El Parador Cafe

Recommends

crdog

Joined 5 years ago

A Mexican Oasis!. This is the best Mexican in NYC. My friend and I were tipped off a few years ago about this place. It is right near the midtown tunnel so it's not in a pretty spot, but when you walk in the door you feel as if you've been transported to Mexico. The restaurant is authentically, but nicely, decorated and is warm and welcoming. It's usually packed but that just means you have time for an extra margarita which are delicious! Both meals I've had there were fantastic. They serve 'nacho's that are individually topped instead of the usual pile of garbage you get at a sports bar that usually ends up being soggy at the bottom. Great place!

Recommends

Jwilkey1

Joined 3 years ago

Best Mexican Food in Midtown East!. El Parador Cafe has some of the best Mexican food I have eaten in Manhattan. No wonder it's been around for so many years! I've dined in the restaurant as well as had delivery and I have to say that when my friend and I ordered the taco plate to share one night, we a. couldn't believe that it travelled so well and b. couldn't believe HOW MUCH food the dish came with! What a steal!

Recommends

jpaserman

Joined 3 years ago

MUY BIEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!. excellent authentic mexican cuisine with great selection of every tequila you can want. Im on my way there now. and you should be to.

Recommends

jaereagan

Joined 5 years ago

great dining expereince. i had a great dining experience here...a little spendy, but the food was definitely worth it and the service was excellent.I recommend to anyone or everyone.

Recommends

critic17

Joined 5 years ago

chips,salsa,food,drinks.....muy bueno. every year my family takes me to this restaurant for my birthday. the food is always wonderful. it maybe crowded and busy aka slow service but overall very worth going to. the salsa that they always on the table warm and read for you is to die for. the menu is great overall. some of my favorites that i would recommend are the enchilada, ropa vieja, pollo parador, and Costillas D'Cordero al Chipotle. so though there are some bad reviews on this site i would definitely recommend this place.

Doesn't Recommend

galinka

Joined 5 years ago

severely overrated!. This place was recommended by a friend and also rated very high by this site. But DO NOT listen to all that! It is expensive for no reason, chips was greasy and salsa was luke warm with indian spices inside, food was just ok. There are so many great places to eat in the city, I wonder why would someone wannna spend their money at this place

Doesn't Recommend

raf25

Joined 5 years ago

A Reservation is not a Reservation. I had a few clients from around the country coming into NY. I made a reservation for dinner. As we were in a taxi to the restaurant, we called to confirm. We were told that they would not seat us, even with a reservation. They had a large party that decided to stay late, so they told us not to come. Shocked and suprised, I certainly will not ever go there.

Recommends

timbo77

Joined 6 years ago

Great "Old-New York" Style Mexican with killer margaritas. This place was a blast! When you walk in you feel transported back to 1963, because nothing has changed! That, however, is the best part! No market-research dictated, decor from Target, so hip-it-hurts atmosphere. The salsa is excellent..served a little warm and it's very sweet, but I loved it...The guac is good too, but the portions are a little stingy (maybe that's why people weren't so fat in the 60's) Stick to the straight Mexican fare and you woun't be disappointed. The fish tacos are excellent with tomatillo salsa with avacado in it and the pulled pork in the burritos is great too. The Margaritas are strong and good, because they're not too sweet. I would go back in a second, but try and get a booth, it does make a difference

Recommends

annelw

Joined 5 years ago

Unpleasant Experience. Terrible atmosphere for couples. Went with my husband for a celebratory dinner. Though we had a reservation, we were squeezed into a tiny table between 2 larger parties, one of which contained the loudest, most obnoxious drunks I have ever encountered. They were right on top of us. Truly the worst of New York (please move away!). Food was good, service was good but a modicum of consideration needs to be given to seating arrangements. We spent $140 for an absolutely miserable dinner we barely endured. IF YOU DON'T GET A BOOTH, RUN, DO NOT WALK, AWAY FROM THIS PLACE.

With this terrible experience, I doubt I will ever bring myself to go back.

Recommends

jessica24211

Joined 5 years ago

great atmosphere and service. in looking for the number to this place to make valentine's day reservations, i was shocked and upset by the bad reviews and relieved to see an explanation of where they came from.

i've been delighted with this restaurant for 5 years. even though i moved out of the neighborhood 3 years ago i still continue to make the trek back for visits. the food is wonderful, the atmosphere is lovely, and the service is excellent. i have never had a bad experience here, i've taken my parents and various out of towners who all agree it's a wonderful restaurant. i highly recommend it.