Fonda Manhattan

Went on a bustling Friday evening around the prime time without a reservation and did not wait long for a table (however would suggest making a reservation). The hostess was very kind and eager to get us seated. The atmosphere was great, light enough to read the menu but also dark enough to create an intimate setting. We ordered the guacamole (which we saw at many tables) and tacos and chicken. Portion size was appropriate for its price and the taste was delicious. Service was also much above par and attentive to dietary restrictions. Would recommend!!

I love this place! I come for almost every restaurant week (for some reason I’ve never come on a non-restaurant week day, but I totally would)! The carne asada is consistently amazing. They also have the best guacamole in the city. The duck appetizer might be the reason I usually come for restaurant week; I can’t remember if it’s on the regular menu. But if it is, I’ll be back soon!

*Brunch Review* $36 bottomless brunch or $16 for an entree a la carte and $7 drinks. Not that many options. They only really had the banana pancake style brioche for true brunch food and the rest were normal Mexican entrees, so probably better for lunch than brunch. The drinks looked good but it was a little early for cocktails. Overall, great atmosphere, nice staff, fun spot, and beautiful food presentation, but I thought it looked better than it tasted. I didn’t love my meal (the Pan Frances) especially for the price, but my friends liked theirs and we still had a good time. I probably wouldn’t go back for brunch, but maybe for happy hour or dinner.

Food is fabulous. The flavors are special. I tried to get staff to lower music and respectfully ask other diners to stop shouting and screaming. Staff said it was up to me to ask others not to shout and the music volume is set by management. Brunch was the worst. A shouting match with loud music in a small room. I could not hear my companion at all. I dined there 4 times. Such a pity the atmosphere spoilt my enjoyment if the food.

Had a Friday night reservation for a group of 4 plus a toddler and they accommodated us very well. I only had the chips and guac which were delicious but the other people in my group had different kinds of tacos which they said were very good. I tried the beef taco and wasn't a fan, the meat was gamy and a bit cold. The drinks are DELICIOUS and strong! The service was attentive and consistent.

These guys do a great bottomless brunch, it goes for 1.5hrs and is around $35 - and well worth it. I've been here twice - once for bottomless brunch and the other time just for a brunch meal - and both times the meals were a really good size! If you're drinking, treat yourself to the Frozen Hibiscus Rosalita, it's great. IG: @easty_eats