THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Mercadito Cantina

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Mercadito Cantina Restaurant Review:

The third outpost of chef Patricio Sandoval’s Manhattan mini-empire is a diminutive East Village eatery that bills itself as a “modern taqueria.” Sink your teeth into the complex tilapia tacos (laden with chile poblano and garlic) or one of six fresh-made guacamoles (try the nutty “toreado” with Serrano chile, garlic and Mexican oregano). If that doesn’t work, the cocktail list should do the trick: the eatery’s beer-and-wine-only license means no tequila, but mixologist Tad Carducci has invented something called “tric-quila,” a concoction of saké and other libations to create a tequila-like spirit. There are also plenty of micheladas (beer mixed with various juices) on offer. The menu’s tour de force is the taquizas; similar to fajitas, the carnitas taquiza comes with shredded Berkshire pork, tortillas and salsas so you can construct your own tacos. The head-on shrimp are coated in a garlic glaze that jumps right off the taste buds and if the lobster tacos are the night’s special, do yourself a favor and take the plunge.