El Mariachi Tapas
Mexican · Albany
About El Mariachi Tapas
Located on Lark Street in Albany, El Mariachi Tapas offers an authentic Mexican dining experience defined by its cozy atmosphere and warm hospitality. Guests consistently praise the welcoming staff, particularly Arturo, who provide kind suggestions and attentive service. The menu features delicious...
Located on Lark Street in Albany, El Mariachi Tapas offers an authentic Mexican dining experience defined by its cozy atmosphere and warm hospitality. Guests consistently praise the welcoming staff, particularly Arturo, who provide kind suggestions and attentive service. The menu features delicious signature dishes such as chile rellenos, beef tacos, and fresh guacamole made tableside. Patrons also rave about the amazing White Sangria and great cocktails, making it an ideal spot for date nights or casual conversations with friends. With fast service and a relaxed vibe, this intimate venue delivers genuine flavor and connection in every visit.
What Customers Say About El Mariachi Tapas
El Mariachi Tapas is praised for its cozy atmosphere, attentive service (especially Arturo and Elvia), and authentic Mexican tapas. Popular dishes include flautas, chile rellenos, and fresh guacamole made tableside. Some reviewers found the margaritas weak and overpriced.
Popular Dishes
Best For
Tip: Ask the bartender for recommendations. Some reviewers found the margaritas inconsistent, so consider other drinks.
Features
What to see nearby
Data from Wikidata
Explore the area around El Mariachi Tapas
El Mariachi Tapas is located in Albany, surrounded by cultural and historical points of interest. Here are some of the most notable places nearby.
Historical Heritage
- Harmanus Bleecker Library (A 466m) — historic building in Albany, New York, United States Lugar inscrito en el Registro Nacional de Lugares Históricos
- Albany Institute of History & Art (A 563m) — non-profit organization in the USA Lugar inscrito en el Registro Nacional de Lugares Históricos
- Edificio educativo del Estado de Nueva York (A 704m) — edificio en Nueva York, Estados Unidos Lugar inscrito en el Registro Nacional de Lugares Históricos
Museums
- Museo del Estado de Nueva York (A 725m) — state museum of natural history, anthropology, and history in New York, United States
Parks & Gardens
- Dana Park (A 218m) — park in Albany, New York, United States
- Delaware Square (A 226m) — park in Albany County, New York, United States of America
- Townsend Park (A 480m) — park in Albany County, New York, United States of America
- Washington Park (A 637m) — park in Albany County, New York, United States of America
- Capitol Park (A 660m) — park in the United States of America
Other Points of Interest
- Cultural Education Center (A 720m) — building in Albany, New York
Data from Wikidata
Frequently asked questions about El Mariachi Tapas
El Mariachi Tapas Albany Reviews
We LOVED this place...and our server Arturo!! The White Sangria was the best we have ever had and the Guacamole and chicken enchiladas were fresh and flavorful! The decor is also really great.
We LOVED this place...and our server Arturo!! The White Sangria was the best we have ever had and the Guacamole and chicken enchiladas were fresh and flavorful! The decor is also really great.
Dive-y little place on Lark, only open I believe certain days as staff rotate between here and their main location near the Plaza. Have whatEVER the longtime bartender gentleman recommends! Our first time here we walked in and we were the only ones there. It was actually during the St. Patrick’s Day parade. This spot was where we felt the most welcome! Upon arrival you could smell a spicy, garlicky goodness wafting from the kitchen. We received menus and when the bartender/server came to our table he said, “can I order something for you?” I said “absolutely! it smells wonderful, whatever’s is going on in the kitchen.” He brought a sizzling plate of shrimp in a garlic oil sauce with crusty bread to dip in it, and it was heavenly. I’ve never had a bad meal here or at the flagship restaurant El mariachi. Also— Drinks A+.
OMG! THE BEST FLAUTAS AND CHILE RELLENOS EVER! (and I am from Texas!) Elvia was the most attentive and welcoming staff member!!! Highly recommend!!!!
We just walked in from Lark St. deciding on where to eat. We were pleased with the cozy atmosphere and the warm welcome from the owner. I had the chile relleno carne and it was one of the best dishes I have ever had in my entire life., We are food and drink enthusiasts and have a lot of years behind us. The margarita was incredible and he knew exactly what I wanted. Absolute quality at this restaurant. We can not wait to revisit.
Love this place! When we lived on Lark, we tried go at least twice a month for a cute date night. Can’t beat the delicious soup, beef tacos, pablanos, and amazing fresh guac made-to-order tableside. Our order every time. It’s so good we never stray. Excellent staff. Quiet, intimate setting. The secret’s out now! P.S. love the 1/2 pitchers of premium marg. 💕
This place was great. Arturo, the bartender, was adorable and kind and had wonderful suggestions. The location on Lark is awesome and if you're looking for authentic tapas, this is a perfect choice.
El Mariachi Tapas is a good place to eat something simple, have a great conversation, and drink some spirits with friends. We have a great time and good conversations.
Great food, atmosphere and friendly, quick service/staff. I wish they served dinner!
Great small plates, authentic Mexican cusine. Cozy atmosphere, good attentive service.
OMG! THE BEST FLAUTAS AND CHILE RELLENOS EVER! (and I am from Texas!) Elvia was the most attentive and welcoming staff member!!! Highly recommend!!!!
We just walked in from Lark St. deciding on where to eat. We were pleased with the cozy atmosphere and the warm welcome from the owner. I had the chile relleno carne and it was one of the best dishes I have ever had in my entire life., We are food and drink enthusiasts and have a lot of years behind us. The margarita was incredible and he knew exactly what I wanted. Absolute quality at this restaurant. We can not wait to revisit.
Dive-y little place on Lark, only open I believe certain days as staff rotate between here and their main location near the Plaza. Have whatEVER the longtime bartender gentleman recommends! Our first time here we walked in and we were the only ones there. It was actually during the St. Patrick’s Day parade. This spot was where we felt the most welcome! Upon arrival you could smell a spicy, garlicky goodness wafting from the kitchen. We received menus and when the bartender/server came to our table he said, “can I order something for you?” I said “absolutely! it smells wonderful, whatever’s is going on in the kitchen.” He brought a sizzling plate of shrimp in a garlic oil sauce with crusty bread to dip in it, and it was heavenly. I’ve never had a bad meal here or at the flagship restaurant El mariachi. Also— Drinks A+.
This place was great. Arturo, the bartender, was adorable and kind and had wonderful suggestions. The location on Lark is awesome and if you're looking for authentic tapas, this is a perfect choice.
Love this place! When we lived on Lark, we tried go at least twice a month for a cute date night. Can’t beat the delicious soup, beef tacos, pablanos, and amazing fresh guac made-to-order tableside. Our order every time. It’s so good we never stray. Excellent staff. Quiet, intimate setting. The secret’s out now! P.S. love the 1/2 pitchers of premium marg. 💕
Great small plates, authentic Mexican cusine. Cozy atmosphere, good attentive service.
El Mariachi Tapas is a good place to eat something simple, have a great conversation, and drink some spirits with friends. We have a great time and good conversations.
Great food, atmosphere and friendly, quick service/staff. I wish they served dinner!
Great tapas and entrees fresh ingredients and great spice, thoughtful waitstaff. Fun place for family outings or nite out for couples and/or friends🤙
Excellent customer service for starters. All the food was amazing. The tequila queso fundido and the octopus were the favs. The tapas approach is great allowing u to sample more.
Great tapas and entrees fresh ingredients and great spice, thoughtful waitstaff. Fun place for family outings or nite out for couples and/or friends🤙
Excellent customer service for starters. All the food was amazing. The tequila queso fundido and the octopus were the favs. The tapas approach is great allowing u to sample more.
Food was good, portions smalls, prices could have been cheaper
Food was good, portions smalls, prices could have been cheaper
The food was decent. The drinks were just okay. I had the Paella and it's far from the authentic Spain Paella but it was edible. I also had margarita for a beverage it wasn't freshly made it used a lot of the margarita mix. Not a fan of the Resturant Week menu maybe their own menu is much better.
The food was decent. The drinks were just okay. I had the Paella and it's far from the authentic Spain Paella but it was edible. I also had margarita for a beverage it wasn't freshly made it used a lot of the margarita mix. Not a fan of the Resturant Week menu maybe their own menu is much better.
Have to admit was less than impressed. The chips and salsa were good, husband said margarita was good. The grilled veggie plate was not the kinds of veg I was expecting and very bland, unfortunately. We should have known when we were the only ones there at around 6:30.
Food and Margarita were fine. But it's a wee bit too exoensive. Tapas should be cheap but filling. For a little more just go to the parent mariachi a few blocks away. The place is not a great value and the bar will not work since it is a sit down joint.
The tapas selection is varied and promising, and the mararitas were amazing. Tried the Paella, the Pimientos Reyenos De Queso Cabra, the Pulpo a la Gallega and one other dish. The paella was good, but had not developed the signature crust. The pimientos had great flavor, but were described as stuffed and were served layered (had to send them back because they had no cheese in the first serving). The octopus well was presented, but overcooked. Unfortunately, I compare it to a recent grilled octopus in NYC that simply flaked... It was first Friday at the end of the run, and the owner was very gracious. I'll go back to try again. The menu is promising.
The food was quite tasty. The "premium" magaritas, however, were pathetic. They were extraordinarily weak. I actually saw the bartender add water or soda to them. Not worth $5, let alone the $12 charged for it.
The food is tasty and it will bring me back. However, the drinks were horrible. Ordered a margarita it was watered down, poorly made, tasteless and cost $12.
Have to admit was less than impressed. The chips and salsa were good, husband said margarita was good. The grilled veggie plate was not the kinds of veg I was expecting and very bland, unfortunately. We should have known when we were the only ones there at around 6:30.
The tapas selection is varied and promising, and the mararitas were amazing. Tried the Paella, the Pimientos Reyenos De Queso Cabra, the Pulpo a la Gallega and one other dish. The paella was good, but had not developed the signature crust. The pimientos had great flavor, but were described as stuffed and were served layered (had to send them back because they had no cheese in the first serving). The octopus well was presented, but overcooked. Unfortunately, I compare it to a recent grilled octopus in NYC that simply flaked... It was first Friday at the end of the run, and the owner was very gracious. I'll go back to try again. The menu is promising.
Food and Margarita were fine. But it's a wee bit too exoensive. Tapas should be cheap but filling. For a little more just go to the parent mariachi a few blocks away. The place is not a great value and the bar will not work since it is a sit down joint.
The food was quite tasty. The "premium" magaritas, however, were pathetic. They were extraordinarily weak. I actually saw the bartender add water or soda to them. Not worth $5, let alone the $12 charged for it.
The food is tasty and it will bring me back. However, the drinks were horrible. Ordered a margarita it was watered down, poorly made, tasteless and cost $12.
I've lived one half of my life in NY and the other half in Cali! I know authentic Mexican food! I ordered my favorite, Menudo! It's a Mexican soup! It was horrible! I ordered large to begin with, I got a medium container! It didn't come with the usual; cilantro, onions and lime and corn tortillas! It was full of garbanzo beans and very little meat! Very disappointed! It tasted authentic though and the customer service was A1! Won't order again!
Rude staff, watered down margaritas, definitely not going back. Left a big tip to be nice, but our sever did not deserve it.
Rude staff, watered down margaritas, definitely not going back. Left a big tip to be nice, but our sever did not deserve it.
I've lived one half of my life in NY and the other half in Cali! I know authentic Mexican food! I ordered my favorite, Menudo! It's a Mexican soup! It was horrible! I ordered large to begin with, I got a medium container! It didn't come with the usual; cilantro, onions and lime and corn tortillas! It was full of garbanzo beans and very little meat! Very disappointed! It tasted authentic though and the customer service was A1! Won't order again!
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About El Mariachi Tapas
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271 Lark St, Albany, NY 12210
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271 Lark St, Albany, NY 12210
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