Tequila Mockingbird: Connecticut's Destination for Authentic Mexican Cuisine and Cocktails in New Canaan

Tequila Mockingbird Introduce

For residents across Connecticut seeking an authentic and vibrant Mexican dining experience, Tequila Mockingbird in New Canaan is a celebrated fixture that has been delighting patrons for decades. More than just a Mexican restaurant, Tequila Mockingbird is a full-service bar and culinary destination that prides itself on delivering fresh, flavorful cuisine in an energetic, eclectic environment. From the moment you step inside, you are transported to a place where traditional Mexican flavors meet a lively, comfortable atmosphere, perfect for a memorable evening out. The restaurant has earned a strong local reputation not only for its generous portions of delicious food but also for its commitment to the culture of Tequila, boasting expertise recognized by the Consejo Regulador Del Tequila.

The menu at Tequila Mockingbird is extensive and features both classic and innovative dishes. Patrons can explore traditional Mexican fare, ranging from house-made Guacamole and Cowboy Queso appetizers to a wide array of Entrees. These include specialties like Ahi Tuna Tacos, the savory Arrachera Skirt Steak, and the popular Enchiladas Suizas. The dedication to authenticity means that ingredients like dried chilis and fresh produce are often imported from Mexico, while meats are sourced through local purveyors, ensuring a high-quality meal with every visit. With its blend of high-quality cuisine and a vibrant bar scene, Tequila Mockingbird is a true New Canaan gem and a worthwhile destination for Mexican food lovers in the Connecticut area.

Location and Accessibility

Tequila Mockingbird enjoys a central and easily accessible location in the bustling downtown area of New Canaan, Connecticut. Its address places it right in the heart of the community, convenient for local diners and visitors from neighboring Fairfield County towns.

6 Forest St, New Canaan, CT 06840

The establishment makes parking simple by offering Free street parking nearby, a valuable amenity in a popular town center. Furthermore, Tequila Mockingbird is committed to welcoming all guests with full accessibility features, including:

Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

This prime location on Forest Street, combined with comprehensive accessibility, positions the restaurant as an ideal, worry-free choice for a great meal in Connecticut.

Services Offered

Tequila Mockingbird provides a wide array of dining and supplementary services designed to meet diverse customer needs, from a casual quick bite to full-scale catering.

Dining Options: Available for Dine-in service, primarily focusing on Dinner, and offering full Table service and comfortable Seating.
Off-Premise Convenience: Guests can utilize Curbside pickup, Delivery, and Takeout services for enjoying their meal at home.
Event and Group Services: The restaurant offers Catering for larger events and Accepts reservations, with Dinner reservations recommended due to its popularity.
Bar Service: Features a Bar onsite with an extensive selection of Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard liquor, and Wine.
Atmosphere and Amenities: Provides Outdoor seating for pleasant weather dining, as well as essential amenities like a Restroom and Wi-Fi.
Inclusivity: The restaurant is Family-friendly, provides High chairs and a dedicated Kids' menu, and welcomes Groups.
Payment Flexibility: Accepts all major forms of payment, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Features and Highlights

The restaurant’s long-standing success in the competitive Connecticut dining scene is built on several key features and highlights that set it apart.

Expertise in Tequila: The restaurant holds special certification for its "expertise in Tequila and its culture" from the Consejo Regulador Del Tequila. Staff members are specially trained, having attended "Tequila School" in Mexico, making it a true destination for agave spirit aficionados.
Vibrant Bar Program: Widely praised for its Great beer selection and Great cocktails, including Happy hour drinks, making the bar a popular social spot.
Atmosphere: The Vibe is consistently described as Casual, Cozy, and Trendy, with a fun, upbeat, and eclectic interior reflecting the owner's artistic touch.
Fast Service: Recognized by customers for its efficiency, ensuring a great dining experience even during peak hours.
Diverse Menu Offerings: The kitchen offers a full range of fare, from Quick bite and Small plates to satisfying Comfort food and Vegetarian options, catering to all palates.
Unique Specials: The menu features enticing Specials like Smoked Pork Burrito and the hearty New Mexican Combination Plate, alongside classic desserts like Tres Leches Cake and Churros With Ice Cream.
Retail Merchandise: A unique feature allowing patrons to take a piece of the experience home with branded apparel like the "Til Death Do Us Part" Pullover Hoodie and "Margarita Club" T-Shirts.

What is Worth Choosing

For Connecticut diners looking for more than just a meal, Tequila Mockingbird offers a complete and culturally rich experience. The depth of their menu guarantees a choice for everyone. Patrons who enjoy bold flavors should explore the Entrees, such as the Sonora Skirt Steak marinated in lime juice, garlic, and chipotle peppers, or the fresh seafood options like Camarones Al Mojo (wild-caught gulf shrimp sautéed in corn, tomatoes, garlic, and lime). For those seeking street-food inspiration, the Taqueria Tacos Plato offers a sampling of different meats served in white corn tortillas.

The appetizers alone are a reason to visit, with house-made Guacamole Appetizer and Elote (grilled Mexican street corn) being customer favorites. Furthermore, the commitment to the bar program means that the Cocktails—especially the margaritas—are highly recommended and crafted by knowledgeable staff. Customer reviews frequently highlight the food as "absolutely delicious—fresh, flavorful, and served in generous portions," which aligns with the restaurant's long history as an anchor of New Canaan’s 'restaurant row.' The combination of authentic Mexican cuisine, a truly expert bar, a lively yet cozy atmosphere, and an accommodating service style makes Tequila Mockingbird a standout choice for a Mexican dinner in the Connecticut region.

Contact Information

To make a reservation or inquire about services, Tequila Mockingbird can be reached via the following contact details:

Address: 6 Forest St, New Canaan, CT 06840

Phone: (203) 966-2222

Tequila Mockingbird Vibe

Specials
Chicken Taquitos $10.55
Rolled chicken tacos fried and served with shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, tomatillo salsa and Mexican crema
Key Lime Pie $8.43
Tres Leches Cake $8.43
Churros With Ice Cream $9.49
Smoked Pork Burrito $22.21
Classic extra-large burrito on a thin flour tortilla with slowly smoked pork, pinto beans, and rice. Topped with salsa verde and Oaxaca cheese. Served with a side of pico de Gallo.
New Mexican Combination Plate $29.63
Grilled skirt steak and blackened Mexican Gulf shrimp served with yellow rice, charro beans, sliced avocado and fresh pico de gallo
Enchiladas Enfrijoladas De Chorizo** $23.27
Enchiladas stuffed with Asadero and Oaxaca cheese with homemade chorizo, topped with a savory black bean sauce and diced onions, chopped cilantro, crumbled chorizo and cotija cheese
Mix Grill $31.75
Authentic Mexican mixed grill consisting of 3 costilla ribs, tequila grilled chicken, half a skirt steak, and chorizo. Served with French fries.
Quesadilla De Cordero (Lamb)** $24.33
Marinated lamb with a mixture of mint, Oaxaca cheese, and cheddar cheese inside the quesadilla. Served with a house salad and homemade lime dressing.
Parilla Mixta Fajita $31.75
All of our favorite meats in one fajita! homemade chorizo, jerk chicken breast, Mexican Gulf shrimp, and skirt steak all charcoal grilled and served sizzling with sweet onions and bell peppers. Served with flour tortillas, guacamole, pico de gallo and lettuce/cilantro
NY Strip Tampiqueña $31.75
Our version of the classic Mexican steak dish from the old "Club Tampico" in Mexico City. This is charcoal grilled NY Strip, cut long and thin as they do in Mexico. Served with a cheese enchilada, guacamole, grilled onions and beans.

Appetizers
Guacamole Appetizer $14.79
House ripened avocado, onion, serrano chiles, tomato, cilantro, served with corn tortilla chips
Cowboy Queso $11.61
Smooth melted queso mixto with Serrano chiles, served with fresh crisp corn tortilla chips.
Tostada Nachos $13.73
Thick yellow corn tostadas, crisped and layered with pinto beans, cheese and jalapeños and choice of meat.
Chips And Cheese $10.55
Fresh crisp corn tortilla chips covered in melted cheese blend.
Elote $8.43
Grilled Mexican street corn topped with chipotle mayo, cotija cheese and cilantro.
Quesadilla Appetizer $13.73
Grilled flour tortilla stuffed with queso mixto, grilled chicken, and side of guajillo sauce.
Tortilla Sopa $9.49
Abuela's recipe, homemade chicken tortilla soup with avocado and tortilla strips
Tex Mex Nachos $16.91
Crisp yellow corn tortilla chips topped with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, lettuce, jalapeños, pico de gallo, sour cream, and guacamole.
Beef Empanada App $12.67
Four beef empanadas topped with Mexican crema, pickled onions, and cotija cheese.

Ensaladas
Caesar Salad $13.73
Romaine lettuce, sliced avocado, tomato, croutons & caesar dressing.
House Salad $13.73
Mixed greens tossed with tomatos, fresh avocado, carrots, and lime vinaigrette.
Taco Salad $21.15
Crispy flour tortilla shell filled with chopped iceberg lettuce, seasoned ground beef, pico de gallo, sliced avocado, black beans, lime vinaigrette, shredded cheeses, and sour cream.
Hearts Of Palm Salad $24.95
Blackened chicken , mixed green, hearts of palm, avocado, tomato, cucumber & lime vinaigrette

Entrees
Ahi Tuna Tacos $26.95
Seared ahi tuna, topped with fresh mango salsa and served in white corn tortillas and with a side of rice and beans.
Arrachera Skirt Steak $31.95
Grilled center-cut skirt steak with black beans, guacamole and pico de gallo.
Baja Fish Tacos $23.95
Pacific cod dipped in tempura batter, fried, with "salsa secreta" and shredded cabbage served in soft corn tortillas. Served with rice and beans.
Camarones Al Mojo $30.95
Wild-caught gulf shrimp sauteed in corn, tomatoes, garlic and lime juice. Served with rice and side salad with tomato and avocado in our homemade lime dressing.
Enchiladas Suizas $23.95
Chicken enchiladas, tomatillos salsa, poblano chiles, Mexican oregano, white onions, and melted Mexican cheese, and crema.
Fiesta Rice Bowl $20.95
Mexican rice topped with black beans, roasted veggies, fresh pico de gallo, sliced avocado, corn, and mexican crema.
Grilled Chicken Breast $21.95
Marinated and grilled chicken breast served with French fries.
Grilled Shrimp Tacos $24.95
Grilled Mexican gulf shrimp tacos topped with lettuce and pickled onions, served with rice and beans.
Huevos Rancheros $19.95
Flour tortilla layered with pinto beans, eggs, melted cheese, fresh salsa and guacamole.
Chicken Choriqueso $25.95
Shredded chicken sautéed with crumbled chorizo, diced tomatoes, onions, serrano chiles, and queso mix served with flour tortillas and a side of rice and beans.
Sonora Skirt Steak $31.95
Skirt steak marinated in lime juice, garlic, chipotle peppers, and mexican oregano, topped with grilled scallions, fresh pico de gallo, guacamole, and black beans.
Mahi Mahi Tacos $23.95
Charcoal grilled mahi mahi with shredded lettuce, guacamole, and lime in flour tortillas served with a side of rice and beans.
Tacos Americanos $21.95
Hard shell tacos filled with seasoned ground beef, lettuce, pico de gallo, and cheese. Served with rice and beans.
Tequila Burritos $23.95
Refried pinto beans simmered with crumbled chorizo, bacon, serrano chiles, onions and tomatoes, rolled in flour tortillas and topped with red guajillo Chile sauce served with a side of rice, lettuce and pico de gallo.
Grande Burrito $22.95
This burrito is traditional from Cuidad Juarez, a city bordering El Paso, Texas. We use a thin 12" flour tortilla rolled with authentic Texano chorizo mixed with red pepper, green pepper, onion, pinto beans and cheese topped with roasted tomato sauce and served with shredded lettuce and pico de gallo.
Taqueria Tacos Plato $23.95
Four different tacos: skirt steak, chorizo, pork, grilled chicken, in white corn tortillas with fresh roasted tomatillo salsa.

Frontera y Fajitas
Frontera Pick 2 $22.95
Pick two of your favorites! Served with rice and beans.
Frontera Pick 3 $28.95
Pick three of your favorites! Served with rice and beans.
Enchiladas Entree $23.95
Chicken, cheese & beef dishes come with red chile guajillo sauce pork & vegetarian dishes come with green tomatillo sauce. Served with a side of rice and beans.
Fajita
Charcoal grilled peppers & onions in house fajita sauce with your choice of protein or veggies served with flour tortillas, pico de gallo, lettuce and guacamole.
Quesadilla Entree $22.95
Grilled flour tortillas filled with queso mixto and your choice of protein or veggies. Served with a side of rice and beans.

Sides
Avocado Slices Side $5.95
Black Beans & Rice Side $6.95
Black Beans Side $5.95
Broccoli Side $6.95
Chorizo Side $7.95
Vegetables Side $6.95
Corn Tortilla Side $4.95
Enchilada A La Carte $9.95
EXTRA Chips And Salsa $5.95
Flour Tortillas Side $4.95
Guacamole Side $6.95
Pint Pico De Gallo $12.95
Pint Red Salsa $10.55
Pinto Beans & Rice Side $6.95
Pinto Beans Side $5.95
Rice Side $5.95
Side French Fries $7.95
Platanos Side $7.95
Fried plantains with quest fresco and crema.

Dessert
Churros With Ice Cream $9.49
Ice Cream Chocolate $7.95
Ice Cream Vanilla $7.95

Kids
Kids Taco Chicken $10.95
Kids Tacos Americano $10.95
Kids Burrito $10.95
Kids Burrito Beef $11.95
Kids Burrito Black Bean $11.95
Kids Burrito Chicken $11.95
Kids Chicken Fingers & Fries $11.95
Kids Grilled Chicken & Fries $11.95
Kids Hot Dog And Fries $9.95
Kids Mexican Pizza $8.95
Kids Mexican Pizza With Chicken $12.95
Kids Quesadilla $9.95
Kids Quesadilla Chicken $11.95
Kids Steak And Fries $14.95

Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Mexican Coke $5.30
Soda. Pop. Soft drink. Sparkling beverage. Whatever you call it, nothing compares to the refreshing, crisp taste of Coca-Cola Original Taste, the delicious soda you know and love. Enjoy with friends, on the go or with a meal. Whatever the occasion, wherever you are, Coca-Cola Original Taste makes life's special moments a little bit better. Every sip, every “ahhh,” every smile—find that feeling with Coca-Cola Original Taste. Best enjoyed ice-cold for maximum refreshment. Grab a Coca-Cola Original Taste, take a sip and find your “ahhh” moment. Enjoy Coca-Cola Original Taste.
Mexican Sprite $5.30
Sprite's cool and crisp lemon-lime flavor will keep you invigorated and inspired. You know why? Because Sprite keeps it real just like you when pursuing your passions. No caffeine. Just you, an iconic flavor, and whatever you can think of next.
Tequila Mockingbird Lemonade $5.30
Root Beer $5.30
Jarritos - Mandarin $5.30
Jarritos - Fruit Punch $5.30

Retail
"Til Death Do Us Part" Pullover Hoodie (Burgundy) $48.00
"Til Death Do Us Part" Women's Zip Hoodie $48.00
Tequila Mockingbird T-Shirt (Fiery Orange) $26.00
Men's Margarita Club T-Shirt (Midnight Blue) $26.00
Men's Margarita Club T-Shirt (Baby Blue) $26.00
TM Light Blue 30th Anniversary T-Shirt $26.00
Women's Margarita Club T-Shirt (Coral) $26.00
Women's Margarita Club T-Shirt (Soft Lime) $26.00
"Til Death Do Us Part" Women's Tank $30.00
"Skeleton Heart" Trucker Hat (Baby Pink/Gray) $20.00
"Skeleton Heart" Trucker Hat (Teal/Gray) $20.00

Tequila Mockingbird Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Curbside pickup
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great beer selection
Great cocktails

Popular for
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Hard liquor
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
Tourists

Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Free street parking

Tequila Mockingbird Photos

Tequila Mockingbird Location

Tequila Mockingbird

Connecticut Western Connecticut Planning Region New Canaan New Canaan Forest Street

6 Forest St, New Canaan, CT 06840, USA

Tequila Mockingbird Reviews

An average rating of ★4 from 237 user reviews.

margaritaspricesbartenderfajitassteakburritossalsaphoneeveningfood truck

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

We had a mostly wonderful experience at Tequila Mockingbird. The food was absolutely delicious — fresh, flavorful, and served in generous portions.Our server, Roberto, was pretty amazing. He was attentive, friendly, and made sure everything was perfect from start to finish. Truly top-notch service!Unfortunately, our experience was soured a bit at the end by the bartender, Justine, who rudely told us that a party had been waiting for our table for 30 minutes — while we were still finishing our meal and drinks. This was never brought to our attention prior, so it felt rushed and unnecessary, especially after such a great evening. Wished we could have stayed longer.That said, we’d definitely return for the food and the excellent service from Roberto. Hopefully, next time the hospitality is consistent across the board.
June 21 · Alissa Pepe
Had a delicious special with outstanding molé.Wait staff was great.We sat outside on a really nice evening. I recommend this place.
June 22 · Mike Rychlik
My 14 year old daughter and her friend went to dinner here list and the waiter ripped them off. It was obvious to me when i looked at the receipt that the girls had been over charged.Ok I call the restaurant and the manager we both agree that the water either made a mistake or intentionally pocketed the over charge he says he will look into it talk to the waiter and get back to me but never did.2 young girls who tried to do the correct thing tipping (22%) were clearly over charged by what i can only assume was a waiter trying to take advantage of them. The total paid was only about $80 and the over charge was only about $20 but any restaurant that has a waiter that rips off 2 young girls and then makes no effort to correct should not be in Business in our town.
February 25 · Roy S
A bit biased.. But broccoli doesn't belong in a burrito. New menu(as of today-per the waiter) needs tweaking. Felt ignored some by waiter.-Texas Resident
July 15 · Kevin Graham
Great margaritas and they occasionally have chicharones. Classic Mexican food and some specialty dishes. My favorite is their spicy steak dish. Carne asada Yucatán. Justine the bartender is very good.
May 10 · Chris Sigg