Livin’ La Vida Loca at Cantina Rooftop
I know what you’re probably thinking, another restaurant blog? I’m sorry I can’t help it; we all have to eat.
Recently, I visited the Cantina Rooftop in Midtown. My friends and I went to Cantina for my birthday, and let me tell you, it was the best birthday dinner yet. Everyone knows birthdays are better in New York!
When we first arrived, we took an elevator upstairs to the vibrant rooftop. Upon first glance, I was in love. There were fluorescent lights shooting from every corner of the room, amazing skull decorations, and of course, the colorful umbrellas lining the whole top of the roof. Not only was the restaurant decorated beautifully, it had the perfect backdrop, the New York City skyline.
My friends and I went at the perfect time to see the sunset on the rooftop, though it was the day before Hurricane Henri so it wasn’t so sunny. However, I would imagine it would be stunning on any other day!
We sat down and immediately started to check out the menu. Cantina Rooftop had tons of traditional Mexican dishes which made picking just one very hard! For starters, the group decided to order some tortilla chips and homemade guacamole. I swear, it was gone in seconds! For my meal, I decided to order the Pollo Tacos. The dish included three mini tacos. As for my friends, they ordered chicken quesadillas, empanadas, and rice and beans. We couldn’t get enough!
Though the portions were small, the food was extremely filling and I was satisfied after completing my tacos. At the completion of dinner, Henri struck. So, we did not have enough time to stay for dessert, however, the menu was intriguing. They offered flan, mango ice cream, cookie dough, and more. To add, Cantina offered an amazing deal on desserts, you could try all five of their signature desserts for thirty-five dollars. If Henri hadn’t decided to join us for dinner, we would have chosen that for dessert!
Of all the amazing food, the decor, and the view, I think the DJ was my favorite part about Cantina Rooftop. There was incredible music including Latin, throwback, and modern tunes that filled up the rooftop with smiles. My friends and I had the best time jamming out and dancing in our chairs to the music. Ultimately, it was the memories I made with my friends that made the night so special.
Now, let’s break down the cost. Though we know from my other restaurant review articles that dining out in New York City is expensive, I was blown away by how good the prices were! Everyone’s entree was under twenty dollars, and since five of us went to dinner, we only had to pay $3 each for guacamole! We decided to pay with one transaction and Venmo the person who used their card. Pro-tip for college: Venmo will become your best friend.
If you’re looking for a night of fun and good food, I absolutely recommend you try out Cantina Rooftop. The price is worth the view, the meal, and the memories you make while you are there. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a spot to kick off the school year or celebrate a birthday, head to Cantina Rooftop on 48th and 11th Ave.