Seemor
Jajaja MexicanaA-Worth Trying
63 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014
· Vegan restaurant, Cocktail bar, Kosher restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (1722 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Playful, plant-based Mexican with big flavors, lively vibes, and standout birria-style tacos; value is fair-to-good for West Village, but noise, waits, and occasional service lapses appear.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Jajaja Mexicana delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional food quality—particularly standout vegan birria tacos—and strong service attentiveness with thoughtful touches. The vibrant West Village setting creates genuine appeal, though occasional consistency variation and space constraints prevent grade A territory. Loyal following and creative execution make this a competitive neighborhood destination.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling with neon-bright plates and upbeat music, the sort of spot where servers slide in with easy guidance and a surprise birthday card. One guest summed it up: "Big flavors, jazzy energy, and friendly touches that make the night feel special." However, expect lively volume and occasional waits, especially when it is packed. The culinary approach leans modern plant-based with cheeky remixes of Mexican comfort: birria-style tacos with rich consome, tempura cauliflower with blue-style queso, and coconut-forward cheeses. It is creative rather than fussy—more fiesta than lab—but still polished enough to please diners who value inventive twists over strict tradition. Kids can do well here with familiar picks like nachos, burritos, and churros, though some tacos skew bold and spicy. Portions vary by dish, so families might share starters and a specialty to ensure everyone leaves full.
At a Glance
- Vegan birria-style tacos with consome are a standout
- Friendly service with thoughtful touches (birthday cards, allergen guidance)
- Lively West Village vibe and creative cocktails
- Noise and crowding at peak times
- Portions can feel small for price on some items
What Sets It Apart
- vegan-birria-with-consome
- birthday-card-tradition
- onion-garlic-free-menu
- creative-cocktails
What People Love
- Rich, convincing birria-style tacos with dip
- Colorful plates and stylish room
- Allergen-savvy, kind service
- Playful, balanced cocktails
Points of Concern
- Pricing can feel high for small taco portions and add-ons
- Peak-time waits for seating and check payment reported
- Flavor sameness across multiple tacos for some diners
- Isolated but serious safety complaint (foreign plastic strip) noted
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$42-58 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with Grande Nachos ($17) to share, then split Quesabirria for Two ($35).
- Prefer lighter fare? Try Dinosaur Kale ($18) and Crispy Pescado tacos ($14.50).
- Dessert: Churritos ($10) for classic comfort.
Perfect For
- Plant-based date night with cocktails
- Birthday dinner with friendly service touches
- Solo bar bite and mezcal
- Out-of-towners seeking creative vegan Mexican
Location Insights
Area: Trendy West Village block with nightlife energy and foot traffic; attracts diners seeking fun cocktails and modern plates.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, busy evenings; typical crowded sidewalks for the area.
Nearby: Near Bleecker St shops, bars, and subway access; strong weekend and evening buzz.
West VillageThe West Village is characterized by its charming tree-lined streets, historic townhouses, and a strong sense of community. It offers a sophisticated yet relaxed dining environment with a mix of upscale restaurants, cozy cafes, and trendy eateries, attracting locals and visitors seeking quality and ambiance.
Carmine StreetCarmine Street is known for its intimate dining spots and artisanal food shops, offering a neighborhood feel with a focus on quality and authenticity. It is a popular destination for those looking for a quieter, more authentic Village dining experience away from the busier main avenues.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–21:30
Tuesday11:30–21:30
Wednesday11:30–21:30
Thursday11:30–23:00
Friday11:30–23:00
Saturday11:00–23:00
Sunday11:00–21:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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