El Lugar Cantina

El Lugar Cantina is a new contemporary Mexican restaurant in Midtown. It is known for its extensive tequila and mezcal menu and 2 taco Happy Hour deal. They’ve just launched a new menu on the weekend serving up brunch food with a Mexican twist. Thank you Francisco and our server for the warmest hospitality. They were so welcoming and knowledgeable. We could wholeheartedly feel their passion about the food and cocktails they’re serving. *Breakfast Egg Tostadas Highly recommended! Each tostada was loaded with a fresh plop of guacamole, sunny side-up egg, honey-glazed bacon and cilantro. The mixed flavors and textures were bursting in my mouth. *Beef Short Rib and Waffle A Mexican version of Chicken Waffle, while the proteins were substituted with shredded beef and crispy bacon. The beef was so tender. The housemade butter served on the side literally melted on the warm and chewy waffle. *Champinones Tlayudas I know we had to order their signature tlayudas. We picked the mushroom one and it was SO GOOD!! Tlayudas is a wood-fired Mexican pizza with a corn-tortilla base. The crust was so thin and crispy, heavily topped with mushrooms, corn and cheese. We were stuffed but still enjoyed it because it was very light. *Faux-Loma (.05% alcohol) * In a Hamkock in Tulum Their cocktails and mocktails are the highlights of their menu. Must order

We love going to El Lugar and are lucky to have stumbled across it when it opened. Quick thoughts below: Drinks - the margaritas are excellent. Food - very high quality food. I would note that it is primarily dedicated to a specific region of Mexican food (don't except Tex Mex). Service - Francisco (manager) and Gerardo (one of the main servers) are great. Very efficient and welcoming.

We first came here about three or four months ago, early in the evening because we had somewhere to go, and have many dietary restrictions (no dairy for me, no raw onion or gluten for my husband) and have to get really detailed. We walked in tonight, same bartender as we were eating at the bar again, and he recited our dietary restrictions when he took our order. I was blown away! Besides all that, the tequila/mezcal based cocktails are so interesting and flavorful, menu is varied and offers something for everyone. Quality all the way around! Good for gluten-free. Willing to make dietary accommodations when asked.

I had dinner tonight at this place. Definitely recommend to check it out. Authentic food, good service, and a comfortable space. I was not very hungry so couldn’t try much stuff, menu is simple yet with enough variety of things. I had the pastor Tlayuda, which was more than enough for one person. It’s not a common dish to find at a Mexican restaurant, but highly recommend to try it. The person on the table next to me was compelled enough to change his mind and order the same after seeing mine. Micheladas are good as well, and spicy salsas available. They have a good variety of cocktails and mezcal, however I didn’t get to try it. This will be my excuse to come back and try. I observed the manager checking in on tables, so it felt that they really care to build a loyal base of customers.

I’m so glad I found this gem! I brought my date here and just knew I was going to be to be a hit. From Valentina ( the experience Speacialist) to being greeted with a warm welcome by Francisco. We walked in and the vibe was just right. Great set up, top tier service, and the food.... DAYUMMM! Que deliciouso!!! Everything was so fresh and delicious! We got to taste a little something from each part of the menu. And couldn’t wait for the next plate! Highly recommend!!

Went here with a friend and had the best time with the best food. Service was great! Very attentive and welcoming, the environment was also pretty nice and warm. The place was beautiful as well, beautiful interior design and very open, they had two spots; one on an open courtyard and the other one inside in a very elegant enclosed area. We stayed on the courtyard and had some delicious tacos and margaritas. Would definitely recommend and come back!

Best quesadilla ever? I think so. I ordered the Al Pastor Oscar quesadilla and it was one of the best things I've ever had. A friend and I ordered custom margaritas and churros as well after dinner, and they were both pretty good as well! Can't wait to come back and have the quesadilla again!

I was in this restaurant on Saturday and I’m i’m allergic to cilantro. Manager made it sure that every single meal was prepared properly. Very good food and amazing service and outstanding atmosphere.. give it a shot and try cucumber margarita trust me is delicious.