Casa Enrique serves regional Mexican cooking from Chiapas at 5-48 49th Ave in Long Island City. The menu pairs family-inspired classics with a polished touch, from lime-bright shrimp ceviche and lengua tacos to chicken enchiladas with rich mole. Start with guacamole and house-made totopos, then share a few plates; save room for tres leches cake. Cocktails include the Aguachile and Jamaica margaritas. The room is relaxed but can feel close and loud, so book ahead for dinner or weekend brunch, especially if conversation matters.
Chiapas cooking in Long Island City
Casa Enrique opened in Long Island City in 2012, bringing chef Cosme Aguilar’s cooking from Chiapas, in southern Mexico, to Queens. Aguilar had worked in French cuisine before returning to the flavours and ingredients of his childhood. Many dishes draw on family recipes and honour his mother.
The menu centres on Mexican classics prepared with a refined touch. Expect tacos, enchiladas, ceviche and substantial mains, with some seasonal choices. The cooking is rooted in home-style dishes rather than a parade of novelty ingredients.
What to order
Guacamole with house-made totopos makes an easy start for the table. Shrimp ceviche is bright with lime and has a little heat; sopecitos de chorizo bring earthy, well-seasoned flavours. If you like tacos, lengua is a popular choice, while pastor and suadero are among the other options mentioned on the menu.
For a main, chicken enchiladas with mole pair rolled tortillas with a deep, chocolate-toned sauce. Pozole de mi tia is a pork and hominy soup with a rich, chilli-based broth. Other dishes mentioned include chile relleno, branzino al pastor and roasted pork shoulder. The menu can include seasonal options, so check what is available when you visit.
Cocktails and dessert
The drinks list includes cocktails made with fresh juices, along with tequila and mezcal. The Aguachile and Jamaica margaritas are two distinctive choices. Wine is also available.
Finish with pastel tres leches, a sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk and served with caramel. Cheese ice cream is another dessert option noted on the menu.
Planning your meal
Casa Enrique is at 5-48 49th Ave in Long Island City. It serves dinner from Monday to Friday and is open for brunch and dinner on Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations are recommended, especially at busy times and for weekend brunch.
The atmosphere is casual and polished, with a bar and an outdoor patio for warmer weather. The dining room can be lively, and some tables are close together. If a quieter conversation is important, factor that into your plans. The menu spans small plates, tacos and larger entrees, so you can build a meal around sharing or order a dish for yourself.
Preguntas frecuentes
Where is Casa Enrique?
Casa Enrique is at 5-48 49th Ave in Long Island City, Queens.
What should I order at Casa Enrique?
Start with guacamole, shrimp ceviche or sopecitos de chorizo. Chicken enchiladas with mole and lengua tacos are among the main dishes to consider.
Does Casa Enrique take reservations?
Yes. Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner and weekend brunch.
What dessert is Casa Enrique known for?
Pastel tres leches is a popular choice, and cheese ice cream is also available.
