Cemitas El Tigre

In search for some take-​out, a menu for Cemitas El Tigre magically greeted me on my dining room table upon arriving home from work.
Shortly thereafter, I was ordering a carnitas cemita and not too long after that, I was back at the table, faced with one of the largest and tastiest sandwiches of a lifetime. The pork was perfectly prepared, and the layers of cheese, lettuce, onion, tomato, avocado, etc., etc., etc. between a sesame bun became a flavor burst!
Suffice it to say, I ate it all.

Good cemitas, my only question is why pay $ 9 – 10 for a fancy cemita when there’s a plethora of bangin’ home grown cemita and torta options in Sunny/​Wood for $ 6 – 7?

Awesome little gem of a place! My favorite is their southern fried chicken cemita but their tacos are great too. Everything is really flavorful, can have a little spicy kick also. Their cilantro lime rice is really good too. Definitely worth a try and reasonably priced

Great food and fantastic service!
This is a little gem in the neighborhood and once people get a taste I’m sure it’s going to spread to new areas across the city…
At Cemitas you get exactly what I look for, a good bang for your buck. Large portion of quality food at the right price. To point out is the fresh cheese that’s used in the burritos and Cemitas is pretty unique and tasty. The cilantro rice is also amazing specially mixed in the burrito. So happy this place is close by for lunch!

I had their chicken cemita at Smorgasburg, and I almost regretted it because it was SO GOOD and SO FILLING I barely wanted to try anything else there! Plus, for $ 9, it was amazingly well-​priced. The ten-​layered sandwich had everything from avocados to mayo to chicken all wrapped up in this fluffiest crisp bread, mmm I’m getting hungry again just thinking about it.
I wish they had a physical location closer to me, so I could go back more often! Highly highly recommend.

FINALLY! A place with a kick-​ass burrito in Sunnyside! I’ve only tried the Barbacoa and Carnitas burritos but both were delightful. Should you dine-​in, they have really yummy wine-​based frozen slushy beverages as well. Can’t welcome this place to the neighborhood enough!

SO GOOD. Came here for a quick cinco de mayo meal. The cemitas carnitas sandwich and the beef one are absolutely delicious. The pork is my favorite, seasoned so perfectly and the combination of the pickled and veggies is just an explosion of flavor that comes so perfectly together. I could only eat half a sandwich because it is SO FILLING but you’ll be more than happy to take the other half home to enjoy later. They have a special $ 3 coronas until 7 or 8 I think. So it went perfectly with my sandwich.
I came on a weekday around 4pm and parking on the side streets is available (especially near the school) since they allow parking there after 4. So you’ll definitely be able to find a spot if you go around that time. But the 7 train is also a few blocks away.
I also wanna say the service is Excellent. They are just so nice and attentive and even gave us q margarita on the house. Just really good vibes and a cute place to go. This is an overall great queens spot and will 100% come again.

Here comes those changes that we knew would happen but now it’s really there. Hipster restaurant! So good! Staff was cool. Food was delicious but didn’t try the sandwiches. Just the tacos and the meat was freakin awesome!!!
Yasss Queens your turning into Brooklyn

Holy Flipping Tortillas, Cemitas– you are raising the heat on 48^th Avenue! Not only do we have De Mole, Sante Fe Steakhouse (who kinda is on 47^th ave but I’m making a point here) but now it’s the triple threat for best mexican food all within a few blocks.
The Karma goddesses are looking out for your homegirl because I am one lucky mother lover for having such delicious options a stones’ throw away.

Updating this review to give an extra star because: 1. The barbacoa cemita is amazing. 2. The beer selection has continued to be very good.

This place was awesome. They had awesome sandwiches that were really stuffed to the brim. We sat at the bar and the bartender was extremely friendly and helped us to pick our food. He made sure that our water was never empty and made pleasant conversation with us.
The food was phenom. We tried the sandwich and the burrito. They were just so delicious, I can’t really say more!
Definitely would come here again!

I’m so happy to have this place with in walking distance from me. Its such a nice addition to the neighborhood. naturally I ordered the fried chicken cemita and holy cow was that thing huge and loaded with yumminess. I would skip the salsa and chips, just my personal opinion. and wash it down with Jaritos.

We are regulars and the last take out delivery order we received came with a free soda and note from the owner thanking us for being good customers. How unexpected but so very nice. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu but we usually get burritos — the fried chicken and chicken Tinga are my favorites. But sometimes when I’m coming down with a burger craving I get the burger cemitas — delicious. Sure there are plenty of Mexican restaurants in the neighborhood but I find many of them inconsistent in quality. You can tell the ingredients here are high quality.

I’m so happy have such a yummy taco spot in Sunnyside. The southern fried chicken taco is my new obsession. I’ve been here a few times and have also ordered off seamless and it’s been great every time.
There is no official waiter service, but the cashier is always so pleasant and helpful. I came here with a small group and they pushed a few tables together for us and were kind enough to split up our checks.
The menu is not vast but there is unique spins on classic Mexican food. Their beer selection while small as well, is solid. I highly recommend it for a laid back place to come with friends.

Wow, Cemitas El Tigre really stepped up their (already considerable) game! Since they started doing delivery, Cemitas has become my go-​to joint for Mexican sandwiches. First, their homemade tortillas chips are fresh, crispy, and incredibly addictive. And since I visited their shop a few months ago, Cemitas also has increased their guacamole portions — BIG improvement, and the guac remains flavorful as ever.
I’m starting to think barbacoa is just not the way to go for a cemitas, because the carnitas and Southern fried chicken cemitas are out of this world. While the barbacoa cemita was flavorful, but a tad dry when I was here last time (I still gave Cemitas 4 stars), the carnitas (pork) were juicy and rich, with a crunchy exterior. Match that with Oaxaca cheese, avocado, beans, and tomato, and you have yourself a killer sandwich. The fried chicken is also A+, as like with the carnitas, Cemitas manages the daunting task of maintaining a crispy crust with moist chicken beneath. Excellent sandwiches that made for a perfect takeout dinner.
In just a matter of months, my Cemitas experience went from very good to great. Well done!

I had their carnitas and fried chicken cemitas and onion rings. All of those were good and flavorful. I ordered onion rings just because it looked so good and crisp. Yes it delivered crunchiness but I thought the batter was little thick. It was still good.
What I want to compliment is their cemitas. Fried chicken was crisp even 20mins after and the ingredients they put it that sandwich constantly make waves of flavor in my mouth. Carnitas was tender. One cemita was surprisingly big enough to fill me up. I usually prefer carnitas when it comes to Mexican food but I liked fried chicken more. I wish they had bigger piece on the sandwiches because it’s so good.
I would definitely visit this place again

From what I know, this is a fairly new place. The prices are fair and the staff was super friendly. The feel of the place is more like a restaurant/​bar than a burrito joint but the prices are competitive with fast-​casual chains like Chipotle ($ 9 – 12 for a burrito).
I picked up 2 burritos: Fried chicken and Barbacoa beef. The Barbacoa was legit and everything really held together nicely. Nothing sucks more than a burrito with flavors that don’t blend, and worse, fall apart. This was one nice and tasty unit. The fried chicken was good too but the Barbacoa won hands down for me.

Great local spot! Nice interiors, clean and modern. I ordered the carnitas burrito and my hubby the southern fried chicken cemita along with truffle fries. Both were delicious! Will have to try the tacos and shakes next time!

Had the portobello mushroom cemita. Delicious! Onion rings are massive and tasty. Can’t go wrong.

Stopped by here with a friend because of some good reviews online. I ordered the fried chicken cemitas and a dark chocolate milkshake. My friend ordered the same cemitas but with a half vanilla and half chocolate shake and a side of guac and chips. The guac seemed standard fare but the chips were crunchy without breaking easily or being stale.
The cemitas are where this place shines. The ten layers of tasty are all very fresh and well seasoned, especially the pickled onions and Oaxaca cheese. The bread used is a sesame roll that had the right texture, fortified enough to hold the ingredients but not so hard to interfere.
My only criticism with the sandwich is the lack of crunch from the fried chicken itself. Perhaps it’s because of the juices of the ingredients and the packing down to make this overstuffed sandwich manageable. My other issue is with the milkshake. While it is very chocolatey but not overly sweet because of dark chocolate, I would have liked it to be thicker. I like shakes that make my straw collapse when trying to slurp it.

I absolutely enjoyed my visit today for lunch. My husband and I wished a shop like this would opened in LIC! The fried chicken and carnitas tacos were so delicious. The spices and texture were spot on! I especially love how they include all the sauces and lime on your tray! My husband had the fried chicken sandwich and absolutely loved it. He also ordered a side of onion rings which were probably the best onion rings we have had in a while.
At the end of our meal we ordered a vanilla shake and shared it with our son. The place is incredibly kid and baby friendly so we will definitely be back. If you want a meal with spot on flavors, amazing textures and great service, please give this place a visit :)

So the difference between a cemita and a torta is the seeds on the bun. (Good to know)
Getting that out of the way, this area of sunnyside is bumping with Mexican food.
(De mole and the Haab just down the block) So when this place opened I imagine I wouldn’t check it out.
But I did!
Despite not having liquor the sandwiches are good AF with a Italian style sesame bun loaded with layers of ingredients and a big slab of Oaxaca this is a great sandwich that I bet the torrisi Bros wish they created. (It’s way better then anything at parm though)

The food is superb, the sandwiches are excellent, all fresh food, the staff is super friendly and draft beers awesome.
Especially the Bell’s Amber, a darker beer which I had to have another pint while
ordering my food, rocking out to some
old time favorite rock and blue songs.
I recommend this place in Woodside and Sunnyside crowd, it’s going to be the next local inn place to go
I did not want to leave but will bring more people to drink and eat!!!
Debbie

I went very simple with choosing what I wanted to eat, I just had Fries and Black beans ! But their black beans are so incredibly tasty ! And flavorful !! Fries were perfectly crunchy !!
Staff was very helpful even though it’s not really a traditional restaurant with waiter service think of it as a fast food Mexican place with great staff!
The place was lively with guests so I’m guessing their other menu items are great as well ! But those beans ! Best I’ve had in a while !

Yesterday, I joined a holiday pub crawl in Sunnyside. To break up the alcohol consumption and reenergize ourselves, we stopped at Cemitas El Tigre. At first, I was confused as to what a Cemita was, but after viewing the photos here on Unilocal,I realized I had try one.
I order the Southern Friend Chicken Cemita, and I experienced greatness. This sandwich is a MUST. Do not go there without ordering one. You can have tacos somewhere else. (I didn’t try their tacos, I assume they would taste good, however, how many other Mexican spots are making this sandwich)
I ordered guacamole and chips which were fresh and tasty. The speed of service was average because about twenty of us entered at once and overwhelmed the staff. They handled it very well considering the rush. Definitely would visit again even though I live in the Bronx.

Ambiance is a bit sterile, but the service is very good. Presentation of the food is quite nice, but that’s not something I’m willing to pay more for. After all, you can’t eat red and white checkered wax paper… wait, you can eat it, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
That being said, the prices are a bit high for the portion size and the menu is small. Draft beer prices run from $ 6 for the lower ABV offerings to $ 8 for an IPA, so I passed on a brew and asked for ice water. Didn’t really feel like the kind of place to drink a few, either. Too brightly lit, too lunch counter-​ish.
Now let me tell you, everything tasted good, and their green salsa had a slight kick that was enjoyable… but in this neighborhood it’s easy to find better, cheaper, and more authentic Mexican offerings.
Nothing bad at all, just nothing special either. Forgot to take pics, sorry.

I’ve been here 2 times with friends so far.
First time I had the fried chicken cemita and chicken tinga tacos with onion rings, salsa and guac.
All were super tasty, the cemita is a little hard to bite into because the bun tends to slide off but nonetheless very good.
The guac was the best. Fresh.
Onion rings for me were, hmm, meh, just flavored fried panko.
Second time, since I liked the tacos from the previous experience, ordered chicken tinga and portobello tacos. The portobello was, wow, well seasoned and delicious. My friend had the pork cemita, don’t know how it tasted ’cause she ate it all. The guac was fresh and delicious.
Both times the tastes have been consistent which is important for me.
Both times I ordered take out ’cause I am a girl who likes margaritas with tacos and they only have beer and wine license so made some margaritas at home and enjoyed my take out.

I’ll tell you what you’re going to do. Order a pork and beef taco and a beer. it will be about eleven dollars. If you are really hungry, order two pork tacos. If you’re bringing a date, have them order the same thing and add onion rings.
You can relax without a waitress coming over every five minutes and asking if you want something else. They’ve got sports and wifi depending on your mood. Its a good time.

I passed by this place quite a few times. I started to wonder how would the food taste. When we went inside, it surprised me that the interior décor looks amazing. The use of space deserves an A+.
However, being a vegetarian, it lacked options. I ordered the portobello mushroom cemita. I tried to like it. Unfortunately, it disappointed me. It tasted rubbery and slimy. It fell apart while I was eating it. Not a good dining experience. It lacked a solid vegetarian menu. It was not well thought out.
It caters to the carnivorous community, but I felt like it did not do much for me. I left feeling cheating and over paying for something less satisfying. Granted, this is a new business. I get it. But there are vegetarians out there who would like to enjoy a new culinary experience.
Instead of bringing in new business, I prefer to go to another restaurant that serves vegetarian dishes.
Not a good place for vegetarians.

Had lunch here today. Walked in at 1:30pm, the place was fairly busy but service was a bit confusing. I noticed limited seating but i had to place my order first and pay at the register. I was given a number and we found a table for 3ppl. I found it the service confusing, as when i was ordering i got the bill and it was as if i was getting table side service because the bill asked if u wanted to leave a tip? So its a bit on the awkward side. None the less, my bill was $ 37 before tip. The menu is straight forward, tacos, beer, cemitas and side dishes. We order carnitas tacos, barbacoa and southern fried chicken taco along with a carnitas cemita. I will say this, i eat a lot from the mexican places along Roosevelt avenue and although the food was good, it lacked authenticity. The cemita was presented as a small sandwhich. There was lettuce, tomato, mayo and the protein but it felt like an American version of a mexican cemita. The tacos are a good size, plenty of pork in my taco with all the usual accompaniments. The guacamole and freshly made chips was good. In my opinion the chips were a bit greasy and when had with the guacamole, you get a coating of the oil all over your palate. This makes it difficult to taste everything else. If you never ate at a Mexican food truck in Roosevelt Ave, you will like this place. They have a very good selections of beers outside of the usual suspects. I had a draft Allagash for $ 7 which paired well with my meal. While i waited for my meal, our table was next to the register area. The person at the counter was making milkshakes for the table behind ours. He saw my daughter and he offered to give her a sample of the vanilla shake. I think that was very thoughtful. My food came to the table after 10 minutes but they forgot my beer, so server cam back with beer and water. The counter has about 8 seats, so that is kind if cool. Tables are really tiny. Do not expect any kind of silverware. You get a tray, paper plates and napkins. The ambiance is nice. Although the bathroom needs to be service more often if you know what i mean. I can see this place being great for take out if i lived nearby. Honestly, i will not come back. Food lacks authenticity and for the price, i expect table side service. Walking in for the first time was disappointing to have to get in line, pay up front, be asked for a tip and I cannot even get real flatware. In my opinion, not a well thought out process.
Lucky for me 2 stores down is De Mole restaurant which has the same prices, table side service and REAL flatware & tableware with consistent food quality. The barbacoa taco felt a but dry. The southern fried chicken taco was creative but its one of those items that is more for show is not something that i would have again.
The staff is very friendly and attentive. I did miss not having dessert, i suppose there is no dessert since nobody offered any during my visit.

I will make this short and sweet… the food is A+ and the restaurant is clean, modern and inviting. We will be back many times over. It’s a pleasure to have a great little spot within a 3 minute walk from our apartment that has good food, beer and friendly people.

We had the barbacoa cemita pork tacos and chicken tacos. The food is fantastic and fresh! The taco meat was flavorful and crispy. The barbacoa was over and delicious. The pork tacos had a hint of five spice. Sooooo good. Will be back here often! The chips and guacamole are homemade and worth the order!