La Flaca

The happy hour here was excellent. Who doesn’t love 6 $ frozen margaritas of all flavors. If that wasn’t enough I found out about Monday and Tuesday specials :):) I’m coming back next week.

It’s okay. Drinks are a bit over-​priced, but I like the corn.

Average at best weekday brunch spot. Selling point here is definitely booze brunch on a random Wednesday. AYCD margaritas, with a good amount of alcohol in it, however it’s mixed with overly processed sugary margarita mix.
Food was meh. A few steps above taco bell or something. For a buck extra the green chili sauce was worth it. Spicy and can mask the saltiness of the food and dryness of the meats. Still ingesting the salt and all but taste the heat instead. Bandage fix to a greater problem.
Came with a large group and service was friendly and fast. Wait staff really took great care of us. Restaurant’s shortcomings lie squarely on management’s shoulders.

Who knew this even existed? House margaritas, happy hour specials and vegetarian «meat» options = what’s not to like?

Food is pretty good, and the unlimited drinks for brunch are great. Though they come in really cheap plastic cups, it’s kind of unprofessional and careless.

We made a reservation for Sunday brunch.
The place was packed, but I don’t quite understand why. The food was ok, nothing special. We got brunch special for $ 24 per person (which is not that cheap for what we’ve got).
The real turn off was the fact that we got our drinks in real small plastic cups. Are you serious? I’ve never in my life had a mimosa out of a cup like that. It just not worth it. At this point it’s not a drink– it’s a sip.
Also they are understaffed. 2 people were not getting a hold of the crowd. We sat with our dirty plates on the table for about 15 – 20 min.
Not gonna go back there.

This is one of those horrible instances where I love a place but I don’t want to review it because I don’t want the whole world to find out about it. However, my integrity has pushed me in the right direction.
Exactly one year ago tomorrow, my friend Sam M. and I had taken the day off work to celebrate her birthday. We used some brunch guide to tell us where to go for boozy brunch near her (Bushwick, eyeroll). We arrived at the place and it was closed, so we did some quick searching and the next nearest spot was in the LES – at La Flacca. On the J train we went.
We arrived at La Flacca hungry and about 3 hours late in getting our drink on. The chips and salsa were phenomenal. The drinks were plentiful, satisfying, and «got the job done.» I nearly orgasmed when I saw that they had veggie bacon on the menu, and I enjoyed my meal immensely.
They also have board games and the like – in case you are bored by your friends.
I have been back since, and its a great experience and perhaps the cheapest in Manhattan of its kind.
On weekends you have to make a reservation and there are set times and you cannot be late, so factor that in and always plan ahead for boozy brunch!

Where else in Manhattan can you find boozy brunch on a weekday other than here at La Flaca! The food is decent but the drinks are very strong and served decently fast. Service tends to be a bit slower on the weekdays as opposed to the weekends but that’s normal.
However, for the price you pay, you get a great value and leave satisified on the boozy part. The food part could use some work as the food tends to be of small portion and lacking flavor. Overall, I would come back here for brunch again.

Thanks for responding Robert,
I’m not sure how I brought race into this. I was basing the restaurants representation of culture to that of my own. In my experience, having a patron enjoy themselves and the food has been part of the cultural experience at Mexican style eateries. That’s a sign of authenticity more so than decorations, in my opinion, hence the review, my experience and opinion.
A lot of your comments of rebuttal make it sound as if you were there. It would have been great to speak with you if that was the case. I can clarify for you. I felt (regardless of your interpretation of my feelings) like it was a challenge to my intelligence to expect a review out of me when all I’ve eaten was chips and salsa. I thought it awkward, if not obvious that it was strange, to have a coupon say one thing and then be asked another. That’s where someone can feel like they are being taken for a fool, when two things don’t match up. What is your point to writing about offering a shot at the end? Like other reviewers have mentioned… How are the customers supposed to know of your rules without communication?
There was no threat implied. I don’t see what I could threaten with when what you are asking from me is the same thing you are perceiving as a threat.
Here’s what you could have done differently.
1.If you were there, like the position you are taking now, speaking as if you were. Come out and talk to us. Hearing directly from an owner makes an impression.
2. Apologize for the inconvenience, at no point did I hear an apology and is likely how people can interpret the situation in many ways.
3. Provide a thorough explanation. For example:“I’m sorry guys there’s been a mistake. The coupon should read _​_​_​_​_​, we’ve had issues with Unilocal in the past and they have yet to update it.“
4. Provide an alternative worded from the point of view of someone who wants to demonstrate they want repeat customers: «When you’re done with your meal if you could provide a review we would be happy to provide a free margarita. Or even a free shot on the house.»
5. I do not own a restaurant, but can tell you, as someone who is «cheap,» as you imply so nonchalantly, curtesy and customer service, in these situations, are the kind of things that make one such as myself overlook price and satisfaction with food.
BTW, I am a teacher and base my decisions on where to eat based on the price of items in the menu. If you feel that this place is out of reach for someone on a teachers salary, well thanks for the heads up. Lots of teachers in NYC. Lots of places to eat. I’ll be fine.
For fellow Unilocalers, I recommend trying Barrio Chino, pricier, but worth it. Taqueria St marks, formerly Taqueria LES. If your in the neighborhood, Café Petisco, Dimes, Cheeky’s or Pies and thighs are local favorites for a reason.

LOVE LOVE LOVE LA FLACA!
Where else in Manhattan can you get Mon-​Sun brunch!
Great food, especially the green sauce that comes with the breakfast sandwich!
Frozen margaritas are STRONG and free flowing. Staff are always on point and super friendly.
What else could you ask for?
Oh and its only $ 24!
BIG THUMBS UP TO LA FLACA! :)

Cozy place with lots of special promos on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays. Surprised to hear Bee Gees music playing when none of the staff or other diners had been born when Tragedy was released.
Good chips & salsa, yucca fries and posole; excellent grilled calamari and Mexican hot chocolate; and not the usual drenched in cheese Mexican fare. Lots of vegetarian options.
Entrees were small for the price – I could not taste the pulled pork in the pulled pork tacos or figure out why a bit of bone was in it. The accompanying rice and beans needed some spices. Shrimp tacos made a better impression. Skip the sangria.
Service was very friendly, but needs training – entrees were brought out before our appetizers were finished, much less cleared; we asked for coffee at 645, were told it had to be brewed – fair enough – but the coffee had not arrived or even the entrée plates cleared in the next 20 minutes, even though we had mentioned we needed to get to a show.
Very convenient to nearby St. Mary’s church site of Storm Theatre. Street parking is available and not far from 2 subway lines.

This place is always pretty busy and very close to me. One day I decided to try it out with my friend and I was kind of disappointed. People who lived in the neighborhood praised this place, so of course I wanted to know why.
I couldn’t figure it out. Their enchiladas were so bland as were the rice and beans. The only thing I could say I really enjoyed was the sangria and the margaritas. Not exactly a place for me.

Met up with some friends for day time brunch during winter break, Wednesday seemed unusually busy for weekday brunch, but I guess that makes sense. We had a large group of 9 and one of our friends reserved a table. A few people were running late, like things usually go in New York. We were told in no uncertain terms that the all you can drink brunch would begin promptly when our reservation was and end two hours exactly thereafter. No worries, we didn’t have to wait that long so we ordered our food right away. I always thought Mexican food in NYC leaves something to be wanting. The huevos con chorizo I got didn’t really change my mind on that, it was okay but more like a deconstructed taco.
We had one male server who was pretty great. He had to juggle the different orders of 9 people, some of whom were willing to take the $ 1 upcharge to get a mimosa. I started with their house amber beer, it was okay and then did what everyone else did by getting margaritas, both the frozen ones and regular, both did the trick. We hit such a critical mass that they started to just bring us pitchers, «even though we shouldn’t.» Thanks, I guess? It was easier for them as well as for us so it’s not like they were doing us any favors. Near the end of our two hours a female server said that this was the last round she could serve us at the table because there was another group coming in but she would serve us at the bar. No group filled in our table at all and when we did go to the bar she seemed annoyed at us that we were there for the drinks she promised us. A little put off by the service here but otherwise okay.

Not the best brunch experience but good bang for your buck.
So 10 of us went in for a bday brunch at 1:15 pm on a Sunday in December. We arrived about 10 min late and had to wait a bit as the previous group occupying our table was running late. We were sat down in another 10 mins but no issues on the delay, these things happen.
It was 40 degrees outside and the door was wide open. There was a plastic tree stump placed on the door so it would stay open. The restaurant was freezing. People were putting on their coats and most people at our table didn’t bother to take their costs off. Someone in my group asked the waitress to close the door, she kindly said yes and the door was closed about 5 mins later. The restaurant warmed up a bit, and people took of their costs. As to why the door was wide open on a 40 degree is beyond me… Minus one star… but at least they closed the door…
They promptly took our drink and food orders. The food and drinks arrived shortly… except for my meal. Everyone has experience the awkwardness of being in a restaurant with a group and being last to receive your food. Everyone is there waiting for your food to arrive so all can start eating together, and then you insist they start without you, they say no, you insist further and they start without you as there food is getting cold… etc… About 5 – 10 minutes later, I got my food… I guess the delay wasn’t too bad, most people at my table weren’t half way through there dishes yet… I have experienced worse… but none the less, minus one STAR. I feel like when this happens, the restaurant should discount your meal, at least a manager should come out an apologize for the delay, but such did not occur… minus one star
Drinks were refilled properly but they forgot my friends drink. She ordered a warm apple cider. She had to remind the waitress twice and got her drink at the end of our meal. They were nice enough to not charge us for it.

Great spot for bottomless brunch. $ 24 for 2 hour choice of frozen margaritas, mimosas, bloody Mary’s, sangria, or their special La Flaca amber ale. Their frozen margaritas were strong! Wait staff is very attentive, and quick to give you a refill. Food was decent… what you’d expect at a bottomless brunch spot. Music, atmosphere, and drinks were great!

How this place isn’t an NYC brunch legend is beyond me.
YOU GET AN ENTREE AND UNLIMITED DRINKS FOR $ 22, PEOPLE.
The staff is always really friendly and on point with drink refills, and the food is awesome.
Also, they have brunch every day of the week. Can’t beat that.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

My husband and I were so put off by the attitude of the manager/​our server Daniella that we had to walk out of this place.
We walked in for dinner on a quiet Sunday evening where we saw only 3 other people seated. Our server, Daniella, wasn’t particularly attentive, walking away abruptly after asking about our drinks. She came off as abrasive, but we shrugged it off. As we were looking through the menu, we noticed that they seemed to have specials and deals on their menu for different days of the week and we commented that maybe we should come back here on other days too.
After we ordered our food, I checked in to Unilocal and the check-​in offer popped up saying «1 free frozen margarita with entrée.» Sweet, right? Wrong!
I flagged down Daniella and showed her the Unilocal offer, and she stared with a mixture of annoyance and confusion at my phone. She shrugged, said ok, and walked away abruptly once again. She then comes back and says that we had to write a review on Unilocal first, show her the review and then I’ll get the free margarita. What?! I tell her that that they should check what they have on Unilocal as that is not what it says. Furthermore, why would I review a place before I finish my visit, much less before I eat the food? And why would you have me write a review when my experience thus far has consisted of going back and forth over an apparently inaccurate coupon? My husband says, «You want us to make a review in regards to the inconsistency of the coupon?» And she says, «Oh, you wanna go there?» and walked away again.
I was pretty stunned by the whole exchange. What do you say after that? My husband asks me if I want to leave and I said no, I want to talk to her manager. So I try flagging her down from the bar area where she was clicking away at her phone, seemingly intent on ignoring me. The bartender sees me, nudges her, gives me an apologetic look and signals back to me to hang on a bit. Daniella eventually comes over, and I ask her if I can speak to the manager. She says «I am the manager.» She then says that the owners are adamant about us having to write a review first before we can redeem the offer. At this point, my husband and I have pretty much lost any interest in staying at this place and we decided to leave.
So here’s your review La Flaca. You can keep your frozen margarita.

First impressions upon strolling in circa 6:00 on a Saturday: eclectic and diverse crowd. (1) A swarm of early to mid twenty-​somethings having a birthday brunch, possibly of Aussie Land (Australia for those of you who may be unfamiliar with the term), with the likelihood being extremely high that they had been there since 1 or 2 that afternoon. (2) Quiet older Asian lady (possibly of a Chinese lineage) at a corner table just sitting there and smiling; possibly window dressing to attract a more Yellow-​skinned crowd. (3) A trio of Hispanic 30 somethings. Seemed friendly with the the people running the show; possible regulars at this joint. (4) A family of white bread. Small child accompanied either what two moms (all for that kinda action), or a mom and the «cool aunt.»
Strange first paragraph? You betcha. Stranger list of clientele? Oh yeah. Can’t make that stuff up though. And with such a list comes a point: despite the culinary genre/​flavor profile garnering most of its inspiration from a Mexican sort, the patrons in attendance easily demonstrated that this place transcends race, social status, age, and any other meaningful characteristic I haven’t listed. Basically, the anti Donald Trump.
Either my argument for the social significance of this place holds water… or it just shows that a good happy hour attracts all comers. For real; specials end at 8 pm, with some mainstays lasting the entire week (i.e. $ 4 well drinks)… and with some daily specials available only on particular days (e.g. 50% off your bill on Tuesdays if you pay with cash and if you spend over $ 20… doesn’t apply to happy hour items though).
You can expect to get strong mixed drinks, some of the hottest complementary chips and salsa (super f#cking spicy… definitely used in order to generate the buying of more booze), and tasty cheap bites. If you’re lucky enough, you may have people doing push-​ups on the floor next to your table for no apparent reason, while other people spill beer on their fellow drinking partners on another table… basically, one of the most bizarre experiences ever. I’ll be back one day to see if this place can outdo itself.

But howwwwww in the world can this place have anything less than five stars? First of all, weekday brunch specials, um YES. I came here last Tuesday around 12:00 for brunch and it was fantastic. The random area and over the top Mexican décor can be a little off putting, but don’t let that fool you! This place is BOMB. The special gives you one entrée and unlimited drinks for two hours. What I love most about this place is that (for me at least) the Mexican breakfast options are different and not the usual. BUT, if that’s not your thing, they still offer the typical items like pancakes and bacon and sausage. We got two pitchers of frozen margaritas and one pitcher of sangria… anddddd the club went up in a Tuesday. Did I seriously get shwasted at brunch on a Tuesday? Yes, I did. Drinks are delicious and very strong. I ordered the breakfast skillet which was a WIN, insanely good and satisfying. This was refried beans, hash browns, bacon, cheese, and two fried eggs. I don’t even like fried eggs and these were incredible. Bacon was on point, but when it bacon not on point?
There were two huge brunch parties going on when we got here, I definitely can see why! Outstanding food and drinks. Our server was very sweet and lots of fun, but they should really have given her someone to help out with serving considering the large amount of people.
Guaranteed fun and delicious brunch. Be prepared to devote approximately 1.5 days to the hangover that follows. Also… THEY HAVE PHONE CHARGERS! Yayyyyyy!

I give this place three stars because the service was excellent (the waitresses were very nice and accommodating and always paid attention to our needs and checked on us each time for refills and if everything is okay). We love their bottomless brunch, where we tried the red sangria, white sangria, orange juice and iced margarita (the alcoholic beverages were all strong and not watered-​down, which we admired). The waitresses were always attentive to us and asked whenever our glass was empty, if we wanted another round.
The downfalls of our visit include the noise-​level when we were there, was extremely loud (screaming girls who are drunk), but we do not blame the restaurant. The location was in an area where occasionally shady or creepy people walk by… There was a man who was creeping at everyone inside from the window and it was very obvious and shady (but also kind of humorous). Again, we do not blame the restaurant.
Lastly, the final critique that brought my review to a lower rating would be… Yes, I found a hair in my food, that was definitely not mine (I ordered two sunny-​side-​up eggs with hash browns and bacon). It was disgusting but I took it out. Not sure if I will come back again after this experience… May try another bottomless brunch place. However, the price is excellent (only about $ 22 each for a brunch entrée with unlimited drinks) and the service/​waitresses were so nice! The hair may have been from the chef, the way it seemed to be «engraved» in the hash browns. It was a shame that my platter had an unappetizing flaw.