Cítrico Café: Restaurants in Long Island City with Latin Flavor and Modern Cool
- Citrico Cafe
- May 5
- 4 min read
When you’re searching for the best restaurants in Long Island City, you might expect a sea of familiar names offering predictable dishes. But tucked away just a short walk from the buzz of Queensboro Plaza, Citrico Cafe is quietly rewriting the playbook on what it means to dine in LIC. This isn’t just another spot to grab tacos—this is where Latin flavor meets a fresh, modern aesthetic, all wrapped up in an atmosphere that feels effortlessly cool.
From the moment you walk in, Citrico Cafe surprises you. Towering double-height ceilings open up the space, making it feel expansive yet cozy. The design strikes a balance between modern minimalism and rustic charm: warm woods, raw textures, and sleek metal accents. It's the kind of place where you could equally bring a date, your parents visiting from out of town, or your best friends for a casual yet elevated night out.
A Vibe You Can Feel: Interior and Atmosphere
The vibe at Citrico Cafe is palpable the moment you step through the doors. A curated playlist of Latin music with a contemporary twist fills the space—not too loud to drown conversation, but present enough to set the tone. Think Bad Bunny one minute, then a deep salsa cut the next, flowing seamlessly into lo-fi reggaeton beats. It's a musical journey that complements the food, evoking the roots of Latin culture while embracing its evolving sounds.
Add in the warm, friendly staff—always quick with a smile or a recommendation—and you’ll immediately feel welcomed, whether it’s your first visit or your tenth.
A Menu That Surprises: Filet Mignon Tacos and Smoked Bone Marrow
Of course, no spot can claim its place among the top restaurants in Long Island City without delivering an unforgettable menu. At Citrico Cafe, the food is bold, flavorful, and full of surprises.
Take their filet mignon tacos: tender, juicy cuts of beef, seared to perfection, nestled into soft tortillas, topped with a hint of salsa ranchera. It’s an elevated take on street food that somehow keeps the soul of the dish intact.
Then there’s the Coca Cola Carnitas, Confit Pork Shoulder, served with roasted avocado salsa. Smoky, rich, and indulgent, it’s a dish that feels both primal and sophisticated—a perfect metaphor for Citrico Cafe itself.
But the menu doesn’t stop there. Expect Latin classics with a twist: Corn Ribs, Chicharron de Hongos Quesadilla, Pollo Campero, Enchiladas Suizas, etc.
The Drinks: Infused Agaves and Fresh Cocktails
What’s dinner without a good drink? At Citrico Cafe, the bar program is just as thoughtful as the kitchen. Their signature? In-house infused agaves, a unique touch that elevates their cocktail menu far beyond the usual margarita.
From spicy margaritas and mezcalitas to hibiscus-infused tequila spritzers, each drink is crafted with freshness and balance in mind.
The bar itself is a focal point of the restaurant, often buzzing with locals unwinding after work or groups celebrating over mezcal flights. It’s casual yet refined—just like everything else at Citrico Cafe.
A Neighborhood Must Among Restaurants in Long Island City
What makes Citrico Cafe stand out? It’s the combination of details—the design, the service, the food, the music—that creates something greater than the sum of its parts.
This is a place that respects tradition but doesn’t get stuck in it, blending old and new in ways that feel authentic, not forced. It’s unapologetically Latin, but also open to everyone, welcoming locals, tourists, and foodies alike.
The People Behind the Magic
A big part of Citrico Cafe’s charm is its people. The owners, inspired by their Latin heritage and global travels, have created a restaurant that reflects their love of hospitality, flavor, and culture. Every detail—from the curated playlist to the choice of agave infusions—has been thoughtfully designed to tell a story.
And the team? They're as passionate as they are friendly. Whether you're asking for a wine pairing or curious about the origins of an infused tequila, they’re eager to share and connect. It’s hospitality that feels genuine, not scripted.
Brunch, Dinner, or Late Night: There's Always a Reason to Visit
Whether you’re looking for a lively brunch spot in Long Island City, a romantic date night destination, or a cool place to unwind late night, Citrico Cafe hits the mark.
Their weekend brunch is legendary among locals, complete with DJ sets, bottomless mimosas, and inventive Latin brunch dishes. At dinner, the atmosphere shifts to something more intimate, yet never stuffy. And if you happen to stop by on a Thursday night, you might catch a live salsa session or a surprise music event.
Why Citrico Cafe Should Be Your Next Stop in Long Island City
In a neighborhood evolving as rapidly as Long Island City, finding a restaurant that feels grounded, authentic, and innovative can be a challenge. Citrico Cafe is exactly that: a space that celebrates Latin culture while embracing modern dining trends, all without losing its heart.
Whether you're a lifelong Queens resident or just discovering the neighborhood, Citrico Cafe deserves a spot on your list of must-visit restaurants in Long Island City.
So next time you’re looking for a meal that’s vibrant, flavorful, and just a little bit different, skip the chain spots and step into a place that’s truly one of a kind.
Plan Your Visit to Citrico Cafe
Address: 3062 Steinway Street, Astoria, NY 11103
Website: citricocafe.com
Reservations: Recommended for weekends and special events
