Leah and I have only gone out a handful of times since the pandemic began. For Valentine's Day this year we were feeling cooped up and decided to brave the outside world (and the cold weather) to visit Oso, a few blocks north of us.
We had tried to eat at Oso once before, but it was too crowded and we weren't able to get in in a reasonable timeframe. Now, like all restaurants, they're much more limited in terms of clientele. The silver lining (for us at least) meant that they were accepting reservations for outdoor seating, which we've been comfortable doing.
We were thrilled with the restaurant and glad we were finally able to visit. We huddled around a pair of heaters outside and enjoyed a nice evening out, thanks to the hardworking staff.
Oso
1618 Amsterdam Ave
www.osoharlem.com
Cocktails
Dioasa de Guava - Pueblo Viejo Tequila, Guava, Lime, Agave
The Taco Truck - Vida Mezcal, Pueblo Viejo Tequila, Hibiscus Syrup, Lime, Chili, Salt
Oso offers a nice selection of tequila and mezcal-based cocktails, mostly margarita variants. I particularly enjoyed the Dioasa de Guava and have ordered it on subsequent visits.
Tamales Verdes
Braised Chicken, Serrano Salsa
We love tamales and always order them when we first eat at a new Mexican restaurant. We found these a little one-note on their own, but the serrano salsa really enlivened the dish.
Pozole Verde
Serrano Chilies, Cilantro, Avocado, Radish, Grilled Corn
It was a cold sub-zero evening so this bowl of hot soup hit the spot like nothing else. Pozole is such a wonderful comfort food and it was all the more comforting in this context.
Torta de Milanesa
Breaded Chicken Breast, Serrano Ham, Lettuce, Queso Chihuahua, Chipotle Aioli, Pickled Jalapeño
Our server gave a strong recommendation for this torta variant, so we took him up on his advice. Boy, were we glad we did - this incredible torta was our favorite thing on the menu that night and on other visits as well. One of the great sandwiches we've eaten in the last few years!
Drinks Round Two
Hot Sangria
Michelada - House Spices, Tomato, Lime, Negra Modelo, Chili Salt
I enjoy a good michelada, but Leah wanted something warm to drink so she ordered a hot sangria, which was surprisingly good!
Al Pastor - Spit-Fired Pork, Pineapple, Onions, Cilantro
Camaron - Grilled Shrimp, Chipotle Aioli, Grilled Peppers, Avocado Purée
Barbacoa - Braised Beef, Serrano Salsa, Onions, Cilantro, Radish
A measuring stick for any good Mexican restaurant - Oso's tacos did not disappoint (though if I'm being honest they weren't quite as strong as our favorites at Mesa Coyoacan in Brooklyn). Nice variety of options ranging from traditional to more contemporary. A minor gripe was under-ripe pineapple on the tacos al pastor, though this could be forgiven seeing as we ordered these in the middle of winter.
Churros
Bittersweet Chocolate, Cinnamon Caramel
A nice take on traditional churros, making them smaller and more bite-sized. I found the chocolate sauce to be delicious yet extraneous, with the cinnamon caramel matching the flavors of the churros much better.
