El Centro, Mexican food in Hell's Kitchen

El Centro in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

El Centro in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

After our trip to San Francisco and our fantastic meal at La Taqueria, we were craving Mexican food. So, as we were going to see a movie in Times Square, I searched for a restaurant in Hell's Kitchen. That is how we found El Centro, a very colorful place with an interesting decor, especially the figurines made of metal that cover one of the walls. 

Dining room at El Centro in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Dining room at El Centro in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Colorful banquette at El Centro in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Colorful banquette at El Centro in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Decor at El Centro in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Decor at El Centro in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Tables at El Centro in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Tables at El Centro in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

We decided to order there a grapefruit and a strawberry soda from Jarritos ... I like that brand, especially the pineapple flavor that they unfortunately did not have and is for me much better than these. For sure, the strawberry soda was very sweet, as if they melted candies, but probably less than the Tutti Fruity flavor they also have. 

Sodas at El Centro in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Sodas at El Centro in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

As we were waiting for our food, they served us salsa and chips, a gesture, although expected, that I always appreciate. This time, the chips had some spices on it that I really liked (I think I tasted cumin...).

Tortilla chips and salsa at El Centro in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Tortilla chips and salsa at El Centro in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

I decided to order their chicken quesadilla after I saw that they make their own tortilla and I did not regret it. It was made with roasted chicken and three kinds of Mexican cheeses, mixed with chipotle chiles and cilantro. The homemade tortilla was very good, slightly crispy and just a bit greasy, far better than the store bought ones. Then, the filling was delightfully tasty. I definitely recommend that dish. 

Chicken quesadilla at El Centro in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Chicken quesadilla at El Centro in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Chicken quesadilla at El Centro in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Chicken quesadilla at El Centro in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Jodi wanted to order the mushrooms and peppers one but without the chiles. Unfortunately, the vegetables were already mixed so it was not possible. So, finally, she went for the mahi-mahi tacos, made with pico de gallo, guacamole, pickled cabbage, watercress and chipotle aioli. This was a very good taco, the fish being perfectly cooked and all the elements on the tacos giving an explosion of flavors that worked nicely together. 

Mahi Mahi tacos at El Centro in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Mahi Mahi tacos at El Centro in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Mahi Mahi tacos at El Centro in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Mahi Mahi tacos at El Centro in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

We also ordered a side of guacamole with our dishes, guacamole that was perfectly seasoned. 

Side of guacamole at El Centro in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Side of guacamole at El Centro in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

I loved our meal at El Centro and I am glad I found this place. Will I go back? Definitely and this time I might still stick to the quesadilla...or not...

Enjoy (I did)!

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El Centro Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato