Mi Nidito Cantina Mexicana

Location: 852 8th Ave. (btw 51st & 52nd St)
Cuisine: Mexican, Vegetarian
Hours: Daily 11:30am-11:30pm
Phone: 212-265-0022
Website: www.miniditoonline.com
Prices: About $15-20 per person
Credit Cards: All major

Food: 8
Service: 8
Value: 6
Environment: 6

Visits: 1 (eat-in)

Paul and I met up for dinner after work in Midtown West. I arrived earlier and started to scout the area and look things up on Vindigo. I brought up the vegetarian category since Paul is a pure vegetarian and was surprised to see Mi Nidito Cantina Mexicana. When Paul arrived, I showed him the entry and we both wanted to take a look out of curiousity. Neither of us had ever been to a Mexican vegetarian place before.

We checked out the menu after arriving at the entrance, and it wasn't actually a vegetarian restaurant. That was just what Vindigo listed it as, but they had a large number of vegetarian options. I'd say at least one third of their menu is vegetarian, which makes it a great place for omnivores like myself and herbivores like Paul to eat together.

I ordered the Steak Chili Verde. The meat soaked in green salsa was nice and tender. The spiciness was just right and portions were large. Paul had the mushroom chili and enjoyed it as well. He usually has trouble ordering new things, but I advised him to go with a mushroom dish. When I eat vegetarian, I tend to go with mushroom dishes because they're flavorful and have a smooth texture.

The restaurant staff was friendly and helpful. They explained some of the dishes to us and always made sure our glasses of water were full. The music was a bit loud though, which also caused everyone in there to speak at a higher tone.