A Michelin Star in LIC – Casa Enrique

We were searching for a Mexican restaurant to go to for date night – Casa Enrique was a quaint surprise for us in Long Island City.  It is actually very easy to miss if you are not looking for it – but once you enter, it feels very homey and modern. We did not have a reservation so we had a 45-minute wait, which is pretty good considering it is a Michelin star restaurant in a lively neighborhood.

As we waited, we strolled our way two blocks away to Gantry Plaza State Park where we enjoyed the waterfront and a view of Manhattan. There is plenty of greenery, docks, street food, and waterfront restaurants. It is s one of the most breath-taking views of Manhattan at nighttime and our favorite spot in New York City.

We made are way back to Café Enrique. We were mesmerized instantly. Everyone greeted us with a smile and made us feel like we were the most important guests at the time – even though they had a packed bar, main dining area and even busier back dining area. The space is well-lit with cozy and rustic vibes.

We ordered a well-balanced mango and melon infused cocktail each and shared their house guacamole, which had fresh ingredients with a robust flavor.

We each ordered entrees and as you can see, the presentation was impeccable. The best part of the experience was that we were given space and time to enjoy the food, company, and environment without feeling rushed. Even after we finished our meals, we took an extra 20 minutes to enjoy our cocktails before we asked for the check. Several times before we have been to busy restaurants where the check came as the meal came,  or as the bus boys were cleaning up. We finally understood what a Michelin-star experience meant!

Casa Enrique is a gem in Long Island City. It will probably out grow its location in the near future but as long as it’s here we’ll be back. From the ambience, to the presentation, and the price was fantastic. You don’t need to spend top dollar to have a top Michelin experience.