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A little love is coming to downtown Manhattan and it's bringing Sichuan-spiced pork, gochujang-slathered Crunchwraps and some serious street food cred to the area.
Today, May 5, Cariñito ("little love"), a Michelin-recognized taquería from Mexico City with a bold Southeast Asian twist, will open its first-ever New York City location as a six-month pop-up at 86 University Place in Greenwich Village.
Known for its globetrotting pop-ups in Paris, London, Singapore and beyond, Cariñito’s long-awaited NYC debut will feature a menu built for the local crowd, including the Cariñito Crunchywrap—a crispy, chili-charged homage to the late-night Taco Bell staple—and the What She's Having taco, a Katz's deli-inspired pastrami brisket creation with a cheeky When Harry Met Sally nod.
“We’re thrilled to bring Cariñito to New York—a six-month adventure filled with tacos that carry chilango soul, mezcal, great wine and cumbia,” partner Joaquin de la Torre tells Time Out. “We’re even bringing in our tortillas from Mexico City for maximum flavor.”
Expect more menu standouts from the eatery's original CDMX hits, like the herb-loaded Issan taco with Thai pork belly and toasted rice powder, plus vegetarian gems like the eggplant Laos taco and cauliflower pibil. Sides include sweet corn ribs drenched in madras butter and Guacathai, a punchy remix spiked with fish sauce and herbs.
On the drinks front, Cariñito keeps it irreverent with rotating natural wines, mini Coronitas, Mexican Coke and the occasional vino guest star via pop-ups with visiting winemakers.
The Greenwich Village activation takes over the former El Cantinero space, a 35-year-old Mexican cantina best remembered for its cameo on Sex and the City (season 4, if you're wondering). Now reimagined by Mexican architect Sofía Betancur and CDMX design studio Agrio, the moody, lived-in interior is gritty, transportive and full of soul, just like the tacos.
Crunchy wraps, cumbia and chilango soul—what’s not to love?