Ensenada Introduce
Introduction / Overview
Located in the heart of dynamic Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Ensenada is not your typical neighborhood spot; it is a celebrated Mexican restaurant that brings the vibrant, fresh flavors of coastal Latin American cuisine right to the heart of New York City. Positioned as a premier destination for Seafood restaurant enthusiasts, Ensenada specializes in authentic mariscos (seafood) concepts inspired by the legendary fish taco carts of Baja California and the fine-dining seafood culture of Mexico City. This unique focus is evident in their menu, which features an exquisite array of Ceviches and Aguachiles, making it a standout culinary experience in New York.
But Ensenada is more than just a restaurant; it’s a full dining and social experience. It seamlessly doubles as a sophisticated Cocktail bar, boasting an extensive and meticulously curated agave program, which includes a vast selection of rare mezcals and creatively crafted tequila-based drinks. The atmosphere is designed to be Casual, Cozy, and Trendy all at once, appealing to Groups, LGBTQ+ friendly crowds, and even Solo dining guests looking for a high-quality meal. As a proud Latino-owned business, Ensenada offers a distinct taste of coastal Mexico, combined with the professional service and flair expected in a world-class city like New York, making it a favorite for Lunch, Dinner, and late-night indulgence.
Location and Accessibility
Ensenada is perfectly situated in the lively South Williamsburg area of Brooklyn, an easily accessible and highly sought-after destination for New Yorkers. You can find this culinary hotspot at 168 Borinquen Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11211, USA. This specific address places the restaurant conveniently within reach of numerous transit options, including subway and bus lines that connect to Manhattan and other parts of Brooklyn, ensuring that it is a viable option whether you are traveling from across the borough or from Manhattan.
The business is committed to providing an inclusive dining experience, highlighted by its accessibility features. It offers a Wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring all patrons can easily enter the premises. Furthermore, it includes a Wheelchair accessible restroom and Wheelchair accessible seating, making Ensenada a welcoming choice for all members of the New York community. For payment convenience, the restaurant is fully modernized, accepting Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, facilitating smooth and swift transactions for its busy New York clientele.
Services Offered
Ensenada offers a comprehensive range of dining and service options designed to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of the New York diner:
- Full Dining Service: Available for Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner, with comfortable Table service and ample Seating options, including a dedicated Bar onsite.
- Flexible Service Options: Provides Dine-in, Takeout, and Delivery services, ensuring the fresh Mexican seafood flavors can be enjoyed both in the restaurant and at home or the office.
- Outdoor Dining: Features Outdoor seating, allowing guests to enjoy their meal and cocktails al fresco when the New York weather permits.
- Reservations Accepted: For planning ease, Ensenada Accepts reservations, a crucial feature for securing a table during peak Dinner hours in the popular Williamsburg neighborhood.
- Bar & Beverage Program: Functions as a full Cocktail bar, offering a wide selection of Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard liquor, and Wine, anchored by a specialty mezcal list.
- Happy Hour Specials: Promotes regular Happy hour drinks and Happy hour food, offering great value on select items during early evening hours.
Features / Highlights
Ensenada has garnered attention and praise for several key features that set it apart in the New York dining scene:
- Seafood and Agave Specialization: The menu is a unique blend of Seafood restaurant dedication and an exceptional Mezcal Bar. Highlights include various fresh Aguachiles (such as Verde, Amarillo, and Camaron) and creative Ceviches like the Ceviche Tradicional, showcasing premium, sustainably sourced fish.
- Gourmet Shared Entrees: Signature plates designed Para Compartir (for sharing) are a major draw, including the critically acclaimed Pescado Del Dia "Al Pastor" (Whole Fish Al Pastor) and the inventive Tlayuda De Pulpo (Octopus Tlayuda).
- Exceptional Cocktail Program: Known for having Great cocktails, the beverage list includes unique agave-based cocktails, a lengthy list of high-quality, rare mezcales (like Rey Campero, El Jolgorio, and Real Minero expressions), and a selection of natural and biodynamic White, Red, and Rosé wines.
- Diverse Menu Offerings: Caters to all palates with Small plates (Botanas), Healthy options, and ample Vegetarian options like the Taco De Coliflor and Ensalada De Primavera, ensuring every guest finds a satisfying dish.
- Noteworthy Desserts: Despite a focused dessert menu, the offerings are a highlight, particularly the praised Hibiscus Pie, which offers a perfect, tangy end to the meal.
- Efficient and Friendly Service: Noted for its Fast service and attentive staff, which contributes significantly to the overall positive and relaxed dining atmosphere.
- Late-Night Options: Offers Late-night food, making it a fantastic destination for a delicious bite after a show or a night out in the city.
Contact Information
To secure your reservation or inquire about takeout and delivery options, please use the following contact details for Ensenada:
Address: 168 Borinquen Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11211, USA
Phone: (347) 335-0838
What is Worth Choosing
Choosing Ensenada is choosing a fresh, sophisticated, and authentic taste of coastal Mexico without leaving the boroughs of New York. It is particularly worth choosing for the New Yorker who appreciates culinary craftsmanship, as the restaurant successfully blends authentic Mexican flavors with modern, high-quality execution, especially in its seafood dishes. You should choose Ensenada to experience the must-try signature dish, the Pescado Del Dia "Al Pastor", which is often cited for its perfect preparation and vibrant flavors.
Beyond the food, the vibrant, yet Cozy atmosphere makes it ideal for nearly any occasion, from a celebratory Groups dinner to a relaxed date night. The excellent Cocktail bar program, featuring a comprehensive mezcal list, is another compelling reason to visit, offering some of the best agave-based drinks in the city. Coupled with the convenience of Outdoor seating, Delivery, and Happy hour food specials, Ensenada provides a complete, high-value dining package. For a truly memorable Mexican culinary experience in Williamsburg, one that is both trendy and reliably delicious, Ensenada stands out as a premier Latino-owned gem.
Ensenada Food & drink
Botanas
- Chips & Guacamole
- Chips & Salsa
- Tostada De Atun
- Tostada De Vieira
- Ensalada De Cesar
Sides
- Housemade Pickles
- Caldo De Camaron
- Patatas Bravas
- Salsas
- Avocado
- Tortillas
- Tostadas
- Totopos
Aguachiles
- Camaron
- Verde
- Amarillo
- Pescado
- Campechano
- Cucumber
Ceviches
- Ceviche Tradicional $24.00
Para Comparti
- Pescado Del Dia "Al Pastor $47.00
- Jaiba Suave $36.00
- Tlayuda De Pulpo $37.00
White
- Los Bermejos, 'Malvasia Volcanica
- Martha Stoumen, 'Post Filtration
Red
- La Casa Vieja, 'Garnacha
- Bruno Dubois, 'Plume
Virgen
- Topo Chico
- Mexican Coca-Cola
- Agua Fresca Hibiscus
- White Label Mate
- Crosscut Cold Brew
Rosé
- Chateau Du Rouet 'Reservee
Sparkling
- Esencia Rural, 'Toledo Pampaneo
Others
- Hibiscus Pie
- Coliflor
- Pescado Del Dia "Al Pastor
- Boneless Skate Wing
- Pork Rib Milanesa $39.00
- Octopus & Chorizo Tlayuda $39.00
- La Medida - Espadin $10.00
- Rey Campero - Jabali $13.00
- Rey Campero - Cuishe $12.00
- Rey Campero Tepextate $13.00
- 5 Sentidos Sierra Negra $14.00
- El Jolgorio Tepeztate $16.00
- Macurichos Tepeztate $16.00
- Ixcateco Papalome $15.00
- Macurichos - Arroqueño $16.00
- El Jolgorio - Tobala $16.00
- El Jolgorio Madrecuishe $16.00
- Bozal Ensamble - Espadin/Barril / Mexicano $15.00
- Real Minero - Largo $14.00
- Bozal Madrecuishe $14.00
- Real Minero Pechuga $14.00
- Real Minero Espadin $14.00
- Bozal-Cuishe $16.00
- Lalocura Cuishe $16.00
- Lalocura Tobala $15.00
- Derrumbes Espadin $14.00
- Lalocura Tobasiche /Espadin $15.00
- Mal Bien-Arroqueño
- Mal Bien Tepextate $14.00
- Mal Bien Espadin $12.00
- Koch El Coyote $14.00
- Koch El-Espadin $10.00
- Veintiocho Tepextate $13.00
- Madre Ensamble Espadín + Cuishe $13.00
- Rezpiral - Tobala $14.00
- Rezpiral - Tobala/ Coyote $14.00
- Rezpiral Arroqueño $14.00
- Rezpiral Tepextate $14.00
- Derrumbes - Cenizo $16.00
- Lamata - A'hl-Mai $16.00
- Origen Raiz - Cenizo $12.00
- 5 Sentidos-Papalome $14.00
- Tlamati-Papalometl
- Leyendas Verde - San Luis Potosi $10.00
- Taco De Pescado $8.00
- Taco De Camaron $7.00
- Taco De Coliflor $7.00
- Ensalada De Primavera $18.00
- Neta
- Maguey Butterfly
- Don Mateo
- Negra Modelo
- Modelo Especial
- Pacifico
- Angry Orchard Cider
- Monopolio Lager Clara
- Monopolio Ipa
- Chelada
- Milagro Blanco
- Mijenta Blanco
- Siete Leguas Blanco
- Siete Leguas Reposado
- Siete Leguas Añejo
- Tapatio 110
- Tapatio Añejo
- Clase Azul Blanco
- Meinklang, 'Mulatschak
Ensenada Details
From the business
- Identifies as Latino-owned
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
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Ensenada Photos










Ensenada Location
Ensenada Reviews
aguachilefish tacosmezcalseafoodcevichetuna tostadashibiscuspatatas bravaspiescallop tostada
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I had an amazing time visiting Ensenada. While the food itself wasn’t a big hit for me, I appreciated the opportunity to explore new flavors. The service, however, was excellent; staff were super attentive and offered great suggestions on how to fully enjoy our dishes. The standout of the night was definitely the key lime pie. It was creamy, the whipped cream had a boozy kick, and the whole dessert felt indulgent in the best way. I’d absolutely try it again on my next visit.
June 24 · Takyashilah SEnsenada is a true gem in South Williamsburg. The al pastor whole fish is a standout — perfectly cooked and packed with flavor, especially when paired with the fresh blue corn tortillas. The Caesar salad with grapefruit was a surprise hit, super refreshing and a great balance to the meal. Service was friendly and fast, and the place has that laid-back neighborhood vibe that makes you want to stay a while. Definitely a spot I’ll keep coming back to.
July 14 · John GonsalvesIncredible!Everything was delicious. Perfectly cooked and seasoned!The fish and the shrimp agualiches are the must!
April 29 · mylene poncetFirst time at Ensenada. Very charming and warm atmosphere that captures the essence of beach side Mexican cuisine. Started off with the watermelon mezcal margaritas (5/5). For dinner we had the chips and guacamole (5/5), tuna tostadas (5/5), fried pescaditos (little fish) (2/5, extremely salty) and the street tacos (fried fish), 2/5 also due to the extreme salty flavor. Both the fried fish and the tacos were battered and served with a remoulade sauce (I think both the batter and the sauce were over salted). Disappointed by these 2 dishes. Would try again but avoid anything fries until they sort out the salt situation.
July 08 · O. G.Came here for dinner about a week ago and loved it! Would definitely classify it as more of an upscale take on Mexican food. We got the salsa plate - and every salsa was wonderful with their tortilla chips. We also got fish tacos which were delightfully crispy. I do remember thinking my taco was a little on the saltier side but that's relatively minor. We also got the aguachile negro - very spicy but totally worth it. They're known for their aguachile so don't leave without trying it! We also got the katsu-like pork shoulder which was good but a little heavy. My favorite part though - was dessert. The hibiscus pie with graham cracker crust was so good - key lime pie vibes in a way in that it was a little tart, incredibly smooth, and the graham cracker crust was sweet enough to off-set the sour. Would definitely recommend.
February 10 · Nilima Shet
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