Seemor
Cinco de MayoBWorth Trying
113 E 31st St, New York, NY 10016
· Mexican restaurant, Burrito restaurant, Health food restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (384 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Tiny Midtown spot serving flavorful birria-forward Mexican plates at fair prices; great for quick tacos and bowls, but space is tight and occasional service/food safety lapses noted.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Cinco de Mayo delivers strong food quality anchored by exceptional birria tacos and generous portions at fair Midtown pricing, supported by friendly, patient service. However, quality variation on secondary items like fish quesadillas and extremely tight seating that favors takeout prevent a higher grade. The hidden gem appeal and loyal following are real, but execution gaps keep it solidly in grade B territory rather than approaching grade A standards.
Restaurant Summary
On a quiet block near Park and Lex, this tiny counter spot feels like a hidden gem for fast, flavorful tacos and bowls. Guests gush about the birria, with one noting, "The broth alone could be dinner." Service reads as friendly and patient, though the room has only three small tables, so expect takeout-first vibes. Cooking leans classic Mexican comfort with a few crossover touches like falafel and hummus. The focus is on deeply seasoned meats, bright salsas, and hearty portions rather than fancy plating. If you chase big flavor for a fair Midtown price, this is your weekday fix, though there are occasional misses like oily fish quesadillas and a past shrimp freshness complaint. For families, options are surprisingly workable: cheesy quesadillas, rice and beans, and mild salsas suit younger palates. No formal kids menu, but bowls and tacos can be customized; space is very tight, so stroller logistics are tough. Consider grabbing takeout if the tables are full.
At a Glance
- Birria tacos and quesadillas draw consistent praise for rich flavor
- Good value for Midtown with generous portions
- Very limited seating; better for takeout
- Inconsistent items reported (oily fish quesadilla, sparse taco fill once)
- One severe shrimp freshness complaint and glove hygiene concern noted
What Sets It Apart
- rich_birria_with_consomme
- value_priced_midtown_meals
- veg_vegan_customizable_bowls
What People Love
- Rich birria with sip-worthy consomme
- Friendly, helpful counter staff
- Portions that satisfy without overspend
- House salsas and homemade chips
Points of Concern
- Space is cramped with only three small tables; expect takeout at peak times
- Quality can vary by item; fish options less reliable than birria or al pastor
- One report of shrimp freshness issue and a glove cross-contamination complaint
- Order errors and miscommunications have occurred (shell type, add-ons)
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$24-$34 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Lean into birria or al pastor proteins; build bowls for custom heat levels; vegetarians should target falafel hummus salad or Ultimate Plate.
Perfect For
- Quick Midtown lunch run
- Casual weeknight takeout
- Affordable taco craving
- Feeding a team via catering taco bar
Location Insights
Area: Midtown East side street with offices, residential walk-ups, and steady weekday foot traffic.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit commercial corridor with frequent pedestrians.
Nearby: Near Park Ave and Lexington office blocks; convenient for workers and nearby residents.
Kips BayKips Bay offers a blend of residential calm and urban convenience, with a growing number of casual and upscale dining venues. The area is frequented by hospital workers from nearby medical centers, local families, and professionals seeking diverse food options in a relatively quieter part of Midtown.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday10:00–21:00
Tuesday10:00–21:00
Wednesday10:00–21:00
Thursday10:00–21:00
Friday10:00–21:00
Saturday12:00–20:00
Sunday12:00–20:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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