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Pequeña

Pequena.jpg
"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?

Posted on August 8, 2008

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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Essential Info

Menu
Pequeña
Address: 
86 South Portland Avenue
Phone: 
(718) 643-0000
Nabe: 
Fort Greene
Cuisine: 
Mexican
Median Entree: 
$12

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