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Cinco de Mayo (Kips Bay)
$ · Mexican, Tacos

113 E 31st St, New York, NY 10016
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ZipPicks Awards

Best Mexican in Murray Hill & Kips Bay Best Tacos in Murray Hill & Kips Bay

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Cinco de Mayo (Kips Bay) 8.2
Rose Hill
Vibes: Comfort Food Classics Family Friendly Favorites Group Dining Gatherings Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Cinco De Mayo Authentic Mexican Cuisine runs a tight, casual spot on East 31st that doubles as both a neighborhood restaurant and a busy catering hub. People lean on it for enchilada platters, grilled chicken salads, and big trays that feed entire offices.
Must-Try Dishes: Cinco de Mayo Plate, Enchiladas, Grilled Chicken Guacamole Salad
Scores:
Value: 8.7 Service: 8 Consistency: 8.6 Food Quality: 8.3 Atmosphere: 6.3 Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: High-volume neighborhood Mexican spot known for feeding offices and families with hearty platters.
Who should go: Office crews and families craving hearty, familiar Mexican combo plates.
When to visit: Weekday lunches, casual dinners, and group-friendly office catering nights.
What to order: Cinco de Mayo Plate, enchiladas trio, grilled chicken guacamole salad.
Insider tip: For groups, order the taquiza or platter-style catering so everyone can build their own plate.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spaces on nearby avenues with very limited availability after 6pm. Most locals walk or take a short rideshare.
Dress code: Very casual — jeans, sneakers, and workday attire all fit in easily.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — easy to talk at lunch, louder during peak dinner and pickup rush.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes, even during busy office lunch waves
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie enchiladas, bean-and-cheese plates, salads, and rice-and-beans combos.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with bean, rice, veggie fajita builds and no cheese or sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas, grilled meats, rice, beans, and salads work well for gluten-sensitive guests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want very casual and low-pressure — this is more neighborhood comfort than romantic atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially at lunch and early dinner; later evenings may involve a short wait but turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — simple combo plates, mild flavors available, and space that works well for families and strollers.
Best For
Better for: Big portions, fast service, dependable flavor, and feeding groups affordably — especially for office catering.
Skip if: You’re looking for trendy tacos, craft cocktails, or an elevated date-night dining experience.