Reserve now:
Cafe Frida - Columbus AveReservations
Restaurant Reviews List >
New York / Tri-State Area Restaurant Reviews >
Manhattan Restaurant Reviews >
Upper West Side Restaurant Reviews >
Mexican Restaurant Reviews
Cafe Frida - Columbus Ave Reviews List
Cafe Frida - Columbus Ave
The authenticity in our Mexican Regional Cuisine is a ritual of flavors, aromas, colors and textures dedicated to your soul.
Our knowledge and passion for the tequila culture has been awarded by the Tequila Regulatory Council of Mexico since 2006, making us one of the few restaurants in the world of having such honor.
Come and enjoy the warmth of Mexico!
See more Cafe Frida - Columbus Ave details
71 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Rating Breakdown 71 reviews
5 stars
(13)
4 stars
(34)
3 stars
(16)
2 stars
(5)
1 star
(3)
Food
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(35)
- good for groups(17)
- fit for foodies(14)
- special occasion(10)
- great for lunch(7)
- kid-friendly(7)
Cafe Frida - Columbus Ave Reviews List
Review 1 for Cafe Frida - Columbus Ave
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"They did not register my reservation. So We had to wait almost one hour!!!!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 2 for Cafe Frida - Columbus Ave
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Cinco de mayo
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great time for cinco de mayo! Mariachi band and everything. Good food, good margs"
Dined on 5/05/2013
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 3 for Cafe Frida - Columbus Ave
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Cafe Frida is phenomenal!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Cafe Frida is PURE BLISS! In a city with abysmal Mexican food, I have been searching for a place that can hold a candle to Texas/Mexico Tex-Mex and Mexican food. I won't have to search anymore now that I have discovered Cafe Frida. Our dinner of chile poblano, the tampiqueña steak with rice, beans and an authentic quesadilla, and the guacamole in the molcajete was heaven!! I can't wait to get back to try more things on the menu. It's delicious and authentic. The place is also cute and the service is excellent. It's small so make sure you have a reservation."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 4 for Cafe Frida - Columbus Ave
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Perfect Guacomole. Great Cocktails.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Perfect Guacomole. Great Cocktails. Very friendly staff."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 5 for Cafe Frida - Columbus Ave
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Visit was fine, and would
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Visit was fine, and would go again.
We went pre-show early and was fine but filled up fast and by 6:30 the noise was "extreme". Service attentive. Guacamole divine and rest of food fine."
We went pre-show early and was fine but filled up fast and by 6:30 the noise was "extreme". Service attentive. Guacamole divine and rest of food fine."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2009
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 6 for Cafe Frida - Columbus Ave
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
great food and service and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"great food and service and conveniently located for the group i was meeting; unfortunately not condusive to conversation."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2012
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 7 for Cafe Frida - Columbus Ave
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
This was our second time dining
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was our second time dining at Cafe Frida and I have to say the first time around was much better than the second time. I ordered Quesadillas and while I get it that this is an appetizer, I would have expected a bit more than what I got. They were very dry with not a single bit of lettuce or anything else on the plate other than salsa. On the flip side, the Passion Fruit Margharitas were excellent. I may have chosen the wrong dish last time around. My husband had a vegetarian main course which was good but rather on the small side. I would go back for dessert. The Tres Leche cake is to die for."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2008
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 8 for Cafe Frida - Columbus Ave
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Favorite Mex on the UWS
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Just love this place - have not had a bad meal here yet,
Queso Fundido Rocks - good to share with friends (but do it right with Chorizo and Flour Tortillas)
Guacamole is great
I love the Tampiquena - but you need to like skirt steak
Any of the fish specials have been awesome as well."
Guacamole is great
I love the Tampiquena - but you need to like skirt steak
Any of the fish specials have been awesome as well."
Dined on 04/10/2013
2000
Special Features: neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 9 for Cafe Frida - Columbus Ave
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We love eating here, great
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We love eating here, great margaritas and guacamole"
Dined on 04/02/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 10 for Cafe Frida - Columbus Ave
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Cafe Frida has consistently
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Cafe Frida has consistently good Mexican food. We eat here often and always love it. The margaritas are fantastic."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2004
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 11 for Cafe Frida - Columbus Ave
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Enchiladas were great. Service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Enchiladas were great. Service was crazy SLOW, don't be in a rush."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2009
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 12 for Cafe Frida - Columbus Ave
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good but pricey for what you
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Good but pricey for what you get. Still hungry when i left."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2010
Special Features: kid-friendly
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 13 for Cafe Frida - Columbus Ave
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The food was mediocre. The
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was mediocre. The margaritas were unevenly prepped (one round decidedly weak). They shoved us (two women) into a tiny corner table while there were plenty of tables in the back with more elbow room. We won't be back. We might try the one farther north - we've heard that is better."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2007
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 14 for Cafe Frida - Columbus Ave
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food - no heavy sauces
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food - no heavy sauces or pre-processed Mex here. Margaritas are salty and sour and just right!"
Dined on 03/17/2013
2005
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 15 for Cafe Frida - Columbus Ave
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
As a Texan it's fairly food
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"As a Texan it's fairly food but probably nothing better on the UWS."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2012
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 16 for Cafe Frida - Columbus Ave
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Margaritas & guacamole worth a trip
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Noisy and crowded but worth it for the margaritas and the fresh-ground guacamole. Watch out, though; the spinach is spicier than you'd expect!"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2005
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 17 for Cafe Frida - Columbus Ave
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The service was so so , the
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The service was so so , the food was so so, it was cramped with waiters bumping into me and spilling things"
Dined on 03/05/2013
2007
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 18 for Cafe Frida - Columbus Ave
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Too noisy. Felt rushed.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Too noisy. Felt rushed. Food pretty good."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2008
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 19 for Cafe Frida - Columbus Ave
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Perfecto!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Loved the food - exactly what I wanted when I thought of steak tacos - reminded me of Mexico!"
Dined on 02/17/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 20 for Cafe Frida - Columbus Ave
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great place for Mexican food
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great place for Mexican food and great drinks! Service was excellent ! We all enjoyed ourselves."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 21 for Cafe Frida - Columbus Ave
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We selected Cafe Frida on
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"We selected Cafe Frida on a whim - it was lovely. The help staff have trouble answering questions, though, so prepare to be more independent on selecting your food and wine."
Dined on 02/10/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 22 for Cafe Frida - Columbus Ave
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Delicious Mexican
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"First time at Cafe FrIda and the food was great and the lively atmosphere was lots of fun. It's dark, but festive and warm and cozy. Great chunky guacamole and the chipotle and roasted tomato salsa we ordered was delicious. There are many different salsas to choose from. The pork in the pork tacos was tender and spicy and the soft corn tacos were perfectly warmed. The enchiladas mole poblano were also very good and come with your choice of side, which is a nice option. I had a very tasty spinach, corn and chayote sauté. Both the regular and frozen margaritas were a hit at our table. The frozen ones were wonderfully smooth and thick rather than icy and grainy. I look forward to going back soon."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 23 for Cafe Frida - Columbus Ave
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Mexican Food Renaissance? Not here.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Cafe Frida is, alas, one of the few remaining Mexican restaurants on the Upper West Side. Maybe the lack of competition is one reason for the lackluster experience my wife and I had last Sunday (Superbowl Sunday). The food seemed geared for people who don't really care about Mexican cuisine; they just want a nice clean place to eat a decent meal. And though my wife was impressed by the color scheme, I wasn't there to pay the decorator's fee.
The guacamole appetizer appeared about 3 minutes after we ordered it, with no hint of being freshly made. The corn chips obviously came from a bag. There was nothing quite wrong with Cafe Frida, but nothing quite right, either. Maybe a renaissance of Mexican food will come; but not here, not today."
The guacamole appetizer appeared about 3 minutes after we ordered it, with no hint of being freshly made. The corn chips obviously came from a bag. There was nothing quite wrong with Cafe Frida, but nothing quite right, either. Maybe a renaissance of Mexican food will come; but not here, not today."
Dined on 02/03/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Ratings-Only Reviews for Cafe Frida - Columbus Ave
Based on the average of (48) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
5 out of 6 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic