Rayuela
New York, NY 10002
Phone: (212) 253-8840
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Between Stanton Street and Rivington Street
- Directions:
- F, V at 2nd Ave
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 5:30pm-11:30pm, Fri 5:30pm-12am, Sat 10am-12am, Sun 10am-11pm
Editorial Review for Rayuela – by Kathleen Squires
The Scene
An elegantly earthy decor makes the space feel like a fancy South American eco-lodge, with natural design elements like a slate bar, a wood-beamed ceiling and smooth stones stacked in wire mesh niches. An olive tree stretching to the second story provides the focal point, gauzy white drapes allow intimacy without isolating diners and khaki couches supply comfy seating upstairs.
The Food
The menu lives up to the restaurant's name, which means hopscotch. The "freestyle Latino" cuisine jumps borders, picking up flavors along the way and rarely losing balance. A great example is the lobster seviche, a pineapple, jalapeno, coconut water, lemongrass, ginger and caviar combo that steadily teeters between heat and sweet. Moist plantain balls nimbly avoid the leaden trap they are apt to fall into, and collard greens, white beans and chorizo skillfully bolster a baked red snapper. Skip right over the oversalted green rice paella and the middling desserts.
Hits: The airy, easy-on-the eyes design, terrific cocktails, and a fun Latin music soundtrack.
Misses: Long tables against the walls make it awkward for service to wipe up and place plates.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
What to DrinkTry signature cocktails like Coming Up Roses ($12), made with rose water, lime, raspberry rum and champagne with rose petal floaters.
BrunchBrunch includes two courses for $16.95, and live music sets a spirited soundtrack.
Where to SitThe downstairs lounge serves food until midnight on weeknights, and 2am on Friday and Saturday.
Outdoor SeatingThe outdoor terrace on the second floor makes a cool, cozy summertime spot.
User Reviews for Rayuela
05/13/2008 Posted by gastronomo
Love the food, drinks atmosphere and decor. The downstairs is great for a casual get together. the upstairs is more sit down - but the menu is the same downstairs and upstairs. The waiters, bartenders & staff are very friendly. You can relax and have a great time with your friends here while enjoying great food and drinks. I 100% recommend this place.
Pros: Paella Monday nights, Great atmosphere, Great drinks, Amazing food, Great Crowd, Great Brunch
Cons: Make reservations as the place fills up fast
05/12/2008 Posted by Makersandamstel2006
I'v been in Rayuela at least 3 or 4 times and is always a great yet different experience but this past weekend (saturday night) made the difference, me and a group of 6 friends came around 8:30, "no reservation" oops!!! and our host Aaron gracefully asked us to wait at the bar for about 30 minutes. The bar was packed and we were still able to order those genious cocktails and a great guac mixed with seafood.... "delish" about 9:15 the bartender alert us about our table( we lost track of time...so much fun) on the second floor where we had once again one of the best meals this city can offer, from the ceviche bar to the daily specials and our waiter made us feel taken care of, we could have use some more of those tasty rolls they serve but instead we opted for dessert..... THANK GOD!!! we did, every bite resembled the flavors of the latin culture but with a twist, i guess that's what they call Estilo Libre (free style). TWO thumbs up!!!!!
Pros: Good looking people Always
Schedule
| 05/19/2008 | Paella Night | |
| 8:00 pm | ||
| 05/26/2008 | Paella Night | |
| 8:00 pm | ||
| 06/02/2008 | Paella Night | |
| 8:00 pm | ||
| 06/09/2008 | Paella Night | |
| 8:00 pm | ||
| 06/16/2008 | Paella Night | |
| 8:00 pm | ||
| 06/23/2008 | Paella Night | |
| 8:00 pm | ||
| 06/30/2008 | Paella Night | |
| 8:00 pm | ||
| 07/07/2008 | Paella Night | |
| 8:00 pm | ||
| 07/14/2008 | Paella Night | |
| 8:00 pm | ||
| 07/21/2008 | Paella Night | |
| 8:00 pm |
