La Contenta LES Introduce
Nestled in the heart of the vibrant Lower East Side, La Contenta LES is more than just a restaurant; it’s a culinary destination that brings the rich, authentic flavors of Mexico to New York City. This is a place where every dish tells a story, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere makes you feel right at home. It’s the perfect spot for New Yorkers seeking a true taste of Mexican cuisine, far from the generic Tex-Mex you might find elsewhere. From the moment you step inside, you'll be greeted by a cozy and romantic ambiance that's ideal for a date night or a relaxed meal with friends.
La Contenta LES has built a reputation for its commitment to quality and authenticity. The menu is a carefully curated selection of traditional Mexican dishes, many of which are inspired by the rich culinary heritage of different regions in Mexico. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh, high-quality ingredients to create dishes that are both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Mexican food or looking to explore new flavors, you'll find something to love here. The staff are known for their sweet and accommodating service, always ready to help you navigate the menu and ensure you have a memorable dining experience.
As a Latino-owned and women-owned business, La Contenta LES adds a unique and personal touch to the New York dining scene. This personal investment is evident in the quality of the food and the attention to detail in the service. The restaurant is a popular choice for various dining occasions, from a casual lunch to a special dinner, and even a lively brunch. It's a versatile spot that has become a local favorite, attracting a diverse crowd including college students, tourists, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. This article will provide a closer look at what makes La Contenta LES a standout choice for authentic Mexican food in NYC.
La Contenta LES is conveniently located at 102 Norfolk St in the bustling Lower East Side neighborhood of New York, NY. Its location makes it easily accessible for anyone in the city, whether you're a local or just visiting. The restaurant is situated in a vibrant area known for its lively nightlife, artistic venues, and diverse culinary scene, making it a great place to start or end your evening.
Getting to La Contenta LES is straightforward. If you're using public transportation, the restaurant is a short walk from several subway stations, including the Delancey Street-Essex Street station, which serves the F, M, J, and Z lines. This makes it a highly convenient option for those coming from different parts of Manhattan or even other boroughs. For those who prefer to drive, both free and paid street parking options are available, though as is common in New York City, parking can sometimes be challenging. Planning ahead or considering a ride-sharing service is often a good idea.
The restaurant is also designed with accessibility in mind, offering wheelchair-accessible seating to ensure that all guests can dine comfortably. The cozy and intimate setting of the restaurant contributes to a unique dining experience, but its design is still accommodating. In addition to indoor seating, there is also outdoor seating available, which is a fantastic option for enjoying a meal on a pleasant day or evening, and is perfect for those who want to bring their dogs along, as pets are allowed in the outdoor area.
La Contenta LES provides a full suite of services and dining options to meet various needs and preferences.
- Dine-in and Seating: Enjoy a cozy and romantic atmosphere with full table service for a relaxed meal.
- Takeout and Curbside Pickup: Perfect for those on the go, allowing you to enjoy your favorite dishes at home.
- Delivery: Offering both traditional and no-contact delivery options, bringing the taste of La Contenta directly to your door.
- Catering: The restaurant can cater to events and parties, bringing its authentic Mexican flavors to your special occasions.
- Reservations: Given its popularity and cozy size, reservations are recommended for lunch, dinner, and especially brunch to ensure you get a table without a wait.
- Happy Hour: Enjoy special deals on both food and drinks during happy hour.
- Late-Night Food: A perfect spot for a delicious bite late into the evening.
La Contenta LES has many features that make it a standout choice in the crowded New York dining scene.
- Authentic and Diverse Menu: The menu goes beyond standard Mexican fare. It features a range of authentic dishes from “Para Empezar” (starters) to “Plato Fuerte” (main courses). Highlights include the Enchiladas Suizas, Huarache De Camarón, and the highly-praised Pollo En Mole Poblano. The restaurant also has a dedicated brunch menu with unique items like Tres Leches French Toast and Sopes Benedictos.
- Exceptional Beverages: The drink menu is a major highlight. The restaurant is known for its great selection of cocktails and beer, including unique micheladas like Michelada Al Pastor. They also offer a variety of hard liquor, wine, and non-alcoholic options like Mexican sodas and coffee.
- Cozy and Romantic Atmosphere: The ambiance is often described as cozy and romantic, making it a perfect spot for a date or an intimate gathering. It's a trendy yet comfortable place to relax and enjoy a meal.
- Accommodating and Friendly Staff: Customer reviews consistently praise the warm and friendly service. The staff is known for being accommodating and polite, which significantly enhances the dining experience.
- Dietary Accommodations: The menu includes a variety of vegetarian options, ensuring that guests with different dietary needs can find something delicious to enjoy.
- LGBTQ+ and Dog-Friendly: The restaurant proudly identifies as LGBTQ+ friendly and welcomes dogs in its outdoor seating area, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.
Address: 102 Norfolk St, New York, NY 10002, USA
Phone: (212) 432-4180
Choosing La Contenta LES is an excellent decision for anyone in New York looking for an authentic and high-quality Mexican dining experience. The restaurant’s commitment to traditional flavors is evident in every dish. The highly-rated food and drinks speak for themselves, with dishes like the Enchiladas Suizas and Branzino Veracruz consistently receiving rave reviews for their rich, well-balanced flavors. The appetizers are also a must-try; the Guacamole Tradicional is made fresh, and the fish tacos are a popular choice even among those who are not typically fans of fish.
The atmosphere and service are also major reasons to choose this restaurant. The cozy and romantic setting provides a great backdrop for a memorable meal, and the staff's dedication to providing a friendly and accommodating experience ensures that you feel taken care of from the moment you arrive. This level of service, combined with the delicious food, makes it easy to understand why so many customers return.
Finally, the restaurant's multiple offerings, from a fantastic brunch menu to late-night food and a great happy hour, make it a versatile spot that can fit any occasion. Whether you're planning a special dinner, looking for a quick bite, or want to enjoy a delicious brunch with friends, La Contenta LES has something to offer. Its identity as a Latino-owned and women-owned business also gives it a special character, showcasing a passion for authentic cuisine that shines through in every aspect of the restaurant. For a genuinely delicious and welcoming Mexican meal in the Lower East Side, La Contenta LES is an undeniable choice.
La Contenta LES Menu
Las Sodas
- Squirt $3.50
Mexican grapefruit soda.
- Topo Chico $3.50
Sparkling mineral water, sourced and bottled in Monterrey, Mexico, offering a refreshing and crisp taste.
- Mexican Coca-Cola $3.50
Mexican Coke.
Sides
- Chips & Salsa $4.00
- Side Of Jalapeños $2.00
- Succotash $7.00
Zucchini, poblano pepper, onion, corn
- Side Of Salsa (Spicy) $2.00
- Rice & Beans $6.00
Vegetable rice and black beans (vegan).
- Grilled Asparagus $7.00
- Side Of Crema Mexicana $2.00
- Spinach $7.00
Sautéed in extra virgin olive oil, garlic
Plato Fuerte
- Enchiladas De Camarón $27.00
Pan-roasted shrimp, Oaxaca cheese, chipotle salsa, Brussels sprouts, and sour cream.
- Salmón Al Pastor $28.00
Pan-roasted salmon, al pastor salsa, mashed potatoes, asparagus.
- Birria Tradicional De Res $28.00
Braised short ribs, chickpeas, carrots, spicy broth, served with corn tortillas
- Hanger Steak A La Parrilla $34.00
Double-baked potato, spinach, roasted salsa verde, and chimichurri salsa.
- Branzino Veracruz $28.00
Braised branzino, Veracruz sauce, Mexican rice, spinach.
- Fajitas Tradicionales De Steak $31.00
Pan-roasted steak, peppers, onions.
- Chile Relleno Y Succotash $24.00
Chile poblano, spinach, Oaxaca cheese, succotash, and chipotle salsa.
- Enchiladas Suizas $26.00
Braised chicken, tomatillo salsa, Swiss cheese, and rajas con crema.
- Pollo En Mole Poblano $25.00
Braised chicken breast, mole sauce, wild rice chicken risotto, and plantains. Contains gluten and nuts.
- Huarache De Camarón $27.00
Masa dough, grilled shrimp, bean purée, Swiss cheese, and roasted salsa.
Coffee/Tea
- Tea $4.50
- American Coffee $3.75
- Café Latte $5.50
- Cappuccino $5.50
Las Micheladas
- Michelada Al Pastor $9.00
Lager beer, housemade pineapple purée, cilantro, chipotle pepper, lemon juice, sea salt.
- Michelada De Tamarindo $9.00
Lager beer, housemade tamarind purée, guajillo chile, lime juice, sea salt.
- La Contenta Michelada $9.00
Lager beer, cucumber juice purée, hot sauce, lime juice, sea salt, a splash of orange juice.
- Michelada De Blackberry $9.00
Dark lager beer, blackberry purée, housemade chile morita salsa, lime juice, sea salt.
Las Cervezas
- Monopolio Lager $5.00
Must be 21 to purchase.
- Tecate $5.00
Must be 21 to purchase.
- Modelo Especial $5.00
Must be 21 to purchase.
- Negra Modelo $5.00
Must be 21 to purchase.
- Pacífico $5.00
Must be 21 to purchase.
Brunch Dishes
- La Contenta Omelette $17.00
Smithfield ham, roasted poblano, chihuahua. cheese, home fries.
- Guacamole Tradicional $16.00
Mashed avocados, pico de gallo, served with tortilla chips. Contains gluten.
- Steak And Eggs $20.00
Grilled hanger steak, 2 eggs any style, roasted tomatillo salsa, black beans, home fries.
- Avocado Toast $17.00
Avocado, grilled tomatoes, sunny-side up eggs, arugula on toasted sourdough bread. Contains gluten.
- La Contenta Nachos $17.00
Tortilla chips, black beans, pico de gallo, pepper jack and cheddar cheese, avocado sauce, sour cream. Contains gluten.
- Mexican Omelette $17.00
Avocado, pico de gallo, Swiss cheese, home fries.
- Huevos Rancheros $17.00
Sunny-side up eggs, ranchero salsa, pepper jack cheese, black beans, home fries.
- Grilled Quesadilla With Rice & Beans $16.00
Pepper jack, Oaxaca and cheddar cheese, huitlacoche, avocado sauce, sour cream. Contains gluten.
- Sopes Benedictos $18.00
Poached eggs, corn sope, black beans, chorizo, hollandaise-chipotle sauce, home fries.
- Tres Leches French Toast $17.00
Berry compote, maple butter, brioche. Contains gluten.
- Breakfast Burrito $16.00
Bacon, potatoes, onion, Oaxaca cheese, egg. Contains gluten.
- Tacos De Pescado $16.00
Tempura crimson snapper, avocado sauce, cole slaw, chipotle aioli, sour cream. Served with rice & beans. Contains gluten.
- Chilaquiles Verdes O Rojos Con Huevo $17.00
Tortilla casserole with Oaxaca cheese, tomatillo (green) or chipotle-tomato (red) sauce, sautéed onions, eggs any style. Contains gluten.
- Camarones Al Ajillo $20.00
Pan-roasted shrimp, chile-garlic sauce, rice, spinach.
- Enchiladas Suizas $20.00
Braised chicken, tomatillo salsa, Swiss cheese.
- Panqueques $17.00
Pancakes with fresh fruit. Contains gluten.
- Tacos De Carne Asada $17.00
Grilled hanger steak. guacamole, pico de gallo, tomatillo salsa. Served with rice & beans. Contains gluten.
Para Empezar
- Grilled Quesadilla $18.00
Pepper jack, Oaxaca and cheddar cheese, huitlacoche, avocado sauce, sour cream and pico de gallo. Contains gluten.
- La Contenta Nachos $18.00
Tortilla chips, black beans, pico de gallo, pepper jack, Oaxaca and cheddar cheese, avocado sauce, sour cream. Contains gluten.
- Tacos De Pollo $16.00
Marinated chicken, cole slaw, roasted tomatillo salsa, and crema.
- Tacos De Carne Asada $18.00
Grilled hanger steak, guacamole, pico de gallo, and tomatillo salsa. Contains gluten.
- Tacos De Pescado $17.00
Tempura codfish, avocado sauce, cole slaw, chipotle aioli, and sour cream. Contains gluten.
- Tacos De Carnitas $17.00
Pork confit, cilantro, serrano salsa (very spicy).
- Guacamole Tradicional $18.00
Mashed avocados, pico de gallo, served with tortilla chips. Contains gluten.
- Torta Ahogada $18.00
Shrimp slider drowned in mild and spicy sauce, dollop of guacamole. Contains gluten.
Las Sodas
- Mexican Coca-Cola $3.50
Mexican Coke.
- Topo Chico $3.50
Sparkling mineral water, sourced and bottled in Monterrey, Mexico, offering a refreshing and crisp taste.
- Squirt $3.50
Mexican grapefruit soda.
La Contenta LES Details
From the business
- Identifies as Latino-owned
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- 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
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
- Parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
La Contenta LES Photos










La Contenta LES Location
La Contenta LES Reviews
happy hourbartendermargaritasbrunchmezcalappetizershanger steakqueso fundidopulqueshort rib
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1A great find, tucked away on the lower east side! Small, quaint and authentic with excellent service, very tasty margaritas and the food, oh the food. We started with Margs and Nachos, both top notch and then tacos all of the way around. I had carnitas and then fish tacos, tasted the polo tacos, they were excellent as well. Best Mexican in some time.These people are sweet and accommodating, we would be back!!!
July 27 · Bob BalderI visited this place for the first time nine years ago, and I was impressed by their drinks and starters at that time.Before I share my experience, I want to give a big shout-out to the warm and friendly service. The staff is incredibly nice and always there to help ensure you have a great experience. They are polite and treat you well, making it easy to consider coming back.Now, let's talk about the food. The whole experience was fantastic, but I want to highlight the dishes we tried that day.**To Start:**We ordered fish tacos and classic guacamole. I’m not a big fan of fish, but those fish tacos were really, really good. The guacamole was fresh and tasty, a perfect match with their totopos.**Main Course:**I really wanted to try their Pollo en Mole Poblano, but we arrived too early for it. However, it was very kind of them to open the lunch menu for us before 4 PM.**Enchiladas Suizas:** Five stars! I loved how they were prepared. They had the perfect level of spiciness, enhancing the flavors without being overpowering. This is exactly the amount of spice I enjoy in a dish.**Huarache de Camarón:** This dish included masa dough, grilled shrimp, bean purée, Swiss cheese, and roasted salsa. The roasted salsa was incredible—so rich in flavor. Five stars!**Branzino Veracruz:** This dish featured Branzino with Veracruz sauce and Mexican rice. It had incredible, rich flavors. It was lightly spicy, just enough to enhance the experience. Five stars!I am a big fan of desserts and always look for something interesting and memorable.I ordered their Tres Leches cake made with pulque and corn flour. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was very happy with my choice. The flavor was different—not too sweet, just perfect. It was a unique experience that I really enjoyed.Will I come back? Absolutely! I can’t wait to try their Pollo en Mole Poblano. I highly recommend this place!
March 14 · Patricia CaguanaGreat spot! Incredible tequila selection (only part of it is pictured)! The food was delicious. We had queso fundido and the steak with a twice baked potato and spinach…simple but wow. The flan was tasty but the texture was a little sturdy. Not too too busy on a Saturday night but it was starting to get busy around 7pm. We will definitely be back.
March 10 · Ann PowersThe food is hit or miss. The service is extremely slow, we waited 40 minutes for some guacamole. The tables are tilted and wobbly. Would not recommend this or the sister place next door Vallarta Tropical.
July 17 · Fernán OviedoHad a reservation at 7:30pm and didn’t realize there were two entrances. Went to the right side and the host let me choose which table I wanted to dine in (the left or right entrance). Decided to go with the left entrance given it was more quiet and less busy. Ordered our drinks at the bar while they got our table ready. We got the El Mixteco which was tasty and a classic Pina Colada. Got seated at a corner table next to the window which was pretty small and tight. We shared a guacamole and chips, birria tradicional de res (which we had no idea it was a stew) and enchiladas de camaron with a side of rice and beans (extra cost). The entrees were pricey given it didn’t come with any rice and beans (which was $6 extra). The enchiladas tasted better than the birria. The service was great though and very attentive.
February 23 · Nicole Kim
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