The Red Grill: Authentic Mexican Cuisine in New York City

The Red Grill Introduce

Located on the Upper East Side, The Red Grill brings the vibrant flavors and cozy atmosphere of Mexico to the heart of New York City. This casual and inviting spot is a go-to for locals seeking authentic Mexican cuisine, offering a menu that goes far beyond the usual fare. Whether you're in the mood for traditional classics like enchiladas and tacos or looking to explore more unique dishes like prime grilled steaks and fresh seafood, The Red Grill has something to satisfy every craving.

The restaurant's warm and relaxed atmosphere makes it a great choice for various occasions. It's a popular spot for a casual lunch, a lively dinner with friends, or a comfortable meal for solo diners. The Red Grill is known for its fast service and an impressive selection of cocktails, making it a favorite for those looking for a quick bite or a relaxing evening out. While some customers have noted occasional mix-ups with orders and service, the general consensus is that the cocktails are a highlight and the overall vibe is welcoming and family-friendly.

Location and Accessibility

The Red Grill is conveniently situated at 1701 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128, right in the heart of the Upper East Side. Its location makes it easily accessible for anyone in the New York City area, whether you're a local resident or just visiting the neighborhood. The restaurant is well-connected by public transportation, with several bus and subway stops nearby, making it a simple destination to reach.

The restaurant prioritizes accessibility for all guests. The entrance, restrooms, and seating areas are all wheelchair accessible, ensuring a comfortable dining experience for everyone. For those driving, both free and paid street parking are available, though as with any part of the city, it's wise to check for availability. The casual, cozy atmosphere is complemented by amenities like an onsite bar and restrooms, making it a convenient and enjoyable place to dine. The Red Grill also offers outdoor seating, which is perfect for enjoying a meal on a pleasant day while soaking in the neighborhood's energy.

Its central location on the Upper East Side means it's a great spot to meet up with friends or family. The restaurant also accepts reservations, which can be particularly useful for groups or during busy dining hours to ensure you have a table ready when you arrive. Whether you're coming for lunch, dinner, or a quick happy hour drink, the location and accessibility make The Red Grill a practical choice for your next Mexican food fix.

Services Offered

The Red Grill provides a comprehensive range of services and dining options to cater to its diverse clientele. The restaurant offers flexible service options, including outdoor seating for a comfortable open-air experience, curbside pickup, no-contact delivery, and traditional dine-in.

Takeout & Delivery: Perfect for those who want to enjoy The Red Grill's food from the comfort of their home.
Dine-in: Enjoy a meal at the restaurant with table service in a casual and cozy atmosphere.
Catering: The Red Grill can cater your next event, bringing their delicious Mexican cuisine to you.
Menu Offerings: The extensive menu includes:
- Appetizers: Guacamole, Cali-Nachos, Queso Fundido, and more.
- Chef Specials: Authentic dishes like Camarones Al Chipotle, Birria De Res, and Cochinita Pibil.
- Classic Mexican Dishes: A variety of enchiladas, tacos, burritos, and chimichangas.
- On The Grill: Grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, and various steaks.
- Del Mar: A wide selection of fresh seafood, including ceviche and shrimp cocktails.
- Soups & Salads: From Sopa De Mariscos to the Taco Salad.
- Drinks: A full bar with an impressive selection of beers (bottled and draft), wine, and cocktails. The frozen and on-the-rocks margaritas are a particular highlight.
- Kids Menu: A dedicated menu with options like Lil Burrito and Fish and Rice for the younger diners.

Features / Highlights

Extensive Menu: The menu is vast and diverse, offering everything from classic Mexican staples to seafood and grilled meats, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Great Cocktails & Happy Hour: Known for its impressive cocktail list, particularly the margaritas, and a popular happy hour scene.
Fast Service: Customers often highlight the quick and efficient service, making it a great option for a quick lunch or dinner.
Versatile Dining Options: The restaurant is suitable for a wide range of occasions, including lunch, dinner, and solo dining.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The Red Grill is welcoming to families, with a dedicated kids' menu and amenities like high chairs.
Accepts Reservations: You can easily plan your visit by making a reservation, which is ideal for groups or busy times.
Accessibility: The restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, from the entrance to the restrooms and seating.
Outdoor Seating: Enjoy your meal and a drink outdoors when the weather is nice.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries, or to place an order for takeout or delivery, you can contact The Red Grill directly.

Address: 1701 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128

Phone: (212) 722-2188

What Is Worth Choosing

When it comes to The Red Grill, what truly sets it apart is its broad and ambitious menu, particularly its extensive list of offerings that cater to almost every taste. While some customers have noted inconsistencies with food quality on certain items, the restaurant's reputation for its **great cocktails**, especially the **margaritas**, is a major draw. The two-for-one specials and other happy hour deals make it a compelling choice for those looking to enjoy a vibrant and affordable drink with friends.

Beyond the drinks, the sheer variety of the menu makes The Red Grill a worthwhile destination. From classic **enchiladas and tacos** to less common finds like **Cochinita Pibil** and **Birria De Res**, the kitchen aims to provide a comprehensive taste of Mexican cuisine. The inclusion of **grilled meats**, fresh **seafood**, and even burgers shows a dedication to offering something for everyone, making it a great option for groups with diverse preferences.

The atmosphere is another key reason to choose The Red Grill. It's a casual and cozy spot that’s not pretentious, making it a comfortable place to relax and enjoy a meal. The fast service is a huge plus for New Yorkers on the go, and the ability to make reservations is convenient for planning ahead. It’s also an excellent choice for families, with a kid-friendly menu and a welcoming environment. While some menu items may miss the mark for some, the overall value and lively ambiance, paired with a fantastic drink selection, make The Red Grill a destination worth trying on the Upper East Side.

The Red Grill Food & drink

Soft Drinks
Coke $2.00
Diet Coke $2.00
Sprite $2.00
Ginger Ale $2.00
Cranberry Juice $3.00
Orange Juice $3.00
Apple Juice $3.00
Shirley Temple $4.00
Virgen Daiquiri $5.00
Virgen Pina Colada $5.00
Peregrino $5.00
Seltzer Water $2.00
Iced Tea $2.00
Agua Fresca $3.00

Appetizers
Guacamole $9.95
Ripped avocado served with tomatoes, lime juice, cilantro, onion, and a pinch of salt.
Cali - Nachos $15.95
Fresh nacho chips, served with beans, 2 mix-cheeses, lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream | Choice of: Grill Chicken, Steak, Ground Beef, or Chorizo.
Queso Fundido $10.95
Melted with our secret 2-mix cheeses, chorizo, mushroom and onion. Served with flour tortillas.
Chicken Fingers $11.95
Chicken tenders coated with a mixture of breadcrumbs and herbs. Served with chipotle sauce.
Elote $4.95
Served with mayo, cotija cheese, and a splash of chili piquin.
El Tamal $5.95
Steamed-cook corn masa filled with your choice of: Chicken-Green Sauce, Pork Red-Guajillo Sauce, and Chicken Mole-sauce.
Flautas $7.95
2-Rolled corn-fried tortillas topped with sour cream and cotija cheese | Choice of Chicken, Cheese, or Chorizo with potatoes.
Quesadilla $15.95
Flour tortilla melted cheese, served with sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo. Chicken, steak, chorizo, carnitas, and mushrooms.
Los Calamares $13.95
Fried light and crisp. Served with marinara sauce.
Chicken Wings $13.95
Crispy chicken wings accompanied by carrots, celery, and blue cheese. Simmered in your choice of BBQ, Buffalo, or Chipotle Sauce.
Mozzarella Sticks $7.95
With marinara sauce.

Chef Specials
Camarones Al Chipotle $29.95
Jumbo shrimp made in a savory tomato chipotle sauce with onions topped with fresh cilantro. Served with white rice.
Carnitas Michoacanas $22.95
Slow braised pork sautéed with caramelized onion with a splash of tequila.
Birria De Res $19.95
Our famous delicious Mexican Birria blended with dried chile peppers, and Mexican seasoning in a stew beef sauce.
Mole Poblano $24.95
An authentic mole sauce with complex flavors from Mexico. This dish blends dried chiles, spices, nuts, and seeds into a vibrant sauce full of intricate flavor. Served with ½ chicken, rice, and beans.
Camarones Al Ajillo $27.95
Jumbo shrimp cooked with butter, garlic, and white wine, and garnished with cilantro.
Cochinita Pibil $18.95
Marinated pork with a secret sauce recipe. Topped with purple onions. Fried plantains and suiza-rice flavor.

Las Enchiladas
Las Rojas $19.95
3 Corn tortillas with a red guajillo sauce, topped with cheese and sour cream | Choice of: Chicken, Cheese, Veggies, or Ground Beef.
Las De Mole $22.95
3 Corn tortillas with a mole poblano sauce with shredded chicken. Topped with lettuce, pico de gallo, and cotija cheese.
Las Verdes $19.95
3 Corn tortillas with green tomatillo sauce. Topped with cheese and sour cream | Choice of: Chicken, Cheese, Veggies, or Ground Beef.
Las Suizas $19.95
3 Corn tortillas filled with shredded chicken in a pepper and spinach-cream sauce, topped with cheese and sour cream.

On The Grill
Prime New York Strip $29.95
Prime Rib - Eyed Steak $32.95
Grilled Chicken Breast $19.95
Grilled Pork Chops $19.95
Grilled Salmon $27.95
Grilled Shrimp $22.95
Carne Asada $27.95

Del Mar
Cocktail De Camarones $17.95
Mexican shrimp cocktail with tomato, onion, cucumber, avocado, and cilantro in a homemade tomato sauce.
Tostadas De Pulpo & Camarón $17.95
Octopus and shrimp ceviche in a fried tortilla garnished with cilantro and guacamole.
La Mojarra $27.95
Fried whole red snapper. Served with salad, rice, and homemade salsa.
Tostadas De Ceviche $13.95
Fried tortilla topped with lime-cooked red snapper, onions, and serrano peppers.
Ceviche De Camaron $17.95
Flavorful lime-cooked shrimp with mango, peppers, onions, and cilantro.
Aguachile Our Sinaloa - Ceviche Style $22.95
Jumbo shrimp cooked in lime juice served with a green pepino sauce, garnished with onions and cilantro.
Ceviche De Pescado $17.95
Tender basa-fish cooked in lime juice with aguacate and cilantro.

Los Tacos
Tacos De Birria $19.95
Our famous Birria tacos (beef), come with a consome broth on the side. Garnished with cilantro and onion.
La Taquiza $32.95
10 soft taquitos sampler: 2 chicken, 2 carne asada, 2 birria, 2 chorizo and 2 al pastor. Served with red and green salsa, onions, cilantro, and scallions.

Los Caldos
Sopa De Mariscos $19.95
A combination of shrimp, mussels, salmon, and clams in rich flavorful tomatoes and chipotle broth.
Sopa De Tortillas $9.95
Vegetarian dish served with cheese, avocado, and tortilla crispy strips.
Pozole $16.95
Traditional soup made from hominy with pork meat, garnished with shredded lettuce or cabbage, chile peppers, onion, radishes, avocado, salsa, or limes. Served with 2 tostaditas.
Sopa De Pollo $14.95
A delicious chicken soup with vegetables. Served with cilantro and onion.

Antojitos
Burritos $16.95
Add: Steak, Grilled Chicken, Chorizo, or Shrimp +$2.00 • Flour tortilla stuffed with rice, beans, sour cream, and the meat of your choice: Chicken, Ground Beef, or Veggie.
Chimichangas $15.95
Crispy fried burrito filled with beans, cheese, and your choice of: Chicken, Beef, or Veggies. Served with rice.
Cheese Burger Deluxe $16.95
Served with American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and onion. Accompanied by French fries.
Mexican Burger Deluxe $17.95
Sautéed onion, jalapeno, avocado, extra Monterrey, and cheddar melted cheese. Accompanied by French fries.
Tostadas $12.95
Crispy tortilla topped with beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, and cotija cheese | Choice of: Steak, Grilled Chicken, Chicken Tinga, and Ground Beef.

Ensaladas
Mexican Salad $12.99
Romaine lettuce, beans, cherry tomatoes, corn, cheese, avocado, and chips strips.
Caesar Salad $11.99
Romaine lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and croutons.
Shrimp Salad $17.95
Mix greens, cherry tomatoes, onions, avocado, and mango vinaigrette.
Taco Salad $14.95
Fried taco bowl served with rice, beans, cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream | Choose from: Chicken Tinga, Grilled Chicken, Ground Beef, or Veggies.
Red's Salad $13.99
Mix greens, cherry tomatoes, onion, cucumber, avocado, and lemon vinaigrette.
Salmon Salad $22.95
Mix greens, cherry tomatoes, onion, avocado, and mango vinaigrette.

Kids
Rolled Chicken Taquitos $10.99
Cheese Kids - A - Dilla $10.99
Lil Burrito $10.99
Chicken or Steak.
Nachitos $10.99
Crispy chips, ground beef, cheese, and beans.
Fish and Rice $10.99
White fillet served with white rice.

Side Orders
Guacamole $4.00
Chips and Salsa $4.00
Pico De Gallo $3.00
Spanish Rice $3.00
French Fries $6.00
Sour Cream $3.00
Tostones $5.00
Yuca Fries $6.00
Black Beans $4.00
Cured Jalapeno $4.00
Sweet Plantains $5.00
Jalapeno Poppers $5.00
Sautéed Spinach $6.00

Bottled
Pacifico $8.00
Sol $8.00
Modelo $8.00
Stella $8.00
Corona $8.00
Buenaveza $8.00
Heineken $8.00
Blue Moon $8.00
Negra Modelo $8.00
XX $8.00

Draft
Modelo $8.00
Pacifico $8.00
Negra Modelo $8.00
IPA Stella $8.00
Blue Moon $8.00
Heineken $8.00
Buenaveza $8.00
Big Wave $8.00
Blue Point $8.00
Mango Cart $8.00

Red
Sauvignon Blanc $9.00
Chardonnay $9.00
Pinot Grigio $9.00
Rose Wine $9.00
White Zinfandel $9.00
Merlot $9.00
Pinot Noir $9.00
Cabernet $9.00
Malbec $9.00

White
Sauvignon Blanc $9.00
Chardonnay $9.00
Pinot Grigio $9.00
Rose Wine $9.00
White Zinfandel $9.00
Merlot $9.00
Pinot Noir $9.00
Cabernet $9.00
Malbec $9.00

Cocktails
Cosmopolitan $10.00
Bulldog $25.00
Mojitos $10.00
Pina Colada $10.00
Michelada $10.00
Sangria Red $9.00
Sangria White $9.00
Mexican Martini $12.00
Spicy Paloma $10.00
Mangonada $16.00
Caihipirina $10.00
Camaronera $12.00
Tequila Sunrise $10.00
Pink Senoritas $10.00
Jamaica Margarita $10.00
Cucumber Margarita $15.00

Margaritas
On The Rocks $12.00
Frozen $10.00
Sangrita $22.00

The Red Grill Details

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

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

Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
Locals

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Free street parking
Paid street parking

The Red Grill Photos

The Red Grill Location

The Red Grill

New York New York County New York 2nd Avenue

1701 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA

The Red Grill Reviews

An average rating of ★4.2 from 207 user reviews.

margaritaspriceenchiladastacosfajitaschipsbrunchnachossalsadrinks

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Came for the margaritas. I asked for strawberry flavor, but the chick instead gave me coconut. I must admit it was pretty good, too. I also asked for wings and mozzarella sticks, but instead got wings and calamari. 👀 The wings weren't fully cooked and were big for nothing. The calamari was ok. I had better. Anyways, I guess this place gives you what they feel you need, not what you ordered. But since the drinks were two for one, I will come back. 😌 And from other post, I didn't even know they had lunch specials. The waitress should inform the customers when they are seated.
June 07 · Sharna
I was in the mood for great Mexican food and wanted to try the Red Grill. The chips and salsa were good. The enchiladas were terrible. They were cold, dry and flat. The red sauce was more brown and was cold and thin. They didn’t taste like enchiladas at all. The waitress never came around to ask if I needed anything. When she did come to give me the bill I told her I didn’t like the meal. I barely touched it. She said “sorry.” Didn’t offer anything else.It was a total waste if money and I left hungry.I will still seek out a great Mexican restaurant on the upper east side.
June 12 · Jill Harth
I have tried two main courses here and found them both lacking pleasingly good flavor. One of them was the (pictured below) Grilled Pork Chops (2). The black beans that accompanied the Pork Chops did not come close to the best that I have had elsewhere. They have what they call "The Tower," (pictured below), it is a mixture of seafood and sea bass, served at refrigerator temperature. I found it to have only the flavor of spices. Save 3% by paying with cash.
June 18 · Harvey Messing
There is a 3% surcharge if you pay by credit card.As for the food, it’s decent if not basic, nothing special. The enchilada lunch special ($15.19, tax included) needed more heat/chilies. I also had to ask for the lunch menu; if you were not aware then you’d end ordering from the more expensive dinner menu.
December 19 · Augusto Paulino
Love the red grill! My go to affordable and authentic Mexican restaurant nearby. The chips and salsa are amazing and food always plentiful and delicious: a must try
August 08 · Jenna Marcus