Orale Mexican Kitchen brings its inspired Mexican cuisine to Manhattan's Upper West Side. Its food is rooted in authenticity and paired with creative, agave-based cocktails and an elevated standard of service.
The Orale concept was created by seasoned NYC restaurateurs Alex Mendelsohn and Louis Alvarez. With their newly-formed Beyond Restaurants Group, they join forces with Cristina Castañeda to transform the former Café Frida into this innovative uptown Mexican outpost.
The new 60-seat space embraces guests with a hip, welcoming vibe: a dynamic atmosphere of traditional imagery and street-style graffiti. A 30-seat courtyard patio will open soon for warm-weather dining.
Signature dishes include a guacamole trio, in which guests can choose three form a list of six special blends. These include the Blue Demon with guacamole, Cabrales blue cheese, and toasted pepitas; El Bombero with chipotle and chile de arbor; and El Nacho with crispy braised pork belly.
Bocadillos, or snacks, is an array of small bites served at the bar or the table, including Tostada de Pollo with chicken tinge, romaine, black beans, onion, queso fresco, and crema; Yucca with chipotle aioli and citrus creme; and Esquites with charred corn, creme, citrus, and queso fresco.
Tacos De La Calle is selection of eight different tacos. Antojitos, or starters, include Gringo, which is Mexican mac and cheese. It is a playful interpretation of the American classic. Platos Principales include Salmon al la Plancha —Seared Salmon, Black Bean and Potato Purée, and Pineapple-Guajillo Sauce. There is also a prix-fixe menu and a happy hour.
Signature drinks include:
- Low Rider Caddy: Herradura Reposado, Combier, Citrus, and Agave
- Disparo Sazerac: Herradura Añejo, Orange Bitters, and Absinthe
- Marlee Ahumado ("Smoky"): Silver Tequila, Grapefruit, Agave, Lime, Chile de Arbol
- Salsa Picante: Silver Tequila, Cholula, Red Pepper, Citrus, and Agave
Orale's beverage program also includes house-made sodas (cherry, mojito, hibiscus, and vanilla), as well as Sangria, Micheladas, and Daily Aguas Frescas.
