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Carinito Brings Mexico City Tacos to Greenwich Village
May 13, 2025, 12:07.34 am ET

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Photos: Kathryn Sheldon

Cariñito, the Michelin-recognized Mexico City taqueria known for its Southeast Asian-inspired tacos and irreverent charm, has officially landed in New York City. Tucked a few steps below street level at 86 University Place, this six-month Greenwich Village pop-up marks Cariñito’s first-ever foray into NYC, following buzzed-about appearances in Paris, London, Singapore, and Melbourne.

Since opening in CDMX four years ago, Cariñito has built a cult following for its punchy flavors and unexpected mashups. The NYC menu stays true to form, offering playful spins on iconic bites. There’s the Cariñito Crunchywrap, a szechuan-spiced ground beef brisket and pork creation wrapped in Oaxacan cheese and avocado cabbage slaw, then griddled to crispy perfection — a cheeky nod to Taco Bell’s beloved Crunchwrap Supreme. The What She’s Having Taco, featuring smoked pastrami-spiced brisket and spicy Chinese mustard, pays homage to Katz’s Deli and the scene from When Harry Met Sally.

Other standouts dive deep into Cariñito’s signature fusion: the Issan Taco with northeastern Thai shredded pork belly, toasted rice powder, chicharrón and mint, or the Cantones Taco, a crispy pork belly number layered with hoisin, sriracha, and pickles. Veggie lovers can get their fix with the Cauliflower Pibil Taco, while small plates like Corn Ribs with madras butter and Guacathai (think guacamole meets fish sauce and herbs) round out the menu.

Drinks keep it fun and unfussy — think glou glou wines, Coronitas, Mexican Coke, and plenty of Topo Chico — with regular guest collaborations from visiting winemakers.

Designed by Mexican architect Sofia Betancur with creative direction from CDMX-based Agrio, the space embraces a raw, lived-in aesthetic, channeling the energy of a Mexico City street taqueria while giving a subtle nod to the space’s former life as El Cantinero, a Greenwich Village staple immortalized in Sex and the City lore.



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