Tequila Chito's Mexican Bar & Grill

- 358 W 23 St, New York, NY 10011

Tequila Chito's Mexican Bar & Grill: A Taste of Mexico in the Heart of New York City

In the vibrant and dynamic neighborhood of Chelsea, a genuine and welcoming culinary experience awaits at Tequila Chito's Mexican Bar & Grill. This isn't just another Mexican restaurant; it's a community staple that brings the warmth and rich flavors of Mexico to New York. Blending the traditional feel of a family-friendly restaurant with the lively energy of a modern bar, Tequila Chito's is the perfect destination for anyone looking to enjoy authentic Mexican food in a casual and cozy setting. It’s a place where every guest, from college students to tourists and local families, feels right at home.

The restaurant’s atmosphere is a key part of its appeal. It’s a trendy spot that manages to maintain a casual and approachable vibe. The decor and layout, including a distinctive greenhouse section, create a unique and inviting space for dining. Whether you're catching up with a group of friends, enjoying a solo meal, or having a family dinner, the setting is versatile and comfortable. The inclusion of sports on their TVs adds an extra element of fun, making it a great spot to catch a game while you dine.

As a family-owned establishment with a long history in the community, Tequila Chito's prides itself on preparing meals "the old-fashioned way, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and authenticity." While the menu descriptions may be brief, the flavors are anything but. The food is known for being delicious and satisfying, with a menu that caters to a variety of tastes. This commitment to quality, combined with a friendly and welcoming staff, as noted by a customer who praised the "welcoming and friendly" server, creates a dining experience that is both memorable and authentic.

Location and Accessibility

Tequila Chito's Mexican Bar & Grill is ideally located at 358 W 23 St, New York, NY 10011, USA. Situated on a bustling street in Chelsea, its location is convenient and accessible for a large portion of the city. The area is well-served by public transportation, and its position between 8th and 9th avenues makes it a well-known spot in the neighborhood. For those who prefer to dine with a bit of fresh air, the restaurant offers comfortable and inviting outdoor seating.

Accessibility is a top priority for the establishment. It features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring that all patrons can dine with ease and comfort. This commitment to inclusivity is part of what makes Tequila Chito’s such a beloved spot in the community, welcoming people from all backgrounds, including being LGBTQ+ friendly.

Services Offered

• Dining Options: Tequila Chito's serves lunch and dinner with a variety of seating options, including outdoor seating. They offer full table service for a complete dining experience.
• Takeout & Delivery: For the convenience of their guests, the restaurant provides both takeout and delivery services, with a curbside pickup option for quick and easy retrieval.
• Happy Hour: A major draw for many customers is the happy hour, which includes special deals on both drinks and food. Happy hour is typically from Monday to Friday, 3 pm to 7 pm, and features specials on margaritas, beers, and other drinks.
• Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, which is particularly useful for groups or for securing a table during peak dining hours.
• Catering: For parties and special events, Tequila Chito's offers catering, with options for a buffet or a special menu tailored to your needs.
• Amenities: A full bar is available onsite, and the restaurant has clean restrooms. High chairs are available for those with small children, making it a truly family-friendly establishment.

Features / Highlights

• Great Cocktails: The bar is a highlight, famous for its delicious and well-made cocktails, especially the frozen margaritas and piña coladas. The happy hour is a great time to sample these offerings.
• Fast Service: Customers often praise the fast and efficient service, which makes for a pleasant dining experience even when the restaurant is busy.
• Authentic Mexican Flavors: The food is prepared with an emphasis on authenticity and fresh ingredients, ensuring a genuine taste of Mexican cuisine.
• Lively Bar Scene: The bar area has a trendy and lively atmosphere, with a sports-friendly vibe that makes it a great spot to grab a drink and watch a game.
• Diverse Crowd: The crowd is a mix of college students, families, tourists, and groups, creating a lively and welcoming environment for everyone.
• Happy Hour Specials: The happy hour is a key feature, offering a great value on popular drinks and food items.
• Greenhouse Dining: The unique greenhouse section of the restaurant provides a special dining atmosphere, combining the feel of outdoor dining with the comfort of being indoors.

What is Worth Choosing?

Choosing what to order at Tequila Chito's is part of the fun, as the menu is filled with classic Mexican dishes. A must-try item, as highlighted by a customer, is the steak tostada. The review described it as being "in Food Heaven," which speaks volumes about its quality and flavor. Similarly, the fresh guacamole, which is said to have "just enough kick," is a perfect starter. These items are a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to authentic flavors and satisfying portions.

For drinks, the piña colada is noted for its "perfectly balanced" flavor. For those who are fans of margaritas, the happy hour specials are a great way to enjoy a frozen margarita at a reasonable price, though it's worth noting the glasses may have shrunk and prices have increased over time, as mentioned by a customer. Still, the quality of the drinks, particularly the frozen margaritas, is a consistent highlight for many. The bar’s drink menu also includes a wide range of options from beer to hard liquor and wine.

While one customer had a disappointing experience with the nachos, a more detailed menu search reveals a variety of other delicious options, such as their popular chimichangas, enchiladas, and burritos. For a different type of experience, their ceviche and other seafood dishes also receive high praise. The staff, including a bartender named Andreas mentioned in a review, are often lauded for their friendly and welcoming nature, which significantly enhances the dining experience.

Ultimately, Tequila Chito's Mexican Bar & Grill is an ideal choice for anyone in New York looking for an authentic, lively, and delicious Mexican meal. Its combination of great food, a friendly staff, and a vibrant atmosphere makes it a top destination in Chelsea for lunch, dinner, or a happy hour outing. The place is celebrated for its warm and welcoming nature and its ability to deliver a satisfying meal that feels both authentic and comforting. Just remember to check out those happy hour deals for a great value!

Tequila Chito's Mexican Bar & Grill

358 W 23 St, New York, NY 10011, USA