I encountered La Contenta when scoping out Resy and OpenTable for brunch reservations in the Lower East Side. The reviews were strong everywhere, so a reservation was made. Interestingly, it looks like you can reserve on either Resy or OpenTable? Also, there was a pescaterian in our party, and La Contenta's menu seemed to offer several meatless dishes which was also a point in their favor.  I walked in and found La Contenta to be cozy-sized with a bathroom to match. We were the only diners for a little while but then the space filled up. Our server was pleasant and checked on us regularly. She also offered options for things which I appreciated. We ordered the guacamole ($17) to start. As my main, I picked the chilaquiles verdes o rojos con huevo ($19) with chicken for a few extra bucks. The dishes were actually bigger than I expected, always a nice surprise in Manhattan. The chilaquiles were fantastic. Several of the entrees sounded delicious but I was content with the chilaquiles. There were a lot of customizations available for 'em: you could get tomatillo sauce instead of the chipotle-tomato red, you could add steak, your egg was cooked any way you wanted. Regarding beverages, some folks ordered cocktails and mocktails. They were beautiful to look at! read more

We visited on Mother's Day for brunch! Most of the cocktails were around $9-$11. The Chismosa is so delicious. You can really taste the passionfruit. Also I really liked the steak nachos. There was a little delay when we ordered the steak nachos again. It's a small seating space, but they have 2 sides. read more

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Small location hidden on Norfolk St--before you go in, there's a speakeasy downstairs to the left outside check it out if ever curios. Walking inside you're greeted with a mix of classy and screaming pride de la madre patria. The restaurant is maybe the size of a living room, 300 to 350 square feet, but that spacing works completely in their favor--it builds a nice touch of immersive environment. Our server became less of a server and more of a friend the moment we switched to Spanish. Asked him for his favorite dish and he didn't hesitate on telling me it's pollo con mole poblano. It was goood--I let him know it was. Drinks run $18-20 and meals $18-33, but happy hour brings some down significantly, check their website for details. Perfect for a date night, the intimate setting does the work for you. Nothing but a positive experience. I will be back soon. read more

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I always go back for the same thing I need that steak !! Usually spots that I go to the offer steak at such an affordable price have steak that's tough and not tender! La Contenta changes the narrative!! The space is small inside, but that's good cause everybody makes you feel like you're in your own living room 5 's read more

La Contenta Les - Hanger Steak a la Parrilla - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

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This is a hidden gem with an excellent happy hour. The happy hour tacos were excellent and the drinks were perfectly made. The Paloma's were exquisite and the fish taco's were delicious. Definitely going back. And don't forget the nachos. read more

La Contenta Les - La Contenta Nachos !!! Loved these. - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

It's a tiny place that packs big flavors. I think I counted 7-8 tables. We got a reservation to make sure we could get seated. When we got there they had a happy hour menu going with $12 nachos and tacos. While I had visited to have the enchiladas and chile relleno the happy hour menu was tough to refuse. We got the nachos and I got fish tacos while my husband got the chicken. I absolutely loved the nachos. Every chip was loaded. My tacos (which I devoured before I remembered to take a photo) had the most unbelievably crispy fish. My husband said the chicken in his tacos was juicy and delicious. Service was friendly and on point. Something about this place made me feel like I was not in nyc anymore and I felt like I was on one of my travels. I can't wait to go back to try more food. They didn't have dessert but the area has so many options. read more

La Contenta Les - La Contenta Nachos - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

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Another fabulous gem found with my Yelp app while in NYC! A cosy and quaint festive Mexican restaurant with tasty cocktails , service with a smile, and delicious food. This restaurant is small, but mighty, so check for reservations. I was excited that they had chicken mole one the menu and it was fantastic. Everyone at my table enjoyed their meals and the seafood stuffed chille relliano (sp) that my Mom and Aunt shared looked amazing as well. read more

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Surprising hidden little gem. This might've been my favorite tacos in New York! And I'm a sucker for a good cocktail which this place had plenty of, including margaritas of course. I definitely recommend. read more

Good mexican restaurant a little small but there is a separate speakeasy attached and very nicely decorated. Highly recommend the micheladas and fish tacos. Loved tamarind michelada read more

La Contenta Les - Fish Tacos de Pescado - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

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Went for brunch. The food was good & the location is small but a good vibe. Apparently there is a speakeasy downstairs too read more

La Contenta Les - Tacos de Carne Asada - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

Stumbled into this little spot and it was well worth it. Delicious cocktails, good service, food was fresh and tasty, spiced just right. Nice authentic Mexican flavors. The ceviche app was so good, still thinking about it! The space is narrow with not many tables and a bar, so don't bring a large group. read more

Michelada I got was very yummy! I came here with some friends for taco Tuesday. I was a little disappointed with the birria where it cost $28, I had expected better. The space is small inside but I did love the music that they were playing. Service was nice and friendly and fast. read more

What I love about La Contenta is every visit is just as exciting as the previous one. And as someone who gets bored of the same food quickly, knowing there's always someplace new to try, this is a huge deal. Festive decor, a fully stocked bar, and the neatly arranged setup make for a quaint but efficient restaurant. I go with my signature nachos. My sister goes for their shrimp tostadas and fish tacos. Both were every bit as tasty as they looked, and our stomachs left the place happy. read more

La Contenta Les - Ceiling decor - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

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Just happens to be we were in the area and were looking for a brunch.// Random search brought us to La Contenta Les- small Mexican place, with a wide variety of brunch menu and drinks. My white Sangria was excellent-strong enough and not that sweet... I ordered tacos shrimps- very tasty, dish comes with spinach and rice... soo good! And big enough to feed a hungry person! We were seated outside in a small terrace, heater was on and it wasn't cold as if seated outdoors.. Looks like a popular spot for locals-not fancy, just your neighboring restaurant. Casual, with delicious food. read more

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Great find! Everything was amazing from the drinks to Guacamole Tradicional to Taco Flight to Hanger Steak à la Parrilla. Service was excellent as well; friendly and engaging!!! Definitely a repeat!!! read more

It was a late Monday after a celebration and we needed food. Many kitchens were closed but luckily this place had food. I got carne asada tacos which came in a pair. The meat was diced small and juicy. It was tasty. The chips were a bit stale maybe because it was the end of the night. The bathroom is very small, typical of the old buildings in the area. Server was nice and didn't rush us. read more

24.00 for one chili relleno. Ridiculous was not made properly. I'm a chef lived in San Diego I know how it should. Rice was undercooked no beans or sauce. I was taught how to make this by a Mexican grandmother For 24 it's ridiculous. I will not go back. I was warned by a customer out front. Oh well. read more

La Contenta Les - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

A small space with SUCH good food and margs!!! We visited on a Tuesday, it was empty (until we left around 8) We ordered the shrimp tostadas appetizer (soooo good) it was so refreshing and light. We also ordered the shrimp enchiladas and the pescado tacos. Everything we had was amazing, we would definitely come back. read more

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We came here after a 'tacos & tequila' boatride which had zero tacos and tequila, so we took a car to a restaurant which had closed for good in the area, but we still needed our fix. We saw la contenta on our list, but we were following the lights. Lo and behold, it was the right place. Such a cute, modern cantina-like space, with a diverse menu. We were seated quickly, immediately welcomed with water and menus. We ordered everything at once, were given time to enjoy our food and drinks. The prices are a bit higher than some places, but the tacos are HEFTY! I was so full I skipped dessert and took some of the apoetizer to go. I know I'll be back, just be ready to wait for a bill (it took over 45 minutes). read more

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This is probably the most expensive taco I've ever bought. I got the asada taco and I tried the birria tacos as well. The birria had this salsa that just tasted like tomato sauce. Where is the consume? The meat tasted good though. The asada was better. The meat was nicely cooked, Smokey and they gave a fair amount but not fair enough to be $9 per taco. It just isn't worth the money when you can get tastier birria at nenes or birria landia for half the price. I'd say los tacos number 1 is better too. read more

La Contenta Les - Al pastor and asada taco - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

~ Nachos $17 ~ [Rating: 2/5] I'm disappointed with the nachos. The chips are too tough, slightly burnt at the edges, and lack the subtle corn flour flavor. However, the melted cheese, avocado sauce, and sour cream on top are nice. ~ Tacos de Pescado $16 ~ [Rating: 3.75/5] The fish taco is decent; the batter is on the softer side, but the snapper tastes fresh. It's paired with avocado salsa, cole slaw, and drizzled with chipotle aioli. The corn tortilla is soft but somewhat bland. Served with rice and beans, it's a really fulfilling dish! Will I be back? Probably not Food is just alright, could be better, so I don't think I'll be back. read more

What a great spot! We stopped in for dinner and were really impressed from the moment we walked in. The vibe is warm and inviting, and the place has a really nice energy without feeling overcrowded--at least early on. By around 7pm, it started getting busier, so I'd say it's a good idea to come a little earlier if you want a quieter experience. Now let's talk about the drinks--wow. Their tequila selection is seriously impressive. Only part of it was on display, but you could tell they know their stuff. Definitely a dream for anyone who enjoys a good tequila or mezcal cocktail. We started with the queso fundido, and it was a cheesy, melty, flavorful dream. Then we shared the steak with a twice baked potato and sautéed spinach--such a simple combo, but done so well. Perfectly seasoned, tender steak, creamy potato, and fresh-tasting spinach. It just hit the spot. For dessert, we tried the flan. It had good flavor--nice and not overly sweet--but the texture was a little firmer than what we're used to. Still enjoyable, just different. All in all, this place really delivered on both food and drinks. We're already talking about coming back again soon to try more from the menu. read more

Relative "hole in the wall" on the Lower East Side. Excluding outdoor dining, they have may 6-8 tables along the wall inside. They have apps, tacos, and entrees such as enchiladas, fajitas, and steak. I had the birria tacos, which is essentially a tender beef stew taco. Though it was messy to eat, it packed a flavor punch that I would recommend to anyone. I also had the tacos de carnitas (pork, cilantro, Serrano salsa). It was also tender and very spicy! The tacos are street taco size and you get two of each type you order, so I got four tacos total. I was pretty full with four, three may have been ideal for me. Two tacos are 16 dollars. You can get cheaper tacos to be sure, but I wouldn't call these overpriced given the quality. They have an extensive mezcal/margarita/cocktail menu. I had the el maniaco, with reposado, blood orange purée, lime, and black lava salt. It was light and refreshing after a hot day. And then at the recommendation of the server I had the Mariachi with pineapple extract, habanero, lime, and mezcal tincture that was heavier and spicier, but also tasty. There were several interesting and attractive options! Service was wonderful. Everyone checked on me constantly, the food came out fast and perfect. They had fun music playing overhead. At one point I heard a Mexican instrumental version of a Linkin Park song. And they are open til midnight most nights! read more

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My Cousin was visiting from London and she was in mood for some Mexican cuisine, since my friends highly recommended this place, we decide to give it a try. Small hole in the wall Mexican restaurant with great food, cocktails and fabulous service. Only lame thing about this place is that the host tried creating fake hype on how sold out the restaurant was. They refused to give us a table despite several empty tables around. We took a place at the bar and the tables remained empty throughout. I think it's very silly of restaurants to do that, kills the good experience. Coming to the good part now. My cousin tried spicy skinny Mezcal for the first time and I think she is a life long fan. The bar tenders were amazing and friendly. We did a few repeats of the cocktail. We started with some delicious shrimp ceviche; the portion size was generous. Loved the snapper tacos however my absolute favorite was shrimp enchiladas. This place serves authentic Mexican food and overall we had a lot of fun specially coz it does really have a fun and young vibe. Will definitely consider a revisit (with reservation) read more

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Had a reservation at 7:30pm and didn't realize there were two entrances. Went to the right side and the host let me choose which table I wanted to dine in (the left or right entrance). Decided to go with the left entrance given it was more quiet and less busy. Ordered our drinks at the bar while they got our table ready. We got the El Mixteco which was tasty and a classic Pina Colada. Got seated at a corner table next to the window which was pretty small and tight. We shared a guacamole and chips, birria tradicional de res (which we had no idea it was a stew) and enchiladas de camaron with a side of rice and beans (extra cost). The entrees were pricey given it didn't come with any rice and beans (which was $6 extra). The enchiladas tasted better than the birria. The service was great though and very attentive. read more

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Very disappointed. I ordered a chil relleno and was a normal relleno. Rice was under cooked no sauce and egg batter on chili and it cost 24.00 what a rip off. read more

La Contenta Les - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

Ambiance- 10/10. Food- 2/10. I thought the salsa and chips and the tacos were pretty bad. I ate them because I was hungry, but I'd never choose to come back here. For a hang at the bar and a drink though, it's great. read more

Bookmarked this spot for dinner and was so excited to finally go. The staff was very warm and friendly even though they were very busy during the dinner rush (6pm-9pm). Onto the menu - the options totally met my expectations and of all the things we tried, it was just damn good. Because Valentine's Day was earlier this week, they were still offering the Valentine's Day prixe fixe dinner. Sadly I couldn't partake as every dish contained shrimp. This restaurant showcases authentic Mexican dishes with French accents. There were so many different kinds of tacos, queso fundido, shrimp sliders, and quesadillas. The traditional guacamole with chips was one of the best I've had in a while. While simple - mashed avocado with pico de Gallo, there was a hint of vinegar or some kind of tartness. Even the complimentary chips and salsa were so good. Something in that salsa was so original - had a thicker texture and a tomato and bean flavored aftertaste. I liked it a lot. The hanger steak a la parrilla with chimchurri salsa was excellent - bursting with flavors of minced garlic, parsley, olive oil and red vinegar, topped on the already tender and delicious - perfectly medium rare hangar steak. I totally recommend this dish. The guilty pleasure was my veggies - double baked potato with cheese and a side of spinach. The olive oil was so fresh on the spinach. You know it's premium. My friend got the Icelandic Cod which was oven roasted and served with brussel sprouts and roasted potatoes. The flavors were delicious, cooked perfectly where the outside had a nice char and the inside was moist. It was beautifully executed. Note their cocktails contain beer, agave spirits, and tequila. They are quite creative with flavor combinations. I particularly enjoyed the smokiness of my "El Mixteco", hibiscus-infused El Silencio Mezcal. It's an amber colored drink with lemon juice, Damiana flower agavero liqueur and agave nectar, in the smoky, salt rimmed glass, which was superb. read more

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Here again, it's been a long time since I stopped by this amazing place, today is their 10th Anniversary and as always they are right on point with all they do to celebrate it, I tried their pre fixed menu, I was out of this world, the drinks, the food was so savory and dessert was so delicious, it reminded me of my abuela's recipes. Congrats guys, Alex, Rigo, Rafa and their amazing and attentive staff. I can't wait to come back again read more

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This small authentic Mexican restaurant in the LES amazing. The drinks were great all be it a little pricey for the premium cocktails at $25-30. The standard drinks were still top shelf for around $17. My chicken mole' was fantastic and served over a rice-bean-corn-plantain mixture which was delicious. The only thing that could make that dish better was to make it with the thigh instead of the breast. The shrimp over corn tortillas was cheesy heaven. I will go back. It's a small place so consider making a reservation especially if you're more than two. read more

La Contenta Les - Mezcal cocktail - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

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Made a same-day reservation for brunch and had a great experience. The Mexican coffee drink was amazing, and I loved the tacos de pescado. Breakfast burrito was also solid, but the tacos and French toast are the better order. The best cozy spot!! P.S. the "friend" I mentioned in my previous review is now my boyfriend, so that early date ended up being a success :,) read more

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Got the molotes de chorizo. It was delicious but did wish there was more chorizo filling as well as sauce. It was nice and crispy and went well with the guac but did wish there was more red sauce or salsa which would help cut through the creaminess. Tried my friends French toast and that was delicious, would consider getting that if I am ever back. Comes with complimentary tortilla chips and salsa once you are seated. read more

La Contenta Les - Molotes de Chorizo - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

Very impressed with this place! I had to make a fairly large reservation, and they were very nice accommodating me every step of the way as I kept changing the time and the number of people who came. They were super accommodating as we got seated immediately and even when we were "stuck" on appetizers and drinks for 1.5 hours, you know how large groups are, they were not bothered at all. Mad respect for that. - Pulque de Guayaba - When I asked for their sweetest drink on the menu, the waiter pointed me towards this one which honestly wasn't very sweet at all. The taste wasn't particularly memorable and I would not recommend it as the alcohol flavor was too strong (-1). - Guacamole Tradicional - The portion sizes were incredibly small, would not recommend ordering. - La Contenta Nachos - Absolutely yes! I'm so happy to have gotten this item as it was loaded with so many different ingredients. I loved the half-baked tortilla chips and the layering of the cheese on top. Could've just eaten this and been happy. - Enchiladas De Camaron - The star of the show and the main reason why this place gets so many stars. If I only ate this dish alone, I would've given it 5 stars. Hands-down one of the best enchiladas I ever had and probably the best Mexican food item I've had in NYC. The sauce was delicious and I loved the thick cut of shrimp that they put inside. The portion sizes were huge too and definitely could've comfortably brought half it back home. Overall, very solid place for Mexican food especially the Enchiladas. Would skip appetizers and drinks next time but would come back! read more

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Fun Mexican joint in LES. Good vibes and food. The staff were great too. Recommend the fish tacos (everytime!!) read more

La Contenta Les - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

Where else to go on Cinco de mayo than to eat tacos!! Luckily we came before the crowd formed and we got an outdoor seating. Service was good and attentative. Placed the order and food flowed one after another as we finished the appetizers. Guac and chip - a small bowl of guac with just a few pieces of chip. But don't worry, they will supply more if you need. The chips were a bit too hard. The guac needs a pinch more salt and a squeeze of lime. Nachos - I suggest mixing it before grabbing a chip bc all the cheese is in the middle and not spread out evenly. Flavors are good with a kick of spicy. I dont like beans but I hardly tasted it. I added some guac to the nacho and it was a better combo. I suggest them to add guac to the nacho plate overall. Steak taco - grilled and seasoned good. It's cooked medium temperature. Fish taco - there was more breading than fish. The breading was crunchy though Quesabirria - thin quesadilla with pulled meat and half melt cheese. If you expect to dip this in an au ju, think again bc there is no dipping involved. Overall food was alright and def on the expensive side. Tacos are small and it comes with two per order for $17. read more

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Finishing up here on a sunny Spring Sunday afternoon. Service was prompt, Bloody Maria refreshing and delicious as were all of our brunch items. I had the Huevos Rancheros which were perfectly cooked as I requested with the right amount of spicy sauce and fresh and perfectly melted pepper jack cheese. Hubby had the quesadilla with shrimp and our daughter had the plain cheese quesadilla. Great meal and even our doggo was 'contento' here while we dined outside. Will definitely return! read more

La Contenta Les - Eggo loved it here too! - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

What a great little spot. From the chips to the fajitas everything was amazing. Friendly staff and prompt service. Loved it.

I should have listened when friends recommended this place. Their meals fill you up and their employees are pleasant. The intimate feel is accessible to many. The team displays uncommon kindness and knows my name. I'm eagerly anticipating a return trip. read more

Served quickly and the drink was possibly the tastiest cocktail I've had in some time. Read the place serves authentic Mexican, and the nachos were the most artful I've seen in my lifetime. The only downside, we were close to the door which was left open even in the rain. read more

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La Contenta Les crafts meals that show respect for good ingredients. The staff at La Contenta Les enhances the already cool environment. The establishment's authority displayed sincere friendliness. Their food is expertly made without being expensive. Our next visit is already being planned. read more