Ursula in Bed-Stuy: How Chef Eric See Built a New Mexican Love Letter in Brooklyn

Introduction: A Slice of the Southwest in Central Brooklyn

Tucked into a cozy corner of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, sits Ursula, a warm, inviting spot where New Mexican flavors take center stage, thanks to chef and owner Eric See. What started as a passion project rooted in regional identity and personal history has blossomed into one of the city’s most beloved—and culturally significant—small restaurants.

Named after his grandmother, Ursula is more than just a breakfast joint. It’s a love letter to New Mexico, a celebration of queer identity, and a platform for social justice—wrapped in a flour tortilla and served with a side of green chile.

The Story Behind the Concept

Eric See didn’t arrive in New York looking to recreate the food of his childhood. But like many who leave home, he realized just how rare and precious those flavors were once they were gone.

Originally from New Mexico, See’s culinary upbringing was steeped in Hatch green chile, carne adovada, sopaipillas, and community-centric meals. After years working in the NYC food scene—baking, managing cafes, and consulting—he finally found a way to express his roots through Ursula, which opened in Bed-Stuy in 2020.

The restaurant was born in the height of the pandemic, at a time when the city desperately needed comfort and connection. Ursula delivered both—with steaming breakfast burritos, addictive baked goods, and a sense of familiarity that transcended regional borders.

But it wasn’t nostalgia alone that made Ursula a hit. See’s vision was clear: to uplift the culinary heritage of the Southwest, champion the LGBTQ+ community, and create a restaurant where equity wasn’t just spoken—it was baked into the business model.

A Chef’s Culinary Philosophy: Flavor, Identity, and Advocacy

Eric See’s cooking is personal—each dish on Ursula’s menu tells a story. From the selection of heirloom chile peppers to the careful layering of ingredients in his burritos, there’s intention behind every flavor.

But his philosophy goes beyond food. Ursula is also a space of visibility and advocacy. As a queer chef, See is deeply committed to creating an inclusive environment for both staff and guests. His restaurant has partnered with local mutual aid efforts, supported queer youth organizations, and hosted fundraisers for marginalized communities.

In a city where many restaurants chase trends, Ursula stays grounded in purpose. The food is bold and comforting, but the mission is what gives it soul.

What Makes the Menu Special

While Ursula’s menu is compact, it packs a powerful punch. Centered around New Mexican staples, the offerings shift slightly with the seasons but remain anchored in See’s upbringing.

Signature Dishes

• Breakfast Burrito: A Brooklyn-famous wrap filled with scrambled eggs, hash browns, cheddar, and a choice of bacon, chorizo, or tofu—smothered (or side-served) with either red or green chile.

• Green Chile Cheeseburger: A griddled patty topped with gooey cheese and house-roasted green chile on a fluffy bun.

• Carne Adovada Tacos: Tender pork marinated in red chile, served on blue corn tortillas with onions and cilantro.

• Biscochitos: Traditional New Mexican cookies made with anise and cinnamon—an ode to See’s family holidays.

Beverages and Baked Goods

Ursula also turns out a beautiful rotation of house-made pastries, from fruit hand pies to Southwestern-spiced muffins. The coffee program is carefully curated, often highlighting queer- or Latinx-owned roasters.

Chilled aguas frescas, locally sourced teas, and seasonally flavored horchata round out the drink menu.

Design and Atmosphere: Casual Comfort with Cultural Roots

The space at Ursula is small—just a few seats inside and some sidewalk tables—but every inch reflects See’s thoughtful design. Walls are decorated with artwork from New Mexican artists and the aroma of roasted chiles greets guests at the door.

It feels like a neighborhood cafe with a Southwestern soul. Regulars come in for their daily burrito fix, but many linger, drawn by the sense of connection that’s so hard to find in a fast-paced city.

Music, friendly service, and a rotating cast of loyal diners give Ursula its community-driven energy. It's not trying to be flashy—just real, generous, and heartfelt.

Why Ursula Resonates in NYC’s Culinary Landscape

In a metropolis that thrives on diversity, Ursula is a rare gem: a restaurant that blends regional specificity with universal appeal. It’s not fusion. It’s not gentrified. It’s New Mexican food, reinterpreted for New York, without dilution or apology.

What truly sets Ursula apart is the emotional depth behind every bite. For queer diners, for transplants missing home, for food lovers eager to discover something new yet soulful—Ursula delivers.

It’s also part of a growing wave of queer- and POC-owned restaurants redefining what leadership looks like in hospitality. Through open hiring, wage transparency, and community programming, See is showing that values can drive business success.

Conclusion: A Brooklyn Staple With Roots and Wings

Ursula, under Eric See’s leadership, is more than just a breakfast burrito hotspot—it’s a cultural beacon, a neighborhood anchor, and a delicious reminder of how food can nourish identity and ignite change.

In a city constantly searching for the next big thing, Ursula proves that sometimes the most powerful ideas come from looking back—at your roots, your family, your hometown—and bringing them to life in a new place, with new people, who need exactly what you have to share.

Whether you’re a New Mexican far from home, a curious foodie, or someone just craving warmth in both plate and place, Ursula offers all of that—and so much more.