Cafe Ollin

»Christmas Day at Cafe Ollin

Went to Cafe Ollin based on reviews we saw here and it was great. It was on Christmas Day so the place was not crowded but we were not the only ones there. All our choices were gret. Chorizo enchiladas, Bistec Burritos and Bistec Mexicano plate were all well prepared, tasty and served up with a smile. And, for Manhattan, $35 with sodas was a real treat for 3 people to eat. Not a huge space so try...+READ Went to Cafe Ollin based on reviews we saw here and it was great. It was on Christmas Day so the place was not crowded but we were not the only ones there. All our choices were gret. Chorizo enchiladas, Bistec Burritos and Bistec Mexicano plate were all well prepared, tasty and served up with a smile. And, for Manhattan, $35 with sodas was a real treat for 3 people to eat. Not a huge space so try to call ahead if possible to see what's going on.-COLLAPSE (by shullyk, created December 25, 2011)

»Christmas Day at Cafe Ollin

Went to Cafe Ollin based on reviews we saw here and it was great. It was on Christmas Day so the place was not crowded but we were not the only ones there. All our choices were gret. Chorizo enchiladas, Bistec Burritos and Bistec Mexicano plate were all well prepared, tasty and served up with a smile. And, for Manhattan, $35 with sodas was a real treat for 3 people to eat. Not a huge space so try...+READ Went to Cafe Ollin based on reviews we saw here and it was great. It was on Christmas Day so the place was not crowded but we were not the only ones there. All our choices were gret. Chorizo enchiladas, Bistec Burritos and Bistec Mexicano plate were all well prepared, tasty and served up with a smile. And, for Manhattan, $35 with sodas was a real treat for 3 people to eat. Not a huge space so try to call ahead if possible to see what's going on.-COLLAPSE (by shullyk, created December 25, 2011)

This place is *awesome* and yes, their veg options are far more varied and interesting than most. the interesting thing is that i didn't really notice/couldn't really tell what the papalo was; the rich/smokey/spicy chipotle sauce and all the other goodies were just much more prominent.

my one word of warning for people as gluttonous as me is to put away half your sandwich first. it's so...+READ This place is *awesome* and yes, their veg options are far more varied and interesting than most. the interesting thing is that i didn't really notice/couldn't really tell what the papalo was; the rich/smokey/spicy chipotle sauce and all the other goodies were just much more prominent.

my one word of warning for people as gluttonous as me is to put away half your sandwich first. it's so delicious that i just kept going and going. no way should i have ingested that much in one sitting!-COLLAPSE / REPLY (10 Replies) (by rose water, created October 31, 2011)

Thanks for the tip about Cafe Ollin. I tried the cemita with pollo as I've been avoiding pork lately. It was great with the addition of some of their tomatillo table salsa, a delicious blend of creamy, acidic, spicy, crunchy, smoky, and meaty, sandwiched within slightly sweet, soft and chewy bread. Mr. diva and I came to the NE by way of TX, so I've had oodles of TX-style tortas before, but had...+READ Thanks for the tip about Cafe Ollin. I tried the cemita with pollo as I've been avoiding pork lately. It was great with the addition of some of their tomatillo table salsa, a delicious blend of creamy, acidic, spicy, crunchy, smoky, and meaty, sandwiched within slightly sweet, soft and chewy bread. Mr. diva and I came to the NE by way of TX, so I've had oodles of TX-style tortas before, but had never tried papalo. By itself this herb is pretty strong, but with the other sandwich components it is delicious. I'd describe it as earthy, woodsy, and piney, with a slightly citrus note.

Mr. diva was happy to eat the tender lengua taco--something he's missed since leaving Austin--topped with only cilantro, onions, and salsa, as they should be. Thanks again, as we never would have found this cute little hole-in-the-wall without the help of Chowhound. Hoping to repay the favor in one of our upcoming NY adventures.-COLLAPSE / REPLY (10 Replies) (by diva360, created October 29, 2011)

»Cafe Ollin

I stopped by Cafe Ollin today, on 108th between 1st and 2nd, after reading several posts here about it, and their cemitas.

I ordered 2 cemitas - one Milanesa (breaded beef) and the other chorizo. They were out of chorizo, so I went with spicy pork instead. Wow - what an excellent sandwich, particularly the Milanesa!

They are on the spicy side, and definitely on the large side. I found the...+READ I stopped by Cafe Ollin today, on 108th between 1st and 2nd, after reading several posts here about it, and their cemitas.

I ordered 2 cemitas - one Milanesa (breaded beef) and the other chorizo. They were out of chorizo, so I went with spicy pork instead. Wow - what an excellent sandwich, particularly the Milanesa!

They are on the spicy side, and definitely on the large side. I found the Milanesa to be a spicier than the spicy pork - perhaps the breading on the beef soaks up some of the pepper and other flavors and helps concentrate it. They have slivers of avocado, bean paste, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, chipotle pepper, some papalo, and warm, stringy cheese, all sitting inside a soft sesame seed bun. The papalo makes the sandwich, IMHO - it, along with the chipotle, gives a smokey flavor, offset by the sweetness from the tomato and onion.

The people are friendly as well. I'm definitely looking forward to my next visit!-COLLAPSE / REPLY (10 Replies) (by jerico, created October 4, 2011)

Tried Cafe Ollin on your rec and it was excellent, thank you. I have been there a few times and their cemitas are awesome. The papalo is a really nice addition that I have not seen in any Manhattan Mexican place before. It perfumes the whole sandwich and very much reminds me of my time in Mexico. Their Oaxacan cheese is very good. I would recommend the lengua, the chivo enchilada and the...+READ Tried Cafe Ollin on your rec and it was excellent, thank you. I have been there a few times and their cemitas are awesome. The papalo is a really nice addition that I have not seen in any Manhattan Mexican place before. It perfumes the whole sandwich and very much reminds me of my time in Mexico. Their Oaxacan cheese is very good. I would recommend the lengua, the chivo enchilada and the milanesa. The sandwiches are pretty big too and you can get two meals from them. Be sure to ask for their house made salsas.

The M15 First Ave bus stops very close by.-COLLAPSE / REPLY (28 Replies) (by MVNYC, created September 27, 2011)