Cítrico Café: A Must-Try Stop Among Restaurants in Long Island City
- Citrico Cafe
- May 26
- 4 min read
Picture this: you’re walking through the streets of Long Island City on a sunny afternoon. Maybe you just finished visiting MoMA PS1, wandered by the East River, or checked out a local art gallery. Suddenly, you’re hit with a craving—you want Mexican food. Real, flavorful, exciting food, ideally with a cocktail to match.
You pull out your phone and search restaurants in Long Island City. As you scroll, a name catches your eye: Cítrico Café. The photos show fresh tacos, colorful cocktails, and a space that feels equal parts modern and relaxed. You’re intrigued. You head there.
First Impressions: A Space With Personality
Tucked away at 3290 36th St, right between Astoria and LIC, Cítrico Café offers a refreshing take on Mexican dining. The vibe hits as soon as you walk in—double-height ceilings, warm wooden textures and natural light pouring in. It’s cozy but stylish, the kind of place where you feel comfortable bringing a date, catching up with friends, or dining solo at the bar.
Latin music with a modern twist fills the air—think mellow soulful salsa, and contemporary house beats that energize the room without overpowering it. The space feels alive, without trying too hard.
The Menu: Authentic Mexican Flavors With a Creative Touch
Unlike other restaurants in Long Island City, Cítrico Café isn’t just replicating traditional dishes. It elevates Mexican flavors using fresh ingredients, modern plating, and thoughtful details. Whether you’re a taco traditionalist or an adventurous foodie, you’ll find something that hits the spot.
🌮 Filet Mignon Tacos
A guest favorite. Tender steak grilled to perfection, served in soft corn tortillas with chimichurri and flavorful garnishes. Elevated, yet soulful.
🦴 Smoked Bone Marrow
A bold and indulgent starter. Served sizzling with toasted bread and a dash of sea salt, this rich dish is a must for those who love intense flavors.
🐟 Tuna Crudo
Fresh, vibrant, and plated beautifully. Thin slices of tuna drizzled with citrus-based sauces and garnishes that pop. Light and perfect for summer evenings.
🍤 Shrimp Tacos
Grilled shrimp with crunchy slaw and chipotle aioli, tucked into warm tortillas. Smoky, spicy, and crowd-pleasing.
🫓 Empanadas
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Filled with savory options like mushrooms or shredded beef, depending on the seasonal rotation.
🥗 Beet Salad
Fresh, earthy, and full of texture. Beets paired with greens, citrus, queso fresco, and a tangy vinaigrette—a great balance to heavier plates.
🥑 Guacamole with Chips
Creamy, flavorful guac served with crunchy tortilla chips. Add-ons like grilled pineapple or jalapeño give it a signature twist.
🌮 Birria Tacos
Slow-braised beef packed into tortillas and served with consommé for dipping. Juicy, savory, and rich in flavor.
🍳 Chilaquiles (Brunch only)
Crispy chips soaked in green salsa, topped with a fried egg, crema, onions, and cheese. Add carnitas or chorizo to level up this brunch favorite.
🍮 Housemade Flan
A smooth, silky dessert with rich caramel and a classic flavor. A perfect finish to your meal.
🍸 Infused Agave Cocktails: The Heart of the Bar at One of the Top Restaurants in Long Island City
At Cítrico Café, the bar is more than just a place to grab a drink—it’s part of what makes us stand out among restaurants in Long Island City. Our in-house infused agave spirits add a whole new dimension to the cocktail menu, offering bold, creative flavors rooted in Mexican tradition.
Some infusions you might encounter:
Jalapeño-infused tequila for a bold kick
Hibiscus mezcal for a floral twist
Tamarind or pineapple agave for tropical notes
Whether you go for a flight of mezcal, a house margarita with a twist, or a custom cocktail, there’s something for everyone—from mezcal lovers to those just beginning to explore agave-based spirits.
🎶 Music, Culture, and Great Vibes
What truly sets Cítrico Café apart from other restaurants in Long Island City is the full experience. Great food, a creative bar, and a space filled with music and movement. On weekends and during special events, live DJs spin Latin house, salsa, and global beats that elevate the ambiance.
It’s not a nightclub—it’s a vibe. You can sit, sip, and talk while still feeling the energy of the room.
👥 Friendly Faces, Local Energy
The team at Cítrico Café is a big part of what makes the experience memorable. From the moment you walk in, the service feels genuine and laid-back. Staff are happy to recommend dishes, explain infusions, or just let you take your time.
In a neighborhood as diverse and dynamic as LIC, it’s refreshing to find a spot where hospitality still feels personal.
📍 Why Cítrico Café Deserves a Spot on Your LIC List
With so many options for restaurants in Long Island City, it can be hard to choose. But if you’re looking for:
Modern takes on traditional Mexican food
Creative mezcal and tequila cocktails
A welcoming, stylish space
Music that complements the food—not competes with it
An authentic vibe rooted in Latin culture
...then Cítrico Café is the right place to land.
Whether you’re just visiting LIC or live nearby, this spot is worth discovering—and returning to.
🗓️ Ideal for Any Occasion
Planning brunch with friends? Go for the chilaquiles and a mimosa flight.Date night? Split the bone marrow and sip on mezcal by candlelight.Just want tacos and a beer after work? They’ve got you.
It’s casual, elevated, and flexible—whatever your mood, you’ll find something that feels just right.
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