GRAN ELÉCTRICA

"We’ve done plenty of complaining about the lack of good Mexican food in New York, and to be honest, we’re sick of talking about it. Saying there’s no good Mexican in this city is tantamount to saying that Times Square sucks. Not exactly breaking news. But today might be the day that we can finally put an end to our griping. Gran Electrica, a restaurant from the folks behind Colonie, might be the first place we can think of that’s serving simple, excellent Mexican food without any gimmicks. There’s no secret basement tequila dungeon, nor is there a VW bus parked inside. There’s no guy with a guacamole cart, and we have yet to see anyone on staff wear a lucha libre mask. This is simply all of the best things about Mexican food served in a lively restaurant with killer drinks. The menu is full of street food-type small dishes - tacos, gorditas, quesadillas, etc. - and you will also find some staples like posole and tlacoyos. Everything is super fresh and relatively light (no smothered enchiladas here). We love the fish tacos, the gordita, everything from the mariscos section of the menu, and the plate of pork ribs that’s served with a side of homemade tortillas. As mentioned previously, the drinks are incredible, too, and the restaurant has a big back garden that sits directly under the Brooklyn Bridge. The only downside? Waits can be north of an hour during prime time, and there aren’t a lot of other options in the area. You’re going to have to cram yourself into the bar and have a few (a lot) of drinks while you wait it out. At least take comfort in the fact that you aren’t standing outside single file like they are for Grimaldi’s next door. Those people look way too sober. Food Rundown Drinks We don’t often list drinks in the Food Rundown, but Gran Electrica has a few that are worth pointing out. Our favorite is the Margarita de Remolacha, a beet juice-infused masterpiece that is earthy and delicious. The Batanga is basically a pint glass full of tequila, Mexican Coke, and hot sauce. I don’t know how I didn’t think of that in college, but it’s incredible. We also like the Margarita Flor de Naranja, which has orange and Campari in it, like a Mexican negroni. Bottoms up. Ceviche This mackerel ceviche is fresh and punchy, mixed up with some avocado, carrot, and jalapeño. You should order it, but know that one order won’t go much farther than two people. Aguachile This raw scallop dish from the mariscos section of the menu is a must order. The scallops are perfect, and they swim in a fresh herb puree that we almost finished with the straw from our drinks. Pescado Tacos Lightly fried tilefish on a fresh tortilla. These things are simple and awesome. You won’t want to share. Carnitas Tacos Never has there been a time when we have ordered a carnitas taco and not been very happy that we did. These pulled pork bad boys are perfect. Suadero Tacos This is a brisket taco with some onion and cilantro. It was our least favorite taco, which is probably kind of like having a least favorite child. I mean, you still like it and all. Just not as much as the other ones. Chicharron Gordita This neat little pocket of fried dough with chicharron and queso fresco in it is what all gorditas shall be judge by henceforth. Good lord this thing is awesome. Mole Verde A chicken leg and thigh on a green tomatillo mole sauce that is pretty to look at and tasty, too. Our only complaint with this, and everything from the “Grande” section, is that it isn’t grande enough. We were expecting a much larger plate of food for the table. No matter, you can always eat more gorditas. Costillas Big, sticky pork ribs in a spicy sauce. These are awesome, and best eaten pulled off the bone and tossed into a tortilla. A squeeze of lime and some cilantro, and you are in business." - Chris Stang

"Tiny from the outside, but full of life and margaritas on the inside. Gran Electrica promises strong (and spicy) cocktails and authentic chips, salsa and guac. If you can catch them on a warm day, their outdoor patio is killer (the Brooklyn Bridge is right above it), including a lush wall full of ivy." - Column Five

"If you don’t find yourself in Dumbo very often, take advantage. When you exit the bridge, make a bee line for Gran Electrica - home to an awesome ivy and umbrella-covered back patio and excellent margaritas. There is occasionally a DJ out there playing the kind of music you’d hear at a hotel pool, but just order an extra marg or two to drown that out and you’ll be good to go." - katherine lewin

"For drinks and dinner, Gran Eléctrica turns out excellent margaritas (try the margarita de pepino, made with cucumber and cilantro) and unfussy Mexican fare in a cool space with cheeky Mexico -meets-Dumbo illustrated wallpaper. Pro tip: Request a table in the hidden backyard patio and gorge on tacos and chiles rellenos under the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge."

"Looking to market ingredients and a California-style approach to Mexican cuisine, this chic yet comfortable restaurant impresses with its lovely décor and lively vibe. Servers are engaged and enthusiastic about the menu's pleasures. An ideal visit starts with a margarita at the bar and moves to the garden as strings of lights flicker to life. Mexico and Brooklyn are in balance on a menu that includes small plates such as memelitas de frijoles, a masa disc topped with mashed black beans, spicy salsa verde, queso fresco and crema. Flavor is bright in the deliciously untraditional poblano chile relleno stuffed with Havarti, roasted tomato-jalapeño salsa and tortillas. Try the frijoles de la olla (black beans topped with avocado) on the side." - The MICHELIN Guide