The Black Ant Just Might Have The Wackiest Menu In All Of New York But It's Amazing
By Christy Articola|Published September 22, 2022
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Christy Articola
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Christy Articola has lived in Colorado since 2013 and considers herself a Centennial State enthusiast and expert through and through. She's based in Denver metro, but over the past decade, she has traveled to every corner, river, village, park, town, and city in the state and continues to explore it deeper and further whenever she can. Christy simply can't get enough of Colorado, and loves sharing all her adventures with you through Only In Your State! She graduated with a degree in journalism from Fordham University and is thrilled to be working as a full time travel writer for this and other sites - she finally found her perfect niche - and is so grateful for that.
The Black Ant is an upscale, chic, Mexican restaurant in The Bowery in New York City. This spot may not look that strange at first glance; in fact, both the food and the decor are eye-catching and attractive. However, this popular restaurant is home to perhaps the wackiest menu in New York, depending on who you ask.
Some people might find it quite normal; others might take one look and then run for the hills. The reason this menu is wacky is clear: there’s a secret ingredient in many of the dishes. What’s that secret ingredient, you ask?
It’s insects.
Read on to learn more about this very unique restaurant.
The Black Ant is a lovely little spot and it looks like the perfect place to take a date. It very well may be, if your date is into the type of food this restaurant serves.
The interior is a little small and a little dark yet it's also comfortable, bright, and fresh. And yes, that's a neon sign in the back that says "Eat More Ants"
Fortunately for you, if you're not feeling adventurous, there are some menu items that do not contain insects. One example is Esquites, which is kind of like elote in a bowl.
Most dishes do contain insects, though. Everything is plated so beautifully that there's a good chance you won't even know, unless you inspect the menu very carefully.
Insects are good for you and for the natural environment. They provide large quantities of protein and raising insects for food is much more sustainable than raising animals for their meat. Many cultures around the world eat insects on a very regular basis.
We just aren't used to it here. This Pollo Al Pastor taco does not contain any insects. But if it did, we might not even notice. Many of the dishes here contain grasshoppers or ants, but they are added so subtly they're hidden amongst other complex flavors.
Sometimes their inclusion is more obvious. These Croquetas contain grasshoppers. These are manchengo grasshopper fried croquettes with salsa tatemada, grana Padano, and goat cheese.
There are numerous starters at The Black Ant that contain insects, but most of the main entrees do not. You can still have a great meal at this restaurant even if you don't wish to eat insects. However, you should give them a try. When will you get another chance?
Maybe a cocktail with black ant salt is the best way to try insects without going too deep. Many of The Black Ant's cocktails include black ant salt on the rim of the glass. This salt also appears in many of the dishes. It's made from crushed ants, dried chiles, salt, and sugar.
You may find that you really like eating insects. If you're going to like them, this is the place that is going to turn you on to them. The food here is beautiful and creative and tasty. The service is top notch. The overall experience is well worth the trip. Give The Black Ant a try. You'll be glad that you did!
There’s no where in New York quite like The Black Ant. It’s worth a visit even if you don’t order any of the insect-infused dishes. This place is excellent all around, and if it makes you a more adventurous eater, then that’s great, too. One thing is for sure – you’ll never forget your meal at The Black Ant.
