Chavella's
Chavella's was recommended to us by phbalanced and KHuebbe. "Sharing a name with superstar Chavela Vargas, the gravelly voiced singer who made her Carnegie Hall debut at age 83 in 2003, this homey joint debuted Mexico’s iconic cuisine to a similarly enthusiastic response in early 2007," writes Laurel Fantauzzo for New York magazine. And Aaron Barker for Citysearch says, "The sunny, tile-splashed facade of this nuevo cantina adds a good dose of color to the neighborhood... A flotilla of delivery bicycles at the entrance signals a brisk takeout business, but the mosaic-tiled lanterns, candle sconces and Mexican folk rock soundtrack make eating-in appealing."
"This modest storefront now peddles slightly upscale––and slightly bland––Mexican food. But some of it is mega-tasty, including a potato and chorizo quesadilla that comes festooned with crema and foliage, and a guacamole chunkier and more tomatoey than most, served with miniature corn tortillas rather than the usual lardy chips," writes the Village Voice. But the place gets a more positive review from Chowhound DeeDee: "Chavella's [serves] excellent, authentic Mexican with very fresh ingredients. Blows La Taqueria away." And fellow 'Hound liBK says, "We've had delivery from Chavella's, twice, and we love the food. My husband who worked as a cook in Mexico and is very picky, finds the food authentic and made with care." How would you rate this place?
Reviews (16)
z wrote a review on May 19, 2009 12:13 PM
chavella's is our favorite take-out restaurant in the area, and it's a nice place to sit down as well (although a little cramped). my only complaint is that it's getting too popular -- my last two delivery orders took 75-90 minutes to arrive.
sluggita wrote a review on May 19, 2009 12:18 PM
This is the most delicious Mexican food I've had in New York, unfailingly fresh and delectable. They make their own salsas, and they are delicately nuanced and delectable. This place has spoiled me for Mexican food anywhere else in New York.. I love the cheese and chicken burritos with smoky mole' sauce dish best. The corn with fresh cheese is also just great, exactly what you want it to be. The prices are also extremely reasonable for the high quality of food. I've eaten here numerous times since they opened, as it's on my way home from work, and I've ordered takeout and delivery many times, too. Have not been disappointed once.
i disagree wrote a review on May 19, 2009 12:22 PM
i love chavella's too, with shared lamentations for its increasing popularity, if only for selfish reasons. my hope is that they'll use their success to open up a bigger joint somewhere in the neighborhood...but at any rate, at least we know they'll survive the downturn! my favorites are the guacamole, the fish taco, the flautas, and the shrimp entree. my two-year-old is in toddler-love with their rice and beans!
Heart As Arena wrote a review on May 19, 2009 12:31 PM
I curated a show at the gallery next door to this place, PLUTO, last Fall, and I had never eaten there before. I started installing on Thursday and for convenience I grabbed lunch there. NOT out of convenience, over the next three days, I ate 5 of my meals there. Killer, killer food. Everything I had was stellar. The real test though was that there was an LA contingent in for the show and they all were knocked out by it. And you know how hardcore LA people can be about their Mexican food.
The only negative thing I can say about it is that I've heard they get a bit flustered when it gets busy. I never had a problem, but I've heard that from others.
bao wrote a review on May 19, 2009 12:32 PM
I love this place too, coming from Colorado it's hard to find good Mexican food in NYC - but they have it! Other than needing a bigger place I have no complaints. My favorite is the Plato Don!
mahetia wrote a review on May 19, 2009 12:50 PM
What they lack in space and ambiance they make up for in food. Fresh, delicious, and always on point. A breath of fresh air in a neighborhood with a weak food landscape, rife with fast food, Chinese takeout, pizza, and fried chicken. This place is an indication that it's changing... for the better. Thank you Chavellas. ...and they deliver to Franklin Park!
collin85 wrote a review on May 19, 2009 1:33 PM
Love this place! Great neighborhood spot, although minus a few points for not having margaritas (when I was there a couple of months ago, at least).
washingtonandatlantic wrote a review on May 19, 2009 2:51 PM
I had been meaning to check out Chavella's when it opened, but didn't make it until I was at Washington Commons recently and ordered takeout from Chavella's. LOVE at first bite! Their rice and beans are amazing. I'm starting to drool thinking about them. Since then I've eaten in and its even better fresh. Love the tacos, especially the chicken mole and the beans and avocado. Guac is good too. Its officially my favorite mexican in the city.
mopar wrote a review on May 19, 2009 4:32 PM
This does sound tasty. Now if only they served margaritas.
thekellbell wrote a review on May 19, 2009 4:33 PM
I loved Chavellas-- I had been going since it opened. However, I agree with the other posters that they can't handle their growing popularity. The last time I ordered for delivery (last week Friday May 15), we waited for 2 hours and made 4 phone calls, each time being told it was on the way. We finally gave up, cancelled the order (which probably wasn't even being made) and had to eat cereal.
grand army wrote a review on May 19, 2009 6:22 PM
Love it! Authentic, inexpensive, friendly.
tiasmith wrote a review on May 20, 2009 1:36 AM
I like your Restaurant . I like ever thing about it it is just outstanding. I just like it.Your food and other things of your restaurants just fantastic.
Tia smith
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pclem wrote a review on May 20, 2009 10:16 AM
Used to live around the corner and miss the hell out of it. The tortilla soup is fantastic.
BrooklynRooster wrote a review on September 8, 2009 2:43 PM
Uncomfortable place to spend to much time, seating to tight and can be quite hot. The food is great though - yes open a larger place, but not to far from present spot!
kate_brown wrote a review on September 8, 2009 5:29 PM
BrooklynRooster: totally agree that it's not the most comfortable inside, as it does get a bit cramped, but even despite that it still strikes me as charming. Even so, I usually opt for take-out or delivery, often to Washington Commons down the street. You're right on about the food--delightful and my favorite Mexican spot in NYC.
lincolnlimestone wrote a review on November 3, 2009 1:06 PM
It's hard not to walk out of there smelling like a Mexican kitchen, but it's well worth it. From their tacos to their tortas to the soup. Because of the tight seating, we find ourselves going there on off hours.
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