Empellón Cocina
(Now Closed)Mexican Restaurant$$$$
East Village, New York
The experts at The Wall Street Journal and Eater recommend this place
149 Tips and reviews
Sort:
- Popular
- Recent
Kelsey LeeJune 22, 2014The tacos are unique, the guacamole perfection, and the drinks impressive and delicious.
Lee HoffmanMarch 8, 2015The pistachio gauc is maybe the best gauc I've ever had. The steak is awesome.
Howard LeifmanOctober 11, 2013Food was amazing and staff were terrific! I highly recommend it. Great atmosphere too!
amazing happy hour - 2 for 1 fancy pants margies & $5 for a beer & taco!
AmateurConciergeSeptember 19, 2015Skate tacos yes, goat tacos also yes but slightly less so. Guac. No 7 salsas- Howard LeifmanOctober 10, 2013Food was amazing and service excellent! Highly recommend! Definitely will go back!
- DoubleDeuceJuly 18, 2015Be sure to order the 7 sauces with your guacamole dip so that you can use them with your dinner.
Lesley KAugust 13, 2013Mexi food pulling from contemporary, colonial & very old aztec/maya/etc influences in a very fun atmosphere.
CarlApril 6, 2013For brunch, the chilequiles miss the mark by not using regular corn tortilla chips. It also doesn't help when the poached eggs are undercooked and with an occasional bit of shell.
Eric FriedmanMay 8, 2014The tequila flight is not worth it. Comes with a spicy tomato chaser which is the last thing you want while sipping tequila.
Priya SubramaniamJuly 28, 2013Awesome, unique, delicious varieties of salsa and guac. Definitely get at least one!
Laurel ToubyDecember 16, 2012Love the salsas. Lots of lard. Not a lot for vegans. Wish they had some greens on the menu.
Serious EatsMarch 5, 2013The menus at Empellón Cocina change often, in the dining room and at the bar.
The Hecho en Humo is a Mexican take on the Old Fashioned: tequila instead of whiskey, and a Mexican Coke reduction instead of simple syrup.
Schuyler BrownJanuary 20, 2013Hecho en humo is a sick cocktail. Surprisingly smooth and complex. The coceronnes are amazingly light.
ZephanAugust 23, 2013Everything here is unique and amazing. Drinks, guac, tacos & tequila. Don't think about it, be about it.
Tasting TableApril 29, 2012Don’t miss the tamal colado, a Yucatán-inspired dish better than the versions we’ve eaten in Mexico. Read more
nora walkerMay 10, 2013There is a dish with melted cheese and lobster. This should really go without saying, but ORDER THAT.
Jackie SnowMarch 20, 2012The guac made NYMag's best of list in 2011. Alex Stupak's 2nd Empellon restaurant that everyone is freaking out about.
Tom LeeApril 1, 2013The wonder of Empellón Cocina is that almost none of its Mexican food is traditional, yet none of it feels inauthentic, either
Sam CJuly 24, 2013Pretty good, experimental Mexican. A little overpriced for the portion sizes of everything from the margaritas to salsa/guac to entrees.
The drinks are amazing. Highly recommend Hecho en Humo.
Michelle C.December 20, 2012NY Foodie Reco: Peeky Toe Crab, Lobster & cheese, Squid w/Heriloom potatoes, guac w/pistachios- Want something a little crazy and totally out of this world? Try the Pistachio Milk Punch.
Lauren ShiaFebruary 11, 2013Came for brunch and couldnt believe how small the portions were. Plan to either get 2 entrees or leave hungry.
AlexisSeptember 6, 2012People arent kidding about the lobster queso. Delish!! Kinda pricier than you think, though!
Charles DeutschMay 11, 2012One of the best meals I've had in a long time... Ask for Geri... She's got your back!
312 Photos
Foursquare © 2025 Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA
Permanently closed (Show more)
- Tue
- 5:30 PM–10:30 PM
- Wed–Thu
- 5:30 PM–11:30 PM
- Fri
- 5:30 PM–Midnight
- Sat–Sun
- 11:00 AM–10:30 PM
(212) 780-0999
Features
Reservations
Yes
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. Discover & Visa)
Outdoor Seating
No
Food & Drink
Menus
Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Happy Hour
Drinks
Beer, Wine, Full Bar, Cocktails
See More
You might also like
- 8.5
"Chill vibe - great staff - drinks are just amazing"
Marc Asghari - 8.6
"The space is small but very cozy. The only thing I've had so far are the nachotones and they blew my mind! Add chicken for only $2 and you have a whole meal! I'll be coming back for sure."
Michael Fernandez - 8.9
"Tomatillo bloody marys, sunrise burrito and huevos rancheros were all quite delicious! Nice and spacious for downtown NY too, and friendly service."
Crystal
Places people like to go after Empellón Cocina
- 8.9
"Had the Grass Kilt. Nice and light for summer. Great ambiance. Sliders are unique."
Laura Hammer - 9.1
"Like a well curated museum, you can't go wrong with the beers, oysters or dinner specials. The whiskey cake and exceptional service are bonuses."
Laurissa Yee - 8.8
"Excellent, unique drinks and a crowd that appreciates a good cocktail. A perfect after dinner pit stop when in the East Village."
Kat
Appears on 693 lists
Created by #EatDownTipUp
155 items • 496 followers
New York Magazine "Where To Eat 2013"
Created by M.
62 items • 609 followers
Tribeca Film Festival #TFF2012
Created by ISDI R. √ #instagram : isdiDROID
70 items • 336 followers