With the last days of summer simmering away, we decided to take a little leisurely stroll over the Brooklyn Bridge and head to one of the best newish Mexican eateries on the map now. Just three months in existence, 5 Burro was opened by husband-and-wife team George and Marla Cornejo (he's the brother of sleek-chic NYC designer, Maria Cornejo, wouldn't you know) on a quiet waterfront stretch of Brooklyn's Columbia Street. At first glance, this vibrant little restaurant might seem slight on space, but drift back through the bright and cheery front room to the wide-open back garden for some serious spicy-delicious fare. Clad with Crayola-colored chairs and tables, this alfresco sprawl is a mini escape from the Brooklyn bustle and offers the most sublime setting for a late-summer nosh. Start your 5 Burro meal with a frosty pitcher of perfect Margaritas (just enough tart and sweet for our discerning palates). The fairly broad classic Mexican menu offers an array of freshly prepared dishes, including quesadillas, sopas, and fajitas, but we went straight for Marla's pitch-perfect recommendations, which did not disappoint. Kick things off with the homemade avocado dip and the beyond satisfying Queso Fundido, a melty-spicy blend of Monterey Jack cheese and spicy Mexican sausage (a meal in itself) and finish with the soft-tortilla grilled fish taco. The best part? All of the ingredients are sourced locally, and served with rice, beans, and house-made fresca salsa, meaning you'll wish you brought more friends to the table.
We're not letting you go anywhere without the right look. Since the late-summer walk to this far-flung resto is part of the fun, we've assembled just the right outfit to get you there in R29-approved style. We've included something from sister Cornejo, natch, plus you can spruce up your trek with a cross body bag, sturdy but still slamming desert boot wedges, and, for that Brooklyn bridge glare, Sean Lennon-y sunnies. Of course, what Mexican night would be complete with a slash of lip gloss in fiery red—olé!
R29 DEAL:
Want to get in on the eats without emptying your wallet? Order two entrées to get the quesadillas absolutely free! Just mention R29 to score the swe-et discount!
Above, from left: Zero + Maria Cornejo One Wing Dress, $596, available at La Garconne;
Wendy Nicholl Braided Bullet Bag, $540, available at La Garconne; Marc by Marc Jacobs, Suede Wedge Boots, $350, available at Net-A-Porter;
Karen Walker Rover Sunglasses, $171, available at Milk; Topshop Polish in Coral, $12, available at Topshop.
Interested in more outfit pairings for NYC's most fashionable restaurants? Check out our perfect outfit for BONDST here!