Mexican Restaurant Upper West Side NYC — Inspired by Jalisco
Located on Columbus Avenue, just steps from the American Museum of Natural History and Central Park. Join us for lunch, brunch, dinner, and happy hour.
Happy Hour, Dinner & Private Events on Columbus Avenue
Located on the Upper West Side, just steps from the American Museum of Natural History and Central Park.
Happy Hour · 4–6 PM
Daily on Columbus Avenue — cocktails, wine and bar bites like queso fundido and tacos.
See Happy Hour MenuDinner · Rooted in Jalisco
Mole, agave spirits and seasonal plates from Western Mexico, from a Michelin Bib Gourmand kitchen. Reserve ahead or walk in.
Reserve a TablePrivate Events · Up to 60 Guests
The mezzanine seats 10 for a private group, the bar and middle room hold up to 30 semi-private, and a full buyout fits 60 — all on Columbus Avenue.
Plan Your EventWalk-ins and reservations welcome on the Upper West Side NYC.
For groups of 8 or more, email us at covacha@happypeople.team.
Quesadilla negra · salsa, crema & hoja santa
Our Story
What Defines Covacha
Located on the Upper West Side, Covacha brings together over two decades of experience from Café Frida, El Mitote and Ella Social into a Mexican restaurant rooted in the cooking traditions of Western Mexico.
Inspired by the food of Jalisco and the milpa culture, our approach honors ingredients, process and time — working with small producers and traditional methods while shaping a menu that feels both grounded and current.
More than a restaurant, Covacha is built as a neighborhood table on the Upper West Side — a place to return to, to gather, and to share in a way that feels natural and lasting.
Covacha Experience
Our Menu
Western Mexico, On Columbus Avenue
At Covacha, the cooking of Western Mexico comes to the Upper West Side through a kitchen shaped by tradition, technique and time. The menu moves beyond the expected, with dishes rooted in Jalisco and the milpa — from layered preparations like mole dulce to seasonal plates built around corn, chiles and native ingredients.
Plant-based dishes are part of the same approach, not set apart, with the same care given to sourcing and craft throughout.
View Food MenuMonday–Friday · 11:30 AM–4:00 PM
Weekday Lunch on the Upper West Side
Covacha’s weekday lunch specials are served on Columbus Avenue, just steps from the American Museum of Natural History — a structured way to experience the kitchen without the full dinner menu.
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Chilaquiles Rojos$18
Crunchy totopos in chile de árbol sauce, refried beans, crema, cotija and avocado
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Soup & Salad$21
Roasted tomato soup and our classic Caesar
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Tacos & A Side$22
Any two tacos with a side of your choice
Good to know: lunch is subject to an 18% gratuity (20% for parties of 6 or more), plus tax. Check your bill before adding a tip.
View Lunch Menu
Saturday–Sunday · 11:30 AM–4:00 PM
Weekend Brunch on the Upper West Side
Weekend brunch brings the flavors of Western Mexico to Columbus Avenue, from chilaquiles to the Benedictinos — two poached eggs over black sope with avocado and morita hollandaise, finished with crispy papas machas.
On weekdays, Covacha’s full regular menu is available all day.
Good to know: brunch is subject to an 18% gratuity (20% for parties of 6 or more), plus tax. Check your bill before adding a tip.
View Brunch Menu
Cocktails & Drinks
Handcrafted, Always Fresh
Covacha’s cocktail program is rooted in quality over quantity. Juices are squeezed fresh daily, infusions are made in-house, and every garnish — dehydrated, toasted, pickled or candied — is part of a zero-waste approach behind the bar.
View Drinks MenuAgave Spirits
Built on Small Producers
Covacha’s agave selection favors small, independent producers across Mexico over big names — highland tequilas, artisanal mezcal and lesser-known regional expressions, chosen for origin and craftsmanship over volume.
View Agave Spirits MenuHappy Hour · Daily 4–6 PM
Happy Hour on Columbus Avenue
An easy stop after the museum or before dinner — cocktails, wine and bar bites at Covacha, all at happy hour prices.
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Wine, Sangria or Draft Beer$6–$10
Ask about the house wine of the day
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Cocktails$12
Frozen Margarita, Mezcalita, Mojito & more
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Chips & Salsa, Flautas or Tostadita$7–$8
Crudo of the day on the tostadita
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Queso Fundido$10
Melted cheese with chorizo or pico de gallo
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TacosFrom $6
Pork belly carnitas, cauli chicharrón, catch of the day & more
Prices shown do not include tax.
View Happy Hour Menu
Private Events
Private Dining & Events on the Upper West Side
Covacha hosts private events on Columbus Avenue, just steps from the American Museum of Natural History — from an intimate dinner on the mezzanine to a full restaurant buyout for larger groups.
10Mezzanine
Private
Private
30Bar & Middle Room
Semi-Private
Semi-Private
60Full Buyout
Seated
Seated
Plan your Visit
Visit Covacha
Located at 368 Columbus Avenue on the Upper West Side, near Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History.
Hours
Sunday–Thursday11:30 AM–9:00 PM
Friday–Saturday11:30 AM–10:00 PM
Lunch
Monday–Friday11:30 AM–4:00 PM
Brunch
Saturday–Sunday11:30 AM–4:00 PM
Happy Hour
Daily4:00 PM–6:00 PM