10/09/08

Terrible night ahead...Avoid at all cost!!

by Renee69

My experience was one of the worst dining experience of my life so far. The food took nearly 45 minutes to come out. There were just four of us and sure most of the tables were full... but 45 minutes (that's just ridiculous)! The food was enjoyable once it arrived but as soon as they cleared our table, they began to hound us to leave. The hostess came by and snatched the tip off the table asking if we were waiting for something. When we replied 'no' she began to stroll back and forth watching our table. Feeling unwelcome, we stood to leave as we did one of our party made it clear that we no longer felt wanted in the restaurant. The management's response was "well you should leave... you are done with your meal... go ahead get out!!" At that exact same moment he put the bar arm down and struck one of my friends in the mouth!!! The evening was ruined of course!! It was an unfortunate event that ended an evening that had such promise!! We will NEVER go back.

• Pros: Ambience
• Cons: Customer Service, Parking

07/14/08

Wasn't that impressed

by sassysweetie1920

Some friends and I were visiting NYC, and chose to check out Arriba Arriba. We had a party of about 9 people. We waited about 20-25 minutes for our seats, which was no big deal. What did make us mad, was that we waited over an hour and a half for our food! Seriously! When we asked the waiter what was going on, he responded by saying that they were very busy, so everyone has to wait for their food. Then, they also said that our party was so large. Whatever! I guess they didn't care since they were already getting 20% gratuity! Ugh! Also, when we finally got the food, it was just mediocre. We are from Texas, so we weren't too cool with the shredded beef on the tacos and nachos. Also, my tacos were all soggy, which was not cool at all! I had a strawberry colada, and it was more like a milkshake than an alcoholic beverage.

• Pros: Nice ambience, good salsa
• Cons: Food mediocre, horrible service

06/06/08

Good food, but pretty boy commits fraud, so that kind of negates it....

by magnificence

I will preface this by saying that my party of 4 was seated immediately (after finding 30 minute waits at most other restaurants on that block), and the food was excellent. The service, however, was not actually "service", but an afterthought. We were so excited when we received a amazingly attractive waiter, but that excitement died rapidly upon realizing that sometimes the truly beautiful are true idiots. 30 minutes after I ordered it my Coke arrived, my friend ordered a cranberry juice when our food arrived, the juice itself arrived 5 minutes after the check. Now, I am a actor/waiter and I have NEVER not left a tip, but after everything, I felt it was deserved. We tried to get the waiter's attention to explain the situation to him, but he never revisited our table; a busboy picked up our check and cards. 3 days later, I find that Pretty Boy has added his own four dollar tip to my card. I call the restaurant to complain, and I get stuck talking to a very rude man who won't let me speak to a manager until I give my name, number and the reason I'm calling. Manager on phone was nice enough, promised to get right on it, so we'll see.

But of all the amazing places to eat on Ninth Avenue, why choose a place you'll be taking a chance on? I've read the other reviews, and it seems like when Arriba Arriba is on, they are ON. But too many times they're not, so why risk it? This was not our first choice, and on reflection, we should have waited for a table at VYNL.

04/13/08

Tremendous Margaritas, Delicious Food

by Veronica17

My daughter, already hooked on Arriba Arriba, recommended this restaurant. She and I arrived at approximately 7 PM last night and, although there was a wait for parties of three or more, we were seated immediately. As has been pointed out before, it is definitely crowded and loud, but I adapted quickly. I had to try the Mama Margarita (27 oz.) and was not disappointed as they did not skimp on the alcohol. I ordered the Carne a la Parrilla and, much to my daughter's surprise, ate every morsel off my plate. That does not happen often ! Our waiter, Chad, asked if I lived in NYC and , after I answered in the affirmative, he pulled out the menu and suggested a dish for my next visit. He was right on the money because I know I will visit again and sooner rather than later. The price was right. The crowd was fun and friendly. The DJ was a treat. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention, I "dared" to have another Mama Margarita.

• Pros: Mama Margarita, Perfectly Seasoned Steak, Fun
• Cons: Not for people who want a quiet little dinner

12/24/07

Good Tex-Mex food

by kakus_kha

It was the 2nd time there and we've had an overall good experience. If you like Tex-Mex, it's a good place to go. Probably the better Mexican cuisine establishment in the area.

• Pros: Good food, service and ambience
• Cons: Not great food, seemed pre-prepared

08/09/07

TERRIBLE SERVICE - you're paying for the (loud) atmosphere and setting

by jlumbo

TERRIBLE SERVICE

Ate here once before and it was "ok" - nothing special nothing out of the ordinary, loud but ok dim, late night type atmpshere - decided to go again because it's in the area - MISTAKE - food is decorative and not truly or traditionally mexican at all...portions are decent - considering you are stuffed from the chips (that they take forever to refill) because the waiter takes FOREVER to come around

We ordered 2 frozen margaritas and by the time the waiter got to the bar, picked up the drinks and served them, they were melted. He took forever with everything (except coming to check on the bill 3x ofcourse), I wasnt sure if they were understaffed or what it was, but either way, after all of this, spoke to the manager, and he hardly apologizes and says the bar crew is understaffed (which had nothing to do at all with why everything else took forever--food, chips, forgotten items we ordered) - bad excuses for bad service - try a real mexican place, or someplace known for both authentic food and good service

• Pros: Good Ambience and atmpshpere
• Cons: HORRIBLE SERVICE - TAKES FOREVER TO GET WAITER TO DO ANYTHING - partially waiters fault

Editorial Review by Marcella Veneziale

by Contributor

Hell's Kitchen Mexican spot plies diners with giant margaritas, as well as brunch and happy hour deals; outdoor seating in summer.

04/19/07

The Best Margaritas and tacos!

by kylee25

I came to Arriba Arriba to meet some friends for drinks. I've been to a lot of Mexican restaurants in NYC but this is one of the best. The Margaritas we great (and very strong) and the spicy shrimp tacos amazing. Ambiance is nice too! Staff friendly.

• Pros: Drinks, food

03/26/07

Great food great place !!!!

by soaresrenato

We have at least 200 restaurants around 45th st and 60st, and I try diffrent restaurants everyday! On saturday before I was going to work I walked in to Arriba Arriba and I relly liked the place... The busboy started with chips and salsa and a big smile to me... The wait staff very good looking and also friendly!! The manager served me a peach margarita that was ok and I orderd one Fajita Steak that was simply delicious!!! Very very good!!! I totally recomend this place!

• Pros: Great Service
• Cons: Margaritas ok!

02/23/07

AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by sxp238

I've been going here for several years now. With coworkers, friends, and family. it's AMAMZING.. cheap food and GREAT SANGRIA .. get the large pitcher. If you want to go somewhere with cheap good food this is the place. But they don't take reservations and you might have to wait.. more reasons to drink sangria!