Metate Introduce
Introduction / Overview: Your Authentic Mexican Culinary Escape in the Bronx
New York City is celebrated for its incredible diversity, and when it comes to authentic Mexican cuisine, one local spot stands out as a genuine culinary destination: Metate. Located in the welcoming neighborhood of Riverdale in the Bronx, Metate offers much more than a standard meal; it provides a warm, flavorful escape right here in the city. Defined not just as a traditional Mexican restaurant, Metate also proudly serves as a dedicated spot for every meal of the day, classifying itself as a top-tier Breakfast Restaurant, Lunch Restaurant, and Dinner hub. For New Yorkers searching for that perfect balance of cozy atmosphere, quick service, and genuinely flavorful food, Metate is a must-visit location.
Metate’s menu is a thoughtful blend of traditional Mexican classics and exciting contemporary dishes, ensuring something to satisfy every palate. From hearty Chilaquiles perfect for a weekend brunch to complex and deeply flavored main courses like Mole Poblano and Seafood Paella, the kitchen is clearly dedicated to culinary excellence. Patrons consistently praise the vibrant atmosphere, the speed of the service, and the quality of their extensive drink menu—making it an ideal choice for a casual weeknight dinner, a lively weekend outing, or even a solo meal. With flexible dining options including dine-in, takeout, and no-contact delivery, Metate seamlessly fits into the busy, dynamic lifestyle of the New York local.
Location and Accessibility in the Bronx, NY 10463
Metate is strategically situated at 3515 Johnson Ave, Bronx, NY 10463, USA. This address places it firmly in the desirable Riverdale section of the Bronx, a community known for its inviting atmosphere and local businesses. For residents of Riverdale, Kingsbridge, and nearby Yonkers, the location is highly convenient and accessible.
Accessibility is a key priority at Metate, ensuring a welcoming experience for all New Yorkers. The premises include a Wheelchair Accessible Entrance, making it easy for guests with mobility needs to dine comfortably. Furthermore, the establishment features Wheelchair Accessible Seating and a Wheelchair Accessible Restroom, reflecting a commitment to accommodating all guests.
The Johnson Avenue location is typically accessible via local MTA bus lines and is a straightforward drive for those coming from surrounding areas. Its presence in a local commercial district means it’s integrated into the community, making it an easy and pleasant destination for locals looking for high-quality, authentic Mexican dining without having to venture far from home.
Services Offered for the NYC Diner
Metate provides a comprehensive range of dining and service options tailored to the fast-paced and varied needs of New York City residents:
- Dine-in Service: Enjoy the cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere with table service for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Reservations are accepted, making planning for groups easy.
- Curbside Pickup & Takeout: For those on the go, the full menu is available for quick and convenient pickup, including the popular Birria Plater and various Tacos.
- Delivery Options: Metate operates as a dedicated Delivery Restaurant, offering both standard and no-contact delivery to ensure you can enjoy their comfort food without leaving your home.
- Full Bar Service: A Bar Onsite offers an extensive selection of Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard Liquor, and Wine, including Happy Hour Drinks for a great value.
- Family-Friendly Amenities: High chairs are available, and the restaurant features a dedicated Kids' Menu (for children under 12), ensuring a pleasant experience for families. Options like Chicken Fingers With French Fries and Cheese Quesadilla are tailored for younger guests.
- Meal Flexibility: Serving as a Mexican Restaurant, Breakfast Restaurant, and Lunch Restaurant, the menu covers all dining options: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert.
Key Features and Highlights
Metate distinguishes itself in the competitive NYC dining scene with several highly praised features, noted by locals and frequent diners:
- Exceptional Beverage Program: The highlight of the bar is the phenomenal range of cocktails and spirits. The enormous selection of 20+ Tequilas (from Don Julio to Clase Azul), over 9 different Mezcals, and specialty Margaritas like the La Reina De Metate and the highly recommended Watermelon Margarita, make it a premier cocktail destination.
- Menu Diversity and Authenticity: The menu goes beyond standard Tex-Mex, featuring authentic Platos Fuertes like Chuletas Al Pastor, Mole Poblano, and Pipian Verde. Seafood lovers can enjoy Mariscos options such as Camarones Al Tequila and Salmon A La Parrilla.
- High-Quality Appetizers: The Tapas section offers excellent small plates, perfect for sharing, including homemade Guacamole (a generous $18.50 portion), Flautas De Pollo, and unique Tostones Con Chorizo Y Queso.
- Fast and Friendly Service: Customers consistently highlight the Fast Service, with one reviewer noting the bar staff was "so warm and welcoming," contributing to a special dining experience.
- Dessert Excellence: Metate is celebrated for its Great Dessert menu, which features Homemade Flan, Chocolate Mousse, and the customer favorite, Tres Leches, also offered in a unique Guava flavor.
Contact Information
To enjoy Metate's excellent Mexican cuisine or to inquire about making a reservation, please use the contact details below:
Address: 3515 Johnson Ave, Bronx, NY 10463, USA
Phone: (718) 543-4444
Mobile Phone: +1 718-543-4444
What is Worth Choosing Metate?
For New Yorkers seeking a standout Mexican dining experience in the Bronx, Metate offers a compelling, comprehensive package that makes it a clear choice over competitors. The restaurant’s greatest strength lies in its commitment to offering a full, high-quality experience, no matter the occasion or time of day. It is one of the few places in the area where you can secure a truly Authentic Mexican Breakfast (like Chilaquiles), a quick, healthy Lunch (Taco Salad or Vegetarian options), and a sophisticated Dinner with an extensive Tequila and Mezcal list.
The dedication to their beverage program—particularly the range of Margaritas and Mezcalitas, alongside both Red and White Sangria—elevates Metate beyond a simple neighborhood eatery to a destination for serious cocktail and spirit enthusiasts. This is complemented by a kitchen that delivers on traditional comfort food. The highly recommended Birria Plater ($27.95) and the wide variety of Enchiladas and classic Platos Fuertes demonstrate a menu built on genuine Mexican cooking techniques.
Ultimately, choosing Metate means selecting a friendly, trendy, and accessible restaurant that excels in three key areas: authentic, diverse food, exceptional drink variety, and customer-focused service. Whether you’re a local grabbing a quick bite, a family utilizing the kids' menu, or a group enjoying a night out with a pitcher of Sangria, Metate provides a reliably great experience in the Bronx.
Metate Food & drink
Tapas (Appetizers)
- Croquetas De Pescado $9.99
Fish croquettes
- Croquetas De Jamon $9.99
Ham croquettes
- Metate Nachos $12.95
Quartered corn tortillas chips with refried beans, melted cheese topped with pico de gallo and sour cream
- Calamari Frito $16.00
Fried calamari served with chipotle ranch and tartar sauce
- Tamales $7.95
- Guacamole $18.50
Fresh ripened avocados mixed with tomatoes, onions, cilantro & optional hot serrano peppers, fresh lime juice
- Elote $7.95
Boiled corn on the cob served with mayo and grated cotija cheese topped with chile powder
- Tostones Con Chorizo Y Queso $18.95
Green plantains with Mexican sausage & cheese
- Jalapeño Poppers $12.95
Breaded jalapeño poppers stuffed with cream cheese, served with lettuce & sour cream
- Flautas De Pollo $14.95
Crispy rolled tortillas filled with chicken, topped with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, pico de gallo & sour cream
- Coctel De Camarones $18.95
Shrimp in light tomato base with onions, cilantro & avocado
Ensaladas (Salads)
- Metate Salad Mix $10.00
Spring mixed greens, romaine lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, corn, fresh orange with dressing & cheese
- Caesar Salad $10.00
Romaine lettuce, cotija cheese, tortilla croutons with creamy Caesar dressing
- Taco Salad $16.00
Served with spring lettuce, grilled yellow squash, zucchini, black beans, fresh corn, onions, cilantro and a dash of cumin. Garnished with pico de gallo and sliced avocado
Enchiladas
- Enchiladas $16.95
Platos Fuertes (Main Course)
- Chuletas Al Pastor $22.00
Pork chops marinated with our al pastor sauce garnished with avocado slices, served with corn, cilantro & grilled pineapple
- Churrasco $29.00
Skirt steak served with mashed potato and vegetables
- Pechuga De Pollo Asada $21.00
Grilled chicken with lobster chipotle sauce served with mashed potato, asparagus garnish with tortilla strips
- Mole Poblano $21.00
Served with rice & beans. Artisanal blend of chiles, almonds, raisins & chocolate sauce with chicken, your choice dark or white meat
- Chiles Rellenos $21.00
Served with rice & beans. Poblano peppers stuffed with cheese, covered in egg batter & light tomato sauce
- Bistec Encebollado $26.00
Served with rice & beans. Seasoned tender rib eye steak with onions
- Chuleta De Puerco $21.00
Grilled pork chops in a spicy chipotle sauce with green and red peppers
- Pipian Verde Con Pollo $21.00
Served with rice & beans. Steamed chicken in green sauce with tomatillo, pumpkin seeds, cilantro & jalapeño peppers
- Pipian Verde Con Pork Chops $21.00
Served with rice & beans. Grilled pork chops in green sauce with tomatillo, pumpkin seeds, cilantro & jalapeño peppers
- Birria Plater $27.95
Mariscos (Seafood)
- Camarones A La Diabla $26.95
Jumbo shrimp in spicy chipotle sauce served with rice
- Camarones Al Tequila $26.95
Jumbo shrimp in garlic white wine sauce served with rice
- Pescado A La Veracruzana $24.95
Pan seared Tilapian fillet with sautéed onions, tomatoes, green olives, capers and bell peppers served with rice & beans
- Salmon A La Parrilla $29.50
Grilled fillet of salmon with mashed potatoes, asparagus and lobster chipotle sauce garnish with tortilla strips
- Paella $32.95
Tortas
- Torta $12.00
Chilaquiles
- Chilaquiles
Quesadillas
- Quesadilla De Queso/Cheese $14.95
Tacos
- Tacos
Burritos
- Burrito $16.95
Sopas (Soups)
- Sopa De Crema De Frijol $10.00
(16 oz) Blend of cream black beans topped with tortilla strips, avocado & cotija cheese
- Sopa De Mariscos $24.95
(32 oz)Clams, shrimp, calamari, fish, zucchini, yellow squash, potato & touch of spice
- Sopa De Tortilla $12.00
(16 oz) Light tomato base soup, chicken, tortilla strips, avocado & cheese on the top
- Sopa De Pollo $15.00
32 oz
Postres
- Churros $10.00
- Tres Leches/Tres Leches Guava $8.95
- Homemade Flan $10.00
- Chocolate Mousse $10.00
Licuados De Leche
- Banana $7.00
- Fresa/Strawberry $7.00
Side Orders
- Sour Cream $2.00
- Rice & Beans $8.00
- SD Guacamole $6.95
- Avocado $6.95
- Corn Tortilla $4.50
- Chips & Salsa $8.00
- Pico De Gallo $4.50
- Flour Tortilla $4.50
- Mashed Potatoes $8.00
- Tostones $9.00
- French Fries $9.00
- Steak $12.00
- Chichen $10.00
- Rice $5.00
- Chips $4.00
- Side Chicken Fingers $6.00
Chimichangas
- Chimichanga De Pollo/Chicken $19.00
- Chimichanga De Bistec/Steak $19.00
- Chimichanga De Camaron/Shrimp $20.00
Kids Menu (For Kids Under 12)
- Cheese Quesadilla With Rice & Beans $11.00
- Chicken Cheese Taco With Rice & Beans $11.00
- Chicken Fingers With French Fries $12.00
Fajitas
- Fajitas $23.95
Margaritas
- Skinny Margarita $17.00
Silver tequila, fresh squeezed lime juice, orange liquor
- Spicy Margarita $17.00
Silver tequila, fresh jalapeno, grand marnier, fresh lime juice & agave nectar
- Mezcalita $17.00
Grilled down to perfection thin slice pineapple with 400 Conejos Mezcal
- La Mexicana $17.00
With hibiscus extract and Ilegal Mezcal
- Margarita De Sandia $17.00
Fresh muddle watemelon and 1800 Coconut Tequila
- Margarita De Pepino $17.00
Fresh muddle cucumber and Hornitos Reposado Tequila
- La Reina De Metate $17.00
Organic fresh smashed blueberries with Sauza Tequila
- La Coqueta $17.00
Fresh blackberries and pomegranate with Silver Don Julio Tequila
- Cantarito $17.00
Cristalino Tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, orange juice, fresh lime juice & squirt
- Acapulco $17.00
Mezcal, Cointreau, fresh jalapeno & fresh pineapple
- Sol Y Luna $17.00
Silver Tequila, fresh hibiscus, Cointreau, fresh lime juice & agave nectar
- Sol Y Sol $17.00
Silver Tequila, Combier, fresh pomegranate, passion fruit, fresh lime juice & agave nectar
- Pipirisnais $17.00
Silver Tequila, Tamarindo, Cointreau, fresh lime juice & agave nectar
- House Margarita $13.00
- Large Margarita $22.00
- Cadillac Margarita $17.00
- Ultimate Margarita $17.00
- Buldog $27.00
Mojitos
- Mojito Regular $15.00
Lime wedges, rum, fresh mint, agave nectar & Sprite
- Mojito Flavor $15.00
Lime wedges, rum, fresh mint, agave nectar & Sprite
- Mojito De Sandia $17.00
Bacardi, lime wedges, mint, agave nectar & fresh muddle watermelon
- Mojito Tamarindo $17.00
Brugal Rum, fresh mint leaves, agave, lime wedges & tamarind
Sangria
- Red $13.00
Brandy, Triple Sec, Sprite, orange juice & fresh fruit
- White $13.00
Brandy, Triple Sec, Sprite, orange juice & fresh fruit
- Sangria Pitcher $44.00
- Red Sangria $13.00
Brandy, Triple Sec, Sprite, orange juice & fresh fruit
- Red (Copy) $13.00
Brandy, Triple Sec, Sprite, orange juice & fresh fruit
Cocktails
- Long Island Ice Tea $15.00
Vodka, rum, gin, tequila, Triple Sec, sour mix & Coke
- S** On The Beach $15.00
Vodka, Peach Schnapps, orange & cranberry juice
- Sea Breeze $15.00
Vodka, grapefruit & cranberry juice
- Bay Breeze $15.00
Vodka, pineapple & cranberry juice
- Caipirinha $15.00
With Cachaca Rum
- Paloma $15.00
Tequila, squirt & fresh grapefruit juice
- Bloody Mary $15.00
- Negroni $16.00
Cervezas
- Corona $8.00
- Corona Light $8.00
- Victoria $8.00
- Pacifico $8.00
- Tecate $8.00
- X* Lager $8.00
- X* Amber $8.00
- Modelo Especial $8.00
- Negra Modelo $8.00
- Michelada $10.95
Mezcaleria
- 400 Conejos $12.00
- Ilegal $12.00
- Los Amantes $12.00
- Casamigos $12.00
- Alacran $12.00
- Sombra $12.00
- 7 Misterios $12.00
- Mano Negra $12.00
- El Buho $12.00
White Wines
- Glass Chardonnay $10.00
- Bottle Chardonnay $35.00
- Glass Pinot Grigio $10.00
- Bottle Pinot Grigio $35.00
- Glass Sauvignon Blanc $10.00
- Bottle Sauvignon Blanc $35.00
Red Wines
- Glass Cabernet $10.00
- Bottle Cabernet $33.00
- Glass Pinot Noir $10.00
- Bottle Pinot Noir $35.00
- Glass Merlot $10.00
- Bottle Merlot $35.00
Espumante
- Glass House Champagne $9.00
- Bottle House Champagne $35.00
- Glass Proseco $12.00
- Bottle Proseco $35.00
- Glass Moet Champagne $16.00
- Bottle Moet Champagne $75.00
Non Alcoholic
- Shirley Temple $6.00
Gingerale, grenadine
- Flamingo $9.00
Grenadine, pineapple juice, lemon juice & club soda
- Virgen Piña Colada $12.00
- Fresh Lemonade $8.00
- Diet Coke $3.00
- Sprite $3.00
- Ginger Ale $3.00
- Fanta $3.00
- Coke $3.00
- Virgen Mojito $13.00
- Virgen Margarita $8.00
- Ice Te $8.00
Juices
- Mango $5.00
- Guava $5.00
- Jugo De Manzana $5.00
- Orange Juice $5.00
- Pineapple Juice $5.00
Sodas
- Mexican Coke $4.50
- Topo Chico Sparkling $4.50
- Jarritos Mango $4.50
- Jarritos Pineapple $4.50
- Jarritos Fruit Punch $4.50
- Jarritos Mandarin $4.50
- Jarritos Lime $4.50
- Jarritos Grapefruit $4.50
- Jarritos Tamarind $4.50
- Diet Coke Can $3.00
- Sprite Can $3.00
- Ginger Ale Can $3.00
- Orange Fanta Can $3.00
- Coke Regular $3.00
- Pelegrino $8.00
- Pana Water $8.00
- Cocina Sodas $0.92
Tequilas
- Don Julio Silver $12.00
- Don Julio Reposado $14.00
- Don Julio Añejo $16.00
- 1800 Silver $12.00
- 1800 Reposado $14.00
- 1800 Añejo $16.00
- Avion Silver $12.00
- Avion Reposado $14.00
- Avion Añejo $16.00
- Herradura Silver $12.00
- Herradura Reposado $14.00
- Herradura Añejo $16.00
- Casa Amigos Silver $12.00
- Casa Amigos Reposado $14.00
- Casa Amigos Añejo $16.00
- Patron Silver $12.00
- Patron Reposado $14.00
- Patron Añejo $16.00
- Espolon Silver $12.00
- Espolon Reposado $14.00
- Espolon Añejo $16.00
- Maestro Dobel Silver $12.00
- Maestro Dobel Reposado $14.00
- Maestro Dobel Añejo $16.00
- Corralejo Silver $12.00
- Corralejo Reposado $14.00
- Corralejo Añejo $16.00
- Kha Silver $12.00
- Kha Reposado $14.00
- Kha Añejo $16.00
- De Leon Silver $16.00
- De Leon Reposado $18.00
- De Leon Añejo $20.00
- Milagro Silver $12.00
- Milagro Reposado $14.00
- Milagro Añejo $16.00
- Jose Cuervo Silver $12.00
- Jose Cuervo Reposado $14.00
- Jose Cuervo Añejo $16.00
- Partida Silver $12.00
- Partida Reposado $14.00
- Partida Añejo $16.00
- Jimador Silver $12.00
- Jimador Reposado $14.00
- Jimador Añejo $16.00
- Lalo Silver $12.00
- Lalo Reposado $14.00
- Lalo Añejo $16.00
- Hornitos Silver $12.00
- Hornitos Reposado $14.00
- Hornitos Añejo $16.00
- Cazadores Silver $12.00
- Cazadores Reposado $14.00
- Cazadores Añejo $16.00
- Skeleto Silver $12.00
- Skeleto Reposado $14.00
- Skeleto Añejo $16.00
- Pending $0.00
- Casa Dragones Reposado $65.00
- Clase Azul Silver $16.00
- Clase Azul Reposado $18.00
- Clase Azul Añejo $20.00
- 1942 $32.00
Vodka
- TItos $13.00
- Absolut $13.00
- Ketal One $13.00
- Grey Goose $13.00
- Stoli $13.00
Whiskey/Rum
- JAMESON IRISH WHISKEY $13.00
Gin
- House GIn $0.00
- Tanqueray $0.00
- Bombay Saphire $0.00
Happy Hour
- Regular Lime Margarita Rocks $8.00
- Large Lime Margarita Rocks $15.00
- Regular Lime Margarita Frozen $8.00
- Large Lime Margarita Frozen $15.00
- Beer $7.00
- Piña Colada $7.00
- Sangria Red $7.00
- Sangria White $7.00
- Well Drinks $7.00
- House Tequila Shot $5.00
Metate Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Locals
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Metate Photos










Metate Location
Metate Reviews
margaritasdeliveryhappy hourburritobarfood and servicefajitasshrimpmolepork
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I’ve ordered many times from Metate and it’s always great—but I finally went in on a Friday night and it was even better. I sat at the bar and the bartender was so warm and welcoming. I tried the watermelon margarita and it was the best margarita I’ve ever tried. The service was excellent and made the whole night feel special. Food was delicious, I ordered birria plater. Highly recommend!
May 15 · Dawid JędrasikGreat Mexican food . A bit overpriced though . You can definitely get cheaper food with the same quality elsewhere.
May 09 · little birdI had an amazing experience thanks to Ahmed. From the moment we sat down, he was welcoming, respectful, and very helpful with the menu. He checked on us all the time without being intrusive and made sure everything was just right. It’s rare to find someone who genuinely cares about customer satisfaction the way Ahmed does.
September 02 · Andy LaqsumaDecide to come here after leaving another restaurant, just for drinks. The place did not disappoint!! Even thought it was packed, but it was Valentine’s Day. My friend and I were able to sit at the bar while our husband’s stood behind us. The place is really small and narrow. The bartender was very friendly. Our drinks were delicious, I had a cucumber margarita. It was so refreshing. My friend had a blue berry margarita, also very tasty. I wouldn’t mind going back on a less crowded day.
February 15 · Lil MateoI love this establishment it’s a Great local authentic Mexican Restaurant. The make the fresh guacamole right by the table. The Flavor profiles in the food are excellent and the chips are so fresh with just a hint of salt. My on the rocks passion fruit Margarita had me lit off of one drink. I ordered the Birria tacos they were so freaking so good and my partner had the steak tacos which were delicious. Loved my elote that came with my Dish. Staff is friendly attentive and super kind. Parking outside is meter only and free after 7pm.
May 01 · Chrystal Tyler
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