Móle Cantina Mexicana: Authentic Mexican Food and Cocktails on the Upper East Side

Móle Cantina Mexicana- Upper East Side Introduce

Nestled in the vibrant heart of the Upper East Side, Móle Cantina Mexicana is a welcoming and authentic Mexican restaurant and bar & grill. This establishment is a local treasure, known for bringing the vibrant and delicious flavors of Mexico to a cozy, casual, and trendy setting. As a Latino-owned and women-owned business, it offers a personal and genuine touch that makes every visit feel special. The restaurant is not just a place for a meal; it's a destination for a good time, whether you're grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a fun evening with friends.

Móle Cantina Mexicana has quickly earned a reputation for its authentic cuisine and friendly service. Customers consistently praise the "delicious Mexican food" and the "fun atmosphere." The menu features a wide array of classic Mexican dishes, from satisfying starters like the "tasteful" nachos and the highly-recommended queso fundido with chorizo, to main courses that showcase rich and traditional flavors. A key highlight is the focus on authenticity, as one customer noted, recommending the restaurant to anyone who wants to "try authentic Mexican food." This commitment to traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients is what sets Móle Cantina Mexicana apart from other Mexican spots in the city.

Beyond the food, the restaurant is celebrated for its beverage program, particularly its cocktails. A review highlighted the passionfruit margarita as a "highlight," and the bar offers a wide range of options from beer and wine to creative cocktails and hard liquor. This makes it a perfect place for happy hour or a celebratory night out. The friendly and attentive staff, like the "super friendly" server Andrea, contribute to the overall excellent experience, making diners feel welcomed and valued.

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Location and Accessibility

Móle Cantina Mexicana is located at 1735 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128, in the lively and accessible Upper East Side. Its position on 2nd Avenue makes it easy to find and a great stop for locals and visitors alike. The area is a hub of activity, with a mix of residential and commercial spaces, ensuring a steady and lively crowd.

The restaurant is designed to be accessible to everyone, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible restroom, and wheelchair accessible seating. For those relying on public transportation, the Second Avenue subway line (Q train) is just a short walk away, as are multiple bus routes that run along 2nd and 3rd Avenues. This central location ensures it's a convenient choice no matter where you are coming from.

For diners who drive, paid street parking is an option, providing a solution for those who prefer to travel by car in the city. The presence of outdoor seating is also a great feature, allowing patrons to enjoy their meals and drinks in the fresh air, perfect for a sunny day or a warm evening. This combination of location and thoughtful amenities makes Móle Cantina Mexicana a welcoming and convenient spot for all.

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Services Offered

Móle Cantina Mexicana provides a full range of service options to accommodate various dining preferences and needs.

Dine-in: Enjoy a full meal in the restaurant's casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere. Dinner reservations are recommended, especially for groups, to ensure you have a table.
Outdoor seating: Perfect for a nice day, you can enjoy your food and cocktails on the restaurant's terrace.
Takeout: For a quick and delicious meal on the go, you can order your food to be picked up.
Delivery: The restaurant offers both standard and no-contact delivery, bringing their authentic dishes right to your door.
Curbside pickup: A convenient option for those who want to get their order without having to go inside the restaurant.
Table service and Counter service: The restaurant offers both types of service, providing flexibility for different dining styles.

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Features and Highlights

Móle Cantina Mexicana stands out for several key features that make it a go-to spot on the Upper East Side.

Authentic Mexican Cuisine: The menu features traditional dishes and unique specialties like Cochinita Pibil ($27.00), Carne Asada ($28.00), and Pozole ($18.00), giving diners a true taste of Mexico.
Fantastic Cocktails: Known for its "great cocktails," the bar offers a wide selection of drinks, from classic Margaritas (16oz) ($16.00) and Mojitos ($18.00) to a variety of beers and wines.
Homemade Sides and Salsas: The menu includes classic sides like Guacamole (4oz) ($4.00), Homemade Chips ($3.00), and Homemade Salsa ($2.75), which enhance the flavor of every meal.
Happy Hour: Móle offers happy hour food and drink specials, making it a great place to unwind after a long day without breaking the bank.
Inclusive and Family-Friendly: The atmosphere is described as being LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safespace. The restaurant also has a kids' menu and high chairs, making it a great place for families.
Extensive Menu: The menu is vast and varied, with options from Tacos and Fajitas to Burritos, Salads, and Desserts. They also offer healthy options, vegan options, and vegetarian options.
Owned by Women and Latinos: The fact that the business identifies as being Latino-owned and women-owned adds to its community-oriented and authentic feel.

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Contact Information

For reservations, questions, or to place an order, you can contact Móle Cantina Mexicana directly.

Address: 1735 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128

Phone: (212) 289-8226

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What is worth choosing

Móle Cantina Mexicana is an excellent choice for anyone in New York looking for an authentic and enjoyable Mexican dining experience. The restaurant's dedication to quality is evident in its food, from the "delicious" nachos to the standout cocktails. The menu is both comprehensive and authentic, offering a true taste of Mexico that goes beyond standard fare. It is the kind of place that is perfect for a casual lunch, a relaxed dinner, or a lively night out with friends and family. The wide range of offerings, including vegan and vegetarian options, ensures that there is something for every palate and dietary need.

Beyond the food and drinks, the atmosphere and service are what truly make Móle Cantina Mexicana special. The staff is consistently praised for being friendly and attentive, creating a warm and welcoming environment. The restaurant’s status as a women-owned and Latino-owned business gives it a strong sense of identity and authenticity. The inclusive nature of the space, being LGBTQ+ friendly and accommodating for children, makes it a comfortable choice for a diverse crowd. Whether you're in the mood for a simple burrito or a complex house specialty, you can count on a memorable and delicious meal at Móle Cantina Mexicana. It is a genuine neighborhood favorite and a must-visit for anyone on the Upper East Side.

Móle Cantina Mexicana- Upper East Side Food & drink

Sides
Salsa And Chips $5.00
Charros Style Beans $6.00
Pico De Gallo $2.00
French Fries $7.95
French fries, spicy or regular.
Beans $5.00
Sour Cream $2.00
Side of sour cream (2 oz).
Homemade Chips $3.00
Crispy tortilla chips.
Rice $4.00
Steamed seasoned rice (4 oz).
Cebollitas Asadas $7.50
Grilled baby onions.
Guacamole (4oz) $4.00
Freshly made with avocado tomatoes onions cilantro and jalapeño. served with chips and salsa.
Cheese $2.75
Side of cheese (4oz).
Jalapeños $2.00
Jalapeños side
Homemade Salsa $2.75
Side of salsa (2 oz).
Fried Plantains $7.95
Fried sweet platains.
Tortillas $2.00
Four pieces.
Guacamole (4oz) And Chips $10.50

Tacos
Grilled Salmon Tacos $24.00
Three tacos on flour tortilla served Baja Style. With lettuce, avocado, pico de gallo. ON the side chipotle and jalapeño mayo.
Flautas Doradas $19.50
3 crispy tacos stuffed with shredded chicken or beef. With sour cream, cotija cheese, lettuce and salsa, rice, and beans.
Tacos De Arrachera $28.00
Three tacos with our marinated and grilled skirt steak served on flour tortillas. Served with "charros" style beans, guacamole, and charred baby onions. No rice and beans.
Tacos "Taco Taco" $28.00
Three tacos with our famous chipotle pork (taco taco) strips, on blue corn tortilla. Served with "charros" style beans, guacamole, and charred baby onions. No rice.
Tacos Americanos $12.50
2 hard shell tacos, ground beef, lettuce, cheese, onion, cilantro, and salsa. No rice and beans.
Baja Style Fish Tacos $28.00
Three flounder tacos served on blue corn tortilla with lettuce, pico de gallo, and avocado. Chipotle and jalapeño mayo are served on the side. No rice and beans.
Tacos Al Pastor $28.00
Three tacos with adobo marinated pork and grilled pineapple on blue corn tortillas. Served with beans, guacamole, and chipotle salsa. No rice.
2 Tacos $14.00
Soft corn tortillas topped with onions and cilantro and salsa on the side. No rice and beans.
Baja Style Shrimp Tacos $27.00
Three shrimp tacos served on blue corn tortilla with lettuce, pico de gallo, and avocado. Chipotle and jalapeño mayo are served on the side. No rice and beans.

Fajitas
Steak Fajitas $28.50
Sautéed onions and peppers. Served with rice, beans, flour tortillas, pico de gallo, sour cream, and salsa.
Chicken Fajitas $27.00
Sautéed onions and peppers. Served with rice, beans, flour tortillas, pico de gallo, sour cream, and salsa.
Vegetarian Fajitas $25.50
Sautéed onions and peppers. Served with rice, beans, flour tortillas, pico de gallo, sour cream, and salsa.
Shrimp Fajitas $28.50
Sautéed onions and peppers. Served with rice, beans, flour tortillas, pico de gallo, sour cream, and salsa.

Salads
Avo-Shrimp Salad $19.50
Grilled shrimp, cilantro rice, black beans & avocado slaw.
Ensalada Mixta $12.50
Mix field greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and onions. Homemade chipotle vinaigrette on the side.
Taco Salad $15.00
Mixed field greens, tomatoes, onion, carrots, cucumber, avocado, and cheese served in a tortilla basket. Homemade chipotle vinaigrette on the side.
Ensalada Con Croquetas De Queso De Cabra $15.00
Ancho chili-crusted goat cheese croquettes over mixed field greens, cucumber, carrots, tomatoes, and onions. Homemade chipotle vinaigrette on the side.
Ensalada Con Queso Fresco $14.00
Mix field greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and onions with firm fresh mild cheese. Homemade chipotle vinaigrette on the side.

Burritos and More
Burritos $15.00
Large flour tortilla stuffed with rice and beans and your choice of filling. Served with pico de gallo and sour cream on the side.
Burrito Bowl $18.00
Your choice of protein or veggies served with rice, black beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, and cheese. Sour cream and salsa on the side.
Fiesta Burrito $20.00
Flour tortilla w/Rice, black beans, steak or grilled chicken, sautéed onions & peppers, sour cream, cheese & pico de gallo.
Chimichangas $18.00
Crispy flour tortilla stuffed with rice and beans, topped with cheese, lettuce, sour cream, and salsa.
Burrito Enchilado $18.00
Large flour tortilla crisped on the grill and filled with rice, beans, and your choice of filling; then smothered with our traditional enchilada sauce and topped with melted cheese.

Antojitos / Appetizers
Ceviche De Camaron $18.00
Mexican-style shrimp ceviche with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and avocado. Chips on the side.
Fresh Guacamole $15.00
Made with onions, tomatoes, cilantro & jalapeños. Served with chips and salsa.
Nachos $11.00
Our homemade chips covered with cheese, sour cream, jalapenos, and pico de gallo.
Quesadilla $11.00
Large flour tortilla filled with cheese, grilled and served with pico de gallo, lettuce, and sour cream.
Fiesta-Quesadilla $20.00
Large flour tortilla w/cheese, sautéed onions & peppers. Sour cream, pico de gallo, and salsa on the side.
Empanadas $12.00
(2) Traditional flour sough empanadas, stuffed with cheese and your choice of filling. Served with salsa and sour cream on the side.
Elote Asado $0.00
Grilled fresh corn with Cotija "añejo" cheese, lime, and chili powder.
Taquitos Con Guacamole $14.00
Two crispy rolled tacos stuffed with potato and chorizo, topped with guacamole and sour cream.

Mexican Lunch / Almuerzos
Huevos En Salsa Verde, W/Rice, Beans & Tortillas $17.00
Scrambled eggs with green tomatillo salsa. Served with rice, beans, and corn tortillas.
Huevos Con Chorizo, W/Rice, Beans & Tortillas $17.00
Scrambled eggs with Mexican-style crumbled sausage. Served with rice, beans, and corn tortillas.
Huevos Rancheros, W/Rice, Beans & Tortillas $17.00
Two eggs sunny side up sautéed in a bed of ranchero sauce served over corn tortillas. Served with rice, beans, and corn tortillas.
Huevos A La Mexicana, W/Rice, Beans & Tortillas $17.00
Scrambled eggs with jalapeños, onions, and fresh tomatoes. Served with rice, beans, and corn tortillas.

Enchiladas
Enchiladas $19.50
Two Corn tortillas rolled, topped with green or red salsa, melted cheese, and served with rice and beans.
Enchiladas De Mole Poblano $29.00
Three chicken enchiladas smothered with our signature Mole Poblano sauce (contains nuts) and melted cheese. Served with rice and beans.

Desserts
Pastel De Tres Leches $11.50
Vanilla sponge cake soaked with sweet three milk cream.
Pastel De Chocolate $11.50
Moist Callebaut chocolate cake with luscious Kahlua mousse and strawberry sauce.
Flan $10.50
Mexican cream caramel.

Beverages
Lemonade (16 Oz) $4.95
Jamaica/ Hibiscus (16 Oz) $4.95
Hibiscus natural flower, fresh fruit drink.
Can Of Soda $2.95
Tamarind (16 Oz) $4.95
brown tropical pulp, Fresh fruit drink.
Mexican Soda Jarritos $4.75
Jarritos Flavors: Mandarin, fruit punch and grapefruit.
Horchata (16oz) $4.95

MARGARITAS, BEER & MORE!!
BEER $8.00
MOJITOS $18.00
Freshly made w/muddled lime & mint. Add a flavor to make it even better!
Bonterra Cavernet Sauvignon $20.00
375ml Bottle. Red California Wine Cavernet Sauvignon. *Limited Existence*
MARGARITA (16oz) $16.00
16 OZ MARGARITA MADE W/ 100% BLUE AGAVE TEQUILA, FRESH LIME & YOUR FAV FLAVOR

Soups
Caldo De Pollo $11.00
Homemade Mexican-style chicken soup with rice, onions, and cilantro.
Sopa De Tortilla $12.50
Tomato-based soup, garnished w/tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, and sour cream.
Pozole $18.00
Traditional hominy corn and pork soup served with sliced avocado, shredded lettuce, lime chili & chips.
CALDO TLAPENO $14.00
Medium Spicy broth with chicken, mushrooms, chickpeas, potatoes, rice, avocado. W/tortillas

Especialidades de la Casa / House specialties
Cochinita Pibil $27.00
Yucatan style pork, marinated w/achiote and slowly cooked wrapped in banana leaves. Served w/black beans, salsa verde, & blue corn tortillas.
Shrimp A La Mexicana $28.00
Shrimp sautéed with fresh jalapeños, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. Served with rice, beans, and tortillas.
Steak A La Mexicana $28.00
Strips of skirt steak sautéed with fresh jalapenos, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. Served with rice, beans, and tortillas.
Pescado A La Veracruzana Con Camarones $29.00
Filet of fish and shrimps sautéed with finely chopped tomatoes, onions, olives, and capers. Served with rice, beans, tortillas, or mixed green salad.
Chiles Rellenos $26.00
Two fire-roasted poblano peppers stuffed with "queso fresco," served in our own fresh-fire roasted tomato sauce. Served with rice, beans, and tortillas.
Carne Asada $28.00
Marinated and grilled skirt steak served with a cheese enchilada, "charred" baby onions, and guacamole. No rice and beans.
Carnitas $27.00
Chunks of pork "confit" served with pico de gallo and salsa verde on the side. Served with rice, beans, and tortillas.

Burgers
Mole Burger $22.00
10 oz Pat LaFrieda short rib beef burger. Topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese, sautéed onions & peppers, jalapeños & sour cream. Side fries.
Torta (Mexican Hot Sandwich) $16.00
Telera bread spread with beans and melted cheese, your choice of protein, lettuce, tomato, onions, jalapenos and mayo.

Móle Cantina Mexicana- Upper East Side 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 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
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Happy hour food
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Organic dishes
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safespace

Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Paid street parking

Móle Cantina Mexicana- Upper East Side Photos

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Móle Cantina Mexicana- Upper East Side Location

Móle Cantina Mexicana- Upper East Side

New York New York County New York 2nd Avenue

1735 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA

Móle Cantina Mexicana- Upper East Side Reviews

An average rating of ★4.2 from 573 user reviews.

margaritashappy hourmoledrinkssangriaappetizerspartytres lechesdeliverywalking

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

We came here because we were doing laundry next door. It was nice, the nachos have a good size and are very tasteful. We also had the queso fundido with chorizo and it was good but if I had to pick, I’ll stick with the nachos. The passionfruit margarita was the highlight for me and the service. Andrea was our server and she was super friendly. Thanks for everything
June 05 · Andrea Garcia
Delicious Mexican food. Really friendly staff and a fun atmosphere. I'd highly recommend visiting Móle Cantina if you want to try authentic Mexican food.
April 22 · Ararat Mnatsakanyan
Found a Lil Mexican gem on the streets of East Village on a rainy day! 5 friends looking for a place to eat and we stumbled upon Molé (authentic Mexican food). The tacos are a particular favorite, with a wide variety of fillings to choose from. The restaurant also offers a great selection of margaritas and other cocktails. We ordered nachos, veggie tacos, cheese quesadillas with some veggies and a side of guacamole with chips. Portions were great to share, filling too. I devoured the 🌮 🌮, it reminded me of Mexico city tacos! Very flavorful! It's a small restaurant with bar, cozy ambience, great service and expectional food! Great team! Keep it up!Definitely coming again!
January 08 · roma mangwani
I went to Mole Cantina restaurant because it had good reviews. I order tacos with meat but they did not have, which was very surprising. Maybe because on the menu it was not that expensive. I decided to order Pico de gallo & jalapeño Nachos. To my surprise it was not that great. Very little chicken and sauce , jalapeño and cheese. I had also ordered drinks during happy hours 4 fruit and mongo margaritas, happy hour price was expensive at $12 ea and when served it had more ice than liquor and not able to taste the fruits. I also decided to order Bisteck A La Mexicana, the food was a little too much salt , its rice tasted like box rice and dry. The service was ok , and the waitress was very attentive and I did express my concern of the food and drinks. That is why I gave it a 2 stars. I think they need a chef that knows how to cook authentic Mexican dishes. As a business owner who travels a lot, I try to go to different restaurants to try different ethnic foods and dishes.
January 24 · Latin Impulse Magazine
The fresh guacamole and chips ($16 plus tax) would be reason enough to try Molé. It’s that good. The chipotle pork tacos (2 for $14) were delicious, but at that price it would have been nice to get a small side rather than just shredded lettuce.
November 20 · Augusto Paulino