El Jaguar: A Mexican Cantina and Restaurant in the Bronx

El Jaguar Introduce

Nestled in the bustling landscape of the Bronx, El Jaguar stands as a vibrant and multi-faceted establishment, offering a taste of Mexican and Latin American culture. More than just a restaurant, it operates as a cantina, a social hub where good food, great music, and a lively atmosphere converge. For New Yorkers seeking an escape from the ordinary and a place to truly unwind, El Jaguar provides a dynamic and engaging experience. Its menu is a testament to the rich and diverse culinary traditions of Mexico, presenting a mix of authentic dishes and popular Tex-Mex favorites that have become staples in the American dining scene. It's a place where families can enjoy a meal, friends can gather for a lively evening, and solo diners can find a cozy spot to enjoy a bite. The ambiance is designed to be both trendy and comfortable, making it a perfect destination for various occasions. This article will delve into the many layers of El Jaguar, providing a detailed overview of its location, extensive menu, and the unique features that make it a compelling choice for locals and visitors alike.

El Jaguar is situated at 536 E 138th St, Bronx, NY 10454, placing it in the heart of the Mott Haven neighborhood. The location is highly accessible, a crucial factor for any New York establishment. Its position on a main street makes it easy to find, whether you are arriving by car, bus, or on foot. The restaurant's accessibility is further enhanced by its wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating, ensuring that it can accommodate a wider range of patrons. For those who drive, paid street parking is available, which is a significant convenience in a densely populated urban area. The proximity to various public transportation options, including bus routes and nearby subway stations, also makes it a practical choice for those commuting from different parts of the city. El Jaguar’s location allows it to serve as a central gathering place for the community, providing a convenient and inviting spot for everything from a quick lunch to a full evening out with friends. Its presence in a lively neighborhood adds to its overall appeal, making it a true local landmark.

El Jaguar offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to meet the diverse needs of its customers. The restaurant provides a range of dining and service options, ensuring a seamless experience for every type of visitor. The services offered include:

Outdoor Seating: For those who enjoy dining al fresco, El Jaguar offers outdoor seating, providing a pleasant option during warmer months.
Delivery: A key service for the New York market, delivery allows customers to enjoy the restaurant’s delicious food from the comfort of their own homes, making it perfect for a cozy night in.
Takeout: For people on the go, the takeout option is an efficient way to grab a meal. The fast service ensures minimal wait time, ideal for a quick lunch or a dinner to bring home.
Dine-in: As a full-service restaurant, El Jaguar offers a traditional dine-in experience with table service. This allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the cantina's atmosphere.
Catering: The restaurant also provides catering services, making it a great option for events, parties, and corporate gatherings where authentic Mexican food is desired.
Accepts Reservations: This feature is a significant convenience for groups and those planning a special occasion, allowing them to secure a table in advance and avoid waiting during peak hours.

These service options highlight El Jaguar’s commitment to providing a flexible and customer-centric experience, adapting to the varied needs of a bustling city like New York.

El Jaguar is more than just a place to eat; it is a destination with a host of features and highlights that make it stand out. From its atmosphere to its extensive menu and crowd-friendly amenities, it offers something for everyone. Key features and highlights include:

Great Cocktails and Onsite Bar: The presence of a full bar and a reputation for great cocktails are significant draws. The cantina-like atmosphere is perfect for enjoying drinks with friends. The menu includes classic beverages like beer and wine, in addition to specialty cocktails.
Extensive and Diverse Menu: The food menu is a major highlight, with a wide array of options ranging from classic nachos, quesadillas, and tacos to more substantial plates like fajitas and seafood. The menu also includes less common but equally delicious items like cemitas and molcajete, offering a rich culinary exploration.
Lively Atmosphere: The restaurant’s atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, with a cantina feel. It's a place where you can listen to music and even dance, making it an ideal spot for a fun night out.
Sports Bar Feel: The "Sports" highlight suggests that it's a great spot to watch games, appealing to a crowd that wants to enjoy food and drinks while catching a live event.
Accessibility and Family-Friendly: With wheelchair access, high chairs, and a welcoming atmosphere, the restaurant is well-suited for a variety of diners, including families with children, large groups, and individuals.
Fast Service: Known for its fast service, El Jaguar is a great choice for a quick bite or a speedy lunch, catering to the needs of busy New Yorkers.
Inclusive Environment: The venue is noted as an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safe space, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

These highlights demonstrate that El Jaguar is not only focused on its food but also on creating a rich, welcoming, and entertaining environment for its diverse clientele.

For those looking to visit or contact El Jaguar, here is the essential information:

Address: 536 E 138th St, Bronx, NY 10454, USA

Phone: (718) 292-8865

Phone: +1 718-292-8865

These contact details are vital for making reservations, ordering takeout or delivery, or simply getting directions to the location. The provision of both local and mobile phone formats makes it easy to get in touch from any device.

What makes El Jaguar worth choosing for New Yorkers is its ability to offer a comprehensive dining and social experience that goes beyond a simple meal. It’s a place where the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine meet the vibrant energy of a New York cantina. The menu provides a fantastic variety, from authentic Mexican dishes to more familiar Tex-Mex options, ensuring there's a delicious choice for every palate. The fast and efficient service is a significant advantage, particularly for those on a tight schedule, while the table service and bar offer a more relaxed dining option. The atmosphere is a key selling point; it’s lively and engaging, making it a great destination for groups and those looking for a fun night out. The fact that it is family-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly, and accessible further solidifies its status as an inclusive community hub. While some reviews may mention the lively cantina environment, this is precisely what makes it a unique and dynamic destination for those looking for an experience beyond a quiet dinner. For New Yorkers who appreciate flavorful food, a vibrant atmosphere, and a place where they can truly feel at home, El Jaguar is an outstanding choice that offers a genuine taste of Mexico with a distinctive Bronx twist.

El Jaguar Services

Nachos
Regular Nachos (Nachos Regulares) $9.00
No meat, with beans, jalapeños, melted cheese, lettuce, cream, grated cheese topped with guacamole
Steak Nachos (Nachos de Bistec) $12.00
with beans, jalapeños, melted cheese, lettuce, cream, grated cheese topped with guacamole
Chicken Nachos (Nachos de Pollo) $12.00
with beans, jalapeños, melted cheese, lettuce, cream, grated cheese topped with guacamole
Roast Pork Nachos (Nachos de Carne Enchilada) $12.00
with beans, jalapeños, melted cheese, lettuce, cream, grated cheese topped with guacamole
Salted Beef Nachos (Nachos de Cecina) $12.00
with beans, jalapeños, melted cheese, lettuce, cream, grated cheese topped with guacamole
Shrimp Nachos (Nachos de Camarones) $15.00
with beans, jalapeños, melted cheese, lettuce, cream, grated cheese topped with guacamole
Roast Pork with pineapple and onion Nachos (Nachos Al Pastor) $12.00
with beans, jalapeños, melted cheese, lettuce, cream, grated cheese topped with guacamole and the pineapple and onion are cooked with the roast pork
Sausage Nachos (Nachos de Chorizo) $12.00
with beans, jalapeños, melted cheese, lettuce, cream, grated cheese topped with guacamole
Chicken Breast Nachos (Nachos de Pechuga de Pollo) $12.00
with beans, jalapeños, melted cheese, lettuce, cream, grated cheese topped with guacamole

Quesadillas
Chicken Quesadilla (Quesadilla de Pollo) $12.00
with rice, beans, cream, grated cheese, melted cheese, guacamole on the side and a small salad with lettuce, tomatoes, onions (If you do not want the salad the price is $9.00)
Steak Quesadilla (Quesadilla de Bistec) $12.00
with rice, beans, cream, grated cheese, melted cheese, guacamole on the side and a small salad with lettuce, tomatoes, onions (If you do not want the salad the price is $9.00)
Salted Beef Quesadilla (Quesadilla de Cecina) $12.00
with rice, beans, cream, grated cheese, melted cheese, guacamole on the side and a small salad with lettuce, tomatoes, onions (If you do not want the salad the price is $9.00)
Sausage Quesadilla (Quesadilla de Chorizo) $12.00
with rice, beans, cream, grated cheese, melted cheese, guacamole on the side and a small salad with lettuce, tomatoes, onions (If you do not want the salad the price is $9.00)
Chicken Breast quesadilla (Quesadilla de Pechuga de Pollo) $12.00
with rice, beans, cream, grated cheese, melted cheese, guacamole on the side and a small salad with lettuce, tomatoes, onions (If you do not want the salad the price is $9.00)
Roast Pork with pineapple and onion Nachos (Quesadilla de Al Pastor) $12.00
with rice, beans, cream, grated cheese, melted cheese, guacamole on the side and a small salad with lettuce, tomatoes, onions (If you do not want the salad the price is $9.00) the pineapple and onion are cooked with the roast pork
Roast Pork Quesadilla (Quesadilla de Carne Enchilada) $12.00
with rice, beans, cream, grated cheese, melted cheese, guacamole on the side and a small salad with lettuce, tomatoes, onions (If you do not want the salad the price is $9.00)
Shrimp Quesadilla (Quesadilla de Camaron) $15.00
with rice, beans, cream, grated cheese, melted cheese, guacamole on the side and a small salad with lettuce, tomatoes, onions (If you do not want the salad the price is $9.00)

Burritos
Roast Pork Burrito (Burrito de Carne Enchilada) $12.00
Grilled Roast Pork wrapped with rice and beans, with rice and beans on the side, cream, grated cheese, melted cheese, guacamole on the side and a small salad with lettuce, tomatoes, onions (If you do not want the salad the price is $10.00)
Chicken Breast Burrito (Burrito de Pechuga de Pollo) $12.00
Grilled chicken breast wrapped with rice and beans, with rice and beans on the side, cream, grated cheese, melted cheese, guacamole on the side and a small salad with lettuce, tomatoes, onions (If you do not want the salad the price is $10.00)
Salted Beef Burrito (Burrito de Cecina) $12.00
Grilled salted beef wrapped with rice and beans, with rice and beans on the side, cream, grated cheese, melted cheese, guacamole on the side and a small salad with lettuce, tomatoes, onions (If you do not want the salad the price is $10.00)
Steak Burrito (Burrito de Bistec) $12.00
Grilled wrapped with rice and beans, with rice and beans on the side, cream, grated cheese, melted cheese, guacamole on the side and a small salad with lettuce, tomatoes, onions (If you do not want the salad the price is $10.00)

Cemitas
Salted Beef Cemita (Cemita de Cecina) $7.00
with chipotle, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, melted string cheese and mayonnaise
Roast Pork Cemita (Cemita de Carne Enchilada) $7.00
with chipotle, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, melted string cheese and mayonnaise
Chicken Breast Cemita (Cemita de Pechuga de Pollo) $7.00
with chipotle, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, melted string cheese and mayonnaise
Steak Cemita (Cemita de Bistec) $7.00
with chipotle, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, melted string cheese and mayonnaise
Breaded Chicken Breast (Cemita de Milanesa de Pollo) $7.00
with chipotle, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, melted string cheese and mayonnaise
Breaded Steak Cemita (Cemida de Milanesa de Bistec) $7.00
with chipotle, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, melted string cheese and mayonnaise
Roast Pork with pineapple and onion Cemita (Cemita de Al Pastor) $7.00
with chipotle, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, melted string cheese and mayonnaise

Tortas
Cubana Torta (Torta Cubana) $10.00
with beans, jalapeños, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, melted sliced cheese and mayonnaise
Salted Beef Torta (Torta de Cecina) $7.00
with beans, jalapeños, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, melted sliced cheese and mayonnaise
Roast Pork Torta (Torta de Carne Enchilada) $7.00
with beans, jalapeños, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, melted sliced cheese and mayonnaise
Chicken Breast Torta (Torta de Pechuga de Pollo) $7.00
with beans, jalapeños, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, melted sliced cheese and mayonnaise
Steak Torta (Torta de Bistec) $7.00
with beans, jalapeños, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, melted sliced cheese and mayonnaise
Breaded Chicken Breast Torta (Torta de Milanesa de Pollo) $7.00
with beans, jalapeños, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, melted sliced cheese and mayonnaise
Breaded Steak (Torta de Milanesa de Bistec) $7.00
with beans, jalapeños, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, melted sliced cheese and mayonnaise

Salads
Ceasar Salad with Chicken (Ensalada Cesar con Pechuga de Pollo) $12.00

Chilaquiles
Regular Chilaquiles (Chilaquiles Regulares) $8.00
with sliced onions, melted sliced cheese, avocado slices, cream and grated cheese
Salted Beef Chilaquiles (Chilaquiles de Cecina) $12.00
with sliced onions, melted sliced cheese, avocado slices, cream and grated cheese
Chicken Breast Chilaquiles (Chilaquiles de Pechuga de Pollo) $12.00
with sliced onions, melted sliced cheese, avocado slices, cream and grated cheese
Steak Chilaquiles (Chilaquiles de Bistec) $12.00
with sliced onions, melted sliced cheese, avocado slices, cream and grated cheese

Sopes
Regular Sopes (Sopes Regulares) $8.00
no meat, with beans, lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, onions, avocado slices, cream and grated cheese
Cecina Sopes (Sopes de Cecina) $12.00
with beans, lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, onions, avocado slices, cream and grated cheese
Steak Sopes (Sopes de Bistec) $12.00
with beans, lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, onions, avocado slices, cream and grated cheese
Chicken Breast Sopes (Sopes de Pechuga de Pollo) $12.00
with beans, lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, onions, avocado slices, cream and grated cheese
Chorizo Sopes (Sopes de Chorizo) $12.00
with beans, lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, onions, avocado slices, cream and grated cheese

Chicken
Half a Chicken with Salad (Medio Pollo a la Brasa con ensalada) $12.00
withan order of tortillas, a order of rice and beans with a small salad on the side
Grilled Chicken with Salad (Pechuga a la Parilla con ensalada) $13.00
with an order of tortillas, a order of rice and beans with a small salad on the side

Meat Selection (Selección de Carne)
Meat Dish native to Tampico (Carne al Tampiqueña) $19.00
with an order of rice and beans, a side order of salad, fried onions, jalapeños, deep fried cactus and an order of tortillas
Order of Grilled Steak $17.00
with an order of rice and beans, a side order of salad, fried onions, jalapeños, deep fried cactus and an order of tortillas
Order of Pork Chops Deep fried or Grilled $14.00
with an order of rice and beans, a side order of salad, fried onions, jalapeños, deep fried cactus and an order of tortillas
Steak in Green Salsa with Cactus (Bistec en Salsa Verde con Nopales) $14.00
with an order of tortillas and an order of rice with beans
Steak With Onions (Bistec Encabollado) $14.00
with an order of tortillas and an order of rice with beans
Molcajete $25.00
with an order of tortillas and an order of rice with beans

Tacos
American Tacos (Tacos Americanos) $7.50
with a choice of meat (Salted beef, Steak, Chicken Breast, Roast Pork, Broiled Beef, Spicy Chicken, Mexican Sausage, Fried Pork/Cecina, Bistec, Pechuga de Pollo, Carne Enchilada, Suadero, Tinga, Chorizo, Carnitas) and with lettuce, cream and grated cheese.
Mexican Tacos (Tacos Mexicanos) $6.00
with a choice of meat (Salted beef, Steak, Chicken Breast, Roast Pork, Broiled Beef, Spicy Chicken, Mexican Sausage, Fried Pork/Cecina, Bistec, Pechuga de Pollo, Carne Enchilada, Suadero, Tinga, Chorizo, Carnitas) and with Cilantro and onions
Ranchero Tacos (Tacos Rancheros) $7.50
with a choice of meat (Salted beef, Steak, Chicken Breast, Roast Pork, Broiled Beef, Spicy Chicken, Mexican Sausage, Fried Pork/Cecina, Bistec, Pechuga de Pollo, Carne Enchilada, Suadero, Tinga, Chorizo, Carnitas), with deep fried onions, deep fried cactus, and deep fried jalapeños

Flautas
Cheese Flautas (Flautas de Queso) $12.00
with a salad and an order of rice with beans
Potato Flautas (Flautas de Papas) $12.00
with a salad and an order of rice with beans
Chicken Flautas (Flautas de Pechuga de Pollo) $12.00
with a salad and an order of rice with beans

Mexican Dishes (Platillos Mexicanos)
Steak Fajitas (Fajitas de Bistec) $13.00
with an order of rice with beans
Chicken Fajitas (Fajitas de Pechuga de Pollo) $13.00
with an order of rice with beans
Mole dish from Puebla (Mole Poblano) $13.00
with an order tortillas, an order of rice with beans, chicken in a brown sauce topped with sesame seeds
Enchiladas $13.00
with the choice of red, green salsa, or mole (Brown Sauce) with a salad and an order of rice with beans and a choice of meat ranging from (Salted beef, Steak, Chicken Breast, Roast Pork, Mexican Sausage/Cecina, Bistec, Pechuga de Pollo, Carne Enchilada, Chorizo)
Steak or Chicken Mexican Style (Bistec o Pollo a la Mexicana) $13.00
with an order tortillas, an order of rice with beans
Grilled Salted Beef (Cecina Asada) $14.00
with an order tortillas, an order of rice with beans, deep fried onions, 2 pieces of deep fried melted cheese, deep fried cactus, and deep fried jalapeños
Breaded Steak (Milaneza de Bistec) $13.00
with an order tortillas, an order of rice with beans, and a small salad
Breaded Chicken (Milaneza de Pollo) $13.00
with an order tortillas, an order of rice with beans, and a small salad
Aztec Salted Beef (Cecina Azteca) $15.00
with an order tortillas, an order of rice with beans, 2 pieces of deep fried melted cheese, deep fried cactus, and deep fried jalapeños and deep fried onions

Coctails
Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarón) $15.00
with sweet sauce, purple onions, avocado slices, cilantro and onions

Soups (Sopas)
Seafood Soup (Sopa de Mariscos) $21.00
Different types of seafood in spicy soup or non-spicy soup, an order of tortillas, cilantro, onions and lemons
7 Seas Soup (Sopa de 7 Mares) $24.00
Different types of seafood in spicy soup or non-spicy soup, an order of tortillas, cilantro, onions and lemons
Shrimp Soup $15.00
Shrimp in spicy soup or non spicy soup, an order of tortillas, cilantros, onions and lemons

Pasta
Chicken Parmesan Pasta (Pechuga a la Parmigana) $13.00
with an order of bread
Shrimp Parmesan Pasta (Camaron a la Parmigana) $13.00
with an order of bread and topped with grated cheese
Chicken Breast Vodka Pasta $13.00
with an order of bread and topped with grated cheese

Shrimp Dishes (Platillos Mexicanos con Camaron)
Shrimps in Spicy Sauce (Camarones Enchilados) $15.00
with an order of tortillas and an order of rice with beans
Shrimp in Garlic Sauce (Camarones al Ajillo) $15.00
with an order of tortillas and an order of rice with beans
Shrimps in Spicy Sauce (Camarones a la Diabla) $15.00
with an order of tortillas and an order of rice with beans
Grilled Shrimp (Camarones a la Parilla) $15.00
with an order of tortillas and an order of rice with beans
Breaded Chicken (Camarones Empanizados) $15.00
with an order of tortillas and an order of rice with beans

Seafood (Mariscos)
Salmon in Garlic Sauce (Salmon al Ajillo) $15.00
with an order of tortillas and an order of rice with beans
Grilled Salmon (Salmon a la Plancha) $15.00
with an order of tortillas and an order of rice with beans
Fried Porgy Fish (Mojarra Frita) $15.00
with an order of tortillas and an order of rice with beans

Hot Beverages/Drinks
Herbal Tea (Te de Hierba) $5.00
Hot Chocolate (Chocolate Caliente) $5.00
Coffe (Cafe) $5.00

Desserts
Jello (Gelatina) $5.00
Flan $5.00

Milkshakes (Batidos)
Papaya Milkshake $5.00
Strawberry (Fresa) Milkshake $5.00
Mango Milkshake $5.00
Banana Milkshake $5.00
Pineapple Milkshake $5.00

Flavored Waters
Lemonade (Lemonada) $5.00
Orange Juice (Jugo de Naranja) $5.00
Tamarindo $5.00
Jamaica $5.00
Horchata $5.00

Beverages
Coca-Cola $4.00
Can or Bottle
Poland Spring Water $5.00
Bottled only
Ginger Ale $3.00
Pepsi $3.00

El Jaguar Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great cocktails
Sports

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Quick bite
Small plates
Wine

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safespace

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Paid street parking

El Jaguar Photos

El Jaguar Location

El Jaguar

New York Bronx County Mott Haven East 138th Street

536 E 138th St, Bronx, NY 10454, USA

El Jaguar Reviews

An average rating of ★4 from 97 user reviews.★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

It's a typical cantina , where you mostly listen to music have beer and drinks and you could also dance the place is cool and the food is a mix of typical Mexican cuisine and the Tex Mex food that by the way is not Mexican like burritos and chilli beans
June 25 · Alejandro C
Be careful when going here. literally EVERYTIME i came here with friends or even by myself some there's always a fight going on or just breaking up. Definitely not a place you can relax at and always feels like I gotta be on my guard when at the bar. I just feel bad for the people who live in this area cause they wake up to fights at 2-4am every other night... if you feel like fighting then come on down💢👊🏻
September 16 · Jelly Baker
I haven't gone to the place that much but their food is the freaking best always well made great portion. Great taste from their gringas, nachos, tortas bacon cheese burger , guacamole,
March 16 · Yaneli Martinez
Delicious happy hr tacos!My margaritas were on point as well !
May 16 · Nereida C.
Food is good but when I call I have to repeat myself a lot.
January 13 · Miguel A Cortes