Populares

Populares reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

1. N

   Nikloas VIP

   New York City27 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on October 22, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Populares restaurant is a vibrant gem for mezcal and tequila lovers, boasting an impressive selection that sets the stage for a fantastic dining experience. Their signature cocktails are a highlight, especially the margaritas infused with tropical flavors like mango, guava, tamarind, hibiscus, and pineapple—each sip is a delightful explosion of taste. The tableside guacamole is truly out of this world; made fresh to order, it perfectly complements any meal. We also tried the steak fajitas, which were cooked to perfection, boasting a savory, mouthwatering flavor that left us craving more. The ambiance is lively, making it an ideal spot for both casual outings and special occasions. Overall, Populares delivers a memorable culinary experience that combines top-notch drinks with exceptional food. If you’re in the mood for authentic Mexican cuisine, this place should be at the top of your
   

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2. J

   John

   New York City1 review

   5.0

   Dined on September 28, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   Amazing food and options. Highly recommend- service could be a bit better but overall would go back
   

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3. M

   Mariana

   New York City1 review

   5.0

   Dined on September 14, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The space looks beautiful so I decided to give it a try myself despite the reviews. The food was amazing and the prices are unbeatable for a restaurant like this in the lower east side. I had the skirt steak, and it was perfect! They have a fire grill! The drinks were great too, and the staff are very amiable. Will be returning.
   

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4. N

   Nikloas VIP

   New York City27 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on September 9, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Populares restaurant offers a delightful experience for Mexican cuisine enthusiasts. The wide selection of beers on tap, including Pacifico, Corona, and Negra Modelo, complements the vibrant menu perfectly. The standout, however, is the amazing shrimp fajitas, which are bursting with flavor and served sizzling hot. The skirt steak is equally impressive, cooked to perfection with a juicy, tender texture that keeps you coming back for more. Each dish is expertly seasoned, showcasing the rich flavors of traditional Mexican cooking. The lively atmosphere, combined with friendly service, makes it a great spot for both casual dining and special occasions. If you're looking to savor authentic Mexican flavors alongside a fantastic beer selection, Populares is a must-visit.
   

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5. N

   Nikloas VIP

   New York City27 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on August 31, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Had an amazing dinner at Populares in the East Village! The atmosphere is modern yet cozy, with a chic, urban decor that sets a relaxed yet vibrant mood. The music is a perfect blend of eclectic beats that really adds to the laid-back yet lively ambiance. The food is top-notch, with every dish bursting with flavor and freshness. You can tell they use quality ingredients, and the attention to detail really shows in the presentation and taste. Their signature cocktails are a standout – creative, refreshing, and expertly crafted to complement the meal. What made the experience even more special was the friendly and attentive staff. They were not only knowledgeable about the menu but also made us feel genuinely welcomed. Overall, Populares is a hidden gem in the East Village, perfect for a casual night out or a special occasion. Highly recommend
   

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6. N

   Nikloas VIP

   New York City27 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on August 23, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Populares in the East Village is known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious offerings. The guacamole is a standout, freshly made with ripe avocados, lime, and a hint of spice, perfectly complemented by their warm, house-made tortilla chips. For a heartier option, the Steak Danita is a must-try, featuring tender, flavorful cuts that are expertly seasoned and grilled to perfection. Pair your meal with their refreshing margaritas, crafted with high-quality tequila and fresh citrus juice, providing a perfect balance of tart and sweet. Together, these dishes create a memorable dining experience that captures the essence of Mexican cuisine.
   

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7. B

   Brendan

   New York City1 review

   2.0

   Dined on August 18, 2024

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 3

   This dining experience was a quite chaotic! Food was awesome from appetizer to entrees to desert. Cocktails were good. We ordered from the restaurant week menu and were relatively pleased with the portion-size and menu options! The service was very sloppy. I tried to call the restaurant prior to our reservation and could not get through. When dining, our entrees came out all at different times with one person in our party waiting an additional 20 minutes for their entree (without explanation or apology). The waitstaff was very warm and kind, but felt inexperienced. The restaurant appeared understaffed. Ambience was puzzling. When we arrived they were playing acoustic music and by the time we left they were playing club/house music and setting up for a DJ. I might not recommend this for a nice dinner with friends and family, but the food was quite good, so if you’re looking for a good tacos and a nice cocktail… proceed with caution!
   

   PopularesResponded on August 23, 2024

   Hello there! We are very sorry that the experience wasn't the best it could be. It's good to hear that the food and drinks were awesome though. We appreciate reviews such as these to continue making changes at our restaurant that will help improve the experience for all of our guests.
   

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8. OT

   OpenTable Diner VIP

   New York City27 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on July 10, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Populares is a gem that never disappoints, from the first bite to the last sip. The guacamole is a must-try—fresh, creamy, and perfectly balanced with a hint of lime that elevates every chip. The salsa is the ideal complement, offering a burst of flavors that sets the stage for the main course. Their fajitas are outstanding, served sizzling with vibrant vegetables and tender, well-seasoned meats. The red snapper is another highlight—cooked to perfection, flaky, and bursting with fresh flavors that transport you straight to the coast. And, of course, no visit is complete without trying the Amazon margaritas. These are not your average margaritas; they’re a tropical escape in a glass with a perfect blend of citrus, sweetness, and just the right amount of kick. Populares combines great food, friendly service, and a lively atmosphere, making it a top spot for anyone craving authentic and delicious Mexican cuisine.
   

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9. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Chicago1 review

   3.0

   Dined on June 1, 2024

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Pretty average! Tacos were good. Guac felt like it came from a tub at the grocery store
   

   PopularesResponded on August 23, 2024

   Hey! Our guacamole is actually made in small batches, like the rest of the menu items, daily to ensure the freshest kitchen to table experience! Glad you liked the tacos, we're constantly on the lookout for the best quality ingredients from local distributors in the city!
   

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10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York City1 review

    1.0

    Dined on May 18, 2024

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3

    the food was not very good and the drink order was wrong when all I ordered was a mezcal straight. Was looking forward to coming here but definitely wouldn't go back or recommend.
    

    PopularesResponded on August 23, 2024

    We are sorry the experience was not to your liking. We would love to have you come back to try us again! We have gone through several positive changes since your last visit and have increased the quality of the food, cocktails, and customer experience. Thank you for your review, it helps us stay on top of future guest experiences!
    

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