If you haven’t been to La Esquina, it’s time to go now, and check out the brand new cocktail menu. Located on Kenmare Street in Nolita, this speakeasy-style Mexican restaurant (secret entrance and all) owned by Derek Sanders features some of the best tacos and tequila selection in town.
The Brasserie and Tequila Bar is located downstairs – past a door label “Employees Only” – and guests are treated to a quick walk through the kitchen to get to the bar where you will find distressed stone walls, metal work and tequila bottles throughout. The restaurant is dimly lit, which goes well with the mix of models, fashionistas, and celebrities that frequent the venue like John Mayer, Demi Lovato, Kate Hudson, Julia Roberts and George Clooney to name a few.
They recently launched a new specialty cocktail menu that pairs well with the food, and we had a chance to check it out.
La Esquiña Brasserie Cocktails
We tried four margaritas and one specialty cocktail off of their new menu, each paired with food by Chef Adrian Ramirez.
Pepino Diablo + Michelle’s Ceviche
Ingredients: Tanteo Jalapeño infused blanco tequila, cucumber puree, citrus, agave nectar. Shaken and Poured over ice with a chile flake/red sea salt rimmed glass and garnished with a cucumber slice.
The Pepino Diablo was paired with Michelle’s Ceviche (Lime Marinated Market Fish with Habañero Peppers, Cilantro, Red Onion, Apples, Avocado and Plantain Chips.) Named after the owner’s wife.
Prickly Pear Margarita with the Pulpo Tostadas
Ingredients: Olmeca Blanco Tequila, Prickly Pear Cactus from puree, citrus, triple sec, and Hellfire bitters.
Coco Muy Loco + Cangrejo Tostadas
Ingredients: El Jimador Reposado Tequila, Coconut puree, citrus, giffards banana liquor, and orange bitters. Poured over ice and garnished with an orange.
The Coco Muy Loco came paired with the Cangrejo or Lump Crabmeat tostadas, with pickled mango and chipotle.
Mamacita Latina Cocktail
Ingredients: Reyka Vodka, Rosemary and pepper infused Aperol, Citrus, cucumber, orgeat and topped with Lambrusco.
Smoked and Oaked Margarita + Tortas
Ingredients: Ilegal Reposado Mezcal, Arbol Chili Agave, Citrus, pink peppercorns, and smoked red alder salt. Mixed and served chilled in a martini glass.
La Esquina Brasserie Details
Get social with La Esquina at:
- Facebook: La Esquina
- Instagram: @esquinanyc
- Twitter: @LaEsquinaNY
Making Reservations
The best way to get a reservation is to know someone, but if you don’t here is what you do:
Call 646.613.7100 for reservations and they are taken 21 days to the day, or on OpenTable where they are taken 20 days to the day.
Address:
114 Kenmare, New York, NY 10012 between Lafayette and Centre.
Hours:
Cafe:
Mon-Fri 12pm to 12am
Sat-Sun 11am to 12am (open ’til 1am Fri/Sat)
Taqueria:
Open daily 11am to 1:45am
Mon-Fri delivery 11am to 11pm
Sat-Sun delivery 11am to 10pm
Brasserie:
Mon-Sun 6pm to 2am
Selected DJs nightly 9:30pm to 2am.
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