5 Burro Cafe

"When you want to celebrate the fact that you’re about to see a show by drinking several margaritas in a place that looks like a spring break destination, go to 5 Burro Cafe. This place is a fun neighborhood Mexican restaurant decorated with pinatas, string lights, and old license plates, and (in addition to the margaritas) the food here is pretty good as well. Get a plate of tacos or a quesadilla to accompany your alcoholic beverage." - hannah albertine, bryan kim, matt tervooren

"This festive, perennially packed Mexican restaurant has been a neighborhood institution for more than 30 years. The food is solid, but the atmosphere is what makes 5 Burro Cafe really special. With red chili pepper string lights, license plates from around the world, and an impressive collection of beer-themed piñatas, this place perfectly straddles the line between family-friendly and divey. Order a frozen lime margarita with a Tajín rim, and try your best not to fill up too much on the free chips and salsa before your fajitas arrive." - molly fitzpatrick, will hartman, bryan kim, matt tervooren

"5 Burro Cafe is a festive, perennially packed Mexican restaurant that’s been a Forest Hills institution for more than 30 years. The food, especially anything involving steak, is solid, but the atmosphere is what makes it really special. With red chili pepper string lights, license plates from around the world, and an impressive collection of beer-themed pinatas, this place perfectly straddles the line between family-friendly and divey. From the jars and pitchers of frozen margaritas circulating the dining room, you can deduce that this is a fun place to drink, and a particularly fun place to day-drink. Whatever you order, the service will be fast fast, the portions are generous, and—best of all—the chips and salsa are free. Food Rundown Frozen Margaritas They come in two flavors at 5 Burro Cafe, strawberry and lime (which we prefer, because it’s a little less sweet), though you can also order yours half and half. Whichever margarita you choose, a Tajin rim is a great idea. photo credit: Molly Fitzpatrick Flautas The shells are crispy and the shredded chicken within is moist and flavorful. Aguacate Relleno Consider this for a lighter starter option: An avocado—or just half of one, if you prefer—stuffed with bright, lightly spicy shrimp. Fajitas Should you find yourself spiritually in need of something to arrive sizzling to your table, the combo fajitas are a best-of-all-worlds mix of steak, chicken and shrimp. photo credit: Molly Fitzpatrick Tacos Optimize for the bouncy shrimp and the juicy steak." - Molly Fitzpatrick

"Forest Hills Mexican restaurant 5 Burros Cafe has installed a partially enclosed outdoor dining structure replete with space heaters. The restaurant is known for its quesadillas, margaritas, and flautas." - Erika Adams, Tanay Warerkar, Bao Ong

"If you live in Forest Hills or plan on seeing a few shows at the nearby stadium soon, this Mexican restaurant should already be on your radar. 5 Burro Cafe on Austin Street tends to stay busy, and that’s mostly because it’s a fun place to have a frozen margarita with a friend or two. From passionfruit to watermelon, and all of the classic flavors in between, it’s hard to go wrong with a tequila-based cocktail served in a glass jar at this Queens spot." - Nikko Duren, Bryan Kim