Best Girls Night Out Approved Restaurants in Lower West Side
6 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Mariscos San Pedro
Chef-driven Mexican seafood with rotating, technique-forward aguachiles and tostadas.
Notable Picks
8.6
A polished Pilsen mariscos room where the kitchen treats aguachiles, tostadas, and ceviches like chef-driven small plates—bright acids, clean seafood flavor, and confident heat. The menu rotates, but the best meals balance chilled bites (tuna tostada, scallop aguachile) with one warm, shareable plate before dessert.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hokkaido scallop aguachile, Tuna tostada, Butter oysters
What Makes it Special: Chef-driven Mexican seafood with rotating, technique-forward aguachiles and tostadas.
#2
La Mejikana
8.2
A lively Ashland Ave room that plays like a night-out Mexican spot—big energy, cocktails, and a menu built around tacos plus richer, plated mains. The best orders stay focused: one birria-forward item, one shareable starter, and one taco set to keep the table moving.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quesa Birria Tacos, Birria Taco, Queso Fundido
What Makes it Special: High-energy Mexican dining where birria and shareables drive repeat visits.
8.1
A loud, high-traffic margarita bar that’s built for happy hour with groups—quick chips-and-salsa momentum, strong frozen-and-shaken drinks, and tacos designed for sharing. It’s strongest when you keep the order structured: one round, one round of tacos, then decide if you’re staying for a second lap.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak taco, Al pastor taco, Margarita pitcher
What Makes it Special: Margarita-forward bar energy with tacos built for rounds.
#4
La Luna
8
A colorful, music-forward Mexican dining room that plays well for happy hour when you want a lively room and a fast order cycle—cocktails, tacos, and shareables that come out with momentum. It’s best for groups that want a fun start to the night, not a quiet conversation bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada tacos, Guacamole, Margarita flight
What Makes it Special: Party-leaning Mexican spot with happy-hour-friendly cocktails and share plates.
Worthy Picks
7.8
A pizza bar format with a louder room and late hours—built for groups that want pizza plus drinks without turning it into a formal sit-down. The best orders lean into their Mexican-inspired topping lane, where the flavors read bold and the pies feel designed for sharing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Asada Pizza, Pastor Pizza, Margherita pizza
What Makes it Special: Pizza-bar energy with Mexican-forward pies meant for sharing.
7.6
A fully plant-based taqueria that’s strongest when you treat it like street-food format: pick two taco styles with different textures, add one drink, and stop there. The best items mimic classic taqueria structure—savory filling, salsa heat, and a tortilla that holds—without leaning on novelty.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soy al pastor tacos, Jackfruit barbacoa tacos, Matcha horchata
What Makes it Special: A 100% vegan taco menu that aims for classic street-style satisfaction.