ZipPicks Awards
Best Mexican in Forest Hills
Master Critic Review
5 Burro Cafe
8.4
A big, lively Austin Street Mexican anchor built for margaritas and shareable plates, where the kitchen’s strength is straightforward crowd-pleasers done with confidence. Best used for group dinners: keep the order taco-and-entrée focused, add guac, and let the bar do the rest.
Must-Try Dishes:
3 Tacos, 3 Enchiladas, Margaritas
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A high-volume Forest Hills Mexican staple with a strong margarita program and crowd-ready plates.
Who should go: Groups chasing tacos and margaritas
When to visit: Weeknights for easier seating
What to order: 3 Tacos, enchiladas, margaritas
Insider tip: Order one entrée-style taco plate plus one shared starter—pacing improves.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered on Austin Street and surrounding blocks, gets difficult after 6pm. Nearby municipal garages are a safer bet for dinner.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans and nice tops are standard; groups tend to dress a bit trendier at night.
Noise level: Loud. Music, bar energy, and big tables make conversation possible but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple veggie tacos, enchiladas, and sides make it easy.
Vegan options: Limited — can build tacos or bowls with vegetables, beans, and rice, but expect some modifications.
Gluten-free options: Partial — corn tortillas and some mains work, but cross-contact is possible in a busy kitchen.
Best For
Better for: Big groups, celebratory dinners, margarita-driven nights, and reliable crowd-pleasing Mexican staples.
Skip if: You want a quiet, food-first Mexican meal or nuanced regional cooking—this is more about energy and consistency than subtlety.