Excellent food, service and ambiance! Our waiter recommended the best tequila drink too!

Great experience at this NY classic - terrific food, wonderful service, lively atmosphere. Margaritas are superb!

Beautifully arranged and designed seating areas, very spacious with Mexican vibes! First of all- it's a gigantic restaurant, divided to the 3 (may be even 4) areas! 2 areas are dining, and the 3rd one-the bar. We had a reservation at 6pm, Saturday, were seated right away; at that early hour gigantic restaurant was already half full... While we were researching the wine list , complimentary homemade chips with salsa (big bowl, see the pictures with guacamole) were placed to our table right away. We were ready to order drinks, but our waiter asked about appetizers first... when we ordered Guacamole Single as an appetizer, he left, not taking order for drinks. We we trying to tell him about our selection-but he informed us-that he need to place Guacamole order to the kitchen, because it takes time, he returned, took our orders for drinks (not for food yet!). I ordered Sauvignon Blank (white wine drinker), didn't like their Riesling (tasted both, before ordering), my friend ordered Pineapple Margarita. The Margaritas section in the menu stated, that Rosa Mexicano recognized as the Best Margaritas in New York! Guacamole was prepared right in front of us, quite fast-was delicious!- station desks were moving around, from table to table, if Guacamole was ordered. Fun to watch, especially for kids (a lot of tables were occupied by families with kids). When our guacamole was finished we placed the order for a main course-Fajitas with shrimp duo! It would be enough for 4 people, not talking about us 2- a lot of food. Jumbo shrimps delicately grilled, veggies -tasty, I'm not a big lover of rice and beans-but it was very good. I would say-the food was excellent! Margaritas good (not my taste, I just try both from my friend's glasses) Ambience-excellent! Service -a bit slow. But from the other side - we weren't rush at all and could sit even longer after finishing our dinner. Bathroom very artistic, with Frida Kahlo portraying on the walls (see picture)... Rosa Mexicano has a few locations in New York and from my prospective-it's a wonderful dining experience of fine Mexican cousin. Great for pre-show, or after show eat/drink. for families gathering, dates and more.. . read more

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Absolutely terrible experience! The food took an unreasonable amount of time to arrive, especially the kids' meal, which eventually came out incomplete, with several items incorrect due to allergies being recorded incorrectly. Our waiter, Abraham, then attempted to cover up his mistake by giving us an incorrect explanation about the menu. When placing the order, he had told us that the kids' quesadilla came with a flour tortilla, only to later claim that all kids' quesadillas are made with corn tortillas. To make matters worse, the eggs arrived raw and runny, forcing us to send them back. Instead of taking the entire plate back to the kitchen, he simply picked up the eggs and took them to be cooked further. This was absolutely disgusting and completely unacceptable. I have never experienced such poor service. Between the mishandling of food allergies, the misleading explanation about the menu, the unacceptable handling of the undercooked eggs, and the complete lack of an apology, the entire experience was beyond frustrating. I felt so uncomfortable and anxious that I couldn't even finish my meal. This was not just poor service; it was a serious failure in food handling, communication, and basic customer care. An experience like this is completely unacceptable, especially when dining with children read more

Didn't like anything except location. We felt really rushed from beginning to the end, they took our drinks when we didn't finish them, the same for food. the waiter was trying to sell most expensive dishes. The food also was mediocre. I personally didn't like anything except for guacamole. read more

Rosa Mexicano - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

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Dinner at Rosa Mexicano was the perfect start to the evening ;great atmosphere, great energy, and excellent service. Our waiter knew we had an 8 PM show and made sure everything flowed perfectly. The shrimp tacos with slaw and a lemonade tasted like summer, and the chicken quesadilla was unexpectedly amazing. The Empire Hotel/Lincoln Center area remains one of my favorite NYC pre-show traditions. read more

Rosa Mexicano - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

Rosa Mexicano has been a favorite of ours for a long time. We were shopping in this neighborhood and decided to get lunch. There was plenty to take home for over the weekend too. Service is good and the food is fresh. So far I didn't get anything from lettuce or other ingredient. I'm recommending. read more

Steps from Lincoln Center, the restaurant is beautiful, splashy and busy. My personal preference were the mom-and-pop Mexican restaurants I left behind in Georgia, though to paraphrase a famous movie, " ... we're not in Kansas anymore." Rosa Mexicano is somewhat expensive, but not as pricy as it could be in Manhattan. We started off with frozen margaritas. Husband had regular, I had strawberry. Not bad, though I prefer mine fruitier. Had made-at-the-table guacamole which was my favorite part of dinner. T enjoyed carnitas enchiladas. Nicely spiced, I had to agree. My chicken fajitas were good, though I've had better. Presentation was great. My friend, who had a combination of steak and shrimp fajitas was perfectly happy, though commented that the tortillas were too small to accommodate her shrimp. For dessert we shared tres leches cake. Big enough for the three of us to have more than a taste -- and good! Service was attentive with a team of people tending to us. Reservations recommended, perhaps even necessary when performances across the street let out. read more

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One of the only decent happy hours in the area that lasts until 7! Really appreciate food included on the "fiesta hour" menu too. They also allow you to order off this menu at a table, which is a nice perk considering most places do happy hour at the bar only. My colleague and I shared the $25 carafe of passionfruit margarita. Be warned, this carafe is smaller than your average size. It probably fills about 4 mini-margarita glasses (normally $7 each). Beers, such as corona and modelo, are also included in the happy hour menu. Food was solid. Love the free chips and salsa that they give. I ordered the Mexican Smashburger + fries for $20. It was reminiscent of a breakfast sausage sandwich which I didn't mind at all. The burger was cooked a little too well done, which overpowered whatever amount of chorizo they added. read more

Rosa Mexicano - Mexican Smashburger - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

Pro tip, restaurant is on the 2nd floor and the entrance is next to the Empire hotel entrance! It took me a minute to find it initially. Ambiance and service are great, food was just ok. As a Texan I will say this is more traditional Mexican style vs my preferred taste of Tex-Mex, but this is personal preference. I do think the servicing size are small, was surprised my enchiladas were so little and the plate only comes with rice, not even beans too. read more

Rosa Mexicano - Enchiladas Pork Carnitas. - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

Made at the table gaucamole, fresh and fun! Great service. We asked for a quiet table and we got it. The main area is very noisy with music and loud conversation. The back room is much better. They have a cute "love" sign on the wall. Delicious calamari; all dishes hit the spot. Will be back! This is the location near Lincoln Center and Columbus Circle (different from the other Rosa Mexicano) read more

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Gorgeous location. I've been to a few others. As usual the guac made at the table is just fabulous along with their chips. For my main I got steak and shrimp fajitas which was delicious but the tortillas were ridiculously tiny making it impossible to wrap anything in except maybe 1 shrimp!! Kind of took away from the idea of a fajita. Tres leches was amazing. That was the size of a small bakery cake making it perfect for 3 people to share. This location was perfect after seeing a play at Lincoln center. Took all of about 3 min to walk over. read more

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Impressive how on point this spot is. Flavorful food that melts in your mouth and really great beverages. It's huge and they are masters of customer service even with being packed. We didn't have to wait even though we walked in. Lots of seating choices and a great bar crowd with big screens for watching the game. And yes the guacamole is a must. read more

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Came here before an opera show next door at Lincoln Center. My best friend discovered this place and it did not disappoint! The ambiance is very modern and cozy! In addition, our waiter was efficient and friendly. The food came out really fast. I ended up getting the chicken quesadillas which were some of the best I've ever had. I would definitely return this place is a winner for sure! read more

Rosa Mexicano - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

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Beautiful interior and fun atmosphere. Acoustically very loud, so don't expect to have intimate conversations. Great location- went there after the NYC Half marathon which let out 1 1/2 blocks away from Central Park .lots of vegetarian and gluten free options. Guacamole is prepared tableside and is delicious. They put out chips and salsa to start. Due to the crowd after the half marathon , the ordered dishes came out very late , and we had to wait a very very long time, but given the circumstances,I totally understand as it was swamped with people and it is a very large restaurant. The servers were very attentive. They gave everyone complementary margaritas and another complementary guacamole , which helped as we were starved. A fun celebratory place to be. There are 2 bars and several smaller rooms and large dining areas. They have a brunch menu as well. read more

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New location? 10/10. Amazing space and VERY different than the old location. Pros: ambiance. Guacamole. Cons: bartender was half paying attention and NOT attentive. DONT get the chicken flautas. Very dry. Will I go back? Yes. For drinks and guacamole. Dinner? No read more

Rosa Mexicano - Chicken Flautas_ - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

Such a good mexican spot. The inside is super cute and trendy. Food was very good as well. Very big portions. I got the shrimp fajitas and they were so good. read more

I made a reservation at my favorite location next to Lincoln Center and when I got out of the Uber I was like, what?! It's closed? That's not possible, how could it be closed - as in boarded up closed - if I have a reservation? Turns out my favorite location moved. It is on the same block but just up and around the corner. At first I thought it was smaller going into a lobby with just a staircase and no first level dining but ascending the stairs brought one to a surprisingly large space -- most likely larger than the old location. The refresh did this old favorite well and rhymes with what I have seen in the new Orlando location as well. The food is just as good and though service could have been a little more attentive it still worked well enough for a great overall experience. read more

Rosa Mexicano - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

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The first time I dined here was about 20 years ago. I've been wanted to go back, but never really put any real effort into making it happen. As soon as the first opportunity presented itself, I made a reservation, for one. Upon arrival, I noticed the bright and welcoming decor, along with the light early evening buzz, it was a little after 4:30pm. Unfortunately, the host didn't match that energy. The individual was very dry and blah. But I wasn't going to allow them to dampen my mood. I was seated, then warmly greeted by my server. He brought a bowl of fresh tortilla chips and salsa, both tasty! After a few minutes, the server return for my order. He got all the fine details correct, without writing them down (impressive). In the past I've had their popular margaritas, but that day I enjoyed my meal with an individual bottle of Saratoga Sparkling water, with a wedge of lemon and lime. (So satisfying!!) As for my meal, I had roasted mushroom enchiladas, w/ a side Mexican rice and ripe plantain... oh so delicious!!! Overall, I enjoyed my evening at Rosa Mexicano, and will surely go again! read more

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Holiday vibes, great service and amazing food. Steps from Lincoln Center, this restaurant has good accessibility but may be a bit loud for the sensitive. This is a can't miss spot. read more

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Very efficient waitstaff, delicious food. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening. It's very convenient for a performance at Lincoln Center.

New location right around the block located in the Empire hotel. Love coming here for Monday night $5 Margharita night. No one can beat their guacamole. We ordered the viva Mexico and the honey badger margaritas. The Viva Mexico is a mix of three different frozen margaritas and the honey badger is passionfruit flavored. The service here is amazing. The waitress was so sweet. I even gave her a big hug for my free pantalones drink. She said the bartender made an extra by accident so she dropped it off for me. She's the best. read more

Rosa Mexicano - Monday $5 happy hour! - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

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The food and service were excellent. The Mexican Fried rice was to die for. A must have when visiting Rosa's Mexicano! The chocolate tres leches cake was heavenly. My customer service was outstanding from the moment we walked in and while dining. Can't wait to come back. read more

Rosa Mexicano - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

Hadn't been here in years and found myself here on a date. I learned about the grinder they use to make guacamole. Apparently my dining companion loves it so much he has one at home. The food and ambience were like I remembered. It was a torrential downpour outside so we picked the perfect time for dinner. read more

Checked all of myself and my Families boxes! The food was so good and the service was incredible. The location was beautiful too we got a lot of great photos. We were celebrating read more

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(Dined 07/09/2025 WE @ 5:00pm): Señorita Rosa was serving up some elevated Mexican food from her cocina! My dear friend recommended a pre-show meal at Rosa Mexicano after she recently celebrated a friend's birthday there. I loved Mexican food, and it was conveniently across the street from The Metropolitan Opera where we were watching a 2025 summer season performance of American Ballet Theatre (ABT) doing "Sylvia". Since 1984, Rosa Mexicano has been serving authentic Mexican cuisine with a fresh take on classic dishes in a stylish and sophisticated atmosphere to honor Mexico's rich culinary heritage. Was their Mexican food a bed of roses to my olfactory senses!? PURCHASE Unlimited Chips & Roasted Tomato Salsa (COMP): Homemade crispy tortilla chips and slightly-spicy a tad watery salsa roja that could easily serve as a meal it was so good! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=144&select=pqkZkYdBSuxnN3qDKJcR4w Guacamole En Molcajete ($19.00): A tableside https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=144&select=TH63ygeHXLXRAmbGL0ZLVQ dish blended with chopped cilantro, lime juice, red onions, scallion, tomatoes, and maybe more, it was creamy and exquisite! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=144&select=ttjw9SMvFScxVubF9UEIUQ Spicy Pineapple Habanero Margarita ($16.00): Rimmed with tajin, this was a lovely cocktail with a nice blend of mild spiciness and sweetness! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=144&select=GsjsCdzlq9DDLEm73RHlbQ 3pc Chorizo & Shrimp Empanadas ($16.00): Pricey and small, the two ingredients didn't mix well and neither one stood out over the other. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=120&select=OeLsAutE9Tzrd8Y-VjicIA Mini Ahi Taco Sampler (COMP): A nice flavorful surprise! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=120&select=9RI0EkawONPfcvdm6bj8Lg 2pc Pork Carnitas Enchiladas w/Sides ($24.00): Packed with tender marinated shredded pork covered in thick salsa ranchera, this was no joke! And, the sides of fluffy Mexican rice https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=120&select=oYYmXuVfn_oH45I5Cl9TnA and spicy black beans https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=120&select=nh0HPnxN00b1-TPxWffoeQ complimented the dish well. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=120&select=FNBhmt78KXq-iTuRRGcBNA 3pc Pork Carnitas Street Tacos ($17.00): Corn tortillas stuffed with tender meat covered by shaved cabbage and pickled red onions, each bite was glorious and messy; use your fork! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=120&select=w8ieKkNc-iThxQJ-TlB7zQ Street Corn Esquites ($10.00): I ended up taking this home and enjoyed it for lunch. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=120&select=XsJoJQBZ0GtP271N3eHVOA Frozen Mango Margarita ($16.00): Basically an alcohol-filled mango slushy - yes! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=120&select=-6j3Rm3pKDHdcF_Di0onuQ SERVICE We had reservations, so once we arrived we were quickly shown to our table. Our server discussed the drinks, menu, and specials. Once we ordered, everything went smoothly. The entire staff was amazing from start to finish - perfecto! PARKING (Varied; N/A this instance) We took a Lyft into the city, so I was unaware of the parking situation. The main drags of Columbus Ave., Broadway, and 62nd St., respectively, were packed with traffic. Take any public transportation if you can - 'nuff said. ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE A bright vibrant multi-level restaurant with an abundance of cultural displays crossed with a museum feel, there were a ton of dining areas and a bar on the ground floor. Plenty of natural lighting came through the many large windows that circled the restaurant while a various range of electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. I couldn't recall any TVs or any background music, but there was plenty of chatter throughout. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=120&select=U-9HPexMVdO4_fLSs2i0JA ATTIRE Although I was in smart business wear, this place was totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL Rosa Mexicano was a treat and would consider returning. Sure, I felt things were a bit pricey (this was the Upper West Side after all); however, everything we ate and drank was wonderful, and the menus had many options. Plus, the service was awesome as they got us in and out in time for our show. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $130.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS read more

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Love the new space at Lincoln Center. As per usual, fun atmosphere and enjoyed great margaritas and beer... along with outstanding guacamole. Our food was great and I was surprised by how filling the lobster taquitos were (I thought they would not be enough). Our server was excellent. Thanks for a lovely evening... read more

I really enjoyed coming here. The look of the place was beautiful. Additionally, the worker bringing a cart around to make guacamole at the table side was such a nice treat! My drink was delicious and I enjoyed my food; however, I think our service was the best part. Top notch service. read more

Rosa Mexicano - Mocktail - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

After a visit to the David H Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, right across the street was this restaurant "Rosa Mexicano". We didn't have reservations but didn't have to wait to be seated. Inside the place was quaint but spacious , creatively & calmly decorated . Our server was polite & courteous. We ordered: Calamari it was delicious tender and crispy, the chicken cheesy quesadilla was tasty the tortilla was grilled & nicely seasoned. The chicken enchiladas sauce flavored just right & served with rice & black beans, the Fish Taco was fresh & favorable too . The guacamole was handmade with all the seasonings we selected & the tortilla chips were crispy and fresh. I would recommend this place if you like Mexican food. Prices are reasonable. They're moving around the corner but close enough to Lincoln Center read more

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It has been a few years since I dined at Rosa Mexicano so I was a little confused when I couldn't find the location because they moved in September. The new venue is very large with an abundance of tables. However, the gender neutral bathroom is so small and there is always a line. The food was OK. I got the taco salad and the black beans tasted a little inedible. It was also impossible to get a drink refill. I asked my waitress for more water and I had to find someone else to get it 15 minutes later when she never returned. I had an enjoyable dinner catching up with my friend and enjoying the complimentary chips and salsa, however, the food was just OK. read more

Rosa Mexicano - Taco Salad - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

Great food. Loved the salsa and I'm from Texas! Refried black Beans and the Street corn were excellent and the tacos were great and almost more than I could eat. The service was wonderful too! read more

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We had a wonderful evening at the new location near Lincoln Center. The atmosphere is very upbeat and festive, the service was amazing, and the food was very good. Definitely would go back. read more

Highlight of our experience is our waiter Aaron!!! You rock!!! He was so attentive and gave us great suggestions and had we come with bigger appetites, would have tried more he suggested. However, was an overall wonderful experience. Love the seemingly homemade chips and complimentary salsa. Love the NEW location and interior decor! Love the sunny & airy space and treetop views. Friends and I tried the fish tacos which were good, not a huge quantity, at 3 pieces for $20, but well prepared. A bonus is that this restaurante participates in InKind so happily used this option. Great for groups and for Sunday quiet convos as well. read more

The frozen blood orange margarita is delicious! And the server was making great recommendations, the place has a cool vibe too!

They have a new location which I think is nicer than their old spot near Lincoln center that is right around the corner. My partner and I had the fajitas as well as the birria empanadas and they were fairly good. Total was around $60 for both which was a bit on the pricier side for what it was, but they had friendly service and staff were attentive read more

Rosa Mexicano - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

Went for happy hour and the drinks and food did not disappoint. The Mexican smashburger and oaxacan egg rolls were delicious. The server was attentive and checking in. Overall a great restaurant with nice decor. read more

Rosa Mexicano - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

What a great location for this gem . Across the street from Lincoln Center. My wife and I has eaten here on a couple of occasions. The service was a bit slow upstairs waiting for our waitress but the food was amazing . On more than a few occasions we just sat at the bar and enjoyed our drinks. read more

Rosa Mexicano - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

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It was nice ambiance, great service. Our server was attentive but not overly attentive. Friendly and kind. The food was good and yummy. read more

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Went here after the movies with a friend, I ordered a mocktail that was a bit heavy on the lime and was slightly too sour but I still finished it. The salsa and chips were good, the salsa was mild which was fine for me! Then I ordered the queso fundido. It was absolutely life changing. The best queso fundido I've ever eaten, with the PERFECT cheesy umami flavor. I almost ate the whole thing by myself but had to stop myself because I still had my soup coming. The service was a little slow so I could've finished it two times over in the time between when I ordered and when the soup came. The chicken tortilla soup was fine, it was more of a deconstructed chicken taco with some thick broth. The chicken was a bit dry but it was alright overall. The dessert however was amazing, it was bananas and cream in between crispy fried goodness. The bananas and cream filling between the buñuelos was absolutely delightful. Would order again along with the fantastic queso fundido. read more

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Tonight was my first time getting delivery via Seamless from this restaurant. The food was delicious and arrived right on time! I had the chicken enchiladas suizas and a side of street corn. The enchiladas also came with your choice of rice and I got mexican rice. Everything was warm when it arrived and both items are ones I have had in person. They traveled very well and were just as delicious as they are in the restaurant! My one complaint was it said every order came with complimentary chips and salsa, and mine did not. Not sure if they just forgot or if they aren't doing that anymore? If I knew that, I would have ordered a side of chips and salsa. I bit disappointed because I love their chips and salsa! read more

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