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Sinigual
Master Critic Reviews (8 Lists)
Sinigual
8.2
A Midtown East sit-down Mexican room built for after-work groups and polished dinners, with a menu that leans into bold sauces, sizzling proteins, and crowd-friendly shareables. It’s strongest when you start with a tableside opener, then commit to one signature taco or steak-driven plate rather than over-ordering the middle.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tableside Guacamole, Taco Vampiros, Carne Asada y Chimichurri
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Tableside-forward Mexican classics with a big-menu, group-friendly format.
Who should go: Work groups and dinner parties
When to visit: Weeknight happy hour into dinner
What to order: Tableside guacamole, taco vampiros, carne asada y chimichurri
Insider tip: Split one appetizer and one main per two—portions stack up fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is limited and difficult on weeknights; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual. Jeans are fine, but many guests come straight from work and lean polished.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. Easy to talk at lunch; dinner gets louder with groups and happy hour energy.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, shorter early or later in the evening.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; brief delays possible during peak business lunch (12:30–1:30pm).
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several vegetable-forward tacos, sides, and starters can anchor a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited – a couple of naturally vegan items or light modifications; not a deep vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Partial – corn-based tacos and some mains work, but cross-contact is possible; best to flag needs to the server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a polished, sit-down first date than something intimate. The room is lively and confident, but conversation is easier at lunch or early dinner than peak evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes during lunch and early evening. For weeknight dinner with a group, a reservation is strongly recommended to avoid a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? More adult-leaning. Kids are welcome, but there’s no kids menu and the evening atmosphere is geared toward work dinners and adults.
Best For
Better for: Structured group meals, business lunches, and after-work dinners where you want sit-down Mexican with tableside moments and full-service polish.
Skip if: You want quick tacos, a quiet romantic room, or a deeply specialized regional Mexican menu—counter-service spots or smaller taquerias will suit those better.
Sinigual
8.3
A Midtown Mexican fixture since 2008, Sinigual is a full-service restaurant where burritos share the stage with fajitas, tacos and large-format plates in a polished dining room. Brunch and catering menus lean into breakfast burritos and fajita burritos, making it one of the few sit-down options in the area where burritos work for both business lunches and social dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Fajita Burrito, Chicken Fajita Burrito, Breakfast Burrito
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Long-running contemporary Mexican restaurant where fajita-style and breakfast burritos come with full bar, polished service, and a comfortable dining room one block from Grand Central.
Who should go: Teams or couples wanting burritos with cocktails and table service.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early evening happy hour before it fills.
What to order: Steak Fajita Burrito, Chicken Fajita Burrito, Weekend Breakfast Burrito.
Insider tip: Use the bar or cantina area for quicker burrito-focused meals and easier walk-in seating than the main dining room.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 3rd Avenue is limited; rely on nearby paid garages on 39th–41st Streets, typically $25–$40 for 1–2 hours.
Dress code: Smart casual; office attire blends in, but polished jeans and a button-down or blouse are fully appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate—lively during peak hours but still suitable for normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak happy hour transitions.
Weekday lunch: Generally minimal waits, though larger groups may need a short hold during the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—vegetable fajitas, cheese enchiladas, salads, and customizable burritos.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify veggie dishes, but options are not extensive; confirm ingredients with staff.
Gluten-free options: Several clearly marked items; corn tortillas and many entrées are GF-friendly, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The polished dining room, full bar, and comfortable booths create a relaxed but elevated setting without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, especially at the bar or cantina area, which handles walk-ins well. Prime dinner hours may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and teens—spacious seating and approachable dishes work well. Limited amenities for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Full-service dining with burritos, cocktails, and a comfortable room—rare among nearby fast-casual burrito competitors.
Skip if: You want a quick, inexpensive grab-and-go burrito; faster and cheaper options in the area may be better suited.
Sinigual
8.6
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Trendy Table Hotspots
Since 2008, Sinigual has been Midtown East’s polished Mexican spot where a full rack of tamarind-glazed St. Louis ribs quietly ranks among the strongest entrées on the menu. Regulars pair those barbecue-style ribs and combination plates with margaritas in a lively, post-work dining room that draws office groups and Grand Central commuters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rack of St. Louis Ribs (tamarind barbecue ribs), Sampler Platter with chipotle-tamarind barbecue ribs, Dry-Rubbed 12oz Ribeye
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Long-running Midtown Mexican restaurant where tamarind-lacquered St. Louis ribs sit alongside combo platters and strong margaritas.
Who should go: Rib lovers wanting full-service Mexican near Grand Central.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or post-work happy hour before peak crowds.
What to order: Rack of St. Louis Ribs, sampler platter with chipotle-tamarind ribs, dry-rubbed ribeye.
Insider tip: Ask for extra tamarind barbecue sauce on the ribs and add yucca fries from the sides or events menu to mimic the catering presentation.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on 3rd Avenue during peak hours; nearby paid garages on 41st–43rd Streets are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual; office attire is common, but neat jeans and a button-down or blouse fit in comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud during happy hour; conversational at lunch and early dinner.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal or no wait aside from brief office-lunch surges.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — enchiladas, salads, and vegetable-forward sides offer workable choices.
Vegan options: Limited — a few salads and sides can be modified, but entrées are sparse.
Gluten-free options: Multiple options, including many grilled proteins and combo plates; staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want an energetic, polished environment with strong cocktails; less ideal if you're seeking a quiet, intimate atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, particularly early evening or weekday lunch; during peak happy hour, the bar fills quickly and waits can develop.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids; the menu is approachable, but the after-work crowd and noise levels may feel busy for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Full-service dining with standout tamarind-glazed ribs and strong margaritas in a lively Midtown setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, dedicated barbecue specialists, or extensive vegan/plant-based options.
Sinigual
8.3
Sinigual is a high-volume contemporary Mexican restaurant where Midtown office groups, families and travelers converge for tableside guacamole, mesquite-grilled fajitas and big-format combo plates. With thousands of reviews across platforms and nightly crowds, it’s a reliable choice for late-running dinners and margarita rounds near Grand Central.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tableside guacamole, Mesquite-grilled steak fajitas, Chicken tacos vampiros
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Large, lively Midtown room pairing tableside guac with crowd-pleasing combo plates.
Who should go: Office groups, families and travelers meeting near Grand Central.
When to visit: Weeknights 7–9pm for peak buzz and full menu.
What to order: Tableside guacamole, steak fajitas, chicken tacos vampiros.
Insider tip: Reserve ahead and request the back of the dining room for better conversation.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on 3rd Ave; rely on nearby garages along E 41st–E 43rd St (typically $25–$40 evenings). No valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—office attire, clean denim and sweaters are all appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud during peak hours; conversation is possible but raised voices may be needed for larger groups.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, especially 7–9pm.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; tables usually open with steady but manageable traffic.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including salads, veggie fajitas, enchiladas and sides; staff can guide substitutions.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—guacamole, select salads (without cheese), and modified veggie fajitas.
Gluten-free options: Moderate selection; many corn-tortilla dishes qualify, and staff can point out safer choices, though no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Decent for casual dates if you want lively energy, but the volume and group-heavy atmosphere make it less ideal for intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, but expect a wait during peak dinner hours. Arrive early or later in the evening for the fastest seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. Spacious seating, approachable dishes and quick service suit families; early evenings are the most comfortable for young children.
Best For
Better for: Reliable large-group seating, consistent Tex-Mex–leaning plates, strong review volume and a dependable Midtown location steps from Grand Central.
Skip if: You want quiet, chef-driven regional Mexican cooking or a more intimate, design-forward dining room.
Sinigual
8.6
Sinigual is a large, contemporary Mexican restaurant off Third Avenue where tableside guacamole, mesquite-grilled fajitas and combo plates anchor a high-volume dining room. With thousands of multi-platform reviews and steady crowds, it functions as a reliable go-to for groups, office dinners and margarita rounds near Grand Central.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tableside guacamole, Steak fajitas, Chicken tacos vampiros
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: High-volume Midtown Mexican with tableside guac and mesquite-grilled plates.
Who should go: Office groups and families meeting near Grand Central station.
When to visit: Weeknights 7–9pm for full buzz and happy hour energy.
What to order: Tableside guacamole, steak fajitas, chicken tacos vampiros.
Insider tip: Share combo plates and guac to stretch portions and value.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on 3rd Avenue and nearby cross streets is limited; several paid garages sit within a 2–3 block radius but expect peak-evening congestion.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but many guests lean slightly polished for group dinners and office outings.
Noise level: Moderately loud during peak dinner hours with steady music and group chatter; conversation is doable but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait, though large parties should reserve.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, vegetable enchiladas, quesadillas and several sides accommodate vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — a few customizable items (salads, sides) can be made vegan, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many plates can be prepared gluten-free upon request; servers are accustomed to navigating modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Decent for a casual, lively date but not ideal for intimate conversation due to the volume and group-oriented layout. Better for a fun, upbeat evening than a quiet one.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for smaller parties, but expect waits during prime dinner hours. Groups should book ahead; bar seating can be a fallback for quick meals.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the spacious dining room, upbeat atmosphere and familiar Mexican dishes work well for families. High chairs and booster seating are typically available.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, consistent execution, tableside guacamole and mesquite-grilled entrées make it stronger for gatherings than smaller Midtown Mexican spots.
Skip if: You want intimate ambiance, cutting-edge regional Mexican cooking, or a quieter experience; choose elsewhere for chef-driven menus or date-night serenity.
Sinigual
8.3
Since 2008, Sinigual has served mesquite-grilled plates, tacos and combo platters in a large, contemporary room a few blocks from Grand Central. Thousands of multi-platform reviews point to it as a reliable sit-down option for groups who want guacamole, fajitas and a round of tacos with full bar service rather than counter-only seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taco trio platter, Mesquite-grilled steak fajitas, Tableside guacamole with warm tortillas
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: High-volume full-service Mexican with tacos, fajitas and tableside guac that handles big groups near Grand Central.
Who should go: Teams or families wanting tacos with full bar and seating.
When to visit: Weeknights 6–8pm for lively room but manageable waits.
What to order: Taco trio, steak fajitas and shared tableside guacamole.
Insider tip: Taco platters and fajitas stretch further when you load up on the complimentary warm tortillas and salsas.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited along 3rd Avenue; rely on nearby paid garages on 44th–46th Streets.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most diners lean neat and slightly dressy.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud during peak hours with music and group tables; conversations are possible but not hushed.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially 6:30–8:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; tables turn quickly with steady office traffic.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos, salads, sides and customizable fajitas can be made meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited — some salads and sides can be adapted, but core dishes skew toward dairy and meat.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas and several mains are naturally GF; request guidance for sauces and fajitas.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Reasonable for a casual date if you want energy and drinks, but the lively noise level and group atmosphere make it better for social meetups than intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes — the large dining room helps — but expect waits during primetime dinner. Walk-ins are easiest before 6pm or after 8:45pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — spacious booths, predictable tacos and fajitas, and a flexible staff make it workable for families with children 5+. No dedicated kids’ menu, but portions are easily shareable.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, sit-down taco meals, tableside guacamole and a full bar — a stronger option than counter-service taquerias when you need space and comfort.
Skip if: You want strict regional Mexican cooking, quiet dining, or fast, inexpensive tacos; smaller taquerias or specialized spots will deliver more focus and speed.
Sinigual
8.3
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Birthday & Celebration Central
Since 2008, Sinigual has been Midtown East’s big-room Mexican, pairing tableside guacamole and mesquite-grilled plates with one of the more aggressive margarita-focused happy hours near Grand Central. Office groups and commuters lean on discounted tacos, house margaritas, and bar bites from 3–7pm before fanning back out to trains or nearby hotels.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tableside guacamole, Grilled steak fajitas, Happy Hour taco sampler
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: High-volume Mexican with a long daily happy hour and tableside guac steps from Grand Central.
Who should go: Office groups, commuters, and margarita-focused happy hour crews.
When to visit: Weekdays 3–7pm for cantina happy hour and patio energy.
What to order: Tableside guacamole, grilled steak fajitas, happy hour taco sampler.
Insider tip: Post up in the cantina bar area to access the full happy hour food and drink pricing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited along 3rd Avenue; rely on nearby paid garages along 44th–45th Streets. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual; office attire and polished jeans are both common, especially during happy hour.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud during happy hour with bar buzz; dining room is more manageable for conversation but not quiet.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for groups.
Weekday lunch: Generally minimal wait; the large dining room turns tables quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—veggie fajitas, salads, and customizable taco plates are available.
Vegan options: Limited—guac, chips, and a few modifiable dishes, but no dedicated vegan entrées.
Gluten-free options: Several GF-friendly options (fajitas, tacos with corn tortillas), but no separate prep area for strict avoidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups or group-friendly hangs; the room is lively and loud, which can overshadow intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes for small parties—walk-ins are common, though waits spike from 5–7pm during happy hour. Groups should book ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably—high chairs and large booths make it workable for families, though the bar crowd at peak happy hour may feel too loud for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, after-work gatherings, and margarita-heavy happy hours where breadth of seating and consistent service matter.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, chef-driven regional Mexican cooking, or strict dietary controls like fully gluten-free or vegan-focused menus.
Sinigual
8.6
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Birthday & Celebration Central
Since 2008, Sinigual has been Midtown East’s big-room Mexican standby for after-work margaritas, sizzling fajitas, and a dedicated taco-heavy happy hour. Office groups and commuters lean on its cantina deals for grilled tacos and house margaritas before heading back to Grand Central.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Chicken Taco (Happy Hour), Skirt Steak Taco (Happy Hour), Slow Roasted Carnitas Taco
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A long-running Midtown cantina where discounted tacos and margaritas anchor a busy weekday happy hour.
Who should go: Office groups craving tacos, margaritas, and plenty of space.
When to visit: Weekdays 3–7pm for taco-and-margarita happy hour.
What to order: Grilled chicken tacos, skirt steak tacos, house margarita.
Insider tip: Happy hour pricing is usually cantina-bar only, so request bar seating if you want the full taco and drink specials.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 3rd Avenue is limited during peak hours; nearby paid garages on 44th–46th Streets typically run $25–$30 for evenings.
Dress code: Smart casual; office attire blends in, but jeans and a clean tee are perfectly acceptable for happy hour.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud during happy hour with steady bar chatter; conversations are possible but not intimate.
Weekend wait: Typically 20–40 minutes for walk-ins, though weekends are less busy than weekdays.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; large dining room accommodates business lunch traffic quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos, salads, and sides like beans and rice are available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few modifiable dishes (e.g., veggie tacos without cheese) but no dedicated vegan entrées.
Gluten-free options: Good selection — corn tortillas and several grilled proteins are naturally gluten-free; request guidance from staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Decent for a casual first date if you want energetic cantina vibes, but not ideal for quiet conversation due to the busy bar scene.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — the large dining room makes walk-ins feasible, especially before 6pm. For happy hour taco deals, aim for bar seating, which fills fastest.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately — daytime and early evenings are fine for families, but the bar gets lively during happy hour. No dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Large groups needing spacious seating, strong margarita deals, and reliable taco options during extended happy hour hours.
Skip if: You want quieter, chef-driven tacos or a more intimate atmosphere — smaller taquerias and modern Mexican spots nearby will suit better.