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EATING HEALTHY MEX-I-QUE AMIGOS RESTAURANT

 NYC 2888 Broadway-112/113th Streets
(#1 train - Cathedral Parkway or Columbia Univ. 116th Street stops)

WHERE: A stretch of Manhattan's Broadway has blossomed into a destination for accessible price point eateries including  the festive....and filled even on a Monday night-Mexican/Cowboy aka MEX-I and QUE themed AMIGOS Restaurant. Makes sense to us- the locale...near St. John the Divine, Riverside Church, Grant's Tomb and Columbia University...
looking back
THE SET-UP: Great for summery temps---out front there's two layers of sidewalk eating...inside a celebratory lit bar area with-symbolic Mexican decorations hanging from the ceiling, a few flat panel tv screens broadcasting futbol (men's friendlies and YAYYY women's FIFA World Cup)-  a sound system pumping out trendy music but mercifully not at ear splitting levels...and where we sat-in the spacious elevated- back area which is more quiet---tricked out with festive art on the wall,  a bright white tin ceiling, plenty of room between tables-occupied by a very mixed clientele-locals, students, and two large set-ups for the groups of straight from work crowds.

be impressed-list of tequilas = all inclusive...between those offerings and soccer broadcasts---many happy patrons
All tables-have that characteistic red/white checker coverings, paper napkins, real china plates and metal cutlery---a big step up from fast food---  but not too precious as to ward off those looking for a relaxed dining experience.

 THE SERVICE: There are a lot of employees who are busy bees-even on a Monday night when the nearby Columbia University is between sessions, the place was full...AMIGOS is a draw...so the wait staff and bus persons were on the go---non-stop and could handle it.

crisp chips and chunky salsa

frozen margaritas MEX-I side of the menu- in several flavors-including mango---Happy Hour specials every night too

We appreciated the pace-drinks and complimentary salsa and chips- came straight away...and rest of the meal- well timed-which left time to chat- never feeling rushed to turn-over the table for the next set of patrons-which happens a lot at other inexpensive spots.

some of the bold artwork -Mexican inspired

 THE MENU: Divided up into a "Mex" side-of Mexican classics beginning with devour-able home made guacamole in mild-medium-spicy options... and some newer interpretations thereof...and a "QUE" side-includes Tex style BBQ and appetizers like the can never have enough deviled eggs!

 the right amount of mustard/ mayonnaise...dusting of paprika-Deviled Eggs $6


home-made guacamole...chunky avocados, , peppers, lime juice, spices=perfection. Regular portion $9 but there is a large feed 3 flavors guacamole trio $17 a crowd size too.
ENTREES: No doubt-shareable classic selections including many different fillings-for/of- Quesidillas, Fajitas, Burritos, and Enchiladas (come loaded with sides $11-$18) would be waaay more than enough ...but we wanted to try and eat lighter/healthier...a general trend in eating out for everyone...

Mission Accomplished:
 The chopped salad-pictured with queso oaxaca cheese, avocado slices, freshly shredded greens/iceberg lettuce, chopped cucumbers, onions +tomatoes-crispy strips of tortilla chips ($12) and an extra grilled shrimp ($6) -was super fresh, tangy dressed (not saturated either-just right amount of lime vinagrette) and large enough to be an entree. Terrific.
chopped salad-queso oaxaca cheese, avocado slices, freshly shredded greens/iceberg lettuce, chopped cucumbers, onions +tomatoes-crispy strips of tortilla chips ($12) and an extra grilled shrimp ($6)
The BAJA FISH tacos-featured lightly fried chunks of white meaty fish with plenty of fresh citrus slaw up top...well done mix of textures, not greasy, and accompanied by toppings of lime wedge,  chipolte sour cream, salsa and can never have enough guacamole ($15).

Baja Fish Tacos $15

staples-rice and beans come as sides with entree.

looking towards the front-welcoming spot---no wonder it is doing so well
 GOOD TO KNOW: Kids menu,  sweet indulgent desserts- $6, weeknight specials like Mondays all you can eat tacos/sangria, an entire BBQ menu with different sauces, Burgers, lots of sides ($4-$5), draught and bottled beers-from Tecate, Corona Lite, Goose Island IPA, Stella Artois etc. ($4-$7), Cowboy Drinks- inventive cocktails like Columbia Martini-Absolut Citrus Vodka, Aperol Lemon Juice, and Grapefruit Juice $10-(others from $10-$12) as well as all sorts of margaritas, an extensive Tequila and Bourbon list...and wines by the glass $8.

INFO: www.amigosnyc.com open 7 days/week