Tasty Mexican for Ladies Night?

[rfelicello]

There are about 15 of us going out to celebrate our friend's upcoming nuptials. Most of the people will be from out of town and I'm in charge of planning the evening meal. The bride to be loves mexican food. I'm looking for the best balance of fun, tasty food, and good drinks, with maybe a bit of scene thrown in so everyone feels like they got the real NY experience.

I have narrowed it down to Crema and Dos Caminos (park ave). Any thoughts or other suggestions?

Rosa Mexicano is out because they will only serve us family style for that "large" of a group.

Thanks!!

[kj423]

i would choose boca chica, el rey del sol or zarela's over dos caminos any day. the only issue could be that they are all on the small side so you'd have to see if they could accomodate you. but the food and vibe is more authentic at any of these places...

[girlcritic]

Maya by far is the best mexican in the city, around 65 and 1st. And it's large enough to host a large group. Lively but also an upscale ambiance for out-of-town guests.

[JeremyEG]

I would go for Suenos. While I've had a couple dishes there lately that I thought were only a little above average, most of the food there is creative and wonderful. And about atmosphere, I think that Suenos becomes a lot more happenin' when there's a big group there. The service is great and the drinks are almost holy in their beauty. Enjoy your night and please report back!
Jeremy

[ACknowsStyle]

I LOVED Dos Caminos... but when I posted about it here, everyone tore me a new one. I have also heard that arriba, arriba is amazing (But very for the "rainbow" crowd if you get my drift lol =o) And of course, there's tortilla flats, but avoid it on a weekend.

I'd still say Dos Caminos. The food really blew me away, its almost like high-class junk food its so tasty.... especcially the appetizers. I'd say just order tonsss of appz there!

[downtownstefanie]

I definitely rank Dos Caminos way higher than Rosa Mexicano. Personally, I was very underwhelmed by Rosa and continue going back to Dos Caminos (both locations). I 2nd the above mention of Centrico and their amazing guac. I don't know if they can accommodate a party of 15, but Rocking Horse Cafe is always great.

[financialdistrictresident]

I've never been to Dos Caminos and need to check it out. Rosa's is a little pricey, when I went we had duck quesadillas, guacamole, etc. and it was very good. It is so hard to get good Mexican food in NYC. It's so much better in San Diego!
What about Mesa Grill (more upscale, I haven't been there in some time)?

[tsiblis]

We hated Crema, and I'd recommend Agave on 7th Ave. South & W. 10th St. for its delicious margaritas (and other drinks), fun atmosphere and far better food than the other places you're considering. They're great with groups, parties, etc., which will work for you.

[emgoodman]

I'd highly recommend Rio Grande. The food is not as spectactular as some other places mentioned, but the drinks are good (and strong!). They brought out pitchers of margaritas that were fantastic! I was there for a similar occasion with about 15 people. They handled our group well and the waiter even brought over some shots (on the house). It's pretty loud in there, which was good for us because we were pretty loud ourselves.

http://www.menupages.com/restaurantde...

[cristina]

I'd check out Centrico. Aaron Sanchez is the top of the heap as far as Mexican chefs in Manhattan go.

[RGR]

You might want to consider Pampano, which serves delicious modern Mexicanc cuisine with an emphasis on fish and seafood. Tasty drinks, excellent service, and very attractive space with convivial vibe.

http://www.modernmexican.com/pampano

[MMRuth]

Great idea.

[Lindy74]

I like the food at Pampano but I have to differ on the service--we found the service VERY lacking.

[jenniebnyc]

Check out Suenos.

Also, I like the new 3rd Ave and 50th Street location of Dos Caminos better for a big party.

[rfelicello]

How would you rate Suenos, Dos Caminos, and Crema?

[jenniebnyc]

haven't been to Crema
seeing you will be with out of towners....i think you should head to Dos Caminos. the decor is better, but food is just average. food at suenos is better

[rfelicello]

Thanks, that's helpful. I'm a bit torn because the bride to be has already been to Dos Caminos and I think she just thought it was so-so. What is the atmosphere at Suenos like?

[jenniebnyc]

if you want really good mexican you should head to Pampano. it is not as "fun", but the food is great and the space is really beautiful. with the amount of people you will have at your table, you'll make your own fun. AND once you finish eating at Pampano you can walk a few feet down the street to Dos Caminos and booze it up overthere.

as for Suenos..it's a fun atmosphere in that downtown sort of way. i've always had fun here.

have you looked into Lucy's Latin Kitchen? not mexican, but pretty good latino food with a great atrmosphere

http://www.lucylatinkitchen.com/index...

[ronoc]

if you are looking for a little scene, try and make sure they don't seat you way in the back at dos caminos park ave. the room is like a backwards L with Park Ave at the top, and you don't want to be stuck around the corner. otherwise you might as well go to a small divey place like Florencia 13 - currently my favorite Mexican place.

[JoLi]

I think Mercadito is the perfect place for you. Great great guacamoles (they have different varieties like mango), great drinks and the food is like a mexican tapas fusion.

[rfelicello]

I thought about Mercadito but in my experience the service is too disjointed for a group. Also, I thought the prices were on the high side for not much food. I agree, however, that it was tasty.

[MMRuth]

That's too bad about Rosa Mexicano - that's the place that came to mind when I read your post - great drinks, atmosphere, guacamole and pretty decent food.

[financialdistrictresident]

Rosa Mexicano would be great. Wht won't family style work?

[Meg]

Had an incredible meal at Hell's Kitchen when in town last year...loved the atmposphere (def. a bit of a "scene") and particularly the drinks. Though it's pretty small. So unless they take reservations for a large group it would be out of the question.