Pequeña

"The name ('small' in Spanish) and diminutive size belie the tremendous portions at this peppy Mexican spot, outfitted with papier-mâché critters and Day of the Dead skeletons," writes Time Out New York. And their "standard south-of-the-border comfort fare" gets a thumbs-up from Emily Witt of New York magazine: "Particularly good are the fish tacos, available sautéed or fried, perfectly complemented by a tart margarita." Witt also recommends Pequeña as an ideal post-BAM stop because "unlike many restaurants in the neighborhood, Pequeña is open past 11 p.m."
However, Citysearch's Justin Hartung is not as excited about their "less-than-authentic" Mexican fare: "Tortilla soup makes a promising beginning, the rich broth flecked with cojita, but the dressing on a shrimp and avocado salad tastes suspiciously bottle-like... Rotisserie chicken gets little relief from the accompanying bland rice and soupy black beans, while beef fajitas suffer too much grease." What's your take?
Reviews (15)
Atlantic Frantic wrote a review on August 8, 2008 12:22 PM
I've only eaten here a couple of times--and not for a while--but I remember it being quite good and quite reasonably priced. it's small, though, so sometimes hard to get a seat.
ProspectHeightsGuy wrote a review on August 8, 2008 12:22 PM
Two words: just okay
There's way better mexican to be had in brooklyn, for sure. (I went to la superior last night, it kicks pequeña's ass.)
Vanderman wrote a review on August 8, 2008 12:28 PM
A nice enough place, but the food is totally unremarkable.
werner wrote a review on August 8, 2008 12:43 PM
The big question is, will yet another mediocre restaurant be ranked higher than Peter Luger's by Brownstoners knowledgeable posters.
web diversions wrote a review on August 8, 2008 12:45 PM
I love Pequena! You guys are crazy. The enchiladas verde are great. The long wait for a table can be tedious but it's worth it.
web diversions wrote a review on August 8, 2008 12:45 PM
I love Pequena! You guys are crazy. The enchiladas verde are great. The long wait for a table can be tedious but it's worth it.
Combustiblegirl2 wrote a review on August 8, 2008 12:53 PM
It's a favorite place of mine to go while in the neighborhood; the food is delicious and consistant, though not earth shattering, and it's good a nice relaxed vibe.
Heather wrote a review on August 8, 2008 1:00 PM
I think the menu is more interesting than Bonita's, but not thrilled at the prices. We were looking for good, cheap Mexican, this is like hipster Mexican -- and while that can be good, it's not cheap. I miss Bean -- they did it right.
Miguelpakalns wrote a review on August 8, 2008 1:40 PM
"Not Authentic... Soupy black beans" The beans at Pequena are slightly variable, but generally speaking taste slow-cooked-yesterday and onion-in-the-pot, like my Grandma used to make them. That's as authentic as they come. Doesn't necessarily mean you don't prefer organic out of a can.
I've always found the food very good, with brunch a particular steal (as $15+/entree Brunches have infested Ft. Greene). To me, Bonita is "hipster Mexican" and Pequena is more authentic; I loved Bean myself for cheap eats but it never brought me back to Tijuana. I will head to La Superior per the above poster probably this weekend.
Warning: Pequena is very clearly designed (ambiance, cramped space) for 20-somethings. Sour 35+ers have plenty of better options.
ProspectHeightsGuy wrote a review on August 8, 2008 1:56 PM
I miss Bean too, but there's a lot of great mexican under the J/M/Z trains on Broadway... also, I haven't made it out to the Red Hook ball fields yet this year--some of the venders serve up some nice grub.
DOW8000SP800 wrote a review on August 8, 2008 1:56 PM
I'm sorry but the fish tacos were a disappointment. Maybe I'm spoiled by those (every Friday @ takeout) of La Taqueria in Park Slope (7th/Berkeley). Those La Taqueria fish tacos are the best I've ever had. The cod and chipotle tarter sauce are to die for.
Heather wrote a review on August 8, 2008 3:52 PM
Yes, Pheightsguy, but I don't get to the JMZ Broadway much these days. Fort Greene is not much for the mexican food. On the other hand, having access to so much red velvet cake is a huge plus.
superslav wrote a review on August 8, 2008 8:42 PM
Eh. Just eh. Crazy cramped. Another disappointing attempt at Mexican in New York. I actually think Bonita is a bit tastier although I'm still not going to rave about the authenticity. As for Red Hook SoccerTacos? It's more hipster Mexican than Pequeña and Bonita combined. I have pictures to prove it!
greenebee wrote a review on August 12, 2008 5:15 PM
this mexican is pretty decent, and they deliver in a timely fashion which is nice. My husband and I usually get the apatizer size portions and then share the chips n salsa, plus a side of refried beans. It makes it a better value and you still get plenty of food. I've eaten in there a few times and it's ok - but sometimes kinda cramped and crowded.
typhanii wrote a review on August 28, 2008 12:04 PM
I go here for brunch frequently. I wouldn't really go for evening meals...too pricey for what I get.
The desayuno Mexicana makes me smile. I'm a sucker for eggs with salsa.

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