Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
Guacamole
Patron Platninum
Berry Got Back
Skinnys Old Fashioned
About
Skinny's Cantina
Welcome to Skinny's Cantina, a vibrant destination for authentic Mexican cuisine nestled in the heart of Long Island City, New York. With its rustic charm, complete with Spanish tiling and exposed beams, this cantina offers a delightful setting for any occasion—be it a casual dinner, a festive celebration, or a family gathering.
Located at 4705 Center Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11109, Skinny's Cantina is as accessible as it is inviting, boasting a range of utilities that cater to diverse needs. From reservations and delivery options to vegan and vegetarian selections, the menu is designed to please everyone at the table. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible and offers various payment options, including Apple Pay and Android Pay.
As you step in, you're greeted by the lively atmosphere that buzzes with moderate noise, perfect for engaging conversations over shared plates. The outdoor seating is an excellent choice for those who want to savor their meals under the sky, whether in the heated covered area or on a warmer day.
Hands down, the star of the show at Skinny's Cantina is the food. Diners rave about dishes like the Queso Fundido, which offers an irresistible melty cheese experience complemented by rajas de chile poblano, and the Guacamole, praised for its perfect blend of Haas avocado and seasonings. The Chorizo Nachos—a colorful array of toppings piled high on crispy chips—yield rave reviews, and it’s clear that attention to flavor is a top priority.
- Crispy Calamari: A crowd favorite, highlighted for its accompanying fried jalapenos and avocado aioli.
- Burritos: Notably, the shrimp burrito and carnitas fritas have become signature dishes that diners find hard to resist.
- Drinks: The cocktail menu shines with offerings like the frozen margarita and Don Julio 1942, perfect for sharing during happy hour or a lively brunch.
While diners have noted that service can be hit or miss—leaning towards a more transactional experience—the quality of the food often overshadows this aspect. Many customers recommend opting for takeout, especially since the flavors are just as satisfying when enjoyed at home. Moreover, with catering services and options for private dining, Skinny's Cantina accommodates everything from quick bites to grand celebrations.
In short, Skinny's Cantina stands out for its delicious culinary offerings and charming atmosphere, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone in search of a genuine Mexican dining experience in Long Island City. Don't miss out on treating yourself to this local gem!
Book a table
Make A Reservation
“ I ate here with my son, and the atmosphere and food were great! The service was okay, but it was more of a "What do you want" service model. There was no welcome or conversation. Once we ordered food, the server did not come back to check on us ever, and we never got refills on our water. I ended up having to flag down the waiter to pay the check. Service aside, the food was very good. I had a shrimp burrito, and my son had a chicken quesadilla. We also ordered the guacamole, which was quite good as well. The chips were not fresh, but they were used as merely a vessel for the guac, and the taste of the guac overshadowed the dull chips. Be prepared for a pricey experience, but it should be expected as it's in LIC close to the water. I will try this place again for the food, but most likely, I will just order takeout in the future. ”
“ Their low rating is undeserved!!! I used to live in LIC and me and my girlfriend would love coming here. The food is amazing and decent value. The service for sure is subpar though but works well enough. The solution is ordering for takeout and eating it immediately. I recommend their burritos as well as their calamari. For some reason their calamari is so fire. ”
“ The carnitas fritas was honestly so good and soft. The green sauce that came with it was the best. The service was great, they came by and gave us water constantly. The building was cute it was like a shack but like cute. ”
“ 10/10 food! The guacamole is excellent the flavor is perfect not too much cilantro and it has the right balance of lime n salt. The carne tacos and Birria tacos were also so good I forgot to take a picture until after I ate. We got margarita pitchers and the drinks were strong and not watered down. The only thing is the service was not the best but we were a large party so it's understandable. Parking in this area is always terrible but we managed to find street parking after 30 mins of searching. Gantry state park is right around the corner so it's a nice walk with great views after your meal. I will definitely be back here! ”
“ Experience the ultimate Mexican fiesta at skinnys cantina in LIC, Queens . This spot boasts a rustic and chic vibe with Spanish tiling and exposed beams, creating the perfect backdrop for celebrations, family gatherings, and day or nights out. During my visit , we opted for the bottomless brunch special, a delightful experience that included an array of mouthwatering old country Mexican dishes. Plus, you get to choose between Mimosa or Bellini to accompany your brunch adventure. We ordered: Queso Fundido Steak and Egg Guacamole Smoked Salmon Benedict Mimosa and Strawberry Mojito ”
“ 2nd time coming here and finally got the chance to ask for the name of our server from last time. His name is Jose. He is amazing in all seriousness. He remembered us from the previous time and treated us with lots of hospitality. This time around instead of the chicken nachos I tried the chorizo nachos and I left the plate spotless. Super good. My daughter loved the sweet and spicy wings. Service is still nothing short of amazing and we will be back here again to try different food options. Also their music / vibe is A1 ”
