Since its opening in 2015 at 102 Norfolk St., La Contenta has consistently served up some of the best food and cocktails on the Lower East Side, in a warm and welcoming space. As many other locally-run spots shuttered, this authentic Mexican restaurant has thrived. So we were happy to hear that co-owners Luis Arce-Mota and Alex Valencia have taken the next big step: opening a second location.
La Contenta Oeste just opened for business on the corner of Sixth Avenue and 11th Street, where French Roast used to be located (the brasserie closed down over the summer).
If you’ve frequented La Contenta on the LES, you know it’s a tiny spot and there’s often a wait for a table. The Greenwich Village outpost is a lot bigger. If you’re planning to go out with a larger group, the new location is your best bet. There are also some new items on both the food and drink menus.
Arce-Mota moved from Mexico to the Lower East Side in 1992, and has been living with his wife, Lisa, in the Seward Park Cooperative ever since. He previously ran a couple of different restaurants in the West Village. Valencia is the cocktail mastermind, having worked at a number of popular bars, including the Flatiron Room and Yerba Buena.
La Contenta Oeste is located at 78 West 11th St.
