La Iguana Azul restaurant & lounge

- 8 Giffords Ln, Staten Island, NY 10308

Tucked away in the heart of Staten Island, La Iguana Azul restaurant & lounge stands out as a vibrant culinary destination for New Yorkers seeking an authentic and comforting taste of Mexican cuisine. This establishment successfully combines the casual, cozy atmosphere of a local eatery with the lively spirit of a full-service bar and lounge, making it much more than just a typical Mexican restaurant.

La Iguana Azul is a true neighborhood gem, highly popular for both quick, satisfying weekday lunches and relaxing, celebratory dinners. Its menu is a blend of beloved Mexican staples and unique house specialties, catering to a wide range of tastes. While offering familiar fare like Chips & Salsa and Ensalada de Pollo, the restaurant also surprises patrons with elevated and distinct offerings, such as the highly recommended Tinga Quesadillas and the exotic-sounding Pumpkin Flower Quesadillas.

Beyond the food, La Iguana Azul is specifically highlighted for its bar service. The establishment boasts a reputation for serving "Great cocktails" and offers a full range of alcoholic beverages, including Beer, Wine, Hard liquor, and dedicated Happy hour drinks. This dual identity—as a welcoming restaurant and an inviting lounge—makes it a versatile spot, equally suited for a family meal or a casual evening out with friends. The ambiance is described as both Casual and Cozy, with a trendy edge, appealing to Families and Groups alike.

Crucially for New York diners, the speed and convenience of service are often noted as highlights. The restaurant is known for its "Fast service," ensuring that diners, whether seated indoors or enjoying the Outdoor seating, can count on efficiency. However, it is important to note that, as with any bustling New York eatery, service experiences can vary, and prospective diners should set expectations for a casual environment. For many in the community, the overall experience—especially the quality of specialty dishes and the excellence of the cocktails—makes La Iguana Azul a go-to spot on Staten Island.

The commitment to comprehensive dining options is evident in its inclusion of everything from Brunch to Late-night food, ensuring that there is a time and a dish for every New Yorker's schedule and preference.

La Iguana Azul restaurant & lounge is conveniently situated in a community-centric location in Staten Island, ensuring ease of access for local residents and visitors traveling from other boroughs of New York.

The full address is: 8 Giffords Ln, Staten Island, NY 10308

This address places the restaurant in the heart of the 10308 ZIP code, a well-established residential area that benefits from having a dedicated Mexican restaurant and lounge. Accessibility is a key feature of this establishment, with a full commitment to accommodating all guests.

• **Wheelchair accessible entrance:** Ensures a smooth entry for all patrons.
• **Wheelchair accessible restroom:** Provides necessary comfort and convenience.
• **Wheelchair accessible seating:** Guarantees inclusive table service within the dining area.

For those driving, La Iguana Azul provides multiple Parking solutions, which is a major convenience in New York City: Free parking lot, Free street parking, and Paid street parking are all available options, maximizing ease of arrival.

La Iguana Azul offers a comprehensive array of dining and hospitality services designed to meet the diverse needs of the New York consumer.

• **Diverse Dining Formats:** Provides Outdoor seating, classic Dine-in service with Table service, Takeout, and efficient Delivery across the local area.
• **Full Meal Service:** Available for Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and late-night cravings (Late-night food).
• **Catering:** Offers catering services for events, making it a viable option for large group gatherings in the area.
• **Bar & Beverage Program:** Features a full Bar onsite, specializing in Cocktails and Happy hour drinks, alongside a selection of Alcohol, Beer, Hard liquor, and Wine.
• **Dietary Options:** The menu thoughtfully includes Healthy options and Vegetarian options to accommodate various dietary preferences, alongside comforting choices categorized as Comfort food and Quick bite.
• **Specialty Menu Items:** Highlights unique dishes such as the rich, comforting Tortas—Mexican sandwiches served on a Portuguese roll with refried beans, avocado, and jalapeño—and unique Quesadillas.
• **Event Planning Support:** Accepts reservations for easier planning for Groups and ensures Amenities such as a Restroom and High chairs for those dining with Children.

The defining characteristics of La Iguana Azul revolve around its culinary identity and its dedication to a vibrant, functional dining environment.

• **Standout Signature Dishes:** Patrons consistently praise unique, must-try items like the "incredibly tasty" Cubano sandwich and the specialty “Iguana tacos,” which stand apart from standard Mexican fare.
• **Exceptional Cocktail Program:** A major draw is the dedicated lounge and bar, known for crafting “Great cocktails,” including popular choices like the refreshing passion fruit margarita.
• **Serves Local Specialty:** The inclusion of local favorites and unique menu interpretations showcases a commitment to providing a distinguished culinary experience within the local dining scene.
• **Comfortable and Trendy Atmosphere:** The setting is described as a blend of Casual, Cozy, and Trendy, making it an appealing spot for a variety of occasions, from a laid-back meal to a lively gathering.
• **Speed and Efficiency:** Officially highlighted for "Fast service," the restaurant strives for efficiency, making it popular for those with limited time during Lunch and Dinner hours.
• **Full Accessibility:** The provision of Wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms makes it one of the most fully inclusive dining establishments in the area.
• **Family-Friendly Environment:** The restaurant is recognized as Good for kids and Family-friendly, complete with High chairs, ensuring a welcoming experience for parents.

New York customers interested in making reservations or placing orders for Delivery or Takeout can use the following information:

Address: 8 Giffords Ln, Staten Island, NY 10308

Phone: (718) 948-4719

Mobile Phone: +1 718-948-4719

Note: Reservations are required or strongly accepted. Patrons are advised to call ahead to secure Table service, especially during peak dining times.

Choosing La Iguana Azul restaurant & lounge is a decision to embrace the full spectrum of a modern New York Mexican dining experience. It is worth selecting for its ability to deliver both authentic Mexican comfort food and a lively, social atmosphere that goes beyond the basics. For the food enthusiast, the real value lies in the house specialties—namely, the celebrated Cubano sandwich and the unique Iguana tacos. These dishes are not merely background noise; they are standouts that warrant a visit specifically for their taste and originality, setting this restaurant apart from the vast number of Mexican options in New York.

The "Lounge" aspect of the business, highlighted by the offering of "Great cocktails" and a full bar, is a significant draw. It means that La Iguana Azul is a one-stop location for both satisfying a Dinner craving and enjoying a relaxed evening with friends over Happy hour drinks. The cozy, trendy, yet casual atmosphere perfectly supports this dual function, appealing to both Families and Groups looking for a reliable, engaging local spot.

Furthermore, La Iguana Azul demonstrates a clear commitment to service convenience and community accessibility. The provision of Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating, and a Free parking lot addresses virtually every logistical need of the busy New York diner. The dedication to full physical accessibility—with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom—reflects a modern, inclusive approach to hospitality that is highly valued in the city. While the reviews indicate that service can be inconsistent at times, the overall quality of the signature offerings, the appealing ambiance, the fast service, and the comprehensive amenities solidify La Iguana Azul’s position as a robust, worthwhile choice for Mexican dining in Staten Island.

La Iguana Azul restaurant & lounge

8 Giffords Ln, Staten Island, NY 10308, USA