Seemor
Nina’s Great Burrito BarB+Worth Trying
522 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
· Mexican restaurant, Latin American restaurant, New American restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (577 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Lively Upper West Side Mexican spot with warm hospitality, standout mole and brunch plates, mixed consistency, and fair mid-range pricing.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Nina's Great Burrito Bar delivers reliable neighborhood dining with strong food quality anchored by celebrated mole and alambres, plus warm, attentive service that makes guests feel welcomed. However, inconsistent execution across visits—ranging from excellent to notably bland dishes—and occasional service delays prevent grade A territory. The attractive Upper West Side location and generous portions appeal to locals and nearby visitors, making this a solid choice for casual Mexican dining without the polish of the area's premier establishments.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling with colorful decor and friendly staff who often treat guests like neighbors. A diner summed it up: "We were welcomed like family and the guacamole and salsas kicked off a fun night." Expect lively energy with music and a bar presence that anchors the space. The cooking leans traditional Mexican with comfort-forward plates: rich mole enchiladas, hearty alambres, filling burritos, and brunch staples like chilaquiles. Fans rave about the mole and birria, while a few seafood items land milder. Portions tend to be generous, cocktails run popular, and the vibe favors easygoing evenings over fine-dining polish. Families do fine here thanks to kid-friendly standbys like quesadillas, burritos, pancakes, and mild salsas. One stroller-policy complaint suggests occasional rigidity, but most parents report smooth meals. If your crew prefers plain flavors, stick to familiar items and skip the spicier corners.
At a Glance
- Welcoming neighborhood vibe with friendly, attentive servers
- House mole and alambres earn consistent raves
- Service speed and drink timing can lag on busy nights
- Hour and seating policy complaints from a minority
- Generous portions and satisfying brunch options
What Sets It Apart
- house_mole_signature
- festive_uws_setting
- brunch_with_mexican_twist
What People Love
- Feeling like part of the neighborhood family
- Mole sauce that anchors the menu
- Festive decor and upbeat music
- Big, filling burritos and bowls
Points of Concern
- Service can be slow or inattentive during peaks, with delayed drinks and long ticket times occasionally reported
- A few items (fish burrito, some shrimp) read bland or reheated to some diners
- Policy rigidity (strollers, booth seating) and posted hours inconsistencies frustrated some guests
- Review patterns show healthy diversity; minimal marketing tone appears but does not dominate
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$42-58 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Choose enchiladas de mole or cochinita as mains for stronger flavor value
- Start with guacamole over queso if texture is a priority
- For brunch, pick chilaquiles or huevos revueltos for reliable satisfaction
Perfect For
- Casual date over margaritas and mole
- Weekend brunch with friends
- Neighborhood dinner with generous plates
- Solo bite at the bar before a show
Location Insights
Area: Residential Upper West Side corridor with families, students, and longtime locals; lively evenings with neighborhood foot traffic.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit streets and steady pedestrian flow typical of UWS.
Nearby: Near Central Park, museums, and Columbus/Amsterdam dining strips; mix of bars and casual restaurants.
Upper West SideThe Upper West Side offers a diverse dining scene ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, attracting locals who appreciate a blend of traditional and contemporary cuisine. The area is known for its safe, walkable streets and a community-oriented atmosphere with a mix of long-term residents and newcomers.
Lincoln SquareLincoln Square is a cultural hub within the Upper West Side, home to Lincoln Center and several theaters, which influences a lively dining environment with many restaurants catering to pre- and post-show crowds as well as neighborhood families.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–00:00
Tuesday11:30–00:00
Wednesday11:30–00:00
Thursday11:30–00:00
Friday11:30–00:00
Saturday12:30–02:00, 11:00–02:00
Sunday11:00–00:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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