical—jeans, hoodies, and everyday wear fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—lively during peak dinner but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes during peak hours, shorter if you arrive early.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—cheese, bean, rice, and vegetable burritos plus several meat-free plates.
Vegan options: Limited—bean, rice, veggie burritos without cheese; ask about lard-free beans.
Gluten-free options: Limited—corn tortillas for tacos and rice-based plates, but shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure first date than a romantic one—comfortable, affordable, and easygoing rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm, especially on weekdays and earlier in the evening.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family-friendly vibe, flexible menu, and large portions that are easy to share with kids.
Best For
Better for: Big, affordable sit-down burritos with a home-cooked feel rather than fast counter service.
Skip if: You want modern Mexican flavors, craft cocktails, or a trend-driven dining experience.
Isabella's Mexican Restaurant
7.8
A neighborhood Mexican restaurant-bar on 4th Avenue serving combo plates, tacos, and drinks until close to midnight. The room leans more casual than polished, but it’s useful for late-night sit-down meals with friends or a low-key date.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada tacos, Chicken enchiladas, Shrimp fajitas
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Late-night Mexican plates and drinks just off the 45th Street R train.
Who should go: Couples or small groups wanting casual late-night Mexican.
When to visit: After 9 pm when the room is mellow but kitchen active.
What to order: Carne asada tacos, chicken enchiladas, shrimp fajitas.
Insider tip: Sit toward the back if you want a slightly quieter conversation.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; usually manageable on side streets after 8pm but can be tight near 4th Avenue.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sneakers, and relaxed date-night outfits all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—lively during peak hours but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes after 8:30pm without a reservation
Weekday lunch: No wait typically (mostly a dinner-focused spot)
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean burritos, veggie fajitas, cheese enchiladas, and rice-and-bean combos work well.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize with beans, rice, grilled veggies, and tortillas if you skip dairy.
Gluten-free options: Some options—corn tortillas for tacos and fajita plates without flour sides.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something casual and low-pressure. It’s not fancy, but it’s comfortable, affordable, and relaxed enough for easy conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Most nights, yes. Walk-ins usually work, especially after 9pm when the dinner rush thins out.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the evening it works for families, but later at night it shifts more toward adults with drinks and date-night energy.
Best For
Better for: Late-night sit-down Mexican with drinks when you don’t want a loud taqueria or counter-only spot.
Skip if: You’re looking for elevated craft cocktails, trendy ambience, or ultra-authentic regional Mexican specialties.