El Coco: A Vibrant Mexican Eatery on the Upper West Side

El Coco Introduce

Located on the bustling Upper West Side, El Coco is a Mexican restaurant that brings a burst of authentic flavor and a lively, welcoming atmosphere to the neighborhood. This spot is more than just a place to eat; it's a destination for a truly enjoyable experience, whether you're grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a fun evening. With a focus on traditional dishes with a twist, El Coco has quickly become a local favorite for its delicious food, excellent cocktails, and friendly service. The menu features a wide variety of Mexican staples, from mouthwatering tacos and savory empanadas to hearty main courses and flavorful bowls. The casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere makes it a great choice for any occasion, from a solo meal to a celebratory gathering with friends.

What sets El Coco apart is its ability to deliver an authentic taste of Mexico in a fun and approachable setting. The flavors are the real story here, with each dish crafted to be both comforting and exciting. The taco selection, for instance, offers a great variety, from the classic Taco Carne Asada to the unique Taco Birria and Taco Mar Y Tierra. Customers frequently praise the flavorful food and the generous portion sizes, ensuring that you get great value for your money. Beyond the food, the drinks are a definite highlight. The cocktails, including their popular Pina Colada and Watermelon Margarita specials, are known for being both "lush" and "refreshing," providing the perfect complement to your meal.

The atmosphere at El Coco is another key to its success. It’s a place that feels casual and cozy, making it a comfortable spot to relax, but it also has a trendy vibe that makes it a great choice for a vibrant night out. The staff is known for being very friendly and eager to make your experience enjoyable, adding a personal touch that enhances the overall dining experience. This combination of great food, fantastic drinks, and a genuinely friendly atmosphere makes El Coco a standout choice in the crowded New York City restaurant scene. It's a place where you can feel right at home while enjoying some of the city's best Mexican cuisine.

El Coco is conveniently situated at 104 W 73rd St #1, New York, NY 10023, USA. This prime Upper West Side location makes it highly accessible for both locals and tourists. It's nestled in a lively and well-connected neighborhood, just a short walk from Central Park. The restaurant is easily reachable via public transportation, with the 72nd Street subway station (serving the 1, 2, 3, B, and C lines) being just a few minutes away. This makes it a perfect meeting spot for friends coming from different parts of Manhattan and beyond.

For those with mobility concerns, El Coco is committed to accessibility. The establishment features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring that all guests can dine comfortably. While the area is busy, paid street parking is available, but public transit is often the most convenient option. The vibrant surroundings and easy access contribute to a seamless dining experience from the moment you arrive. The restaurant’s strategic location on a bustling street adds to its allure, making it a perfect pre- or post-activity dining choice for anyone exploring the Upper West Side.

El Coco provides a comprehensive list of services to ensure a convenient and pleasant experience for all of its customers.

Service Options: The restaurant offers a variety of service options to fit your needs, including outdoor seating for enjoying the weather, dine-in service, and both delivery and takeout for those who prefer to eat at home.
Dining Flexibility: El Coco is an excellent choice for any meal of the day, offering brunch, lunch, and dinner. Table service is provided for a full-service dining experience.
Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, which is particularly helpful for groups or during peak dining hours to ensure you have a table.
Payment Methods: Paying is easy and convenient, as El Coco accepts a wide range of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
Amenities: The restaurant features an onsite bar, a clean restroom, and high chairs, making it good for kids and groups.

El Coco is known for its incredible highlights that make it a favorite among New Yorkers.

Fast and Friendly Service: The staff is consistently praised for their fast and polite service. They are friendly and attentive, contributing to the enjoyable and welcoming atmosphere.
Great Cocktails: The beverage program is a major highlight, with a great selection of cocktails, beer, wine, and hard liquor. Their happy hour drinks and great cocktails are frequently mentioned as a reason to visit.
Extensive Menu: The menu is vast and features a wide array of options, including comfort food, quick bites, and small plates. From a variety of tacos and empanadas to larger entrees like fajitas and nachos, there's something for every craving.
Casual and Cozy Atmosphere: The restaurant offers a casual and cozy atmosphere that also feels trendy. This makes it a perfect spot for various occasions, from a laid-back meal to a more lively night out.
Vibrant Crowd: The spot is popular with both locals and tourists, attracting a lively crowd of groups who are looking for a fun and delicious dining experience.

El Coco is located at 104 W 73rd St #1, New York, NY 10023, USA. You can contact them by phone at (212) 877-0008 for reservations, inquiries, or to place an order. The mobile phone number is +1 212-877-0008.

When considering where to eat Mexican food in New York City, El Coco is a fantastic choice that offers a blend of quality, value, and atmosphere that is hard to beat. The food is, without a doubt, the star of the show. With a variety of well-made and flavorful options like the Birria tacos and a wide range of empanadas, you are guaranteed a delicious meal. The portion sizes are generous, and the prices are fair, especially for the Upper West Side, which makes it a great option for a budget-friendly yet satisfying meal.

The vibrant and refreshing drinks, especially their specialty margaritas, are another reason to visit. They are a "setup" for a great meal and add a fun element to the dining experience. The availability of a happy hour with great drink specials makes it an even more appealing choice for an after-work get-together or a weekend outing. The service is also a key factor. The staff's friendly and eager-to-please attitude creates a welcoming environment that makes every visit an enjoyable one. They are known for their attentiveness, which is a big plus in a busy city.

Finally, the atmosphere at El Coco is perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you're dining alone, enjoying a meal with family, or celebrating a birthday with friends, the casual and cozy setting makes everyone feel comfortable. The restaurant's popularity with groups and its ability to handle celebrations, including a fun "sing song" for birthdays, solidifies its reputation as a go-to spot for a lively and memorable night. For a combination of delicious food, great drinks, and a truly enjoyable environment, El Coco is a place that is well worth choosing.

El Coco Food & drink

Food Delivery - Appetizers
Chips & Salsa $8.00
Chips & Guacamole $12.00
Chips & Queso $14.00
Sopa De Tortilla $12.00
Chicken broth, oaxaca cheese, tortillas strips
Esquites $8.00
Corn, mayo, cotija, lime
Elote $10.00
Corn on the cob, cotija, chili, lime, butter or mayo

Food Delivery - Tacos
Taco Birria $7.00
Braised short rib, cilantro abolla consommé
Taco Al Jardin $4.00
Avocado, Bell peppers, Pinto beans
Taco Barbacoa $5.50
Short Ribs, Avocado, Cilantro, Red onion, Lime
Taco Al Pastor $5.00
Mexican marinated pork, Pineapple
Taco Pollo Asado $5.50
Citrus & Herb marinated chicken, Cilantro, Onion
Taco Pescado $5.50
Fresh fish, avocado
Taco Camarones $6.00
Shrimp, Lime, Green onion
Taco Mar Y Tierra $6.00
Octopus, Chorizo, Red onion
Taco Carne Asada $6.00
Grilled marinated skirt steak, pickled onion

Food Delivery - Empanadas
Empanada Bacon Egg & Cheese $4.50
Empanada Beef $4.50
Empanada Chicken $4.50
Empanada Tinga Chicken $5.00
Empanada Ham & Cheese $4.50
Empanada Spinach & Cheese $4.00
Empanada Pulled Pork $4.50
Empanada Cheeseburger $5.00
Empanada Shrimp & Crab Meet $5.50
Empanada Steak $5.50
Empanada Pepperoni $4.50

Food Delivery - Main Courses
Arroz Con Pollo $18.00
Shredded chicken, peas, carrots, pico de gallo, scallions, yellow rice
Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo $26.00
Jumbo shrimp, Chorizo, Avocado, Rice, Chile guajillo-lobster sauce
El Coco Burger $16.00
6Oz. Pat la frieda blend, Pepper jack cheese, Guacamole, Lettuce, Our special sauce, Sesame bun, Served with french fries
Enchiladas $22.00
Chicken enchiladas, Red or Verde salsa
Veggie Nachos $14.00
Corn tortilla chips, Black beans, Jack & Cheddar cheese, Lettuce, Guacamole, Pico de gallo, Jalapeño
Beef Nachos $16.00
Corn tortilla chips, Black beans, Jack & Cheddar cheese, Lettuce, Guacamole, Pico de gallo, Jalapeño
Chicken Nachos $18.00
Corn tortilla chips, Black beans, Jack & Cheddar cheese, Lettuce, Guacamole, Pico de gallo, Jalapeño
Steak Nachos $18.00
Corn tortilla chips, Black beans, Jack & Cheddar cheese, Lettuce, Guacamole, Pico de gallo, Jalapeño
Chicken Fajitas $20.00
Peppers and Onions, Cheddar Cheese, Yellow rice & Black beans
Shrimp Fajitas $22.00
Peppers and Onions, Cheddar Cheese, Yellow rice & Black beans
Steak Fajitas $22.00
Peppers and Onions, Cheddar Cheese, Yellow rice & Black beans

Food Delivery - Salads
Ensalada Alba $16.00
Avocado, Tomatoes, Shredded iceberg letucce, Cheddar cheese, Citrus cilantro dressing
Baja Caesar $20.00
Grilled chicken breats, mixed greens, iceberg lettuce, Pico de gallo, Jack cheese, Crispy tortilla strips, Jalapeño caesar dressing
Taco Pico $19.00
Seasoned ground beef, Mixed greens, Black beans, Corn, Guacamole, Sour cream, Carrots, Jack & Cheddar cheese, Pico de Gallo, Spicy ranch dressing
Santa Anna $22.00
Marinated grilled chicken, Mixed greens, Bacon bits, Corn, Black beans, Tomatoes, Carrots, Chipotle honey ime dressing, Tortilla crips

Food Delivery - Burritos
Al Jardin Burrito $14.00
Pinto beans, Yellow Rice, Bell peppers, corn, Avocado, Mix blend cheese (Cheddar&Jack) Each order comes with fresh corn chips. Fresh homemade sauce with (optional) sour cream on the side)
Pollo Asado Burrito $18.00
Citrus & Herb marinated chicken, Black beans, Yellow rice, Mix blend cheese (Cheddar & Jack) Each order comes with fresh corn chips. Fresh homemade sauce with (optional) sour cream on the side
Carne Asada Burrito $18.00
Grilled skirt steak, Black beans, lettuce, Mix blend cheese (Cheddar&Jack) Each order comes with fresh corn chips. Fresh homemade sauce with (optional) sour cream on the side)
Camarones Burrito $20.00
Shrimp, Black Beans, lettuce, Mix blend cheese( Cheddar & jack) (chipotle on the side) Each order comes with fresh corn chips. Fresh homemade sauce with (optional) sour cream on the side)

Food Delivery - Quesadillas
Al Jardin Quesadilla $14.00
Pinto beans, Yellow Rice, Bell peppers, corn, Avocado, Mix blend cheese (Cheddar&Jack) Each order comes with fresh corn chips. Fresh homemade sauce with (optional) sour cream on the side)
Pollo Asado Quesadilla $18.00
Citrus & Herb marinated chicken, Black beans, Yellow rice, Mix blend cheese (Cheddar & Jack) Each order comes with fresh corn chips. Fresh homemade sauce with (optional) sour cream on the side
Carne Asada Quesadilla $18.00
Grilled skirt steak, Black beans, lettuce, Mix blend cheese (Cheddar&Jack) Each order comes with fresh corn chips. Fresh homemade sauce with (optional) sour cream on the side)
Camarones Quesadilla $20.00
Shrimp, Black Beans, lettuce, Mix blend cheese( Cheddar & jack) (chipotle on the side) Each order comes with fresh corn chips. Fresh homemade sauce with (optional) sour cream on the side)

Food Delivery - Bowl
Al Jardin Bowl $14.00
Pinto beans, Yellow Rice, Bell peppers, corn, Avocado, Mix blend cheese (Cheddar&Jack) Each order comes with fresh corn chips. Fresh homemade sauce with (optional) sour cream on the side)
Pollo Asado Bowl $18.00
Citrus & Herb marinated chicken, Black beans, Yellow rice, Mix blend cheese (Cheddar & Jack) Each order comes with fresh corn chips. Fresh homemade sauce with (optional) sour cream on the side
Carne Asada Bowl $18.00
Grilled skirt steak, Black beans, lettuce, Mix blend cheese (Cheddar&Jack) Each order comes with fresh corn chips. Fresh homemade sauce with (optional) sour cream on the side)
Camarones Bowl $20.00
Shrimp, Black Beans, lettuce, Mix blend cheese( Cheddar & jack) (chipotle on the side) Each order comes with fresh corn chips. Fresh homemade sauce with (optional) sour cream on the side)

Food Delivery - Dessert
Flan $7.00
Baked custard, caramel, berries
Churros $7.00
Fried dough, suggar coating, chocolate sauce
Pastel De Zanahoria $10.00
Carrot cake, pecans, vanilla ice cream
Carlota De Café Tradicional $10.00
Traditional mexican desert, Espresso infuse cake, Sweetned condensed, Milk, Grated chocolate
Pastel De Tres Leche $10.00
Vanilla cake soacked in a rich blend of three milks

Appetizers
Chips & Salsa $8.00
Chips & Guacamole $12.00
Chips & Queso $14.00
Sopa De Tortilla $12.00
Chicken broth, oaxaca cheese, tortillas strips
Esquites $8.00
Corn, mayo, cotija, lime
Elote $10.00
Corn on the cob, cotija, chili, lime, butter or mayo

Tacos
Taco Birria $7.00
Braised short rib, cilantro abolla consommé
Taco Al Jardin $4.00
Avocado, Bell peppers, Pinto beans
Taco Barbacoa $5.50
Short Ribs, Avocado, Cilantro, Red onion, Lime
Taco Al Pastor $5.00
Mexican marinated pork, Pineapple
Taco Pollo Asado $5.50
Citrus & Herb marinated chicken, Cilantro, Onion
Taco Pescado $5.50
Fresh fish, avocado
Taco Camarones $6.00
Shrimp, Lime, Green onion
Taco Mar Y Tierra $6.00
Octopus, Chorizo, Red onion
Taco Carne Asada $6.00
Grilled marinated skirt steak, pickled onion

Empanadas
Empanada Bacon Egg & Cheese $4.50
Empanada Beef $4.50
Empanada Chicken $4.50
Empanada Tinga Chicken $5.00
Empanada Ham & Cheese $4.50
Empanada Spinach & Cheese $4.00
Empanada Pulled Pork $4.50
Empanada Cheeseburger $5.00
Empanada Shrimp & Crab Meet $5.50
Empanada Steak $5.50
Empanada Pepperoni $4.50

Main Courses
Arroz Con Pollo $18.00
Shredded chicken, peas, carrots, pico de gallo, scallions, yellow rice
Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo $26.00
Jumbo shrimp, Chorizo, Avocado, Rice, Chile guajillo-lobster sauce
El Coco Burger $16.00
6Oz. Pat la frieda blend, Pepper jack cheese, Guacamole, Lettuce, Our special sauce, Sesame bun, Served with french fries
Enchiladas $22.00
Chicken enchiladas, Red or Verde salsa
Veggie Nachos $14.00
Corn tortilla chips, Black beans, Jack & Cheddar cheese, Lettuce, Guacamole, Pico de gallo, Jalapeño
Beef Nachos $16.00
Corn tortilla chips, Black beans, Jack & Cheddar cheese, Lettuce, Guacamole, Pico de gallo, Jalapeño
Chicken Nachos $18.00
Corn tortilla chips, Black beans, Jack & Cheddar cheese, Lettuce, Guacamole, Pico de gallo, Jalapeño
Steak Nachos $18.00
Corn tortilla chips, Black beans, Jack & Cheddar cheese, Lettuce, Guacamole, Pico de gallo, Jalapeño
Chicken Fajitas $20.00
Peppers and Onions, Cheddar Cheese, Yellow rice & Black beans
Shrimp Fajitas $22.00
Peppers and Onions, Cheddar Cheese, Yellow rice & Black beans
Steak Fajitas $22.00
Peppers and Onions, Cheddar Cheese, Yellow rice & Black beans

Salads
Ensalada Alba $16.00
Avocado, Tomatoes, Shredded iceberg letucce, Cheddar cheese, Citrus cilantro dressing
Baja Caesar $20.00
Grilled chicken breats, mixed greens, iceberg lettuce, Pico de gallo, Jack cheese, Crispy tortilla strips, Jalapeño caesar dressing
Taco Pico $19.00
Seasoned ground beef, Mixed greens, Black beans, Corn, Guacamole, Sour cream, Carrots, Jack & Cheddar cheese, Pico de Gallo, Spicy ranch dressing
Santa Anna $22.00
Marinated grilled chicken, Mixed greens, Bacon bits, Corn, Black beans, Tomatoes, Carrots, Chipotle honey ime dressing, Tortilla crips

Burritos
Al Jardin Burrito $14.00
Pinto beans, Yellow Rice, Bell peppers, corn, Avocado, Mix blend cheese (Cheddar&Jack) Each order comes with fresh corn chips. Fresh homemade sauce with (optional) sour cream on the side)
Pollo Asado Burrito $18.00
Citrus & Herb marinated chicken, Black beans, Yellow rice, Mix blend cheese (Cheddar & Jack) Each order comes with fresh corn chips. Fresh homemade sauce with (optional) sour cream on the side
Carne Asada Burrito $18.00
Grilled skirt steak, Black beans, lettuce, Mix blend cheese (Cheddar&Jack) Each order comes with fresh corn chips. Fresh homemade sauce with (optional) sour cream on the side)
Camarones Burrito $20.00
Shrimp, Black Beans, lettuce, Mix blend cheese( Cheddar & jack) (chipotle on the side) Each order comes with fresh corn chips. Fresh homemade sauce with (optional) sour cream on the side)

Quesadillas
Al Jardin Quesadilla $14.00
Pinto beans, Yellow Rice, Bell peppers, corn, Avocado, Mix blend cheese (Cheddar&Jack) Each order comes with fresh corn chips. Fresh homemade sauce with (optional) sour cream on the side)
Pollo Asado Quesadilla $18.00
Citrus & Herb marinated chicken, Black beans, Yellow rice, Mix blend cheese (Cheddar & Jack) Each order comes with fresh corn chips. Fresh homemade sauce with (optional) sour cream on the side
Carne Asada Quesadilla $18.00
Grilled skirt steak, Black beans, lettuce, Mix blend cheese (Cheddar&Jack) Each order comes with fresh corn chips. Fresh homemade sauce with (optional) sour cream on the side)
Camarones Quesadilla $20.00
Shrimp, Black Beans, lettuce, Mix blend cheese( Cheddar & jack) (chipotle on the side) Each order comes with fresh corn chips. Fresh homemade sauce with (optional) sour cream on the side)

Bowl
Al Jardin Bowl $14.00
Pinto beans, Yellow Rice, Bell peppers, corn, Avocado, Mix blend cheese (Cheddar&Jack) Each order comes with fresh corn chips. Fresh homemade sauce with (optional) sour cream on the side)
Pollo Asado Bowl $18.00
Citrus & Herb marinated chicken, Black beans, Yellow rice, Mix blend cheese (Cheddar & Jack) Each order comes with fresh corn chips. Fresh homemade sauce with (optional) sour cream on the side
Carne Asada Bowl $18.00
Grilled skirt steak, Black beans, lettuce, Mix blend cheese (Cheddar&Jack) Each order comes with fresh corn chips. Fresh homemade sauce with (optional) sour cream on the side)
Camarones Bowl $20.00
Shrimp, Black Beans, lettuce, Mix blend cheese( Cheddar & jack) (chipotle on the side) Each order comes with fresh corn chips. Fresh homemade sauce with (optional) sour cream on the side)

Dessert
Flan $7.00
Baked custard, caramel, berries
Churros $7.00
Fried dough, suggar coating, chocolate sauce
Pastel De Zanahoria $10.00
Carrot cake, pecans, vanilla ice cream
Carlota De Café Tradicional $10.00
Traditional mexican desert, Espresso infuse cake, Sweetned condensed, Milk, Grated chocolate
Pastel De Tres Leche $10.00
Vanilla cake soacked in a rich blend of three milks

Summer specials - Salads
Southwest Salad $14.00
Watermelon Salad $14.00

Summer specials - Drinks
Watermelon Margarita $8.00
Spicy Watermelon Margarita $10.00

Salads
Southwest Salad $14.00
Watermelon Salad $14.00

Drinks
Watermelon Margarita $8.00
Spicy Watermelon Margarita $10.00

El Coco Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great cocktails

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Hard liquor
Quick bite
Small plates
Wine

Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Groups
Tourists

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
High chairs

El Coco Photos

El Coco Location

El Coco

New York New York County New York West 73rd Street

104 W 73rd St #1, New York, NY 10023, USA

El Coco Reviews

An average rating of ★4.2 from 227 user reviews.

margaritasbartendermusicserverempanadashappy hourpartypitchertipbowl

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Great food. Empanada was well made and the tacos were very flavoursome. $5 Pina Colada was really lush and had a nice kick to it. Friendly service. Good for birthdays as you’ll get a sing song and a free shooter. Would visit again!
August 05 · Nathan M
Oh Man! ...what a refreshing Sunday afternoon at El Coco. I was pleased with my first visit. To start, the drinks were a setup to make it an auto revisit situation. The taco selection was great, and of course, I had a few different ones to see what they were working with; nice flavor. As a side note, if they were to offer an in-house made drizzle of a spicy, citrusy or smokey flavor would take these little beauties to the next level. The servers were very friendly and eager to make it an enjoyable experience. Finally, this is a great spot to visit with friends without busting your budget!
March 16 · William Adams
Imarol & Evelyn,There’s two are the perfect duo when it comes to running a restaurant. Not only did the drinks give a great vibe but the food & music were a vibe too. Growing up in the city seems tough but when you visit places like this life seems a lot more simpler. Thank you el coco for wonderful staff and a great time!
August 11 · briana pagan
Good place for Happy Hour and large pour margaritas. Good prices but not 24/7 Happy Hour as the website advertised. (Server explained that was only true at their other branch!) Food seems to be an afterthought. Elote corn was the best of what we tried but go in thinking bar first, with apps. Also very noisy and buzzy which wasn't what we were looking for! Would not bring kids in the evening. Restaurant is a few steps below sidewalk level and would be challenging for a wheelchair to access.
May 24 · Kyle McCarthy
El Coco is the place to be after a long work day! You can’t beat the $5 margaritas and $4 tacos.The food was delicious and flavorful. I loved the carne asada tacos and the chicken empanadas. Our bartenders were so friendly and accommodating. The service is best at the bar.Can’t wait to come back for more.
August 13 · Christobel Gomez-Garcia