This week, ESquared Hospitality introduces Horchata (470 Sixth Avenue), an original Mexican concept in the heart of Greenwich Village in Manhattan, offering Chef Manuel Trevino’s playful take on authentic regional cuisine, signature cocktails, including classic and spiked Horchatas, and a carefully cultivated tequila and mezcal program.
“We are thrilled to open Horchata in a neighborhood with such a rich dining scene, yet limited options in Mexican cuisine,” says Jimmy Haber, managing partner of ESquared Hospitality. “We look forward to the restaurant becoming a fixture in the village and sharing our unique offerings with our neighbors.”
Conceptualized and designed by Samantha Wasser, ESquared Hospitality’s creative director, Horchata’s décor blends ease and comfort with a spirit of playfulness to create a warm, intimate dining experience. Traditional Mexican baubles, cultural icons, and art installations add a meaningful splash of color to the reclaimed wood bar, exposed brick, and distressed tin ceiling. Edison bulbs are strung overhead cozy booths and two long communal tables, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a Mexican hacienda.
Several walls have one-of-a-kind, hand-drawn murals by New York-based artist RJ Raizke, whose pattern work for downtown hot spots has garnered a cult following. Guests are also welcomed by a custom entryway creation from CONFETTISYSTEM, marking the first U.S. restaurant installation for the renowned artist-design firm, most known for its work with Beyoncé, Opening Ceremony, and MoMA PS1.
“Our goal was to create an easy, comfortable place for people in the neighborhood, a space that’s as welcoming for a casual dinner with friends as a big birthday celebration,” Wasser says. “We hand-selected every element of the restaurant’s design to establish a fun personality and warm atmosphere inspired by Mexico, without being too clichéd or overwhelming. Ultimately, we wanted to craft a Mexican restaurant that hadn’t been seen before.”
Horchata’s menu pays homage to classic regional and traditional Mexican cuisine while incorporating playful influences that nod to modern American and Tex-Mex fare. Created by Chef Trevino, formerly of Dos Caminos and Dream Downtown, the menu consists of shareable guacamoles, salsas and ceviche, small plates, fresh salads, a variety of tacos and quesadillas, large format main dishes, authentic market sides, and tempting desserts.
The restaurant will serve lunch and dinner daily, as well as host weekend brunch. Standout dishes include Guacamole con Chorizo y Queso made of guacamole clásico, chipotle queso, Mexican chorizo, crema fresca, and potato chips; Ensalada de Berros with watercress, grapefruit, jicama, and chocolate vinaigrette; and Enchiladas Dobladas with Mexican cheeses, avocado, shredded cabbage, and chile guajillo sauce.
The lively bar area will be home to a beverage program influenced both by Mexican tradition and contemporary cocktail trends, featuring classic Mexican sodas, exotic fresh aguas frescas, signature spiked Horchatas, fresh frozen margaritas, flights of thoughtfully curated rare and small-batch tequilas and mezcals, a global selection of wine and beer, and a rotating collection of seasonal cocktails that highlight ripe and bold ingredients.
Signature sips include The Funky Monkey Signature Horchata with Horchata, Malibu Rum, Stoli Vanilla, and Kahlua; Meyer Lemon & Yuzu Margarita with El Jimador, Triple Sec, Meyer Lemon, Yuzu, and Agave; Smokey The Bear with Mina Real Mezcal, Aperol, Croft Distinction Port, Lemon, and Agave; and Papi Chulo with Gran Centenario Anejo, Crème de Cacao, Ramazotti Amaro, Pineapple, Lime, and Ginger Beer.
