Walter Ponce
Located in the vibrant heart of Tribeca, Añejo is a Mexican culinary gem that beckons those in search of an authentic and unforgettable dining experience. My recent visit to this lively establishment left me not only savoring delectable dishes but also enjoying the warm and welcoming atmosphere that embodies the true spirit of Mexico.
To kick off the lunch, I couldn’t resist indulging in their Añejo Margaritas, and I was immediately transported to the streets of Mexico with each sip. Priced at $15 each, these handcrafted cocktails were a delightful blend of sweet and tangy, perfectly balanced, and an ideal companion to the scrumptious Mexican fare.
Food review Añejo Tribeca Restaurant
For starters, I ordered the Pork Belly Tostadas, and they were an absolute revelation. Priced at $16, the dish featured succulent caramelized pork belly, topped with creamy guacamole, vibrant pico de gallo, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Each bite was a harmonious burst of flavors, offering a tantalizing preview of the culinary excellence to come.
The main course brought forward a true highlight, the Beef Birria Tacos and Pork Tacos. These gems of Mexican street food were nothing short of extraordinary. The beef birria was rich, tender, and perfectly seasoned, while the pork tacos had a delicious combination of flavors and a slight kick of spice. Served on homemade tortillas, these tacos were generously sized and brimming with authenticity.
What truly sets Añejo Tribeca apart is the passion and dedication they bring to crafting each dish. The flavors are vibrant, the ingredients are fresh, and the presentation is a work of art. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic about sharing the culinary heritage of Mexico.
In a city known for its diverse dining scene, Añejo Tribeca stands out as a quintessential Mexican gem. Whether you’re in the mood for a laid-back meal or an extravagant celebration, this restaurant offers an enchanting setting where you can savor the rich and varied flavors of Mexico. Añejo Tribeca is not just a restaurant; it’s an experience, and one that I can’t wait to relive.
Address Añejo Tribeca: 301 Church St, New York, NY 10013, United States
**Website Añejo Tribeca: **http://anejotribeca.com/
**Menu Añejo Tribeca: **http://anejotribeca.com/table-menu/
**Instagram Añejo Tribeca: **https://www.instagram.com/anejonyc/
What does “añejo” mean?
The restaurant’s name comes from the world of tequila. Tequila is classified by how long it has been aged:
- Blanco (silver): unaged or rested only briefly, bright and peppery
- Reposado: aged in oak for at least two months and less than a year, smoother with light vanilla notes
- Añejo: aged in oak for at least one year and less than three, richer and rounder, often sipped neat
- Extra añejo: aged for three years or more, closer to a fine whisky or cognac
If you are curious, a good bar will be happy to suggest a tequila or mezcal to sip alongside your meal, not just in a margarita.
About the dishes
A few of the dishes on menus like Añejo’s have interesting backgrounds:
- Birria is a slow-cooked, spiced stew from the state of Jalisco. It was traditionally made with goat, but beef versions are now very common. Birria tacos are often served with a cup of the cooking broth (consomé) for dipping.
- Tostadas are crisp, flat tortillas used as a base for toppings, a bit like an open-faced taco.
- Guacamole and pico de gallo are the classic fresh accompaniments: mashed avocado, and a chopped salsa of tomato, onion, chilli and coriander.
- Homemade tortillas make a big difference in tacos. Corn tortillas made from fresh masa have a softer texture and deeper corn flavour than packaged ones.
Menus change over time, so check the current menu on the website before you go.
Tips for visiting
- Book ahead for dinner and weekend brunch, as Tribeca restaurants fill up quickly.
- Share plates. Mexican small plates and tacos are made for sharing, so order a few dishes for the table.
- Ask about spice levels if you are sensitive to heat.
- Consider lunch or brunch for a more relaxed visit.
- Check current hours before you go, as restaurant schedules in New York change often.
Exploring Tribeca
Tribeca stands for “Triangle Below Canal Street”. It is a former industrial and warehouse district in Lower Manhattan, now known for converted lofts, cobblestone streets, upscale restaurants and a quiet, residential feel compared with nearby SoHo.
Things to see nearby:
- Hudson River Park: a long waterfront park with piers, paths and sunset views over the river
- Washington Market Park: a small neighbourhood park, popular with families
- Hook & Ladder 8 firehouse: on North Moore Street, famous as the exterior of the firehouse in the Ghostbusters films
- SoHo: just north of Canal Street, with its cast-iron buildings, shopping streets and galleries
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum: a short walk south in the Financial District
- Tribeca Festival: a film and culture festival usually held in June, which brings extra energy to the neighbourhood
How to get there
Añejo Tribeca is on Church Street, near Walker Street and Canal Street. Several subway lines stop close by:
- Canal Street station serves many lines, including the A, C, E, N, Q, R, W, J, Z and 6
- Franklin Street station on the 1 line is a short walk away
Walking from SoHo, Chinatown or the Financial District is also easy, as the area is compact and flat.
Best time to visit New York
- Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons for walking around Lower Manhattan.
- Summer is hot and humid, but outdoor dining and waterfront parks are at their best.
- Winter is cold, but the holiday season makes the city very festive, and cosy restaurants like this are a good escape from the weather.
Similar places in New York
New York has a large and varied Mexican food scene, from casual taquerias to modern Mexican restaurants. Neighbourhoods such as the East Village, Williamsburg, and Sunset Park in Brooklyn are worth exploring if you want to try more tacos, mole and Mexican street food.
FAQ
What kind of food does Añejo Tribeca serve? Modern Mexican food, including tacos, tostadas and shared plates, along with a strong tequila and cocktail list.
Is Añejo Tribeca good for a group? Yes. The sharing-style menu works well for groups, but book ahead for larger tables.
What is the difference between reposado and añejo tequila? Reposado is aged for between two months and a year, while añejo is aged for one to three years, making it richer and smoother.
What are birria tacos? Tacos filled with slow-cooked, spiced meat from Jalisco, often served with the cooking broth for dipping.
What is the nearest subway station? Canal Street and Franklin Street are the closest stations.
Is Tribeca a good area to stay in? Tribeca is quiet, central and close to many sights, though hotels there tend to be on the expensive side.
