Oaxaca Kitchen - New Haven, New Haven, CT

Oaxaca Kitchen - New Haven

3.9

264 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Top Tags:

Oaxaca Kitchen of New Haven, Connecticut, offers Mexican favorites to diners in a casual atmosphere. The menu offers traditional starters such as quesadillas, nachos, arepa, tamale, empanadas, shrimp ceviche and chile. There are also tacos with short ribs, barbacoa, pork, chicken or fish as well. For diners searching for lighter fare, there are also fitness tacos available, which are served in a lettuce cup. Oaxaca Kitchen offers a variety of entr�es including fajitas with chicken, steak or shrimp. Other entr�es include scallop salsa verde, carne asada, Costilla de res, mole rojo and camarones al chipotle. The menu at Oaxaca Kitchen also features burritos and tortas as well as several dessert options.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Mexican, Traditional Mexican
Hours of operation
Lunch: Daily: 11:30am - 2:30pm; Dinner: Monday - Thursday: 5:00pm - 9:30pm, Friday - Saturday: 5:00pm - 10:30pm, Sunday: 4:00pm - 9:00pm; Brunch: Sunday: 11:30am - 2:30pm
Phone number
(203) 859-5774
Website
http://www.oaxacakitchen.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Prasad Chirnomula
Catering
Custom Tailored.

Location
228 College St, New Haven, CT 06510
Neighborhood
New Haven
Cross street
Crown Street
Parking details
Adjacent Parking Lots & Street Parking.
Public transit
Metro North and Green Bus
Entertainment
Contemporary Latin Music
Additional
Bar Dining, Beer, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Burrito
Flour Tortilla Filled With Rice, Beans, Mexican Cheese, And Your Choice Of Meat. Choice Of Marinated Steak, Grilled Chicken, Shrimp, Or Pork.
- Grilled Chicken$15.00
- Marinated Steak$16.00
- Shrimp$16.00
- Pork$16.00
Enchilada Platter
Three Enchiladas Topped With Salsa, Roja, Melted Cheese, Rice And Beans, And Your Choice Of Meat. Choice Of Lobster, Marinated Steak, Grilled Chicken, Shrimp, Or Pork.
- Grilled Chicken$15.00
- Pork$15.00
- Shrimp$18.00
- Marinated Steak$19.00

Tortas and Hamburguesas

Torta
Mexican Sandwich With Choice Of Filling, Benas, Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Avocado, And Jalapenos. Choice Of Marinated Steak, Grilled Chicken, Shrimp, Or Pork.
- Grilled Chicken$12.00
- Marinated Steak$14.00
- Shrimp$14.00
- Pork$14.00
Mexican Hamburger$12.00
On A Bun With Queso Chihuahua And Poblano Tossed Spanish Onions And Chile Fries.

What 264 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

3.9

3.9 based on all time ratings

4Food
3.8Service
3.7Ambience

Noise • Moderate

230 Reviews

d
dagshore
Washington DC
16 reviews
vip
4.0
16 reviews
Dined on November 1, 2014
overall4food4service5ambience4
Although the menu has some of the usual Mexican fare, the entree specials are very authentic. Reasonably priced except for a kind of expensive Mojito but it was so good. Loved the guacamole and the house made chips were fantastic and not salty. The pork stew was really spicy but the meat was perfectly cooked. the accompanying rice and beans were so flavorful. Chilles Rellenos were delicious and perfectly seasoned. The service couldn't have been nicer. The young man who waited on us was clearly proud of the food he was serving, which is rare these days. He was attentive without being obsequious. Can't wait to go back, a lot on the menu I want to try.
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R
Richard
London
7 reviews
2.0
7 reviews
Dined on October 25, 2014
overall2food2service1ambience3
We were disappointed with this restaurant. Service was friendly but haphazard. Starters and main course we're brought at the same time. When we asked for them to be taken back they simply said we are busy so can't really help. With a push they did. Food was reasonable but not great. Seasoning and spices were not very vibrant for an authentic mexican or tex mex experience in my view.
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TD
TriciaD
New York Area
14 reviews
vip
3.0
14 reviews
Dined on October 18, 2014
overall3food3service4ambience4
This is a small but interesting little restaurant in a lively neighborhood near Yale in New Haven. They offer a broad Mexican menu and some specials that sounded interesting but we did not order them. We ordered guacamole and chips with our meal, which was good and freshly made. The food was nicely prepared and presented, and spice-wise it was on the "hot" side. It isn't the kind of food where you can't wait to have it again, but it was pretty good and we would come back and try some different dishes to find ones that we like the best. Quite a good value price-wise compared to some of the restaurants in the neighborhood. Go ahead and try it if you like Mexican!
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s
sandy
New York Area
58 reviews
vip
3.0
58 reviews
Dined on September 20, 2014
overall3food3service4ambience4
We were a little disappointed by our most recent meal at Oaxaca though we know we will return. Carne Asada should not be slightly less cooked than beef jerky. We will excuse this lapse.
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F
Frank
Las Vegas
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on September 13, 2014
overall1food1service4ambience1
Disappointing on food but good service. We were sat in the front bar area even though the dining room had tables available.
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l
luv2dine
Washington DC
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 7, 2014
overall2food1service2ambience3
Not really impressed at all. Food is only so-so; all pretty bland and made with cheep ingredients. Service is terribly slow and our waiter messed up our order multiple times. My brother ordered a burrito without beans or cheese (he's allergic) and it came out with just meat wrapped in this huge burrito - no lettuce, no rice, no tomato, onions, etc. (And the waiter explicitly said all of these would be included). Overall, I would not recommend and do not plan to return - maybe a good place to go for a hung-over brunch when you don't really care about quality.
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E
Erin
New York Area
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 30, 2014
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food, excellent service!!! Nice dining experience on the patio. Staff friendly and inviting. Parking easy on a Saturday night!!!
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S
Suzanne
New York Area
222 reviews
vip
3.0
222 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2014
overall3food3service3ambience3
The food was good though I was disappointed in the carnitas which were not prepared in an "traditional" fashion. The carne asada was tasty thiough a buit dry and overcooked to my liking. The quesadilla was generously filled with cheese and was quite good. I was surprised to see it was very slow at lunchtime so hope it picks up.
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AZ
AZtoGND
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 12, 2014
overall4food4service4ambience4
Spending 24 years of my life in the southwest, I'm very judgmental of Mexican food. The guacamole and chips were very good and the passion fruit frozen margarita was amazing. I also tried a variety of the soft tacos and really enjoyed the vegetarian.
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ND
NDAA
New York Area
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on June 21, 2014
overall2food4service1ambience3
We had a large group (~12) and the dinner started out well. I can't complain about the food. However, we ran into many issues with the service - I don't want to blame the restaurant itself, but our waiter was not competent in working with a larger party.
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NN
NomNomNom
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 7, 2014
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food here is to DIE for. It's not overpriced, which is nice. Ask the waiters for their recommendations, trust me you won't be disappointed!
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DK
DaKidJoey
New York Area
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 17, 2014
overall3food3service3ambience3
My steak was bad. The appetizer were incredible. The waitress didn't know how to open a bottle of wine, we had to show her, but the margaritas were fantastic. I've had better luck in the past at this place but this time I was underwhelmed.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
47 reviews
4.0
47 reviews
Dined on May 16, 2014
overall4food5service4ambience4
We were staying in New Haven for my son's graduation and having all our meals in the Study, which was great. But came here for a change of pace. It was an easy walk and close to campus. The flank steak with mashed sweet potatoes was truly outstanding. I can only eat meat when it's rare and I ordered it rate and they did a beautiful job. Highly recommend that dish. we were able to sit in a big booth which was the perfect family spot and very comfortable. Think were five people and that worked really well. Service was friendly and easy. Think everyone liked their dishes.
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N
Newhayhay
New York Area
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on May 10, 2014
overall1food4service1ambience3
They forgot about our food and then charged us full price with no compensation and it was terrible
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on May 5, 2014
overall1food2service1ambience2
We showed up 5 minutes early and didn't get seated until almost 20 after. When we finally got our table the the man who led us to it was very cold and off putting. Once seated it took about 25 minutes for the waitress to arrive and she took our drink, appetizer and entree order all at once. We then waited another 20 minutes, when a server showed up with only my entree, not my gf's. he then seemed puzzled at why I was asking what happened to our app and drinks, he then left and came back with both entrees. I asked him to take them back and get our app to come out first. We got out drinks and app and my gf got the wrong drink and mine tasted terrible. When they brought our entrees back out they were cold. I will never go back to this place.
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HN
HNC52
New York Area
7 reviews
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on April 6, 2014
overall3food3service3ambience3
The meal was fine, the wine decent, the staff friendly and professional. Upon ordering desert, the waiter asked if we would like coffee. We said yes. The waiter returned a few minutes later to say they didn't have any coffee. First of all, why offer something that you don't have. Secondly, if you want people to order dessert, coffee should be a no brainer.
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C
Cheryl
Washington DC
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2014
overall5food5service4ambience5
I took a group of 8 people from around the world. We had strict vegetarians and people who only eat carbs and meat. One likes spicy food, another wants no heat at all in her food. Everyone was very happy. It was a Tuesday night, so relatively quiet -- easy to have a conversation across the table.
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KP
KathiPaul
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2014
overall5food5service5ambience4
Wow! Everything we wanted and hoped for and more. Great location, directly across from Shubert! No driving or walking in the cold. The seating was up in back in a cozy spot. Lighting was great. Menu was perfect and everything, drinks, service and food was great. Food was by far some of the best Mexican I've EVER had. Prices great too. Defiantly a treasure spot. We will be back MANY. Times.
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VD
ValentineDiner
New York Area
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2014
overall3food3service2ambience2
The dining room was overcrowded, we were on top of the two tables next to us, and could not have a conversation or hear eachother. The waiter gave us a dessert we didn't order, and when we told him this (after 10 minutes of it sitting in front of us) he picked it up and put it onto the table next to us (gross!!!). Service was slow but workers were pleasant.
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II
IeatthereforeIlive
Washington DC
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on February 6, 2014
overall2food1service4ambience3
... But this place is terrible. The food is mediocre at best. Needless to say, I was expecting something much better from the same management as Thali and Thali Too. Very disappointing.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on January 25, 2014
overall2food2service1ambience2
The service was terrible; it was very slow and we had to order our drinks twice from 2 different people. The food took forever to come out, and they ran out of rice! How does a Mexican restaurant run out of rice?! So, I had to wait and it eat that after my taco. And they didn't even take it off our bill, which they should have done. The veggie taco was good. The rice and beans were bland.
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J
Jumbo
New York Area
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 19, 2014
overall2food1service3ambience3
The website menu looked very interesting and the NYTimes review was enthusiastic so we were amped up. The server was competent and cordial but the food was a big letdown across the board.
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N
Newhavenite
New York Area
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2013
overall4food4service5ambience5
Inventive & original menu, moles are outstanding.
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M
Mlm77
New York Area
13 reviews
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2013
overall4food4service4ambience4
We enjoyed our dinner at Oaxaca. The food was very good, the shrimp was a quite a bit spicier than expected (and was not noted on the menu), but everything else was great. The guacamole was great, just sad they don't bring you more tortilla chips, they certainly should be without extra charge as they are in most Mexican restaurants but the waitress didn't even ask if we wanted more. Salsa was very good also. Drinks were pricey but delicious. Overall we really enjoyed.
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t
thedolllady
New York Area
29 reviews
vip
4.0
29 reviews
Dined on November 22, 2013
overall4food5service4ambience4
We have eaten here twice now, both times very happy. Traditional Spanish food, very well done. We also felt it was an excellent value for the cost of the meals. Pleasant staff, upstairs is nice and quiet and can't beat the location - right across the street from the Shubert. We will go back.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 19, 2013
overall3food3service3ambience3
This is for open table not for the restaurant: our reservation was not communicated to the restaurant. Had i not confirmed and had it not been a Tuesday night, 10 people (a business dinner) would have been in search of a place to eat. Not happy! Oaxaca was very polite about it however and very accommodating.
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DR
DanielR
New York Area
28 reviews
4.0
28 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2013
overall4food4service5ambience3
Thoroughly enjoyable place, excellent/interesting food, superb service - an excellent choice before theater, given the prompt food preparation and service.
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F
Furmans
Portland
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 2, 2013
overall5food5service4ambience4
We had a large, unwieldy group of 13 (including 3 young children), and the staff handled us efficiently and were very attentive. The drink orders took way too long, but the foulup was acknowledged and addressed without our complaining. The food excellent, as usual, but particularly in view of the large group, it was delivered hot and fresh.
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l
luv2dineout
New York Area
30 reviews
vip
4.0
30 reviews
Dined on October 12, 2013
overall4food4service4ambience4
Oaxaca is a fun place for Mexican/Southwest food. The food is tasty and the service is attentive. They offer guacamole made at your table which is wonderful.
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CW
CrystalW
Greater Boston
8 reviews
vip
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on August 23, 2013
overall4food5service4ambience4
Looking for something that was trendy and romantic, a few of my girlfriends and I found Oaxaca. The food was great and the variety of choices for frozen margaritas was impressive.
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n
nil0
Philadelphia
29 reviews
5.0
29 reviews
Dined on August 2, 2013
overall5food5service4ambience4
The food and service were very good plus and the arepas were worth going there to eat.
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E
Eater5
New York Area
78 reviews
vip
4.0
78 reviews
Dined on July 26, 2013
overall4food4service4ambience4
We had a delicious lunch while visiting downtown New Haven. Host was very friendly and hospitable. The food was delicious and well prepared and presented.
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r
rbrush
New York Area
25 reviews
vip
3.0
25 reviews
Dined on July 14, 2013
overall3food4service3ambience3
While the food was still good, the service didn't seem up to par as in previous visits. The waitress didn't know about some of the items on the menu because the selections were new. One of our party complained about a mixed drink the bartender had prepared. I woould go back again, but the restaurant came down a peg or two in my eyes.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
6 reviews
2.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 13, 2013
overall2food4service1ambience2
Online menu looked good. From the outside it didn't even look open 745pm on a Saturday and it is very small inside 9 tables total + bar. We were told they had just changed the menu. Ordered chips & salsa/pico, chicken fajitas, & 3 tacos. The tacos only arrived first; Nothing else came. Waitress walked by but never asked how things were. I had to ask a waiter to check on the rest of our food. Told the ticket for the fajitas didn't print but they'd be out asap. Still no chips & salsa. We were offered a free dessert, and they brought the wrong dessert out. To top it off we never got the chips & salsa but they were on the bill. Unfortunately, the service was so atrocious that we won't be returning, even though the food was good and authentic.
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g
grkmom
New York Area
13 reviews
3.0
13 reviews
Dined on June 28, 2013
overall3food3service4ambience3
My husband and I went to Oaxaca for dinner on Friday. We sat outside and it was a lovely evening. We shared a seafood salad as an appetizer. It was plenty for 2 and was quite tasty. My husband had the fish dish which happened to be salmon. It was nicely presented and the sauce had a little kick without overpowering the salmon. I had the chile rollenos and they had a much stronger kick. But they were delicious and the heat was manageable if you like spice. It was a nice change from the fajitas and taco fare of a lot of Mexican restaurants. We will probably go again, especially to take advantage of the outdoor dining.
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M
Macfelty
Greater Boston
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 21, 2013
overall4food4service5ambience4
Best enchiladas I've ever had- lobster. The food came so fast I don't know how they had time to cook it.
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S
Stefoaxaca
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 19, 2013
overall5food5service4ambience4
I always come here for the tableside Guac! I also loved that they were able to seat us outside even though we didn't reserve it in advance! Very accommodating!
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NH
NewHavenTeacher
New York Area
24 reviews
4.0
24 reviews
Dined on June 15, 2013
overall4food4service5ambience3
Oaxaca serves good food with friendly service. Only one dish disappointed, but the gazpacho was outstanding.
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s
sshelley
New York Area
45 reviews
4.0
45 reviews
Dined on June 2, 2013
overall4food3service5ambience4
Fresh ingredients with good portion size. The drinks are generous as well. A perfect spot for a meal before or after a show at the Shubert because it does not close its kitchen midday on weekends. Staff is always friendly and helpful
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BF
BethanyFoodie
Washington DC
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 1, 2013
overall3food3service3ambience4
Restaurant seemed to be a shell of its former self. Food was acceptable but unimpressive for the price. Overall it seemed to not know if it was a bar or a restaurant.
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FAQs

Oaxaca Kitchen - New Haven offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (203) 859-5774.

Oaxaca Kitchen - New Haven is rated 3.9 stars by 264 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Oaxaca Kitchen - New Haven

228 College St, New Haven, CT 06510

Additional information

Cross street
Crown Street
Neighborhood
New Haven
Hours of operation
Lunch: Daily: 11:30am - 2:30pm; Dinner: Monday - Thursday: 5:00pm - 9:30pm, Friday - Saturday: 5:00pm - 10:30pm, Sunday: 4:00pm - 9:00pm; Brunch: Sunday: 11:30am - 2:30pm
Cuisines
Mexican, Traditional Mexican
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Adjacent Parking Lots & Street Parking.
Public transit
Metro North and Green Bus
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Prasad Chirnomula
Entertainment
Contemporary Latin Music
Additional
Bar Dining, Beer, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Website
http://www.oaxacakitchen.com/
Phone number
(203) 859-5774
Catering
Custom Tailored.

Oaxaca Kitchen - New Haven

Permanently Closed

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Menu

Tacos (Soft)

Beef Short Ribs Tacos

Beef Barbacoa Tacos

Other Starters

Special Key Lime Guacamole$14.00

Quesadilla

Soups and Salads

Taco Salad$10.00

Ensalada Mixta$10.00

Burritos and Enchiladas

Burrito

Enchilada Platter

Tortas and Hamburguesas

Torta

Mexican Hamburger$12.00

What 264 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

Does Oaxaca Kitchen - New Haven offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Oaxaca Kitchen - New Haven restaurant rated?

Permanently Closed

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information