Ay Güey is a festive, charming little Mexican bistro serving authentic cuisine and fabulous drinks in a casual, relaxed setting. The name, Ay Güey is Mexican slang for “what a surprise” and indeed you’ll be surprised at the quality of the food at this hidden gem.
You’ll recognize Ay Güey for its brightly painted façade and green awning boasting fresh seafood (mariscos) and beer (cerveza). The sidewalk patio is a great place for a cool, breezy meal sur- rounded by trees, and the indoor dining room has about a dozen or so tables with multi-colored chairs. Colorful murals by local artists adorn the walls and Latin music at low levels fills the air. Amiable owner Artemio Vasquez often features art exhibitions with thousands of online followers and welcomes all to his friendly restaurant. Television screens were installed so that diners could watch the World Cup matches while they enjoy their meals and not miss a goal.
Start with one of their refreshing cocktails such as the classic margarita or have it flavored with fresh strawberry, mango, tamarind, or passion fruit puree ($12). Ay Güey Paloma mixes blanco tequila with grapefruit, fresh lime, and honey. Micheladas, cold beers, and fruity sangria are all popular here. Order some freshly mashed guacamole and chips while you check out the menu.
Ay Güey’s appetizers are out of the ordinary, thanks to the skilled chef. The Chef’s flaming shrimp are plump and marinated with chili, soy sauce, and cilantro then grilled until golden outside and juicy inside, with sauce for dipping ($15). Tuna tostaditas combine fresh tuna, pineapple, mango, lime, cucumber, and special sauce to be spooned onto three crunchy tortillas for a cool, summery starter. Our elote corn appetizer was served in a cast iron skillet topped with grated cotija cheese and lime wedges.
Ay Güey specializes in seafood and one of the extraordinary items on the entrée menu is an Instagram superstar called the Torre de Mariscos, or Tower of Seafood. This dazzling cylindrical tower is composed of octopus, shrimp, tuna, scallops, onion, cucumber, and avocado, garnished with a purple orchid for extra wow ($29). Salmon tropical rests in a puddle of passion fruit sauce served with rice and a tropical salad that is perfect for summertime dining. Ay Güey puts a twist on classic enchiladas mole, stuffed with short ribs or chicken and their homemade secret recipe mole sauce. Even tacos are inventive here, filled with grilled steak, brisket, birria, shrimp, or chicken. Sinaloan aquachiles are proudly served here….you’ll need another drink for those!
Sweeten it up with tres leches cake, cinnamon-dusted churros, and creamy flan for dessert. After dinner liqueurs such as Amaretto or Tia Maria go well with dessert too.
Ay Güey is Queens’ premier coastal Mexican restaurant and craft cocktail bar. Visit their stunning website with tantalizing photos, menus, online ordering, and catering. Plan your next birthday party or family occasion at Ay Güey with great food, drinks, friendly service, and warm hospitality. They’re open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, Sunday to Thursday from 12pm to 10pm and until 11pm on Friday and Saturday. Stop in for Happy Hour Monday to Friday 4-7pm at the bar. What a surprise…I’ll see you at Ay Güey!
www.aygueynyc.com