Seemor
Citrico CafeC+Mixed Bag
32-90 36th St, Long Island City, NY 11106
· Mexican restaurant, Bar, Cocktail bar
· 4.4/5 Google (717 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Lively, design-forward Modern Mexican with strong cocktails, live music, and creative raw bar; food can shine but service inconsistency, loud volume, and occasional safety/management issues make experiences variable.
Why it gets a C+ for overall quality
Citrico Cafe delivers stylish ambiance and standout ceviche and cocktails, but safety concerns and quality variation across dishes create meaningful risk at premium pricing. Service inconsistency—ranging from attentive to rushed—compounds the unpredictability. Worth experiencing for the raw bar and party atmosphere, but approach with caution given documented safety reports and execution gaps.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels tropical and buzzy with DJs or mariachi setting a party tone, sparklers for birthdays, and cocktails that show off the bar program. One diner summed it up: "Music, style, and smiles the moment you walk in," though others warn it can be loud at peak hours and table turns may feel rushed. The cooking leans modern and seafood-forward, blending Mexican roots with raw bar flourishes. The culinary approach leans contemporary and produce-driven: crudos, aguachile, and bone marrow birria share space with tacos and enchiladas. On good nights the ceviche sings and the tacos crisp just right; on off nights, heavy nachos or bland fillings undercut the premium price. Families do fine earlier in the day with easy wins like tacos, chips and guacamole, and mocktails; several parents mentioned relaxed brunches. After dark, the volume and party vibe spike, so noise-sensitive kids may be uncomfortable. There is no explicit kids menu, but simple items exist.
At a Glance
- Stylish, Tulum-inspired decor with live music energy
- Standout raw bar and ceviche; strong cocktail program
- Inconsistent service and occasional rushed seating policies
- Premium pricing with small portions on some dishes
- Multiple isolated safety complaints across years; interpret with caution
What Sets It Apart
- live_music_programming
- creative_raw_bar_with_mexican_influence
- tulum_style_design
What People Love
- Vibrant atmosphere with live DJ or mariachi
- Fresh, zippy ceviche and oysters
- Photogenic plates and space
- Friendly servers and bartenders on good nights
Points of Concern
- Service inconsistency: slow drink runs, missed check-ins, and rushed table moves during peaks
- Food hit-or-miss: some dishes bland or soggy vs. excellent ceviche/tacos
- Premium pricing: cocktails and certain mains feel steep for portion size
- Review patterns show isolated safety incidents over years; causality unverified but frequency notable
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$52-70 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with Shrimp Ceviche or Raw Oysters for freshness
- Order 2 taco plates per person if hungry due to portions
- Pair seafood with a classic margarita; skip pricier signatures if value-minded
- Choose desserts like Tres Leches or Horchata Donut to share
Perfect For
- Birthday dinners with a lively vibe
- Cocktail-forward date nights
- Girls night with tacos and music
- Seafood lovers seeking modern Mexican twists
Location Insights
Area: Trendy corridor near Astoria-LIC border; nightlife energy, young professionals, celebration groups.
Safety: Generally safe, active foot traffic evenings; occasional late-night bustle typical for the area.
Nearby: Near Broadway/Steinway commercial strips, bars, cafes, and residential blocks; destination for weekends.
Long Island CityThe dining scene in Long Island City is diverse, featuring trendy cafes, upscale restaurants, and casual eateries that cater to a mix of locals and commuters. The area has a lively social atmosphere with a blend of industrial charm and modern urban living, making it popular for both casual dining and more refined culinary experiences.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–01:00
Tuesday12:00–01:00
Wednesday12:00–01:00
Thursday12:00–01:00
Friday12:00–01:00
Saturday12:00–01:00
Sunday11:00–01:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →