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Ruta Oaxaca Mexican Cuisine
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Ruta Oaxaca Mexican Cuisine
8.8
Ruta Oaxaca brings Oaxacan cooking, mezcal and cocktails to a busy stretch of Smith Street, with mole-focused plates and a deep agave list. The Brooklyn outpost of this small group functions as a go-to for date nights and celebratory dinners in Cobble Hill and Boerum Hill. Expect rich moles, shareable plates and a livelier bar vibe than most neighborhood Mexican spots.
Must-Try Dishes:
Enchiladas mole negro, Cochinita pibil tacos, Tlayuda mixta
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Mole-driven Oaxacan menu paired with serious mezcal and tequila.
Who should go: Din ers wanting upscale Mexican with strong cocktails.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours and weekends for full atmosphere.
What to order: Enchiladas mole negro, tlayuda mixta, cochinita pibil tacos.
Insider tip: Book ahead for weekend evenings; ask about mezcal recommendations.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Smith Street and adjacent blocks, especially after 6pm; allow extra time or use nearby paid garages along Atlantic Avenue.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; guests often opt for elevated outfits given the cocktails and date-night energy.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; conversation is doable at a two-top but bar-adjacent tables can get loud during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially between 7–9pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, with easy walk-in availability.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Multiple options including Oaxacan-style enchiladas, veggie tlayuda variations and mezze-style starters.
Vegan options: Limited but workable; salads and certain vegetable plates can be adapted—ask staff for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free dishes and corn-based items; staff can point out safe choices though no dedicated prep area exists.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dimmer lighting, polished cocktails and shareable Oaxacan plates create an elevated, lively atmosphere ideal for a fun and engaging first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are possible but unpredictable; arrive early evening on weekdays for the best luck or expect a longer wait on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? More adult-leaning due to the cocktail-forward vibe and noise level; older kids and teens are fine early in the evening, but it’s not ideal for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Mezcal-forward cocktails, rich Oaxacan moles and a celebratory, high-energy dining room compared to more casual neighborhood Mexican spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, fast-casual service or a menu tailored to expansive vegan and gluten-free needs.
Ruta Oaxaca Mexican Cuisine
8.5
Ruta Oaxaca on Smith Street focuses on Oaxacan cooking, from deep, layered moles to taco platters and mezcal-heavy cocktails in a colorful room. It works for later dinners that stretch toward 10–11pm on weekends when you want a fuller sit-down experience rather than a quick taco run.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mole negro enchiladas, Taco platters with handmade tortillas, House mezcal margarita
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Oaxacan moles, agave spirits, and a lively late-evening dining room.
Who should go: Margarita lovers and groups craving sit-down Mexican dinners.
When to visit: Friday or Saturday after 8 pm for peak energy.
What to order: Mole negro enchiladas, taco entree, mezcal margarita.
Insider tip: Sit near the bar for faster drink refills and more buzz.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Smith Street is limited after 6pm; expect to circle or use nearby commercial garages along Boerum Hill’s side streets.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for date nights and weekend dinners.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively; conversation is possible at smaller tables, but the room gets buzzy during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 20–45 minutes without a reservation between 7–9pm; shorter waits after 10pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; service is fast and steady.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several options including enchiladas, quesadillas, salads, and sides.
Vegan options: Limited—some dishes can be modified, but most mains incorporate cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Many items are naturally gluten-free thanks to corn tortillas; staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—colorful décor, strong cocktails, and shareable plates create an upbeat setting that feels lively without being overwhelming. It works especially well for dates who enjoy bolder flavors.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, particularly after 9pm on weekends or anytime late-night; prime hours may require a short wait, but bar seating opens up more quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who enjoy Mexican food; weekends before 7pm are most comfortable. Late-night service skews more adult and cocktail-focused.
Best For
Better for: A fuller sit-down Oaxacan experience with richer moles and craft mezcal cocktails compared to quick-service taco spots.
Skip if: You want fast counter-service tacos, extremely quiet dining, or extensive vegan options.
Ruta Oaxaca Mexican Cuisine
8.5
Ruta Oaxaca on Smith Street brings a more focused Oaxacan menu to Cobble Hill with moles, birria tacos, and mezcal-forward cocktails priced below typical fine-dining levels. The room leans colorful and polished, with brunch, happy hour, and tacos mixtos drawing both neighborhood regulars and destination diners. It’s the Cheap Mexican pick when you want upgraded ingredients and cocktails without leaving the under-$30-per-person bracket.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria tacos with consommé, Quesadillas with choice of meat or vegetables, Chicken mole enchiladas
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Oaxacan-focused menu with serious mole and mezcal at accessible prices.
Who should go: Couples and friends wanting upgraded tacos and cocktails.
When to visit: Weeknight happy hour or weekend brunch for best value.
What to order: Birria tacos, chicken mole enchiladas, queso-forward quesadillas.
Insider tip: Use brunch or happy hour for two-for-one margarita deals and lower spend.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Smith Street is limited after 6pm; look for spots on adjacent residential blocks or use nearby garages along Court Street.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but many diners lean slightly dressy for cocktails and date nights.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially during peak happy hour; still manageable for conversation at two-tops.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, longer after 7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; walk-ins are typically seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—enchiladas, quesadillas, and several veggie tacos can be made fully vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 tacos and sides can be adapted, but many dishes rely on cheese or mole bases with dairy.
Gluten-free options: Several tacos and mains can be prepared gluten-free; staff is accustomed to requests but there is no fully separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—colorful decor, mezcal cocktails, and polished but casual service create an easy, flattering first-date environment without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually—early evenings and weeknights are your best bet; for weekend dinner, expect a wait unless you arrive before 6:30pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably—families are common at brunch and early evenings; high chairs are available, but the dinner crowd skews adult later in the night.
Best For
Better for: More polished Oaxacan flavors, stronger mezcal and margarita program, and an elevated experience at a lower spend than typical sit-down Mexican spots nearby.
Skip if: You want ultra-traditional taqueria pricing, a very quiet dining room, or extensive vegan options—other neighborhood choices may serve those needs better.
Ruta Oaxaca Mexican Cuisine
8.5
Ruta Oaxaca in Cobble Hill brings an Oaxacan-leaning menu of moles, tlayudas, and tacos mixtos into a polished room with a serious tequila and mezcal list. Happy hour and Taco Tuesday deals make it the most refined Happy Hour Tacos choice in 11201 when you want upgraded tortillas, better tequila, and a more sit-down vibe than a quick taqueria.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos mixtos, Birria tacos, Mole negro enchiladas
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Oaxacan-focused tacos, moles, and mezcal served in a stylish dining room with dedicated happy hour and taco specials.
Who should go: Couples or groups wanting elevated tacos and cocktails.
When to visit: Weeknight happy hour or Taco Tuesday for best value and energy.
What to order: Tacos mixtos, birria tacos, mole negro enchiladas.
Insider tip: If the weather cooperates, ask for a patio table and build your own happy hour flight by pairing tacos with different mezcals.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Smith and Court Streets is limited, especially after 6pm; rely on metered spots or nearby garages like the one on Court Street for the most predictable experience.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but many guests lean dressy for cocktails and date nights.
Noise level: Moderate; lively bar energy during happy hour but still easy enough for conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially during Taco Tuesday and peak happy hour windows.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, though the patio can fill on warmer days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetarian tacos, tlayudas, and appetizers feature Oaxacan cheeses and vegetable-forward fillings.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of vegetable dishes can be modified, but most tacos and moles rely on dairy or meat.
Gluten-free options: Many tacos can be made gluten-free with corn tortillas; staff is accustomed to accommodating gluten sensitivities.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The polished interior, strong mezcal program, and shareable tacos create an elevated but relaxed atmosphere ideal for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, but not always. Walk-ins are feasible on weeknights before 7pm; on weekends or Taco Tuesday, expect a wait unless you book ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat. High chairs are available and staff is accommodating, but peak happy hour can feel too lively for very young children.
Best For
Better for: More polished than nearby taquerias, with elevated cocktails, refined Oaxacan touches, and a fuller sit-down experience.
Skip if: You want quick counter-service tacos, very low-budget pricing, or a quieter, no-frills environment.