Reviews from Yelp
[+][-] Lilly L
Though occupying a tiny entrance, the Rocking Horse's red garage door and colorful logo grabs your attention in the heart of Chelsea's 8th Avenue. The friendly staff, sexy vibe and great Mexican fare make it a great place for a casual night out.
We came on a particularly soggy Thursday and the place looked packed, yet the super friendly hostess (must be an owner?) found a spot for us immediately. We were mere inches from both tables on either side, causing a wiggle-ass maneuver, but it didn't matter: once seated, the clubby music and low-lighting created an intimate setting. Every two-top, with the exception of ours, was filled with gorgeous gay men, reconfirming that Thursday nights in Chelsea are all about eye-candy.
Strong margaritas soon arrived in pint glasses and so did a bowl of huge handmade tortilla chips and salsa. The "modern" Mexican fare was really tasty. I had the Enchiladas de Pollo with pomegranate, free range chicken, guajillo salsa, refried beans & pickled cabbage. My husband had the veggie burritos with watercress, avocado, panela & Monterey jack, pickled onion & serrano. We stayed for another round of margs and had a blast checking out the bar action.
On our way out, we hit a traffic jam at the front entrance--everyone was searching for his/her umbrellas. One server made a joke about low-lighting's ability to hide crows feet, but inability to assist with umbrella searching. Complete strangers laughing together in NYC? Not an everyday occurrence!
Coming or going, everyone seemed to be in a great mood despite the literal down-pour outside. The Rocking Horse, like a kid jumping on for his first ride, is just plain fun.
[+][-] Kassaundra G
Seriously hands down the best margarita in NYC. Well priced, delicious, and served with bubble tea straws. I cant say enough positive things about the management, servers, hostess, bartenders, and over all dining experience. If they ever have a fish on special, get it. It's usually amazing. The mixote is authentic and a house favorite. But again the margaritas are what always make me come back. Sangaritas will change your life.
Brunch is an amazing deal. Double fist with coffee and a margarita for such a reasonable price.
Caution: they are a little fussy with ressies. Your whole party has to be there to be seated, and they will give it away after 15 minutes. But you should be on time anyway, its that good.
[+][-] Amy C
I came here last night for the Restaurant Week menu. I'm usually not a fan of Mexican food OR Restaurant Week but my friend talked me into it. Needless to say, as you can tell from the 5 stars, I'm so glad she put in all that effort!
Based on past experience, Restaurant Week is synonymous with small portions for me. I was surprised by the large portions of each course. We really got our money's worth plus more at Rocking Horse Mexican Cafe. We were so stuffed at the end, we could barely get up to leave.
As for the food, flavors are strong and colorful, just what you would expect of Mexican food. My favorite dish was the Budin Azteca. I would definitely come back again.
[+] [-] Tommy L
Frequented by the famed Sartorialist, Scott Schumann, and other NYC nightlife socialites, it was only a matter of time that my friend Jeff and I stopped by the Rocking Horse Mexican Cafe.
The Rocking Horse is notorious for their margaritas. With my carnitas' entree, I ordered a passion fruit margarita. At first, I was a little skeptical at the authenticity of Mexican cuisine here, since most tex-mex restaurants operate under such a beguiling veneer. After the waiter took down our orders, a sizable appetizer of chips and salsa was served, and I loved it. And by it, I meant the salsa. It was crisp, fresh and just the right amount of peppery kick. The real show stopper, however, were the carnitas. Moist and flavorful, the pork melted in my mouth along with the medley of guacamole and red onion. Although I did find the margarita to be a bit strong (note: I am quite the lightweight), the carnitas helped struck that perfect balance between sobriety and tipsiness.
We finished off our meals by sharing a Tres Leches con Platano, which is essentially a banana sponge cake covered in a delectable milk and rum substance, sprinkled with some candied pecans. I couldn't eat much of it, since I was so full from my carnitas, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
So why four stars? A decent, Mexican restaurant is hard to come by, even in a place like NYC, unless you're a hardcore, loyal food truck vigilante. The Rocking Horse Cafe does a fine job in filling that void, with excellent margaritas and then some!
[+][-] Cliff L
Wow! What a revelation!! I just returned from Baja California, eating everywhere from taco stands, dive bars, and high end luxe restos. This place beat them all.
Started out with drinks, huge tortilla chips and a not-too-spicy salsa. The waiter was kind enough to provide some extra heat on the side. A half dozen Mexican beers available, at $6.00 each, as well as semi-expensive sangria, but at least it wasn't a pitcher of mixed fruit, ice, and some non-alcoholic liquid. This one had some real alcohol in it - well worth the $10.
Eventually got to the appetizers. My companion said let's share the Budin Azteca. Good idea. A corn tortilla, topped with free range chicken, topped with melted Chihuahua cheese. Delicious, $7.95.
Proceeded on to share the Mixiote, a blend of very tender Neiman Ranch Pork, plantain puree, and collard greens. Tasted great on its own, and kicked up with our little side of hot sauce. Only $19.95.
Bar is a bit noisy, but plenty of sheltered seats in the dining room beyond. Outdoor seating if you're into watching the cars and trucks on 8th Ave. Attentive service, and free parking on most of the side streets make this a destination even if you're not going to the Joyce. There's a Pinkberry's a block down for refreshing ice cream dessert.
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