Ресторан · Queens · ⭐ 9.1/10 · 3054 reviews · $$ · updated: 2026-06-30 19:21:46
Address: 5-48 49th Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101, United States
Casa Enrique: A Love Letter from Chiapas to Long Island City
Behind every great restaurant there is usually a mother. At Casa Enrique she is everywhere: in the mole recipe carried from Mexico’s far south, in the insistence that food should comfort before it impresses, and in the fact that one of New York’s most decorated Mexican kitchens still feels like being welcomed into a family home.
The Family Story
Cosme Aguilar learned to cook in Chiapas at the side of his mother, sister and aunts, then spent ten years mastering French technique in New York kitchens. It was his brother Luis who persuaded him to return to his roots: together they opened Casa Enrique in Long Island City in 2012. Two years later came a Michelin star — and it has stayed, season after season, making this one of the city’s quietest long-running success stories.
On the Plate
Start where the legend starts: mole de Piaxtla, its sauce of almonds, raisins, plantain, sesame and chocolate blanketing tender chicken. The braised lamb shank al huaxamole, perfumed with epazote and chile pulla, anchors a table of enchiladas and bright, citrusy starters; the tres leches ends things on a note of pure nostalgia. Cocktails lean on mezcal and fresh fruit, mixed with the same care as the food.
The Space
The dining room is modest by design — white walls, warm light, close-set tables, a small bar with personality. The glamour is on the plate; the room’s job is conversation, and it does that job beautifully every night of the week.
Who It’s For
Couples marking something worth remembering, friends who plan dinners around a single dish, and anyone who believes the best luxury is food made from family memory.
Good to Know
How far ahead should I reserve? Several days minimum — the room is small and the reputation is not.
Which dish defines the house? The mole de Piaxtla; first-timers should not leave without it.
Is it suitable for a special occasion? Wonderfully — intimate scale, star-level cooking and zero pretension.
Are the portions generous? Yes, and the lamb shank in particular is happily shared between two.
Can I get it delivered? Yes, the restaurant offers takeout and delivery — though the mole deserves to be eaten in the room.
Opening hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 17:00–22:15 |
| Tuesday | 17:00–22:15 |
| Wednesday | 17:00–22:15 |
| Thursday | 17:00–22:15 |
| Friday | 17:00–22:15 |
| Saturday | 11:00–22:30 |
| Sunday | 11:00–22:30 |
Photos
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Visitor reviews
Reviews last updated: 2026-06-30 19:21:46
Data is refreshed monthly. Sources: queenska.com and editorial picks based on reviews.
Great place! Came with a friend who'd wanted to visit them for a long time. We came early and made it an early dinner, so we were seated right away. They have an outdoor terrace, which is great for the warm months.
They…
Casa Enrique is decent, but it's lost a bit of creativity and careful service.
Most of what we ordered was tasty. It's cosy and accessible, but it's not quite outstanding or memorable. The Rajas con Crema gets an honour…
The service was great from the start, attentive and friendly, which was very pleasant. They have a wide cocktail selection; we ordered two, and they were tasty, well made, though nothing extraordinary. They were adequate…
On Sunday we had brunch, and it was great. We had a table reservation, but around noon it wasn't too crowded.
Here are the positives: the service was really great — the perfect mix of attentiveness and leaving you alone…