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Cinco de MayoBWorth Trying

Name: Cinco de Mayo
Address: 43 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019, New York, United States
Rating: 4.7

43 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019 · Mexican restaurant, Burrito restaurant, Health food restaurant · 4.7/5 Google (828 reviews)

Delivery · Takeout

Generous, affordable Midtown Mexican with standout birria and big portions; mostly quick counter service, some waits and occasional order errors.

Why it gets a B for overall quality

Cinco de Mayo delivers solid neighborhood dining through strong food quality highlighted by consistently praised birria tacos and burritos, paired with friendly, attentive service. However, inconsistent execution with occasional quality lapses and isolated food safety concerns prevent a higher grade. The exceptional value and generous portions make it a reliable quick-service choice for Midtown, though the cramped counter-service format and peak-time waits limit broader appeal.

Restaurant Summary

A lively Midtown counter-service spot where portions are surprisingly huge and prices stay gentle for the neighborhood. Diners praise the birria tacos and burritos, calling them fresh and flavorful. One guest summed it up: "Fed three for about fifteen each with leftovers." Expect a bustling quick-service vibe, especially at lunch. The cooking leans classic Mexican comfort with a practical streak—bowls, burritos, tacos, and quesadillas—with some cross-over items. The culinary approach is traditional and hearty: satisfying flavors over showy technique, with customization that suits quick, everyday meals. Families do fine here thanks to simple kid-pleasers like cheese quesadillas, tacos, and fries. Portions are shareable and prices friendly. A prior review mentioned a missed kid quesadilla on takeout, so check bags before leaving. No formal kids menu needed given the straightforward options.

At a Glance

Birria tacos and steak burritos earn consistent raves
Big portions and strong value for Midtown
Peak-time waits around 15-20 minutes
Occasional order errors and rare quality lapses
Counter seating only; small dining area

What Sets It Apart

generous_portions_midtown
birria_specialty
customizable_builds
value_discounts

What People Love

Juicy, well-spiced birria
Customize-your-own flexibility
Friendly counter staff
Complimentary small muffin treat

Points of Concern

Waits can stretch to 20 minutes during rush
A few reports of missed items or wrong orders on takeout
Isolated safety issues historically (moldy flan 2024, undercooked chicken 2022)
Some perceive side prices as high for simple items

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleCounter With Seating Average Cost$20-$30 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

Choose birria tacos plus a shared side for best value
Opt for bowls or burritos as core mains; add a $3-$4 dessert if you have room
Kids: cheese quesadilla and fries are easy wins

Perfect For

Pre- or post-MoMA quick meal
Hearty office lunch on a budget
Casual group bite before a show
Solo eaters wanting fast, filling food

Location Insights

Area: Midtown core near 5th Avenue and MoMA; heavy office and tourist foot traffic, quick-service friendly.

Safety: Well-trafficked, generally safe, strong daytime presence; typical Midtown cleanliness variability.

Nearby: Near MoMA, 5th Avenue retail, offices, hotels; strong lunch rush and tourist spillover.

Hell's KitchenHell's Kitchen offers a vibrant dining scene with a mix of casual eateries, trendy restaurants, and ethnic cuisine reflecting its diverse community. The area is lively, with a strong nightlife presence and proximity to Broadway theaters, attracting both locals and visitors seeking varied dining experiences.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–21:00 Tuesday11:00–21:00 Wednesday11:00–21:00 Thursday11:00–21:00 Friday11:00–21:00 Saturday11:00–21:00 Sunday12:00–20:00

Available: Delivery, Takeout

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