Catrinas Mexican Grill Bar | Authentic Mexican Flavors in Schenectady

Overview

Catrinas Mexican Grill & Bar, nestled on Nott Street in Schenectady, New York, delivers an authentic Mexican dining experience that stands out in the region. This vibrant restaurant has reinvented itself with a fresh, modern interior that balances a rich, inviting atmosphere with a touch of festive charm, creating the perfect setting for both casual dinners and special occasions.

The menu at Catrinas is a thoughtful blend of traditional Mexican favorites and unique offerings that you won't find at every Mexican spot. Notable highlights include their generous portions of classic dishes like birria tacos, carnitas fajitas, and the signature Catrina burrito, all of which showcase bold, well-developed flavors. Accompanying these are complementary homemade chips, salsa, and an unexpected slaw that adds a refreshing crunch and zest to the appetizer experience.

The drink selection deserves special mention, especially their creative margaritas. Whether you choose a classic margarita, a spicy cucumber variant, or a curated flight, each cocktail is crafted to balance intensity with smooth freshness, enhancing the overall meal.

Beyond the food, the service at Catrinas is consistently attentive and welcoming, contributing to a relaxed yet lively dining atmosphere that encourages diners to linger and savor. The spacious layout is clean and modern, distinguishing it from previous iterations of the space and supporting a comfortable experience for friends, families, and even first-time visitors.

While some find the pricing slightly higher than average, the generous portions and quality ingredients make the value evident. Regular patrons have repeatedly praised the combination of taste, quantity, and ambiance, making Catrinas a go-to destination for anyone craving genuine Mexican cuisine served with a distinctive touch.

Overall, Catrinas Mexican Grill & Bar appeals to a broad audience—food enthusiasts eager for authentic flavors, families seeking hearty meals, and social diners looking for an elevated yet approachable bar setting. This establishment is more than just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of Mexican culinary craftsmanship in the heart of Schenectady.

What Customers Say

Jay Matthiessen

Dec 11,2025

5/5

The summary nails it. Prices are a tad high for what you expect to pay for Mexican food, (fresh guacamole is $15.) but 3 of us had an appetizer, 3 entrees, and 3 desserts for $130 including tip, and that seemed very reasonable considering how good the food was, and generous the portions were. We also noticed quite a few menu items you don't typically see at most other Mexican places, so now I have many reasons to visit again. The spinach dip was different, but very good. The chips come with salsa and slaw (I loved it.) The quesadilla is enormous. They have a steak fries appetizer I can't wait to try next. So, I look forward to my next visit, and I hope they stick around for a long time. Don't hesitate - check them out.

Dec 11,2025

5/5

This place was awesome. The food was delicious with oversized portions, great margaritas, prompt service, and the atmosphere was A+. The interior is unrecognizable from the former restaurant. It’s clean, modern, and rich looking. We will definitely be frequenting this spot.

Joe Rubino

Dec 11,2025

5/5

This is our first time here. The place.looked great and had a festive vibe. The server was attentive and the food tasted great. They have huge portions and presentation. Make sure you order the homemade hot sauce.

Colleen Brogan

Dec 11,2025

5/5

We will be returning!!! The warning is they are still waiting on a liquor license approval and there’s a sign on the door saying such. We almost turned around too but I’m so glad we didn’t. The tacos were amazing, I cannot wait to go back and try more. I did get a picture of our dessert (after a few bites) the caramel churros. They were so good. Fair price for everything and we both left absolutely stuffed. I’m so glad we stopped by.

Marianne Clifford

Dec 11,2025

5/5

Hand down the best Mexican food in the region. Yes, it’s a little more expensive, but the food in amazing, portions are generous, and you get complimentary homemade chips, salsa, and slaw. Not to mention the staff is so friendly. In 1 month I’ve been there 3 times because the food is so GOOD! Definitely try the Catrina burrito, birria tacos, and the carnitas fajita. GO! You won’t regret it.

Jessica

Dec 11,2025

5/5

We stopped in for lunch before a grocery shopping trip. What a wonderful addition to the area. The quality, value, and presentation of the food was excellent. I love that the salsa was given in a carafe with mini bowls so we didn't have to dip into the same bowl. The margaritas were delicious as well.

Dan Doyle

Dec 11,2025

5/5

I found out about this place recently when checking a local coupon magaine that landed in my mailbox. I normally throw those out , but this time opened it and saw Catrinas coupon. I went and sat at the bar for my solo dinner. The bar tender was very cool and was great to talk with. The food was really good! Great complimentary chips and salsa, as well as their house made mexican coleslaw. I just went again a 2nd time tonight and again was very happy! I suggest you try it out!

Debra Lindley

Dec 11,2025

5/5

Catrina’s is my new favorite Mexican restaurant! I was there for a late lunch. The food was fabulous! Chips & salsa perfect. I had a huge bowl of black bean soup that was well-seasoned with different colored peppers, onions. and cheese. It’s the best black bean soup I’ve ever eaten at a restaurant. I also ordered a steak quesadilla. It was way more than I could eat. The server was very friendly & attentive and provided me with everything I needed to pack up the leftovers. This place is really great and I highly recommend it! I will be going back!

Catrinas Mexican Grill & Bar - Restaurants in Schenectady, New York, USA

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