Animo!: Authentic Mexican Cuisine from Morning to Night in NYC

Animo! Introduce

In a city with countless dining choices, Animo! distinguishes itself by delivering an authentic, heartfelt Mexican culinary experience to the heart of Midtown East. The name itself, which translates to a word of encouragement or spirit in Spanish, encapsulates the restaurant’s mission: to provide a warm, welcoming space and food that brings joy and a sense of home. Animo! is a place where every dish is prepared from scratch, with a dedication to traditional recipes and regional flavors that you won't find at a typical Tex-Mex spot. Whether you're a local seeking a genuine taste of Mexico or a visitor in search of a memorable meal, Animo! offers a cozy and casual atmosphere that makes you feel instantly at home. This isn’t just a quick bite; it's a celebration of Mexican culture and hospitality.

Animo!'s menu is a testament to its commitment to authenticity and variety, offering a comprehensive selection of dishes that span from breakfast to dinner. For the early birds, the "Breakfast All Day" section is a major highlight, featuring traditional staples like "Chilaquiles," "Huevos Rancheros," and "Huevos al Gusto." The restaurant is particularly popular for its morning offerings, as noted in a review mentioning "authentic Mexican breakfast." The "Pan Dulce" selection, including "Conchas" and "Rol De Canela," provides a perfect sweet start to the day. Lunch and dinner menus are equally impressive, with a range of "Antojitos Mexicanos" like "Flautas" and "Sopes De Cochinita Pibil," as well as "Los Tacos" with fillings such as "Bistec" and "Al Pastor." For a more substantial meal, the "La Comida" menu features exquisite dishes like "Carne Asada Ribeye," "Huachinango A La Veracruzana" (red snapper), and "Enchiladas De Mole Poblano." The menu also thoughtfully includes "Vegan options" and "vegetarian options," catering to a diverse range of dietary needs. The dessert menu is also a must-try, with the "Tres Leches Cake" and "Cheesecake De Mazapan" standing out as customer favorites.

Animo! is located at a very convenient address: 1004 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10022, USA. This prime spot in Midtown East makes it highly accessible for both locals working in the area and tourists exploring the city. The restaurant's presence on Second Avenue places it within walking distance of many major landmarks and office buildings, making it an excellent choice for a lunch break or an after-work dinner. For those who choose to drive, paid street parking is available, though it can be difficult to find a spot in a busy neighborhood like this. The bar offers a "gender-neutral restroom," which adds to the inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. Its central location, combined with a comfortable and cozy interior, ensures that a delicious and authentic meal is never far away.

Animo! offers a range of services designed for modern convenience while maintaining a high standard of quality.

Dine-in, Takeout, and Delivery: The restaurant offers a full dine-in experience for those who want to enjoy the cozy atmosphere and attentive service. For those on a tight schedule, quick and easy takeout and delivery options are also available.
Reservations: Animo! "Accepts reservations," which is a valuable service for planning a meal, especially during peak hours. This ensures that groups can secure a table and enjoy a seamless dining experience.
All-Day Dining: One of the key services is the availability of "Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dessert" and seating throughout the day. This flexibility makes Animo! a perfect choice for any meal, at any time.
Bar Onsite: The restaurant features a "Bar onsite" with offerings including "Alcohol," "Cocktails," and "Beer," making it a great place to unwind with a drink. The "great cocktails" are a highlight for many patrons.

The highlights and features of Animo! are what make it a special place in the New York City dining scene.

Authentic, Made-from-Scratch Food: The restaurant's core mission is to serve authentic Mexican food made with no shortcuts. This is evident in the quality and flavor of the dishes, from the mole to the "Sopes de Cochinita Pibil."
Great Coffee: The "great coffee" is a significant highlight, with options like "Café De Olla," "Horchata Latte," and "Latte Con Vainilla Mexicana" offering a unique and authentic taste. This focus on quality beverages adds to the all-day appeal of the restaurant.
Cozy and Casual Atmosphere: Animo! is praised for its "casual" and "cozy" atmosphere, which is a welcome respite from the city's hustle. The intimate setting, though noted by one reviewer for its close seating, is part of its charm and adds to the feeling of a local, neighborhood spot.
Attentive and Polite Service: Customer reviews consistently mention the "impeccable" and "attentive" waitstaff. The friendly and welcoming nature of the staff, as highlighted in the provided information, makes the dining experience truly pleasant.

For more information or to make a reservation, you can contact Animo! using the information below.

Address: 1004 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10022, USA

Phone: (212) 837-1791

What truly makes Animo! worth choosing is its unwavering dedication to authenticity and quality. From the carefully prepared chilaquiles to the flavorful pork sopes and sweet pan dulce, the food tells a story of tradition and passion. The reviews, which mention the "tasty" food and "impeccable" service, confirm that Animo! delivers on its promise. The small, intimate setting, while not for everyone, contributes to its cozy charm and makes it a favorite among "Locals." The bar's offerings of "Cocktails" and "Alcohol" also make it a destination for more than just food. The ability to cater to a wide range of tastes, including "Vegan options" and "comfort food," along with being "good for kids," ensures that everyone feels welcome. For an authentic taste of Mexico right in the heart of New York, Animo! is a gem that offers a high-quality, delicious, and genuinely friendly experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Animo! Food & drink

Pan Dulce
Rol De Canela $5.75
Sweet rolls, cinnamon, piloncillo syrup
Conchas $5.50
Most popular Pan Dulce. Sweet bread, vanilla or chocolate crust
Pan De Yo-Yo $5.75
Freshly baked pastry with strawberry jam center and coated with sugar.

Para Empezar
Guacamole $16.00
Avocado, serrano, chips (Ve,GF)
Granola With Yogurt & Fruit $14.50
House-made Granola, Vanilla Yogurt, Fresh Fruit(V) *contains nuts
Sopa De Tortilla $14.00
Chicken and Tomato-based broth, Crispy tortillas, Panela cheese (GF)
Avocado Toast - Animo! Style $15.00
House-made bolillo, smashed avocado, Cotija cheese, pico de gallo, cilantro (Vegetarian)
Ensalada Mexicana $12.50
Cilantro lime vinaigrette, Avocado, Queso Fresco, Fresh fruit (GF, V)
Grilled Panela Cheese $12.50

Breakfast All Day
Chilaquiles $18.00
Fried corn tortilla, sunny side-up egg, Red or green Salsa
Enchiladas Verdes $18.50
Corn tortillas, green tomatillo salsa, crema, queso fresco. Choice of Chicken or Cheese (GF)
Huevos Rancheros $16.00
Eggs sunny side up on Fried Tortillas, Red and Green Salsa. (GF,V)
Huevos Al Gusto $15.00
Eggs - almost any style. Fried, scrambled, egg whites. Accompanied with avocado and refried beans topped with queso fresco
Molletes $13.50
House-made Bolillo, Refried Beans, Chihuahua Cheese, Pico de Gallo (V)
Hot Cakes With Glorias $16.50
Fluffy pancakes filled with Glorias-a caramel candy filled with tree nuts.

Breakfast Burritos
Burrito Mañanero - Barbacoa & Eggs $19.00
Breakfast Burrito wrapped with a flour tortilla, filled with Scrambled eggs, Crema, onions, cilantro, Avocado slices, Oaxaca Cheese and Refried Beans
Burrito Mañanero - Sonora Style $17.00
Home Made Flour Tortilla filled with chorizo egg, Lettuce, Tomato, and Chipotle mayo

El Burrito
Burrito Vaquero $19.00
Steak, Chihuahua cheese, pico de gallo, avocado, refried pinto beans, flour tortilla , topped with avocado salsa and crema
Burrito De Trompo $19.00
Flour Tortilla filled with slow Roasted pastor, pina salsa (mild), Pineapple, onion, lettuce, chihuahua cheese, and avocado salsa.

Breakfast Tacos
Huevo Con Barbacoa $17.00
2 tacos Scrambled egg, Beef barbacoa, Smashed avocado
Huevo Con Chorizo $15.00
Scrambled eggs, Mexican chorizo, Corn tortilla. 2 per order
Huevo A La Mexicana $14.50
2 tacos, Scrambled egg with tomato, onion, and serrano chile. With refried beans and avocado wrapped in a flour tortilla or homemade corn tortilla.
Frijol Con Chorizo Vegano $13.50
2 tacos Refried beans, Vegan chorizo

Los Tacos
Bistec $15.50
2 tacos, Corn tortilla, Grilled Steak (GF)
Al Pastor $14.50
2 tacos Corn tortilla, Pork meat, Adobo Sauce, Pineapple. (GF)
Pollo $14.50
2 tacos Corn tortilla, Grilled Chicken (GF)

Breakfast Tortas
Torta Huevo A La Mexicana $17.00
Homemade bolillo filled with scrambled egg, tomato, onion, and serrano chile. With refried beans, Oaxaca cheese and avocado
Torta De Huevo Con Chorizo $18.00
House-made bolillo, Scrambled eggs, Mexican chorizo, Oaxaca cheese, Refried beans, Avocado

Tortas
Torta De Milanesa $18.00
House-made Bolillo, Chicken Cutlet, Refried beans, Oaxaca Cheese
Torta De Pastor $18.00
House-made bolillo, Marinated pork al pastor, Oaxaca cheese, Refried beans, Avocado
Torta De Queso Panela $16.50
House-made Bolillo, Panela Cheese, Refried Beans (V)

Quesadillas & Gringas
Mushroom Queso Al Comal $12.50
Cooked tortillas (corn or flour) al comal style with Oaxaca cheese and mushrooms filling. (Gf if corn tortilla)
Mushroom Queso Quesadilla (Frito) $12.50
Fried Corn Tortilla with mushrooms and Oaxaca cheese filling. Topped with Mexican crema, Salsa Rojo and Verde. GF
Potato With Vegan Chorizo Al Comal $12.50
Cooked tortillas (corn or flour) al comal style with potato and vegan chorizo filling. (Gf if corn tortilla). Vegan
Potato Chorizo (Frito) Quesadilla $12.50
Fried corn tortilla with potato and vegan chorizo filling. Topped with Cashew crema. Vegan
Gringa $14.00

Antojitos Mexicanos
Flautas $16.50
Fried corn tortilla, Guacamole, Mexican Crema, Queso Fresco. Refried Beans and Lettuce (GF)
Sopes De Cochinita Pibil $13.00
Cochinita pibil, pico de gallo, crema, refried pinto beans, queso fresco.
Corn Esquites $9.00
Corn, Mayo, Cotija, Takis (V)

Sides
Platito De Fruta $8.00
Mixed seasonal fruit
Rebanadas De Aguacate $5.50
Avocado slices
Arroz A La Mexicana $5.00
Rice cooked in tomato broth, with carrots and corn
Frijoles Refritos $5.00
Refried beans with queso fresco
Arroz Con Frijoles $7.50
Extra Tortillas (3) $3.00

Desserts
Pastel Diplomatico $12.00
Chocolate Cake, Flan
Cheesecake De Mazapan $12.00
Rollo De Chocolate $12.00
GF

Salsas
Salsa Roja $1.00
Salsa Verde $1.00
Salsa De Pina $1.00
Salsa Macha $3.00
Avocado Salsa $2.00
Crema $1.00
Cashew Crema $1.00

Para Empezar
Guacamole $16.00
Avocado, serrano, chips (Ve,GF)
Sopes De Cochinita Pibil $13.00
Cochinita pibil, pico de gallo, crema, refried pinto beans, queso fresco.
Grilled Panela Cheese $12.50

Mains
Huevos Norteños $20.00
Machaca (shredded dried beef),Scrambled eggs, Onions, Tomatoes, Peppers, Refried beans, Flour Tortillas
Chilaquiles $18.00
Fried corn tortilla, sunny side-up egg, Red or green Salsa
Enchiladas Verdes $18.50
Corn tortillas, green tomatillo salsa, crema, queso fresco. Choice of Chicken or Cheese (GF)
Torta De Huevo Con Chorizo $18.00
House-made bolillo, Scrambled eggs, Mexican chorizo, Oaxaca cheese, Refried beans, Avocado
Hot Cakes With Glorias $16.50
Fluffy pancakes filled with Glorias-a caramel candy filled with tree nuts.
Migas Con Huevo $15.00
Scrambled eggs, Crispy tortilla strips, Tomatoes, Onions, Peppers
Huevos Rancheros $16.00
Eggs sunny side up on Fried Tortillas, Red and Green Salsa. (GF,V)
Molletes $13.50
House-made Bolillo, Refried Beans, Chihuahua Cheese, Pico de Gallo (V)
Granola With Yogurt & Fruit $14.50
House-made Granola, Vanilla Yogurt, Fresh Fruit(V) *contains nuts
Huevos Montados (Steak And Eggs) $25.00
Ribeye steak, fried eggg, refried beans, enchilada verde, queso fresco.
Burrito Vaquero $19.00
Steak, Chihuahua cheese, pico de gallo, avocado, refried pinto beans, flour tortilla , topped with avocado salsa and crema
Burrito Mañanero - Sonora Style $17.00
Home Made Flour Tortilla filled with chorizo egg, Lettuce, Tomato, and Chipotle mayo
Burrito Mañanero - Barbacoa & Eggs $19.00
Breakfast Burrito wrapped with a flour tortilla, filled with Scrambled eggs, Crema, onions, cilantro, Avocado slices, Oaxaca Cheese and Refried Beans

Los Tacos
Huevo Con Chorizo $15.00
Scrambled eggs, Mexican chorizo, Corn tortilla. 2 per order
Huevo Con Barbacoa $17.00
2 tacos Scrambled egg, Beef barbacoa, Smashed avocado
Al Pastor $14.50
2 tacos Corn tortilla, Pork meat, Adobo Sauce, Pineapple. (GF)
Frijol Con Chorizo Vegano $13.50
2 tacos Refried beans, Vegan chorizo

Sides
Platito De Fruta $8.00
Mixed seasonal fruit
Arroz Con Frijoles $7.50
Pico And Chips $6.00
Fresh Pico de Gallo with a side of chips.
Rebanadas De Aguacate $5.50
Avocado slices
Frijoles Refritos $4.50
Refried beans with queso fresco
Arroz A La Mexicana $4.50
Rice cooked in tomato broth, with carrots and corn
Extra Tortillas (3) $3.00

Especiales
Chilaquiles De Mole $32.00
Fried tortilla chips tossed in rich, house made mole and topped with shredded chicken, red onions, crema, cilantro, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Served with a side of refried beans. **Contains peanuts and tree nuts**

Para Empezar
Pork Belly Chicharron $18.00
Pork Belly Chicharron Guacamole, Corn Tortilla
Tostaditas De Atun $20.00
3 corn tostadas, Tuna Avocado,leeks, Sesame Seeds, Chipotle Mayo (GF)
Roasted Poblano Soup $14.50
Roasted Poblano pepper soup
Cesar Salad $14.50
Homemade Jalapeno ceaser dressing, cotija cheese, croutons
Grilled Panela Cheese $12.50
Guacamole $16.00
Avocado, serrano, chips (Ve,GF)
Aguachiles $19.50

La Comida
Carne Asada Ribeye $44.00
Marinated pan seared ribeye steak, charred shishito, chard salsa verde.
Huachinango A La Veracruzana $41.00
Pan seared red snapper, sauce made of onion, tomatoes, garlic, chiles, olives, capers, housemade red snapper broth (GF)
Carne A La Tampiqueña $39.00
Marinated pan-seared Arrachera, Queso Fresco, Cheese Enchilada, Rice, Beans Guacamole
Milanesa De Chuleta $35.00
Breaded pork chop, breadcrumbs, chipotle salsa, Roasted sweet potato Au Gratin
Chilaquiles De Mole $32.00
Fried tortilla chips tossed in rich, house made mole and topped with shredded chicken, red onions, crema, cilantro, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Served with a side of refried beans. **Contains peanuts and tree nuts**
Enchiladas De Mole Poblano $31.00
Shredded Chicken, corn tortillas, Homemade Mole, poblano, sesame seeds, crema lettuce (GF) ** Contains Peanuts and Tree nuts**
Pollo Asado Con Recado Negro $31.00
Half Chicken marinated with Recado Negro, then pan roasted to perfection. Watermelon Salad.
Enchiladas De Cochinita Pibil $29.00
Slow-roasted achiote-marinated pork, Corn tortillas chihuahua cheese (GF)
Chile Relleno $27.00
Roasted Poblano pepper, coated with egg whites, queso blanco, red salsa, avocado salsa, crema (V)
Tacos Gobernador $24.00
3 tacos sinaloa style tacos, sauteed shrimp, onions, poblano and toamte mix. chihuahua cheese, corn tortilla
Tacos Al Pastor $22.00
3 tacos, corn tortilla marinated, slow roasted pork pineapple, onions, cilantro
Tacos De Pollo $21.00
3 Tacos corn tortilla, grilled chicken, onions, cilantro.

Los Tacos
Tacos Gobernador $24.00
3 tacos sinaloa style tacos, sauteed shrimp, onions, poblano and toamte mix. chihuahua cheese, corn tortilla
Tacos Al Pastor $22.00
3 tacos, corn tortilla marinated, slow roasted pork pineapple, onions, cilantro
Tacos De Pollo $21.00
3 Tacos corn tortilla, grilled chicken, onions, cilantro.

Breakfast for Dinner
Huevos Nortenos $27.50
Torta De Huevo Con Chorizo With Fries $25.00
House-made bolillo, scrambled eggs, mexican chorizo, oaxaca cheese, refried beans, avocado, and side of fries.
Classic Chilaquiles $24.00
Fried corn tortilla, sunny side-up egg, Red or green salsa, choice of chicken or al pastor. Avocado

Sides
Arroz Con Frijoles $7.50
Ensalada De Casa $6.50
Fries $7.50
Ensalada De Nopal $7.50
Handmade Corn Tortilla (3) $3.00
Flour Tortilla (3) $3.00

Salsas
Salsa Roja $1.00
Salsa Verde $1.00
Salsa De Pina $1.00
Salsa Macha $3.00
Avocado Salsa $2.00
Crema $1.00
Cashew Crema $1.00
Mole $5.00

Classic Coffee
Latte $5.50
Espresso and frothed hot milk topped with a little foam
Cappuccino $5.50
Espresso and frothed hot milk topped with extra foam
Iced Coffee $5.50
Chilled brewed coffee poured over ice
Assorted Teas $5.50
Hot water and assorted tea flavors from Rishi.
Americano $4.50
Classic coffee beverage. Espresso and hot water
Brewed Coffee $4.00
Brewed hot coffee

Specialty Drinks
Horchata Latte $7.50
Espresso, House-made Horchata
Latte Con Vainilla Mexicana $8.00
Espresso, Mexican Vanilla Syrup
Café De Olla $5.50
Coffee prepared in a clay pot, cinnamon sticks, and piloncillo
Moca Maya $7.00
Espresso, Mexican Cacao, Cayenne Pepper
Chocolita $5.50

Jugos Frescos
Jugo Verde $9.00
Nopales, orange, celery and pineapple
Jugo De Naranja $8.00
Freshly squeezed orange juice

Aguas Frescas
Horchata $5.50
Cinnamon spiced rice milk
Jamaica $5.50
Iced hibiscus tea.
Tamarindo $5.50
Watermelon $5.50

Soda
Topo Chico $5.00
Jarritos $5.00
Mexican Coca Cola $5.00
Acqua Panna $4.50
Diet Coke $4.50

Animo! Details

Service options
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great coffee

Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Offerings
Alcohol
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Quick bite
Small plates

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating

Amenities
Bar onsite
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy

Crowd
Locals

Planning
Accepts reservations

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Paid street parking

Animo! Photos

Animo! Location

Animo!

New York New York County New York 2nd Avenue

1004 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10022, USA

Animo! Reviews

An average rating of ★4.9 from 399 user reviews.

pastriesconchascafe de ollahot chocolatebrunchvanillapan dulcehorchata latteicedmolletes

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

This was my first visit, and overall, it was a pleasant experience. However, the seating was not what I expected, you will be sitting really close to other people, the place is small, which might not be ideal for everyone.Ordering is done through a QR code, and the food is brought to your table, which was convenient. The cappuccino was good, but the brewed coffee was too bitter for my liking. The vegan Chiroso tacos were tasty, while the huevos rancheros were average. The tortillas are not traditional Mexican tortillas; they have a texture more similar to naan. Tres leches cake was 4/5, think and moist. The bathroom is beautiful.
March 18 · Sony Veliz
My friend and I got the restaurant week deal! The food was so good and the service was impeccable! The waitstaff was very attentive and polite. Our favorite was the Sopes de Conchinita Pibil (pork sopes) and the Milanesa de Chuleta (pork cutlet with sweet potato gratin). The guac was good too! Thank you!
August 11 · CA Beriana
Came here for restaurant week and loved the food and aesthetic/vibe of the place. Wasn’t expecting the seating to be quite so intimate but not a big deal.Chicharron was amazing, and the steak was cooked to perfection. All the ingredients super fresh, I just wish the tuna tostada had some kind of acid to balance out the fattiness. Mole was a little sweet for my taste, but the flavor was great. The tres leches, which we got at the waitress’ recommendation, might be one of the best desserts I have ever had in my whole life— would go back just for that⭐️⭐️. Impossible cake wasn’t too sweet, which was nice, but the texture was quite dry.Ambience and waitstaff were amazing! Really friendly environment
August 06 · Adya Mohanty
I’ve been coming here for breakfast on a weekly basis and it’s so authentically delicious. The staff is super personable and friendly. They recently opened up for dinner; both drinks and food are equally amazing. This is definitely my favorite neighborhood to visit and bring friends.
August 22 · Yuna Gu
I loved this restaurant! My husband and I had passed by a few weeks before and looked at the menu and immediately felt interested! The food did not disappoint! Everything was very flavorful, not too spicey and delicious! The mocktail was so refreshing! And the servers were very friendly and welcoming! Definitely coming back 👍🏼
August 23 · Yessenia Castilla