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La Contenta — Mexican restaurants in New York

La Contenta

Mexican restaurantNew York, NY

4.6 out of 5 stars4.6(1,066 reviews)

Quick info

+1 212-432-4180
102 Norfolk St, New York, NY 10002, United States
$20–80 · Reported by 17 people

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About La Contenta

La Contenta is a Mexican restaurant on Norfolk St, run by a native chef-owner alongside a menu of mezcals and other agave spirits. Two entrances lead into separate seating areas on the left and right sides of the room, which holds around 35 seats across a 59-dish menu. Tacos De Carnitas anchor the food, with enchiladas and chicken mole among the other named dishes. Outdoor seating adds extra tables for those who want to eat outside, and dogs are welcome throughout. High chairs are on hand for families with young children, and the kitchen also packs orders for takeaway or delivery. Reservations are recommended, since the restaurant usually has a wait. Free Wi-Fi is available for anyone settling in. A 20 percent gratuity is added automatically to the bill, and the dining room tends to run loud with music playing throughout service.

Good to know

  • Reservations
    Accepts reservations
  • Parking
    Free of charge street parking · Paid street parking · Difficult to find a space
  • Accessibility
    Has wheelchair-accessible seating · Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Good for kids
    High chairs available
  • Dietary
    Serves vegetarian dishes

Menu & Prices

59 dishes · mains $4–34
  • La Contenta Nachos$18.00
  • Tacos De Carnitas$17.00
  • Grilled Quesadilla$18.00
  • Tacos De Carne Asada$18.00
  • Guacamole Tradicional$18.00
  • Torta Ahogada$18.00
See full menu & prices →

Reviews

4.6/5
1,066 reviews

What reviewers say

Reviewers most often mention guacamole, chicken mole, fish tacos and loud music.

5★
821
4★
147
3★
46
2★
23
1★
29

Customer Review Summary

Guacamole draws the most consistent praise, with reviewers repeatedly calling it "on another level" or among the best they've had, alongside nachos and margaritas. Close behind, the chicken mole (often noted with plantains) and hanger steak with chimichurri get singled out, and tacos, especially carnitas and fish tacos, come up again and again as reliable orders. Several mention the guava cocktail and smoky mezcal drinks as standouts, and the small, roughly 35 seat space with Mexican music on the stereo is repeatedly called cozy or charming, though a handful found the music too loud for conversation. Price is a recurring sore point: multiple diners call portions small for the cost, citing a fifteen dollar guacamole or a thirteen dollar side. Service swings widely, most call it attentive and fast, but two reviewers describe extremely slow service with drinks arriving after entrees, and one recounts a bug found in the water pitcher along with an unrequested automatic gratuity. One brunch visitor also noted the outdoor seating area smelled unpleasant before it was cleaned.

Featured reviews

  • Antonia Wimberger
    “I work abroad all year and travel the world constantly… when I tell you this is the best I’ve ever had I MEAN IT!! I will 100% be going out of my way to go here every time I’m in NY!! (I had the guac/chips and chicken tostadas ugh AMAZING!!)”
  • Mia Hasak
    “Unfortunately really bad experience yesterday, August 3rd. Beyond the fact that service was so slow, drinks came 30 minutes after food, and waiter forgot an item, when pouring water for us from the pitcher there was a big bug in it. Tried to get the waiters attention to remove the water, but he walked away. And then they added automatic 20% gratuity …… we came for my friends birthday and left disappointed.”
  • Victoria C
    “Food was AMAZING and absolutely worth the visit. The tacos and guac were sooo good. Only small feedback is that the seating felt a little tight for plus-size guests, but overall we had a great experience and the food was top tier.”
  • Nate Alford
    “This is one of my favorite restaurants in all of NYC. I go about once a month before or after catching a movie at the Regal Essex, which is just two blocks away. The food and drinks are great, the the food is terrific, the prices are …”
  • Jacek Ejma
    “We visited La Contenta late in the evening, after 9 PM, while exploring New York, and it was a great choice. The Mexican food was delicious, full of flavor, and freshly prepared. The restaurant is small, but that’s part of its charm. The bar, authentic Mexican music in the background, and a cold Mexican beer created an amazing atmosphere. If you’re looking for a cozy spot with great food and a genuine vibe, I highly recommend this place!”

Hours

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Highlights

“Neighborhood joint for Mexican food by a native chef-owner, plus mezcals & other agave spirits.”

  • Has fast service
  • Has great beer selection
  • Serves great cocktails
  • Serves local speciality
  • Popular for popular for lunch
  • Popular for popular for dinner

Amenities

  • Has Wi-Fi
  • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Free of charge street parking
  • Accepts reservations
  • Has outdoor seating
  • Dogs allowed outside
Show more amenities
  • Has no-contact delivery
  • Offers takeaway
  • Serves dine-in
  • Serves vegetarian dishes
  • Has bar on site
  • Casual
Offerings· 12
  • Serves alcohol
  • Serves beer
  • Serves cocktails
  • Serves coffee
  • Serves comfort food
  • Serves happy-hour drinks
  • Serves happy-hour food
  • Serves late-night food
  • Quick bite
  • Serves small plates
  • Serves spirits
  • Serves wine
Facilities· 2
  • Has gender-neutral toilets
  • Has toilet
Family-friendly· 1
  • High chairs available
Dining options· 7
  • Serves brunch
  • Serves lunch
  • Serves dinner
  • Has catering
  • Serves dessert
  • Has seating
  • Has table service
Popular for· 3
  • Popular for lunch
  • Popular for dinner
  • Good for solo dining
Crowd· 3
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Popular with tourists
  • Popular with university students
Parking· 2
  • Paid street parking
  • Difficult to find a space
Service options· 2
  • Offers kerbside pickup
  • Offers delivery
Highlights· 4
  • Has fast service
  • Has great beer selection
  • Serves great cocktails
  • Serves local speciality
Atmosphere· 3
  • Cosy
  • Romantic
  • Trendy
Accessibility· 1
  • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Planning· 4
  • Brunch reservations recommended
  • Lunch reservations recommended
  • Dinner reservations recommended
  • Usually has a wait

Location

Mexican restaurants near La Contenta

La Contenta
$20–80
4.61,066
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    1.7 mi$20–30

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