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Rosa Mexicano – Second Avenue
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Rosa Mexicano – Second Avenue
8.0
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Family Friendly Favorites
The long-running Second Avenue Rosa Mexicano leans festive, with colorful decor, big-format margaritas, and familiar Mexican standards. It’s less about culinary fireworks and more about dependable guacamole, tacos, and enchiladas for groups who want a lively, affordable-ish Midtown celebration spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tableside Guacamole, Birria Quesatacos, Enchiladas Suizas
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A festive, long-standing Mexican spot near the UN for groups and celebrations.
Who should go: Groups seeking festive margaritas, guac and crowd-pleasing classics.
When to visit: Weeknights for easier seating; prime evenings for celebrations.
What to order: Tableside guacamole, birria quesatacos, chicken enchiladas suizas.
Insider tip: Reserve and request a back-room table if you prefer less noise.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking in Turtle Bay is limited, especially after 5pm; nearby garages on 2nd/3rd Ave usually have paid availability.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and sneakers are fine, but many diners lean slightly dressy for celebrations.
Noise level: Loud during peak evenings and celebrations; normal conversation can be challenging in the main room.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, depending on group size.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage—several veg-friendly tacos, enchiladas, and sides.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 mains can be made vegan; confirm with staff regarding cheese substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Moderate support—corn-based items are workable; ask for GF-specific guidance as some sauces may contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something lively. The energy is festive and noisy, which works for fun, low-pressure dates but not intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes for small parties, especially early evenings or weekdays, but waits increase quickly during prime hours and for larger groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. The upbeat atmosphere, approachable dishes, and quick service work well for families with kids 5 and up; high chairs and booster options are typically available.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, celebratory vibes, strong margaritas, and consistent crowd-pleasing classics.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, cutting-edge regional Mexican cooking, or a romantic setting.
Rosa Mexicano – Second Avenue
8.2
This long-running Midtown East outpost of Rosa Mexicano pairs tableside guacamole, a deep tequila list, and polished takes on tacos and enchiladas with a big, high-energy room. Late-afternoon happy hour at the front bar draws an office crowd for discounted margaritas and bar bites before the dinner rush.
Must-Try Dishes:
Guacamole en Molcajete, Birria Quesatacos, Enchiladas Roasted Chicken Suizas
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A big, colorful Mexican institution with strong margaritas and a serious agave program.
Who should go: Office groups and visitors wanting lively, classic NYC Mexican
When to visit: Weekday late-afternoon happy hour before peak dinner crowds
What to order: Tableside guacamole, birria quesatacos, chicken suizas enchiladas.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar during happy hour to access drink specials and share guac and tacos without committing to a full, pricier sit-down meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Midtown East; expect metered spots to be scarce after 5pm. Nearby paid garages on 2nd Ave and 50th–52nd St typically run $25–$40.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished—button-downs, blouses, and casual dresses fit the room’s energy.
Noise level: High during happy hour and dinner rush; expect lively bar chatter. Conversation at tables is manageable but not quiet.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially 6:30–8:00pm.
Weekday lunch: Minimal waits; generally seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—veg enchiladas, salads, and customizable tacos. Guacamole and most sides are veg-friendly.
Vegan options: Moderate—1–2 naturally vegan dishes plus customizable bowls and salads; confirm with staff for dairy-free prep.
Gluten-free options: Strong accommodation—corn tortillas available, and many mains can be prepared gluten-free. No dedicated prep area, but staff is accustomed to GF requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want lively energy and strong drinks. It’s upbeat and social rather than intimate—better for fun, casual first dates rather than quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes. The bar area is easier to snag during happy hour, but prime dinner times fill quickly. Arrive early or be prepared to wait 20–40 minutes on busy evenings.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably. Families are welcome, and the menu has approachable options. Early evenings are best—later hours skew loud and more adult due to happy hour crowds.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, energetic happy hour meetups, strong margaritas, and polished-but-accessible Mexican classics in a big, festive space.
Skip if: You want quiet, modern Mexican tasting menus, highly regional specialties, or a low-key neighborhood spot—this is a busy, high-energy corporate-friendly institution.
Rosa Mexicano – Second Avenue
7.9
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Happy Hour Hotspots
Rosa Mexicano’s Second Avenue outpost brings the brand’s colorful dining room, polished service, and full range of tacos, fajitas, and parrilladas to Midtown East. Happy hour in the bar leans on discounted snacks, strong margaritas, and taco Tuesday promos that make the otherwise higher prices feel more forgiving.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quesabirria Tacos, Carnitas Tacos, Tableside Guacamole
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Big-room Mexican with polished décor, tableside guac, and structured happy hour in the bar.
Who should go: Groups, office outings, and families wanting festive Mexican classics.
When to visit: Weekday bar happy hour or taco Tuesday for better value.
What to order: Quesabirria tacos, carnitas tacos, and tableside guacamole.
Insider tip: If you care most about deals, stick to the bar area during happy hour where promos are concentrated.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Midtown East; expect metered spots to be scarce after 5pm. Nearest garages are on 58th and 59th Streets, typically $25–$40 for 1–2 hours.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly polished—think neat tops, casual dresses, or office attire transitioning into evening plans.
Noise level: Lively and loud during peak hours, especially around the bar. Conversation at the table is doable but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; walk-ins are commonly seated right away.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage—veggie tacos, enchiladas, salads, and customizable bowls.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—ask for modifications; a few plant-forward dishes can be adapted.
Gluten-free options: Solid options—many tacos and mains can be prepared gluten-free; staff is accustomed to handling requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want high energy and festive vibes. It’s fun and colorful, but the noise level isn’t ideal for quieter one-on-one conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes for small parties, especially at off-peak times. For weekends or groups, reserve ahead or plan to wait at the bar during happy hour.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are common. Kids’ menu items, flexible service, and a spacious dining room make it workable for ages 4+.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, birthday energy, and a structured happy hour with strong margaritas and consistent service.
Skip if: You want subtle, chef-driven Mexican cooking or a quiet meal—there are calmer, more refined options nearby.