Cuerno

Cuerno brings the feel of a Northern Mexican hacienda to a big, bi-level space inside Rockefeller Center’s Time-Life Building. The whole restaurant is designed to feel like an open-air courtyard, with high vaulted ceilings, exposed brick, and hand-carved woodwork. You’ll find custom leather banquettes, wrought iron details, and a large mural by artist Federico Jordán made from tiles crafted with soil from Northern Mexico. The space is anchored by a long bar and an open kitchen where you can see the chefs working over a massive Josper charcoal grill. The experience starts almost as soon as you sit down. Complimentary house-made tortilla chips arrive with a flight of five different salsas, and often a small welcome margarita follows. This sets the tone for a menu built around fire-driven cooking and sharing. The focus is on high-quality grilled meats, particularly the large Tomahawk steak that is carved right at the table – a bit of theatre that makes it a popular choice for celebrations. Other staples include a 12-hour slow-roasted short rib and a rib-eye served with roasted garlic, alongside regional dishes like chamorro al horno and grilled octopus. To drink, the bar has a significant collection of Mexican wines with over 70 different bottlings, which is unusual for the city. Cocktails like the Cantarito and various margaritas are also mainstays. With its generous portions and theatrical presentations, the entire place is geared toward groups and special occasions. There is also some outdoor seating with direct views of Radio City Music Hall.