You are not logged in

New York Magazine

Skip to content, or skip to search.

Skip to content, or skip to search.

Home > Restaurants > Mercadito

Mercadito

Critic's Pick Critics' Pick

179 Ave. B, New York, NY 10009
nr. 11th St.  See Map | Subway Directions Hopstop Popup
212-529-6490 Send to Phone
See other locations >>

Photo by Mark Peterson

Hours

Mon, 4pm-11pm; Tue-Thu, 4pm-midnight; Fri, 4pm-1am; Sat, noon-1am; Sun, noon-11pm

Nearby Subway Stops

L at First Ave.

Prices

$13.50-$24.50

Payment Methods

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Special Features

  • Brunch - Weekend
  • Delivery
  • Good for Groups
  • Take-Out

Alcohol

  • Beer and Wine Only

Reservations

Recommended

Delivery Area

3rd St. to 14th St., Ave. D to Third Ave.

Profile

Mexico City born chef-owner Patricio Sandoval highlights the cuisine of Southern Mexico at his two tiny taquerias, one in the East Village and one on Grove Street. Each is designed with faux-worn walls and rattan placemats to conjure an Acapulco cantina of sorts. The resort-town concept feels festive, and provides a fitting backdrop for Sandoval’s boldly flavored and thoughtful variations of ceviches, botanas (snacks), and tacos. Mercadito means “little market,” but the selection here is impressive. Warm silver dollars of corn masa—like thicker, more textured mini tortillas—spread with black beans and cool crema fresca are topped with pulled chicken, skirt steak, roasted pork, or cactus leaf. More than a dozen types of soft tacos pair fillings like housemade chorizo and Manchego, fried fish of the day bathed in a smoky play on tartar sauce, and oily braised pork offset by orange segments and piquant purple onion. Diners wash down bites with individually muddled fresh fruit margaritas (a cucumber version has a chili kick). The small portions encourage sharing by cacophonous crews who retreat to the back room of the narrow East Village location; on the west side, sidewalk seating at the Grove location more than doubles the space.

Drink Up

Besides wine and beer, tequila is the only liquor served.

Recommended Dishes

Camaron ceviche, $10.50; picadas, $13.50; carnitas tacos, $13.50; margarita de pepino, $9.50

7.4 "Recommended"
Average Reader Rating
on a Scale of 10
Write Your Own Review

Nice place, too bad I was rushed out the door

superad13 from 11103 | Posted on 5/22/08

Overall Reader Rating: 6 (Mixed Reviews)
Food: 6
Service: 2
Décor: 9
Value: 7

I went here for dinner with a few friends. The food was great, especially the guac. The restaurant is really small but in a good way. Everything was fine, until we were practically thrown out after we paid our check. I...Read More

Avoid this place

tothemaxx from 10028 | Posted on 1/24/08

Overall Reader Rating: 4 (Not Recommended)
Food: 4
Service: 7
Décor: 5
Value: 3

Went here last night after hearing some good things about this place. I should have probably stayed away from the moment when I made a reservation for 6 people 1 night ahead of time and was told "sure, no problem." For...Read More

Read All 7 Reviews >>