El Molcajete

Where To Eat On Taco Tuesday

"This bright, cheerful Mexican gem can be found in the Soundview section of the Bronx." - Sophie Friedman

"This bright, cheerful Mexican gem can be found in the Soundview section of the Bronx, which was once upon a time lined with Italian flags, bakeries, and butchers. Today, you'll find a global collection of restaurants, including Mexican hot spots, pan-African grocery stores, Puerto Rican lechoneras and Dominican diners. Breakfast at El Molcajete kicks off with delicious egg sandwiches, with a south-of-the-border twist. Lunch brings mouthwatering tacos, tortas and cemitas—served with smoky red and spicy green sauces on the side. Don't miss the sumptuous gordita, a thick masa cake filled with luscious pork and then floated with cilantro, smooth crema and serrano peppers; or the tender cabeza de res (cow head) and gamey barbacoa (barbecue goat) tacos." - The MICHELIN Guide

scpurvx

Google

I approve everything, I came with my family on a Friday, September 6 2024, a karaoke night. I don’t usually order anything but a torta or a cemita, those just have something that gets me, they always so good. But today as I went in, my brother specifically got buffalo wings and he asked all of us if we wanted some to try, we all took one (by we all I mean me and my family) as soon as I take a bite of the wing, I did not approve. I loved everything I’ve tried from my family’s plates, but the buffalo wings. I liked everything and I enjoyed it awesomely as I bet everyone did too. All I will say is that the buffalo wings should be getting improved. Besides that, everything was fine, staff are kind, friendly and patient.

Pratik Paddle

Google

Grabbed food for takeout. Got the guacamole, I got the fajita mixta, and my friend got the tacos vegeterianos.... Good food and quantity for a great price. Good value spot.

Josh Levine

Google

It can be hard to find good vegetarian in Soundview, but El Molcajete has great choices for everyone. As soon as they brought the salsa (fresh and watery, not like Pace Chunky from a jar) I knew this was going to be good. I got the vegetable tacos and queso asada tacos and both were fresh and delicious with real vegetables like broccoli, carrots, string beans, and I think some cactus. Really tasty. My brother got something that looked like a round sandwich with beef tongue in it and reported that it was also excellent and a bit spicy (in a good way). We will definitely be going back!

Google

This place is definitely the best Mexican restaurant in the Bronx. I have been to other places including some in New Rochelle and Yonkers in this place by far has the best steak, chicken, and Mexican sausage tacos. Not to mention their steak nachos and enchiladas. I also saw some amazing sea food plates but I’m not a big fan if it ain’t fired fish or shrimps. They might want to improve in their bar area in terms of mixing drinks. But over all the taste is amazing. Yes it’s family oriented as well as single or if you’re with friends. Unfortunately they don’t have parking. Parking might be a little hard due to meter parking but definitely worth it

Nandini Persaud

Google

The food is tasty but customer service is lacking. Be careful what you get because I ordered what they described as a lamb birria stew on the menu with a rice. I got a burrito with beef birria in it, the order didn't mention it is a burrito or they replaced lamb with beef and when I called and ask what is going on he said it is my fault I should have known it's made with beef, everywhere makes it like that.

Alexandra Martinez

Google

Bad service. The quantity of food was unsatisfying. The waitress flor never came to check if we we’re okay. And there was only ONE other table. Must be because she was busy flirting with the guys. The only thing I would say I enjoyed was the nachos.

millie salome

Google

TERRIBLE SERVICE!!!! We walk in and the lady and man behind the bar look at us like we’re aliens . They stay silent until we ask the questions??? We say good morning ! NO REPLY ! No costumer service , nor professionalism what’s so ever !!! Not only did she take long to come to our outside table but the first thing she says is what do you want to order !! Didn’t bring any chips and salsa , leaves comes back 15 minutes later !!! And food ... I ordered a steak picadita (not a picadita and the steak all fat !!! I order a seafood soup as well and not worth all this nonsense!!! I tried calling the owner or manager and of course no PROFFESSIONALISM AT ALL!!!!

Olay Hilton

Google

I have had enchiladas from this spot and I have also had the Pina coladas which were amazing. I would not return to this spot only because the last time I went for take out the hostess was preparing strawberry daiquiris for a group of women at the bar and I witnessed her lick some of the mixture off of her fingers. 😳

Mercedes C.

Yelp

Molcajete seemed like a wise choice. Not because these folks were featured in The New York Times- because to me, that means nothing unless your food is out of this world. But because I'd gotten an urge for shrimp tacos and this was convenient as I caught up with errands underneath the L on a Friday. Guess what? A lot has changed since Molcajete was first heralded 7 years ago by the NYT as that BX diamond in the rough Mexican restaurant. Good luck finding parking because it's mayhem in this area weaving in and out of traffic. Just phone your order for pick up. Molcajete has bright color walls, lots of seating and Mexican music in the background to add even more of a vibrant feel. Carolina ran up my order and when I noticed the $16 price tag for 3 shrimp tacos, my eyes bulged. All I thought was, "these better be delicious and packed real good with shrimp". No and no. And with chopped up shrimp pieces no less. My 3 tacos were ridiculously overstuffed with lettuce+tomatoes+onions. But, it seemed like these folks used 1 large shrimp and chopped it in 4 pieces. I can't even. Mom's steak quesadilla also had small pieces of protein instead of bigger strips I'm used to seeing at other Mexican restnts. Horchata was off and my Nopal salad had vinegar for crying out loud. Whatever happened to traditional freshly squeezed lime juice??? I can't. Listen, I support any Bronx business through and through- even giving them a 2nd chance to redeem themselves. But I will call a spade a spade- and to me this isn't it.

Shiloh W.

Yelp

It was such a cute place and the food was good. Was in the area and decided to check it out. The staff was ni e and the food was really good. Would definitely recommend if you are in the area.

Zack G.

Yelp

Hole in the wall Mexican spot in a shady hood (Soundview) that has extremely authentic food. The menu is fairly large, but a lot of it is in spanish. I got a smoothie and 2 tacos (chicken and beef) and I was very impressed. Complimentary chips and salsa, but the chips were very stale The place is a little outdated, but the people were very friendly. They were not the most attentive however, and I didn't get my water refilled the entire time I was there *Pro-tip* Do not drive here, there is absolutely no parking anywhere around the place Bib Gourmand 2018 8

Michael ..

Yelp

amazing chicken enchiladas, better than what we had on our recent trip to mexico. i can see why the place has a michelin star plaque.

Christine H.

Yelp

I LOVE THIS PLACE. My coworkers and I come here on a weekly basis to eat the amazing food here. I've only tried the tacos, but the they are so good! The service here can be a bit slow during lunch since there is only one waitress, so if you're in a rush, make sure to ask for the check ASAP. However, the anticipation is WORTH IT. I really like the pollo asado tacos as well as the carnitas (although I'm sure EVERY taco here is delicious). The meat in the carnitas is soooo soft; a bit fatty, but IT REALLY HITS THE SPOT when you've been sitting in an office for 5 hours!!! Some of the tacos say $3.50 in price, but if you order them with everything on it (sour cream, tomatos, lettuce, etc.), they come out to $4.00 on the bill. All in all, if you are in the area, I would DEFINITELY give this place a try.

Ryna D.

Yelp

We decided to try this Mexican place after seeing it mentioned in NYT. The tacos are a little pricey if you're used to taco truck prices but everything we got was excellent! Go for the cabeza, barbacoa or suadero.

Jess M.

Yelp

I walked by El Molcajete and had to stop in. Awesome menu. Everything was flavorful and absolutely tasty. The staff are extremely attentive and kind and they're very good at giving recommendations. Once you go here, you will find yourself coming back over and over again.

Jessica D.

Yelp

Not gonna lie, the food here is amazing but terrible customer service. Management needs to do better

Ricardo O.

Yelp

This restaurant used to be so good, no idea what happened to it, still same owners. Last time i order food i asked for the mole , i was served 2 chicken wings and a small or i think it was half of a thigh. So basically i only paid for mole sauce rice beans and tortillas, then i decided to give it a second chance, i order a "cemita" I ordered over the phone and when i get there the cashier/server was to busy talking to a costumer while charging me she gave me less change , but I didn't say anything. When i got home and unwrapped my food, it's not what i had ordered, it was a sandwich, and it was a disgusting one, with a small piece of chicken barely covered half of the bread ! Never again!!

Tenisha S.

Yelp

The food here was excellent. The staff, although not everyone was fluent in English, was very helpful. I loved my pork and chicken torta. The fries were crinkle and fried crispy like I love it.

Cari P.

Yelp

Food great but waitresses are rude. Gave them the benefit of the doubt. Went there three times during the year. Each time the servers were sour-faced. One even argued when I pointed out she brought the wrong flavored soda. Now I go to Vista Hermosa nearby. Food not as great but still very, very good (especially Oaxacan tamales) and they have super nice people there.

Steven O.

Yelp

Had the lengua, salted beef, and goat tacos all of which were amazing though the lengua was my favorite. My sweetie had the enchiladas with red sauce and rice and beans. And my two-year-old enjoyed the quac and chips. Relaxed service but we were in no rush and it gave us a chance to chat with folks in the restaurant and enjoy a couple beers with our delicious food. Reasonably priced, generous portions and relaxed atmosphere. The menu is HUGE, so I can't wait to come back and work my way through it. Also, a gentleman at a neighboring table ran out and got my kid a Hello Kitty balloon so she was over the moon with excitement.

Marii H.

Yelp

I come here all of the time! I enjoy their burritos and the tacos and let me not forget the Micheladas. I haven't step too far into the menu but I know by the looks of the guest, that I wouldnt be disappointed.

Cynthia S.

Yelp

Worst restaurant EVER! I went with my family and the staff were very rude. The girls there were acting as if we were eating there for free. Horrible attitude. I will NEVER spend my money in this place.

Jorg C.

Yelp

The food is great, one of the best Mexican restaurants in NYC, the service wasn't so good tho. La comida esta muy buena, pero el servicio deja mucho que desear, no son muy amables.

Lotus F.

Yelp

Not very friendly at all unless your Caucasian or Latino. I only come for good Mexican food. I literally have to ask for every thing just to eat my food down to the fork and knife SMH! And the check they never come back one they drop the food off. But I see every one else around me getting great service. I'll be back when I'm craving this again tho. Really suck cause I would come back more often if they were nice to me.

Ursula T.

Yelp

The food here is tasty, definitely worth a try and I wasn't disappointed. There are a few sit down places in the area but this is a little jewel. The service was good and the food was solid. You get a lot so be prepared. Stretch, wear the stretchy pants, bring a friend...it's good though.

Shirley R.

Yelp

Never again their food was not good the rice looked mushy and bland with peas and carrots and the beans horrible I say fire the chef ..I would never cheat on my favorite restaurant again.

Esme J.

Yelp

We knew of the restaurant a month or so before The Times article this past Wednesday..We were planning to try it and they were right..The goat tacos were scrumptious..though the pozole was a little salty for my taste, it was very good...Shrimp cocktail was excellent...Jamaica grande to wash the tacos down.. And the flan..Mexican flan is different from Puerto Rican flan..Mexican flan is like creamy jello..and quite good. Prices right and very friendly and knowledgeable waitress.

Ron H.

Yelp

Read the NY Times review and decided to check this place out. Yes, the suadero and barbacoa tacos both had an amazing amount of very tender filling--easily 4 or 5 times your typical taco. The suadero was, as the review promised, rich--but it was a bit too rich=fatty for me. In addition, both meats had heavy flavors that needed something acid to lighten them up. Neither of the chili sauces did the trick. I asked for some lime--not a fan of the lemon slices provided--but was told they didn't have any. Huh? Refried beans and rice were ok. Will say that liked the guac a lot and the accompanying tortilla chips were fine enough. As for service, verrry slowwwww.

Bonny F.

Yelp

This was one of my best Mexican restaurant after I had bad . Bad experience at restaurant nearby.. I was order food 5 days and always had a problem with something maybe because the cooks get drunk .. one night I was tire worked 10 hours a day I ordered food and I found a piece of nail dirty nail in my quesadilla and the wort this thing was that I was chewing the food it was in my mouth I call them and they give me a wrong managers number I have pictures but is disgusting to show but I will later..and the girls always talking shit about customer behind the counter

Jimmy A.

Yelp

I just to order over $60 on food all the time but last night They refused to take my order over phone because customer service said that, (if you're not in their system they couldn't take orders any more over the phone!!) That's really crazy!! If you guy's don't take order over phone then just block you restaurant phone for incoming calls that's all, but don't play around with customers that doesn't look good for you business you're losing customers this way.

Pamela G.

Yelp

I've moved on to platters and salads. This is where I go for a really good dinner (order in/take out). Eat here!!!!

Ulises G.

Yelp

best tacos of lengua forget about authentic this tacos are the real deal

Diana C.

Yelp

Probably the worst Mexican food restaurant I've ever eaten at, the enchiladas were disgusting and what's even worse is that I found a hair in one of them I literally wanted to throw up then and there. Don't waste your money here. I'm only giving this place 2 stars because our waitress was very attentive.

Ag C.

Yelp

The best Mexican food ever, theres other Mexicans rest around the area but nothing compares to this one , all the food taste super good no complains, if I order by phone they sent a can of soda or 2 depends of the total . I love the cemita de carnitas, love the fried beans when I order grilled chicken , the chicken is so juicy ,the seasoning good and the dish is huge . My number one Mexican restaurant in the area.

Ralph D.

Yelp

Great food and great service. Can't ask for much more. And oh yeah, great prices. The place is underneath a train line so if the door is open, it can be a bit loud

Yung D.

Yelp

Don't never get my order right and never speak no ENGLISH! Just called and they said they don't deliver and I'm just down the block from them and they delivered to me yesterday. Smh don't buy. Always a issue!!

michael h.

Yelp

Agree with the last post, excellent Mexican food!! The carnitas were delicious and moist, very authentic. Atmosphere was very inviting and staff was attentive. Would definitively return.

Where To Eat On Taco Tuesday

"This bright, cheerful Mexican gem can be found in the Soundview section of the Bronx." - Sophie Friedman