It’s my birthday weekend (part… I don’t even know anymore), and the girls flew up from Florida to celebrate. They wanted to take me somewhere special, something new, something with a bit of flair. Since Cuerno just opened recently, it seemed like the perfect excuse to check it out.
The Space
Walking into Cuerno feels like stepping into a classic New York steakhouse, with dark woods, elegant design, but with a clear Latin soul. Vibrant art lines the walls, soft lighting fills the room, and each seating area feels private yet part of the restaurant’s energy. You hear the hum of conversation, the clink of glasses, and the rhythmic chop of table-side tacos being prepped, all perfectly balanced.
The service? Dialed in. Our waiter was attentive without hovering, drinks and dishes came out at the perfect time, and everyone on staff moved with purpose.
Drinks
First up: the pear margarita.
Sweet, crisp, and balanced with just the right kick of Tajín on the rim. Honestly, one of the best margaritas I’ve had in a while, elevated but straightforward. You could tell someone cared about getting the mix right.
Starters
We kicked things off with:
- Octopus chicharrón
- Beef carpaccio
- Guacamole with toppings
The carpaccio was bright, fresh, and full of flavor- a great start. The octopus, instead of being grilled, was fried chicharrón-style: crisp on the outside, juicy inside, each bite exploding with flavor. Not your standard prep, and it worked beautifully.
The guacamole came DIY-style, with sides of sauces and seasonings so everyone could tweak it to their own taste. Smart move, you can go smoky, spicy, or mild depending on your mood.
Mains
For mains, we went with the ribeye and the table-side tacos, plus a side of Mexican street corn.
The ribeye came topped with roasted garlic and bone marrow, and that combo alone is worth the trip. The marrow added a deep, rich umami hit that tied everything together, and the garlic brought sweetness rather than burn. Cooked perfectly medium rare, juicy, tender, no notes.
Now, the table-side taco presentation was impressive, but loud. The chopping happens right next to your table, cool to see once, but it’s not for the noise-sensitive. (They do use a splash guard, and yes, it gets a workout.)
The corn hit that creamy, tangy sweet spot- classic street corn flavor with just enough char to keep it interesting.
Dessert
We tried the Pastel De Campechanas and the Pastel de Chocolate.
The Pastel De Campechanas was served cold, and the ice cream made it soggy- not my thing. The Pastel de Chocolate, though? Perfectly balanced. Not too sweet, light enough to end the meal without sending you into a sugar coma.
Next time, I’m skipping dessert and saving those calories for more cocktails.
Cocktail Program
Solid lineup, they clearly take their bar program seriously. Creative, balanced, and consistent. Definitely one of the highlights of the night.
Verdict
Cuerno is a welcome new addition to the NYC dining scene, a Mexican steakhouse that combines flavor, flair, and finesse without trying too hard. The space is gorgeous, the drinks are stellar, and the food (especially that ribeye) hits the mark.
Desserts could use a little tweaking, but overall? IIt’sa vibe.
Rating: 8.8/10 great food, beautiful space, and worth a return trip once they’ve settled into their groove.
Look, I’m just a Fat Guy from Brooklyn giving you my two cents. If you want more Top 10s—steakhouses, burgers, restaurants, you name it—click the words and keep going