Cítrico Café: A Latin Gem When Searching for a Mexican Restaurant in Queens
- Citrico Cafe
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
t’s lunchtime, or maybe you’re just in the mood to eat out. For some reason, you’re craving Mexican food—authentic, full of tradition, but served in a modern setting. You take out your phone, type Mexican restaurant in Queens into Google, and one charming place catches your eye: Cítrico Café.
The first thing that grabs you is the menu. This isn’t your typical tacos-and-burritos place. Every dish shows a real connection to Mexico. You see red enchiladas, birria tacos, chilaquiles, ceviche, pineapple-charred guacamole, tuna tiradito, and craft cocktails featuring infused mezcal and tequila. No need to look any further. You’ve made your decision.
A Warm Welcome with Flavor and Style
Located in Astoria, Queens, Cítrico Café offers the perfect mix of Latin hospitality, modern design, and a kitchen that breathes authenticity. The moment you walk in, the aroma of dried chiles, corn, and spices makes you feel right at home. The décor blends rustic charm with industrial touches: high ceilings, warm wood, hanging lights, and a mural that celebrates Mexican culture.
Modern Latin music plays in the background—not too loud, just enough to create a joyful atmosphere. The staff greets you with a genuine smile and leads you to a table where something special is about to unfold.
The Food: Tradition with Intention
Cítrico Café’s menu is a tribute to Mexican cuisine, with creative touches that never stray too far from its roots. Here, traditional doesn’t mean boring, and modern doesn’t mean gimmicky.
Tacos That Speak Volumes
One of the menu’s strongest sections is the tacos. The birria tacos with consommé are rich and comforting: slow-cooked meat, soft tortillas, spicy salsa, and hot consommé for dipping. There’s also the filet mignon taco with chimichurri, and shrimp tacos with purple cabbage and chipotle crema.
Tiradito: Freshness with Mexican Roots
The tuna tiradito is a modern take on coastal cuisine. Featuring thin slices of raw tuna, citrus vinaigrette, chile oil, and fresh herbs, this dish combines contemporary technique with classic Mexican ingredients. It’s fresh, balanced, and visually stunning.
Warm, Comforting Plates
The red enchiladas are filled with chicken and topped with guajillo chile sauce, crema, cotija cheese, and pickled onions. Served with rice and beans, they capture the soul of a comforting Mexican meal.
Chilaquiles, red or green, are ideal for a hearty breakfast or flavorful brunch: soft tortilla chips smothered in salsa, crema, cheese, and eggs, with the option to add carnitas for something more filling.
Guacamole, Ceviche and More
The guacamole gets a twist with charred pineapple, adding a natural sweetness that balances the heat. The ceviche is packed with citrus and jalapeño—perfect for those who crave something bright and zesty.
Cocktails: The Spirit of Agave
At the bar, mezcal and tequila take center stage. But not just any mezcal—here, it’s infused in-house with ingredients like hibiscus, tamarind, pineapple, or chile.
You can order a mezcal hibiscus (mezcal with hibiscus flower and lime), a jalapeño-infused margarita, or a mezcal flight to sample a range of agave expressions. Each drink is crafted to complement the food, not overpower it.
Brunch with Flavor and Rhythm
On weekends, Cítrico Café’s brunch brings together food, drinks, and music. Local DJs set the tone with reggaetón, cumbia, afrohouse, or Latin house, adding a smooth rhythm to your meal.
Brunch favorites include:
Chilaquiles with eggs and carnitas
Breakfast tacos with eggs, beans, and salsa macha
French toast with cajeta and mezcal syrup
Housemade flan with burnt caramel
It’s not a party brunch, but it has a lively vibe, delicious food, and a sense of community.
A Space to Connect
Cítrico Café isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a gathering spot for people who appreciate good food, thoughtful design, and Latin culture. Whether you’re there to celebrate, work remotely, or enjoy a cocktail at the bar, the space adapts to your moment.
There are live music nights, DJ events, and a loyal local following. It’s one of those places where you can show up alone and leave having had a conversation.
What Makes It Unique in Queens
Queens has no shortage of Mexican restaurants, but few combine culinary authenticity with stylish ambiance, great service, and handcrafted cocktails. Cítrico Café doesn’t try to be a caricature of Mexico or force unnecessary fusion. It respects timeless flavors and presents them with skill and care.
In a neighborhood like Astoria—known for its cultural diversity—this spot shines by honoring its Mexican roots while fully embracing the energy of New York City.
The Next Time You Search for a Mexican Restaurant in Queens…
Whether you’re planning a special dinner, a brunch with friends, or simply satisfying a craving, Cítrico Café is a sure bet. It’s not just a restaurant—it’s a flavorful, cultural experience in the heart of Queens.
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