With the temperatures warming up, the coming of true Spring felt all too official on Wednesday May 2nd, when Toro Loco, a new Mexican restaurant in the Financial District, opened up their doors with a VIP Preview. The day before its official opening, we took in all that is Mexican fare, festive cocktails and, of course, the beauty of mingling with fellow city-goers in this enjoyable weather because, let’s face it, we have earned it.
As we entered the venue, Toro Loco opened up into a two-floor venue: the bottom floor for a spacious dining experience and the top floor used as an extra bar or event space. Once up top, the restaurant was filled with modern Mexican decor, natural light from a small terrace and hip-hop jams from an in-house DJ, stationed underneath a hanging neon light in the corner of the floor. After greeting with the fabulous PR organizers, it was all about the open bar menu, which included signature drinks, beer, and wine.
The cocktail program, which is headed up by Cody Goldstein of Muddling Memories, are just as much about the presentation as they are about the taste. Cocktails include Say Aloe to My Little Friend (tequila, aloe vera, lime, curacao, salted honey) and The Devil in Disguise (mezcal, Ancho Reyes, creme de cassis, sage, ginger beer), which proved to be to be worthwhile items. Still, Toro Loco knew their bread and butter, so good ol’ fashion margaritas were also satisfying options.
On the food end, with Chef Silvestre Mora at the lead, Toro Loco served up several small plates, including a variety tacos (like carne enchilada pork, carne asada grilled strip steak, and mahi mahi), chicken wings, taquitos, and fried peppers with soldering cheese. Among their other items on the menu included their signature Toro Loco Burger (beef burger, pepperjack cheese, grilled smoked ham, chipotle slaw, key lime scallions, mayo, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions), which is served with adobo fries, Nachos Toro Loco (three cheeses, house pickled jalapenos, crema, pico de gallo, refried black beans, guacamole), a Burrito Loco (choripapa chorizo, dice potatoes, rice, black beans, chopped tomatoes, guacamole, crema, cotija cheese served with a side salad), and a specialty torta (light fried breaded chicken breast with oaxaca cheese, lettuce, tomato, avocado, pickled jalapenos, refried pinto beans, and key lime mayo).
Just streets away from the Staten Island Ferry station, Toro Loco is a bit of a hidden gem in a neighborhood, where it can be difficult to find accommodated space with some festive flair. Throw in the fact that they are tucked into the corner of Stone Street, have a terrace, and hosts unlimited weekend brunch specials, and it makes it all the more enjoyable for the summer season. Scroll on below to see more photos from the opening night!
Toro Loco is currently open and accepting reservations.
Toro Loco
15 Stone Street
Instagram @toroloconyc
