When Ánimo first opened in Midtown East in October 2024, I was excited simply because the neighborhood doesn't have many early breakfast spots. I frequent this restaurant a few times throughout the week, and I rarely miss a weekend. Whenever family and friends visit me, I bring them to Ánimo. It is no doubt one of my favorite restaurants. Yes! The food is that good! The owner and staff clearly take pride in creating a warm, welcoming experience. Whether you are a familiar face, a new guest, or grabbing a quick to-go order, you are always treated like family. The service is attentive without being overbearing, and the team runs the dining room smoothly--even when it's busy. Even after the recent remodel, the service continues to be well-coordinated, with staff who offer thoughtful recommendations. The space is bright, modern, and inviting. It's perfect for a casual brunch, a quick coffee stop, or an elevated date night ... not to mention that now with the warmer weather, I am looking forward to their outside dining. I was very happy to see many of the original staff return. The service continues to be attentive and well-coordinated, with staff who offer thoughtful recommendations. As a repeat patron, what sets Ánimo apart from the rest is that the new dishes along with old favorites, reflect the made-from-scratch dishes that are consistently fresh, well-seasoned, and thoughtfully prepared. This is their foundation. Dishes that delight your tastebuds, highlighting flavors from different regions of Mexico. Their Tacos de Huevo con Barbacoa, Tostaditas de Atún, and Huachinango a la Veracruzana are masterpieces. Portions are satisfying, cocktails are superb, creative and balanced. Their Horchata Latte and Chilaquiles Mezcalita are must haves. For the quality, location, and experience, pricing feels fair. I am so proud to have Ánimo in my neighborhood! Whether you're stopping by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Ánimo is a neighborhood gem and an impressive Mexican dining spot in Midtown East. read more

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Ánimo! quickly became one of my go-to spots in the city. Everything feels intentional, from the flavors to the service to the atmosphere. You can tell the food is made from scratch, and it really makes a difference. The team is super nice and genuinely cares about the experience. It's the kind of place you bring friends to, and then keep coming back to on your own. read more

Animo - celebrating - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

Animo was recently renovated and it looks amazing inside. It's super upscale and way brighter than your usual Mexican spot. I was greeted as soon as I walked in and sat down just as quickly. They have tons of mirrors which makes the whole place feel really large and airy, but it still feels intimate. The drinks were delicious! I got the classic margarita and it was perfect, not too sweet and not too sour. We ordered the guacamole for an appetizer and the portion is hefty. We couldn't even finish it! The chips are thicker and heartier than usual, so they can actually handle the guac without breaking. For my main, I got the braised beef in mole. The beef was so tender and juicy, and the mole was the perfect mix of sweet and savory. It comes with Mexican rice which is a good accompaniment to help spread out how hearty the beef is. Such a great experience, I'll definitely be back! read more

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The French toast was so good, definitely my favorite. It comes drenched in syrup, which I loved. The enchiladas had a fantastic green sauce. The fish tacos were nice and tender, and the burrito was great. The cinnamon roll and al pastor meat in the tacos were very dry and not that good. We came a bit really to our reservation for Saturday brunch, and they were nice enough to seat us despite being pretty busy. The decor is beautiful and the food is gorgeous. However, there is something seriously wrong with the acoustics. We had a table with a booth seat and could barely hear the person next to us due to the surrounding noise of all the other patrons. We had to near shout to converse normally. It's not like any other table was particularly rowdy, but somehow their normal chatter was extremely amplified, which was a bit discomfiting. read more

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I have been to this tasty Mexican place, which is reopening soon enough, twice now. The inside is casual, the service is very friendly, and the food is overall very tasty, almost unexpectedly good for an area where the only other Mexican options nearby are chains such as Rosa Mexicano. The first time, I only stopped for a snack because I wanted something small for breakfast, I believe, after an appointment or something similar. I went with a Kekito de Pan de Elote, or, in other words, a little corn cake, which was maybe around $4.50. It was mildly sweet, almost like a thick custard in texture, and delicious. The corn flavor shone through, and it worked quite well with a coffee I made at home, though they do have some beverages, such as Café de Olla. The other time I was here was in early November, as they used that week to celebrate Día de los Muertos. They had a special menu, as seen in the photos, and instead of the more expensive Chamorro, which was very tempting, I went with two relatively cheaper dishes. The Pozole Rojo for $17 was a traditional hominy stew with slow-cooked pork or chicken in a red chili broth, and garnished with fresh toppings. There was also a Verde option for the same price point in a tomatillo-poblano broth with avocado and radish, but I generally prefer red pozole. I have had pozole from plenty of places, and this was outstanding. There was plenty of corn and soft, tender pork. The broth was as complex as it should be, with an earthy, slightly spicy flavor. This was excellent, and I hope they add it to the main menu when they reopen in their new, larger space. My other dish was Tamales Oxaqueños with two tamales, for $22. This consisted of steamed corn masa wrapped in banana leaves and filled with chicken in mole negro. The tamales had a good texture, being soft and less dense than the typical lower-quality ones you find in most other restaurants and antojitos carts. There was plenty of chicken inside, and the mole was complex with very mild sweetness, a good amount of heat, some bitterness, and a wide variety of spices. At least from what I can tell, this was probably the most comparable mole to my favorite at Mama Lupita's Bistro in Sunset Park, which serves outstanding enmoladas, or enchiladas con mole. This was filling and again very tasty. This is very good Mexican food for pretty reasonable prices, at least for Midtown East. I would definitely go back here for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. I look forward to going back once they reopen. read more

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I may not be able to vouch for authenticity but I can attest to a great breakfast. My server recommended Chilies Requillos which was an excellent plate. My plate came out quickly and most importantly, came out piping hot. The chips at the bottom were so fresh and crunchy. Each bite was very flavorful and certainly very filling. I actually struggled to finish as the chips were really filling. Service was friendly and on point at the counter at early hour on a Sunday morning. read more

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Service: 4/5 Food: 3.7/5 Price: $20-$30 Came for brunch, so I was expecting a larger space. I enjoyed the cute bakery/cafe vibe. Super upbeat + positive staff. What I Ordered: - Café de Olla: tastes like a red date soup my grandma makes me drink, on the sweeter side - Chocolita: thin + frothy, I thought it was supposed to be spicy, but I guess it's just cinnamon-y - Burrito Mañanero: saucy, slightly spicy, good portion - Hot Cakes Glorias: Mexican Glorias (caramel-like pecan candy) melted inside, thick + fluffy, filling read more

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We woke up late due to Jetlag and we're looking for a breakfast spot. We went to another spot where breakfast was over so we decided to stop by here and lo and behold, they still offered breakfast. It was their Independence day weekend so they had cute decorations, and a special menu. We were greeted once we arrived. Everyone was pretty pleasant. It's a small place but well decorated and sitting arrangement. I will say you sit on the same table as others with a-split partition in the middle of the shared table. Made for great conversation with others. I ordered a Carajillo which is a Spanish liqueur Coffee drink. It was pretty good. I tried there a Chata latte and that was great as well. I ordered the Sonora burrito breakfast burrito and it was 10 out of 10. Very flavorful and filling. I did ask for some spicy salsa and they gave me a red and green one, which didn't bring the heat so they brought a habanero which, in my opinion, had a bit of spice. Really good though. I also took a bite of their chorizo and egg torta, and it was delicious. The bread was soft and all the flavors were amazing. I highly recommend this spot. read more

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Went to newly expanded Animo for lunch today. I think that with time things will improve. The food was fresh and good, but service wS quite uneven. Asked for mild guac, and had to send it back. Very spicy, but they quickly replaced it. Other things were off such as soup with no spoon, coffee very cold, but they replaced it without spoon or sugar. Many little things could be improved, but with time I think it will. The bottom line is that the food was fresh and good. Try it! read more

Just returned to Animo since their expansion. Well done! The space is much larger but still intimate and welcoming. The staff is amazing, especially Diana. The food? Incredible! They haven't missed a beat! Try their brunch, and order one of the best lattes in midtown east. read more

Animo - Great bar area and nice-sized tables at the "new" Animo. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

This is the best Mexican food I've had in Manhattan. Although the UES is slightly out of the way, I would gladly return to feel like I'm home. The staff is friendly and the food is amazing. read more

Animo - Pan de Muerto - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

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There are some dishes whose presence on the menu alerts me to the quality and authenticity of the establishment. For Mexican brunch and breakfast joints, that dish is molletes. It's a humble dish that when done well can be exquisite. With the right mix of quality bolillo, refried beans and cheese, it can make for a decadent yet simple breakfast. Animo's rendition was very well executed. The cafe de olla was also nicely spiced, and the space is pleasant and airy for a casual brunch. read more

Animo - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

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If I were you, I'd stay away from this restaurant. It's quite pretentious and frankly at the rate they're going, they'll be out of business in one month. They get 1 star for coffee and visible signage. Everything else is just a let down: food, not authentic; service, lots of staff running around but not in touch with restaurant patrons; maître d', snooty and pretentious; restaurant manager, tries hard but misses the point; bathroom, not clean and with equipment out of order. I do not recommend this place at all. read more

Cafe and brunch spot. Completely filled on a late Saturday morning. I had the Burrito Sonora - a breakfast burrito with eggs, cheese, chorizo, lettuce, and tomatoes. It's a petite burrito with plenty of sauce and flavor. During another visit, we shared the vanilla concha (sweet bread) and a corn cake. Service is quick and accommodating. They have one single occupancy restroom which is spacious, handicap accessible, and has a changing table. read more

Absolutely loved Ánimo! The chilaquiles verdes were some of the best I've had and they didn't skimp on the portion size. I added al pastor, which was delicious. The latte con vainilla was also delicious. Tried a cinnamon role as well, make sure you have them warm it up. In addition to the delicious food, the atmosphere was great and the service was top notch. Pricing was reasonable. Would absolutely return next time I'm in the city! Highly recommend to anyone looking for a tasty Mexican breakfast. read more

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I found this place through an Instagram reel. The horchata latte was on point. I loved the torta de milanesa. The breading was different from other milanesas. The sandwich is good on its own that you don't even need a sauce. I ended my meal with hot cakes as dessert. It was delicious! The hot cakes had pecans in the middle. They were fluffy and not too sweet. The service was lovely as well, the waiter was very attentive. I'm recommending this spot to friends and family because of how great it was! read more

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Animo! has such warmth in the neighborhood! They started off with lovely Mexican breakfast, and now they do dinner and drinks. I've ordered breakfast delivery here a couple times, and the torta is incredible. Get the pastries for sure! Maybe try a taco for breakfast/brunch. The breakfast sandwich will be a staple on the weekends. I also came on their first night of dinner service. We tried the shrimp and beef tacos, as well as the chicken enchiladas with mole and some margaritas. Definitely try the al pastor tacos and the mole. We also tried the cheesecake. I'd love to try the rest of the desserts. Note that the tables are right next to each other, so you're likely to be pretty much seated right with another party. It's tight inside, so fair warning! Quick and very warm service. You can tell there is so much love in the restaurant and their food and service. Can't wait to come back! read more

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Phenomenal breakfast! Favorites are the chilaquiles verdes, hot cakes with glorias, and their cafe de olla.

I came here for restaurant week and I loved it. I found it delicious. I ordered the chicarron con guacamole and the steak as the main entree and as a dessert I ordered the chocolate flan. The food was delicious and I enjoyed it very much. I also had two drinks which were on happy hour. The service was great; the employees were very nice and the food was fresh and hot when it arrived. The employees were very strand would check on us. I also liked the timing of the dishes; they arrived within enough time for us to enjoy each course. The place is beautiful inside with enough light; I liked the colors and the design of the tables. I would definitely come back to try other dish read more

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Returning to Animo for another visit, we were quickly greeted by the host, as we entered the subtly whimsical dining room, with counter seating in the front and interspersed with banquettes. I could imagine finding Animo in an upscale neighborhood in Mexico City, one of my favorite cities. I had the Enchiladas de Mole Poblano, generous portions of shredded white chicken meat wrapped in tender corn tortillas and smothered in their delicious homemade mole, layers of flavor with just a hint of heat. it is definitely on the list of best moles in NYC. Hopefully they will eventually have a chicken mole as a main. The guacamole was fresh with chunks of avocado and the homemade tortilla chip rounds were a nice touch. Finishing with chocolate roll, dark chocolate cake wrapped around cream filling. Btw, the margaritas here are good. read more

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Ánimo! When I read about this restaurant I knew it had to be authentic because the name was so authentic Mexican. Couldn't wait to try! Nomz: Had the chilaquiles with chicken and a vanilla concha. They come with refried beans, wish the menu said that, we ordered a extra side. Chilaquiles were good, also note the chicken is shredded. As a concha enthusiast, the concha was such a disappointment. For $5 a pop, I expected at least a good piece of sweet bread but found it a bit hard and dry. I highly doubt it was freshly baked, you know freshly baked at the first bite - this was not it. Drinks: Orange juice was nice and fresh and my friend enjoyed her cafe de olla. Service: This review was saved by the service of our bus boy, he was so sweet and attentive. Ambiance: You feel like you're walking into a restaurant in Mexico City, but NYC sized - the design is impeccable. You order at the counter and look for a seat, there is bar seating and tables along the windows. Nope or Dope: Nope, it's a nope for me, sadly - mostly still upset about the concha but with so many good Mexican places in the city I have to keep exploring. read more

Animo - Sweet bread - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

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Visited on Sunday for brunch and was greeted by not only a welcoming staff, but DELICIOUS food! As soon as we walked in we were warmly welcomed, making it feel like we just arrived at a close friends house. For two people, we ordered the Chilaquiles Rojos (add Pastor), Molletes, Sopes, and a side of rice and beans. The highlight of our meal was definitely the Chilaquiles, which were coated in the deliciously addicting Salsa Rojo, and generously topped with the Pastor. Another must order is the Chocolita. If you're craving a creamy chocolate beverage, then this is perfect!! read more

Animo - Top Left: Sopes Bottom Left: Chilaquiles Rojos Top Right: Molletes Bottom Right: Side of Rice and Beans - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

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Animo is a much welcomed newish breakfast restaurant to Turtle Bay, where breakfast options are quite limited. The space is small but very cozy and tastefully designed. Breakfast options are great and all dishes are delicious. Coffee could be better. They need better quality. Service - can be hit or miss depending on day and server. This should be a focus for improvement. I had to ask for milk 5 times during one of my visits. They need to take reservations; lines can be annoying. read more

ANIMO Our sport is food. We tend towards comfort and homestyle be it Korean or Mexican or Italian. Just passionate about eating great food. We share places we have enjoyed and rate them within the range of their reach. About every so often we come to an outstanding place that takes us to Nirvana. This place is that! I'll add more details later today....but folks the food is given passion from the level of the waitperson introducing us to things we never knew we must have! So much is made on premise from their bakery items to their horchata! Example: We requested a black coffee and she asked if we would like to try one of their special drinks and then described what we might like to try...Cafe De Olla. Now will always be looking for some when I'm out. If you just want bread don't come here....because you will be given a freshly made this morning slice of heaven called a Bolillo. And authentic? Well, I ordered a side of rice....because that is a tell-all....and it was perfect. I almost cried when I took my 1st bite into my chorizo-ridden burrito...straight up to the back of the nose...exquisite! We are going back for mole this evening! https://www.instagram.com/animo.nyc?igsh=MW5vOHA1YXVvcXlndg== read more

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Went for late breakfast and everything was so enjoyable The coffee The meal The service Reminded me of Mexico City restaurant read more

10/10 everything was soooo good!!! Service was too notch as well. I will be back next time I am in the city. The chorizo and eggs torta was sooo filling and the pancakes were perfect not too sweet. The panela and bolillo were a perfect combo. Of course the café de olla is a must!! read more

We had an excellent brunch here. Great chocolate concha, really excellent chilaquiles rojo, great tacos (al pastor and barbacoa), and really excellent pancakes. Definitely worth the visit and will certainly be entering our delivery rotation. read more

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Their popular egg and barbacoa tacos were amazing and very filling. I normally don't like corn cake but this one was amazing that I finished it all. We were looking for authentic delicious Mexican food and this was the spot! The chilaquiles were really good as well. Def recommend this spot. read more

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Small but mighty. Order at the counter or on your phone at one of the small tables against one side of the wall. Everyone working there were very nice, accommodating, mostly kept their cool while it was clearly very busy and crowded. Not super great for big groups. Food came out hot, flavorful and very delicious! So cheesy!! Can't wait to go back and try more items! read more

Animo - Molletes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

Really delicious and inexpensive food. Also very crowded at brunch time and the restaurant is tiny so don't be surprised if you have to wait for someone to leave before you can sit- even then it might be a little tight! Can't wait to go back though and try other things on the menu as well as the coffee drinks. read more

Animo - Enchiladas Verdes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

Sort of in between a full dining and fast casual restaurant, animo had a good selection of Mexican breakfast dishes. The Chilaquiles still had the crispness to the chips that make for a good chilaquiles and the beans were seasoned well. Cafe de Olla was also great, have always loved this version of Mexican sweet coffee. If I was craving a Mexican breakfast I'd find myself making the long walk to serve my craving. read more

Animo - Chilaquiles Rojos - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

Came to Animo for a delicious Mexican breakfast that was such a treat. I ordered the Chorizo Breakfast Taco and Vanilla Concha and Horchata Latte. - Chorizo Breakfast Taco: (6/10), meh needed some more add ins. It was just a tortilla with eggs and chorizo. Not bad but not memorable. Wouldn't get again - Vanilla Concha: (8.8/10), OMG so good. I've been wanting to try a concha/Mexican pan dulce for SO LONG and I finally tried !!! My dream has been to dip a concha in coffee and this exceeded my expectations. I thought the topping of the concha was perfectly buttery, crumbly, and paired so well with the soft texture of the bread. It wasn't too sweet and paired so well with the Horchata Latte - Horchata Latte: (7.6/10), solid horchata. Not that strong of cinnamon/rice taste. I enjoyed that the drink wasn't too sweet and was warm I will say the bathroom is a hidden treat--they play lovely rainforest noises and it's huge! The interior of the restaurant is also gorgeous, lots of sage green décor and natural lighting. Overall, I'd come back to Animo to try more (supposedly in-house baked) pan dulce but I didn't think the savory dishes were anything too special. read more

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Just moved to NYC and I just called my lawyer and told them to change my will so I can have my ashes sprinkled on the Barbacoa burrito. It's that good. Yeah, I'm a gringo, but I spent 20 yrs eating LA Mexican and this place just f****g delivers. Animo for the win. Also worth mentioning that manager and the staff are all friendly - which is a bonus but not surprising for a place with food this good. Everyone is stoked. read more

Cute new Mexican cafe- we stumbled across it when we were on the prowl for some breakfast. There was a sign about having the best chilaquiles in town so we had to go investigate. Very cute interior- it's small and cozy, tables are limited so you may need to enjoy your food at the counter. Service was very friendly- you can order at the front counter or scan the QR code at your seat to order your food. If you're at the counter, check out the fresh Mexican pastries of the day. Our group of three each tried different things- cheese enchiladas, the chilaquiles with chicken, and the huevos rancheros. All were delicious and you can tell the quality of the ingredients really shine through. Portions may look small, but you'll be pleasantly full! read more

Absolutely love! It wasn't the best chorizo egg taco I've ever had but they definitely hit the spot. The vibes and style of this place is top notch and their logo/products are so cute! The horchata was fantastic and I also loved the side of rice. Service was friendly! The spot is small so you may need to take your food to go! read more

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This was my first visit, and overall, it was a pleasant experience. However, the seating was not what I expected, you will be sitting really close to other people, the place is small, which might not be ideal for everyone. Ordering is done through a QR code, and the food is brought to your table, which was convenient. The cappuccino was good, but the brewed coffee was too bitter for my liking. The vegan Chiroso tacos were tasty, while the huevos rancheros were average. The tortillas are not traditional Mexican tortillas; they have a texture more similar to naan. Tres leches cake was 4/5, think and moist. The bathroom is beautiful. read more

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Excellent. Came here for breakfast and was very impressed. -Try the pastries -We ordered a quesadilla, muletta, and tacos. All 5/5 -Service great. They were very accommodating to us (we had a stroller). All employees were kind -Pretty little environment -Coffee looked good. Can't wait to try their lunch menu. 5/5. Thrilled to finally have great Mexican food in the area read more

I have The Infatuation to thank (https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/best-mexican-restaurants-nyc) and my friend who chose Ánimo! for dinner on 7/5/25 (which we did after seeing the terrific Duke & Roya at the Lucille Lortel). Safe to say Ánimo now rivals The Smith (across the street on the southeast corner) for my attendance in the area. Beginning with my El Pastorcito (which included mezcal, pineapple juice, ancho reyes, lime juice, rimmed with Tahine), which was terrific, followed by really good guacamole, joined by in-house fried corn tortillas and accompanied by three sauces, two of which I asked if they'd get the license and sell them (guajillo, pineapple & chile de arbol), the meal continued to soar with Enchiladas de Mole Poblano and Huevos Norteños. Caroline, our server, was terrific, as was the entire staff. Shouts to Rommel. Whether you're in Turtle Bay or on your way to the Koch Bridge, or you simply want terrific Mexican food, go to Ánimo. read more

Excellent Mexican breakfast/brunch food and service - well executed and authentic. The tres leches cake was also excellent. Will come again. Ambiance is very casual. read more

A cute and somewhat small establishment with a lot to offer specially in the Turtle Bay neighborhood. Authentic Mexican spot with Great vegan chorizo. They take a spin on the fast casual restaurants with s more of a welcoming restaurant style. You have the option of sitting or take out. They have high tops which is great for solo dining or with a friend, they also have a few larger seating areas. What's also cool is that they serve alcohol. The chicken and avocado chilaquiles were amazing and came out in like 5 minutes. The carajillo is an espresso martini and horchata had a baby. Definitely recommend. read more

Animo - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

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