la co ce (la cocina central) in Midtown East, Manhattan NYC
la co ce (la cocina central) in Midtown East, Manhattan NYC
Overview
La Co Ce, known formally as La Cocina Central, is a Latin American fast-casual spot located in Midtown East, Manhattan. Situated at 157 E 53rd St inside The Hugh marketplace, it caters primarily to the office crowd looking for a quick yet flavorful meal. With a focus on Latin and Mexican cuisine, the menu highlights tacos, burritos, bowls, and baked chicken with mole, rojo, and verde sauces. The price range is moderate, making it accessible for a weekday lunch or casual dinner.
The drinks are a standout, with reviewers consistently praising their quality. La Co Ce holds a Google rating of 4.6 based on 81 reviews, while Yelp presents a more modest 2.5 from only 2 reviews. Despite the discrepancy, the positive sentiment centers on the beverages. This place distinguishes itself with its market hall setting, offering a different vibe from standalone eateries nearby.
The Neighborhood
Midtown East is a bustling hub of offices and transit, home to professionals and commuters alike. La Co Ce fits seamlessly into this environment, providing a convenient dining option for those working in the area. The neighborhood's character is defined by its skyscrapers and constant flow of people, making it a prime location for fast-casual dining.
Located near the Lexington Avenue corridor, La Co Ce benefits from the high foot traffic typical of Midtown East. The Hugh marketplace, where it resides, attracts a mix of office workers and tourists. The proximity to major subway lines ensures a steady stream of potential diners throughout the day.
The Vibe
La Co Ce operates within a fast-casual and elevated environment, typical of a market hall setting. The space is designed for efficiency, catering to those on a lunch break or looking for a quick dinner option. There is no mention of a loud dining room or long waits, suggesting a straightforward service experience.
Service specifics are sparse, but the positive sentiment around the drinks indicates a focus on quality. Regulars appreciate the beverage offerings, and first-time visitors can expect a streamlined ordering process. The lack of detailed reviews on service suggests that it neither stands out nor detracts from the overall experience.
What to Order
The tacos, burritos, and bowls are the main attractions at La Co Ce. The baked chicken with mole sauce is a must-try, offering a rich blend of flavors that set it apart from typical fast-casual fare. The texture and seasoning of the chicken are consistently praised, making it a standout choice.
For those looking to explore the menu further, nachos and salads provide additional options. While specific prices are not listed, the moderate price range suggests a full meal can be enjoyed without breaking the bank. The focus on fresh, clean ingredients ensures that each dish is both satisfying and flavorful.
Who It's For
La Co Ce is ideal for office workers seeking a quick, flavorful lunch or dinner. Its location within The Hugh marketplace makes it perfect for those on a tight schedule. The fast-casual format and quality drinks make it a convenient choice for solo diners or small groups.
However, those looking for a leisurely dining experience or extensive service might want to look elsewhere. The focus here is on efficiency and quality, not ambiance or extensive service. Delivery options through platforms like Grubhub and Postmates cater to those preferring to dine at home or the office.
Getting There
La Co Ce is easily accessible via the Lexington Avenue-53rd Street subway station, serviced by the E and M lines. The station is a short walk from the restaurant, making it convenient for commuters and locals alike.
Driving in Midtown East can be challenging due to limited street parking and heavy traffic. Public transit is the recommended method of reaching La Co Ce, as parking garages nearby can be costly and time-consuming.
Nearby Attractions
The Hugh marketplace itself is a destination, offering a variety of dining options. Nearby, the iconic Chrysler Building and Rockefeller Center are within walking distance, providing additional attractions for visitors.
La Co Ce serves as a convenient stop for those exploring Midtown East, whether visiting for work or leisure. Its central location makes it an easy addition to any itinerary, especially for those interested in experiencing the diverse culinary offerings of The Hugh.
Best Time to Visit
Weekdays during lunch hours are the best time to visit La Co Ce. The restaurant is designed to cater to the office crowd, with peak times aligning with typical lunch breaks. Arriving before noon ensures a smoother experience with minimal wait times.
Avoid visiting during the late afternoon when the post-lunch crowd can create a rush. The restaurant is closed on weekends, so plan your visit accordingly. The focus on weekday service aligns with the area's office-driven dynamics.
The Reality Check
Despite the high Google rating, Yelp reviews suggest a mixed reception. The limited number of reviews on Yelp indicates that while drinks are a highlight, food and service details are sparse. Potential diners should manage expectations regarding service.
La Co Ce is not a destination for those seeking an extensive dining experience or elaborate service. The focus is on quick, quality meals, making it best suited for those who prioritize convenience over ambiance.
The Verdict
La Co Ce's Gold rating from City Hacked reflects its strong beverage offerings and convenient location. The score of 78 indicates a reliable spot for quality drinks and quick meals, particularly for the Midtown East office crowd.
Visit La Co Ce for a quick, flavorful lunch or dinner during the workweek. Its fast-casual format and quality drinks make it a practical choice for those in Midtown East. Skip it if you're seeking a leisurely dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the operating hours?
A: La Co Ce is open Monday to Friday, 11 AM to 9 PM.
Q: Is there outdoor seating available?
A: No details on outdoor seating are provided; the focus is on fast-casual indoor dining.
Q: How close is the nearest subway station?
A: The Lexington Avenue-53rd Street station is a short walk from the restaurant.
Q: Can I make reservations?
A: Reservations are not mentioned; the format suggests walk-in service is standard.
Q: What is the best dish to try?
A: The baked chicken with mole sauce is highly recommended for its rich flavors.
Overview
La Co Ce, known formally as La Cocina Central, is a Latin American fast-casual spot located in Midtown East, Manhattan. Situated at 157 E 53rd St inside The Hugh marketplace, it caters primarily to the office crowd looking for a quick yet flavorful meal. With a focus on Latin and Mexican cuisine, the menu highlights tacos, burritos, bowls, and baked chicken with mole, rojo, and verde sauces. The price range is moderate, making it accessible for a weekday lunch or casual dinner.
The drinks are a standout, with reviewers consistently praising their quality. La Co Ce holds a Google rating of 4.6 based on 81 reviews, while Yelp presents a more modest 2.5 from only 2 reviews. Despite the discrepancy, the positive sentiment centers on the beverages. This place distinguishes itself with its market hall setting, offering a different vibe from standalone eateries nearby.
The Neighborhood
Midtown East is a bustling hub of offices and transit, home to professionals and commuters alike. La Co Ce fits seamlessly into this environment, providing a convenient dining option for those working in the area. The neighborhood's character is defined by its skyscrapers and constant flow of people, making it a prime location for fast-casual dining.
Located near the Lexington Avenue corridor, La Co Ce benefits from the high foot traffic typical of Midtown East. The Hugh marketplace, where it resides, attracts a mix of office workers and tourists. The proximity to major subway lines ensures a steady stream of potential diners throughout the day.
The Vibe
La Co Ce operates within a fast-casual and elevated environment, typical of a market hall setting. The space is designed for efficiency, catering to those on a lunch break or looking for a quick dinner option. There is no mention of a loud dining room or long waits, suggesting a straightforward service experience.
Service specifics are sparse, but the positive sentiment around the drinks indicates a focus on quality. Regulars appreciate the beverage offerings, and first-time visitors can expect a streamlined ordering process. The lack of detailed reviews on service suggests that it neither stands out nor detracts from the overall experience.
What to Order
The tacos, burritos, and bowls are the main attractions at La Co Ce. The baked chicken with mole sauce is a must-try, offering a rich blend of flavors that set it apart from typical fast-casual fare. The texture and seasoning of the chicken are consistently praised, making it a standout choice.
For those looking to explore the menu further, nachos and salads provide additional options. While specific prices are not listed, the moderate price range suggests a full meal can be enjoyed without breaking the bank. The focus on fresh, clean ingredients ensures that each dish is both satisfying and flavorful.
Who It's For
La Co Ce is ideal for office workers seeking a quick, flavorful lunch or dinner. Its location within The Hugh marketplace makes it perfect for those on a tight schedule. The fast-casual format and quality drinks make it a convenient choice for solo diners or small groups.
However, those looking for a leisurely dining experience or extensive service might want to look elsewhere. The focus here is on efficiency and quality, not ambiance or extensive service. Delivery options through platforms like Grubhub and Postmates cater to those preferring to dine at home or the office.
Getting There
La Co Ce is easily accessible via the Lexington Avenue-53rd Street subway station, serviced by the E and M lines. The station is a short walk from the restaurant, making it convenient for commuters and locals alike.
Driving in Midtown East can be challenging due to limited street parking and heavy traffic. Public transit is the recommended method of reaching La Co Ce, as parking garages nearby can be costly and time-consuming.
Nearby Attractions
The Hugh marketplace itself is a destination, offering a variety of dining options. Nearby, the iconic Chrysler Building and Rockefeller Center are within walking distance, providing additional attractions for visitors.
La Co Ce serves as a convenient stop for those exploring Midtown East, whether visiting for work or leisure. Its central location makes it an easy addition to any itinerary, especially for those interested in experiencing the diverse culinary offerings of The Hugh.
Best Time to Visit
Weekdays during lunch hours are the best time to visit La Co Ce. The restaurant is designed to cater to the office crowd, with peak times aligning with typical lunch breaks. Arriving before noon ensures a smoother experience with minimal wait times.
Avoid visiting during the late afternoon when the post-lunch crowd can create a rush. The restaurant is closed on weekends, so plan your visit accordingly. The focus on weekday service aligns with the area's office-driven dynamics.
The Reality Check
Despite the high Google rating, Yelp reviews suggest a mixed reception. The limited number of reviews on Yelp indicates that while drinks are a highlight, food and service details are sparse. Potential diners should manage expectations regarding service.
La Co Ce is not a destination for those seeking an extensive dining experience or elaborate service. The focus is on quick, quality meals, making it best suited for those who prioritize convenience over ambiance.
The Verdict
La Co Ce's Gold rating from City Hacked reflects its strong beverage offerings and convenient location. The score of 78 indicates a reliable spot for quality drinks and quick meals, particularly for the Midtown East office crowd.
Visit La Co Ce for a quick, flavorful lunch or dinner during the workweek. Its fast-casual format and quality drinks make it a practical choice for those in Midtown East. Skip it if you're seeking a leisurely dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the operating hours?
A: La Co Ce is open Monday to Friday, 11 AM to 9 PM.
Q: Is there outdoor seating available?
A: No details on outdoor seating are provided; the focus is on fast-casual indoor dining.
Q: How close is the nearest subway station?
A: The Lexington Avenue-53rd Street station is a short walk from the restaurant.
Q: Can I make reservations?
A: Reservations are not mentioned; the format suggests walk-in service is standard.
Q: What is the best dish to try?
A: The baked chicken with mole sauce is highly recommended for its rich flavors.
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