The Calaveras NYC: A Modern Mexican Gem in the Upper West Side

The Calaveras NYC Introduce

In a city brimming with diverse culinary options, finding a restaurant that not only serves great food but also offers an unforgettable experience is a true delight. On the Upper West Side, The Calaveras NYC stands out as a vibrant and authentic destination for Mexican cuisine. This establishment is more than just a restaurant; it’s a bar, a coffee shop, and a breakfast haven, all rolled into one. With its focus on traditional flavors, handcrafted cocktails, and a genuinely warm atmosphere, The Calaveras NYC has quickly become a beloved neighborhood spot for locals and a must-visit for tourists.

The Calaveras NYC offers a dining experience that perfectly balances the casual and the trendy. The atmosphere is described as cozy and inviting, making it a comfortable place to enjoy a meal, whether you're dining solo or with a group. The menu is a journey through traditional Mexican flavors, featuring handmade corn tortillas and classic dishes that feel both authentic and exciting. From popular favorites like Birria Tacos and Guacamole to more intricate entrees like Enchiladas de Mole and Carne Asada, the restaurant’s culinary offerings are a testament to its commitment to quality and tradition. The restaurant's reputation for having one of the best margaritas in the city is also a significant draw, adding a lively element to the dining experience.

Beyond its delicious food and drinks, The Calaveras NYC is known for its exceptional staff. As noted in customer reviews, the team is super friendly and helpful, contributing to a welcoming and pleasant environment. This focus on customer service, combined with the restaurant's commitment to authentic cuisine, creates a loyal following. It's the kind of place where you can feel the passion for food and hospitality in every detail, from the perfectly sized portions to the thoughtful presentation. For anyone in New York looking for a true taste of Mexico in a beautiful and inviting setting, The Calaveras NYC is a premier choice that consistently earns high praise.

The Calaveras NYC is conveniently located at 949 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10025. This prime spot in the Upper West Side places it in a bustling neighborhood known for its vibrant atmosphere and accessibility. The restaurant's position on a main thoroughfare like Columbus Avenue makes it easy to find and reach.

For those using public transportation, the restaurant is a short walk from several subway stations, including the 1 train at 103rd Street and the B and C trains at 103rd Street. Numerous bus routes also run through the area, providing additional convenience. This easy accessibility is a major plus for New Yorkers who rely on public transit. For those who drive, the restaurant offers the rare and highly valuable amenities of free parking lot and free street parking, making a visit to The Calaveras NYC a stress-free experience.

The restaurant also takes accessibility seriously, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible restroom, and wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests. The combination of a central location and convenient parking options makes The Calaveras NYC a practical and attractive choice for a wide audience, from local residents to tourists exploring the area.

The Calaveras NYC offers a comprehensive range of services designed to provide a comfortable and convenient dining experience, catering to various preferences and occasions.

Services Offered:

Outdoor Seating and Dine-in: The restaurant provides comfortable seating both indoors and outdoors, allowing guests to choose their preferred dining environment.
Curbside Pickup, Delivery, and Takeout: For customers who prefer to enjoy their meal at home, the restaurant offers multiple convenient options, including curbside pickup, no-contact delivery, and traditional takeout.
Reservations: The Calaveras NYC accepts reservations, which is ideal for planning a special occasion or a dinner for a larger group.
Catering: For events or parties, the restaurant offers catering services, allowing you to bring their delicious food to your gathering.
Dining Options: The menu caters to all major dining times, including Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert, ensuring you can enjoy a great meal at any time of day.

These services, combined with a variety of payment options (credit cards, debit cards, NFC mobile payments), highlight the restaurant's dedication to customer convenience and satisfaction.

The Calaveras NYC distinguishes itself through several key features that enhance the overall dining and social experience.

Features / Highlights:

Great Cocktails and Bar Service: The restaurant is celebrated for its amazing cocktails, including a variety of margaritas and other signature drinks. With a bar onsite and happy hour drinks, it's a fantastic spot to socialize and unwind.
Authentic and Varied Menu: The menu is a highlight, offering a mix of traditional Mexican dishes, comfort food, and healthy options. From Birria Tacos and Guacamole to Vegan and Vegetarian options, there is something for every palate. The kitchen also serves up popular items like Pancakes and Avocado Toast for breakfast.
Welcoming Atmosphere: The restaurant is known for its casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere. It's a family-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly, and Transgender safespace, making it a welcoming environment for a diverse range of customers.
Fast Service: As noted in customer feedback, the service is fast and friendly, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable dining experience.
Late-Night Food: The availability of late-night food is a great bonus for those looking for a delicious meal after hours.

These features, combined with the restaurant's commitment to quality, make it a top choice for anyone in the area looking for a memorable meal.

For more information or to make a reservation, you can contact The Calaveras NYC at:

Address: 949 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10025

Phone: (646) 484-6533

Mobile Phone: +1 646-484-6533

What truly makes The Calaveras NYC a worthwhile choice in the competitive New York dining scene is its perfect blend of authenticity, hospitality, and versatility. It’s a place that serves proper, traditional Mexican food, complete with handmade corn tortillas, as noted by happy customers. The quality of the food, from the fantastic burritos to the flavorful churritos, is consistently praised. Beyond the food, the cocktails are a major highlight, with many reviewers calling the margaritas among the best they've had. This combination of great food and great drinks, along with the friendly and attentive staff, creates a dining experience that feels both special and comfortable. The restaurant’s status as a Latino-owned business, its inclusive atmosphere, and its comprehensive offerings—from a full breakfast menu to happy hour specials and catering—make it a true community hub. The Calaveras NYC is the kind of place where you can go for a quick bite, a celebratory dinner, or even just a great cup of coffee, and you'll always leave feeling satisfied and eager to return.

The Calaveras NYC Menu

Signature Cocktails (Must Be 21 to Purchase)
Calaveras Margarita $14.00
Sauza Blue, orange liquor, fresh lime, agave. Must be 21 to purchase.
Mezcal Margarita $14.00
Peloton de la muerte mezcal, fresh lime juice, organic agave, orange liquor. Must be 21 to purchase.
The One From Oaxaca $14.00
Peloton mezcal, hibiscus tea, fresh lime juice. Must be 21 to purchase.
Yellow Tail $14.00
Jim Beam, fresh pineapple, lemon, chamomile honey. Must be 21 to purchase.
The Other Side $14.00
Silver Sauza infused with jalapeno and cucumber, Peloton mezcal, pineapple juice. Must be 21 to purchase.
Mojito Royal $14.00
Plantation & Cruzan rum, organic agave, fresh mint, lime topped with champagne. Must be 21 to purchase.
Mezcal Mule $11.00
Papalote joven, organic agave, fresh lime, cucumber cordial and cilantro. Must be 21 to purchase.
Mezcal Negroni $14.00
Del maguey Vida mezcal, sweet vermouth, montenegro, rosemary infused campari. Must be 21 to purchase.
Old Fashioned $14.00
Sauza reposado, angostura-orange bitters, agave nectar, orange twist … also available with Peloton mezcal or Jim beam bourbon. Must be 21 to purchase.
Cold Carajillo $11.00
Espresso shot, kahlua, licor 43 served on the rocks. Must be 21 to purchase.
Traditional Cantaritos $14.00
Hornitos reposado, Fresh lime and orange juice, graprefruit seltzer and salt(For limited time each cantarito comes with a free pair of Sauza sunglasses). Must be 21 to purchase.
Margaritas $14.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Flavors available

Antojitos
NO UTENSILS WITH MY ORDER. $0.50
Please help us prevent unnecessary plastic waste! If you do not need utensils with your food, simply order this free item and we will know not to add them with your order.
Guacamole $14.00
Made in molcajete, avocado, onion, cilantro, serrano pepper, fresh lime juice and sal de mesa.
Big Game Nachos $20.00
Tortilla chips, black beans, red sauce, green sauce, tomatoes, sour cream and melted cheese.
Crispy Fried Calamari $15.00
Seasoned with tajin and chipotle aioli dip
Chips And Salsas $8.00
Chef's selection of trio of salsas.
QUESABIRRIA $17.00
Beef brisket / Flour tortilla / Monterey cheese / served with its own dipping stew
Ensalada Calaveras $14.00
Jicama, kale, orange supremes, roasted candied almonds in a vinaigrette, topped with questions fresco
Elote Asado $8.00
Butter poached with epazote served with morita aioli, Cotija cheese and chile piquin.
Empanadas Vegetarianas $10.00
Zucchini blossom and mushroom with tomatillo, crema fresca and queso.
Empanadas De Camaron $10.00
Shrimp crispy turnovers, mayonnaise, avocado, cilantro and pulla sauce.
Camarones Al Ajillo $17.00
Jumbo shrimp sauteed in garlic, guajillo and white wine served with mashed potatoes.
Quesadilla De Huitlacoche $20.00
Huitlacoche (Mexican truffle), mixed mushroom, chihuahua cheese and avocado tomatillo salsa. Two per order
Roasted Corn Soup $10.00
Toasted almonds, avocado and serrano salsa.
Ceviche Mixto $19.00
Lime cured shrimp and octopus ceviche, red onion, cilantro, jicama, serrano pepper and tostaditas.
Big Game Chipotle Wings $13.00
Served with bleu cheese

Taqueria
Birria Tacos $17.00
Order with 3 birria tacos, pickled onion cilantro and sesame seeds, Served with its own stew for dipping!
Tacos Al Pastor $12.00
Pork shoulder marinated in our special guajillo sauce, onion, cilantro and pina.
Tacos De Pescado $12.00
Negra Modelo beer battered cod, red cabbage slaw and morita aioli.
Tacos Arrachera $12.00
Grilled skirt steak, cilantro, onion and molcajete sauce.
Tacos Pollo Rostizado $12.00
Roasted chicken rubbed in Mexican chilli paste, caramelized onions and poblano peppers.
Tacos Carnitas $12.00
Roasted pork shoulder, orange supremes and pickled red onion.
Tacos Vegetales $12.00
Sauteed huitlacoche and mushroom, pickled carrots and red onion in a spinach tortilla.

Entradas
NO UTENSILS WITH MY ORDER. $0.50
Please help us prevent unnecessary plastic waste! If you do not need utensils with your food, simply order this free item and we will know not to add them with your order.
Birria Norteña $26.00
Beef brisket / hearty stew/ rice / corn tortillas
Enchiladas Suizas $23.00
Pollo o queso. Creamy tomatillo sauce, red onion, queso fresco and avocado.
Pechugas A La Pancha $24.00
Grilled chicken breast, mushroom, chipotle creamy sauce, mashed potatoes and seasonal veggies.
Carnitas Michoacanas $25.00
Slow cooked pork shoulder, avocado, cilantro and tortillas and morita sauce.
Enchiladas De Mole $23.00
Puerco, queso or pollo. Mole sauce, Spanish onion, sesame seeds and crema fresca.
Carne Asada $30.00
Grilled skirt steak, roasted poblano peppers, onion and chimichurri. (Cooked medium unless otherwise specified)
Salmon Al Vapor $27.00
Steamed salmon cooked in a bamboo steamer, seasoned with Mexican spices and served with seasonal vegetables.
Pan Seared Salmon $28.00
Served in a guajillo-coconut sauce, mashed potatoes and sauteed vegetables.
Coliflor Rostizada $22.00
Whole roasted cauliflower, cashews and pumpkin seed pipian.
Dinner Burrito $23.00
Flour tortilla / rice / beans / pico de gallo / cheese / served with fries Choice of filling:

Sides
Rice And Beans $8.00
Sweet Plantain $8.00
Steamed Vegetables $8.00
Hand Cut Fries $8.00
Mashed Potatoes $8.00
Bacon $7.00

Postres / Sweets
Churritos Con Chocolate $9.00
Traditional churros, served with our signature chocolate abuelita sauce
Flan $9.00
Flan

Beverages
Jarrito Guava $4.00
Jarrito Lime $4.00
Jarrito Fruit Punch $4.50
Jarrito Mandarin $4.50
Mexican Coke $4.50
Aranciata $5.00
Sparkling orange
Topo Chico Sparkling Water $5.00
Mexican seltzer water
San Pellegrino Limonata $5.00
Sparkling lemonade
Sidral Mundet $4.50
Apple Mexican soda

Alcoholic beverages (Must be 21 to Purchase)
Margaritas $14.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Flavors available
Beers $5.00
Must be 21 to purchase.
Nutrl Promo $5.00
Hard seltzer
Beer Bucket $20.00
5 beers of your choice with a complementary corona bucket! ( please write your choice of beer, otherwise we will send a variety selection). Must be 21 to purchase.
Sangrias $14.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Sizes available
Wine $14.00
Must be 21 to purchase.
Calaveras Margarita $14.00
Sauza Blue, orange liquor, fresh lime, agave. Must be 21 to purchase.

Wine and sangria (Must be 21 to Purchase)
White Sangria $13.00
Passion fruit, Titos vodka, white wine, fruit. Must be 21 to purchase.
Red Sangria $13.00
Pomegranate, red wine, reposado tequila, fruit. Must be 21 to purchase.
Pink Sangria $13.00
Strawberry, rose wine, orange liquor, fruit. Must be 21 to purchase.
Chardonnay $13.00
White wine, France, 2017. Must be 21 to purchase.
Sauvignon Blanc $13.00
White wine, California, 2018. Must be 21 to purchase.
Cabernet Sauvignon $13.00
Red wine, Chile, 2016. Must be 21 to purchase.
Malbec $13.00
Red wine, Argentina, 2018. Must be 21 to purchase.
Rose $13.00
Dry rose, France, 2018. Must be 21 to purchase.
Spumante $13.00
Sparkling wine, Italy. Must be 21 to purchase.

Coffee and tea
THE PROVENCE DREAM (LATTE) $8.00
Lavender blended with steamed pistachio milk
GOLDEN GLOW LATTE $8.00
Agave vanilla blended with steamed milk and honey
VELVET VANILLA MATCHA $8.00
Matcha frothed with oat milk and vanilla
COCONUT ROYAL $7.00
Espresso, Almond milk, French coconut syrup
CAPPUCCINO $5.00
LATTE $5.25
AMERICANO $4.00
FLAT WHITE $4.75
CORTADO $4.25
DOUBLE ESPRESSO $4.25
CHAI LATTE $5.00
MATCHA LATTE $5.50
MOCHA LATTE $5.50
LONDON FOG $5.00
MACCHIATO $4.50

Smoothies
Antioxidante Smoothie $12.00
Blueberry, strawberry, greek yogurt, almond milk, chia and flax seeds
Green Gut-Cleanse Smoothie $12.00
Kale, cucumber, celery, lemon, ginger coconut water and organic manuka honey
La Playa Smoothie $12.00
Pineapple, orange, ginger, almond milk, honey bee pollen, organic agave

Breakfast
HUEVOS RANCHEROS $18.00
Sunny side up eggs on tostaditas, roasted tomato sauce, refried black beans, queso fresco and chorizo
CHILAQUILES CON HUEVO $18.00
Crispy corn tortilla with tomatillo sauce, eggs any style, queso and crema fresca
BISCUIT SANDWICH $15.00
Hand-made jalapeño- cheddar biscuit with two scrambled eggs, sharp cheddar, and avocado. Choice of patatas bravas or salad.
BREAKFAST BURRITO $15.00
Scrambled eggs, avocado, sharp cheddar, and black beans. Choice of patatas bravas or salad.
HUEVOS LLANEROS $15.00
Salad with Kale, red cabbage, tomatoes, black beans, and corn tostados. Topped with two sunny side up eggs. GF*
HARD WORKER BREAKFAST $15.00
Two eggs any style, bacon, avocado, and patatas bravas. GF*
YOGURT BOWL $13.00
Greek yogurt, house made granola, and mixed berries
Steak And Eggs $23.00
Grilled hanger steak, chimichurri sauce. Eggs any style, salad or patatas bravas
FRENCH TOAST $15.00
Pulled man sourdough bread, bacon, and fruit salad. Served with maple syrup.
PANCAKES $15.00
Three gluten-free pancakes, bacon, and fruit salad. Served with maple syrup. GF*
STUFFED AREPAS $15.00
Two Venezuelan style stuffed arepas. Served with patatas bravas or salad. Choices: 1) Chorizo, jalapeños, and cornichons OR 2) Shredded chicken and avocado GF*
AVOCADO TOAST $15.00
One whole avocado with tomato and two eggs served on an Everything Bagel.
PASTRIES
Enjoy our selection of fresh made pastries!
SIDE DISHES $7.00
Complete your meal with our side plates
Guacamole $14.00
Made in molcajete, avocado, onion, cilantro, serrano pepper, fresh lime juice and sal de mesa.
QUESABIRRIA $17.00
Beef brisket / Flour tortilla / Monterey cheese / served with its own dipping stew
Chips And Salsas $8.00
Chef's selection of trio of salsas.
Elote Asado $8.00
Butter poached with epazote served with morita aioli, Cotija cheese and chile piquin.
Empanadas Vegetarianas $10.00
Zucchini blossom and mushroom with tomatillo, crema fresca and queso.
Empanadas De Camaron $10.00
Shrimp crispy turnovers, mayonnaise, avocado, cilantro and pulla sauce.
Roasted Corn Soup $10.00
Toasted almonds, avocado and serrano salsa.
Birria Tacos $17.00
Order with 3 birria tacos, pickled onion cilantro and sesame seeds, Served with its own stew for dipping!
Tacos Al Pastor $12.00
Pork shoulder marinated in our special guajillo sauce, onion, cilantro and pina.
Tacos Pollo Rostizado $12.00
Roasted chicken rubbed in Mexican chilli paste, caramelized onions and poblano peppers.
Tacos Arrachera $12.00
Grilled skirt steak, cilantro, onion and molcajete sauce.
Tacos Carnitas $12.00
Roasted pork shoulder, orange supremes and pickled red onion.
Tacos Vegetales $12.00
Sauteed huitlacoche and mushroom, pickled carrots and red onion in a spinach tortilla.
Serrano Ham Croissant $15.00
Serrano ham, mozzarella cheese, fresh avocado and tomato Choice of patatas bravas or salad.

Lunch Specials
Enchiladas Suizas De Pollo (Lunch) $16.00
Two enchiladas, with creamy tomatillo sauce, red onion, queso fresco and avocado, served with rice and beans
Enchiladas Suizas De Queso (Lunch) $16.00
Two enchiladas, with Creamy tomatillo sauce, red onion, queso fresco and avocado, served with rice and beans
Enchiladas De Mole Con Pollo (Lunch) $16.00
Two enchiladas, our signature mole sauce, sesame seeds and crema fresca, served with rice and beans
Enchiladas De Mole Con Queso (Lunch) $16.00
Two enchiladas, our signature mole sauce, sesame seeds and crema fresca, served with rice and beans
Fajitas Quesadilla Served With Rice And Beans $15.00
Please call for daily fresh ingredients
Vegetable Burrito $16.00
Flour tortilla wrap, with cheese, mixed mushroom, watercress and salsa verde, served with handcut fries
Lunch Burrito $16.00
Flour tortilla wrap, rice, beans, roasted morita sauce, tomato and cilantro, served with hand cut fries

The Calaveras NYC Details

From the business
Identifies as Latino-owned

Service options
Outdoor seating
Curbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great cocktails
Serves local specialty

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Assistive hearing loop
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Happy hour food
Hard liquor
Late-night food
Organic dishes
Quick bite
Salad bar
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safespace

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
On-site parking

Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed outside

The Calaveras NYC Photos

The Calaveras NYC Location

The Calaveras NYC

New York New York County New York Columbus Avenue

949 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10025, USA

The Calaveras NYC Reviews

An average rating of ★4.7 from 518 user reviews.

margaritascocktailsfishmole enchiladashappy hourbrunchchurrostaco tuesdaybasementcorn soup

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

This meal was Amazing. The staff was super friendly and helpful. They make one of, if not the best margaritas I have had in a long time. The food was very traditional, which we LOVE! Proper size handmade corn tortillas. We sat inside downstairs and the atmosphere was lovely.We will be back! So pleased with everything about our time here.
July 11 · Russell Montgomery
Everything was amazing. Staff were really nice and friendly. I ordered a burrito from the main menu but they ordered it as a lunch special for me so the price would be cheaper. Burrito was great and all other options also looked great!
June 17 · Talya Bingol
Delicious food and excellent service. Highly recommend. The guacamole was delicious, and I also enjoyed the other appetizers we tried. The creamy mango margarita was strong but really good. I ordered the enchiladas suizas with cheese and a side of beans. It was super tasty, and leftovers the next day were really good too. For dessert, the flan was awesome. Churros were really sweet, so I personally didn't love them, but others in my group liked them a lot.
January 28 · Arghya Kannadaguli
This place is a gem! Authentic Mexican cuisine. The food is absolutely delicious, and the atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. Special thanks to Caesar—he’s awesome! Even though the place was super busy and he was the only server on the entire floor, he made sure we had everything we needed. He took care of everyone with incredible speed and attention. Truly a superhero.
August 10 · a_perfect_getaway
We visited with a group of 6, and the service was friendly and helpful. The chips and guacamole is amazing! Real cozy space downstairs. Surprisingly spacious in such a tight location. I had the birria tacos, and man they were tasty! A little small, but very good! I definitely recommend this spot.
August 30 · Geo B.