Casa Enrique ★9.1

Casa Enrique: A Michelin Star That Skips the Ceremony

No white gloves, no hushed room — just a bright, buzzing spot in Long Island City where mezcal cocktails hit the table fast and the mole tastes like someone’s grandmother is supervising. Casa Enrique became famous as the Mexican restaurant that won a Michelin star and then simply kept acting like a neighborhood joint.

The Story

Chef Cosme Aguilar grew up in Chiapas, Mexico’s deep south, learning to cook from his mother, sister and aunts before spending a decade in French kitchens in New York, including running Bar Henri. In 2012 he and his brother Luis opened Casa Enrique to cook the family’s own recipes — and by 2014 the little room had a Michelin star it has held year after year since, with a James Beard nomination along the way.

What to Order

The mole de Piaxtla is the dish that built the reputation: chicken under a sauce whipped from almonds, raisins, plantains, sesame and chocolate. The chamorro de borrego al huaxamole — lamb shank braised with chile pulla, huaje and epazote — is built for sharing, the enchiladas carry that same mole beautifully, and the tres leches is the mandatory finish. The margaritas and mezcal list are half the reason regulars keep the barstools warm.

The Space

A simple, whitewashed, light-filled room that refuses to dress up for its accolades — steel stools, a friendly bar, tables packed close and a constant hum. The energy is pure LIC: casual on the surface, exacting underneath.

Who It’s For

Food pilgrims chasing stars without stiff service, date nights fueled by mezcal, and anyone who wants proof that fine cooking and a loud, happy room can coexist.

Good to Know

Do I need to book? Yes — tables go quickly on Resy; book ahead or aim for an early weeknight slot.

What’s the dress code? None at all; come as you are, the star does not mind.

What if I don’t eat meat? There are seafood and vegetable-forward options, and the kitchen handles requests graciously.

Is the bar worth it on its own? Absolutely — margaritas and mezcal cocktails make it a destination even before dinner.

Is it good for groups? Small groups, yes; the room is intimate, so larger parties should plan well in advance.

Opening hours