Ay Güey Modern Mexican Cuisine in Smithfield offers a vibrant fusion of traditional Mexican flavors with contemporary culinary techniques. Nestled in the heart of the community, this restaurant has quickly become a staple for those craving authentic Mexican dishes with a modern twist.
The menu is a celebration of bold spices, fresh ingredients, and creative presentations that honor Mexico’s rich gastronomic heritage while appealing to modern palates. Whether you’re a longtime enthusiast of Mexican food or a newcomer eager to explore, Ay Güey promises an unforgettable dining experience that excites the senses and satisfies the soul.
What sets Ay Güey apart is its dedication to quality and innovation. The chefs meticulously craft each dish using locally sourced produce and authentic Mexican staples, ensuring every bite bursts with genuine flavor.
From the moment you step inside, the lively ambiance and attentive service complement the culinary adventure, making it an ideal spot for casual meals, celebrations, or even business lunches. The Smithfield location embraces both traditional and contemporary elements, creating a menu that offers something for everyone.
Exploring the Ay Güey menu reveals a world of tastes ranging from smoky grilled meats and tangy salsas to decadent desserts and refreshing beverages. Each dish is thoughtfully designed to balance texture, aroma, and visual appeal, inviting guests to indulge in the rich tapestry of Mexican cuisine.
The menu’s diversity reflects the cultural richness of Mexico, making it a gateway to discover new favorites or revisit cherished classics.
Appetizers and Starters
The appetizer section at Ay Güey is a vibrant introduction to the menu, offering a variety of small plates that blend traditional Mexican flavors with contemporary flair. These starters are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a light beginning to your meal.
One of the standout appetizers is the Guacamole Fresco, made fresh tableside with ripe avocados, lime juice, and a hint of jalapeño. The freshness of this dish sets the tone for the meal, offering a creamy texture balanced by bright citrus notes.
Another popular choice is the Street Corn Elote, grilled and smeared with a tangy mix of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime, delivering an irresistible combination of smoky and spicy flavors.
For those looking for something heartier, the Chorizo Queso Fundido is a melted cheese delight with spicy chorizo bits, served with warm tortillas. This dish perfectly balances richness and spice, making it a comfort food favorite.
The appetizers also include vegetarian options like the Roasted Poblano Rellenos, stuffed with cheese and herbs, offering a smoky and creamy bite.
Popular Appetizers
- Guacamole Fresco – Freshly made with avocado, lime, and jalapeño
- Street Corn Elote – Grilled corn with cotija cheese and chili powder
- Chorizo Queso Fundido – Melted cheese with spicy chorizo
- Roasted Poblano Rellenos – Cheese-stuffed roasted peppers
“The starters at Ay Güey set the perfect stage for an authentic Mexican dining experience—fresh, flavorful, and full of character.”
Tacos and Main Plates
Tacos are the heart and soul of Mexican cuisine, and Ay Güey’s menu pays homage by offering an array of creative and classic taco options. Each taco is crafted using handmade corn tortillas and fillings that range from traditional slow-cooked meats to innovative vegetarian alternatives.
The Barbacoa Taco is a favorite, featuring tender, slow-braised beef seasoned with a blend of spices that melt into the meat. The rich flavor is complemented with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime for brightness.
Another highlight is the Pescado a la Parrilla, a grilled fish taco topped with a tangy slaw and chipotle mayo, offering a perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and fresh elements.
For those seeking vegetarian options, the Rajas con Queso taco is filled with roasted poblano peppers, onions, and melted cheese, delivering a smoky and creamy texture. Beyond tacos, the main plates include dishes like Mole Poblano, a rich and complex sauce served over tender chicken, and Carnitas, slow-cooked pork with crispy edges, both paired with rice and beans for a hearty meal.
Signature Taco Varieties
- Barbacoa Taco – Slow-braised beef with traditional seasonings
- Pescado a la Parrilla – Grilled fish with slaw and chipotle mayo
- Rajas con Queso – Roasted peppers and cheese
- Carnitas – Slow-cooked pork served with rice and beans
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
| Barbacoa Taco | Beef, cilantro, onions, lime | Spicy, savory, tender |
| Pescado a la Parrilla | Grilled fish, slaw, chipotle mayo | Smoky, creamy, fresh |
| Rajas con Queso | Poblano peppers, cheese, onions | Smoky, creamy, mildly spicy |
| Carnitas | Pork, spices, rice, beans | Rich, crispy, hearty |
Soups and Salads
Ay Güey offers a refreshing selection of soups and salads that complement the richer dishes on the menu. These lighter options highlight fresh, vibrant ingredients and traditional Mexican preparations.
The Sopa de Tortilla is a beloved classic on the menu, featuring a rich tomato base, crispy tortilla strips, avocado, and cheese. This soup balances warmth and texture beautifully, making it a comforting starter or a light meal on its own.
Another popular choice is the Ensalada de Nopal, a cactus salad tossed with tomatoes, onions, and fresh herbs, offering a unique flavor and a crisp bite.
For those looking for something green and fresh, the Quinoa and Black Bean Salad provides a hearty, nutrient-packed option with a zesty lime dressing. These dishes emphasize the use of fresh, healthy ingredients while maintaining the bold tastes that define Mexican cuisine.
Fresh and Flavorful Options
- Sopa de Tortilla – Tomato soup with tortilla strips and avocado
- Ensalada de Nopal – Cactus salad with tomatoes and herbs
- Quinoa and Black Bean Salad – Protein-rich salad with lime dressing
“The soups and salads at Ay Güey are a testament to the balance of health and flavor, offering dishes that refresh and delight.”
Sauces and Salsas
Sauces and salsas are essential components of Mexican cuisine, adding depth and nuance to every dish. Ay Güey’s menu features an impressive variety of house-made options that cater to all taste preferences, from mild and tangy to fiery hot.
The Salsa Verde is made with roasted tomatillos, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro, striking a perfect balance between tartness and heat. For those who enjoy a smoky flavor, the Salsa Roja incorporates roasted tomatoes and chipotle peppers, delivering a deep, rich, and slightly spicy profile.
A unique offering is the Mango-Habanero Salsa, which combines sweet tropical fruit with the intense heat of habanero peppers, creating a complex and exciting condiment.
These sauces are not only served as accompaniments but are often integrated into dishes to enhance and elevate the overall flavor experience. Guests can customize their meals by choosing their preferred salsas, ensuring each bite is tailored to their liking.
House-made Salsas
- Salsa Verde – Tomatillos, jalapeños, cilantro
- Salsa Roja – Roasted tomatoes, chipotle peppers
- Mango-Habanero Salsa – Sweet and spicy fusion
| Salsa | Main Ingredients | Heat Level |
| Salsa Verde | Tomatillos, jalapeños, cilantro | Medium |
| Salsa Roja | Roasted tomatoes, chipotle | Medium-High |
| Mango-Habanero | Mango, habanero peppers | High |
Drinks and Beverages
No Mexican meal is complete without a selection of authentic beverages, and Ay Güey’s drink menu is designed to complement its flavorful food offerings perfectly. From traditional margaritas to refreshing aguas frescas, the beverage list caters to a broad range of tastes.
The Classic Margarita uses fresh lime juice, premium tequila, and a touch of agave syrup, served on the rocks with a salted rim. For a fruitier option, the Mango Jalapeño Margarita combines the sweetness of mango with a subtle kick from jalapeños, providing a delightful balance of heat and refreshment.
Non-alcoholic choices include Horchata, a creamy rice-based drink flavored with cinnamon, and Jamaica, a hibiscus iced tea with a tart and floral profile.
These beverages showcase the diversity and richness of Mexican drink culture, enhancing the overall dining experience and encouraging guests to explore new flavor combinations.
Popular Beverage Selections
- Classic Margarita – Tequila, lime, agave
- Mango Jalapeño Margarita – Sweet and spicy twist
- Horchata – Cinnamon rice drink
- Jamaica – Hibiscus iced tea
“Ay Güey’s drink menu is a vibrant celebration of Mexican flavors that refresh and complement every bite.”
Desserts
Ending the meal on a sweet note is a must, and Ay Güey offers a tempting range of desserts that blend traditional Mexican sweets with modern touches. Each dessert provides a satisfying conclusion to the flavorful journey.
The Churros con Chocolate are a perennial favorite, featuring crispy fried dough sticks dusted with cinnamon sugar and served alongside a rich, velvety chocolate sauce for dipping. Another highlight is the Flan de Cajeta, a smooth caramel custard infused with goat milk caramel, delivering a creamy texture and deep caramel flavor.
For those seeking something lighter, the Mango Sorbet offers a refreshing, fruity finish that cleanses the palate. These desserts reflect the balance of sweetness, texture, and tradition that characterizes Mexican cuisine’s approach to sweets.
Sweet Treats to Enjoy
- Churros con Chocolate – Cinnamon sugar fried dough with chocolate sauce
- Flan de Cajeta – Goat milk caramel custard
- Mango Sorbet – Light and refreshing fruit sorbet
| Dessert | Main Components | Texture |
| Churros con Chocolate | Fried dough, cinnamon, chocolate sauce | Crispy, smooth |
| Flan de Cajeta | Caramel, eggs, goat milk | Creamy, silky |
| Mango Sorbet | Mango, sugar, water | Light, icy |
Special Dietary Options
Ay Güey understands the importance of catering to a variety of dietary needs and preferences. The menu includes several options designed for gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan diners, ensuring everyone can enjoy the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine.
Gluten-free guests will appreciate dishes like the Grilled Chicken Tacos served on corn tortillas and the Ensalada de Nopal, which is naturally free of gluten. Vegetarians can enjoy options such as the Rajas con Queso Tacos or the hearty Quinoa and Black Bean Salad.
Vegan diners are also supported with dishes made without animal products, including the Vegan Pozole Rojo, a spicy hominy stew packed with vegetables and rich flavors.
The restaurant staff are knowledgeable and accommodating, happy to suggest modifications or highlight dishes that meet specific dietary requirements. This commitment to inclusivity reflects Ay Güey’s dedication to providing a welcoming and satisfying experience for all guests.
Dietary Friendly Menu Highlights
- Gluten-Free: Grilled Chicken Tacos, Ensalada de Nopal
- Vegetarian: Rajas con Queso Tacos, Quinoa and Black Bean Salad
- Vegan: Vegan Pozole Rojo, Various Salsas and Sides
“Ay Güey’s inclusive menu ensures that no guest is left out, offering delicious options for every dietary lifestyle.”
Conclusion
Ay Güey Modern Mexican Cuisine in Smithfield masterfully combines the rich traditions of Mexican cooking with contemporary culinary innovation. The menu showcases a broad spectrum of dishes that highlight fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and thoughtful preparation.
From the zesty appetizers to the hearty main plates, refreshing beverages, and decadent desserts, each offering is crafted to deliver an authentic yet modern dining experience.
What truly distinguishes Ay Güey is its attention to detail and commitment to quality. The diverse menu caters to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring that every guest finds something delightful to enjoy.
The vibrant atmosphere, skillful service, and culinary creativity come together to create a destination that celebrates Mexican food in all its complexity and richness.
Whether dining casually or celebrating a special occasion, Ay Güey invites you to explore the depth and diversity of Mexican flavors, making every meal an exciting and memorable experience. Its Smithfield location stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of well-executed cuisine that honors tradition while embracing modernity.
