Fonda Introduce
Fonda is a celebrated Mexican restaurant that brings a fresh, contemporary twist to authentic Mexican cuisine right here in the heart of New York. In a city filled with countless dining options, Fonda stands out for its commitment to high-quality, flavorful food, and a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. It’s the kind of place that effortlessly balances being a relaxed, cozy neighborhood spot with serving exciting and elevated dishes that showcase the rich culinary traditions of Mexico City.
The menu at Fonda is a delightful journey through Mexican flavors, with a focus on both traditional favorites and creative urban flourishes. Under the guidance of celebrated chef Roberto Santibañez, the restaurant has built a reputation for its meticulous preparation and use of fresh ingredients. From hand-pressed tortillas and made-to-order guacamole to complex sauces like the legendary Oaxacan black mole, every dish is crafted with care and authenticity. It’s an experience that respects the roots of the cuisine while pushing its boundaries, making it a compelling destination for both purists and those looking for something new.
Fonda is more than just a place to eat; it's a full sensory experience. The decor is lovely, with a festive and colorful interior that creates a lively ambiance. This lively atmosphere, combined with fast and attentive service, makes it an ideal choice for a variety of occasions. Whether you're looking for a fun night out with a group, a satisfying solo meal, or a vibrant weekend brunch, Fonda offers a setting that is both casual and trendy. It has become a favorite for both locals and tourists who appreciate its dedication to great food, fantastic drinks, and a truly hospitable environment.
Fonda is ideally situated at
189 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA, placing it firmly in the bustling and popular Chelsea neighborhood. This prime location makes it easily accessible from many parts of the city. Being on 9th Avenue, it’s a natural gathering spot for those living, working, or visiting the area, and it's well-served by public transportation.The restaurant is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating, which ensures a welcoming experience for all diners. For those who are planning a special event or need specific accommodations, it is always a good idea to mention this when making a reservation, especially as the dining area has an upstairs section. While parking in Chelsea can be a challenge, paid street parking is available in the vicinity, which is a standard convenience in this part of the city.
Given that Fonda is a popular spot and often has a wait, especially for dinner and brunch, planning ahead is highly recommended. The restaurant accepts and recommends reservations, which can help ensure you get a table without a long wait. This combination of a convenient, well-known location, a focus on accessibility, and an efficient reservation system makes visiting Fonda a smooth and enjoyable experience for New Yorkers and tourists alike.
Dine-in: Enjoy the vibrant and cozy atmosphere with a full table service experience. Fonda is perfect for lunch, dinner, and a very popular weekend brunch.
Outdoor Seating: The restaurant offers outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy your meal and drinks while soaking in the lively Chelsea streetscape, especially on a nice day.
Takeout & Curbside Pickup: For those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home, Fonda provides convenient takeout and curbside pickup options, so you can get your favorite dishes on the go.
Delivery: The restaurant also offers delivery service, ensuring you can enjoy its authentic Mexican cuisine from the comfort of your own home or office.
Reservations: Fonda accepts and recommends reservations, particularly for dinner and weekend brunch. This helps manage the usual wait and ensures a smooth dining experience, especially for groups.
Catering: For larger events and gatherings, Fonda provides catering services, offering an array of delicious menus to make any celebration special.
Great Cocktails: Fonda is renowned for its excellent cocktails. The drinks menu includes thoughtfully crafted margaritas, as well as happy hour drinks, beer, and wine, making it a fantastic bar to complement your meal.
Authentic and Modern Cuisine: The food is a major highlight, blending classic Mexican flavors with a modern, urban twist. Dishes like the Pescado Tropical and Enchiladas de Mole Negro Oaxaqueño are praised for their fresh and authentic taste.
Fantastic Value for Brunch: Fonda is particularly popular for its brunch, which is known to offer fantastic value, especially for bottomless options that include margaritas. It’s a fun and satisfying weekend outing.
Cozy and Trendy Atmosphere: The interior is described as lovely and very cute, with colorful decor that creates a lively yet cozy ambiance. It's a place that feels welcoming and festive, perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions.
Accommodating Staff: Customer reviews frequently praise the staff for being friendly, attentive, and accommodating. This high level of service adds to the overall positive dining experience and makes guests feel well-cared for.
Vegetarian Options: The menu offers a variety of vegetarian options, ensuring that diners with different dietary needs can find something delicious to enjoy.
Address: 189 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA
Phone: (917) 525-5252
Mobile Phone: +1 917-525-5252
Fonda is an easy choice for anyone in New York looking for an exceptional Mexican dining experience that goes beyond the ordinary. What makes this restaurant truly worth choosing is its ability to deliver on multiple fronts. The food is, without a doubt, the main attraction. It's not just Mexican food; it's a refined and creative take on classic dishes, with fresh ingredients and bold flavors that set it apart. The enchiladas, tacos, and unique entrees are consistently praised for their quality and taste, offering a delicious journey for your palate.
The cocktails are another major selling point. In a city with countless bars, Fonda’s dedication to crafting great drinks, particularly their margaritas, makes it a destination in its own right. The combination of excellent food and fantastic drinks creates a complete and satisfying dining experience. The happy hour and brunch options, which are highly popular and offer great value, provide a perfect opportunity to enjoy their offerings at a great price.
Furthermore, the atmosphere is a key reason to choose Fonda. The restaurant feels lively and energetic, yet still manages to be cozy and comfortable. It's the kind of place where you can feel the positive energy from the staff and the other diners. This is a great spot to live a little and enjoy a festive mood without feeling overwhelmed. The staff's friendly and accommodating nature, which is consistently mentioned in reviews, makes every visit a pleasant one. For a date night, a celebratory dinner, or a fun weekend brunch with friends, Fonda provides a memorable and thoroughly enjoyable experience that makes it a standout choice in New York's competitive dining scene.
Fonda Food & drink
Entrees
- Enchiladas Cremosas $27.95
Slow braised achiote marinated pork shoulder, pickled white onions
- Pescado Tropical $31.95
Beef tenderloin and chorizo skewer over white rice, salsa verde and salsa roja
- Chile's En Nogada $31.95
- Cochinita Pibil $27.95
Slow braised achiote marinated pork shoulder, pickled white onions
- Alambre Mexicano $37.95
- Carne Tampiqueña $37.95
Ensaladas
- Ensalada De Aguacate Y Zanahorias $14.95
Avocados, roasted carrots, toasted pecans, soft goat cheese, sprouts and bibb lettuce drizzled with a lime mustard vinaigrette.
- Ensalada De Sandia $14.95
- Ensalada Fresca $12.95
Jicama, cucumbers, oranges and mango, lime chile dressing.
- Ensalada Fonda $12.95
Arugula, radishes, red onions, green apple and carrots tossed with a lemon, olive oil vinaigrette.
Desserts
- Flan De Cajeta $10.00
Goat milk caramel flan, with whip cream and crushed buñuelos.
- Citrus Tres Leches $10.00
Citrus three milk soaked sponge cake served with Chantilly cream and fresh berries.
Salads
- Ensalada De Betabel $12.95
Roasted beets, avocado, cotija cheese, and lime with olive oil dressing.
- Ensalada Fresca $11.95
Jicama, cucumbers, oranges and mango, lime chile dressing.
- Ensalada Fonda $11.95
Arugula, radishes, green apple and red onions tossed with a simple lemon, olive oil vinaigrette.
- Ensalada De Aguacate Y Zanahorias $13.95
Avocados, roasted carrots, toasted pecans, soft goat cheese, sprouts and bibb lettuce drizzled with a lime mustard vinaigrette.
Sides
- SD Black Beans $5.00
- Platanos Fritos $9.50
Sweet plantains with crema and queso fresco.
- Trio Of Salsas With Chips $5.95
Tomatillo Salsa Verde Pasilla de Oaxaca and Habanero Salsas
- SD Steak $13.00
- 2 Oz Salsa $1.00
- Esquites $9.50
Corn kernels, cooked in a butter epazote broth, chile de arbol and queso fresco mayonnaise.
- Pico De Gallo $6.95
- Chips $3.00
- Chicharrones $5.00
Pork rinds freshly fried to perfection.
- SD Tortillas $3.00
- SD Rice And Beans $10.00
- Espinacas Con Hongos $9.50
Sauteed spinach and mixed mushrooms
- SD Mixed Greens $5.95
- SD Salmon $13.00
- SD Charro Beans $5.00
- Calabaza Con Colecitas $8.95
Roasted butternut squash and Brussels sprouts, agave, olive oil, lime.
- Side Veggies $5.95
- SD Avocado $4.95
- Chips & Slasa $5.00
- SD Chicken $8.00
- SD Shrimp $13.00
- SD Rice $5.00
Dessert
- Choco Flan $10.95
- Strawberry Tree Leche $10.95
Taquitos
- VT Hongos $12.95
Sautéed mixed mushrooms with epazote, queso fresco and pasilla de Oaxaca salsa
- VT Poblanos $12.95
Creamy roasted poblano pepper strips, pickled red onions and avocado tomatillo salsa.
Appetizers
- Kids Quesadilla $9.95
- Huarache Con Hongos $13.95
Oval organic masa “boat”, black bean spread, sautéed mushrooms, salsa verde, salsa chipotle, queso fresco and crema.
- Flautas De Pollo $12.95
Two crispy tortillas filled with shredded chicken, topped with salsa verde, pasilla de Oaxaca salsa, queso fresco and crema
- Croquetas De Jaiba $17.50
Blue crab croquettes served with three sauces, avocado serrano, pickled jalapeno mayo, and habanero roasted tomato.
- Zarape De Pato $16.95
Soft corn tortillas filled with braised duck, roasted tomato-habanero cream sauce.
- Ceviche De Atun $16.95
Diced rare ahi tuna and baby shrimp, citrus chipotle marinade, parsley & mint.
- Frijolitos Con Queso $11.95
Soupy black beans, queso fresco, avocado, salsa verde, crema and pickled radishes
- Double Guacamole $25.95
Guacamole made to order, served with chips and pasilla de Oaxaca salsa.
- Queso Fundido Con Chorizo $16.95
Oaxaca and Chihuahua cheeses baked with chorizo, served with soft corn tortillas and fresh tomatillo serrano salsa (substitute chorizo with sautéed mushrooms or poblano peppers strips).
- Guacamole $16.95
Guacamole made to order, served with chips and pasilla de Oaxaca salsa.
- Sopa De Tortilla $11.95
Roasted tomato pasilla chicken broth with crispy tortillas, chicken, Chihuahua cheese, avocado and crema.
- Tostadas De Carne $14.95
Crispy tortillas with black beans, topped with habanero spiked shredded beef, romaine lettuce, cured red onions, radishes and crema.
- Kids Chicken Quesadilla $11.95
Taquitos
- Al Pastor $13.95
Chopped marinated pork with pineapple, onions, cilantro and avocado tomatillo salsa.
- Pollo $13.50
Chipotle rubbed chicken, queso fresco, onion, cilantro, avocado salsa verde.
- Campechano $14.95
Diced steak, chorizo, onion, serrano and chile de arbol salsas.
- Filete $14.95
Beef tenderloin, bacon, poblano peppers, onions, Chihuahua cheese, cilantro and spicy habanero salsa.
- Carne Asada $14.50
Grilled marinated skirt steak with onions, cilantro and salsa de árbol.
Vegetarian & Vegan Menu
- Queso Fundido Mushrooms $16.95
- Guacamole $16.95
Guacamole made to order, served with chips and pasilla de Oaxaca salsa.
- Vegetarian Enchiladas $24.95
Enchiladas topped with chopped onions, cilantro, crema and queso fresco. Choice of sauce: tomatillo serrano sauce or roasted tomato habanero sauce.
- Queso Fundido Espinaca $16.95
Oaxaca and chihuahua cheeses baked with your choice of sautéed spinach or mixed mushrooms, served with hand pressed corn tortillas and tomatillo serrano salsa verde.
Margaritas
- Margarita For 2 $19.00
Makes 2 Pour 6oz of Margarita mix over a glass full of ice, stir well and enjoy
- Margarita Pitcher $41.00
Pour 6oz of Margarita mix over a glass full of ice, stir well and enjoy
Sides
- Espinacas Con Hongos $8.95
Sautéed spinach and mixed mushrooms.
- Platanos Fritos $8.95
Sweet plantains with cream and queso fresco
- Calabaza Con Colecitas $8.95
Roasted butternut squash and Brussels sprouts, agave, olive oil and lime.
- Esquites $8.95
Corn kernels, cooked in a butter epazote broth, chile de arbol and queso fresco mayonnaise
Entrees
- Camarones Adobados $28.95
Yucatan style pan seared jumbo shrimp, served over spicy creamy green rice and a black bean velvet sauce.
- Asada Con Hongos $34.95
Grilled skirt steak with corn mushroom sauce, served with green bean escabeche.
- Salmón Con Calabacitas $27.95
Seared salmon fillet over creamy stewed zucchini with jalapeños, corn kernels and cliantro.
- Enchiladas Suizas $26.95
Pulled chicken filled tortillas, creamy tomatillo sauce, baked with Chihuahua and Oaxaca cheeses.
- Birria De Res $29.95
Slow braised beef in a guajillo birria broth.
- Enchiladas De Mole Negro Oaxaqueño $27.95
Soft corn tortillas filled with braised chicken topped with a stone ground Oaxacan black mole, chopped onions, crema, queso fresco, cilantro and sesame seeds.
- Camarones Mosquito $28.95
Seared jumbo shrimp simmered in a creamy lime-jalapeno sauce over spinach green rice.
- Enchiladas Vegetarianas $24.95
Soft corn tortillas filled with carrots, zucchini, corn kernels, pickled jalapenos and chihuahua cheese; topped with your choice of tomatillo serrano sauce or roasted tomato habanero sauce, crema, queso fresco and cilantro.
- Tacos De Pescado Entree $25.50
Three crispy fish tacos, house salad (also prepared grilled)
- Pollo Norteño $26.95
Boneless guajillo marinated chicken tossed with melted Chihuahua cheese. Served in a skillet topped with chiles serranos “toreados” and cured red onions, with warm hand pressed tortillas.
- Carnitas De Fonda $27.95
Slow braised pork shoulder, salsa verde, pickled poblano peppers, charro beans and tortillas to build your own tacos.
Fonda Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great cocktails
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trending
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Paid street parking
Fonda Photos










Fonda Location
Fonda Reviews
margaritasbrunchenchiladascocktailshappy hourhibiscuschelseaappetizersmushroomsfreezing
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I'm not looking for a lot but everything here was great and the staff was accommodating. Vegetarian options, tasty drinks, lovely decor, helpful staff. Really cute interior too. Might be a bit loud. Whatever. Live a little!Also though, don't go with a person who will tell you that you're sweating because you ate spicy and hot food. Also, don't wipe that sweaty brow on them and expect them not to get angry.
June 06 · Ian SpiridigliozziFantastic value for bottomless brunch—margaritas included! Service was friendly and attentive, and the food tasted fresh and full of flavor. Highly recommend for a fun, satisfying weekend outing.
June 05 · Lisa NielsenFor our food, I would give 6.5For the service. I would give it a 7.5for the atmosphere. I would give it a 6.5. I believe the tables were too close to each other. There was not enough space for the servers to walk through while serving. Besides that, the environment feels very welcoming. I wish that they didn't place the music so loudly.
June 30 · Philippe RemeMy partner and I came here for dinner last minute. It's a cute cozy venue. I'd go again but I couldn't quite give 5 stars simply due to service. I wish the waiter that initially greeted us actually said hello/greeted us. Instead he approached the table without saying anything and we were expected to jump right in to order. Something as simple as saying, "Hello there," can ease into the service. The food and drinks were very good. However, the drinks took quite a while to make their way to us and we ordered essentially classic margaritas. My partner opted not to get a second drink because it might have taken too long. As far as atmosphere is concerned, Fonda is very cute inside and the bathroom was very clean. Nice place.
March 08 · Donnie ChaunceyI was greeted warmly by a server and the excellent service continued throughout my dining experience. The food was delicious. Highly recommend the queso fundido and the mole. I would definitely return. Side note, if you participate in United Mileage Plus Dining this is a mileage earning restaurant.
June 04 · Steven Simao
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