Geronimo Tequila Bar and Southwest Grill - New Haven

The restaurant was spacious, spanning two levels, with a dark and intimate ambiance—perfect for a get-together or small gathering. We had a couple of margaritas, which were well-balanced with great flavor and just the right amount of alcohol. My favorite dish was the loaded nachos—super filling and easily fed our party of four, especially alongside the small plates we ordered, which were also delicious.

I stopped by for their restaurant week dinner menu, I had the octopus, hanger steak, a tequila-misu. My server Hugo was great, I just wish he warned me my first and second course had potatoes 😂… I got way too full. I tried the Santa-fe margarita, love prickly pear. The food was good, nice environment, and would recommend for someone looking for a decent meal.

I judge restaurants from the restrooms to the table and the decor, the design is flawless. The manager came out and greeted us when we first arrived & while we were dining to make sure we had that WOW experience. When it came to the food and drinks… OMG. Will not want you to leave anything on your plate. Great place for family, date or even solo travel. I would advise to bring a date, that way you can enjoy the atmosphere together.

The vibe was super lively (a little loud, but fun), and the tequila list is seriously huge — like 500+ options. I tried the tableside guac and carne asada tacos, both really solid.They serve Southwestern food — think tacos, burritos, chile rellenos, and lots of bold, spicy flavors.

Loved the experience here! Starting off when walking in, really nice welcoming staff! Vibes/decorations are more of Medieval era and very cozy so if you're into this kind of architecture, you'd like it! Food is great, well seasoned, and perfectly cooked! Chicken tacos were great and also their famous tableside guacamole is top notch which highly recommend as an app with a little nice show as they'd be making it on the spot!

They said they're known for their guacamole. It was very good did not disappoint. We also order the mango salsa, tasty. One of the few places I've ever seen that has a tequila or Mezcal flight options. I wasn't lucky enough to experience that but I did check out the Santa Fe Margarita which was very delicious. Please be warned make sure you ask your server before getting food if there's any lactose in it. Just let your server know you have certain allergies and they will work around it. 10/10 would recommend!!

Great guac, and taco set is generous (go with the build your own if you can!). Drinks are strong and good (spicy marg)

been here many time & always amazing. Obviously table side guacamole is a must. Spicy margaritas are delicious - great tacos & burritos. Dessert the churros & fried ice cream are solid choices. Don’t forget to try the “infamous” expresso martini!

Ambience is a good vibe. Service super friendly and the food was yum! A cool covered outdoor patio! Table side guac worth it!!!

We had the best time during Laura's graduation at this Restaurant The Food is very good and abundant, the nachos were delicious Hugo was our server and he walked the extra mile to make us feel well-served and satisfied I highly recommend this place

I've wanted to come here for a while because I was told the drinks are good. I recently stopped by for lunch on a Sunday with some family. I had my baby with me so we sat outside near the bar, which had plenty of space to accommodate her stroller. We started off with some guacamole and chips, which was good but too small for everyone to share - there were 4 of us. For my meal, I ordered the Mahi Mahi tacos with a side of rice and beans. The fish was very salty, and overall my food was just average. I chose to not have any alcohol, but my husband did like his margarita. I would like to go back to try some drinks one day!

Stopping into Geronimo when looking for lunch. We were immediately sat and greeted by our waitress with waters. The decor inside is very native inspired and features many culture art pieces. There is an outdoor covered patio as well that's raised above street level. We tried a couple of items but the frybread was SO flavorful I had to order another to-go. Definitely recommend.

Amazing people, delicious food, and a fantastic atmosphere in a safe location--plus, the fresh margaritas and tableside guacamole are my favorites! Special thanks to Michael, Patrick, Tony, Katie, and many more for their exceptional service. I won't take a star off, but if I could for Chloe and Andy, I would. Their rude and discriminatory behavior was disappointing. If it weren't for the rest of the incredible staff and the great food and drinks, their actions would have made me never want to return.

Had pretty bad service. We were seated then no one came to take our order. Then when we grabbed someone, he took our order but I could tell he was annoyed with us. I don't think anyone would've come if we hadn't grabbed someone. We ordered guacamole for the table which never came out. When we asked about it, they said that the kitchen was running behind but other people around us who came after us were getting their food. Our main dishes came out and were good. I got vegetarian nachos and it was a lot of food which was nice. When it was time to pay, a different waiter apologized and said the guy had just never put the guac order in. He was very nice and removed one of the meals from the check to make up for it. I think maybe they were just busy and understaffed but it was not a great experience for our group.

This was our 1st stop when we arrived into New Haven and sat at the bar which can seat 12-15 people. The bartender was attentive to everyone seating which wasn't more than 6 including us. Inside was very cool with the fireplace going. The winding staircase down to the bathroom was tough. We ordered the chips & pineapple salsa which came in a guac bowl. Lots of salsa and chips which is always nice. Ordered the chicken quesadillas as well but forgot to take a picture of them. They were one of top best quesadillas though.

I went with a party of four around the time they opened. We were seated immediately and the restaurant started filling up. The waitress was friendly and took our order right away, starting with cocktails, which were tasty. The guacamole to share was just big enough for four of us and a little lemony but good. The nachos ended up being too much for us to finish, but by then we'd been served our main meals. I ordered the pork burrito, which I enjoyed. It was filling with lots of flavorful meat and less rice. Everyone was happy with their meal. If we hadn't ordered extra sides, like pancakes, some of the dishes, like the tacos, would have been too small. I really like the southwestern ambiance and the way the dining room is decorated does justice to America's unique history. I would go again and love the area where this restaurant is located.

We stopped here this weekend in the evening so it is busy but the vibes are nice in there. Our food was great and so was the service at the bar since we ate and drank there. I wish they added more heaters on the outside because that's where we originally wanted to sit but the full service from the bartenders, made up for that. I suggest making a reservation which I'm glad that we did

Recommended: Absolutely, especially for a memorable date night. Overall: A standout dining experience known for its exceptional margaritas, guacamole, and unique ambiance. Snapshot: Food: 5/5 Drink: 5/5 Vibe: 5/5 Service: 5/5 ‍‍ Family-Friendly: 3/5 Highlights: Perfect For: Enjoying top-tier Mexican cuisine and drinks Don't Miss: The unparalleled guacamole and the spicy margarita Bonus Tip: Do it, get the guac! All The Details: Geronimo in New Haven has been a favorite of ours since our days living in the city. It boasts a unique vibe and layout, with a rare covered patio that's a gem in New Haven. The margaritas here are some of the best I've ever tasted, and their guacamole remains unbeaten in terms of flavor, balance, and freshness. The menu offers solid tacos, and over the years, some of their specials have been remarkable. A standout dish for me is the tuna tartare stuffed in an avocado, a dish so memorable I still think about it. Their spicy margarita is another highlight, truly exceptional in its execution. While the beer menu is limited, the selections available are thoughtfully chosen. The restaurant's layout is quite tight, making it less suited for families, especially considering the staircase at the entrance and the tight spiral staircase leading to the basement bathrooms. It's better reserved for a date night. During the COVID period, they generously shared their guacamole recipe in a news article, which has since become our standard recipe at home. Geronimo's combination of food, drinks, vibe, and service isn't just some of the best in Connecticut but ranks highly in the Northeast. It's no surprise that this place is one of my go-to spots for special occasions. Did I mention you should get the guac?

A fantastic hangout spot for friends or grab a quick drinks post work! The bartender was very knowledgeable and we loved sitting outside on the patio bar. The food was very good too; I enjoyed the tortilla soup!

I had a deeply troubling experience at Geronimo's Restaurant. My boyfriend was refused entry by a bouncer who laughed in his face and cited his demeanor as the reason for denial. Despite being sober and calm, the bouncer's behavior was unprofessional and discriminatory. It seemed that the bouncer took issue with a phrase on my boyfriend's hat, which may have influenced his decision. When I confronted Mashawn, who was at the door, he falsely claimed my boyfriend was too drunk. This experience was not only upsetting but also aligns with other reviews mentioning similar racist issues. It's disheartening to see such behavior from a business. We left, and Geronimo's lost out on four customers for good, and with many more to come, as I plan to share this review widely and with the community.

I've heard alot of hype about this place and now have been twice! I've only been during the weekdays and what I can say is it is usually crowded. Make reservations if you can! The table side guacamole and salsa is where it's at. Beware that the spicy options are pretty spicy! As far as the other items on the menu, everything I've had is pretty good. Great margs too. We will be back!

Geronimo is a happening place. I would say it's best to get reservations on the weekend nights. The decor is super cool it's giving Apache war hero vibes. The tacos are absolutely amazing and pack of flavorful punch. My favorites are the vegetarian taco Carnitas taco, and Santa Fe, chicken, taco. They serve absolutely delicious margaritas the fan favorite flavors, are passionfruit, cucumber, and mango Also do not forget to get the table side guacamole!

Went here monthly when I was still living in the area. Great food, little on the pricier side but I've never had a complaint about a meal. Some good happier hour specials and the Birrah quesadilla is ridiculous

After an afternoon of shopping, it is time to eat. My daughter and son-in-law recommended Geronimo. I wanted to start with a salad, and the adult kids decided to share one. It was the best. They also decided to share a Moleajete to share. The waitress said the spiciness will depend on what kind of peppers get into it, and when. You never know what you are going to get. As advertised, my daughter bit into the spiciest part. My son-in-law missed that much heat. Everyone loved it. I ordered the Pork Shank, but for some reason it showed up 10-15 minutes later. The waitress comped the Pork Shank without my demanding it. That showed initiative and good service. To cool down my daughter's lips, I suggested she kiss her husband. When that didn't work, we ordered dessert. I had the Fried Ice cream and shared. I cooled my daughter, and tasted great for me. The kids shared a Tequila Lime Tart and gave me a taste. Is was like a small Key Lime Pie with Oreo cookie crumbs on the bottom. Great food. Okay service.

The patio and interior at this restaurant were both beautiful but the food left something to be desired. We ordered the chips and salsa; the salsa was pretty good but the chips were oily and not very crispy. I got the braised chicken enchiladas and they were only okay, but the rice on the side was flavorless and the beans were undercooked. The sauces also did not really have any flavor. However, the churro dessert was fantastic. The churros were filled with caramel and they were so delicious with the ice cream. My cucumber strawberry margarita was also fantastic and our service was very fast despite the restaurant being packed

This was my least favorite sit down dining experience of the year! Here's why: 1) Table. our table was in the basement and I didn't like the basement. They call it the tequila cave (or something). We made our reservation for a normal table (not the tequila cave). Anyway, there's nothing cave-like about the tequila cave besides how dark it is. It was super crowded and I did not feel relaxed at all!! It was also really loud. 2) the bathroom. The bathroom was also crowded . I had to wait behind the door to go to the bathroom. There was no option for hot water to wash my hands with; there was only freezing cold water. It was really dark in there too. 3) the service. The service might have been tough because of the fact that it was really busy, but that doesn't fix it! It took a really long time to order and it took a really long time for everything else too. 4) the food didn't even fix the problem! Normally the food makes me feel better. My drink (a mango mojito) was not fun to drink because it was spicy for some reason. I do not want a spicy mojito!!! I also didn't like my squash bowl because that was spicy too. There was too much sauce and not enough beans. And the plating seemed really lazy. Even the chips we got were all broken up!

The guacamole was very good but the inside was very dark. Service was quick for a large party.

Good food and a wonderful atmosphere with usually fun nice people in attendance at Geronimos

Came here for a quick lunch and got their lunch special ($10) and burrito bowls ($19). It was pretty empty but the portions were huge! Service was also great :) good place for a nice dinner out or a quick lunch!

I love geronimos. The restaurant itself is very rustic and decorated nicely. The outdoor porch is nice to sit at because you can people watch along with enjoying the weather. The servers are great, they always give good recommendations and the food comes out quickly. The food is great, I always get the chicken tinga burrito and it never disappoints. The guacamole is also fantastic. But hands down my favorite thing to get there is the cucumber strawberry margarita. It's so fresh and flavorful. I drink very rarely but will always get this drink no matter what time a day is it. I always try to stop here when I'm in New Haven.

First of all this place came highly recommended by people at Yale. It seemed to have a good ambiance for a Tuesday night. Unfortunately, our server (Hugo) was extremely rude. It was almost like we were inconveniencing him by being there. At one point during dinner, he grabbed my colleague's plate and threw/slammed her silverware on the table. Everyone at the table was disturbed by this behavior. He argued with us about rice and beans lol. I was scared to even look at him. And at the end of dinner, we asked him if everything was okay. I don't know if he was having a bad day, but he brought that negativity to our table and it wasn't fun. To say the least, we won't be back. FYI: $2 for extra chips $3 for salsa $6 for rice and beans which were supposed to come with our meal $191 total for 3 people

This is the place for a great margarita in New Haven! I really love the "deck" area and how they covered it to continue to sit people during the colder months. The food has always been great here. I usually order the achiote chicken quesadilla. I come here to catch up with friends. This most recent visit we made reservations on a Friday night at 8pm but I think I overheard the wait only being about 20 minutes. They were pretty busy with lots of people flowing in and out but the service was still great. Kind staff, even the bouncers were nice!

After being turned away from Harvest, we ended up going to Geronimo's for Valentine's and I'm so glad we did. We sat outside with heaters and the sides covered. We never get to sit outside because it's so packed sm during the summer so this was so nice to have it basically to ourselves. The food and drink we also so amazing and yummy. Our server was amazing but I didn't catch her name! We'll always come back here!

The birria flauta is out of this world. Guacamole is also so fresh and delicious. No notes at this place, had a great experience!

Came here on a Saturday evening for an early dinner. The restaurant was already quite packed! Ambiance inside is cozy with lots of lights but also quite fun with lots of fun music. We started off with their tableside guac which was amazing! We got the medium spice but we personally did not think it was that spicy. The chips are on the thicker side and it was a bit too oily/greasy. We got the geronimo margarita and the spicy margarita. It was overall good but was quite sweet. We got the carne asada tacos which were amazing. The nachos were a bit disappointing - a bit dry, a bit cold, a bit hard, kind of difficult to eat (even for nachos) The service was a little lacking - I understand they were busy but the servers were a bit curt with us and it took forever to get our check. I think I would recommend this place for their tacos but would want to try their quesadilla and burritos before making any further recommendations.

- Chicken Nachos 6.9/10 lacked queso, only had melted cheese on top. Came out already with the cheese hard. Chips were impossible to separate. - Guacamole 8/10 very nice guacamole, chips very thick though - The Skinny & Mojito 7/10 literally tasted the same. The waitress made my drink and just gave me the same. The Skinny is suppose to be orange I think.

Went with my daughter to celebrate her graduation, she had a margarita and said it was "ok" the atmosphere was a bar atmosphere where you can get together with friends. The service was slow for 7:15 on a Sunday night. I had the "Forest Mushroom Burrito/bowl" there was a small pile of small diced portobello mushrooms on top of steamed onions, topped with finely crumbled goat cheese. Half the plate was black beans, the cilantro-poblano rice was tasty, probably the only part of the plate which had a nice taste besides the 2 small dishes of tomatillo-pepita sauce and mexican crema. I really wasn't impressed and will not be back, due to the bland tasting food and lack of attentiveness of the servers. There are definitely better southwest food restaurants than this one.

I would like to start off by saying i am disappointed I had to come here and leave a review. That's how bad my service was last night. Ive been to the New Haven location and usually have a great time when Mike is behind the bar. unfortunately he wasn't there last night. I ordered two margaritas but I didn't like them because there was too much lime. I asked the bartender (blonde hair with tattoos on her arm) if she can change the drink or add a little more liquor. the bartender added a splash of liquor. after I tasted it I still didn't it. so I wanted until she came back over to ask for a beer instead. the bartender never came back over until I called out for her. I waited maybe 45 mins to an hour because I understand it was busy. when she finally came over I asked if she could give me a corona instead because I didnt like the drink. she said, "you have been disrespectful to me the whole night, I showed you love by giving you a shot to your drink and you didn't tip me. Next time you come here don't order a margarita!" I responded back asking how was I disrespectful and based off the first drink no I didn't tip because I didn't like it but I will tip you for my beer. she said yeah yeah sure you were. then proceeded to tell me I was being disrespectful and rude. I asked to explain what did I say that was rude and she ignored me and said what beer do you want? I told her a corona. I took the drink. then 2 mins later security is escorting my guest and me out of the building. I have never had an experience like this before in my life. I've never been escorted out anywhere. I was so confused and frustrated. I believe her energy was off because it was busy and when I said I didn't like the drink it sent her off. I wish she would've handle things differently because as a customer who is spending money at your place of work, I should have been treated better. Any other time I've been there I always had a great time. Thanks Mike for always giving A1 customer service! - I never leave reviews but I felt this was necessary.

Would give zero stars if possible. Passive aggressive service and management. Extremely unwarranted behavior toward paying customers. Will not return and I do not suggest coming here. Ever.

it's 3:30p. service and bar are soooo slooowwwww!! ridiculous food is ok but why serve with zero sauce or anything! and,... then.... another wait! come on!

Tara waited on us while seated at the bar, she was the best and made amazing margaritas. Thank you!

My first time at Geronimo in New Haven. Fernando is an awesome bartender. The Churros are to die for! So good really. We also ordered the Chorizo Plaintain Croquettes and I would come back just for those!!! The food is high quality food. Service is good.

Unfortunately I continue to find this place to be not as good as what it used to be pre COVID. I miss the half off tequila on Sundays, it makes me cringe when I have to pay $14 for one margarita. I still agree their spicy margs are one of the best I've had but my wallet cries every time. Most recently we got a pitcher of spicy margarita and there just wasn't any spice to it. The guacamole portion sizes have definitely gotten smaller while I noticed an increase in the prices. The guac was tasty this last time. I decided to try the Mac and cheese for the first time as others have previously gotten it and it looked good. I was a bit sketched out, just an interesting combo added on top the mac and cheese, not for me. This place is not my ideal place I'd choose to go after work, but my group doesn't venture too far out to other places

Have been multiple times and enjoy it. Personally I'm not crazy about their menu but there are some staples I always enjoy. Great margaritas, huge tequila selection

Great place to come with friends. Parking is free on the street after 9pm. However, it's difficult to find parking here. You may have to drive around a few times or pay at the parking lots located throughout the area. The place has an upscale look and vibe to it, but in a very relaxed setting. They have 3 bars. One outside (where I was and that's the one I recommend with friends), one inside and one inside downstairs. Making a reservation here is very important especially Fridays and Saturday nights from what I see. I was here with friends. We had grilled chicken quesadilla, chicken wings, guacamole and chips and carne asada tacos. Margaritas, I had the mango, strawberry and coconut flavors. Everything was excellent. Another reviewer mentioned the spiral staircase is the only way to get to the bathroom. Definitely seems unsafe and I'm sure after a few drinks someone has fell. Men's bathroom also only has one urinal and one stall. Since this place can get crowded they can be a line and the space downstairs is tight. My only real complaint. I would definitely recommend coming here. I will most certainly be coming back here.

Tldr: Beautiful ambiance, great happy hour drinks (try the Santa fe margarita), and delicious food. First time in New Haven and had the chance to visit Geronimos. Coming in I enjoyed the interesting nuevo New Mexican theme ambiance. We sat at a cool table with desert sand and skulls in the center of the table under clear glass. Drinks: I initially ordered the cucumber strawberry margarita but unfortunately they were out of strawberries. Instead, ordered the Santa Fe margarita and was not disappointed. It was surprisingly on the sweeter side but it was harder to point out a distinct flavor-- It had subtle flavors of ginger (from the ginger syrup) and prickly pear. The spicy passionfruit definitely felt like it was on the stronger side and was more dry. I ordered the shrimp and chorizo fundido and to my surprise it came out sizzling and bubbling on a molten stone bowl with soft tortillas to spoon this delicious lava like cheese entree. It was a showstopper and made for a great dinner. It had bits of shrimp and chorizo (not too strong in spice) throughout. The burnt cheese that coats the bowl added extra flavor that will not disappoint. Overall, I enjoyed my food at Geronimo and would come back again during happy hour with a large group for food and drinks.

Server was very nice and attentive. The atmosphere was poppin and fun. The food was really good. Didn't try the drinks but would come back!

My family ate here recently, we loved all of our entrees. The guacamole is soooo good, and the chips served with it are thick and salty. Also my shirley temple had FIVE cherries in it! There's a cute area open to the outside that's great for the summer (with the fans of course)

Excellent location Food and atmosphere. Having the table side guacamole and some hatch green Chile stew. Sounds like a great afternoon.../

Overall acceptable and would likely never return! Small portions with additions of guacamole extra!! Tacos lacked any finesse just flat on your plate soaking bottom. Jalapeños on my nachos looked dried out on one side, like they had been sitting around for awhile, removed immediately . Our waiter had strong BO, overpowering to say the least! His jeans were past expiration , like never washed. His friendly demeanor did not make up for the BO. Perhaps this is young and trendy for drinks, that's where it ends.

I'm all about the nachos and Geronimo delivers! It's a fun spot with great music and staff. We had the Nachos Borrachos that are fully loaded with chicken tinga, buffalo chile and carnitas. They are served with sour cream, jalapeños and pico de gallo. The large was more than enough for a nice snack for our party of four. I have also enjoyed some margaritas at Geronimo and they were great as well. There are so many fun items like tacos, quesadillas, burritos and salads- but really all I have ordered are the nachos because they are that good. Why mess with a good thing? lol This is definitely a top three spot for nachos in New Haven in my book. Give 'em a try!

Great spot for tacos in new haven. Tender carne asada tacos. Don't forget to get a marg. Definitely have great flavors of margaritas--the bartenders made me a custom passion fruit cucumber margarita

Geronimo is fine, but it's a little hard to place how it fits into the food scene. The vibe when it's busy is very much a bar, not a place you'd want to have a relaxing meal. At the same time, their food is relatively pricey and usually actually quite good. The problem is I don't usually want to pay a ton of money for a burrito when seated next to a group of rowdy drunk people. Their patio is a really cool space. It's "outdoors" but enclosed and heated. It is fun to visit in the winter.

My husband and I had an incredible time celebrating our first date anniversary here and it was due, in large part, to their fantastic mixologist Sharree. She was very friendly, had helpful suggestions and made the most awesome drinks! I told Sharree I loved Mezcal and she ended up creating a new cocktail for me that was delicious. My husband enjoyed his margarita as well. We tried three desserts that were great... Key Lime, Tres Leches and their special chocolate brownie. Great atmosphere, awesome food/drinks and Sharree was fabulous!

From what I could tell, this seemed like the "it" place for going out! Hip and cool, good-looking crowd; very active, seemed like great place for meeting people and catching up. I came here for a date but think it could actually work even better with friends/in a group and for meeting people. A tequila drinks bar but they serve other cocktails here, too :) Really glitzy and dazzling at first glance, I liked coming here. There can be a bit of a line on weekends.

I've always eaten take out from here and it's been great but eating here and getting my food fresh and hot is the way to go!!!! Loved everything I got here but my motivation is their awesome yucca fries!

I ordered the nachos. They were okay but I would have preferred that they use queso instead of shredded cheese. Also when they toasted the nachos to melt the cheese it burned the tortilla chips and the cheddar cheese just came off in chunks. But the churros were amazing. Would definitely get those again!

Y'all let me just say this. 10/10 We found this place while walking around and unsure about dinner. We stayed at Graduate New Haven just a few blocks away and we were told pizza was a must. We weren't feeling pizza. But who doesn't love Mexican. We were seated immediately at a tiny table. Butttt our waitress who was the sweetest (forgot her name I know I'm horrible) was awesome. We ordered Mexican corn & cheese nachos. Both were delicious. The corn had like Smokey flavor! The nachos had fresh ingredients and I'm not sure but call me a liar if you want I feel like those chips were made in house. They were perfect! Our quesadillas came. I ordered the chicken one and the hubs ordered steak. The chicken was good ... the steak was amazing! It was Smokey and flavorful. We ordered these dishes because we wanted icecream later. We were stuffed! You must eat here!