La Esquina
Mexican · Street Food · New York, NY
About
In Soho, you'll find a place that started as a simple luncheonette stand for hot dogs and beer. La Esquina's secret entrance leads to a low-lit, sultry spot for Mexican fare. It's a place that feels like a hidden discovery, perfect for a date or casual taco night.
"For dessert, our waitress recommended the pastel de chocolate cafe de olla, a warm chocolate cake with espresso, cinnamon, and creme fraiche ice cream."
Prices fall in the $$ range, and the vibe is lively with outdoor seating available. The mix of gay and straight patrons creates a welcoming crowd. Drinks include a full bar, and the atmosphere suits groups. You might walk past it if you're not paying attention.
La Esquina is located in Soho, a trendy neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets and designer boutiques.
Features
- ✓Mexican street-food favorites like huitlacoche quesadillas
- ✓Hidden entrance through a taco stand facade
- ✓Full bar with beer and cocktails
- ✓Outdoor seating for warm-weather dining
Cuisine & style
Good for
Practical
What people say
Rated from 26 reviews on Yelp · 6 community ratings — we don’t host Yelp’s review text; read the full reviews there.
From the community
Names are kept private and text is lightly edited for clarity.
“La Esquina a hidden Mexican secret”
La Esquina is a hidden Mexican gem in Nolita, New York City. I won't say much because I don't want to ruin the surprise—I had that experience myself when invited, thinking it was just a hot dog and beer stand. If you're lucky enough to be on the list, there's more. Only a few hints because if I reveal too much, I'll lose trust and never return. Know this: if you send people there based on my recommendation, they might call you angry, thinking there's no real dinner spot. Tell them to relax and go with the flow. I'd say it was the best Mexican meal I've had in a year. The ceviche Acapulco with market fish, fresh tomato, avocado, jalapeno, lime was $12. The quesadilla de huitlacoche with Mexican truffle, roasted corn, mushrooms, queso Oaxaca was $11. The camarones a la plancha with grilled gulf shrimp, butternut squash, Spanish chorizo, cherry tomatoes, chayote was $22. The pollo dominguero tradicional, half a Sunday rotisserie chicken with fries and string beans, was $22. But the star was the roasted corn with cheese and mayonnaise—literally a Mexican orgasm. For dessert, our waitress recommended the pastel de chocolate cafe de olla, a warm chocolate cake with espresso, cinnamon, and creme fraiche ice cream.
A visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of cuisine is served? +
Market-fresh Mexican fare, with street-food options like tacos and ceviche.
Is La Esquina still open? +
Yelp indicates this venue may be permanently closed. Check directly with the business for the latest status.
Is there a dress code? +
The atmosphere is hip and modern but casual enough for a taco night.
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