The vibes here are fun, but food is kind of average. Like way too much tomato in the guac and aguachile. Giving Mexican food for gringos. I did really enjoy the the cricket guac option with the full size fried corn tortillas though! The waitstaff is really great and the ofrenda for dis de los muertos was beautiful read more

I lived in this neighborhood long enough to remember when Chavela's was on Classon Avenue, but didn't start patronizing this business until a couple of years ago. I've always been a bit dismissive of Chavela's as "yet another Mexican place in Brooklyn with a line of hipsters out the door". Well, it turns out Chavela's is great and I've just been missing out. Chavela's has a lot going for it: Food is great and reasonably priced, decor is trendy yet welcoming, and service is fast. What I like the most is that they have an extensive menu, and everything I ever tried here is great: from tacos to omelet, from chile relleno to flautas, from pastel azteca to molcajete de carnitas, from seafood enchiladas to alhambres, food at Chavela's is consistently good. I have never had a dish here that I would not eat again. Perhaps my favorite dish here is the pozole rojo, which is a perfect soup for the cold months. And I love the Don Pepino: a drink that is as wonderfully refreshing as it is green. I also like how they are accommodating for families with small children. Really, what's not to like about Chavela's? read more

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I really like this place, very cozy and Mexican authentic. BUT WHY WOULD YOU REMOVE the only thing I would crave bistec Azteca? It was so good. I am so sad because I tried the new alternative and it's not better than the other one My server which was and old man with glasses, he wasn't very nice. When I told him I would write a review in hopes they would bring it back he said "no one will care if you want it back" he was very full of himself. But I went back and I told a new server how I felt and he told me I wasn't the only one, he was very nice. He encouraged me to do whatever I felt was right. And here I am :) read more

After 9 years of going to this place rather regularly, including after moving over an hour away, I will say that I won't be going back. So after commuting said hour to get to this spot last night--in the freezing cold might I add--I walked in and asked for a table for 2. I wanted to order a drink and guac while I waited for my guest to arrive. The host said that I couldn't be seated until my "entire party was there." She said I could take a seat at the bar, which was clearly set for dinner service with plates, cutlery and glasses at each spot. Only 1 person was at the dinner bar. There were of tables available so it's not like you were pressed for that in the unpredictable event that people may come in after me. Now tell me what on earth is the purpose of this!? You won't seat me at the table that I'm going to eventually have my dinner at, but you're going to seat me at the bar that is set for dinner service and then you're going to transfer the stuff I order; dishes, cocktail, water, cutlery, ect cetera to the table when my guest arrives when you could've did all of that at the table to begin with? And then you're going to have to bus two spots instead of one, and make me pay two bills, and take up a spot at the dinner bar instead of giving me a table that I'll be at in the end anyways? Even if my party were to go from 2 people to 1 you'd still be sitting me at the table I'm going to wind up at because I'm not going to sit at a bar to eat dinner and you're required to give me a table even if I'm a party of 1. After standing there at the door like a fool for over 20 minutes playing cupid's shuffle around an aggregation of delivery people and customers snatching their coats off the hooks behind me, my guest called and told me to leave because it's absolutely stupid that that they were making me stand there and that the same service I'd get at the dinner table they're having me start at the dinner bar just to have to transfer it all. When you closed for the month of August a year or so ago I was a bit worried that you wouldn't be coming back. Now I kind of wish you had gone out of business because it is inscrutable to understand why you would treat a customer like this or even the purpose of it. It's extra work for servers, bussers and bartenders, extra financial tabulation and accounting on the back end, and overall just indecent to treat a customer like this. We went down the street to another, - , where we spent over $200.00 on food and drinks and were treated with basic dignity and respect. Buen viaje! read more

Solid neighborhood spot. Very good cocktails and decent food. My roommates and I came here on a Saturday night for dinner. Overall, a mix of good, bad, and average. The Good: - The cocktails were very tasty and reasonably priced at ~$14 each. Would definitely come back here for some of their mezcal concoctions. - The sopes, mole taco, and fish taco were very tasty. The Bad: - Misleading wait time. It was fully packed and we expected to wait, but when we checked with the hostess she said a table would be ready shortly. However, after 20 minutes waiting outside, we didn't hear anything so I went in to ask. The hostess apologized and said the table she thought would be ready had ordered more drinks-- understandable, but I'd rather a restaurant give me an overestimate than tell me a table will be ready when it's not. The Average: - The server got my order of sopes wrong and brought a soup instead. He did immediately rectify the mistake though and comped the soup. - The kitchen got my order for a fish taco wrong and initially gave me a carnitas taco. Once again, they comped the carnitas taco when they realized and quickly brought out the fish taco. Honestly though, while the fish taco was great the carnitas was just ok. - Other food we ordered (trio of salsa, rice pudding) was average. It wouldn't be my first place to go out for a dinner again, but if a friend wanted to eat here I wouldn't mind. All in all it does feel like a neighborhood staple and the small issues just a matter of a busy day. read more

Popped into Chavela's a couple hours before their happy hour and it was already VERY busy. I'm wondering how crazy it must get during the weekend or their normal happy hour! There were nice touches of Mexican decor inside and the lighting was nice and dimly lit, perfect for a date night. I ordered their Don Pepino drink which was DELICIOUS and STRONG! Highly recommend. I also ordered some light bites since I didn't want one of their larger plates. 2 tacos (pork and steak) and a quesadilla (chicken). The food itself wasn't bad. I just wish there was more flavor... more spice. After living in SoCal for so long I'm used to getting an array of salsas from medium to hot. Not sure if they had this option ... but also hope they're not charging people for them. I'll be back for sure. read more

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Came here on a Friday night in December. It was relatively busy. Sat at the bar and moved to a table. Once we moved to the table the service you could tell was being rushed. Came by every 5 minutes to see if we were done, which you could see we weren't, which kind ruined the experience. In spite of that, the staff were very polite and respectful so I will give them that. As for the food, I would say it was a bit bland for Mexican food. I was expecting more flavor. My favorite thing was the crab tostada as it was fresh and light. The tacos were mediocre and the birria taquitos was nothing to brag about. Overall, if you're in the neighborhood this isn't a bad option. read more

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I've been wanting to go here for a while now. Chavela's always looks packed and bustling. Even during peak dining hours the service was great though! The hostess too our names and 15 minutes later we were seated. The menu has something for everyone. I really enjoyed both my shrimp and mushroom taco. They were also very filling. While the guacamole was a bit pricy for guacamole in my opinion, it was tasty and served with these large chips that were practically like flat taco shells. All in all, I enjoyed my experience here. Some items (like the guacamole) were more expensive than expected, but still, I think I'd come back again. They also have a nice happy hour. But be warned, it's limited to week days! read more

Chavela's - Enchiladas and Guacamole - Mexican Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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My first time here and they were so great they put us right by the door for us to have easy access to a high chair. The food was to die for I'm so glad we went! It's such a nice place to go for dinner. read more

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The service and attentiveness was immaculate! The food was delicious and the decor of the restaurant looks so beautiful during Christmas time. Kassandra was a wonderful server! Plates and trash were also picked up right away. read more

Came here for a date night just before 5 on a Friday evening and we loved it! The food was amazing, the music was on point (kudos to whoever held the aux with the Selena jams!), and the service was excellent. We ordered tamarind & strawberry margaritas, guacamole, salmon tacos & gringo quesadillas. Tres leches for dessert hit the spot. Can't wait to go back! read more

Chavela's - Mexican Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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The restaurant was at a low capacity for a brunch hour on Franklin, let's blame that on the holidays. Upon walking in, hostess is new so she was bright and kind. She said she would follow me to where I was seated at bar. I wanted. The bar seat as I thought that's where they're more attentive. The bartender watched me enter and decided his convo with waitress was worth another 3-4min conversation. My review on food: * the crab tostada may be the most flavorful thing on menu NOW. It did have too much mayo or sauce overall, drowning out the other ingredients. * the brunch menu didn't really hit the mark for me so I ordered salsa verde enchiladas with pollo/chicken. Very flat in flavor and the chicken felt very dried out. Not appetizing at all Management asked if I wanted my meal to go, as he could see I didn't really eat much other than beans and rice. When I explained my experience, he said I'm sorry to hear, mumbled and walked away Overall I've always rooted for this place as it's slim pickings for good/great Mexican in neighborhood. Today will be my last visit. read more

Chavela's is always such a fun spot for mexican food! They serve up delicious margaritas and you cannot go wrong with starting with chips and guac. On occasion they do a fish ceviche special that is sooo good and the tacos are pretty good too. The staff are nice and efficient! I love how they decorate and their outdoor seating is super refreshing! read more

I've been here about three times and really liked it but unfortunately the last time I was there (11/15/25) I was given really bad shrimp when I ordered the camarones al chipotle. Been sick since. read more

Wow! This place is a gem! Every time I go to BK, I have to stop by Chavela's. The food is so good super flavorful and authentic. The mole tacos are a must if you're a fan of mole. I usually avoid ordering mole at restaurants because it rarely captures that nostalgic taste from my childhood, but these are a solid 100/10. The Mexican quesadillas are also fantastic I love that they're handmade! Lastly, the aguachile is amazing, with just the right amount of lime and salsa. Everything on the menu is chef's kiss! My favorite drink is the Pepino (cucumber) cocktail so refreshing. The staff is great and efficient. This place is definitely in my top 5! read more

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Good food, really slow service. Waited like 20 minutes for the check and then had to grab someone to get the server. Carnitas were really yummy but also like soaked in grease at the bottom so you can't finish them read more

Chavela's - Mexican Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

The decor! The ambiance! The cute outdoor dining! The drinks! The food! What's not to like. Obviously struck by the beautiful Mexican decor as I walked in. Chose to sit in the outside dining area which I found out there are at least three pockets of outside dining around the building. Nice and airy but still has the same charm as the inside. Ordered the Mezcal based drink with lavender and hibiscus. Whoaaa. Sensational ! First time trying mezcal but won't be my last. For food tried the salsa verde enchiladas and a side of maduros. Nice portion size. Incredible flavor of the enchiladas. The rice and beans are just your typical side dish. I really wish they had refried beans! The maduros nice and cripsy but not burnt. Just how I like them. read more

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The mole and fish tacos are some of the best tacos I have ever had. Pair it with a margarita and the churros and you are in business!

This is where I landed for my first meal of the day on Cinco de Mayo. I used to live down the block 10 years ago and walk here for Sunday brunch all the time. I wanted breakfast bad bad but it was around 1pm, crowded as heck and I had a commitment to meet my sister in an hour. The place is still the same totally nostalgic for me with two female bartenders ROCKING It during a very busy lunch hour. I sat right at the bar and felt a warm welcome like come on in. Loved that. I ordered enchiladas bc I was just like feed me I'm starving and a Hijo de tu madre bc it had hibiscus agua de Jamaica that I knew I was just going to love. It was a little sweet and I was jealous of everyone elses salted rim glasses but I absolutely loved it. Strangers around me got classic and tamarind margaritas, someone also got a grapefruit Paloma. I devoured my food. I feel like the drink was like just enough Mezcal to not want another and the food had the exact amount to make you full but not full. I loved that. I missed this place so much and hope it's always here in my little trips to visit the neighborhood. I parked on Classon and walked up the block because that's where I used to live so I know better than to try to park on Franklin Ave. This is a great and very popular place to eat 5/5 I would highly recommend. read more

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Not a fan. When I first moved into the area I was told I had to try this Mexican food spot, it wasn't at all what I expected. The first time I went it was disappointing, gave it another try during Sunday brunch, the huevos rancheros were appointing. Not sure if I want to return for a third try. read more

The flavor is not spectacular, but considering the limited real Mexican food options, it's good. The place is pleasant, and the service is attentive. read more

Chavela's - Chilaquiles - Mexican Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Came here for a late snack and drink with friends. Absolutely loved the decor of the place. Nice and instante but still fun and upbeat. The service was somewhat prompt but off a little. Felt I was constantly being sold the menu and it didn't feel genuine. Had some chips and salsa with guac and a margarita. My friends order a taco and a quesadilla with a margarita. Food was solid and had a kick to it. I enjoyed it. Would love to come here for a full meal next time. read more

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The trout guacamole is epic! Ambiance is cool. I always sit at the bar. Bartenders are great

The drinks were cool. Food was pretty good. Will definitely return to try a few of the other drinks. I had the Pescadilla which was cool. read more

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Not sure why I didn't come here before since I have lived in the area for 3 years -- I generally don't eat Mexican food unless it's in Sunset Park, where I grew up, but Chavela's is a solid place that holds its own. We came on a Tuesday night and it was already super busy. We got the guacamole as an appetiser, and it was incredibly well balanced and flavourful. I went with the mole poblano chicken, while my partner went with the chile relleno. Both were stellar. My chicken was super moist, and the mole sauce was just the right consistency -- not too watery and not too thick, but had deep rich flavour. I can't wait to come back soon! read more

Great place to try Mexican food in Brooklyn. Everything tasted authentic, the vibe at the place is awesome and our server was quick and helpful. read more

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I found this place while looking for a spot that was open late with a full menu and open kitchen. I'm so glad we stumbled upon them. The dining room is pretty spacious yet it felt warm on a very cold night. The staff allowed us to sit anywhere we liked. We chose a spot with a little distance from everyone else (Covid-19 still being a thing). Table service was pretty efficient and pleasant (major keys for hungry people). I remember having a tamarind margarita. It was my first and I'm not sure that I've even seen in on a Mexican menu as a margarita before. It was good, for the record! For my entree I went big with the "Plato Don," a platter served with rice, beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, queso fresco, soft tortillas, roasted vegetables, and corn. As if that wasn't enough, I added some shrimp to the thing. I couldn't finish it all but I regret nothing! It was all hot, tasty and satisfying! If you're in the vicinity, looking for heavy eats, during late night hours, Chavela's is an excellent option. read more

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Absolutely love this place - great prices and the food is always incredible! Would recommend for any occasion.

I definitely don't see why this place is so popular. Weak, sloppy cocktails; small, bland guacamole; tiny, greasy tacos, and lackluster service. We'll never go back! read more

Aaahhh Chavelas.....! This place slowly became one of my favorite spots to go the ambience is always on point Foods come so fast and yummy thats you'll completely forget what you order well at least for me I did My crew and I was taking shots and loving cause The beautiful Shay check us in then Alejandro our waiter was funny and great but on a side note don't ask him for the spicy sauce because that will have your booty want to do the macarena;) But yep we tried it then roam the street of Franklin Ave to catch some scenery cause Fridays night Franklin ave is the place to be for shots shots shots and huevos! Lols But eat them spicy food at your risk cause I love spicy food read more

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I throughly enjoyed this place. It's a first come first serve and only waited a couple minutes to be served. The tables were pretty spaced out which I appreciated. The hour happy was stellar. The tacos are not some measly bite, these are loaded tacos- packed with meat. Even the margaritas on happy hour were in tall glasses. They don't give the traditional NYC serving sizes which I love. The only weird moment was a tequila shot request and they gave us a pretty uninspiring tequila. read more

Chavela's - Mexican Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

This Crown Heights gem is so wildly popular you can visit on any night and expect every seat to be taken, especially on weekend nights. Maybe it's something about their cozy interior, or that quality Mexican fare can be hard to come by in New York. My friend says this restaurant tastes a lot like her Mexican mother's cooking, which is a ringing endorsement if I've ever heard one. I lucked out on the last two top available on a Saturday night and we gladly scooped it up. We found that our server didn't know the menu too well, but that's what obsessively reading Yelp reviews is for, isn't it? I was happy with the taquitos de cangrejo as a starter, and a little lukewarm about my camarones a la mexicana. The portions were okay and shrimp were succulent, but the rice it came with was somewhat bland. I doused it in hot sauce. I wish I hadn't just emerged from a heavy drinking week because I would've indulged in their extensive mezcal selection. Brunch seems to be a winner here and I'd be willing to return to try their smoked trout guacamole or huevos rancheros. read more

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Location could not be better than corner lot. Decor and ambiance is what a Mexican restaurant should be. Colorful and intimate with great art throughout. Was Greeted with a warm smile and sat at the bar. Friendly bar staff and servers as well. Water was served right away and menu was handed to me right away. I got a michelada to start and the cochinita pibil. (Lamb shank that was so tender fell off the bone) flavor was amazing. Will be coming back with more friend to share other dishes with. read more

Chavela's - Cochinita pibil - Mexican Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Our first time at this restaurant. The food was absolutely delicious! Savannah our waitress was knowledgeable and so respectful! An absolutely wonderful experience. I highly recommend this restaurant. Margaritas were perfect! read more

The ambiance of Chavela's pushed it to 4 stars for me. It had nice decorations and isn't too loud or dim for my taste. I went with a group of friends for dinner, but wasn't super hungry. I had Sopa de Tortilla, and it was reasonably priced for the quality and portion. The dish wasn't what I was expecting, but I wasn't disappointed. Also, the bathroom door does not have a sign indicating it is the bathroom, so that confused me. read more

Chavela's - Sopa Tortilla - Mexican Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

When I came it was quite crowded but they had a lot of seating so we didn't have to wait. The servers were friendly and efficient. When I asked what was gluten free they told me that pretty much everything on the menu was, other than the battered fish tacos and the mole sauce which were both made with breadcrumbs. The food came out quickly and the tacos were definitely a fair size that 3 was enough for me for lunch, although maybe next time I would order 4. The flavors were good, although not quite as amazing as some tacos I had when I visited Mexico recently, but by Brooklyn standards definitely some of the better ones you can find. read more

Chavela's - Mexican Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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The tacos were sooooo good. And that was the best Tres Leches I've ever had. It was amazing. The service was good. The staff and bartender were very pleasant, and the manager gave us free shots because it was my friend's birthday. read more

Chavela's - Mole Taco Tinga Taco Shrimp Taco Pescado Taco - Mexican Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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I used to love visiting Chavela's when I lived in the neighborhood. Over the course of the pandemic, the food has lost its authenticity and service lacks. The shrimp dish I ordered had zero notes of Mexican flavors in it (my friend tried it and made the same comment). At $23, it tasted worst than food I make at home every day. Same for some of the apps - Guac lacked kick of jalapeño/spice can't be classified as Mexican food. I'd also like to add that the waitress skipped past 2 members of the group and left after taking the rest of our orders. How do you ignore 2 people? Drink orders that were placed were forgotten. At the end, they also double charged us for items that we didn't realize on the receipt until we got home. I called to fix this issue and 2 weeks later, still awaiting a return call from the manager. Terrible service all around, but we're in 2023 so it's difficult to click anything besides the minimum 20% gratuity button the machines display. read more

This place is a Franklin Ave staple! The restaurant has the cutest aesthetic, truly feeling like a vacation oasis in the middle of brooklyn. Everything feels very rustic in the best way, and the dark yet cozy ambiance adds the perfect amount of intimacy to any sort of hangout. To start, I got the guacamole with their handmade tortilla chips, which interestingly enough come in round plate shaped sizes. You are only give 5 or 6, so I recommend breaking the round large chip into smaller pieces to help place yourself out. The guac was flavorful, and didn't need to add a thing. Definitely a 10/10. The next thing I got was 3 tacos, the chicken tinga, it was an unexpectedly sweet flavor because of the mix between the chicken and pineapple, but still very tasty. Would rate 7/10. The next up was the bistec taco, which was out of this world!!! Absolutely would recommend if you are a fan of taco and well seasoned steak, definitely a 10/10. The last one was the carne enchilada which was amazing in taste, my only qualm being that the pork was slightly more fatty than I would have liked. But other than that I loved 9/10. My drink of the night was the red sangria on draft. If you like red wine or sangria, then this is a must try! Overall I will always recommend Chavela, it's a Brooklyn gem :) read more

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best brunch, the juevos are amazing and the chips salsa and guac are next level, lines are not too long