Pequena
(718) 643-0000
86 S Portland Ave
Brooklyn,
NY
11217
40.687
-73.9746
Neighborhood: Fort Greene
What People Are Saying About Pequena
The Editor
Justin Hartung
Citysearch
The Scene
Decked out in bright purples and oranges and a whole greenhouse worth of plants, Pequena looks more like a hippie grandmother's refuge than a hipster hangout. But the outfits on the front porch--lots of Castro caps and T-shirts bearing ironic slogans--clearly demark 21st-century Brooklyn.
The Draw
As the only decent Mexican spot in Fort Greene, Pequena can get away with less-than-authentic fare. Tortilla soup makes a promising beginning, the rich broth flecked with cojita, but the dressing on a shrimp and avocado salad tastes suspiciously bottle-like. Made with fresh ingredients, entrees favor milder palettes: Rotisserie chicken gets little relief from the accompanying bland rice and soupy black beans, while beef fajitas suffer too much grease. For simple, more reliable pleasure, try the tacos with a shot of creamy guac and hot sauce. Finish with tartly tempting Key-lime pie, a truly revolutionary capper.
User Reviews
Anonymous
December 07, 2008
Really enjoy both taking out from and eating in at this tiny little Mexican restaurant. Food quality is very high and the margaritas are very good, Summertime outdoor dining on the deck is a fave
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brooklyndan
July 26, 2008
Wanted to go there the other night as I hadn't been in many months and have always loved the food. But, my "old lady" wanted to go to Pacifico instead and we were in that neighborhood anyway. I was curious and had remembered hearing good things, so we ate there. Long story short; Krappy! Will give that review on the Pacifico page. So, to fill my desire for that type of Mexican food that Pequena and Pacifico both serve, we went to Pequena last night. What a difference!!! Margarita; Very good! Limey, strong, not too sweet and came without salt, the way I ordered it (seems a very hard thing to get; the last 2 margs. I've ordered [at Bonita, then Pacifico] both "rocks, NO salt", came with salt!! Then they got poured into new glasses, taking a noticeable amount of the salt with them into the new glass!).......OK, back to PQ.....Guacamole; still some of the best I've ever had in a restaurant and a very generous portion! Chips are always great here too! Then, the Black Bean and Plantain Quesadilla; LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Then, the caesar with shredded pork! I'm a caesar salad person and could eat it every day. ALso, I don't like when it's 'f'd' with, but this one's good. and fresh. and big. and you can get shredded pork on top! keep your pallid chicken breast for the next dieter, please; i will take my pig chunks instead! Oh yeah, and the pico de gallo also kicked the butt of the one at Pacifico! So, I've seen this place get KRAZY with tables, walk-in's, deliveries, phone calls, etc. As, I've said, it's tiny and i can see how it can get overwhelmed and take a while for food, etc. But, damn if I didn't LOVE EVERY SINGLE BITE of my food there last night and every slurp of tequila-lime-icy-no-salt goodness!!!
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citylivin
March 12, 2008
Listen, if you're going to make me wait over an hour for a quesadilla, just tell me when I walk in so I can leave immediately! Not only was the owner dismissive each time we (and the three tables near us) inquired where our food was, but they didn't bring chips or anything to nibble on until 5 min. before our food finally came out. A pregnant woman's husband asked several times if they could have something while they waited, and his wife was literally crying she was so hungry and they left after about 45 minutes! We almost left when over an hour later our two simple dishes arrived, and then I had the weirdest conversation I've had in a long time. I guess the owner was trying to make up for the absurd time it took to bring our food, so first she said she'd comp the meal. Trying to be polite I said "oh, you don't have to do that," so she says "do you guys come here often?" Being honest we say "this is our first time here," and what does the owner do? She brings back a check with one meal on it? Huh? What?! So if we were regulars who waited that long you'd comp us, but because you figure this was so screwed up that we won't return, you adjust the check back up? Well, mission accomplished lady. Never, ever will I recommend Pequena!
read full reviewThe Details on Pequena
What to Drink:
Margaritas come in wild nightly flavors like blood orange and kiwi, and a rum-spiked lemonade makes a perfect porch sipper.
The Extras:
Chips come dusted with chili powder, a nice touch, but, sadly, they don't come gratis.
When to Go:
Dinnertime gets packed, while brunch is a more leisurely affair.
