La Esquina - Soho Cantina
Mexican · Soho · $
Mexican · Soho, New York, NY · $$
By day and by night a stylish crowd gathers here on the corner of Lafayette and Kenmare, eager for the fast casual delights delivered muy rapido by the taqueria and the café, or admission to our legendary brasserie below stairs, the tavern in a cavern, a Sexico fusion of elegant funkiness and intimate ambience, a place you could bring your lover or even your mother. A true New York City rendezvous, staffed by a hardworking familia of artists, entertainers, writers and fighters, a cool mix of bohemian creatives adding extra texture to Esquina’s unfakeable authenticity. Music discreetly rocks the house, and a thousand personal connections bloom, fueled by the sensual effects of extraordinary food, fine wines and high-spirited tequilas. Now with satellites circling the SoHo mothership, on 55th near Broadway, 73rd and Second Avenue, and Moynihan Train Hall.
“You will not find this hidden beauty if you din't know it. Underground. Really nice place. Very good Mexican food and drinks. Reservation highly recommended. Order the tacos (really good) and skip the fancy menue stuff.”
“stumbled upon La Esquina Brasserie entirely by accident, walking along Lafayette Street in New York, but what a find it turned out to be! A tour guide had mentioned it, but discovering it on my own made it feel like a hidden gem. The atmosphere was absolutely beautiful. You head down the steps, and it’s like stepping into a secret speakeasy. The lighting was just right, creating a warm and inviting vibe. The barmen were fantastic—friendly, professional, and really added to the experience. The food was another highlight. Their tacos and other dishes were delicious, and the drinks paired perfectly. What surprised me most was how reasonably priced everything was; it felt like a luxury experience without breaking the bank. The crowd there was equally wonderful—friendly, relaxed, and lovely to chat with. It added to the charm of the place. I’d recommend La Esquina Brasserie to anyone looking for a unique and memorable spot in New York. It’s more than a meal—it’s an experience you won’t forget.”
“A very fun place! It's hidden away and getting in requires a reservation and going downstairs through a secret door that leads you into a large and very cool Gothic Spanish dungeon vibed dining space. Very crowded, delicious food, and good service. It's a little pricey for Spanish/Mexican fare but still worth going to.”
“I have travelled the world extensively over 40 years. I ate at all restaurants ranging from pop & mom’s to Michelin three stars. This is my honest review of the underground speakeasy restaurant La Esquina. Reservation is required to access this one via a guarded door leading to the underground scene with cramped but very lively bar, restaurant and dj scene! Food is generally very good but nothing that particularly stands out as deserving five stars.”
“After we had been sitting for an hour, I went outside to get my friends, whom I had told this was a good place. Without asking us for any ID or anything at all, he simply told us that if we didn’t have a reservation, we couldn’t enter. I explained to him that we were already seated at the table where the fruit was, and he told me, very disrespectfully, “I don’t care.” Then the waitress went upstairs to explain to him that I was already there and that we had space, and he said, “If I say no, it’s no. I’m in charge here.” After that, a lot of people started coming in without reservations or anything like that, and he let them pass as if nothing. This was an act of discrimination motivated by racism and homophobia. Someone like him should not be in that position. He was just looking at his phone and being completely useless.”
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