If you’re walking down East 77th Street and blink, you’ll probably miss it. Honestly, that’s kind of the point with Sabor a Mexico II New York. It’s tucked just a few steps below street level, right between 2nd and 3rd Avenue, looking more like a neighbor's basement than a commercial kitchen.
There’s no neon sign screaming for your attention. No TikTok-famous "cheese pulls" or $25 margaritas served in a skull. Just a tiny patio with one table and a dining room that fits maybe twenty people if everyone sucks in their breath.
What Actually Makes Sabor a Mexico II New York Different?
Most Mexican spots on the Upper East Side (UES) fall into two categories. You’ve got the high-end "Mexican-fusion" places where you pay for the white tablecloths, and the "Tex-Mex" chains where the salsa tastes like it came from a jar in Ohio. Sabor a Mexico II New York is neither.
It’s family-run. You can feel it the second you walk in. The decor is bright, festive, and a little cluttered with Mexican relics—the kind of stuff that feels collected, not curated by an interior designer.
The menu? It’s basically a family cookbook from Guerrero. While everyone else is doing birria tacos because they're trending, these guys have been serving Pozole Estilo Guerrero for years. It’s a corn hominy soup that comes in red or green, and it’s served properly with sliced avocado, lime, and those crunchy corn tortillas on the side.
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The Confusion Between "I" and "II"
There’s a bit of drama—or at least confusion—regarding the locations. For years, there was a sister spot, Sabor a Mexico I, down on 1st Avenue in the East Village.
Recent reports from locals and news outlets like EV Grieve confirmed that the 1st Avenue location closed its doors in early 2025. Rising rents and food costs, the usual NYC villains, finally caught up to them.
The good news? The UES location at 233 East 77th Street is still holding the line. It’s the "uptown survivor" of the family business.
The Dish You’re Actually There For
If you ask the regulars, they won’t tell you to get the burrito. Don't get me wrong, the Burrito Amigo is solid and a great value for a lunch special, but it’s not the soul of the place.
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The Chile Relleno is where the kitchen shows off. Most places serve a pepper that’s been drowned in a heavy, cake-like batter until you can't even taste the poblano. Here, the egg batter is thin. Light. It’s almost like a savory cloud wrapped around a cheese-stuffed pepper. They ladle a garlicky tomato salsa over it that isn't just "spicy"—it's deep.
Then there’s the Mole Poblano. Making real mole is a nightmare. You’ve got dried chilies, spices, seeds, and Mexican chocolate all fighting for dominance. If you mess up the ratio, it’s a disaster. Sabor a Mexico II gets it right; it's rich, dark, and has that subtle hint of cocoa that hits you at the very end of the bite.
The Reality Check: Ambiance and Price
I’m not going to lie to you and say it’s the cheapest meal in Manhattan. It’s not. Some people complain that $28 for a platter of Chilaquiles or Chile Relleno is a bit steep for a "hole-in-the-wall" spot.
You’re paying the UES tax, for sure. But you’re also paying for food that isn't mass-produced.
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- Seating: It’s tight. If you’re looking for a spot for a 10-person birthday party, look elsewhere. This is for a date or a catch-up with one friend.
- Service: It’s "home-style." That means it might be a little slower than a corporate chain. The staff is polite, but they aren't rushing you out the door to flip the table.
- Drinks: The margaritas are strong. Like, actually strong. The spicy margarita is a neighborhood favorite because they use real jalapeños, not just a flavored syrup.
Why People Keep Coming Back
In a city where restaurants open and close faster than a subway door, Sabor a Mexico II has stayed relevant for over a decade. Why? Because it feels like a "third place."
You know, that spot between work and home where the owners recognize you. Even if you just order delivery via Grubhub or Seamless, the food arrives hot and the orders are famously accurate. They haven't succumbed to the "ghost kitchen" trend where the food loses its soul between the stove and the cardboard box.
A Quick Tip for Lunch
If you want the experience without the $30 price tag, go for the Lunch Specials. They usually run between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. You can grab two flautas, enchiladas, or a chimichanga for around $18, and it usually comes with a fresh fruit drink (Agua Fresca). It’s easily one of the best mid-day deals in the neighborhood.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit
If you’re planning to head over to 233 East 77th Street, keep these few things in mind so you aren't disappointed.
- Check the Hours: They’re open 7 days a week, but Sunday they close an hour earlier (10:00 PM instead of 11:00 PM).
- Order the Tamales: They’re only $9 and they sell out. The Puerco Mole (pork in mole) is the winner.
- Mind the Space: If it’s a Friday night, call ahead or expect to wait on the sidewalk. There’s nowhere to stand inside.
- Look for the "Hidden" Menu Items: Don't just stick to the Tex-Mex section. Flip to the "Traditional Platers" or the "Street Style Mexican Corner." That’s where the real Guerrero flavors live.
Sabor a Mexico II New York isn't trying to change the world. It's just trying to feed the neighborhood the way they’d eat back home. In a city of fakes, that's more than enough.
To make sure you get a table during the busy weekend rush, call the restaurant directly at (212) 439-8301 to check the current wait time before you head out. If you're ordering in, skip the generic apps and check their official website for direct ordering options to ensure the family-run business keeps a larger share of the sale.