Long before he was throwing down on the Food Network, Bobby Flay displayed his undeniable talent at the original Mesa Grill, which opened in 1991. His love for Southwestern flavors, wet and dry rubs, and grilling is still evident on the menu today. The vibrantly colored dining room is filled with a stylish happy hour crowd sipping creative margaritas and nibbling on goat cheese queso or the signature blue corn pancakes with barbecued duck. Red columns, oversized black and white photos, and kitschy Southwestern touches (multicolored plates and chairs and upholstered cactus- and cowboy-patterned booths overlooking Fifth Avenue) adorn the two-level space. Flavors are bold and the spice substantial in standout entrées such as the New Mexican spice-rubbed pork tenderloin, a chipotle-glazed rib eye and the earthy, cornmeal-crusted chile relleno with a subtly spicy and sweet red pepper sauce and balsamic vinegar. Reservations suggested. Full bar. Serving lunch Mon-Fri, dinner nightly. Sat brunch 11:30 am-2:30 pm. Sun brunch 11:30 am-3 pm.
Where the Locals Eat Rating
Best Southwestern
Top 100 Restaurant, New York City
"[Chef/Owner] Bobby Flay developed his signature style of American cookery, marrying the flavors of the Southwest with his love of grilling, at Mesa Grill."
– Mesa Grill website
"Bobby Flay's mastery of the spicier things in life keeps getting more polished and exciting."
—New York magazine
"Jacked-up Southwestern dishes routinely appear on menus around the city, but the party started here. ... Bold flavors still rule."
—Time Out New York
"The bi-level dining room is busy and boisterous, and the crowd – from hip young trendies to grandmothers – seems to have a good time."
—Newsday
"... on balance, Mesa Grill presents only flickers of the excitement it did in 1991, when it opened, or in 2000, when William Grimes gave it two stars in The Times.''
– Frank Bruni, The New York Times, Jan. 23, 2008
How Others Rate Mesa Grill
The New York Times: ** (very good)
New York magazine: Critics' Pick
Zagat: 23 food rating (very good to excellent); best Southwestern in NYC