We have driven by this restaurant for years and finally stopped for lunch today. Exceeded our expectations. The fish tacos were phenomenal! Squash blossom tacos were best I've ever had in NYC. Everything was fresh and flavorful & made with delicious homemade corn tortillas. The salsa was also fantastic. The restaurant is super charming with great natural light in this quiet Windsor Terrace neighborhood. The only downside was that there was only one guy working so he was a bit slow to take our order but he was super friendly. And the food came quickly once we ordered. Highly recommend! read more

Only rating as nobody has recently. And indeed .. it's just mid. Oy. Drinks were good. Had a mezcalita and an Unforgettable. Those I would solidly recommend. But the tacos were small. The corn salad ok. Food was room temperature. I live a 20 minute walk/5 minute drive away and I can get better flavors, for less money, significantly closer on my side of Kensington. The service and ambiance were really good tho. Kind and attentive server. So I would recommend for a nightcap... And there's certainly potential. But other than that.. #skip read more

The location is fantastic and to be able to sit outside in our neighborhood is great. The issue is they raised their prices. For example the rice beans is way too expensive. Tacos should be cheap and delicious. Other Mexican restaurants have happy hours where there are inexpensive appetizers because they know that people will drink. This creates a really lively atmosphere where people enjoy being and running into neighbors. Finally, the service could just be a little more attentive. I shouldn't have to sit there forever waiting for my check. Lower Prices ... happy hour... good Service .. all will make Cena a hot spot in the neighborhood read more

I don't know if we caught them at a bad time or what happened. It was a Saturday night at 6 pm and the service was really poor. I would have expected that if the place was slammed, but it wasn't. The food was pricey for what you got. There are better, more authentic and affordable places with better service throughout the area. I would not recommend this restaurant. read more

Cena is a quaint little hideway from the rest of busy city life. The neighbourhood is so peaceful that even the expressway behind the restaurant manages to feel peaceful. The staff are attentive, friendly, and hard working. This time, I ordered Huevos Rancheros from the brunch menu along with a little side of plantains covered in what I think was cotija cheese(?). Everything was tasty and my main was so protein packed. I was positively stuffed after eating it, but when offered the dessert options, my greed took over and I ordered churros. They were filled with something that, regrettably, I did not enjoy one bit. The chocolate drizzle was fine, but the Boston Creme-esque filling of the churros were throwing off the flavour too much for me to truly enjoy the typically crispy yummy treat. This picture of the churros was taken at 3:30pm. It is now 7:37pm. I am still SO full that I won't be able to eat dinner! In terms of value for money, the Huevos Rancheros is lovely read more

Cena Brooklyn - Churros - Mexican Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

This is a hidden place on a corner that we randomly found. The inside wasn't bad, not super flashy but your regular standard neighbors restaurant kind of vibes. Our servers were accommodating but felt kind of like we were bothering them, maybe because it was end of the night but overall service was about 3/5 The food 3.5/5 for me 1/5 for my friend. I got the chicken bowl which really wasn't bad but it just needed some more flavor, overall the food was quite bland. My friend hated her quesadilla didn't even end up eating any of it and just threw it out. She said it wasnt flour tortilla and very dry almost like sandpaper. I think its a cool place for a quick bite, maybe earlier in the day the experience could have been better... read more

Cena Brooklyn - Quesadillas and Burrito Bowl - Mexican Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Food was so fresh, colorful, and tasty! We thoroughly enjoyed everything.... The outside seating and neighborhood vibe made it feel cozy and relaxed. We just moved to the neighborhood and were pleasantly surprised. Honestly the best meal we've had around so far read more

We went right after work and were delighted with the food and drinks. Also, the service was great. read more

Cena Brooklyn - Tacos and margaritas - Mexican Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Unique flavor and delicious cocktails. The Pulsd deal was amazing and introduced us to Cena near prospect park. They also have a location in Williamsburg. Not your traditional Mexican food with great vibes and delicious drinks. We started with shrimp ceviche which I would skip next time. The chips were too hard. The entrees were delicious and unique which I haven't seen anywhere. Who would have thought beet sauce to be so refreshing on an entree ? Drinks are amazing. Service was quick and the waitress were attentive. read more

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Wanted to try new places so I always use a pulsd for random spots that I haven't heard of for that which was perfect for here. I chose here because the location was convenient. The brunch included one entree and 60 mins of mimosas or sangria. We chose the huevos rancheros and the chile scrambled eggs. Also got the churros for dessert. The food and drinks were just ok 6/10 overall. It left much to be desired. Nothing particularly Unami or tasty that made me feel like I had to come back again. Service was friendly. Ambiance is simple and quaint, no frills. Child friendly. Outdoor seating. read more

Cena Brooklyn - Chile Scrambled Eggs Huevos Rancheros w/ chorizo - Mexican Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Adorable and delicious spot for a date or to bring friends or family! I loved the music playing, the outdoor seating area is absolutely precious, and the interior decor with the plants and lights and overall atmosphere is extremely pretty and fun and lovely. The food was outstanding, super yummy, and a nice mix of classic Mexican flavors with interesting creative twists. The service was good, very attentive. I came here for dinner, and I really want to come back and try their brunch! read more

Cena Brooklyn - Mexican Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Great lunch spot! Enjoyed delicious guac with home made chips. Tacos were good and the martini was delish! It's a really pleasant spot to eat outside on a nice day. read more

Cena Brooklyn - Espresso martini - Mexican Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Taco Tuesdays have gone up in prices (now around $13 for 3) but the tacos themselves are still delicious! The two vegetarian options they now have are squash blossoms and huitlacoche (mushrooms). The vegan option is soy chorizo (not a fan, but then again, I'm a vegetarian who doesn't like meat). Friendly service, dine inside or "outside" in fully enclosed booths, or order to go. Use your phone to scan a QR code for the menu (the printed menu is out of date). Clean restroom inside and great music. Pay cash or card. Literally right next to the subway entrance, and if you're lucky, you can find free parking within a five minute walk. read more

Cena Brooklyn - Outdoor seating with individual heated sections! - Mexican Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Paid 40$ for a breakfast burrito here. This was obviously an error. I called and emailed the restaurant and was not able to get in touch with anyone. I stopped by the restaurant in person to dispute the charge and spoke with a very nice server there named Juan who recommended I reach out to the managers, Oliver and Aaron. I emailed Oliver and Aaron twice with a copy of the receipt and they never responded. Now I'm disputing the charge through my bank. read more

I've gone here multiple times and each time something was weird. It's a place of neighborhood convenience, and in no way a destination. It sounds harsh but is very true, at least in the past two years. - Prices: $$$ Expect to pay around $18 - 20 for basic dishes. - Service: Always something weird. Normal things servers do or say never seem to happen here, and overall there's a lack of basic communicating or awareness which makes a big difference to a customer. I've had a twice-messed up order, a server who seemed high, waited a long time for no obvious reason, or was helped by one person of a two person team who was doing all of the work (which as an ex-server stresses me out). - Food: It's fine! It's fine. Sometimes a little bland? In general, there isn't much heat to any of their dishes, a plus or minus depending on who you are and what you want from certain plates. - One Plus: They do have lots of outdoor tables, some covered and heated, which is nice to have. read more

Landed at Cena on a Friday night just to get apps. While driving on the prospect park expressway I spotted Cena and immediately took the next exit. Never knew a Jem was right in my vicinity. Just decided to get apps and drinks. I had the ceviche which i just say was LOADED with shrimp. It was so filling for one person and so delicious. Everything we order was great but I must make it back for brunch. I can only imagine how nice it would be. read more

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Passed it on the highway and turned back to check it out. The outdoor seating had an awesome vibe. People laughing, eating and having a great time. I dont know if ots one server per section or if everyone just helps who is free. Service was on the ok level. They did not move with haste. The food was underwhelming. Some things had the right flavor, others were lacking. I would go back for the drinks and apps. read more

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We were pretty baffled that the food was so unimpressive. Ordered takeout for a movie night in and was excited by many of the choices, though even that excitement was dampened by the cited price tag that differed from listed menu prices. However, we understand the reality of rising costs. But, to pair that with bite after flavorless bite was beyond disappointing. The strongest dish was the fish tacos with its flavorful slaw relish. But the al pastor and carne asada tacos were nowhere close to the quality we are used to eating -- from fast casual upscale chains to local neighborhood authentic eateries. Seeing this place packed so often and the friendly staff working hard between indoor and outdoor dining, I had high hopes. I'm willing to give it another try some nice weather day when I'll dine on site. But it's definitely not a meal plan that's high on my priority list any time soon. read more

I was in the mood for tacos being that it's "Taco Tuesday". I decided to search Yelp & I found this place in Brooklyn. Love the location, love the pictures on Instagram. I figured it looks good let me go check it out. I love the exterior and interior of the place. The kitchen is blasting music, which I love. The service was kind of cool. They actually gave us two drinks on the house. We ordered the Flautas, which were a little cold, but pretty good. Then we ordered tacos, which were also a little cold. I ordered another dish I can't remember it had molé on it it was cold as well. I figured I would myself a bottle of red wine to get overnight. I've had better Tacos from street trucks. I'm giving it three stars because the service was amazing. And the plating was sexy lol . I think I'll try out someplace else good luck. read more

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Tasty Mexican food, pretty authentic. I had the enchiladas with red sauce. Very filling! My dining partners each had burritos which looked large and stuffed go the gills. Churros for desert, with nice hot tea which was the perfect accompaniment on a cold winter evening. Would recommend! read more

My husband and I have been regulars since they opened, and were beyond grateful for Cena as a reliable, fresh, and delicious take-out option throughout 2020. Due to the pandemic, and being extra vigilant about cleanliness, we always have noticed and appreciated how the team at Cena go above and beyond to keep the restaurant clean throughout service. The food? Amazing. Top notch. Everything is very flavorful and made with fresh ingredients. The menu is thoughtfully done, and is not too long but offers plenty of choices. We (both vegetarian) love the potato taquitos, the ensalada verde, and the enchiladas verde (salsa is to die for). Appreciate the addition of soyrizo to the menu as well! The drinks and atmosphere also always deliver. We love their frozen margaritas in the summer, and the vibes are always on point. Definitely the spot to bring out of town friends and family. read more

Cena Brooklyn - Frozen watermelon margarita - Mexican Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

- service was great - outdoor block is great for people watching - the enchiladas were tasty - the bathroom was clean - drinks were strong and good - I loved my watermelon margarita - I did not like my al pastor taco - shrimp taco could use more flavor - carnitas taco wasn't all that either - corn salad was delicious! If u didn't know, it's mostly made up of corn and cheese - I liked the music It was high enough to groove to, but low enough to have a conversation read more

We were walking in the park and got hungry so we decided on some tacos. We had a yummy lunch at Cena. The location is bright and airy. I felt like I was in someone's house. It was a relaxing and cute vibe. We had babies with us and there were ample high chairs and enough room for a stroller. The tacos were delicious. I had the barbacoa and a mushroom taco. The barbacoa was nicely flavored and the mushroom one really hit the spot. Each taco comes with one tortilla (unlike some other taco places) but it's slightly larger. There is plenty of filling. 2 tacos were enough to fill me up. There is a full bad and a fun drink menu but we just stuck to coffee. The coffee was delicious and strong. Service was ok, it was quick but not the friendliest. I think perhaps they were focusing on something in the back of the restaurant. There was nothing bad, but hurried and not too attentive. Overall, good tacos in a beautiful location. read more

Cena Brooklyn - Barbacoa Taco - Mexican Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Way overpriced with not great service. I went there for taco Tuesday and although the tacos were okay, the drinks were a terrible rip-off. $14 for a margarita, or more accurately a glass absolutely packed with ice and a little bit of drink. It looked nothing like a margarita. There was barely a sip in there aside of the ice and there didn't seem to be any hint of tequila in it at all. The sangria was no better. They only had white sangria, which was also very low in alcohol or possibly alcohol-free but high in price, ice content, and sweetness. It was $13 for that. The server seemed like he'd rather be doing something else somewhere else. read more

I haven't ever had their tacos yet or food in general but their drinks are pretty good! Came here in the middle of the summer. I think it's worth going for sure absolutely before 6pm on weekdays because they have 2 for 1s on their drinks. But I however did not end up on happy hour and a margarita will run you $13 a pop not including tax/tip/purchasing food because covid. 2 drinks easily came out to $40. I will say that they are strong as bloody hell. A solid drink. Delicious. Their food I hear is hit/miss - but around $5 a taco was enough for me to pass on. I can definitely see myself coming back to try happy hour. There isn't a lot of mexican food out in these parts and there aren't a lot of bars for the matter. Their outdoor dining space is really beautiful so that's a nice attraction. read more

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Went for a bike ride one weekend with my boyfriend and was looking for a place to stop and have a drink and a little bite to eat. We found this spot on Yelp and were not disappointed! The outdoor set up they have is super cute and makes you feel like you're at an actual outdoor restaurant and not on the side of the road in Brooklyn. They had music playing and a ton of seating making it easy to distance yourself properly. They also had hand sanitizer available at the counter where you order. The plants around the counter made for a really cute set up. I ordered a margarita and my boyfriend got some sangria - I don't drink wine but I had a sip of his and it was pretty tasty, my margarita was really refreshing and made for a nice little tipsy bike ride home :-) We got some nachos to split which were pretty good- a smaller portion than a usual Mexican place but I'm not complaining - I think all nacho portions should be this size. My boyfriend got some shrimp ceviche - I didn't try it but he said it was good, it wasn't amazing but it was good. My only complaint is the little boxes and things all of our food was wrapped up in- im not sure if it's because of the pandemic or because they thought we wanted our stuff to go but the Saran Wrap and tin foil boxes made for a messy experience. Obviously I get it if this is what they have to do because of COVID but it's just something I figured I'd mention. The employees were very nice, they let us come in and use the bathroom before we left and the inside is reallllly cute. I'll definitely try and come back here once indoor dining is open again and give it a proper second try but if I wanted Mexican I might look for something new.... read more

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Fantastic all around. The atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing. I've visited a few times now and every time the food is absolutely delicious. Wether it's the appetizers, the tacos, breakfast plates, they do not disappoint. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. My favorites off the menu are the Tinga tostada, carne asada tacos, and a Jamaica Margarita Tajín on the rim a must stop people check it out. Perfect for a date night, or a dinner with friends and, comfortable enough to dine alone even. read more

Cena Brooklyn - Margarita, Tacos, Tostada - Mexican Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

A slice of paradise in Brooklyn!! Absolutely in love with this place! Was out for a walk today (7/15/20) and stopped here because their outdoor setup is spectacular! And this is coming from someone that is very hesitant about eating out during the pandemic but so happy we stopped here. We had margaritas, Ceviche, and Quesadilla and all were GREAT! Their outdoor setup is one of the best I have seen in the entire city - it felt like a needed escape from the city with great service and music. You can look at my profile and see that in the YEARS I have been on Yelp I do not do reviews but this place is just PERFECT! Will definitely be returning often and telling everyone I know! read more

Cena Brooklyn - Outdoor dining - Mexican Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

positives: good outdoor vibe, right by subway exit, the cocktail was decent negatives: WILDLY overpriced blandest tacos i've had in a while weirdest queso fundido (neither cheese nor chorizo had much flavour) waitress gave me a weirdly hard time to order the kids quesadilla, like we spent ~200 bucks, and also had a baby with us ‍ flan is my favourite dessert (i'm cuban), this flan was not the worst i've had but it was definitely ill-cooked (not creamy and it was porous), but i will say the portion size was large at least read more

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The food was delicious! Perfect chill environment for a Sunday afternoon, you should try the spot ! Starting with a Mexican corn salad (esquites), some guacamole and chips (the pomegranate seed are a perfect plus), followed by enchiladas verdes with chicken, rice and beans on the side, also we had the steak fajitas and a burrito bowl with "huitlacoche"(Mexican corn mushroom, vegetarian option) (you choice any protein). Of course they have Mexican beers on draft and house signature wine base cocktails! This is the best Mexican restaurant in the area, pass by and enjoy the experience! The service was excellent, we are coming back for sure ! read more

My family has so far had takeout from Cena 5 times or so. I wanted to write this because I noticed a couple lower-starred reviews among the horde or 5-stars and I feel compelled to help offset that minority - because trying to find a reason to rate Cena less than 5 stars is mind bending. I'll try: Food--- Amazing! You know how people have their favorite Mexican spot because "the guac is great" or "I love their tacos"? That kind of "favorite" is for normal Mexican places. They're all basically the same- it's always normal/normal typical/average Mexican food. From that perspective, Cena is not even a Mexican restaurant. The food is different- visually appealing, perfectly and consistently prepared, and delicious - with sauces and flavors that are actually interesting and new to set them apart from the ocean of regular New York neighborhood Mexican. Also, you get the sense that the food was prepared by people who care about how it is enjoyed. Price--- I see that a couple folks think the price is a little high. It's true that it is a little higher than some other Mexican restaurants - but it is directly proportional to the quality and portion. The ingredients are always impressively fresh including interesting garnishes. The portions are quite large too which especially makes me feel like the prices are perfectly fair. --- And we don't even live in the same neighborhood as Cena! We go out of our way to pick it up because it is so much better than any other Mexican restaurant, that we are aware of. If you don't like it there are plenty of blah guac-and-taco shops all around NYC for you! For everyone else, join me and my family in supporting Cena- an amazing neighborhood restaurant making a genuine effort to do a great job! read more

The best way I can describe this place is, "Cena brooklyn is a place you want to love but no matter how hard you try they find a way to make your experience less than pleasant. " The staff is "eh" , they correct mistakes in retrospect, but aren't really proactive or attentive to you while you are dining. They don't really care about the customers at least they don't make you feel like they care. Very transactional. The food is can sometimes be the high point but generally incredibly over priced, even for NY. Most Dishes are hit and miss. In all cena is a place where you don't feel good after eating there. The owner needs to create a better experience that doesn't just feel like a money grab. The bodega next door is by far friendlier than these folks. read more

food is okay but over priced - inside seating is freezing cold, everyone sat outside so they didn't have to be cold while eating... it was very chilly last night so it wasn't much better. they only had one server on staff for the whole night, she was very kind but I felt bad she had to do it by herself. Margarita on the rocks is very small and overpriced... I like this place but they need to work on ambience. A couple had to get there drinks to go because it was so cold inside and outside! Adapt to the weather please... read more

I'm all about ambiance these days and Cena gets it right. From the tastefully decorated walls to the bright wide windows, Cena is a breath of fresh air and somewhere I will definitely return to. And don't get me started on the playlist. A wide variety that I knew couldn't be Pandora (everything from Tom Petty to Kjngs of Leon to old school Will Smith and Lil Flip), turned out to be one of the owner's playlists. The menu is simple but that's what they're going for. We had a vegetarian burrito and the guacamole and both were satisfying. On top of it all, they have two of my favorite Brooklyn based IPAs: Merman NY IPA and Other Half's Green City. Can't wait until their alcohol license gets approved! read more

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I love the open, bright and airy space here. Staff is efficient and welcoming. The food is incredibly fresh tasting, but the vegan options are super limited to far. On a earlier visit, I tried the mushroom tacos which are really delicious. Today I did the veggie burrito (no cheese and no creams) and it was solid, big and satisfying. I especially loved the tortillas and salsa. All in all, this is a great addition to the neighborhood and I'll definitely be back. Just keeping my fingers crossed that the expanding menu will bring some more interesting plant based options! read more

Cena Brooklyn - Veggie burrito. - Mexican Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

One of the best restaurants in this area. Great tacos (esp the chorizo and the shrimp), great rice and beans, burrito bowl, esquites, and sangrias. The salsas are excellent/ fresh, spicy, and tasty. And it's beautifully decorated inside, with friendly staff. A little known gem. read more

there's a lot of phenomenal mexican in south brooklyn, this isn't one of them, even by 'mexican for gringos' standards. I am very rarely one to go out of my way to write any review, much less a mediocre review, but you can definitely do better than this place. We had to ask several times to get basics (water glasses, knives and forks). The server was generally indifferent, but she definitely was always ready to upsell us on menu items when she could. Both service and food were profoundly mediocre (with the exception of the guacamole, that was legit) especially for the pricepoint (those tacos are---not cheap.) You could get better seasoned fajitas at Chilis, it pains me to write. The person who wrote that 'Cena is a place where you don't feel good after eating there' and that it felt like a money grab was spot on. You 1000% can get better food, albeit in more humble settings, just a few blocks away. Nice decor and plating though, very instagrammable, and it works as a neighborhood date night spot for young parents too tired to care otherwise. read more

Came in here for breakfast and decided on the breakfast taco with avocado and bacon (it was extra) and listed as 1.50 in the menu for both, and the chorizo egg sandwich on a brioche. For drinks we had 2 cappuccinos which were just right. The taco was good for what it was, nice balance of ingredients. The sandwich was a bit too heavy and greasy with the chorizo. Main issue was that I flagged that I ordered both tacos with extra avocado, only one arrived without avocado and then the second came with. When I went to pay I completely missed that I was charged for avocado on both and that the avocado was actually $2 extra (not 1.50, how is the avocado more expensive than bacon??) so I was paying $4 extra for half an avocado? Now I know NY is crazy with prepared avocado prices but I thought it wasn't right that the menu was inaccurate and that I paid extra for nothing. Might give this place a chance if I'm in the neighborhood for dinner, but not impressed overall. read more

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Wayyyy overpriced! service was slow but nice. Points for that. Dogs allowed. If you don't mind your server petting patrons dogs and then serving your food, you won't mind that. I do, because they are likely not washing their hands after. Food was just ok. Black beans and rice $10! Really? Had to often work hard to get server attention Never asked how is food, never asked to refill drink Never asked anything Had to go find server to ask for bill I want to give a better rating but cannot atm. 1 star for "ok food" 1 star for nice servers read more

The drinks are very good. The starters are very enjoyable- tequenos, esquites. The tacos a bit below average and I probably would not order them again but if you want to have drinks and appetizers this is a good place to go. read more