Step inside Ay Güey Modern Mexican Cuisine and you might feel like you’ve entered a new world full of color, texture and unique flavor. It’s a sensory experience, a brief escape from the everyday into something vibrant and deeply rooted in culture.
Even the name sets the tone. “Ay güey” is a common expression in Mexico that doesn’t translate cleanly into English. It shifts depending on the context. It can be a casual “hey man,” a surprised “oh wow,” or even a playful “come on” between friends. It’s conversational, expressive, a little unfiltered and most importantly, it’s a phrase rooted in familiarity and personality. It’s the kind of saying you hear among people who know each other well, which makes it a fitting name for a place built on family, connection and shared experience.
The Smithfield restaurant was originally brought to life with the help of his father, and today it’s carried forward by Nikolas Flores, part of the next generation stepping into the family legacy. Surrounded by relatives who have built lives in the restaurant industry, Flores grew up immersed in it, learning the procedures of running a kitchen and the deeper responsibility of carrying something into the future. Now, with a young son of his own, that legacy has become a way to honor what came before while building something lasting for his own family.
Inside, every detail contributes to the dining experience. The décor draws inspiration from the coastal regions of Mexico, with custom glasswork and artistic elements. Lighting fixtures echo the shape of the agave plant, the source of tequila which is served from their upscale bar alongside other top shelf liquors.
Behind the bar, seasonal cocktails are crafted with the same care as the food, which strikes a balance between familiar and elevated.
The menu features shareable starters like fresh guacamole and queso fundido and moves on to dishes layered with bold flavors, like street-style elote, mariscos or seafood-forward entrées, and hearty classics like fajitas and enchiladas. There’s a noticeable emphasis on freshness and consistency.
Ingredients are carefully sourced, meats are hand-cut and house-made blends of spices help maintain flavors that are both vibrant and rooted in tradition. Even the small things like crisp chips, fresh salsa and a well-balanced margarita or paloma come together to create a satisfying meal.
Service plays its part as well. Guests are welcomed in with a sense of warm and genuine hospitality. Whether it’s answering questions about a dish, offering a recommendation or simply making sure everything is just right, the experience is meant to feel easy, inviting and fun.
In a space where thoughtful design meets time-honored cooking, Ay Güey Modern Mexican Cuisine is a place where flavor, family and atmosphere come together.