Bistro Casa Azul

Located in New York, New York

Address: 343 Pleasant Ave at, E 118th St, New York, NY 10035

Phone: +1 917-805-0803

Rating: 4.7

Services

Identifies as indigenous-owned
Identifies as Latino-owned
Identifies as women-owned
Outdoor seating
Kerbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in
Fast service
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Small plates
Spirits
Wine
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Bar on site
Gender-neutral toilets
Toilets
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Upmarket
Family friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safe space
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Good for kids
Has changing table(s)
High chairs
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed outside

Photos

Latest NYC Bar Directory

Comments

Review 1 (2024-11-30 - Rating: 5)
This place is 1000% amazing. Everything about it says come inside. From the art, to the smell of the food down the street. It does not disappoint. Go inside and enjoy the food , staff, and atmosphere.

Review 2 (2024-06-24 - Rating: 5)
Incredible restaurant! The food is amazing, the service is impeccable and the place is cozy and quiet. I have nothing negative to say about the place. Lou is a sweetheart and we ate the best tacos weve ever had (and weve spent considerable time in mexico) I wish I could give more stars

Review 3 (2024-07-01 - Rating: 5)
This is the best Mexican food I have had in a very long time … the best anywhere north of Texas for sure.The menu is diverse (with items you cannot find elsewhere like a Mexican take on ceviche). They also have a children’s menu and were so willing to accommodate our family’s requests. While all the food was amazing I want to highlight the salsa (they need to jar and sell it -it is the best) and the fresh homemade tortillas (both corn and flour). Everything is great but if you’re not sure what to order you can’t go wrong with the tacos - for the tortillas alone are incredible.The service was also incredible- the owner (maybe or manager?) was so welcoming and warm with us it took an amazing meal and made it even better.The restaurant itself has really cool ambiance with varied seating and spaces. It’s large and comfortable.

Review 4 (2024-09-13 - Rating: 5)
Celebrated my dad’s birthday here and we had such a good time! The food was amazing and the service so friendly. Can’t wait to visit again.

Review 5 (2024-06-11 - Rating: 5)
Excellent food, excellent people, and a great vibe. With all the options of quick Mexican food in the area, this place goes the opposite direction and slows things down for a wonderful and authentic Mexican fine dining experience. The owners are really down to earth and personable, and are truly passionate about what goes into the menu. This is my first choice of restaurant in the area for a night out or for a happy hour drink, and Im happy to say that Ive been going for years.

Review 6 (2024-03-12 - Rating: 5)
The service was excellent. We sat at the bar and ordered take-out. The owner made recommendations and one of the very best margaritas Ive ever had. We split the Filet Mignon Au Gratin and the Chicken Stuffed with Plantain..The food was absolutely delicious. High-quality ingredients at the hands of a chef who knows flavors and textures made each dish perfect. We also had black beans and saffron rice and sauteed vegetables. Everything was fresh, well-balanced and tasty. The atmosphere is cozy and pretty. I cant wait to come back.

Review 7 (2024-09-15 - Rating: 5)
Never disappoints. The food has always been top quality and cocktails have a hearty pour.It’s refreshing to have real margaritas and not wine based ones you find in the area.Their blood orange and watermelon are yummy.The patio is charming, and the inside as well.Maria and Lou are gracious hosts and always make everyone feel welcome.

Review 8 (2024-05-08 - Rating: 5)
Bistro Casa Azul has welcoming staff, beautiful space and delicious food - with plenty of filling options for vegans, vegetarians and pescetarians.It’s a great destination for everything from cocktail dates, group dinners to events / parties (through catering or by booking the restaurant).Always a pleasure to support this small, family-owned and family-run business as they provide warm hospitality and memorable meals!

Review 9 (2024-09-12 - Rating: 5)
The perfect spot for a great meal and a glass of wine! Ive enjoyed watching World Cup games, getting to know the vibrant East Harlem community, and, most importantly, savoring Marias incredible dishes, topped with her signature spicy sauce. ❤️ And while youre there, dont miss out on Lous freshly juiced, mouthwatering tequila margaritas!

Review 10 (2024-02-08 - Rating: 5)
Just wanted Spanish Harlem to know if you go 1 or 2 blocks in any direction you gonna find a lil hole in the wall spot that will blow your mind. Pleasant Ave, will be one of those blocks & Cafe Bistro Azul will be the spot. This husband/wife couple ran location is definitely pointed into Mexican cuisine. But old school great grandma gave grandma gave momma recipes. Ask for Lou the owner he will stop everything to greet you with open arms and welcome you to his home. And Im pretty sure wife Maria will come out from the back, shes the cook! Just to make sure your taste buds have been satisfied. Keep up the beyond amazing job you two. And come down, bring the doggies, they have outside area as well. And by the way Im not a fan of reviews, and yet this is something I felt needed to be said. Enjoy.

Review 11 (2024-06-12 - Rating: 5)
Love Bistro Casa Azul!!! Best food around!! I wish I lived closer but always amazing when I can take the trip from LI. 😋

Review 12 (2024-04-02 - Rating: 5)
The food was amazing. Very small intimate place with excellent service. Only one issue ~ hot sauce is not hot!

Review 13 (2023-10-27 - Rating: 5)
Oh wow! Love this place. Gourmet healthy Mexican cooking at its finest! Chef Maria did such a great job with the our meal. The poblano pepper is to die for, made with daily fresh vegetables, really unlike the typical poblano you will find, stuffed with cheese and fried. The chef special salad is delicately seasoned with nuances pls or and made with the freshest greens. The desert flan was expertly made. Service from the friendly staff is outstanding and the atmosphere of the restaurant is super cute and quite upscale, suitable for family gatherings and date nights. Oh and there is a beautiful backyard, allowing the restaurant to entertain large parties. Truly a gem in East Harlem.

Review 14 (2023-05-18 - Rating: 5)
This place is phenomenal! Makes you feel at home and cozy! The food is amazing and the service is splendid. I love that the owners handle things personally, makes it a real experience worth coming. Highly recommend!

Review 15 (2024-11-23 - Rating: 5)
What a fantastic restaurant! Food and service are incredible. The atmosphere is impeccable; cozy & quiet. The tacos were AMAZING.

Review 16 (2024-03-14 - Rating: 5)
Havent been in a while but the memories last a lifetime😆Great people! Great service! Great food! Always feels like home.

Review 17 (2022-08-13 - Rating: 5)
My husband and I have loved this place since it opened. Really fresh, high quality ingredients and authentic recipes. Delicious wines, beers and cocktails. Cozy atmosphere, with friendly owners. A hidden gem.

Review 18 (2022-08-27 - Rating: 5)
Our school partnered with Lou to organize a staff HH at Casa Azul. Before the event, Lou invited us to taste a few items on the menu and some cocktails. DELICIOUS! The guacamonica was one of the best guacamole we have eaten. Tacos were authentic and fresh, the table’s favorite was the chorizo. On the day of event, we were treated like family, and we felt like family. We had the whole place to ourselves - beautifully charming place btw, but we used the backyard, mostly. The back yard was clean with beautiful patio decor (my favorite decor piece was the wood antique-looking divider). There is an amazing painting back there too. The taquitos dorados were my favorite on the day of event. Lou made our drinks. I had a rum punch and was feeling nice after one. The hospitality was superb. Again, we felt like we were having a family gathering in our family member’s home. We were treated with care. Our comfort and satisfaction was their priority. Will definitely partner with Lou again in the future. Thank you! Maria, you’re awesome!Love, East Middle

Review 19 (2024-09-12 - Rating: 5)
Bristo Casa Azul is a must try if you are in East Harlem, Manhattan, or anywhere in the 5 boroughs make the trip!! They are our go to after big races and never disappoint! The owners are the nicest people and value our community and the food is amazing! The guacamole and fresh chips are a must and the TACOOOOHHS are the best! My favorite, ALL of them! Everything is made fresh and is absolutely delicious! It’s so good even our toddler approves! So make the trip to East Harlem and bring your appetite!

Review 20 (2024-11-10 - Rating: 5)
Delicious!! Yum! Get everything, even though I haven’t tried it all, I bet it’s all great! I had grilled shrimp (gamba alajillo) and the special and the ceviche and the margaritas were sublime!

Review 21 (2021-01-13 - Rating: 5)
The food and cocktails were amazing. Service was amazing. Its a nice little hidden gem. I want to give it another try when outdoor seating isnt mandatory.

Review 22 (2018-11-04 - Rating: 5)
Amazing. Friendly. Affordable. Delicious. A perfect night for a special occasion or a good time with friends. Quality Mex Food lovingly prepared to order. Bright and lively flavors and unbeatable portions. Save room for the best, very best Flan. 🤗🤗🤗

Review 23 (2021-05-31 - Rating: 5)
Such a lovely place!! They have amazing food and the owners are so kind and generous!! Cant wait to go back....it feels like youre at a friends house! Dont wait, go check it out!

Review 24 (2019-09-08 - Rating: 4)
Plant-filled oasis out back and fun vibe inside as well. Owners are super sweet! The bacon is ridiculous and the spicy mango treat was sooo good! Well definitely be back.

Review 25 (2020-10-11 - Rating: 5)
Sorry I didnt take a flic. But Chef Maria whipped up some chicken tinga tacos and carnitas tacos that was exquisite to the palate. The vegetales de temporada salteados was fresh with a lot of flavor. This place should be packed every day because the food and service is too notch

Review 26 (2019-11-13 - Rating: 5)
Bistro Casa Azul is a great restaurant and bar in East Harlem. The food is wonderful, and Lou and Maria are always welcoming and accommodating. This is a small but comfortable location. I try to visit Bistro Casa Azul whenever I am in New York.

Review 27 (2024-06-23 - Rating: 5)
WOW - my partner and I ate here today and I can’t stop thinking about this meal. We were in East Harlem doing some furniture shopping when we got hungry. We’re not super familiar with the neighborhood so we almost took the train elsewhere and I am SO glad that we didn’t. That was truly the best margarita I have ever had and I’ve had plenty, and it was the best guac I’ve ever eaten before as well. The fish tacos were SO good. Service was awesome, I’m sorry for not getting your names but just know that you made our day!! I can’t wait to come back and bring friends, such an awesome and perfectly decorated space and you can just tell the food is made with love.

Review 28 (2024-09-12 - Rating: 5)
Great place to eat great food great environment highly recommend to everyone.

Review 29 (2024-06-13 - Rating: 5)
My favorite spot in East Harlem/El Barrio. María makes DELICIOUS food- from her guacamole to her tacos to amazing brunch options. And Lou always has the perfect drink to accompany whatever you order. The environment feels like home from the first time you walk in, a true community/ local spot that you keep wanting to come back to.

Review 30 (2019-04-06 - Rating: 5)
Amazing margaritas. Authentic family recipes, fresh ingredients, excellent food and great atmosphere. Cant wait to go back. A quick trip from the UES.

Review 31 (2024-05-12 - Rating: 5)
Great place! Good food, good drinks, great people. Love the atmosphere and the owners are amazing!!!

Review 32 (2022-08-25 - Rating: 5)
Choosing to have that medium rare ribeye @ 1 is probably the best decision I’ve made all day hands-down. I will be coming back for the New York strip next

Review 33 (2021-03-15 - Rating: 5)
We love their foods because it was delectable and mouthwatering. It really was destined. From the presentations to the taste, all their food was beautiful.

Review 34 (2024-09-13 - Rating: 5)
Completely satisfied can’t complain will be back !!

Review 35 (2021-09-18 - Rating: 5)
Welcoming owner and a nicely covered outdoor space provides a great atmosphere. My impromptu visit found nicely favored strong French press coffee and delicious veggie tacos. They were super accommodating and I’ll definitely look forward to coming back!

Review 36 (2018-09-03 - Rating: 5)
We love going to the Bistro. The family that owns the place is a hoot and so sweet. The food is absolutely delicious. We are regulars for life!

Review 37 (2022-03-23 - Rating: 5)
This is such a great tucked in place, small family owned and the attention they gave to each table was great. Def coming back to try the other items on the menu

Review 38 (2024-06-12 - Rating: 5)
Delicious Mexican Latin food with fantastic service . When I went we ate outside on a sunny day was a great time. Definitely a great date spot or special day spot!

Review 39 (2019-04-28 - Rating: 5)
Food was great, best beans ever. Excellent choice of tequila. Owners were very attentive. Will be back

Review 40 (2019-03-30 - Rating: 5)
The service was fantastic, the owners are great, and the food was delicious and reasonably priced. It has a warm and convivial atmosphere.

Review 41 (2018-10-26 - Rating: 5)
Lou is the best. Had wine and it was the best ever. Im looking forward to those Tasty tacos 🌮. From Julio Luna

Review 42 (2021-07-31 - Rating: 5)
Awesome food, Awesome service, great atmosphere! A must try one of my favorite places!

Review 43 (2020-01-23 - Rating: 5)
Lou and Maria are amazing, the food and drinks never disappoint. All around great neighborhood spot

Review 44 (2024-04-15 - Rating: 5)
Excellent service! The food was Delicious . The ambience and music was the cherry on top. Will definitely be visiting again.

Review 45 (2018-12-02 - Rating: 5)
Just perfect amazing everything was great no complaints on my end

Review 46 (2024-10-29 - Rating: 5)
Great Margaritas and brunch !! Please get the Poblano Paisano stuffed pepper ... Also if you ask nicely you may be able to choose between Santana and Led Zeppelin tunes...Saturday is Paella night, call ahead to reserve.A classic food item is the Poblano with meatballs. You cant go wrong with anything on the menu. Cash only.Ask Lou to make his Margaritas.

Review 47 (2024-02-25 - Rating: 5)
So I’m here to say I love to leave a review on my experience but Bistro Casa Azul is amazing and it deserves more then just this review I here to say food 100% drinks, service, Decor, it’s all worthy and it’s welcoming things alot of places to Dine-in lack these days I had a wonderful time I will be back !!!!

Review 48 (2024-09-12 - Rating: 5)
Excellent customer service 😊

Review 49 (2023-06-10 - Rating: 5)
Loved this place. You can tell they are very experienced and take pride in their restaurant and community. My husband and I ventured there after going to Costco nearby and so glad we went. Especially loved the fresh juices and fish tacos. ⭐️

Review 50 (2020-06-26 - Rating: 5)
Great staff friendly environment awesome food beware kinda spicy

Review 51 (2023-07-27 - Rating: 5)
Spectacular brunch and late night hang out spot. Great cocktails and delicious food! If you’re in the area, you must check this place out! 10/10!

Review 52 (2018-11-04 - Rating: 5)
Love this place, real authentic Mexican food, I am a fan already.

Review 53 (2024-06-12 - Rating: 5)
We have been loyal customers for a few years now. Maria and Lou are wonderful hosts and the food does not disappoint. There are many delicious entrées to choose from but their specials are always on point.Lou makes the best margaritas. The restaurant’s decor, accentuating Frieda Kahlo is really lovely, warm and inviting. We both had our 60th birthday parties there and Lou and Maria did accommodate us and make us feel like Family. It is a lovely neighborhood spot to meet locals and interact with East Harlem residents.

Review 54 (2023-04-29 - Rating: 5)
Delicious food. Great hospitality - Lou and Maria are wonderfully warm and welcoming. We shall return.

Review 55 (2019-01-12 - Rating: 5)
Their food and hospitality is excellent dont take my word for it come by checking out yourself

Review 56 (2022-08-08 - Rating: 5)
Best shrimp tacos! So fresh. Excellent service. The best local joint. Owner and wife are such nice people! Food has me hooked, but service keeps me coming back!

Review 57 (2021-09-14 - Rating: 5)
I had the most delicious and impossibly fresh salmon special with red berries. It was beyond delicious and such a surprising combination! I wish more people knew about this hidden gem. The service was impeccable, warm, friendly, great tequila options, everything you could want. cant wait to go back. great for groups!

Review 58 (2019-04-21 - Rating: 5)
Ambience, attitude, quality of food, drink concoctions, BEST I HAVE EPERIENCED IN A LONG, LONG TIME !

Review 59 (2020-06-14 - Rating: 5)
After leaving Target, I found this gem accidentally. This place is amazing! The customer service is excellent, and the food is delicious. I absolutely loved everything I ordered, including the desserts. I definitely will return here with my family. So happy to have found this great bistro. The chocolate cake is to die for. And the steak tacos are incredible.

Review 60 (2019-10-24 - Rating: 5)
Excellent food and even better drinks!! no shakey shakey!!!

Review 61 (2021-02-24 - Rating: 5)
Great tacos & cocktails! I love the atmosphere which felt cozy, welcoming, and laid-back. The customer service was great as well. They are “cash only”, so please be aware of that or call ahead as it’s not listed on Google. Would 10/10 recommend this hidden gem :)

Review 62 (2023-01-07 - Rating: 5)
Honestly what a treat to find this place, excellent food and drink. Service went above and beyond for 2 stranded Europeans making a very stressful experience less so and fuelling us as we searched for accommodation as our air bnb let us down

Review 63 (2022-06-18 - Rating: 5)
Extremely welcoming owner and chef. We really enjoyed our meal especially the chicken tinga. So proud to have this restaurant in our neighborhood ❤️

Review 64 (2022-06-12 - Rating: 5)
Food is delicious ❤️Great Hospitality 💖

Review 65 (2021-01-03 - Rating: 5)
This restaurant really is a gem. The quality and freshness of ingredients, careful preparation of dishes and exciting combinations of flavors makes everything Ive tasted absolutely delicious. The space for dining in is comfortable and quiet and the service is excellent. I strongly recommend this restaurant.

Review 66 (2018-11-07 - Rating: 5)
Amazing spot! New gem in the neighborhood!!! Love the owners!

Review 67 (2020-07-03 - Rating: 5)
First time coming to this place. Doesn’t feel so much as a Mexican spot as it does an American Bistro, but I will say that the Filet Mignon was amazing and cooked perfectly to our desired temperatures. I’ll definitely be coming back here every once in a while if I’m near Harlem.

Review 68 (2022-07-24 - Rating: 5)
This is one of the most treasured dining experiences you can have in Harlem, period.

Review 69 (2019-05-25 - Rating: 5)
Great margaritas and beautifully presented tostadas!

Review 70 (2019-05-19 - Rating: 5)
Came in for a cocktail at the bar with friends. Treated extremely well overall at a real neighborhood spot. The drink special we all had was delicious and strong. They also have a curated wine selection.

Review 71 (2019-12-10 - Rating: 5)
Everything on the menu is amazing!! What an absolutely delight. Ive been there many times and the food never disappoints.

Review 72 (2021-04-28 - Rating: 5)
I love this place me and my daughter come here often food is delicious drinks are amazing and I feel so welcomed her I love love this place.

Review 73 (2022-06-26 - Rating: 5)
Love this local spot! never disappointed ❤️

Review 74 (2019-09-21 - Rating: 5)
The food and drinks are equally amazing here and the service is outstanding. The owners are very pleasant and personally make sure everything is perfect.

Review 75 (2021-04-28 - Rating: 4)
Most of the food is thoughtfully prepared and delicious. Try the fruit juices - the blood orange juice was clearly fresh-squeezed. I would love to rate this place five stars. Unfortunately the medium rare filet mignon I ordered was served well-done and appeared to be some other cut of meat, despite the off-menu upcharge. I may go again but avoid the filet.

Review 76 (2019-01-18 - Rating: 5)
Excellent food and wine. Service is outstanding. I cant wait to come back.

Review 77 (2018-08-17 - Rating: 5)
Food was amazing and the couple who owns the restaurant is really friendly and welcoming. They have great happy hour deals and the atmosphere is warm and inviting.

Review 78 (2020-01-12 - Rating: 5)
Authentic Spanish harlem restaurant not to be missed.Luis offers you very good wines to accompany Marias fantastic Mexican cuisine.Dont leave without tasting its fabulous tacos!

Review 79 (2018-12-20 - Rating: 4)
Small cozy place. Good drinks and food. Lovely husband and wife team.

Review 80 (2019-11-14 - Rating: 5)
Fantastic food and such a welcoming atmosphere. Love seeing that they have Vikera Tequila!

Review 81 (2020-03-18 - Rating: 5)
Amazingly consistent and always fresh. Best food around for sure!

Review 82 (2021-04-25 - Rating: 5)
What a lovely, lovely restaurant. Ill definitely be returning.

Review 83 (2020-06-06 - Rating: 5)
Very well decorated,,, n the garden s beautiful..... Small place, just perfect for a date!!!

Review 84 (2022-01-01 - Rating: 5)
The owners are fantastic people and the food is damn good.

Review 85 (2018-09-01 - Rating: 5)
Very nice staffFood was very tastyMimosa well madeGood ambienceWish them success

Review 86 (2019-05-12 - Rating: 5)
Beautiful ambiance the food wonderfully tastey and in the company of the best of sisterhood

Review 87 (2018-12-08 - Rating: 5)
Came in for brunch and had the huevos rancheros which were fantastic! great flan as well and the service was super friendly