La Contenta Les Reviews

If you like mexican food you have to stop here!! They have fantastic drinks and really good food. If you like to dance you may even get a waiter to cha cha with you.

Not the best Mexican food we've ever eaten but tasty and good value - especially during mid-week happy hour. Frozen margaritas for $7 are great.

We love food and people who know food, and La Contenta has both. This is "owner/operator" territory where the principals built and earned a reputation in this competitive market before opening this small but artisanal restaurant. It's almost wrong to call this "Mexican food" because so much of that label is ordinary. Their work is not ordinary, it's extraordinary. The chicken quarter hiding under delectable mole sauce sprinkled with Mexican sesame seeds competes with any French poulet at twice the price, and that's before you savor the Mexican risotto...not laden with butter cream and parm but rather with sweet corn and aromatics. That is representative of how things are done here. These guys sweat the details, even in the crush of weekend evening queues waiting for a precious table. Cocktails made to order, no shortcuts, satisfaction guaranteed. Exotic Mezcal and agave spirits if you want a rare treat. They will counsel you if you're inclined to break from the ordinary. Hardest working team we've ever seen, and this lean but "mean" ensemble manages to make you feel like family in such a friendly environment, even when it's hectic trying to serve everyone as though they're the only ones there. And that includes your dog too. La Contenta is transcendent.

Amazing service, delicious food, great drinks. The place is kind of small but it doesn't really matter because that tres leches though... And is right besides that speak easy bar.

This place is really small, but what a great Mexican meal. I love great guacamole and salsa and chips. I am addicted to a good enchilada or chimicanga. The portions here are large and I took home half my stuff.

We came here for brunch on a Sunday and then back for dinner on a week day! Both my husband and daughter loved the food! We had the Tacos de carn asada - super juicy, flavorful hanger steak; Guacamole - deliciously balanced, not too spicy and good portion size; Tacos deCostilla - had a juicy, not too fatty pork belly, loaded with cheese on a toasted bun, sooo good! Enchiladas de Suizas had a great portion of shredded chicken and creamy sauce, the beans and rice were perfectly cooked; and lastly the Pollo en Mole Pablano was a bit more watery and sweeter than we have had it elsewhere but the juicy, perfectly cooked supreme made up for the shortcoming. All the entrees came out piping hot and the drinks we had were delicious - Freshly squeezed lemonade with passion fruit purée was delightful. Overall, can’t wait to be back in NYC and La Contenta! One tip though, they don’t have AC so it was quite hot so dress accordingly!

We've been to NYC a number of times, so this trip we were searching for those hidden gems. We were planning to see a burlesque show, and wanted to enjoy dinner close by. This was an excellent choice. Very, very small. So get there early, and plan for a wait. They took our name down, and called within about 30 minutes. We ventured next door to Nurse Betties for a drink, which was great. Once called, there was only availability at the bar, but we took it. There was a bit of a rowdy group next to us, so the hostess quickly moved us to a table once available. It was very much appreciated! Food was great (short rib tacos and nachos). Great flavor. Drinks were fun and delicious. They didn't rush us out when we finished eating, even though I know there was a line waiting to get in. Wonderfully attentive staff. Excellent Mexican restaurant. We would definitely recommend and go back!

After finding this kooky little restaurant/bar through a google search, we were Excited to find an authentic, non-chain Mexican restaurant with really great atmosphere.Tucked away it is small intimate and colourful with a great menu of tequila cocktails and bar, Great Latin Music and a fantastic vibe. The tacos were authentic and delicious and the guacamole too die for. To top it off the staff were super, friendly polite and personable - really recommend this place if you like real authentic cuisine and great vibes! As Londoners we love great food and bars with style and soul - this place has got it in buckets

This place is small and gets full fast. I had the fish taco & a chicken both were great as was the huge bowl of guacamole. The drinks and bartenders are equally great.

We tried this small, small restaurant based on other reviews – which turned out to be right on target. The guacamole was excellent and the cheesy casa fundida was awesome. We ordered several rounds of them to our table of six, and they kept the margaritas coming. I tried the chicken mole with extra mole sauce, which they gladly gave. I liked it. The place is pretty tight and the service was really good. The price was reasonable, about $150 per couple including lots of drinks, tax and tip. I would gladly go back there. It was a festive atmosphere. After dinner we went to the old speakeasy, The Back Room (the old Lansky Lounge), which is right behind the restaurant, with the entrance to the left of La Contenta.

This place has the best nachos I've ever had. Also recommend the cocktails.The service is excellent.

Get the chile rellenos! Also, their micheladas are delicious. We sat at the bar, there aren't many tables and I think this place is best for couples or solo diners - the space is tiny. Service was fantastic and we stuck around for an after dinner mezcal shot - very cool that it was served in some sort of dried gourd. I love this spot!

Tiny, cozy, welcoming place that serves wonderful drinks and delicious, beautifully made food. Came here with a date for happy hour. We had a margarita, The Mayan, fish tacos, guacamole (such a big serving!) and queso fundido, and everything was perfect! Can't wait to come back!

I went with some girlfriends on a Saturday night and the wait was an hour so we had a few drinks next door before dinner. We were seated at the bar and proceeded to have the best time. I have never seen a staff that so clearly enjoyed what they do. Everyone was exceedingly nice and friendly. The drinks are the clear winners here. The bartenders were mixing drinks constantly as fast as possible to keep up with a huge demand. They were amazing to watch. We ordered a group of appetizers and everything we had was excellent. I like spicy food and everything we ordered had just enough heat to add to the flavor. We had such a good time that I took my mom here a few days later during happy hour on a Monday. She wouldn't have enjoyed the weekend noise level but during the week is was pretty quiet and she loved it. I would recommend the Oaxaca Express, michelada, and extensive mezcal menu. The guacamole, queso fundido, and especially the torta ahogada are amazing. The chicken tacos were a little lacking compared to everything else.

This Mexican restaurant has it all! Very good food, excellent staff and a very friendly Mexican atmosphere including fitting music! Highly recommended!

We ate at this place on a Monday evening. They are friendly and we loved the food. My husband used to live in Mexico, so he knows good Mexican food. We ate several appetizers including the amazing guacamole, queso fundido, and shrimp tacos. For entrees we had Chile Rellenos and Hanger Steak. The ingredients were fresh and delicious. We especially liked the chimichurri sauce on the steak. In addition to good food, we sampled several cocktails including an apple jack concoction. They have an amazing selection of tequilas and mescals in the bar. The place is small so reservations are a good idea. We cannot wait to go back.

We're not usually in this part of town for dinner but I'm glad we were able to try this place. Warning -- it's small-- only 14 seats, but well worth your time. Chef Luis Arce Mota has honed his skills at places like Bouley, Windows on the World and the Union Square Café and received formal culinary education at the Cordon Bleu in Paris and he has a real knack for sauces. We were in early because we were headed to some experimental theater in the area and we were lucky enough to get to try some off-menu treats as well as what we ordered. Let me put it this way....we ate WAY too much because it all tasted SO good. I was particularly fond of the various shrimp dishes and the guacamole but the tacos carne asada were also very good. We each tried something different and nobody was unhappy with his choices. They also have a happy hour menu with marvelous appetizers at reasonable prices. Everything was fresh and cooked to order. Be sure to try the specialty drinks. The bartender asked what sorts of drinks we like and each of us got something specifically to our tastes. I fell in love with the Oaxaca Express which is mezcal + combier royal + jalapeño infused agave + lime juice +basil & cucumber. It was refreshing and spicy. Each of us agreed that they had picked out the perfect drink for us according to what we had explained was our taste. They could not have been friendlier or more attentive. We will definitely have to find a reason to get down to this part of town again. And it's right next to the Back Room if you want to check out an original NY Speakeasy after dinner.

This tiny Mexican restaurant packs big flavor. The ingredients taste so fresh and you can distinguish every flavor. I had the chicken in mole sauce which was delicious. It comes with a rice mixture that had sweet plantains in it. The margaritas were great too. It’s a very small restaurant so try to go off peak hours.

Very nice place in perfect Mexican climate. Fast and friendly Service. Really good food, definitely one of the best Mexican dinners. Large portions and price in line with New York or slightly lower. Highly recommended

Nice little Mexican spot hidden away - nice and attentive staff. Went here for a business lunch and my boss was impressed- he had the Cuban sandwich (i know Mexican spot but still) I had the huevos rancheros and everything was delicious.

I was recommended to La Contenta and went for a birthday dinner (low key). The service was excellent and attentive and the waiter guided us with information about cocktails and menu items. Three of us had guacamole which was fresh, plentiful and very tasty. We also split fish tacos (a large piece of fresh flounder), a black bean and something else (I can't remember) quesadilla which was just okay, and a shrimp slider which was a roll smothered in hot sauce with shrimps around and in it. Not a typical slider. Good but very hot/spicy. We washed those down with beers and Michelada (beer with hot sauce and other things in it), margarita and Pulque de Guayaba (pulque is a Mexican liquor extracted from the mescal plant). We were getting full so we all split one main course of Braised Short Ribs which were tasty. For dessert we split an order of Flan, which was dense and tasty and an order of Tres Leches, a white cake soaked with three sweet milks -- one of my favorite desserts. Would I go back? Definitely. Be aware that the bar menu features a lot of Mexican specialties. Be aware and be adventurous!

It was a cold winter night and we were seated basically outside. We were very unhappy at first, but then when we got our margaritas and they were mostly tequila so we warmed up quickly!! I’ve had tacos all over the world and these were INCREDIBLE. 10/10 recommend going here, even if you have to sit outside!! Wear your coat!

I think this place is the best you can find in a city like NY, especially if you are lookin for real mexican food. Food is amazing and so the staff. Highly recommended!

Although it's a tiny restaurant this place offers amazing Mexican food. The waitress is really good and also efficient, couldn't be better.

He enjoyed this place a lot! I had a great quesadilla and would definitely return to have it again in I find myself back in NYC!

Having researched Mexican restaurants in NYC we decided on La Contenta. We are so glad we did. It was fantastic! Staff were welcoming & friendly but not in your face. Food was so good. If/when we return to New York this will be a must.

I was expecting to love this place based on the ratings. It is an extremely small (and very dark) space with approximately 10 two-tops and a bar. Expect. To. Wait. For a table, for a drink, for food, for someone to come to your table at all. We arrived at 4:15 and were told there was a 45 minute wait. Luckily it didn’t take that long...more like 15 mins. We probably sat at the table 10-15 mins before anyone even came to the table. We were told we could order off of the dinner menu at 5pm so we ordered some drinks, guacamole, and cheese dip to get us started. They brought us one small standard size bowl of salsa with a tiny plate of chips (no joke it was approximately 18-20 chips for the 4 of us) and water. We waited 30 minutes (read it again THIRTY MINS) for our drink order of 4 cocktails to come out followed by the cheese dip. We then waited another 20 minutes for our guacamole. Right before the guacamole came out, the hostess told us the chef was running late and we wouldn’t be able to order off the dinner menu until after 6pm. Needless to say, we finished our drinks and left. Regarding food quality, it was average. There was nothing special about the guacamole or cheese dip, the drinks were pretty good. The number of chips they give you doesn’t even come close to being enough for either dish. I am truly perplexed by the great reviews they have received on Trip Advisor.

Extremely poor service. Sat down around 305pm, took about 20 mins to get a sangria that tasted cheap (didn't even finish it) and kitchen apparently skipped our ticket and we left at 350pm with no food (we flagged down the hostess to get the waiter to cancel the order). He (Rafa per receipt) just say sorry and proceeded to try go pressure us to stay for food and I said no, absolutely not- we have been waiting for 45 mins at this point and weren't acknowledged once. He then proceeded to give us a bill for the food where I said are you kidding, our food didn't come- not paying for that. He then came back with the two shi*ty sangria bill which in proper hospitable restaurant practices in this sor5 of scenario should of been comped. So disappointed, leaving wasting an hour of my time and still hungry. Save your money and go elsewhere, trust me.

We went to celebrate a birthday and were treated like we were special! Excellent food and drinks and not crazy expensive. Would definitely go again.

At first sight, this restaurant seems little more than just a bar. However, if you can grab one of the few tables or a spot at the bar, you're in for a treat. A vibrant menu of margaritas and fruity cocktails is followed by a small, but inclusive, collection of tasty Mexican classics filled with spice and flavor. The wait was a bit longer than anticipated, but the meal was truly delicious enough to make up for it and the waitstaff is incredibly friendly and welcoming.

We stopped by La Contenta on a Sunday evening - at 7.30, the place was buzzing but we got a couple of lovely seats at the bar and proceeded to enjoy cocktails and food of the very highest quality. Alex was our bartender and he treated us to a few incredible drinks - the Mexican Firing Squad was a sour treat and El Mixtaco was somewhere between spicy and fragrant (thanks to a Hibiscus Mezcal infusion) quite unlike anything I've ever tried. We had a selection of small plates; the guacamole was so perfectly balanced, but the pork belly tostadas and fish tacos stole the show. I can't recommend this restaurant and its brilliant staff enough. Alex treated us to a couple of his favourite mezcals as we settled up and we'll definitely be back again.

La Contenta is a delicious dinner restaurant Monday through Wednesday, with strong drinks, wonderful food and a great atmosphere. However, it is Thursday through Sunday where this restaurant moves to another level with one of the best brunches in New York City. Because nothing says brunch like fish tacos, a pile of some really delicious guacamole and a Bloody Maria. Love the atmosphere here and the kind staff. Great for a small date or for a large group. The food here can be kind of heavy and it is very easy to share meals at this restaurant, especially at dinner time, so come hungry, be ready to take food to go, or spilt a dinner if you want to go on the cheap. Prices are not cheap but not crazy expensive either, and you get a lot of food for what you pay.

We’ve been here twice. First, dinner in July, our first foray back dining out in NYC, the second today at brunch. The food is a rare find in Manhattan- it tastes as if you’re in Mexico!. Fresh, delicious, happy to accommodate changes. Tables are spaced far apart with dividers. Staff very attentive and careful bringing food out in covered room service domed trays. Pico de gallo sauce, tortillas, mole sauce, plantains, Oaxaca cheese prepared there, spicy, nuanced flavors and a very happy, growing following. We couldn’t get a table Sat night! Great feel for COVID 19 outdoor dining. They deserve it. We’ll be back!

We were hungry and stopped here to eat the only restaurant on the street, My son had a burrito and i ad guacamole. If I knew it was so good I would have come on purpose.

Small gem of a place. Got there late so only bar menu available. Did not disappoint. Food was fresh and delicious. Extensive drink menu. Quick service.

This place is absolutely tiny and kind of hidden on the lower east side (off the main drag). We went on a Friday night of a holiday weekend around 7 PM and were lucky in that we only had a 20 minute wait! We ordered the guacamole - which was a huge portion (and they brought us extra chips), a blackberry michelada, and two of the enchiladas entrees. The food was out of this world and the service could not have been more attentive. I highly recommend this place for quality dining, drinks, atmosphere and service. Worth a 20 minute wait and then some!

Visited as a second option dinner. Got seated without any resevations. I advice to get reservations though...only about 20 seats including bar stools. The place is tiny, volume is up, warm vibe. Food was so delicious!!! We had the nachos plate, chicken enchiladas and beef tacos. Everything was flavorful, well spiced and delicate. Fresh ingredients. Zesty & spicy. Tender beef & tomatillo salsa verde: perfect mix. Highly recommended.

Great atmosphere- very small little bar/restaurant. Book for a table. Everything was fabulous- service, food and drinks.

Arrived at La Contenta by accident - it's right near the Back Room, and we wanted to have dinner before we go inside the bar. The food was very good, and the service excellent.

5th visit this year. It continues getting better. I love the drinks, the food and service. Everyone is really nice. Highly recommend.

Fab tiny Mexican restaurant, great decor. Authentic fiery Mexican menu and good service. The food was excellent and the place had a really good vibe about it. The only negative was the cocktail menu consisted of only Tequila and Whisky based ones which is not to everyone’s taste but they did look good! Would definitely go again.

This micro restaurant is incredibly cramped even for NYC and was obnoxiously loud but OMG the food is divine. We had cheese fondue, beef tacos, ceviche and chicken sliders. Everything was world class yumtastic. If you can get over hearing every syllable of the diners convo around you and being unable to move freely in anyway then indulge in this gem's food.

25 seats of tastiness... The sauces are amazing on anything you get... The salsa and chips munch away.. and the tacos carne asada .... Wow real Mexican food... Intimate setting with awesome servers who have a great welcoming smile

We found this great little spot by google search and what I find! We were there for brunch on a Saturday afternoon and were able to get 2 bar seats. We ordered 2 margarita’s 1 with the jalapeño kick which was had the perfect little kick to it, not too hot like others I’ve had. These are the real deal with fresh lime juice. We had the steak tacos with an avocado sauce and the juevos rancheros. Both incredible. The service at the bar was wonderful. We got there a little after 2pm on a Saturday and every seat was taken. Small hole in the wall which seats probably no more than 2 dozen. We can’t wait to go back!

Intimate Mexican restaurant with fabulous food. Had guacamole and queso fundido, both were excellent. Homemade tortilla chips. Drinks were good and they offered many different Mezcal and Tequila options. We will definitely return.

Hidden down a side street in LES. Checked it out for lunch on a Sunday. Servers were knowledgeable about allergens on menu. Can recommend the chicken suizas. The cocktails could be a tad more generous for the price. Overall, would definitely come back again.

Very friendly staff here, had an amazing time! Food is good too, check out their nachos and come during happy hour for good drinks too :) it's kinda small though, so make reservations!

I had to come and give it 5 stars; amazing all the way around. Great food, great drinks and AMAZING atmosphere and service. The food is amazing- way above average for the rest of the Mexican I've had in NYC and the staff treats you like family! The Tepache is my go-to drink and the guac and shrimp enchilladas are amazing.

The place is tiny and we loved the food. Huevos rancheros for brunch were delicious. My wife loved her tacos de carne asada! Good portions and a really nice staff!!! Reasonably priced.

We were looking for a brunch on a Saturday on our way to the Tenement Museum. We stumbled on La Contenta and were lucky enough to get a seat without a reservation. The ambiance is fantastic... it's a super small space, perfectly used, to accommodate an impressive array of tequila options and about 16 people (or so). We had killer Bloody Maria's, guacamole we won't forget, homemade chips, and brunch options. When we asked the server to confirm one of the meal options was vegetarian, he and the cook actually offered to make a special dish. That dish -- eggs with LOTS of veggies -- was perfect... just perfect. We almost missed our tour at the museum because we really didn't want to leave this restaurant. What an awesome place to relax, eat great good, and have the best service possible.

Had one of the best meals in our stay in the big apple. Only a very small restaurant but great Mexican food and fantastic wine. That good we went twice. The lady at the bar, on the first visit, was very friendly and hard working.

The restaurant is tiny which is a good thing! Even if you have to wait, this is worth the wait. I ordered the chicken with a mole sauce and it was pretty amazing. The service was great, paced well and friendly staff. Great drinks too.

Muy Bien! Wow delicious. Only 6 tables of 2, and 10 at the bar. A recommend. Great service and staff. The food was authentic and the staff are top notch! Recommended drinks from the bar were all different and good. At the end they brought a shot, on the house. The kids said this was their best restaurant on the whole trip! You would go here again every time I'm in NY! Thanks guys see you on our next visit.

Best meal I’ve had in NYC in the 5 days I’ve been here 🇲🇽👏🏻! Very friendly and helpful staff, quickly explained the menus and we’d even arrived in Happy Hour which was a bonus! Great cocktails 🍹 from the HH menu. Nachos were 10/10! Excellently presented, throughly enjoyable 😋👏🏻. All the toppings were mixed throughout and the steak 🥩 was super tasty! The chicken enchiladas 🌮 were soo delicious! The green sauce was next level! Such a nice Mexican located near the Washington Square Arch. Great place, friendly staff, and really tasty great value food 👏🏻!

Excellent food and cocktails! Great services. You should probably book. Very vibrant neighborhood. Un can also eat outside.

Came here with family and it was delicious. We made a reservation and got seated right away. I Got the mole chicken. Delicious. The chicken was moist and the portion was just enough. I finished the whole thing. We also got the enchiladas and steak. For dessert we got the churros and chocolate cake. Great way to end the meal.

Got here around 5:15PM on Saturday. No reservations so got there early as we didn't want to have to wait. They have a great Happy Hour menu from 5-6 with about 8 of their regular dishes, all @ $8 each, and a handful of mixed drinks also for $8. We shared nachos, catfish tacos, quesadillas and a VERY spicy shrimp dish on bread. All were tasty (and spicy) and all were filling, and the drinks were delicious. Service was good as well.

Tiny place that only seats about 30 people at a time so you need to be lucky or make a reservation. We were lucky on saturday getting a spot around 6.30/7 and enjoyed some Great nachos and quesadillas for starters and some enchiladas and pork chop for mains. It was all really good! Next time I’d try to order all types of starters to share though, they all looked nice and good-sized portions. Only downside is that the aircon was on quite strong.

We moved away from NYC two decades ago after living here for one decade. We come back at least twice a year and La Contenta is our regular destination. We have been patrons for over a year. La Contenta is easy to get to from the FDR so we come whether we are staying in Midtown or in Brooklyn. It is great to get in to the Lower East Side and see all of the change that is going on. We love La Contenta for the excellent food and the professional service. This is superb dining in a little tiny space which we think is the BEST way to experience NYC, as a resident or as a visitor. I am most recently devoted to the Mayan as my cocktail of choice and the Salmon as my entree of choice. Great protein and veggies while skipping the carbs. But you HAVE to get the guacamole, which helps get your carb count back in line. :) We are so happy to have a regular spot that we return to again and again for excellent food, craft cocktails, superb service and a wonderful ambience. Great clientele, too.

Stopped in for brunch. We knew nothing about La Contenta. We were blown away at how good the food is. I had the Tacos de Carne Asada. At your typical Mexican restaurant the steak is well done, here the steak was cooked to a lovely medium rare. My wife had the Chilaquiles which was delicious. We sat at the bar and watched the bartender make our Mojitos with tequila, which were amazing. Nice, friendly staff. Amazing Food. Great drinks. What are you waiting for?

The title does not lie. Small place. Charming. Great personal service, very authentic and honest people. Lots of locals (tourist go elsewhere, please ;-) Best Mexican I’ve had in a very long time. Actually tasted the Mexican flavours of homemade food I used to eat in rural parts of Mexico, very special, fresh and delicious. Taste bomb of flavours, simple is better.

Relative “hole in the wall” on the Lower East Side. Excluding outdoor dining, they have may 6-8 tables along the wall inside. They have apps, tacos, and entrees such as enchiladas, fajitas, and steak. I had the birria tacos, which is essentially a tender beef stew taco. Though it was messy to eat, it packed a flavor punch that I would recommend to anyone. I also had the tacos de carnitas (pork, cilantro, Serrano salsa). It was also tender and very spicy! The tacos are street taco size and you get two of each type you order, so I got four tacos total. I was pretty full with four, three may have been ideal for me. Two tacos are 16 dollars. You can get cheaper tacos to be sure, but I wouldn’t call these overpriced given the quality. They have an extensive mezcal/margarita/cocktail menu. I had the el maniaco, with reposado, blood orange purée, lime, and black lava salt. It was light and refreshing after a hot day. And then at the recommendation of the server I had the Mariachi with pineapple extract, habanero, lime, and mezcal tincture that was heavier and spicier, but also tasty. There were several interesting and attractive options! Service was wonderful. Everyone checked on me constantly, the food came out fast and perfect. They had fun music playing overhead. At one point I heard a Mexican instrumental version of a Linkin Park song. And they are open til midnight most nights!

Wonderful, simply wonderful. Small accommodations, so you might have to wait. Food is delicious and generously proportioned. Ceviche especially delicious. A great find.

Check out La Contenta Oeste the popular East Village spot's larger new restaurant at 78 West 11th Street at the corner of 6th Ave. I appreciate fine Mexican food and this place is the real deal. Dropped in with a friend for an early dinner this evening. Serious cocktails, attentive servers, an inventive menu, big portions and gentle prices.Try the Pollo en Mole Poblano: Braised chicken breast, real mole sauce, wild rice chicken risotto, plantains, Don't miss the Enchiladas de Camaron: Pan-roasted shrimp, Oaxaca cheese, spicy salsa verde. Everything was delicious.Will be back soon to sample their breakfast, lunch and brunch.

They seated four starving people at an odd hour with smiles and great service. Good, fun drink choices (and classics) that were all excellent. Interesting guac toppings (pumpkin seeds, a good addition!), everyone's food was excellent. Staff was attentive and helpful - we had gluten free and a no onion request that they managed to adjust things to accommodate - which was greatly appreciated! (and, they didn't act annoyed about it like so many do). Staff even held our chairs out for us. Place is small but well decorated and totally worth a stop!

We were given a recommendation by an Aussie 'local' and she was spot on. Great food, better service and he margaritas were superb. It's tight but worth it. We had a great night!!

Stopped by after doing tours at the Tenement Museum...it's just around the corner. It's a tiny little cozy restaurant. Very nice and very good food. Excellent service. The margarita hit the spot! We got an order of fish tacos and the nachos. Y U M

Wonderful food and great service, especially from concierge Josie, she is ver kind and professional, provided royal treatment! Go, you won’t be disappointed.....make a rez to ensure no wait.

Great place for wonderful Mexican food! Had Saturday brunch and can honestly say all our entrees were delicious. Loved the chicken enchiladas and the huevos rancheros. The restaurant is tiny but I'd advise everyone to squeeze in because the food and service are worth it!

I had the best taco EVER in this place. I highly recommend going there. Delicious drinks as well. The only thing is that it is small so there might be a wait but definitely well worth it. The staff was very nice and quick!

We went for brunch/lunch, and were blown away by the flavor and charm of this tiny restaurant that feels like home. Maybe my favorite Mexican food ever -- not just spicy but rich flavor, prepared exactly the way you request. Generous portions (I couldn't finish mine) and friendly staff. I cannot WAIT to go back, and try dinner and special beverages!

Very small hole in the wall. Great music, excellent service, best fish and carne asada tacos EVER! Loved every thing!

The guacamole here is amazing - ask for it spicy if you like a kick. We also had the chicken enchiladas which were very flavoursome, and the steak tacos, which were good but could have been more vibrant. Great value for money

The place is very small and this gives it a special intimate, family-like vibe. While sitting at the table you can see the small kitchen action in the background and admire the cocktail making behind the bar where joyful, smiling waiters and bartenders display their great dynamic dance in serving food and cocktails in this small lovely restaurant.

A lot has changed in the 4 years since we were last at La Contenta. They, take reservations now, although the hostess was unable to locate ours but "squeezed" us in anyway. The cocktails are okay, not the best but certainly not the worst. The food however, has gone majorly downhill. We ordered the Enchiladas Suizas, which were delicious. We also order the Chile Relleno which was inedible. The inside was still uncooked, all the veggies were still crunchy. We told 3 separate people who all in their various ways, just shrugged or said "oh really?" Not one apology, offer to remake, offer to replace, or even take it off the bill. We ended up sharing the enchiladas and left hungry after paying for 2 meals. I likely won't return and no longer recommend.

The food and service were fantastic in this tiny restaurant in SoHo. Mole was fantastic, so was the salsa. Wait was not too long despite the small size even on a weekend.

I've been walking past this place for almost a year and we finally popped in for dinner with our 2 year old, and wow, are we so glad we did! First off, the place is TINY. Seats for 16 plus a small bar. They do not take reservations so plan on waiting unless you get lucky like we did. There were only 2-tops available and the hostess seemed concerned about my daughter sitting my lap for the meal (no highchairs) but we were totally fine. The food is fantastic. All three of us thoroughly enjoyed the guacamole, fish tacos, torta ahogada, and the pork chop. My husband and i loved our cocktails, and i can safely say mine was the best paloma I've had in recent memory. We will be back for sure!

Sat at the bar and was treated to a special tequila drink made by Alex. Food was amazing. Very tasty with a great mix of spices. Small but the trip downtown.

This is a tiny restaurant in an off the main path street but worth the walk. Tiny inside but very clean and well decorated with great music pumping through the place. Mezcal drinks tasty with different varieties of mezcal available along with many different cocktail choices. Beer selection was all Mexican. The staff is attentive and knowledgeable about everything on the menu. Food was fresh, guacamole with crispy chips, fish tacos were light tempura fried, short ribs tender and tasty. Don't miss this place, it's a find !

Small place. Hole in the wall kinda place. Authentic home cooking. Enchiladas were super awesome. Worth the visit for sure!

My mom and I went here for a late dinner. We shared the carne asada tacos and the nachos with guac. So delicious! I had a guava margarita, divine. Finished with Tres Leches. Unreal how good. Kindest team of people working there. Our whole experience was great. Thanks Norma for saving our table while we were waiting on the subway :-)

I hesitate to post this because La Contenta is a little gem on the Lower East Side. Owner Luis Mota makes delicious dishes including short ribs and mole chicken. The guacamole is a very generous portion and tastes great! Bartender/Partner Alex Valencia makes great cocktails to go with the food including traditional Micheladas (like a bloody mary in a beer) as well as some nice variations.

We had a great time and the food was excellent. Being born and raised in Mexico City I am very picky with Mexican restaurants. This is a creative, new Mexican cuisine that manages to keep the flavors authentic.

it was my friends birthday and we were looking for a place with nice drinks and la contenta popped into my mind. I work around the area and I always wanted to visit. We were welcomed by Alex, the bartender. He made some drinks suggestions and asked about food. I said I wanted a dessert for my friend and he and the whole staffed surprised us with a delicious custard and a wonderful birthday song as well as their birthday shot from the Barril. Lovely staff and very cozy space and ambiance. A must !