El Cantinero

4.2 ( 1304 reviews )
86 University Pl, New York, NY 10003, United States
+1 212-255-9378

El Cantinero, nestled at 86 University Pl, New York, NY, is a cherished gem in the city's vibrant culinary scene. This Mexican restaurant delights patrons with its fresh, flavorful dishes that consistently garner rave reviews. Diners appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, highlighted by a lively upstairs bar that offers a fantastic happy hour experience. Customers like Lakiah Stewart and Hali Riley praise the margaritas as a highlight, often opting for multiple rounds to enjoy the fun ambiance.

The restaurant’s commitment to quality shines through in offerings such as lard-free refined beans and generously portioned chips with salsa and guacamole, which Nikkole Donnelly describes as "amazing." This focus on comfort food, along with the attentive service, makes dining here a truly enjoyable experience. Scorpio Moon recalls fond memories from years past, highlighting the establishment's ability to blend great food, music, and a festive environment—factors that keep customers returning for more. Overall, El Cantinero encapsulates the essence of Mexican dining in a lively and approachable setting.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • No wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Service options
    • Offers delivery
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
  • Offerings
    • Serves alcohol
    • Serves beer
    • Serves cocktails
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves comfort food
    • Serves food
    • Serves happy-hour drinks
    • Serves happy-hour food
    • Serves late-night food
    • Serves small plates
    • Serves spirits
  • Dining options
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Planning
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • High chairs available

Reviews For El Cantinero

Lakiah Stewart
Jul 7,2025
The food is so good and fresh! Love the upstairs happy hour at the bar. Hubby and I come here often! Great lil gem!
Scorpio Moon
Jun 23,2025
I’ve been coming to this spot since I was in grad school a few decades back ;). I have gone for the happy hour a few times in the upstairs bar area usually on Fridays before COVID. They had drinks for really good prices, great music, dancing a free delicious Hispanic food. I hope they re-open the upstairs bar soon. This place has a special place in my heart. Many great memories. I recently went there for my youngest daughter’s birthday. They are following all safety measures. We ate light and had some drinks. It was all delicious as usual.
Hali Riley
Jun 13,2025
I love it here! I went to NYU and came here a lot 2017/2018. I recently moved to the neighborhood and got to come back. The margaritas are wonderful! (Really, you only need one but you should have more ) The downstairs is chill with spanish music and the upstairs is fun for dancing and happy hour specials. This place is a must visit. Consistently good?
Nikkole Donnelly
Jun 2,2025
Service and food AMAZING! We were starving and filled up on the delicious chips salsa and guacamole that we had hardly any room left for all the meals!!! The gentleman working there was so concerned with our leftovers- we felt like we disappointed him:) So there’s great serving sizes, everything was so tasty and everyone there was beyond pleasant. Highly recommend!
Arushi Parikh-Kaushik
May 24,2025
Lard-free refined beans, great comfort food. Filling, flavorful and reasonably priced. The staff are great too.
Kira Linero
May 18,2025
At the bar and alot of people are having fun. Haven't tried the food yet but my coconut margarita had alot of ice. Good summer drink, also bartenders are very nice until they don't want to accept credit cards. Also so crowed during 5th of May and Friday's after you're finished with work. Now having a mango margarita and it's delicious with chips, salsa & guacamole. About to have a platter of appetizers. Salsas taste more spicy when drunk so have some water or milk.
stephanie
May 4,2025
I had the tequila sunrise I really liked it, some places barley put any liquor but here it’s a good balance. The nachos locos are really as a dish to share with someone. The waiters are very attentive and kind, I would recommend this place the food is actually good Mexican food
Kassandra F
Mar 20,2025
Great pit stop for people watching a great sangria. Lovely service. Didn't eat - but will be back.

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