Toloache

My boyfriend and I frequently go here and always have a lovely experience. We LOVE the waitress Sylvia who must be the sweetest and nicest server I have ever had. We went there recently later in the evening and ended up being the only people in the place and the manager and server insisted we take our time and didn't dare rush us. We had a lovely meal and were treated like royalty I really appreciated it. We always get a few things and share them all. Of course they have nice frozen margaritas as well as an excellent tequila and wine list. We always get guacamole (we are obsessed!), the yummy shrimp tacos, I love the creamy tortilla soup. Everything we have had has really been great. Its NOT a cheap low quality mexican joint, its a nice restaurant with quality fresh ingredients, I will glady pay the price for what they have, and the friendly service. Pros: Service, Quality of food, location, decor, drinks Cons: I wish it were open later... more

I've eaten at Toloache 3 times and I really like the food. The chef takes traditional Mexican flavors/ foods (such as tamarind, lime, barbacoa) and combines them in fresh new ways. This goes way beyond the usual Tex-Mex. Normally I hate tamales because they are so heavy on the grease. But Toloache's tamales are light, fluffy and absolutely delicious. Pros: Great nuevo-Mexicano food Cons: Tables are too close together more

This is a good lunch spot since it's right next door to the office, but having recently relocated here from LA I have to say it's a little sad that the ""nice"" Mexican place is really not all that great compared to the lower end places back in LA. Pros: speedy service, lots of guacamole Cons: a little unimaginative more

I am not a huge fan of Mexican food but Toloache changed my mind. After sitting down and browsing the menu, I was instantly attracted to the lobster tacos. As I waited for my meal, they brought out a trio of guacamoles with chips. I dug into the first guac and was pleasantly surprised. I have never loved guacamole....until this one. It was thick and chunky, in a good way, and the fruit one with pomegrante seeds was really unique. The tomato salsa was delicious too. After gorging myself with chips and guac, I managed to save room for the tacos and I'm glad I did. The creative take on traditional tacos made for a great dish. I really enjoyed the restaurant and would recommend it to anyone. more

My friends and I ventured to this little Mexican spot for a pre show dinner at about 5:30. We started out with sangrias (recommend red>>white) which were phenomenal. We were excited about the guac bar only to be mildly disappointed. The traditional was good not great, the ""fruity"" one with mango and pomegranate was a pleasant surprise and the ""spicy"" one... was not at all spicy.. I ordered the skirt steak tacos.... which were very small. They were more like taco ""sliders"" and were about that size. And the order came with two tacos and nothing else. My friend ordered the chicken enchilada which was a let down for her, but you might like it if you like pulled chicken. The remaining two liked their chicken quesadillas. The rice and beans were moderate and the corn on the cob was not really good (recommend cafe habana on prince st for that). Then, to top it off, we were being hovered over to get up and get out. Overall, I wouldn't really recommend or go back. Pros: Sangria Cons: Portion size, service more

A friend and I walked in - sans reservation - after a show. Both of us were starving so I think we ordered a little of everything on the menu. The creations from this kitchen are delectable. Succulent, savory and sweet, and so full of flavor. \r \r The avocado fries are so creative and tastey! The panko was light and crispy, the warm avocado creamy and sweet. You could taste something a little tart and salty sprinkled on the fries - lime maybe? It was perfect. \r \r The plantains were sweet, perfectly tender and the dipping sauce - also served with the avocado fries - was amazing. There was a nice heat to it without setting your mouth on fire or overwhelming the flavor of the plantains.\r \r There was a special of crab empanadas. The pastry was light and crisp, and substantial without being doughy or too thick, which can be a little tricky with empanadas. It was perfect for the light sweetness of the crab. \r \r My friend ordered the lobster tacos - they were also a special of the day - and he thought they were wonderful.\r \r Now this is where it gets really good. I ordered Carnitas de Lechon. Let me just say it was the most flavorful, beautifully seasoned roasted pig I have ever had the absolute pleasure of tasting. The habanero-sour orange salsa was so delicous it literally made my mouth water. The entre is served on a fresh corn tortilla but be assured, this is no taco. I had to mention the tortilla because of the flavor; it was so fresh and light. And the chef tops all of the delicsousness off with a crispy chicharron. Oh, heaven.\r \r And don't let me forget the dessert. The tres leches de limon... seriously? Seriously? The sponge of the cake was light - no easy accomplishment in a cake soaked in three kinds of milk; the flavors were delicate, nothing overwhelmed, it was a perfect balance.\r \r Thank you, Chef Medina, your creations, and the staff's execution of them, were an utter delight. And thank you J. - service was impeccable. Pros: Food so good Moses would have left the Promised Land for a bite. Cons: I didn't get to taste everything. more

I made reservations at Toloache after reading cuozzo's review of mexican restaurants in the post. The food really is unlike any Mexican I've had before - the flavors are familiar but presented in a beautiful and unexpected style. I would highly recommend Toloache to anyone looking for an upscale mexican experience. more

Have to agree with aplv review from 5/31/08. Was in NYC this past week, and decided to go there for lunch with my daughter on the day of returning to home. Our hotel was right across the street, and we passed this restaurant every day, and we wanted to try it. It looked appealing from the outside, but don't let that decieve you!! The other reviewers on this site obviously don't know a thing about Mexican food! Guacomole was $11 extra if you wanted to order it, and you didn't get chips and salsa before the meal. Being of Mexican heritage, and a lover of Mexican food, I would not recommend this place to anyone. It is way overpriced for what you get, and the waiter was very pushy and extremely rude! He was very disgusted because we did not order a cocktail or anything from the dessert menu that he shoved in our hands without asking if we wanted any. Don't go here!! It is a tourist trap!! Cons: overpriced, poor service, no chips and salsa with meals more

I was here yesterday with a friend for lunch. The place looks nice. We ordered the guacamole, the chicken quesadilla and the fixed price menu. Everything was so good. I've been to a few other Mexican restaurants in the city and this one is by far the best. The girl who served us was very nice as well, she also made some good suggestions on the menu to us. So I don't understand why the complains about service from the earlier reviews.\r Prices are reasonable, not cheap, but also not outrageous for the kind of food, ambience and service.\r I would definitely go back again. Pros: Food Cons: maybe price for some? more

Been there twice. Had terrific meals both times. A friend who works nearby orders take out all the time and likes the food very much. Not sure why some have posted bad reviews and complained about the service... my two experiences were both very pleasant. more

I stopped into Toloache with my boyfriend over the weekend after hearing some friends rave about it and boy were they right! The food was so flavorful, so intense. The guacamole can't even be described. I guess the best word is fresh. Everything there is so FRESH! Even the drinks. My boyfriend had a drink called De la Calle, which is a margarita with cucumbers, basil, and my favorite--jicama! All crushed mojito-style right into the drink. I had the Margarita Sandia (watermelon margarita). Oh my God! It was so juicy, so delicious with the real crushed-up watermelon inside. Our other favorite was the fish tacos. Tempura-battered tilapia fish with some of that awesome guacamole and jicama coleslaw right on the taco! When I bit into it, I couldn't believe what I was tasting. And I don't think I would've ordered them if it wasn't for our waiter. He was so nice, and so knowledgeable about the menu. He really helped make our choices easy. My boyfriend and I love Mexican food, and we've eaten at most Mexicans around the city. Dos Caminos, Mesa Grill, Rosa Mexicano to name a few. We were so surprised with Toloache's food we don't think we'll be back to any of the others anytime soon. Why have a dry, cheeseless chicken enchilada with green sauce at Rosa Mexicano when you can have a moist, cheesy, chicken enchilada with fresh figs inside--FIGS!!!--at Toloache? I very highly recommend this place!!! more

Wow!! The food was absolutely amazing and the authenticity of the menu is obvious just by looking at the ingredients. I've never had better tacos in NYC. I definitely recommend the micheladas as well. I can't wait to go back. more

stopped by the other night to check it out. was amazed by the tasty and beautifully presented modern mexican fare..The steak ceviche was full of flavor and texture and the tequila list is ridiculous..In a neighborhood full of mediocre restaurants trying to pass themselves off as ""fine dining"", Toloache truly shines. more

My husband and I are residents of NY. We only stopped here because we got out of a show very hungry on a rainy Saturday night. The decor is good and inviting so we entered. The drinks tasted good but had very little alcohol in them. The food was below average, small portions, and extremely overpriced. The average entree costs $22. With just 2 entrees and 2 drinks, we had a $90 bill including the tip! The worst part of the experience was the extremely pushy waiter. He kept recommending the most expensive drinks and meals on the menu even when we were midway through our main course! We clearly told him that we were stuffed and wanted the check but he kept insisting on other ""smaller dishes"" and dessert. He kept interrupting us and insisting we order more and more so it ruined our evening! Stay away if possible! Pros: Decor Cons: Food - Quality, Quantity, Price, Agressive & pushy waiters more

I haven't been to the place itself, but I was at this fundraiser recently and the owner/chef along with his kitchen staff were so friendly. The food was delicious - I was standing by the kitchen area the whole time and the waiters offered these delicious appetizers - red herring with crackers, taquitos, bite size tortas de bistec, and so much more. Oh god, I don't even want to get into how delicious the Toloache was (the drink). Tequila with frozen blueberries... you couldn't even feel a thing. I must've had 3 and had a splendid night. The owner/chef went out and spoke to all the guests - a very charismatic guy. The staff was so nice as well. I hope to go the restaurant itself in the future! more

I went there for dinner with my boyfriend about one hour before they close. This place looked very nice but not as cozy as we expected. We didn't even have a time to open the menu when a server without even saying hello, ostentatiously looking at his wach asked "" you wanna order something?"" When we asked what would he suggest he said he didn't know what we like and than he left. Complete lack of decorum. Unbelievable. I really wanted to tried this food otherwise we would just leave this restaurant. While ordering he asked us 3 times to repet our order. I understand this is Mexican Restaurant but we live in US and English is our language and this is so frustrated You go to a restaurant and you can not comunicate with people because they hardly speak this language and they are so rude. The food was so good thouh. Pros: food Cons: service more

I was there last weekend with my friends and i liked it very much.Delicious food and authentic ambiamce.Recommended. more

My husband and I visited this restaurant after reading the reviews on citysearch, we were so hopeful and excited about all the great food in New York! \r Unfortunately (for us) the food was bland, We were disappointed to say the least! I had the fish tacos, they soggy with zero flavor! My husband had the mole.... we've both had much better for much cheaper! We were really looking forward to a great meal after a long day of sight seeing and walking all around the city!\r I was especially disappointed since I went into this restaurant really wanting to LOVE it! :( I read the good and the bad reviews but I thought ""wow this place looks like it's going be really good"" I was looking for restaurants that were authentic (no chains) to New York and this seemed like a good place. \r We were so excited about the Guacamole and all the amazing flavors they promised.... in truth, my husband makes better guacamole! I can't believe we actually paid over $150.00 for this meal! I don't mind paying if the food lives up to it's word but sadly it didn't. When you're traveling and you only have 4-5 nights to try and take in as much of a city as you can it's sad when one of you main meals is ruined by a bad experience, in this case.... the food. Pros: In the heart of Times Square Cons: Sadly... the food. more

I have now been to Toloache 2 times and waited until my second visit to pass judgement, but in the end I have to say that I think it is a fantastic restauraunt. my first visit I sat alone at the ceviche bar but was pleasantly surprised to see that service wasn't scrimped on as my waitress was a pleasant and knowledgeable about the menu advising me to sample an amazing mushroom quesadilla and lobster tacos, (though she admitted to not knowing a bit of spanish!). My second visit was only a few days later and though the specials were still the same and remarkably enough my waitress was the same as well, the food was just as good the second time around! I am already looking foreward to my next visit and I reccomend Toloache without hesitation to anyone else who is passing through that part of town. Pros: food Cons: any? more

we absolutely loved this place. the food, the drinks and the atmosphere were all great. the service was outstanding. we highly recommend the yellowtail cerviche and the suckling pork. both dishes brought such unique and new flavor to our palates. we would definitely go back. Pros: service, atmosphere Cons: walking down the stairs after a few delicious mango mojitos more