Elevated cocktails? Check. Great tacos? Check. Low-key vibe? Check — at least for now. Mexi’s new downtown outpost at 57 Stone St. is relaxed and fairly mellow, though we expect it won’t be long before the post-work crowds pack this spot, lured in by the generous selection of mezcal and tequila, delicious bites and a gorgeous ambiance.
Mexi — which has an OG location in Williamsburg and is helmed by the Bedford Manhattan, the Dead Rabbit and Harry’s team —- is filled with colorful tiles, perforated tin lamps and decorative wrought-iron shelving to display some of the bar’s mezcal and tequila collection, which comprises 400-plus bottles of spirits sourced from various regions of Mexico. Warm lighting, friendly staff and great music played at a volume that still allows for easy conversation ultimately make this a place you’ll want to linger for a drink or three. There’s also plenty of patio seating on Stone Street, for those last warm days of the year when you just want to sit outside with a margarita and forget the fact that winter is coming.
Speaking of drinks, the cocktail menu is truly unique, both in the drinks themselves and in the presentation. The drink menu is presented as a deck of Mexican lotería, with every drink appearing as an illustrated card with artwork, tasting notes and a story. For instance, the card for the La Chona, which we sampled on a recent visit, reads “Tropical and spicy, this mezcal cocktail dances with mango, lime, and a green herbal kick from cilantro spirits.” The description is printed in both English and Spanish, with a list of the cocktail’s ingredients below and a lively illustration on the other side of the cocktail card. It’s a fun accompaniment to a tasty drink. In addition to the A+ cocktails, the drinks menu also features beer, wine and non-alcoholic sippers like the hibiscus allspice agua fresca.
If you’re hungry, Mexi has a selection of tacos made with housemade tortillas, with fillings including slow-cooked carnitas, chicken tinga, perfectly fried fish and braised short rib. If tacos alone can’t satiate you, you can also opt for bites like aguachiles, quesadillas and a carne asada plate. See the full menu on Mexi’s website.
photos: drinks by Lizzie Munro, food by Evan Sung
