Horrible service, underwhelming food, highly acidic and old espresso, huge portions, great for old people. Go elsewhere if you are under 55.
(2)
Danielle P.
Place is creepy looking they need to renovate. Service sucks because they dont know the menu. Portions are abnormally huge!!!!! Waitress should have told us this. Food was good but wish I would have known about the huge portions.
(1)
K E.
I have a softness for this place because it's a legendary NY restaurant. It's quiet and has a nice enough atmosphere. With that said though, the food just really isn't that high in quality. EVERYTHING is DROWNING in butter and oil. That can be fun for a minute, but I couldn't really get to the end of the meal without kind of feeling nauseous. The menu could use a little updating. The decor could use a cleaning and a fresh coat of paint. The service... well, it's fine. It's "old school". I can't really say anything was bad (except for the cold and gluey crab cakes that we just had to send back), but for the prices, I would want better quality food. I had a good time there, but I can't say that I would vote to go back.
(3)
Julian k.
We each had paella, which was good. The Paella Valencia definitely was better than the seafood one. Service was...well, the only way I can characterize it is very "messed up", especially for a restaurant with such expensive food. We were attended by a woman who claimed to be our waitress, took our orders and asked after our food when it came. Then, she disappeared. No one else helped or checked in for quite some time (about a half hour, I'd say). We asked three waitresses and busboys in succession to have our waitress come over without any results. One of the waitresses we asked even hung out in the front with the host chatting, in plain sight of us two tables away. Clearly, the staff has no concept of customer service. We finally asked a busboy to get the manager, who told us the waitress had left for the night. No excuses, no help: just told us and then left. Finally, the busboy brought the woman over who had served us. We asked for the host again and asked him why he lied to us. It turns out the woman was a busperson who had taken care of us, then just stopped. The host did nothing to respond to our first request, answer our question or try to "make it right". In the end, we just paid and hightailed it out of there. This place clearly disdains its customers and has no concept of service.
(1)
Trey K.
We were a group of 12. Lots of tasty delicious food and wicked sangria. Everyone was please. Do I need to say more?
(4)
Elle B.
Honestly, I read all the reviews before going and went there to meet with friends who know the restaurant well. I was not impressed with the food whatsoever. The service is good, respectful waiters that are dressed nicely. This is more of an old timers' restaurants, it's a nice style but it hasn't been renovated and cleaned properly in too many years. Would not go back.
(2)
Albert F.
Good Spanish restaurant, Ambiience is nice too. Servung is hugh, eg Paella enough for 2 peoole.
(4)
Abdelhak J.
Huge portions (Spanish habits ^^). Price a bit high, but the service is above average. Nicely located next to the Ny comedy club. Make a reservation (often a line)
(3)
Jonathan Z.
El Quijote is a landmark lounge. I think my first time there was in the late 90s, when I was nearing the end of a Hunter Thompson book. It was the perfect setting to finish the last few pages of fear and loathing, helping further animate the story with its undeniable decor and ambient lighting. So I went back last night. It's still awesome inside. Great people, loud laughs, leering eyes... still transported to another time and place. Oh, and the food smelled great there.
(5)
Anneurys T.
I am very sad to say that I just recently went back to this restaurant and my experience (and I'm sure that all of my friends) wasn't good. To start and for my taste the food was too salty. I ordered the filet mignon in the brown sauce with mushrooms and asked for my meat medium well. My order came out with the mignon burned and inedible. The sauce was salty. I have to say that my previous experiences at this place were very pleasant but now I am very disappointed.
(2)
Huw P.
I have been here many times both for drinks and to eat , the cocktails are not for the faint hearted !!!!! I have had many celebratory dinners here and will be going tonight NYE14 The meat is amazing and comes with a soup or salad option, the fish is great to I have had the paella it's huge and tasty the food all takes a bit of time to come out but that's because it's cooked to order as it should be, I went once with a big group including some Muslims from work the staff were very helpful explaining the menu and pointing out the dishes without pork and everyone was happy, the deserts I have not eaten much of as I have never had enough room, wines range form cheap and chearful To the top enjoy
(5)
Enrique D.
Huge portions. Kitsch everywhere. Mediocre food with some pleasant surprises here n there. The place is super old school and can be very hit or miss depending on the day. However I always have such a good time here. Its fun and the take home amount of food is insane. Every portion is easily shared for two to four people. The price is reasonable for the quantity. The servers are very very attentive. Some may say a little too attentive, but I prefer that over inattentive. Sangria is good and paellas are delicious. Stick with classic dishes and don't get too adventerous and you will have a good meal here. Great for large groups or a fun date (maybe not a first date though)
(3)
Leon G.
I have been coming here for over 20 years the food is made to order and made to perfection I love this please and the antithetic flavor. I go there at least 2 times a month I come in from Rockland County NY. I have the Soup Caldo Gallego and the Chicken Villaroy .The steak Quijot out standign I also love the Lobster in Green sauce or the seafood Papaya. the dessert is WOW the best Coffee or Cappuccino . The BEST Sangria
(5)
Jess L.
I rarely do this -- rate an entire experience based on one dish -- but if you see this seafood platter, you'll understand. For $70, you get a huge, huge, huge platter of lobster, scallops, clams, prawns, and oysters in a delicious garlic sauce. You also get two side salads and a side vegetable. Truly an incredible deal and delicious taste. (Check out the photo I uploaded!) The sangria is also pretty stellar, some of the best in the city. Service was pretty "meh," but you're not here for the service, right? A true NYC institution!
(5)
J. K.
My place for lobster in the city have been going here for years always good make a reservation or be prepared to wait the line I've seen is in the street very popular place monster filet mignon(wow).Great long bar v good sangria.
(4)
Jan P.
Still one of my favorites. Garlic soup less salty this time. Service is still lousy though. Used to be good. So many wait staff around, what's the problem?
(4)
John C.
Second time being back. Last time I had the sausage with rice (since it was my first time) but I decided to dabble and get the chicken and garlic sauce. Just like my first time, the food was great. My Pinot was great as well. I would suggest anyone to come here, either it be a first date or just for some good food.
(4)
Katey G.
As I entered this place, I heard Gordon Ramsey in my head: "Giant menus? Out of date decor? Huge portions???" I admit, I was skeptical. However! The food was pretty good. The sangria was sweet and had actual fruit in it. The plates, while pricey, will feed you for the rest of the week. I got Arroz con Chorizo and I'll be eating it until Friday. Seriously sized portions - enough to split. The Paella with seafood looks like the whole ocean jumped in. The veggie Paella looked to contain most of a garden. White bean soup is nice, has chunks of ham that add a good saltiness. I'm also very appreciative that on a quiet night, we could sit and talk and catch up with people and no one (seemed to) mind.
(4)
Felix L.
This rating is for their Flán only. While their food may rate differently. -Lugo "The Flan Critic & Innovator"
(1)
Katie M.
I had a great time here this past Saturday night. I was meeting 5 friends, 1 showed up on time w/ me, and the rest were 45 minutes late. Was it a problem moving our reservation around? Not at all! El Quijote was totally nice about it and extremely accommodating. While we waited at the bar, we enjoyed a few very inexpensive glasses of delicious house wine - seriously, it was only $7.50 a glass and notably tasty. We also nibbled (scratch that, inhaled) some fried calamari to tide us over until we sat down. This was also quite delectable, no complaints here. After our late friends arrived and we finally sat down, the great service continued all the way through the meal. The dining room and bar area are very uniquely decorated, sort of like old school stuffy meets Cinco de Mayo, and it totally works! It was an awesome experience all around. But NOOOO, unfortunately, I HATE to say that my food was not good. I got the Mariscada En Salsa Verde (mixed seafood in green sauce), as recommended by our server, and was pretty shocked to get a bunch of really solid pieces of seafood, bathing in this funky, flavorless, congealed butter-like sauce. It was such a shame. I'm not even sure it was "butter" in the apparently butter-based sauce... i'm seriously hoping it wasn't crisco. This place was ALMOST a win -- especially as a go-to spot to take out out-of-towners -- but i can't look past bad food. Other people at my table seemed to like their dishes; there was steak (wow, gigantic portion here), mussels in garlic sauce, and lobster in garlic sauce. No one complained though, so maybe it's just me?
(3)
Alan G.
I highly recommend the lobster special, baked with delicious breadcrumbs! Ask for the square rolls. They have a nice, slightly salty taste. Yum. Also, their red sangria is one of the best I've had.
(4)
Tom B.
Haven't been there in a few years but judging by the reviews nothing's changed. Big portions of garlicky lobster delivered by professional servers. There's really nothing quite like it in nyc. Very old school. Very 1950s. Come for the vibe and stay for the sangria and lobster.
(3)
Sheila C.
Not very good but it could have been the dishes we ordered. Short ribs which came with 1 tablespoon of peas...the rubs had a dry rub and were grilled. Not what I was expecting. Someone else at our table had to ask for some sauce to flavor her paella...lol. No need to return for me.
(3)
Gloria W.
We've made a reservation for 20 people and we've got a table for 18. They've quickly corrected the seating situation and added another table to fit all 20 chairs comfortably. Great service on making sure that our drinks were always filled and orders goes to the correct person. We began our meal with either soup or salad. I had the soup and it was a bit too salty for me. There are 3 dressing options for your choice of salad. I shared a combo of madrid, its one full size lobster and a new york sirlion steak for $34. (Good deal!) Food was great for the price, we were so stuffed. Remember to ask for bib, plenty of wet napkins and a few lobster cracker tool (brain fart- dont remember what its called) cause it's not set for you or maybe they've forgotten. And lastly, we had red velvet birthday with pretty sparks for the birthday girls. Overall, we felt alittle rushed but we had a great experience!
(4)
brent P.
Went there again last night. Started with martinis at their incredible bar with the best bartenders. They even gave us some free superb tapas. Then headed for dinner with wife and friend. At one time I just looked up and said, "This is still the best place." I'm going to post some pics of our food which included my ENORMOUS Steak Dulcinea. My wife's veal chops (she could only eat one they were so big, and our friend who had the double broiled lobster. All three of these came with salad/soup and a vegatable/rice of choice. Wonderful.
(5)
May Y.
Went there to meet up with friends & tried their dishes...I forgot what I had because it was a while back... But I would go back & give it another shot.
(4)
Lonita E.
Excellent food and service. After 5 pitchers of sangria, several appetizers, and my paella along with tasting several other entrees, I needed a wheel chair to leave the premises. A restaurant you must try and return to.
(5)
Lindsay L.
Love the ambiance. Love the wine. Love the staff. Love this place!
(5)
Alice F.
This place is a gem. I've been going for years. It's not fancy, pretentious or trendy. Most people who go there are old and/or dress badly. But do not let this deter you. Their lobster deal is the best in the city. Their service is great. It's always packed, always festive, always consistent food/service quality. Nearly did not want to write this as I don't want too many people going there.
(5)
Mariana R.
Excellent choice! I went there with my family and we all ordered lobster! It was delicious! And the prices very good!... I would recommend this place without any doubt!!
(5)
Kerin Z.
After passing by El Quijote many times and always curious to go inside, I finally had the opportunity to try it last night. It was exactly as I expected it and even more. Immediately upon walking inside, this is a place you feel comfortable, as if you were in Northern Spain and going to visit your house mother's family owned restaurant. The crowd was all ages, which I liked. The bartender was friendly. The sangria was hands down one of the best sangria's I've had in NYC lately and I was very impressed. We were in the Cervantes room, and although the waiters weren't on top of you like they could be in other restaurants, they were still very friendly and warm. The waiters seem like they have worked there forever and it was so nice to hear the Spanish accent again, as it has been a few years since I lived in Spain! The paella was amazing, and I was really surprised that there was just so much of it, considering the low price of $20.00. I had MORE than enough (and I can eat let me tell you) and still have enough for lunch, and dinner, and maybe a snack later. I liked how they had a card on the table to review your waiter and to drop it in the box on the way out. Every last Saturday of the month there is a drawing and the winner gets $100.00 credit at the restaurant (including tip!). I was actually imperssed by that. They want you to keep coming back. After 80 years of business, I think they know what they are doing. And I take comfort in that. Overall, it was such a pleasant experience and I can not stop chatting about it. Upon leaving, I saw a few people just sitting at the bar sharing a half carafe of sangria and I thougth what a good idea that might be to come back and do if you are just up for a little bevy and nearby. The half carafe is only about $17.00 and was about 4 glasses and well worth it. Not surprised I enjoyed this place, as everytime I have walked past the restaurant for the past 8 months I have lived here, the crowd outside always looked happy and enjoying themselves, while smoking a cigarette or waiting for their party to finish up. I will definitely be back. And I am curious to try Vasco's across the street, to compare the two. Looks like I will have to have my left overs today in order to be able to order the same at Vasco's.. Stay tuned for my next postings! :) who knows, you might even meet me there. If you see some blond sitting at the bar alone with a big smile on her face, talking to just about anyone who comes her way, that is me! Please feel free to say hello, and I will be sure to say "ciao!"
(5)
Stephen W.
Good drinks, I enjoyed tequila, white and red sangria. Very good food, large portions, not incredibly overpriced. Appetizers were very good, the Seafood Paella was great, as was the Red Snapper. Mediocre service.
So near 5 stars......... What seems to be a small place next to the Chelsea Hotel opens onto 2 good-sized dining rooms. With 3 people, we split an order of unexceptional but serviceable clams casino, along with our opening choices - salads for my dining companions and a hearty white bean and greens soup for me. Entrees were at the next level - sole in salsa verde, a huge succulent strip steak, and seafood in egg sauce. The sole was hearty and moist- perfectly cooked and sauced. My side of broccoli was a little underdone but no big deal. Ended with an expresso. I wish DC had a place like this.
(4)
Valerie G.
My friends and I had our huuuuuuuge NYE dinner here & they were very accommodating for our group of about 30 people. We had the nice little private room in the back (or really just half of it as there were random people sitting there with us as our night went on...). Initially they didn't want to sit us without the entire party being there but really with such a large group that's nearly impossible. So they let us sit! And then they didn't want to let us order unless everyone was there either but they relented. So A+ for service =) Their portions are humongo! I split the seafood paella w/ lobster (only $24.95!) with my guy friend and we couldn't even finish it! The paella was also nicely split up for us which was very nice & came with a choice of soup or salad. Noted - get the soup bc the salad consisted of sad pieces of iceberg (the worst ever) lettuce + slivers of carrots. The paella all came out at the same time and was redonkulously quick which makes me suspicious as to how authentic it was, knowing that real paella takes quite long to make. My friend ordered the pollo con arroz y chorizo dish which was huge but she said it wasn't very good =/ We also shared a good dozen or so pitchers of sangria which was a nice medium between being overly sweet and overly strong. All in all we were able to be in and out in 2.5 hours, full & happy :)
(4)
Clarissa C.
P A E L L A!
(4)
Ana L.
I was very disappointed after reading so many good reviews.. The place looks fancy but the food was horrible. My plate was dry , burnt and flavorless while my partners plate was like eating rubber..the server had an armpit odor filling up the air every time he passed by. I couldn't even finish eating without feeling nauseous.
(1)
Greg K.
I came here last weekend with my boyfriend who had some good things to say about this place. Long story short, by the time we left he had recanted his statement. For starters, we were graced with who was hands down the rudest waiter I have ever encountered in my life. The man glared and literally stared daggers at us throughout our entire ordering process, and every attempt we made to catch his attention after that he seemed to purposefully ignore. I was starving. We ordered 2 glasses of wine, the Entremes Variados appetizer combination for two, and the paella as an entree. The appetizer combination was god awful: bland, tasteless, and really unbalanced. Unfortunately that was the least of it's problems. Within 5 minutes I started to feel sick. Now i'm someone who can polish off a whole large pizza by myself in one sitting and never get sick from a meal. By the time the paella came I wasn't sure how confident I was I would not vomit. I ignored the paella and he ate a few bites before he started to feel sick as well. We decided to just ask for the check, and decided to tell the manager about our issue. We gave the waiter our credit card and they wrapped up the paella. When the manager came over we explained to him how we had gotten sick from the appetizer. What was intended as an FYI to the manager, (since there was clearly something bad in the appetizer) , quickly transitioned into an argument with him about how much paella we ate, as if he was accusing us of fabricating the whole tale for a discounted bill. So he keeps insisting we ate half of it, (in reality it was about three bites) - which I thought was funny And after twenty mins of arguing (while i supressed my urge to vomit,) he offered to comp the appetizer. We left the 2lbs of paella behind and paid a check for 50 dollars. What bothered me the most about this is that we just wanted to LEAVE and could have cared less about the bill. So anways when we got home my boyfriend ran to the bathroom and vomited 3 times over the next hour. I didn't vomit but i felt disgusting for the rest of the night. So essentially, we paid 50 dollars to eat a revolting appetizer, and go home to vomit. The only positive thing i can say is that there was nothing wrong with my pinot grigio. I will never return to El Quijote again and advise everyone to be extremely wary of this restaurant. Avoid like the plague!!!
(1)
Dina L.
I wanted to try it after peeking in one day and seeing the traditional Castilian ambience. It's hidden underneath a dark awning in an otherwise dingy block, but it's a find since I was pleased with the food and service. Started with a grilled calamari with roasted garlic and wish I had more. I went for the conventional seafood paella, which was anything but and of course you know the paella is good for two. I recommend because I like old school, I like traditional feel and I'm keeping the business card so I can go to the bar one of these sooner days.
(4)
Salvatore C.
GET THE SEAFOOD PLATTER!! its 75 bucks but its huge, you can split it between 2-4 people. Theres two decent lobsters, bunch of big shrimp, and lots of clams and mussels, its cooked in this delicious sauce I've never really tasted before. Also got the octopus appetizer and it was really good, perfectly cooked and the sauce was amazing. Got margaritas, they were tiny and 10 bucks, wouldn't recommend them. The place has been around forever and has solid food. Inside is typical classy, they have a room for big parties too.
(4)
James C.
I've been coming to this restaurant for over 10 years and it has been awesome EVERY time. The people who give this restaurant a bad rating must not know good food! I went so far as to even have my wedding party of over 70 people here! Unbelievable steak and seafood!!! The daily double is a favorite, but if you are a huge seafood lover like myself, a must try the seafood platter for two. Be careful though it's more like for four!! The manager, bartenders and the waitstaff are friendly and courteous on every level. A staple of this Chelsea neighborhood for OVER 80 years SOOOOO they must be doing something right! I take family and friends who visit from out of town all the time and have never heard anything but how great it was. Sometimes the wait to get in is long, again a sign of a good restaurant. Who wants to eat in a place where no one else is eating?? These people who gave a bad rating need to go home and eat at Applebees, where there's no wait and everything is bought from restaurant depot! Bad rating =simpleton (s m p l-t n). person who is felt to be deficient in judgment, good sense, or intelligence; a fool. A few favorites: APPETIZER: Filet Mignon Tips Scallops or Mussels Quixote style Stuffed mushrooms ENTREES: NY strip Double Filet Mignon dinner Seafood Paella Lobster daily double and of course the seafood platter for two Go and try it, you won't be upset!!
(5)
Maria S.
I went there on Valentine day, it was a biggest mistake I have ever done. Too crowded, very noisy, I had a reservation but had to wait for 1 hour. I could get the seat because they put me on top of the list by mistake, otherwise I would have been waiting for 2 hours. It's ridiculous. And the food is not good at all. It was way too expensive for tasteless food. Paella, I saw some reviews that it says it was great. Really? I had so many paella in my life but I hated this restaurant's. my boyfriend orders steak, it was huge tasteless chunk of meat. And he ended up taking 90% of meat to home. We spend over $100 for such food. I must admit Sangria was Okay though. I gave 1 star because I could not give 0 star. I really don't know why this restaurant is over rated. Please avoid the experience like I had. Go to other restaurant please.
(1)
Jane S.
I took one star off for decor in back room. but if rating just food, would give 5, for taste and price. Food is very good. Quail app is delicious, and they have it as an entree too which is better deal to order for appetizer. soup or salad? get the soup I love the seafood, with lobster in mariscada sauce (green), enough to take home. I always order this. I have tried other things and very good. I also love their short ribs, which is enough for two people. I never have room for dessert. This place is an institution.
(4)
Mike B.
One of the worst restaurants I have ever been to. 1. The salad that comes with the meal is almost frozen and it is accompanied by three tins filled with thick glutinous blue-chees dressing, creamy viangrette and something else which I cant recall-gross! 2. The asparagous vinagrette was from a can. 3. The peas with my filet of sole were not fresh, but frozen and 4. My fish was flavorless. I just dont understand how the the place is packed. I will never return. OMG! YUCK.
(1)
Thomas W.
Man of La Mancha's version of the West Side Story! Oh how my old Chelsea neighborhood has changed. The danger and intrigue of the West Side has been changed into Yuppie Heaven! Indeed I often look for Richard Kiley to appear singing Dulcinea to Rita Moreno? It is good to see some things don't change. This place comes right out of the 1960's. It is a little older, but the food is the same--plentiful and a bargain. This Spanish restaurant has the best prices on lobster you will find anywhere. The old style salad dressings don't have the same zest, but the paella is still as good as you will find for this price. There are many higher class Spanish restaurants around, but El Quijote is second to none in the care they put into their Paella Valencia con langosto! Oh how I hope this place stays the same.
(4)
Yolanda L.
Relatives brought us here for dinner & I LOVED It! I got the recommended broiled lobster (3 tails) which was delicious, wish i had more. My dad got the whole broiled lobster (which looked fantastic, 1.5lbs), sis got the lobster in garlic sauce (out of this world!), and mom got the filet of red snapper (it was ok but not the best). Portions are hearty, entrees come w/choice of a starch & i opted for the spanish rice. I spooned some of the garlic sauce onto my rice, OMG..heaven. Apparently, this place has been around for a very, very long time & I like the kitschy atmosphere. Sangria was tasty as well. Overall, everyone ordered something fabulous, the flavors were delicious and wants me yearning for more. I'm looking at the yelp pics & i'm drooling already. This place is a must go to for me every time i'm in NYC. That seafood paella looks KILLER!!! Prices are ok, not too expensive & not cheap. fun place for a nite out on the town (or when im vacationing over there) Why does NYC have the BEST restaurants?! puts SF restaurants to shame...
(5)
Gally L.
Great place. The portions are huge and the food is good. Got the seafood Mariscara and it was really tasty. The spicy red sauce was really flavorful and plentiful. Exactly the way red sauce is supposed to taste. Additionally my friend got the stuff sole with crab meat and they were very generous with real crab meat. Going to recommend the place to a few friends.
(4)
Hannah L.
THIS PLACE IS AMAZING!!! i feel like im in epcot center, if there was spain land. this place is from the 40s, and has not been updated since then. the vintage, kitschy decor is mind blowing. so overstimulating. this is THE place to have original hard-to-find vintage seafood apps, like clams casino and legit shrimp cocktail. my favorite things about el quijote: 1. it's proximity to trailer park. make a kitschy night of it! 2. the sangria is only $23 and equals 3 large drinks for 2 people 3. the waiters all wear tuxedos and bowties with name tags, and serve you your meal onto your plate 4. the booths!!!!! 5. the leftover paella was enough for 2 people's lunch the next day dude, you must come here, it is truly amazingly cheesy and yummy, and i was smiling the whoooooole time.
(5)
Eric G.
This iconic New York establishment is fun, festive and loud and a great place to go with a large group of friends--as long as you don't mind eating really horrible food.
(1)
Rach K.
Yum! For my friend's birthday, she had a hard time finding a place that would take a party of 8 people for dinner on a Saturday night so she ended up making a reservation here. I walked in to see a relatively long bar, a room divider, and some booth/table seating areas on the other side. I was one of the non-punctual people (due to torrential rain downpour causing traffic all over the place) so I only got to take a few sips of my friend's white wine sangria before we were seated. We were led down the bar through a little doorway into the back area where there were a few tables and cute Spanish decor (ceramic painted tiles, chandelier, etc.). So point #1: ambiance was v. nice. Casual enough to bring children, but cute and upscale enough to bring a date. Now onto the food! To start, we ordered 2 orders each of 4 different tapas - scallops, baked clams, stuffed mushrooms, calamari - and a pitcher of the white wine sangria, because why not? Everything was really delicious and served pretty promptly. Our waiter was really friendly and nice, but not in an overbearing way. I thought all of the tapas were really good but the baked clams were the best. The seasoned breading made it for me. I thought all of the seafood in general was cooked perfectly - tender scallops, crisp and soft calamari. The stuffed mushrooms were good, but a bit salty for my taste. For the main course, we shared the steak and 2 orders of the paella valencia. At the bequest of one of the pickier members of our party, we got it cooked medium well. It was charred on the outside, almost to the point of inedibility, but it was still surprisingly tender and moist on the inside. It came with a side of some spicy gravy, but I silently wished to myself that they had served chimichurri instead. To be honest, I've had better paella, but I thought they did a pretty good job with the flavor and it was full of seafood and chorizo. There was only 1 piece of chicken per pot so not everyone got to try it. From what I heard though, it was really moist and delicious. The paella pots had higher rims than the paella pots I'm accustomed to seeing, and it made a difference in the finished product because there wasn't any rice that crisped up on the bottom of the pan (which is one of my favorite parts about paella). The sangria was really refreshing and had apple and orange slices floating in it, as well as marachino cherries. The bill split amongst the 7 of us (because the birthday girl didn't pay, of course) was $31, which was really good considering we were all completely stuffed and there was even a bit of food leftover. Overall, a really pleasant dining experience! Enough so that even with the boundless restaurant choices in NYC, I'd be willing to visit again.
(4)
Geoff C.
Best Lobster and Paella in NY City. The Sangria is great also, but beware, you'll pay for it in the AM. Get's crowded after 7: 00 PM on peak nights so get their early or late on those days.
(4)
AP V.
Time-warp dining. I'm sorry I missed the restaurant's heyday. Go for the ambiance, not so much the food, which is just passable. Though portions are impressive and service reminiscent of the Old World and Old New York.
(2)
Clare C.
Reservations a must!!! Sangria is very good! Exercise caution - it goes down like fruit juice but can hit you!!!! Food is plentiful. We were a party of 6 and got 5 entrees to split. There was MORE than enough food!
(3)
Boyd P.
I went with a group of 4 on a Friday night around 8pm. We were able to make a reservation a few hours earlier so when we got there we were seated immediately. It wasn't packed but I'm pretty sure it was close to capacity. The portions here are HUGE!! Thankfully we didn't order too many tapas otherwise we wouldn't have been able to eat any of our main course. We started off with a pitcher of sangria which was pretty good and with big slices of fruit in it. Then we ordered some light tapas, stuffed mushrooms and clams served in a pot of red sauce which was pretty amazing (+1 for having enough bread leftover to dip in the sauce). I ended up ordering paella seafood combo w/ lobster which came with choice of soup or salad. Ended up going with the soup which was a hearty white bean soup that everyone at the table loved. Everyone else went with the salads which came with an array of dressings to choose from and looked pretty good. The paella came out piled high on a plate and than an entire pot of paella was brought out as well. It was an INSANE amount of food to fathom eating and I ended up having quite a bit of leftovers. Someone else at the table had paella as well and barely even made a dent. The others ordered veal entrees and both plates were very large portions and tasted very good. We rounded off the dinner with another pitcher of sangria and then had the waiter roll us out the door...highly recommended!
(5)
Mango J.
El Quijote?.. oh you mean El Excellente.. I like it here , this place is mm mmm good! And from the look,decor, & set up of the place you'd think it was so much more pricey. But its actually quite moderately priced for such marvelously healthy portions of excellent delicious plates of seafood, from salads,rices, pastas and all in such a lovely set up. I like that knight at the front entrance* unique touch that bought character - the red curtains and tassles may come across too much/traditional, too " cha cha" or even dated to some, but I enjoyed it. And this establishment has been succesfully in business for a very long time for a reason. Its good!
(5)
Wayne T.
Been here many times and have never been disappointed. Party of 8 big eaters so we ordered all the shellfish apps plus two paellas (with lobsters) for starters. Everything was great especially the raw oysters. To make up for the lower cost of lobsters, it appears they increase the size of the twin lobsters from 1 1/4 to more like 1 1/2 pounders, which is a class act. We also had lobstesr (sans shells) in green and white sauces as well as in puff pastry shells. All excellent. FYI 4 1/2 lb lobster was under $70, which is half of what steak houses charge. Definitely will repeat.
(4)
Brad P.
This place has been here a very long time for a reason, and it is definitely one of my favorite go to places in the city. I have never been disappointed. I had one of the best steak and lobster meals anywhere at this place. I try to eat here at least one time on every visit.
(5)
Ashish S.
This place belongs in the suburbs -- not in Manhattan.
(1)
David Mark S.
My first experience at El Quijote was this past weekend, for a holiday party/Christmas dinner. The place was packed, noisy and vibrant, but generally there was an upbeat atmosphere all around. The extensive menu gives you a lot to think about, but think quick because even with reservations, you might get rushed along a little. I went for the combo dinner of veal and shrimp -- a great portion and tasty, to boot. This paried with an escargot appetizer was solid as a rock. The sangria was a little weak, so i'd suggest sticking with the wine or hard liquor. One small thing: the bar area seems quite the zoo on weekends, if you don't want to get jostled a lot by people waiting for tables or the traffic for the front door, drink at your table. Nice place, efficient if not toasty warm service, and serviceable food at good prices.
(3)
liz f.
Excellent tapas and sangria. Wonderful service. The place came highly recommended by friends who have been coming here for years. Their parents come from nj to eat here and their special occasions are celebrated here. With good reason. Went back with my teenagers and it was again amazing. Very accommodating and friendly service. Will come again.
(5)
Dani B.
I really like this place. Actually, it may be my new favorite place in NYC. I don't know, I just like everything about it so I find it hard to be eloquent, but I'll try :) First of all... It's next door to Hotel Chelsea, sooo that right there... enough said. Second of all... This place has sooo much history! From Janis Joplin, to Jimi Hendrix, to Patti Smith... Everyone who was ever cool in the history of the planet has eaten at El Quijote. I just like the idea that my butt could be in the same spot that Janis' was. It makes me happy. Third... I like the decor... It's just it's own thing and it's very traditional. I like El Quijote because they are not trying to be modern or trendy. I don't believe that they have changed it much over the years, so it still has that "authentic" feel. In short, the location is great, the vibe is great, the staff is very friendly, and the food is really good. Sometimes I just pop in, sit at the bar and get oysters on the half shell and a glass of champagne. It's a nice little treat. If you are pretty hungry, I like the seafood paella. It's huge. You can definitely share it with a friend. What else? Oh, the sangria is delish and they sell it by the pitcher which is always nice when you are with friends... And yes, this is a good place for groups.
(5)
Gloria D.
I have been to El Quijote a few times, mostly during the last month. First - this place is ALWAYS packed, so reservations for parties of three, or more, is a necessity! Second - The Paella Valencia is OUTSTANDING. Reasonably priced, cooked to perfection and simply mouth-watering. Third - The Sangria, both red & white, is amazingly tasty, yet incredibly strong. proceed with caution. I have personally drank more than my fair share, not realizing how DRUNK I was until I stood up. Fourth - If with 4 or less, always ask for a booth. That section is just better. Better lighting, quieter, good spot for a date, if you're on one. I mostly go here with large groups of friends, that side is no good for larger groups. Fifth - The "Steak Tips" Tapas plate is incrediballs. Get it! Sixth - The Filet Mignon with Swiss and Mushroom Sauce, I think it's called "Steak El Quijote" but not sure... Is also amazing. Finally, Seventh - GO GO GO GO GO. Big Yumz.
(4)
Robert B.
We ordered the paella Valencia with lobster and the three lobster tails. The paella is supposed to come with chicken, chorizo, shrimps, mussels, clams and lobster. They prepared the wrong dish, there was no chicken or chorizo. Well, they eventually took it back reluctantly, as a matter of fact the waiter told my wife that that is how it is prepared. Only after another waitress came over and inspected the paella and told him it was the wrong order did he agree to take it back. He returned shortly thereafter with the new or should I say revised order with what appeared to be the same dish, with whatt appeared to be a piece of half cooked chicken wing and a few chorizos thrown in. The chicken wing tasted terrible and the chorizo wasn't much better. The whole paella was tasteless. We have had paella that tasted a thousand times better then this. As for the Sangria, it tasted like a version of pink lemonade, not good at all. Then there was the lobster tails, they were over cooked and dried out. Oh, the soup was just tasteless, I think it was white bean or something along that order and the salad was just as unimpressive. The wait staff is comprised of a team of waiters who are mediocre at best. The waitress did not clean my wife's side of the table, I suppose because it would have required more effort to reach that area of the table. When my wife asked for the tool they use to clean the table, instead of the waitress offering to clean it herself she brought my wife the utensil and a plate. Come on your a waitress where did you get your training? OK, the portions are large but who cares if the food is not good.
(1)
Shaquana L.
I've come here several times and each one was a great dining experience if it was with a friend or the BF. The service is decent. Comfortable atmosphere. The seafood paella....YUM. The lobster...TASTY. The lamb chops....DE-LiSH! I typically do not get an appetizer because the meal portions are pretty generous and come with a house salad or the white bean soup (which I love). But I'll have to try them someday. And the white sangria...AWESOME. I usually get a pitcher to share, definitely worth it.
(4)
Star E.
This place was unbelievably and unnecessarily pricey!!!! So my bf and I decided to share the Lobster Parrillada, which was already $35, they charged us $6.50 to share the meal...how ridiculous!!! For that I got my own salad in addition to his salad, no where near worth $6.50. They claim you get a little extra food. Yea right!!!! We was able to get an extra side after my bf complained about the extra charge, so we had some bland string beans and even more bland broccoli. The seafood was pretty good, as well as, the sangria. The rolls they serve before the meal were hard and the butter was cold, what a combo. I feel that for the prices they charge, there portions could be better. The side dishes were pathetic. I would prefer to go to city island. Get more bang for my buck!!!!
(3)
Gillad M.
Certainly for an older crowd but good food. Walking into El Quijote you'll experience a drastic change from the hustle and bustle of 23rd Street to a ornately decorated restaurant with abundant seating. I'd call this a family restaurant good for larger groups with the noise that goes along with it. I started with a bowl of chicken soup which was the highlight of the meal (though I'm not even sure what the soup was called). I opted for the broiled salmon steak, while my fellow diners had chicken and rice and a seafood paelle. The broiled salmon was well flavored and perfectly flake, topped with capers with sides of grilled onions and lightly cooked broccoli. I tried the chicken and rice, and, while the chicken was a bit tough to pick through, the rice was outstanding. Service was OK. It was tough to get the waiter's attention and they were very difficult to understand. Overall, this isn't the type of place I normally good to, but I had great company and I'm glad I tried it out.
(3)
Tommy K.
I've been here a few times before and I feel like the place has changed a bit. I feel like I'm being rushed and ignored. Maybe the place is too busy for itself to handle. Customer service has gone down. Big negative. Every visit, I order the lobsters and my friend usually orders the mixed seafood with lobster paella. The food is very good and worth to dismiss the poor service. The sangria could be stronger next time. I like but the management could make some change to help me love it.
(3)
Chris A.
Very quaint place . The churrasco (skirt steak ) was grilled perfectly and was a generous portion .
(4)
Ariel J.
How could I have waited this long to visit this neighborhood establishment. The decor is kitsch, but of the high brow variety and beautifully done. The service was fun and the portions are huuuuuge. The sangria was great. The house red was really good and available in a half carafe - yeay. I started with the soup of the day, a white bean soup. It was the best i've had. It was followed up with a scallop appetizer was succulent and cooked to perfection. I finished off the feast with the 20oz Filet Mignon Tornedos, rare. The meat was not of the most supreme quality but worth more than the $33 bucks you shell out for the dish. A great experience I look to repeat - next time it's the Paella.
(5)
Valerie M.
Oh the Sangria! Always the half carafe or pitcher - never just a glass. This Spanish restaurant never disappoints and they never rush you so it's an awesome place for good conversation ( especially if you have much catching up). Located adjacent to the legendary Chelsea Hotel, El Quijote managed to maintain that old New York charm in ambiance ( the booths) and service. We started out with the scallops in garlic sauce (Vieras Ajillo) followed by mixed seafood paella with lobster (Paella Marinara con Langosta) ending with espresso. So authentically yummy and plentiful too ( it's also a great value)! I can hardly wait to return.
(5)
Franny A.
OLD school to the nth degree. One of a few remaining traditional Spanish restaurants left in NYC housed in the classic Chelsea Hotel. I am a big fan of El Quijote on every level. We were seated in a booth- Sweet! The waiters are decked out in waiter uniforms- wow. Bread and butter arrived on the table- nice. As we perused the extensive menu- I usually go with a veal or lobster- both are popular. I went with broiled 1/4 pound lobster which was $21.95. Entrees are served with salad. Now reading other reviews of the salad, I am confused. This is a good simple salad consisting of romaine, radishes, sweet grape tomatoes and what they are famous for is it is served with three different dressings- fab. Remember this is an old school joint, no modern interpretations of food here. The lobster was DELISH- broiled with a little breadcrumbs, very sweet. My friend's fillet of sole was nicely served with lemon and peas.
(4)
Doreen L.
Went here with my family because the place was highly recommended to us. Let's just say, I was not impressed. The decor is very nice - old world, dimly lit, Don Quixote statue greets you in the front, but that's about it. There was no music, which sort of made the place sound too quiet at first, and then too loud with all the surrounding conversations. They could've really made the place feel just right some traditional Spanish music.. but I digress. As for the food, well, everything is so SALTY. The bread was salty and not all that great. We didn't even get a second serving of butter when we asked for more bread, which seemed really cheap on their part. For the starter, I got the white bean soup (which is really their version of caldo gallego - it had white beans, potatoes, cabbage and bits of ham). Not so bad, but was very filling. The sangria was OK, but was certainly not the best I've had. For dinner, I ordered the Arroz con Pollo y Chorizo, and it was a HUGE serving. I couldn't even finish the plate in front of me. My sister got the serrano ham and manchengo cheese - and the ham was basically dry. Rest of the family got paella and they agreed the food was extremely salty and not all that special, considering this place charges way more than any other Spanish restaurant I have been to. Wouldn't return here, as there are plenty of other restaurants that are worth the trip.
(2)
Peter D.
A great evening - classic atmosphere, great food prepared exactly the way we requested, wonderful service, fair prices. So enjoyable.
(4)
Elizabeth N.
Definitely come here for the seafood. Their seafood platters are decent for the price and has a good amount of food on it. However, don't get any meats here. It's not good at all and they don't know how to cook it to the temperature you like.
(3)
Gigi L.
This place is amazing. Never disappoints and I hope it never will. My family and I have been going here for years! My dad used to love bringing the family for dinner. I used to always order gambas al ajillo, delicious! The day after my wedding we had a family brunch here as a way to remember my dad and everyone agreed that it was indeed so so good, hospitable, and nice. The family feasted on paella, lobster, steak, you name it. EVERYTHING was worth it! As a matter of fact, I am taking my mom there tomorrow for her birthday =)
(5)
Michelle B.
My boyfriend and I were taking a Sunday stroll trying to figure out what the hell to eat when we came upon this place. The outside entrance is quite impressive and gives off a "I have been here a long time" impression. So we gave it a shot. After realizing their portions were the size of a pig trough we skipped the appetizer and went straight for the paella with seafood and lobster. To break it all down the rice was really good piping hot and nicely seasoned, a bit salty but whatever. The mussels and shrimp were wonderful and there was plenty of them, but there were not a lot of clams and scallops, but they were good. They gave us a half of a lobster which was a little dry, and not pre-cracked, yes I am a baby but I really suck at doing this and I appeared as though this was my last meal when trying to do so. The half pitcher of awesome sangria we shared got me nicely buzzed so that makes a good sangria in my opinion. The paella is served in one of those really awesome pots that you get from any discount store for $5 but that is not a bad thing because they really are awesome. You get A LOT of food as I mentioned above. We didn't even get a desert because we were so full. The restaurant ambiance is very nice, almost fancy. I was in jeans, a nice top with flip flops so its not that big of a deal. The service is just OK but the waiters present themselves with professionalism. My only complaint is that the fire alarm was continually going on and off throughout or entire dinner and they didn't apologize for this until I asked them what was going on, nor did they take $ off the bill or whatever....I would have it was my restaurant but whatever. Try it, and bring your stomach.
Good place for Lobster. Double Lobster actually. When you open the menu, look at the bottom left of the second page. Order Double Lobster with your favorite style. It comes with side dishes. Although the place is hugh, but it's packed pretty early. A star is missing because the place is quite old and need improvement. I don't mind old style actually, but an update for hygienic-feel purpose would be nice.
(4)
Quan T.
This is, hands down, my favorite Spanish restaurant. Living near San Francisco, I've tried to find something similar and I just can't because every Spanish joint out there just does tapas for the most part. So, to get my fix, I have to come back to NYC every so often and stuff my face here. Their seafood paella is to die for. Their other stuff is pretty good too, but the paella is what keeps me coming back. Like a sad Goldilocks, most other places I've tried end up making theirs too dry, too soggy or just too bland. EQ does it right every time. As far as drinks go, their red sangria is good and you can probably get the same elsewhere, but the white sangria is like freaking ambrosia. I have yet to find any place else that has something that compares. It's got a subtle sweetness that isn't cloying and there's no hint of sourness that I find in other white sangrias. This place is a serious must visit!
(5)
Jane Q P.
Definitely one of the great restaurants that I make recommendations to when anyone I know is in the city. The sangria is amazing. The food is amazing. The portions are amazing. Great place to go.
(4)
Juan S.
Must have the sangria and please, do NOT skip the Paella Valenciana...if you have to come here, do it solely for the Paella - its amazing!
(5)
Tony C.
After reading the good and bad reviews, decided to give it a try. We went on a Sunday afternoon and stayed with what people recommended as the best bets: sangria and paella. Both were excellent: well worth recommending. Service was good, and as good a Don Quixote atmosphere as you could do with that as a theme.
(4)
Marcia P.
Fun, retro atmosphere full of windmills; old-fashioned food and portion sizes to match. I've been going here for YEARS but for some reason I only get the daily-double lobster, which is USUALLY very good. HowEVer, on recent visits, one of the two lobsters has been sub-par. Like, mushy. So I don't know what to say... Normally, I love the broiled lobsters; never overcooked or dried out and the buttery breadcrumb stuffing is delish. The homemade potato chips are decadent and irresistible, the soup is good in a hearty Spanish way. The salad's kinda lame, though the old-fashioned dressing carousel is a nice touch. I haven't personally tried much else, but the steaks look giant and good!
(4)
G M.
I've been coming here for years because the first impression got me. I was hooked to the surf and turf, sangria and some apps. But I noticed that the last couple of times I came service was suspect and the food average at best. The last straw was when my lobster tail was beyond salty and asked my server for another one, his response was precious---The reason it tastes so salty is because we got it from a saltier ocean....Needless to say I looked at him with knives in my eyes and that's all that I had to say...It seems to me that they are living on reputation now...But that will soon fade...
(2)
Mags R.
Let me tell you, it might look dated and tacky but the food is amazing, fresh, delicious and the best Old School Spanish Paella, Sangria, and Spanish dishes. It's worth the trip to try it. This is traditional - the real deal. You might not find the authenticity at some new "trendy" or a "fusion" tapas places. You'll get authentic rich tasting great quality fresh food for the price you pay. It's a little dark so photos won't come out well unless you put the flash on. It could use some updating in the bathroom (old tiles and partitions). The bar is always packed. For my Tapa's fix, I love the Baked Clams, Chorizo, and Garlic Shrimp - which is enough to share because they give you bread - so watch out because it can be filling. It's filling because it's so good you keep eating it - so keep that in mind if you plan on ordering the Paella. Or you can just eat that with the bread and Sangria for Tapas. They have various Paella's and I've tried like 3 (seafood/ chicken and chorizo, and another seafood one I can't remember) and they have all been good. It has a nice rich broth and seafood taste and its moist. Just so you know, the Paella comes in a pot that serves maybe 4 people (if your ordering tapas ). My husband and I eat twice and we still have enough to take home the next day (like maybe one serving - usually mine LOL). I'm telling you this because I had this one young waiter who tried to tell me and my friend that we each needed to order one Paella because it was for one person. He must have been new and didn't know that I go there sometimes so I told him that we would share it and had to stop him at his tracks and tell him that I know the deal because I go there. I didn't want to be rude but he was being persistent. So I'm just looking out for you. They are not usually pushy but do try to get you to order dessert at the end - which I never do because I'm really more about the food than dessert. BTW, they have a vegetarian Paella - never had it but the people next to me did and it looked good and they said they liked it. The skirt stake is amazing, fresh, hot sizzling nice charred flavor medium well with onions, peppers....even the bread is nice and warm served with butter on the side (or use the bread to sop up the garlic shrimp sauce or eat it with the chorizo). FYI - The skirt stake (churrasco) is long, the size of an oblong plate - over 12" maybe. You can probably share that with Tapas and Sangria too. The fish (Tilapia, sole were light tasting). I prefer going here for their Paellas, Tapas, skirt steak, and sangria. I might try more fish here but every time I go, I get tempted to order what I've previously had because its always spot-on good! The Sangria comes in a carafe (serves 2 maybe) or a pitcher. I love the Red Sangria. Haven't tried the white, but the red has always been my favorite. Damn, wish I had some now.
(5)
Peter S.
I've been meaning to try this place for a while due to its connection to Leonard Cohen. (I gather he was a regular here back when he lived at the Chelsea Hotel, which is virtually next door.) It wasn't quite what I expected--it's a very old school Spanish restaurant--but I was not disappointed at all. Ordered the Ensalada a la Manny for lunch. It was a very generous portion of nice seafood (shrimp, calamari, etc.) served cold with oil and vinegar. Very tasty, flavorful and filling. My friend had the lobster bisque, which she also really loved. Will definitely come back.
(5)
Terri M.
As fans of El Quijote for many years, my husband and I usually dine there whenever we're in Chelsea. Most time we've gone for their special paella or their lobster special, but this time we went straight for the tapas. We had the mussels in green sauce, the shrimp in garlic sauce, the chicken livers with onions, serrano ham and melon, and the manchego cheese with olives--all of which were absolutamente deliciosa! The portions were ample and the prices were more than fair. The service was plentiful and unobtrusively attentive--just the way we like it. The ambiance has that same classy old school feel it has had for years, with tablecloths, uniformed wait staff, and dated but interesing decor. Having always left El Quijote feeling pampered and satisfied, I (we) plan to go there again and again.
(4)
D S.
Nothing impressive. Food was OK, except the soup was cold and it had a weird taste. Good service.
(3)
Charles M.
I went to this restaurant with my mistress (please don't judge) because it was out of the way and I was almost certain I would not run into anyone that my wife and I knew here. The ambience is quiet and dark -- an all around perfect place to conduct an illicit affair. The waiter was friendly, but I could tell that he was a little distracted when he spilled some of the red wine on the table. For his part, I think he was just checking out my sumptuous date. Regardless, I don't hold it against him. I ordered the broiled cornish hen, my mistress got the skirt steak. Both were very tasty, but mine was just a tad bit dry. When we were finishing the meal, my lady friend made a horrible face (which I initially thought might be because of the food) but when I felt a steaming, lumpy liquid pour over my head I knew otherwise. I turned around and through a face of Black Bean Soup (yuck!) I could see my girlfriend standing there looking mad as heck. Her mother was sitting behind her enjoying a fork-full of Squid a la Romana -- they had apparently been there the whole time! Shucks. I give El Quijote a 3/5.
I have been here 4 times. Twice last year, then March this year and last Saturday. All 4 times I ordered the exact same dish (Langosta Rellena), which was their stuffed lobster with crabmeat. It came with a salad and also a side dish, which I chose rice. The first three times I had the most amazing stuffed lobsters. Each time I had a decent size lobster and the stuffing was so delicious; as was the tasty rice. Compared to other expensive seafood restaurants in Manhattan and on Long Island, I felt this place gives you a good bang for your buck. l was hooked on their lobsters. However, this past Saturday, I was surprisingly disappointed. When I was ordering, the waiter asked if I wanted lobster tail or whole lobster. This was never asked the first 3 times I ate here. Of course I said whole lobster; which was what I got before. When my dish came, I saw a baby lobster, sitting alone on a metal plate; the size of it was significantly smaller this time, as was the portion of the rice, which was now served on a smaller plate. It seems the price hasn't changed; but the portions they serve now were much smaller than before. The food was still delicious, but was not as filling as before. So I ended up ordering desert, a strawberry cheese cake, which was tasty. I will go back here to try again. But then, I will be ordering a 2 lb stuffed lobster.
(3)
Ann K.
Went to El Quijote with a couple co-workers last winter. The food was decent, the sangria was yummy and we generally had a good time. The tapas offerings were better than the paella which I'll likely skip next time. I've been to better tapas places but if you're in Chelsea, it's worth a stop but don't make a special trip.
(3)
dusty c.
Was always curious about this place on past stays at the Chelsea next door, and we love Spanish food so my husband I met up with a friend here are at El Quijote on our most recent trip in to the city. I was thrilled to discover how awesome this place is. It's the oldest Spanish restaurant in NYC, open since 1930. The interior feels delightfully old-school and proper, with dim lights, red leather booths, candles, waiters and busboys in jackets. Service was great - serious and attentive without being stuffy. We loved everything we tried, foodwise: a few tapas - shrimp in green sauce, serrano ham and olives, stuffed mushrooms. Entrees at the table - chicken quijote - whole roasted chicken in brandy sauce, crabacakes (my favorite), and a lobster dish with a delicate cream sauce that my husband all but fainted into because he loved it so much. We finished off a pitcher of sangria too - it tasted wonderful and there was quite a lot of it! Highly recommend this place for a fun, elegant dinner with a warm and lively atmosphere.
(4)
Andy X.
I've been to this place twice. For Lobster it's pretty cheap. If I recall correctly they have 2 1 1/4 lobsters for under 35 bucks. I've gone with a group of 6 both times. I have tasted good portion of the dishes there. Food is good value, atmosphere is nice, not too loud.
(4)
Jen L.
Great place for paella. Cool spot. Service is great too. And I love the vibe and atmosphere there. They give LOTS of food, which is what I like. I like how old this place is too. All we had was paella and man, it was good, plentiful and very flavorful. Highly recommend.
(4)
Aly Y.
Can't believe that I have finally set foot into this historic place (even more ironic that it was my cousin who made the reservation - she's visiting from Asia!!) Wonderful smells of garlic and seafood upon entering made me so hungry. Nice long bar near the front of the restaurant made me wish I lived upstairs in the Chelsea Hotel! We were a party of eight; given the back room near the kitchen. At first, a bit noisy as there was a bigger party of twenty men next to us. But after they left, we had the room all to ourselves - yay! Now for the food - we ordered tapas of chorizos, stuffed mushrooms, garlic shrimp, serrano ham with honeydew and a 2+ lb. broiled lobster. Yum. We ordered the tapas and wine first; both delivered soon after we ordered. They didn't take our entree orders until after we were almost finished with our tapas which was alittle unusual. For the entrees, thumbs up for the paella marinera (mixed seafood), paella marinera with lobster and the strip steak. Unless you're Joey Chestnut (winner of several Nathan's hot dog eating contests), one paella is big enough to share. Thumbs down for the overdone rack of lamb (entrees were slow to come out so hubby didn't want to wait if he sent the lamb back). For the service, I'd describe it as professional, amiable and not overbearing. We never felt rushed and our water glasses were always filled promptly. Good thing we were not in a rush because we had a nice leisurely dinner which allowed us to catch up with our cousins from Asia and Australia!! Did not have room for dessert this time so will have to return!
(4)
Nancy C.
Wow. What a place! The food was delicious, the place is romantic, the service was great, the sangria was oh-so yummy!! A date took me out to this place and I was impressed! I admit I didnt think very much of it from the outside. They got bamboo plants outside a old fashioned looking spanish restaurant. Mmmmmmm ok. Once you're inside though, you're not in modern New York anymore. Actually, you've just time traveled to New York circa the 40s, with old fashioned dressed waiters, low light, old classic style paintings on the walls, deep rich reds, and a bar that says "charlie chaplin used to eat here, my friend". (Dont take my word for it. Im just using my imagination here). My date and I sipped the sangria pitcher for a good two hours while chatting and munching on real potato chips, which were great! The chicken with almond sauce was fantastic! chicken in a sweet almond sauce with crunchy roasted almond slivers on top! The textures were exciting! He ordered the lamb which he says was good too. The only thing was that they mistakenly ordered him the wrong thing. Instead of bringing out lamb, they brought him a lobster. I decided to wait for his dish to arrive but then the waiter offered to hold the plate in the kitchen to stay hot while I waited, which was really helpful and attentive of him (I would have drooled over it while waiting). Bravo!
(5)
Jessica N.
Went here for the first time last Friday with my boyfriend after he heard from a coworker about it who loved it. We're very big on paellas and sangria so immediately we knew we had to go and what we would be getting. I felt a little out of place at first because I was not expecting it to look the way it did- we were greeted at the door by a staff member in a full suit. While it does seem nicer though, most people do come in casual so it's fine. We split the paella marinana with lobster and it was definitely more than enough for both of us. They add a sharing charge of $6.50 but you also get to choose between a soup or salad to start off so it was worth it. We both ended up trying the garlic soup which was delicious! The paella was brought over in a small pot and served to us and was enough for 2-3 servings each. It had shrimp, mussles, clams, scallops and half a lobster- amazing! We got a pitcher of the red sangria to drink and it was great too. It was a bit strong and the pitcher was a pretty good size (we could have just as easily just done the half pitcher). It was a great dinner and for the type of food/drink we got, the price was good too. Will definitely be coming again soon and hope to try more of what they have.
(4)
Robert P.
I was amused by the review that said they were charged six fifty to split a lobster when it was already 35 dollars ! Wow, a 35 dollar lobster, that's really expensive! (not) how can the place be overpriced when they are still charging $16.95 for 3 pork chops? This is NYC! The food Is great. Try the Shrimp Ajillo, Lobster in Green Sauce, pork chops, or Chicken Ajillo.
(4)
Celina K.
Love the Red wine sangria!! The combination Quixote plattter is well worth it and a great sampling of the bests on the menu. Grilled shrimp, lobster tail, filet mignon, and chicken villaroy (coated in a mashed potato breading). This place never disappoints.
(5)
Julie Y.
From what I hear, this is the oldest spanish restaurant in the city. It's not much from the outside but quite charming inside. We were a group of 13 for lunch. About 90% of the people went with some form of paella and I did have a taste. double yum! I was one of the few rebels and opted for the skirt steak b/c the 24 oz steaks seemed ridiculously large. Ironic thing was that the skirt steak must have been at least 30oz and the length of my arm!!! Great steak... yummy potato chips... Won't hear me complaining...
(5)
Jerry A.
Been going there for more than 30 yrs. Love EVERYTHING there especially Champagne Sangria, Seafood Paella, anything in green sauce and of course....broiled Lobster (only the price is disappointing). I was once told by the owner that the cost went up so he had to raise the price....however, now that the cost went down, I'm still waiting for the price to go down. But still one of my favorite places in all of NYC !!!!!
(4)
Sharyn M.
I have been going here for over 25 years. My favorite is their broiled lobster. In the last few months, they have been adding way too many bread crumbs, no olive oil or whatever they used to add to make it moist but it's way too dry. I thought it might be a new cook, but it's been a few months now and they should have gotten it right by now. I will give them one more chance, then well look for another place to go. I'm there at least oncea month. VERY upsetting to see them go downhill.
(1)
Jessica G.
I was not a fan of this restaurant. The food was boring and I wasn't a fan of the flavors.
(3)
Ebony J.
Very nice, cozy restaurant. I loved my seafood dish and was happy with the freshness of my lobster. I wish it had just a hint more seasoning to make it flavorful. Otherwise, this is a pretty good restaurant that provides generous portions.
(4)
A L.
Fancy restaurant. Came here a couple of times with the bf. We both enjoy the food! And we love the sangria!! Whenever we come, we can ever finish! The seafood paella is pretty good. My bf has the porter house which was huge! (Could be my dinner for few days). I had the combo el Quijote, which comes with shrimp, lobster, steak and chicken!
(4)
Leon P.
Waited a while for the food but its a nice spot to eat. I had filet mignon it was average nothing special. I think the seafood taste better that's what the wifey says.
(3)
Jon Henry Q.
I just found out the rumors are all true they have sold the place and it is going to the "lets flip the script " route could be a. Breath of fresh air or its going to become super trendo and lose all of its charm. And you know what's next fire the whole staff and jack the prices to bad now I am missing them and they aren't even gone yet
(1)
Hans W.
Although The Chelsea Hotel no longer exists, El Quijote holds on to that mystique of legends that once passed through there or was their local spot: Patti Smith, Maplethorpe, Sid Vicious among many others. It has that great vibe that holds on to the NYC of yesteryears and is one of the true tapas bar in the city. I highly recommend the Sirloin tips with a bottle of Tempraniillo. Cool down your thirst in the summertime with an icy cold Strella de Galicia beer. Also 1 1/2 lb of lobster with soup salad and rice for $25, not bad at all. There's word they are moving from that spot: I hope that's not the case. That will put the last Niall in the coffin of the New York everyone knows about and will become a douchebaggy sports bar with shitty food and bad service.
(5)
Robert C.
Dinner and drinks at the bar for the first of many future visits. Generous sized tapas (big meaty marinated portobello, large tasty crab cake) were a nice surprise in this classic legendary spot. The prime NY strip steak dinner (and others) has to be one of the best values in Manhattan, as it includes sides. Next time we'll sample fish and seafood dishes. We had the pleasure of meeting one of the locals lucky enough to live close and be a frequent guest. That speaks volumes about quality and value.
(4)
Helen K.
Paella was satisfying. Not over the top authentic flavor but still it was good. Portion was also very generous.
(4)
Marciano B.
For many years my favorite, the food is consistent and the portions are generous. Their Paella dish can easily satisfy two persons. Love the freixenet Cava! There is one female waitress(Latin?/mid 30's early 40's/curved dark hair/short posture) who is absolutely a sweetheart! Great service. Croquettes de bacalao : fantastico! Escargot : delicious Paella: Muy sabroso! Staff at the door is friendly. The young Spanish male host(wearing a suit) , sometimes act a bit arrogant and cocky. Try to change this because multiple customers have noticed this , next to that it effects the overall great dining experience( see it as constructive feedback).
(5)
Benjamin A.
Awful! Unless you're over age 65 and nostalgic for old fashioned pseudo-Spanish food with terrible service and outdated decor there is no reason for you to go to this restaurant. I asked the waiter to show me the list of Cava on the menu...he pointed to Sangria and walked away. Despite this being a "spanish" restaurant they only have one choice of Cava...Freixenet or Freixenet...really???? The food was all over cooked...including the lobster, which is their signature dish. I can't think of a good reason to go to this restaurant. Awful!!!!!
(1)
Scotty K.
Just a quickie review to throw praise and let others know how amazing their food and service are! I've been here a bunch of times with family and they never fail to amaze!! Last night I have the rice and chorizo, my aunt had the salmon steak and uncle had the dinner salad (filled with shrimp, chicken, etc)... amazing@@ Also, be prepared for leftovers whatever you order... Even my reasonably priced rice/sausage dish came in a huge pot, filled with about 6 servings, not that isn't wasn't good enough to keep going, however I had to fight that urge :)) Enjoy!!!!
(5)
Joe T.
This is one of my favorite "time machines" in NYC. A real throwback to an earlier era (1930s - 1950s). Go and enjoy the atmosphere from a red leatherette booth. Food was good too. We order two dishes: Paella and a House Special (I forget the name) that had Filet Mignon, Lobster Tail, Chicken Breast and Shrimp. Both entrees provided food for 2 meals in addition to the one we had in the restaurant. So priced very reasonably, when you consider the portion size. That said, if you are staying in a hotel, and aren't bringing food home, a lot will go to waste. In that case, I suggest you go just to have a drink at the real cool retro bar (check out the original cash register).
(4)
Kelly H.
Love, love, love, this place, been coming here for over 10 years. I've never had a bad meal and the service is always good. I highly recommend it.
(5)
Rob G.
Saturday night dinner here . Another great meal! Chicken Villeroy and shrimp and white sauce! Clams on the half shell and white bean soup. Love the fact that I have leftovers
(4)
DJ P.
Expensive is an understatement. I would say, however, the food is good quality and try to get their lunch specials but be prepared to flag down the inattentive staff.
(2)
Nick P.
I've been going to this restaurant for the past 2 years and have had a lot of wonderful memories. The decor is a true throwback to old New York with the remnants of cigarette burns on the bar harkening back to a time in the 60's where it was connected to the Chelsea Hotel. There is a true feeling that you are dining in the shadow of some of the greatest musicians, artists and literary greats of our time. The entire decor is dedicated to El Quijote, with statues and murals adorning the entire restaurant. Oh yeah...It is cosy, upscale and the waters wear suits with red jackets and black bowties. Gentleman are expected to be gentleman and it's a rule to remove the lid. There is a sense of elevation of a restaurant experience. My girlfriend and I both love the staff and especially Christian, the bartender, who is amazing and has excellent points of service. I can't say enough about how professional he is, which is sadly a lost art of many current day bars in the city. The food...what can't I say? I've never had a bad dish there. The steak tips are amazing, calamari (grilled) garlic sauce, scallops in garlic sauce and the giant filet mignon entrees are to die for. All in all excellent service across the board. One of the last great original restaurants that continue to sustain.
(5)
Ariane S.
What a shame. I have been going here for over 20 years and I just had the most disappointing experience. I will never go back. We ordered the Madrid (whole lobster and steak), the usual. Steak wasn't the best but we were willing to deal since it's been one of our favorite spots for years. We tasted the lobster and it was rancid. Disgusting. We asked to speak to the manager and he was so incredibly rude (new management) and could "do nothing for us." I told him that we've been patrons for years and never had a problem...always looked forward to coming. We didn't even ask for money back, just wanted an apology and thought maybe he'd comp a round of drinks or some coffee. Nothing. So, bye bye El Quijote, I still taste that rancid lobster...good luck with your new management.
(1)
Max R.
Best Lobster in New York! Excellent service, delicious food! A 2 1/2lb broiled female lobster with delicious breadcrumb stuffing is simply sublime. The prices are excellent for the portion sizes and quality of ingredients. The Filet Mignon tornados are absolutely fantastic and they give you two large chunks of steak! The Red Snapper Vizcaina with a delicious tomato sauce and lots of little neck clams surrounding it is also a fantastic dish! The boss' name is Jose and he is ALWAYS there and ALWAYS available if you have any problems or just want to tell him your praises. El Quijote is a legendary place and one of the best restaurants in NYC in my opinion.
(5)
Lorelei D.
I can't believe that, as a native New Yorker, I had never gone here before. Wonderful atmosphere and food. Definitely try the tortilla espanola and the hanger steak. Great blue cheese dressing for salad!
(4)
C.E. R.
The food is overly salty and the portions are too huge for a normal sized person yet the restaurant charges $9.50 to share a meal. The music was horrible; it was noisy and the decor was tacky. We will never visit this place again. Eating at this restaurant was a total waste of money.
(1)
Joey C.
Service would receive 5 stars. However, the food deserved 1 star. Everything was flavored with salt and nothing else, or so it seemed. Paella was buttery and very salty. Rice was undercooked. Don't get me started on the processed flan from-a-can that was not consumed by anyone at the table. This food is for boring old whites. I would not go back or recommended it as a foodie destination.
(1)
Eileen C.
My dad and I went to celebrate my father's 81st Birthday on Sunday 6/6/15. What a mistake! Wait staff was standing around socializing. We waited over 20 mins to get their attention. We asked a busboy to send a waiter over. We watched him tell several waiters (who were staring at us). Yet, we continued to wait for another 10 mins. When we received our food, several of the side dishes were missing. But.... so was our waiter. We couldn't eat everything @ the same time. He wasn't apologetic in the least. Secondly, the food was very substandard. I had been to dinner here several times without any issues. It was very disappointing. I won't be back!
(1)
Robert C.
I would like to say nice things about this place and the old world decor was warm and inviting, if you like that look. The service was very efficient. BUT we ordered 2 different paellas and neither had any flavor. Just a lot of rice and seafood but no sauce or spices in it. Not being an expert in spanish food I still have to think it can taste a lot better than this. They included salad as well and it was pathetic. the sangria was sweet and slurpy but not special. Looking at the crowd it seemed full of tourist types but it was 2 days from XMAS so maybe it was included in a tour guide. This native NYer won't be back. Pobrecita.
(2)
Justin S.
El Quijote is truly legendary, not only in New York City but in the sphere of my friend who sees it as one of the most classic "old New York" restaurants. As we pulled up to the restaurant in the cab, I exclaimed "I didn't realize it was IN the Chelsea Hotel," but yes, it surely is (on the ground floor anyway). I've been here twice now, and both times I found that the atmosphere and the food are equal in quality. That said, I don't think this is an avant-garde dining establishment, or even one where you can really go expecting mind-blowingly good food, but somehow the old-fashioned atmosphere, solicitous waiters and massive portions work together to form something great. El Quijote is basically a Spanish-influenced steakhouse and the menu reflects that. There are some interesting Spanish options but I have always found myself drawn to the steak here. I went hard and ordered the Filet Mignon Dulcinea last time, which is essentially a gorgeously cooked, huge piece of meat served on an old-fashioned silver plate. You have an option for sides, and most people here will tell you to go for the old-fashioned fried potatoes which is a good choice. My steak was excellent and extremely meaty... I don't mean that to be glib, but to say that it was a cut of high quality and one that had been tampered with minimally as far as flavor goes (we like that). The group I was with shared a few appetizers including shrimp cocktail, mushrooms in garlic sauce and chorizo, all of which were good, though the steak definitely eclipsed them. While waiting for our table, we ordered a few drinks at the bar. I went for a Negroni which was great - And it seemed like the right type of drink to order while hanging out in this old atmosphere (though sangria also seems a popular choice). At dinner, the waiter recommended some pretty good Spanish red wine which we shared and enjoyed. All told, El Quijote is at least an interesting bet for something different, and for a more old-fashioned dining experience in New York. It's a good fall-back as a place to take out-of-town guests too, and that steak will keep me coming back too!
(5)
Daybel V.
OMG the worst restaurant I have EVER been in . My boyfriend took me here for my birthday. We dressed up and he wanted a romantic night for me . The night was going good until we received our food. The presentation was nice but the food was HORRIBLE!! That not being enough in the middle of our dinner the waiter asks us to move bc they had a bigger party come in and they needed our table . They move us and offered us the most disgusting cake ever!! It tasted like an ice box cake .
(1)
Ari A.
El Quijote had me feeling full, tipsy, and happy all at once. The paella gets you tons of food at a reasonable price & the lobster tail was generous. But beware for those splitting charges. We ordered enough food that I thought it was a bit overkill. That and the soup they served was subpar. Our chorizo plate was delicious, but the olive & Manchego plate was underwhelming. If you order the steak, I hope you think 3 meals in advance, I'd say it was easily 1.5lbs on that plate. El Quijote was a blast from the past, where people are still slipping the maître'd tips & the servers are wearing red monkey suits. Be prepared for an experience & come hungry.
(3)
Frank M.
Great food and drinks at reasonable prices. Sangria is one of the best. Went with good friends and my girlfriend before Radio City Christmas show. Been going there for years. Never know when to stop ordering appetizers, big selection of good food. Seafood always good. Bar area is tight, not much room to hang.
(4)
Ernest A.
We decided to try this NYC establishment after the recent take over. The place was crowded and the usual poor service was in abundance. I ordered the porterhouse medium, which was presented charged, Still, a good and very large piece of meat and certainly edible. My companion ordered a 2.5 Male lobster opened. What arrived was a female lobster unbroken. What was worse - the lobster was not 2.5 pounds. It was the same size as all the other lobsters passing the room - the standard 1.25 pounds. A mistake, and that was innocent enough. However, after a thirty minute wait, the same exact lobster was returned to the table. We were upset to say the least. To put it mildly, there are simply many other places to go in NYC to have a good meal and I cant say this in one of them. With poor service, and obviously a rather poor service manager, Id say count yourself lucky if you go and enjoy your meal, but otherwise be concerned.
(2)
Gabrina P.
I am sad to say that I will not be returning to this restaurant-which I've been going to for about 20 years with my family. My sister and I went there for much needed Friday night get together. We ordered our usual-the Madrid/New York-which is a ny strip steak and a whole broiled lobster. It turns out that the lobster was inedible. It tasted awful-we told the waiter that it tasted weird to us. The waiter, who was very attentive, said that he would have to talk to the manager. He then came back and said that the manager said that he can't do anything about it. We asked to speak to that manager. The manager came over and said that the only thing he could do is offer us another lobster-but, after the taste of the first lobster we were disgusted. He then said that was the only thing he can do,-nothing else. Really? He can't offer a cup of coffee or even a measly dessert or even a drink? Who wants to send back a lobster? After all these years, we're so sad to say that not only were we dissatisfied by our meal-but the treatment from management was awful. We're so disappointed.
(1)
Lulu H.
Open letter to the new owners and chefs: PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE EL QUIJOTE INTO A NEW, TRENDY, and OVERPRICED PLACE TO EAT. NYC is full of places where one can get a good meal of small portions for a mortgage payment and have a "high end" generic dining experience. Take it from a life long New Yorker... The best places that make New York what it is are fast disappearing. Old time establishments with history and grit are what make NYC unique and a destination to be fully indulged, not simply visited. If one wants shiny and new, go to Disney World or some suburban strip mall. El Quijiote is one of those favorite places that offered good food (and sangria!) in a relaxed and interesting atmosphere at reasonable prices. Not every restaurant needs to be a once in a life time entire paycheck experience. I miss the neighborhood stand bys that locals are comfortable frequenting on a regular basis, rather than the trendy places that cater to the tourists. So again, I beg you to not turn a beloved restaurant into just another expensive place to eat. Thank you for listening.
(1)
Cheyenne B.
I was there Saturday 4/25 @ 2pm with a guest. The decor was ok, it certainly looks like it's 85 yrs of age. We stood in the foyer for approximately 10 mins before we were seated. The place was NOT crowded, many available tables and booths. The waiter placed menus on the table and hurriedly walked off. A short time later (15 mins) he returned and wanted to rush take our order, note....We weren't even offered any water. I asked a passing server for water. The food came a short time later. I ordered the seafood combo of shrimp/octopus in garlic sauce. My guest ordered the Mussels in green sauce. The food was excellent. The service needs a lot to be desired. The waiter was not atttentive. He never returned to us until tab time. I only gave 3 stars because of the food. If there were a service rating. Based on my experience, the place would fail in customer service. I will not recommend to friends and family.
(3)
Charlie M.
Firstly, As other posters have pointed out. The decor is a huge throwback. I felt like I was sitting in the red booths circa 1970. BUT the food is very good. Huge portions in big pots come to your table. The staff is very friendly. This place to a life long New Yorker like myself is what makes NYC great.
(4)
David L.
Very much felt like I was in Madrid. Very generous portions, highly seasoned dishes and gregarious service. Worth going back
(4)
Betty Ming L.
This is such a fun restaurant space, basically a local landmark with a wonderfully responsive staff. I love the ambiance! But I would never go just for the food, which is fairly standard in taste and preparation, sort of reminds me of cafeteria seafood. We stopped in for a snack of three appetizers: stuffed scallop with mystery filling, garlicky shrimp that tasted so previously frozen and mussels vinaigrette which was little more than mussels with chopped onions and a splash of vinegar. The bread was truly like school cafeteria Italian bread! Nothing wrong with any of this. This is still a great place to take a group for an evening of wine and laughs.
(3)
Mike F.
The best food and the prices are great! Been going here for over 20 years and never had a bad meal. Waiters are great....you will love this place. Be prepared to bring home food, they give you so much.
(5)
Soy L.
Plus side - 1. Pleasant staff. 2. Tasty food. 3. Reasonable prices. 4. Nice vintage feel. 5. The best cup of coffee I've had in a long time. Minus side - 1. Men's room was filthy. 2. About five different people will serve you and take your order. Some are good, some not. The food delivery was met with - "who ordered the chicken?" That's unprofessional. 3. The staff congregates by the front door/coat check room. We sat there and had to hear quite a few conversations. We had no choice. 4. One item was overcharged on the bill by $3 as compared to the menu. I did not bother to complain but that is just sloppy, sloppy, sloppy. Be on the look out for it in case it's a recurring issue. 5. Bread basket will not get refilled no matter what.
(2)
Angela M.
Miguel and I have been coming here for so long that a waiter is now the manager. How time flys when you're eating a good meal. Spanish cuisine is a passion of ours. El Quijote is great for couples or a group. Ask to be seated in the main dining room or eat at the bar. And don't forget to count the statues of Don Quijote.
(3)
Arthur J.
I have only eaten at the bar here, but the day I did the calamari was super fresh and the margaritas perfect. The bartender friendly and knowledgeable, the room interesting with dark woods, red wall paper. Definitely going back to meetup with friends at the bar for more calamari insalada and margaritas!
(4)
Carl B.
It's one of the oldest Spanish restaurant in NYC, open since 1930. The interior feels charmingly pleasant conventional and proper, with dim lights, red leather booths, candles, waiters and busboys in jackets. This place is like the Latin accidental discovery of something pleasant and valuable, in my opinion. A inconspicuous storefront hides a hidden jewel. The food was delicious, the portions are enormous, the place is romantic, the service was great, and the pork chops, chicken and shrimp were all exceedingly scrumptious !! The food is good, the prices are not that expensive and you get a lot of food. What more could you ask for? Thank You El Quijote...
(5)
Naoko I.
Their Lobster Paella was amazing. If I remember it correctly there was a whole (or half, cannot remember) Lobster in the Paella pan with all other sea foods. Their seafood and the rice was seasoned just perfect and tasty. It is very huge so you might want to share with your friends. I'd like to go back again very soon.
(5)
Emma M.
BF and I stumbled in here over the weekend looking for a late dinner. We had second thoughts once we got inside and we're greeted by a woman with crazy hair and a matador costume but ignored our good sense and sat down anyway. We thought it was tapas. It is not. The menu lists a few appetizers as tapas, but this is not a tapas restaurant. Determined to salvage the night, we sat down and ordered the fried calamari. Gross. They were chewy, flavorless, not crispy in the slightest and came with a side of pizza sauce in a metal gravy boat. At this point we were scared to order anything else off the menu and just paid for the wine and "fried calamari" and bailed. But not before I got a look at the "desert cart." OMG. They keep the desserts in the most disgusting manner I have ever seen. Out on the floor in a metal and glass case that looks like it's been in the restaurant since the 1960s. Plus the desserts just look nasty. So unappetizing. Kitschy and charming? Not even. This place is just OLD. I will never come back here.
(1)
Mike G.
I come here every trip to NYC. Food is excellent and portions are huge. Favorites are shrimp creole and stuffed shrimp. The shrimp creole is in a tomato based slightly spicy sauce and served with rice. They bring you a pot full of shrimp. Very tasty. The stuffed shrimp come with a stuffing that actually has pieces of real crabmeat in it. Excellent, tasty meal. Prices are very reasonable and include soup or salad. Bread served with meal as well. If you go, get the red sangria. It is homemade and it is excellent. Will keep coming back.
(5)
Ishan G.
Mediocre food...Interesting place.. A curious place. Somewhat like an Olive Garden of Spanish food. Crowded, big menu, streamlined service.. super sized plates. My wife and I went here with a couple of friends thinking that this is a classic Spanish tapas food. The menu was big enough that there were a few appetizers which passed for tapas. Some dishes were good, the other okay. Nothing spectacular. Prices are decent. But definitely not a place I would go for a second time nor place to take anyone if you want to impress them. If you happen to go here, stick to seafood.
(3)
Raven M.
El Quijote is one of those Magical Places. I felt as if I was in Spain circa late 20's- with Anais Nin and Henry Miller getting cozy in the booth behind me.... The pictures posted on their website just do not do it justice. Low-Candlelit-Hints of sparkle- Utter Bliss. As a party of three we enjoyed Champagne Sangria- I must point out it was The Best I have ever had. Enough that lasted us throughout dinner. The pickled asparagus (I believe) was out of this world. All of their small dishes in fact were incredible. For my entree I enjoyed the Sole verde, which was tender, juicy and exactly what I had in mind. All of their entrees are definitely large enough to to share. Service was absolutely impeccable. I can't wait to return- maybe I'll book a room at the famous Chelsea Hotel as it's right next door ; )
(4)
Jackie M.
I'm inlove with this place. I've been going here for years and held my birthday party in the back room w/o having to pay a fee to do so. Even bought outside cake inside with no extra fee. The food is excellent and come in big portions, prices are reasonable and attentive service. Their Sangria is amazing & the paella is mouth watering. My faves are the grilled salmon and fried shrimp. The decor is cute and old-fashioned, but I don't care about that. What matters is the food in my opinion and I constantly refer my friends here and now they're El Quijote fans too.
(5)
Corey J.
Based on our expectations this restaurant was a bit of a disappointment but did have some positive aspects. Serving sizes here are HUGE! Their dinner rolls are massive but sadly were dried out in the center. The vegetable Pallea was also unneccessarly large and could have fed more than my whole family. One a positive note the Sangria was definitely worth ordering a picher of and the Grouper in green sauce was delicious.
(2)
Gregg L.
This is my go to spot for a date. It has that classy old school vibe. The waiters treat you like friends. The portions are huge and the soups are great. My favorite dish? The shrimp in wine sauce!! It's amazing and very filling. If you want a taste at a lower price go during lunch. This place gets crowded for dinner so be sure to make reservations!
(4)
Raisa M.
I love El Quijote. The portions are GIGANTIC and the food is delcious. The decor is gaudy but absolutely wonderful. If you're not too hell-bent on going to chic restaurants, you should give this place a try.
(4)
J J.
I have yet to have a good experience with Spanish food (which has led me to believe that Spanish food is not very tasty), and this definitely did not make it better. The paella was mediocre at best, although the portions were huge. It was crowded when we went, although I can't exactly figure out why.
(2)
Lori K.
i came here for a group birthday dinner this past weekend and there is nothing to complain about- except for the space that they kindly ask you wait in until your entire party has arrived. it's so small and crowded next to the bar you feel bad hovering over people. it is only a minor setback though because you will surely enjoy your evening at this restaurant. there are three separate dining spaces so there really is plenty of room for everybody- but making a reservation is highly suggested. the wait staff was super friendly and attentive, always filling up our water glasses and bringing additional items to the table upon request. the portions are HUGE! seriously- make sure you share with someone. i took home more than half of my arroz con pollo y charizo (mmm....) and will probably be eating it for dinner for the next three nights. everything was very flavorful (sangria, salad dressings, etc). and i even got to taste some dessert. i loves me some cheesecake! the prices are reasonable and the food is yummy... i would absolutely recommend this restaurant, especially for group dinners or date night.
(3)
Suzanne E.
Does anyone have any idea when the decor dates back to? I agree that it could be seen as kitschy, but I've always found it fascinating, sort of fossilized at some point in time that I can't figure out. I first discovered it in the 1980s and fell in love with it immediately, and the last time I checked it hadn't changed a bit. It has a 1950s Technicolor B movie feel to it, but something else going on as well. Anyway, thanks to Nicole C. for the info that Janis Joplin used to hang out there.
(4)
Pucci P.
Yummm!! You gotta love the tacky fabulous decor in this place. It's so kitchy....they even have a dessert cart . The food is delicious and the portions are enormous. By far the best seafood around!!! The waitstaff consists of career waiters...think Joe's Stone Crab Miami beach. The prices are reasonable and the Sangria is delicious. I go there at least twice a month.
(5)
R M.
I looooove Spanish food and I think this place turned me on to it. This is not a place to go to follow the tapas fad (though their appetizers, such as the chorizo, are pretty good too) -- I come here for the paella! It is always perfectly cooked (rice is fluffy, not soggy nor dry), with lots of flavor and big pieces of seafood. Portions, in general, are very big (both a good and bad thing!). I also like their softshell crabs (though they are a bit on the small side but what do you expect when you crave softshells and they're not exactly in season?). The waiters are friendly and helpful, even though the restaurant gets jam packed. The only thing I'm not crazy about is the occasional guitar band that they allow to roam around the restaurant playing loud, bad music. One time I think the singer spit in my food but oh well it was still good.
(4)
BizyMizy O.
Went this week at about 8pm, place was busy for an "off" night. The table options presented to us were limited, but ultimately sat promptly (3 mins) at a great booth. Dim lighting, old fashioned spanish decor, the place feels old inside - which for me was a little "ehh" but quickly became warm n Unprentenious, that includes Diners and staff. Staff was great and very attentive. Perhaps staff is a little too quick (a time or 2 resulting in spilled water/ piece of food) but nothing major at all. THE GREEN SAUCE is awesome, you will be dipping your bread in it, I ordered the mussels in green sauce - it was great!! Even better, I have an onion allergy n told the waiter about it AFTER we got the sauce (sauce is like a cilantro/ onion/ I cant guess anymore ingredients but I loved it!) they brought back a sauce without onions smoothly, no worries. Overall, the patrons were about 40+, looked like famillies, afterwork folk, attire looked casual/business casual, dont come here looking hot, this place is not that speed. Its the kinda place you can connect with someone at, catch up, have a conversation, enjoy the Red Sangria, I ordered a pitcher, its cheaper that way and not overpowering. I regret not having dessert here, but after seeing the portions they give you, its amazing! My appetizer alone (see dish listed above, lol) was totally meant for two! Great date night for long term, older couples, famillies, friends (slow speed). Not a place to really dress completely down either, ie hoody, jeans, sneakers. Spent about $100, well worth it :)
(4)
Alice K.
One of my favorites! Very reasonable prices and EXCELLENT food. I always go for the paella which is more than enough to feed 2-3 people. The tapas is also awesome. I usually get the chorizo and the grilled baby calamare. Service has always been good for me (knock on wood). Highly highly recommend this place =)
(5)
Marvin C.
Had lunch there when I was one of a very few customers. Even then, service was inattentive at best, if not dismissive. The filet mignon tips were so average. The iced tea was odd tasting, and a second glass, which I was charged for again, was no better. My comments and input was ignored completely. Go here when you are desparate. Over-rated and needs to go into the history books.
(2)
Adam K.
Excellent New york City locale for Spanish food that offers some excellent traditional steaks as prepared in Spain. Its very old-fashioned like a restaurant you'd find in Madrid that had been standing for decades.
(5)
Stanley O.
Make reservations as this is quite a popular place. The decor and service leave little to be desired, but the food is excellent and great value. I ordered the lobster with green sauce, a vegetable-based, garlic-heavy sauce that was to die for. The dish provided sufficiently challenging that I kept at it until I finished every last piece of lobster. For a party of 12, we spent less than $40 each, quite a bargain in NYC.
(4)
marias s.
The food was decent, but I felt like the waiters were overly interested in my breakup conversation. There were always there! The decor is cheesy in that Fast Times at Ridgemont high way (although that restaurant was German). If you can stand that (maybe you should wear a rose in your hair to fit in), by all means go. You might get some input from your waiter about your breakup, in addition to bottomless glasses of water and sangria.
(3)
John A.
If you haven't been to El Quijote, do go, and do go more than once. The food is great, the drinks are phenomenal, and the service is lovely. Across the bar are sculptures of Don Quijote which just bring you into the near chivalric era of the 1600's Spain...ok maybe after a few drinks, but still. The Caldo Gallego is next to to-die-for, and the gambas ajillo are terrrrrificos. DEF RECOMMENDED!!!
(5)
Erin R.
I wasn't impressed by this place. I ordered the stuffed mushrooms and the red wine sangria to start. The mushrooms were tiny and filled with bland breading. The sangria was okay but nothing amazing. It had a little bit too much liquor in it for me. I could barely taste the wine. That being said, I thought the paella was pretty tasty. I've never had it before though so I have nothing better to compare it to. The paella portions were huge. My boyfriend ordered the seafood Valencia paella and they didn't skimp on the seafood. All of it tasted fresh and the meal wasn't too expensive, about $20 per person. I probably wouldn't seek this place out to go eat at again.
(3)
Molly T.
El Quijote is a second home for my family and I. My parents have gone here for years and have passed the tradition onto me, where we have celebrated graduations, birthdays and new years time and time again. The food is fantastic. It's a great place to eat family style- my friends and I tend to share red sangria pitchers, garlic chicken and seafood paella. I have tried almost every main and app on the menu and I have to say it's exceptional. We love the service too and it is one of the reasons this is the top choice for us on a Friday night. The friendly staff and bartenders make an effort to make each meal an experience. Sadly it is hard to say that for most restaurants in the city. I have brought all of my friends here, visitors and NYC natives alike, and all have left El Quijote happy and planning for the next time they can go.
(5)
Yuki O.
The paella valenciana with lobster is as good as it gets. It was only like $25 and it was huge and full of flavors, flavors that reminded me of my trip to Spain. How nice :)
(5)
Anders B.
excellent restaurant with oldschool new york charm. this place has been serving similar dishes since its opening in 1930. right next to the historic hotel chelsea--home of a myriad of artists and writers. this place is not to be missed. must try the camarones (shrimp) al ajillo excellent espresso
(4)
Ellie B.
The food was good and plentiful. The atmosphere is, well, classically Spanish. My only complaint is that we ate here to celebrate an anniversary, and the food came so fast, that we felt very rushed. We ordered an appetizer and they brought the dinner salad first, this allowed them to turn over the tables faster. While I appreciate the need for restaurants to turn their tables, I will not go here again. I would rather pay more and have more time to dine. Eating a three course meal in less than a hour may be OK for some, but not for me. Then again, I also don't eat in the car... I prefer to dine at dinner.
(2)
Amy Y.
One of my favorites of all time. Super fun atmosphere, nice staff, and great tapas. The entrees are so enormous that my husband and I, upon dining there, assumed it to be a 'family style' restaurant. You can't go wrong with an order of the filet tips, mushrooms in garlic sauce, and some champagne sangria. The happy hour is great as they pass around free nibbles, which vary from day to day. And if you're a fan of the novel Don Quixote, you can marvel at all the memorabilia.
(4)
Danna A.
Came here on a Sunday for a late brunch/ early linner and it was absolutely empty, not even a cricket in sight. I wouldn't usually care except for the fact that it was lunch with my birth father and his family whom I rarely ever see or even speak to... awkwaaard! The decor was very old fashioned, kind of kitschy yet classy? What's the best word to describe it... ah, VINTAGE! I don't mean to insult, I kinda liked it--burgandy booths and chairs, white table cloths, black and white tiled floors, reddish-brown walls with images of farm life painted in white along some walls and others in full color, still life paintings, mirrors, candelabra-lamp like chandeliers hanging from the ceilings and wooden fixtures. Everything is very proper, the setting of the table, the mannerisms in service and the etiquette they require in return--they asked my dad to take his hat off during our meal. We each ordered the "daily double" which basically consists of two, yes two, 1&1/4 lb lobsters. Who doesn't love lobster? I mean, seriously, D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S! The waiter came around and tied bibs around each of our necks as lobster-guts-splash-guards and served us in silver platters of sea creature goodness. There was butter for dipping but honestly not needed. My dad's wife ordered what looked like a meat loaf or pork chops of some sort--totally didn't look appetizing, and since I'm not a fan of pork unless it's bacon, I didn't bother for a bite. I chose their soup of the day for my appetizer which was some sort of lentil and spinach combination--it was okay. We also ordered their amazing Sangria which I lovelovelove! The waiter served all of us including my clearly underage step-brother. I laughed to myself but thought to let the kiddo have his fun until either parents realized there was alcohol in it. Man, I'd be an awesome mother. This place is pretty expensive, but I really want to come back and try the Paella and scope out the atmosphere when it's out the door with patrons. Oh, and to check out the equally vintage bar 'cause seriously, if they make that kind of Sangria, I'm pretty sure the rest of their drinks are just as awesome.
(4)
Joey L.
Ok don't expect any sort of atmosphere or A-1 service but if you want a great lobster at a fairly decent price (for NY standards) and if you wnat a good fresh Steak (yes a steak) at a decent price come to El Quijote. Their steaks are huge (enough for two foodies to share). Their lobsters are single serving and depending on how large is how much the price is. They are best broiled with the breadcumbs inside. The sangria is delicious. It's sort of loud and it's not cheap but again well worth it.
(4)
Paul F.
A landmark.
(4)
Reo T.
Been a regular for many years here. Food is good and believe it or not, even though it looks like many are waiting for a table the wait is not that long. The daily special of 2 lobsters are always good and paella can't go wrong. The dessert's of sorbet are my favorite. Especially the pineapple sorbet! The orange and lemon are good too! I gave 3 stars because depending on the day, some staffs can be really annoying and rude.
(3)
Melissa M.
This place is like the Latin Serendipity, in my opinion. So kitschy and charming. We came here for my work holiday party and I don't know, maybe food and drinks just taste better when someone else is paying. I literally drank about two pitchers of sangria myself and while I wouldn't turn down even the shittiest sangria, this was actually delicious. My co-worker and I split 2 things -- the shrimp with garlic and the seafood paella with lobster. Heaven, both things. Maybe the shrimp with garlic more so. It was so buttery and garlicky and hot... so good. So good. The portions are enormous, i.e. I estimated that my to-go bag weighed the same as a large newborn baby and I wasn't exaggerating. Seriously, it's like the next 3 dinners and the next 3 lunches. Delicious, authentic, affordable lobster... what's not to love?
(4)
Jeffrey Y.
A discreet storefront hides a hidden gem. I've always walked by this place but never knew it was a restaurant. I walked into this place and my first impression was how old school it was. Everything from the decor to the waiters looked like it was from another era. The seating in the back is a little cramped but me and the bf are not fat so it was just enough space for two people. The menu wasn't very descriptive but the waiter was very patient and helpful explaining all the dishes to us. We ended up ordering the vegetarian paella and the chicken villaroy. Both dishes came with either soup or salad and the entrees were big enough for three.
(4)
Elisa E.
Eat paella while enjoying fabulous, campy 1930s-era "Ye Olde Spaine" decor, attentive and friendly staff, and the company of dozens of notable ghosts: William Burroughs, Allen Ginsberg, Dylan Thomas, Robert Mapplethorpe, etc. I had just started reading Patti Smith's memoir "Just Kids," when I dined at El Quijote, located on the ground floor of the historic Chelsea Hotel. In one scene, she describes walking into the restaurant and seeing Janis Joplin, Grace Slick AND Jimi Hendrix, all chowing down at once. Did I mention there's paella? Used to Spanish restaurant tapas rip-off, I ordered way too much food. The jamon comes with half of a huge melon, and the chicken livers could feed a platoon. The staff kindly provided us with a large shopping bag in which to take home our delicious left-overs. Most of Chelsea is incredibly gentrified (there's a Chipotle half a block from the F train) but this is one relic of the old days worth cherishing.
(5)
Jj T.
Sangria was good. Gazpacho very good.. The tapas we got Pulpo and Scallops reasonable. The Paella marinara with lobster was a bit disappointing, Considering location and the prize.. Reasonable. Maybe will come back for Tapas and Drinks and sangria.
(3)
lauren l.
Almost thought it was a joke. Bad food with a captain who takes your order. Loved the Sangria but this oldie is no longer a goodie!
(1)
Luca T.
I recommend this place although it is not cheap and the quality of food is not excellent. Over all this is a nice place to go
(3)
Devin C.
Out of pure indecision, My wife and I wandered the streets hoping to stumble upon the perfect dinner spot. Not starving at the time, it was a great Summer stroll. We passed many viable options walking all the way from Sullivan Street to Chelsea... and then I saw the Chelsea Hotel sign from a couple of blocks away and that was it. I was locked-in and my wife was game! It was her first time there and I had been there for a work thing a while back... Charming Spanish decor - A big plus. After checking with the hostess and being told it would just be a few minutes... We settled in to the bar for a margarita.. I wish we had more time to soak up the atmosphere there. Very cool great service and a margarita that really hit the spot. (I'm no savage...I did opt for Souza over the house Tequila... Never drink house tequila... It'll hurt you later.) Seriously one of the best I've had in a while! - heavy on the Tequila, and not too sour - If you've read my other reviews, you know I'm an Apps fan. Lump Crab Cocktail! - My first encounter and it was a winner! - Yum - I'll be back just for a drink at the bar and that app sometime very soon. The Stuffed Mushrooms were pretty basic... The service was great. I had the Paella Valencia and my wife had the King Crab Legs. The table side service is classic. A nice touch and great presentation. The Crab Legs were a bit garlic heavy for my taste. But it's Crab... yummy yummy Crab... hard to go wrong. The Paella was very good. Not mind blowing, but a good variety of seafood was in there and it was tasty, the Chorizo was also tasty, but not mind blowing - I ate heartily and took home leftovers of three more servings! Oh, I didn't mention the Sangria! AWESOME! - Again, one of the best I've had in a while In the end it was a bit on the pricy side. But after (no numbers) Margaritas, Sangria... good food... and a good date... I'm happy to pay it.
(4)
Sadie S.
Back when I was a swingin' single, I used to make all my dates meet me at the bar at El Quijote, which served as a good litmus test, since I am kind of the El Quijote Bar in human form - besides being over fifty, that is, and smelling sorta peculiar. The food is uneven here (although the front room, with its red horseshoe banquettes and Cervantes decor, is undeniably nifty), but the bar is absolutely aces: I'm a sucker for a time warp, as everybody knows, but that alone is not enough to guarantee my fealty. The sangria's yummy, and the bartender mixes as good a Brandy Alexander as I've ever had. (It's the kind of place where you find the words "Brandy Alexander" coming out of your mouth even if you're not sure what that means.) Warning: one is sometimes approached by oddballs here. But it kind of adds to the experience. For me, anyway.
(4)
Elliot G.
Cool. Place. Makes me feel like I am the man of la mancha! lol... Get the seafood Paella with lobster #winning
(4)
Jess D.
One word - CHURRASCO! Oh, and this is where my husband and I had our very first date :)
(4)
Juan N.
I'm only going to review the one thing I've ordered there, and the only thing I will order from now on and that is their Steak. The Steak, cooked to perfection, was by far the biggest I've seen and had. I went there for Valentines Day with my girl and I ordered the 56oz. Porterhouse Steak and I have to tell you; it was the only Steak, in my lifetime that I could not eat entirely. Now that I know my limits and how good the service and Steaks :D were I know to order the 32oz-48oz Steaks. The food was great and priced very fairly, just make sure you pay for your own meal otherwise it can be very costly for just one person to pick up the check for everyone else, even if it is just one extra person.
(4)
kristina s.
If you have a thing for Old New York establishments but not into paying $300 for a flavorless meal, go to El Quijote immediately. Legend has it that it's been around since 1930 and it has that historic charm. The food is outstanding and very well priced. The steak and lobster dishes are definitely on the pricey side, which is to be expected. However, every thing else on the menu is more than reasonable. The assorted appetizer platter is massive and amazing. The bar is barely separated from the rest of the joint but is still a great place to get a cocktail and a couple tapas in the neighborhood.
(4)
Hana P.
the paella here is really delicious. i got the seafood paella and it is DEFINITELY enough to share - enough for even 3 or 4 people. my sister got the crab cakes and a baked potato and said that both were wonderful. my dad got the filet of sole and he enjoyed it - however, he said it had just a touch too much garlic. the decor turned me off a bit, but oh well. friendly staff and a nice dinner.
(4)
Tanya T.
I was underwhelmed. By the food, not the decor. I don't know if I was sniffing glue or I had actually read this somewhere, but I *swear* I heard that this place supposedly has the best paella in the city. With visions of saffron-infused wonderment dancing in my head, that's just what I ordered. And I got... paella. It was good. But it tasted like paella, no more, no less. Maybe it's me, but I've never had a dish of paella that made me go "now THAT'S a good paella!" I probably need to go to Spain for this. I think Passport to Europe and that perfect brown, crunchy rice Samantha Brown got in Madrid has ruined my idea of what paella SHOULD be. The service is a bit old-fashioned. Distinguished men in suits, hovering over you with water. White linen table cloths. Don Quixote softly serenading your table. Wait, that didn't happen. But it should have.
(2)
Thomas S.
Very good and satisfying. I have always enjoyed my experience at El Quijote.
(5)
Diddy E.
hands down, my favorite place in Manhattan, for a party of two or twelve. -awesome sangria at twenty bucks a pitcher -the paella is amazing and can feed a family of five -wonderfully random decor paired with a great waitstaff and free matches equals a good night all around.
(5)
clb k.
This is yet another horrible experience of mediocrity in the NYC restaurant scene. Oh why, oh why couldn't this restaurant have been somewhat decent? I'm giving it a star since we can't give negative ratings on here and the dcor and space was OK. What the hell was I expecting with such an array of items on the menu? It could only mean that the food is prepared sub par in EVERY category. We ordered the garlic shrimp, which was so rubbery and not fresh hence, the freezer stench on it. The stuffed mushrooms were so-so since it's pretty hard to screw them up. We shared the rack of lamb entre, which I expected to be exceptional due to the buzz of the restaurant and all the awards plastered on the front door. Needless to say, this was the worst Spanish food I've had in the city. I would never recommend this place, not even to my worst enemy.
(1)
Susan D.
Had dinner here back in March on Vac. on a recommendation. It was just ok. The decor was old world and the service was good, but the meal was mediocre. I ordered the garlic shrimp and it was good, could really feed two. My daughter is not much of a fish eater so I guess this wasn't the best choice of restaurants for her, and ordered a vegetable marinara? with no sauce? Had to give her some of my white sauce because hers was so dry. And hers was huge too, nobody is going to eat that much pasta and veggies. It would have been better to share an entree if we'd known they were that large. Especially since we couldn't take the leftover back to our room.
(3)
Tony L.
My friends and I settled on this place since the trendier and smaller Boqueria was overly packed. The restaurant is fairly large with an aging decor that reminded me of a Spanish TGIF, but with much more personality. They seated us right away. The menu was quite thorough, and the staff, helpful. If there's anything I would go back for, it's the tasty sangria and the family style atmosphere. The food has more of a home cooked feel that I could appreciate, the portions were large and the presentation was genuine. The biggest disappointment was the seafood paella. I was looking forward to digging into the lobster tail sticking out of the pot, but it was overcooked -- tough and dry. Otherwise, the tapas we had, including a large stuffed clam, fillet mignon tips, and chorizo were quite tasty. If you're looking for a restaurant that can host a large group of people or simply an authentic touch, this might be the place for you.
(3)
Sam P.
Ok, this is why I ALWAYS need to be consulted before making a group dinner reservation. THIS IS MY JOB, PEOPLE!! Sigh...oh, where to begin on this place. How about some background. A good friend from college who's been living out of the country for several years was in town for the week of New Year's - needless to say there was much partying and many group dinners to be had with our old crew from college. Someone wanted tapas, so someone else found this place (on Yelp, at least) and I was told to meet here at 8. First, the decor. As our friend Andrew put it, "it's like It's A Small World broke down and we're stranded in Spain." I'm all for kitsch, but this is just too much, we're talking heinous murals all over the walls, plasitc olive and grape leaves everywhere, jarritos and ugly statues of Don Quixote by the dozens, and cheesy zarzuela remixes on the stereo. Wow. Second, the service. I'm all for attentive waiters, but this was a little too close for comfort. In fact it was a little creepy. There was a team of them and they were up our asses from the moment we sat down. We ordered pitchers of sangria (natch), and we couldn't take more than two sips before one of them was there to refill our glass. After a while, it just got annoying. I'm sure I even caught one of them hovering over me to snatch the cup and refill my half a glass the second I put it down. But the weirdest part was, once we were done eating, they were no where to be found! One of our party had to get up and actaully flag down someone to bring us a check. Not cool. Finally, the food. The reason this is a three star is that the food was mighty tasty. Large, hearty portions with plenty of leftovers to take home and surprisingly low prices. Three courses each and four pitchers of sangria between 9 people came out to about $40/person. Not too shabby. But all in all, it felt like a touristy, overdone experience. Times Square comes to 23rd street. I'll pass.
(3)
Marah A.
Go to the bar! This place it for the decor and drinks.
(5)
Deborah G.
This is an updated review I wrote one a few years back. Not everyone would give El Quijote 5 stars but this is absolutely my favorite restaurant in New York City mostly due to the lobster being the best I have found in the New York area. (Or maybe anywhere I have been other than Maine) I will be celebrating my 30 year anniversary of going to this restaurant next year. My two recommendations would be the "Santiago Margarita" and of course ordering lobster for dinner. I recommend the daily double two 1 1/4 pound lobsters for 32.95 (as to date) 29 years ago it was the price of 17.95. I recommend getting The lobsters broiled since they put stuffing in them that is an extra special touch. The lobster comes with either a choice of soup or salad and a side dish. Service is always very attentive with 2-3 people tending the table. Out of the almost 30 years I have been going here I have not really ordered much else though my friends have ordered some of the traditional Spanish dishes and really enjoyed them. In my opinion the prices at this restaurant are very reasonable for a Chelsea neighborhood restaurant.
(5)
Junkfoodie Q.
3.75 stars Shared the extremos variados appetizer combo for two, the madrid/new york broiled whole lobster and sirloin steak combo, and the coconut sorbet. The appetizer combo had garlic shrimp, mussels, fried calamari, fried chicken cutlet, stuffed mushrooms, and sliced chorizo. The shrimp was my favorite, quite garlicky and tender. The calamari and chicken cutlet were lightly breaded and a little bland. The chorizo was pretty good. The sirloin was tender and tasty. T asked for drawn butter and the lobster was super yummy dipped in it. You definitely get generous servings of food at this place! The coconut sorbet came in half a coconut shell and was a refreshing contrast to all the other food. We stared in awe as huge platters of seafood were served to neighboring tables...gotta come back and try those out!
(4)
Ellie K.
My uncle lived across from this restaurant in the 80's, so I remember going there when I was a kid. I went back last night for the first time and it hasn't changed much. The food is good but not great. The restaurant has a very classic feel. Seems like a good place to take special out-of-town guests or business partners.
(4)
Stanley M.
been going here for years the filet mignon tips are my favorite dish with yellow rice and the sangria the best in n y c
(4)
Nancy C.
Wow. What a place! The food was delicious, the place is romantic, the service was great, the sangria was oh-so yummy!! A date took me out to this place and I was impressed! I admit I didnt think very much of it from the outside. They got bamboo plants outside a old fashioned looking spanish restaurant. Mmmmmmm ok. Once you're inside though, you're not in modern New York anymore. Actually, you've just time traveled to New York circa the 40s, with old fashioned dressed waiters, low light, old classic style paintings on the walls, deep rich reds, and a bar that says "charlie chaplin used to eat here, my friend". (Dont take my word for it. Im just using my imagination here). My date and I sipped the sangria pitcher for a good two hours while chatting and munching on real potato chips, which were great! The chicken with almond sauce was fantastic! chicken in a sweet almond sauce with crunchy roasted almond slivers on top! The textures were exciting! He ordered the lamb which he says was good too. The only thing was that they mistakenly ordered him the wrong thing. Instead of bringing out lamb, they brought him a lobster. I decided to wait for his dish to arrive but then the waiter offered to hold the plate in the kitchen to stay hot while I waited, which was really helpful and attentive of him (I would have drooled over it while waiting). Bravo!
(5)
Jessica N.
Went here for the first time last Friday with my boyfriend after he heard from a coworker about it who loved it. We're very big on paellas and sangria so immediately we knew we had to go and what we would be getting. I felt a little out of place at first because I was not expecting it to look the way it did- we were greeted at the door by a staff member in a full suit. While it does seem nicer though, most people do come in casual so it's fine. We split the paella marinana with lobster and it was definitely more than enough for both of us. They add a sharing charge of $6.50 but you also get to choose between a soup or salad to start off so it was worth it. We both ended up trying the garlic soup which was delicious! The paella was brought over in a small pot and served to us and was enough for 2-3 servings each. It had shrimp, mussles, clams, scallops and half a lobster- amazing! We got a pitcher of the red sangria to drink and it was great too. It was a bit strong and the pitcher was a pretty good size (we could have just as easily just done the half pitcher). It was a great dinner and for the type of food/drink we got, the price was good too. Will definitely be coming again soon and hope to try more of what they have.
(4)
Robert P.
I was amused by the review that said they were charged six fifty to split a lobster when it was already 35 dollars ! Wow, a 35 dollar lobster, that's really expensive! (not) how can the place be overpriced when they are still charging $16.95 for 3 pork chops? This is NYC! The food Is great. Try the Shrimp Ajillo, Lobster in Green Sauce, pork chops, or Chicken Ajillo.
(4)
Celina K.
Love the Red wine sangria!! The combination Quixote plattter is well worth it and a great sampling of the bests on the menu. Grilled shrimp, lobster tail, filet mignon, and chicken villaroy (coated in a mashed potato breading). This place never disappoints.
(5)
Julie Y.
From what I hear, this is the oldest spanish restaurant in the city. It's not much from the outside but quite charming inside. We were a group of 13 for lunch. About 90% of the people went with some form of paella and I did have a taste. double yum! I was one of the few rebels and opted for the skirt steak b/c the 24 oz steaks seemed ridiculously large. Ironic thing was that the skirt steak must have been at least 30oz and the length of my arm!!! Great steak... yummy potato chips... Won't hear me complaining...
(5)
Bartholomew C.
Stepping into El Quijote is like walking into an old lady's living room, junk and kitsch everywhere! Although I did like the fully armored Don Quijote that greeted me at the front door. The sangria was first rate but the food...not so much. Portions were Flintstone sized, but all of my party's steaks were incorrectly cooked, shrimp had to be de-shelled by us at the table (stinky finger alert), and the calamari tasted like chewy onion rings. All is not lost though, the paella was good, as were the mussels in green sauce. Our server was very nice but I found the bus boys surprisingly rude. I would go back but only if I was in the nabe, and maybe only for the sangria.
(2)
G P.
1.5 stars The decor looks like it's been stuck in time for the last 30 years which is why this place caters to the older generation because most of them can barely see five feet in front of them. It's very old school and very ugly. Onto the food. I had a farewell luncheon for two coworkers. One was becoming a supervisor in San Francisco while the other was SUPPOSEDLY being transferred to an office ten blocks away in the very near future. I have yet to see any proof of this alleged transfer. It's been three months and she's still here taking up prime real estate. She actually just transferred to my group only three months ago, and now, according to her, she's moving again. (I think it's a scam to get out of actually working and initiating new cases but whatever...) Everyone started with the soup du jour or salad. I must say, the soup is good. I did't know what it was called but it was made with potatoes, white beans, pork, and possible collard greens or some other dark leafy veggy. Everyone who had the soup enjoyed it. Then came the main dishes. First, let me remind the yelpers that the portions were huge. This little piece of very useful info was not offered by the waitstaff. And there are some general rules of dining that most experienced diners are aware of: Quantity will usually sacrifice quality, and a menu with too many items will bring back sad memories of those notorious 24-hour diners. I had the arroz con pollo y chorizo (rice w/ chicken and sausage). The portions were so huge that it's served in a 2-qt pot. It was enough to feed 2-3 people. Remember what I said about quantity over quality? Had I known that this thing would be monstrous, I wouldn't have ordered it. I only ordered the rice and chicken because I thought to myself, "You can't mess up this dish." I was wrong; not very good. I've had chorizo before and the sausage on my plate didn't look or taste like it. It looked like hot dogs from Yankee Stadium. The rice was overdone and the chicken...what a shame... A friend had the salmon steak. I tried some and had to spit it out. Bad. Another friend had the Minute Steak. Very tough, dry, and tasteless. I'm not sure what cut of meat a Minute Steak is. Another one had the pasta primavera. It was whatever. Finally, a few had the paella. They liked it but what do they know. My coworkers will eat anything. You should see some of the lunches they eat. DISGUSTING... Wow...this place sucks. I would give it 1 star if it weren't for the soup.
(2)
Brett L.
If you ABSOLUTELY must get your buttery lobster on in Manhattan, and you don't have wads of cashish to spend, and you don't mind a somewhat tacky-tacky decor, and you don't mind hearing some fantastically cheeseball conversations going on at other tables, and you don't mind seeing Spanish reality TV on a tiny color TV above the bar, and you don't mind trying to spot about 1000 Don Quijotes spread around all over the place... Then El Quijote is DEFINITELY your spot. I got the special double lobster and ate myself into a slightly uncomfortable position. Can't say I didn't enjoy every bite, though. Come here for the food and the experience - it's worth it at twice the price.
(4)
Danny M.
I was here for a holiday party last year. The decor felt like a timewarp, but it wasn't totally bad. The food was decent, but they had great sangria. Maybe a little TOO good (if you know what I mean)
(3)
Marcia H.
We arrived at the restaurant at 5:25 and put our name on a list. For some reason they had not opened their sizable back room so many of us were squeezed into a narrow space blocking access to the bar and coatroom. After waiting patiently for 35 minutes we were told we were next and they were clearing our table. Then the hostess was told to give the table to a couple who had arrived much later than us but had requested a booth. Another table became available and it was going to the first party of 3 or more. As two people who had not requested a booth we couldn't see how we would ever qualify for a table. When we announced that we were leaving the hostess seemed completely indifferent, wouldn't look us in the eye and certainly did not apologize. We would hesitate to say this might have been because, as seniors, we didn't fit their preferred demographic. We think they would have treated anyone this way because they were filled to capacity and didn't care about customer service. What good is having reasonably priced lobsters if you can't get seated?
(1)
sonia n.
This old stand by is a fun place to go to see locals. If you like large portions, this place is for you. Sangria is watered down. Fresh lobsters are definitely tasty.
(2)
Pina R.
We went there with a group of co-workers from out of town. I wanted to do the ordering since I was there several times. I ordered the clams in green sauce which was a hit and would get again. Someone else ordered the crab cakes - ouch not very good and would not recommend. They used to be my go to place for lobsters but they raised their prices and the lobsters got smaller. The sangria made it all worthwile. The service was just ok; I had to ask my waiter for bread 3 times and each time is was a different type of bread. I just wanted to dunk the bread in that yummy green sauce.
(3)
Melody H.
You know how most restaurants are only reeeeally good at a couple of things and mostly so-so at everything else on their menu? Here is what you should do at El Quijote's: 1. Go with no less than 4 people. 2. Order a pitcher of the delicious sangria. It doesn't even taste alcoholic, and the fruit chunks have been soaked for a long time and they are large enough that they don't impede your sangria drinking. This $25 pitcher gets you about 12 glasses. 3. Order the "daily double" for $38. That's two 1.5 pound lobsters. Split one daily double between two people. They will charge a splitting charge of $6 or so but they'll throw in a Tuscan bean soup or a salad and a side dish of choice. This is likely to be one of the best whole lobsters you've had in your life. Get it steamed for moisture and sliced open for ease of eating. Lobster can get messy. 4. If you're in the mood for surf 'n turf, order one 22 oz steak for $25 (or the 50 oz. one for $35 if you have a party of 8 or more) and share. 5. Eat until you are stuffed, take everything to go, and gasp about how full you are and how surprised you are when you get to walk out of a gigantic surf 'n turf meal complete with sangria, soup, salad, sides, and a jumbo lump crab appetizer (if you chose to go that route, as we did) for just $46 per person including drinks, tax, and tip. Quit complaining if you order anything else on the menu. Lobster is the only way to go. One star is missing because the sides were only okay (the garlic green beans weren't anything special, though good, but the yellow spanish rice was a bit bland and a tad dry). I will be back for more lobster, though, and let me say that the Tuscan bean soup is really fantastic when you reheat it at home, so if it's going to ruin your appetite for your giant lobster and hunk'o'steak, get the soup to go.
(4)
Pinky L.
I haven't been to EQ for a while but I agree with some Yelpers' reviews. First of all, it seems that the place still smells bad. Why did only one Yelper notice this? Last visit I sat near the kitchen, and the stinky carpet smelled like vomit. The whole place smelled funky and unclean, I thought. Secondly, another Yelper was right about big portions usually sacrificing quality. I also found the food over-salted, as is usually the case with Spanish food--too much Adobo?! I did enjoy their Twin Lobster Special when I was there years ago.
(1)
Carrie P.
I like this place- the sangria is delicious and they have some great and affordable selections on their tapas menu. My sister ordered the paella and really enjoyed it, though she could not come anywhere close to finishing it. The place can get very crowded on the weekends, so be prepared to wait... but they have live music late at night and the atmosphere is lively and fun. Overall, definitely worth a visit in my opinion.
(4)
T B.
Great atmosphere. Wonderful service. Very good food. Classic!
(4)
Rachel F.
Not so good. We didn't even get to the food. The restaurant smelled terrible, we should have just left right then. The bigger problem was the service. The waitress stepped away to fluff pillows after the first person ordered a drink, then we all waited for her to return. When she came back we were ready to order, she asked us to wait one minute. She walked away, sat on one of the couches alone for a bit, then came back, walked past our table and ask the women behind us "are you ready to order food?" Even after taking their order she didn't come to take ours. We paid for our drinks and left. I don't believe in not tipping, but I pulled out a wimpy 15% for this shoddy service.
(1)
Nicole C.
This place is right next to the Chelsea Hotel, right near where my friend lives in Manhattan. It was a great stop to make after having been out on the town for a few hours. We had some lobster, a combination tapas platter, and esalada papa fruta. As far as I can remember it all slid down the throat with tasty pleasure, with a little help from a fruity concoction of sangria. In addition, just knowing that Janis Joplin used to hang out at the bar back in the day, gave me that partyin' like a rock star feeeeeeelllin'-aws yeahs.
(5)
Robert C. Y.
I really like the place for about 25 years now. I think sometimes the kitchen gets a bit erratic when they have 3 or 4 large groups. Since I'm retired, we go on Sunday evening or during the week. The Payella was only bad once (sent it back and got a better one) and the Pollo Ajillo (chicken with garlic sauce), which is one of my favorite standbys was only bad once (sent it back and got a better portion). The Churasco (skirt streak) weighs in at about 24 ounces and is always good. Skip the rack of lamb, well done and loaded with garlic (why do people always do that to lamb, don't they like the flavor of the meat?). The only Spanish place that gives you a choice of Caldo Gallego soup or a salad. The soup is made from white beans, smoked pork tnederloin and kale. It is divoon. But, I did take off a star for the couple of times it wasn't up to par. Oh, great Sangria and Spanish fried potatoes too. The potatoes always come with any dish without rice.
(4)
Micaela L.
El Quijote is a funny spot -- kitschy decor, GIANT portion sizes, and decent food for not a lot of money. The paella is a reliable choice. I'm not sure I'd have come here if it hadn't been for the fact that it's one of my boss's favorite restaurants, but I was pleasantly surprised by the experience.
(4)
Raisa M.
I love El Quijote. The portions are GIGANTIC and the food is delcious. The decor is gaudy but absolutely wonderful. If you're not too hell-bent on going to chic restaurants, you should give this place a try.
(4)
J J.
I have yet to have a good experience with Spanish food (which has led me to believe that Spanish food is not very tasty), and this definitely did not make it better. The paella was mediocre at best, although the portions were huge. It was crowded when we went, although I can't exactly figure out why.
(2)
Lori K.
i came here for a group birthday dinner this past weekend and there is nothing to complain about- except for the space that they kindly ask you wait in until your entire party has arrived. it's so small and crowded next to the bar you feel bad hovering over people. it is only a minor setback though because you will surely enjoy your evening at this restaurant. there are three separate dining spaces so there really is plenty of room for everybody- but making a reservation is highly suggested. the wait staff was super friendly and attentive, always filling up our water glasses and bringing additional items to the table upon request. the portions are HUGE! seriously- make sure you share with someone. i took home more than half of my arroz con pollo y charizo (mmm....) and will probably be eating it for dinner for the next three nights. everything was very flavorful (sangria, salad dressings, etc). and i even got to taste some dessert. i loves me some cheesecake! the prices are reasonable and the food is yummy... i would absolutely recommend this restaurant, especially for group dinners or date night.
(3)
Suzanne E.
Does anyone have any idea when the decor dates back to? I agree that it could be seen as kitschy, but I've always found it fascinating, sort of fossilized at some point in time that I can't figure out. I first discovered it in the 1980s and fell in love with it immediately, and the last time I checked it hadn't changed a bit. It has a 1950s Technicolor B movie feel to it, but something else going on as well. Anyway, thanks to Nicole C. for the info that Janis Joplin used to hang out there.
(4)
Pucci P.
Yummm!! You gotta love the tacky fabulous decor in this place. It's so kitchy....they even have a dessert cart . The food is delicious and the portions are enormous. By far the best seafood around!!! The waitstaff consists of career waiters...think Joe's Stone Crab Miami beach. The prices are reasonable and the Sangria is delicious. I go there at least twice a month.
(5)
R M.
I looooove Spanish food and I think this place turned me on to it. This is not a place to go to follow the tapas fad (though their appetizers, such as the chorizo, are pretty good too) -- I come here for the paella! It is always perfectly cooked (rice is fluffy, not soggy nor dry), with lots of flavor and big pieces of seafood. Portions, in general, are very big (both a good and bad thing!). I also like their softshell crabs (though they are a bit on the small side but what do you expect when you crave softshells and they're not exactly in season?). The waiters are friendly and helpful, even though the restaurant gets jam packed. The only thing I'm not crazy about is the occasional guitar band that they allow to roam around the restaurant playing loud, bad music. One time I think the singer spit in my food but oh well it was still good.
(4)
BizyMizy O.
Went this week at about 8pm, place was busy for an "off" night. The table options presented to us were limited, but ultimately sat promptly (3 mins) at a great booth. Dim lighting, old fashioned spanish decor, the place feels old inside - which for me was a little "ehh" but quickly became warm n Unprentenious, that includes Diners and staff. Staff was great and very attentive. Perhaps staff is a little too quick (a time or 2 resulting in spilled water/ piece of food) but nothing major at all. THE GREEN SAUCE is awesome, you will be dipping your bread in it, I ordered the mussels in green sauce - it was great!! Even better, I have an onion allergy n told the waiter about it AFTER we got the sauce (sauce is like a cilantro/ onion/ I cant guess anymore ingredients but I loved it!) they brought back a sauce without onions smoothly, no worries. Overall, the patrons were about 40+, looked like famillies, afterwork folk, attire looked casual/business casual, dont come here looking hot, this place is not that speed. Its the kinda place you can connect with someone at, catch up, have a conversation, enjoy the Red Sangria, I ordered a pitcher, its cheaper that way and not overpowering. I regret not having dessert here, but after seeing the portions they give you, its amazing! My appetizer alone (see dish listed above, lol) was totally meant for two! Great date night for long term, older couples, famillies, friends (slow speed). Not a place to really dress completely down either, ie hoody, jeans, sneakers. Spent about $100, well worth it :)
(4)
Alice K.
One of my favorites! Very reasonable prices and EXCELLENT food. I always go for the paella which is more than enough to feed 2-3 people. The tapas is also awesome. I usually get the chorizo and the grilled baby calamare. Service has always been good for me (knock on wood). Highly highly recommend this place =)
(5)
Marvin C.
Had lunch there when I was one of a very few customers. Even then, service was inattentive at best, if not dismissive. The filet mignon tips were so average. The iced tea was odd tasting, and a second glass, which I was charged for again, was no better. My comments and input was ignored completely. Go here when you are desparate. Over-rated and needs to go into the history books.
(2)
Adam K.
Excellent New york City locale for Spanish food that offers some excellent traditional steaks as prepared in Spain. Its very old-fashioned like a restaurant you'd find in Madrid that had been standing for decades.
(5)
Stanley O.
Make reservations as this is quite a popular place. The decor and service leave little to be desired, but the food is excellent and great value. I ordered the lobster with green sauce, a vegetable-based, garlic-heavy sauce that was to die for. The dish provided sufficiently challenging that I kept at it until I finished every last piece of lobster. For a party of 12, we spent less than $40 each, quite a bargain in NYC.
(4)
marias s.
The food was decent, but I felt like the waiters were overly interested in my breakup conversation. There were always there! The decor is cheesy in that Fast Times at Ridgemont high way (although that restaurant was German). If you can stand that (maybe you should wear a rose in your hair to fit in), by all means go. You might get some input from your waiter about your breakup, in addition to bottomless glasses of water and sangria.
(3)
John A.
If you haven't been to El Quijote, do go, and do go more than once. The food is great, the drinks are phenomenal, and the service is lovely. Across the bar are sculptures of Don Quijote which just bring you into the near chivalric era of the 1600's Spain...ok maybe after a few drinks, but still. The Caldo Gallego is next to to-die-for, and the gambas ajillo are terrrrrificos. DEF RECOMMENDED!!!
(5)
Erin R.
I wasn't impressed by this place. I ordered the stuffed mushrooms and the red wine sangria to start. The mushrooms were tiny and filled with bland breading. The sangria was okay but nothing amazing. It had a little bit too much liquor in it for me. I could barely taste the wine. That being said, I thought the paella was pretty tasty. I've never had it before though so I have nothing better to compare it to. The paella portions were huge. My boyfriend ordered the seafood Valencia paella and they didn't skimp on the seafood. All of it tasted fresh and the meal wasn't too expensive, about $20 per person. I probably wouldn't seek this place out to go eat at again.
(3)
Amanda L.
I was so excited to see my paella dish - full of muscles, clams, shrimp & chrizo. But when the waiter placed the pot of paella next to me...I had to say it took me a while to open that lid to see the pot full of food. It was large enough to feed 3-4 people! Left overs for days ya'll!
(4)
Jerome S.
Very very good. We ordered the steak, don't remember what else really because we also order fantastic drinks. Not the cheapest of places to eat and be merry but definitely one of the most delicious I had a meal at. Certainly one of best steaks in the city that I've tasted but there is so much more exploring to do. Very excited about returning their again and trying the Lobster and other Spanish dishes but I have to say everything was great from the evening I was their. Its also a great place to do business if you like quieter restaurants meetups.
(4)
Sally B.
It was love at first sight, then again at first bite. I was here for a work event and the service and food both were wonderful. We had mixed appetizer plates (stuffed mushrooms, garlic shrimp, calamari, thick-bacon wrapped scallops, and a couple other items I didn't sample) - - the selections were delicious. I had a salad with a fresh vinaigrette that was delicious, then came the shrimp in green sauce, also delicious. The chicken in garlic sauce to my right, and the chicken marsala to my left both looked and smelled wonderful. The sangria and flan were icing on the proverbial cake. I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Allison W.
A total GEM. Lobster is the best in town, and the staff is great. Would come here once a week, if I could.
(5)
Jully H.
Another check off my bookmark list and once again my fellow yelpers did not disappoint me im glad to say!!! A friend and I decided to meet up and come here fiving me the choice to pick the place. I arrived first and on time which is shocking. The place qasbt that busy probaly because it was a tuesday and we were promptly seated. We skipped the appetizers and went straight for the entrees and ordered a pitcher of sangria which wasnt strong at all (hence the 4 instead of 5 stars) that was disappointing. I ordered the surf and turf cooked medium and my friend ordered the el quijote combination which i should have ordered. His meal came with a lobster tail, grilled shrimp, a stuffed fried chicken and a filet mignon which he subsituted out because hes hindu for more shrimp. He loved the chicken the most. My order was a HUGE chunk of filet mignon and a lobster tail which was perfectly cooked and seasoned and oh so ever juicy! Despite the weak sangria (go for the wine or cocktail instead) i really loved this place and cant wait to go back again!!
(4)
Regina D.
My friend been raving about this place for a looong time, so we finally got together and went out to dinner. The person that met me at the door spoke bare English, she could not find our reservation and then it turned out that they put us down for later time. Lucky us!!! They did put together a table but there was no apology from anyone that they screwed up and somewhat where convinced that we showed up early and were just being difficult. The menu is huge, the waiter did make some suggestions and then he also offered us the sangria. Do you like drinking juice with water and 3 pieces of apple then perhaps its for you but like I said many times over I am over age of juice and water stop cheating at the bar. We did end up ordering wine and it was actually not bad. Now I was going to share the massive 56 oz steak with my hubby but it turned out that they charge $12 or $13 for sharing?! I find that tactic cheap!! I was not going to pay extra to share one dish so I ordered soup and shrimp in garlic. The soup, or lets call it mashed tomato was terrible, I am sorry to say but I wanted to throw up from the taste. The shrimp that came with string beans was actually not too bad. My husbands massive steak was done correctly but it was just a slab of meat with out any flavor. My friends seemed to be happy with their choices of lobster and fillet minion. The deserts were not here nor there, my flan was ok but house cake was terrible and ice cream tasted like its .99 store selection. The bottom line this place might have been great once upon a time but now it outlived itself with bad food and dated decor. I will not be back....
(2)
Felicia G.
I went there last night, it was a very busy Spanish restaurant. We ordered a 56 oz steak medium, when the steak is here we were a little surprised. it looks burned outside. but the waiter told us since it's too big, in order to cook medium inside, outside got to be burned. We didn't want it chopped because we wanted to see the whole steak as one piece. It is an experience learned. I'm not gonna order too big of a steak next time.
(3)
Kalacey D.
One of my fav places when i come to nyc to visit my dad! Food is amazing. A little pricey but worth every bite. Comes with sides, and salad or soup.
(5)
Virginia T.
My friend and I went in around 4:30 during the week just for some Sangria which was very good. Very romantic and quiet. We sat right at the bar and we enjoyed every minute of it. My friend and I were starving but only ordered Sangria because were meeting someone else for dinner afterwards. The bartender was a sweetheart!!!! Ordered fresh chips for us (like... Seriously freshly made, warm potatoes from the kitchen)!! Then he gave us some warm chicken that he had up in the bar in some buffet style server. Boy was that chicken tasty! It was like a small tapas! I can't wait to go back just because he was so very cool and the chips, chicken and Sangria were amazing! I should add that a few guys were also at the bar eating and seemed to really enjoy their Pina Coladas.
(5)
Jeffie J.
Old school to the core, this restaurant opened in 1930 and serves food that was probably popular 85 years ago, in authentic surroundings. The menu, which has all the Spanish classics, seems like it hasn't changed much, but prices have certainly been updated. Entrees come with soup or salad. Whether you will like this food depends entirely on your tolerance for nostalgia over cutting edge cuisine. I like it, once in a while. The black bean soup was well seasoned and is served with a whole plate of chopped onions for garnish. Filet of sole in green sauce had very meaty fish swimming in a white sauce with little flecks of green. The sauce could have used some flavor enhancements but still was good for slathering over the rice and dipping your bread into. Desserts might have been interesting back in 1950 but aren't today. The food is brought out on carts or in covered serving dishes, old school style, and you will probably have left-overs. To my retro taste, the decor is beautiful and deserves historic landmark status. Red leather booths, wall sconces, fresh flowers on every table, hand painted murals, pictures and sculptures of El Quijote, every cliche of Spanish culture is depicted somewhere in this restaurant. The service also has a vintage quality. There are two sets of waiters--the ones in black jackets take your order, and the ones in red vests serve it. On the whole they were friendly and knowing. Like the Hotel Chelsea that surrounds it, this is the restaurant time forgot (until recently; I think the hotel is under renovation). Visit El Quijote, step back in time, and retreat from the pervasive hipness of present-day Manhattan.
(4)
Stinky G.
I'm VERY sad to say that since my last review, this restaurant has been sold. It changed from a family-run business to a restaurant run by some large real estate corporation. I've been coming here for decades, and I have never been disappointed. It has been claimed in print that nothing would change after the sale. Sorrowfully, this does not seem to be the case. The change, for the worse, is blatantly apparent. I came here a few nights ago with my son, and this now feels like a different restaurant. Slow, SLOW totally indifferent service. Food not prepared properly. The consistent, dependable flavors were all off. The abrupt turnaround is nothing less than shamefully startling. Requiescat in pace, old standby, I'm truly sorry to see you go. Unless some miracle occurs the downhill crash and burn seems inevitable.
(2)
Tasha S.
The best sangrias ever! They really sneak up on you. Mussels in green sauce the best..filet mignon tips awesome..xxl portion of food at an affordable price. Great place to eat and servers are very attentive
(5)
Jorge A.
I was here with a couples of friends, and it was a nice evening, we ordered sangria and it wasn't that good, but the food itself was delicious, big portions and well presented. We made reservation ahead and it was not waiting time for us to be seated. Good service.
(4)
Alana A.
I'm not happy. First, my group walks in and there's a bit of a wait but absolutely no area for us to wait in! We felt so smushed and in the way of everything. Not a good start. Then, we were seated in a room in the back and were the only table there. It was so hot. Hot like a furnace. Hot like Miami in mid July. So, so hot. We asked for it to be cooled down and after asking many servers and nearly suffocating to death, they finally went and changed it. No joke, I felt I was seconds away from passing out. I'm just going to skip everything else and get right to the food. I ordered the skirt steak, well done. After waiting and waiting and waiting nearly an eternity, the food begins to appear. I was last to be served and finally got my...shrimp? Uh, not what I ordered! I waited even longer and finally received my steak. My GIANT HUMONGOUS RIDICULOUSLY LARGE steak. What the heck was this, the whole cow?! I ordered it well done but on my first (and second and third) cut, so much blood oozed out. The steak was seriously medium rare. The server took it back (more waiting for me!) and came back with it just ok. In the meantime, I tried my boyfriend's also GIANT HUMONGOUS RIDICULOUSLY LARGE salad and it was just plain bad. When I finally ate the steak, it was so greasy and I was just straight up disgusted. Later, a server bumped my boyfriend while my boyfriend was sipping his glass of water which seriously hurt him and caused him to bleed from the mouth. The server was sincerely apologetic and brought him complimentary cheesecake (which was the worst I've ever had, but nonetheless a good gesture) and that's the reason I gave this place an extra star. I was so incredibly upset that the servers failed to mention that the food would be served in abnormally huge portions. Some items on the menu listed the ounces but most, like mine, did not. My grandfather was a busboy here in the 50s so he brought us here. Sadly, it was a horrendous disappointment.
(2)
Juan T.
Hola Amigos, Quieren comer bueno... Come to El Quijote. The menu is Huge, way too many things to choose form in a timely manner. Tapas are a good portion and not expensive at all. The regular lunch is around 15-20 and portions are big. The 56oz steak is way too big for 2 people unless you are a fatty. The red sangria is almost perfect, skip the white. We ordered the appetizer sampler and it was super big and tons of meat. The grilled sampler has 2-3 pounds of meat and its delicious. It contains, sausage, steak, chicken and pork. The paella valenciana its good, not great and i had better but its not the worse either. -1 star: the place looks under construction for over 6 months, No big signage to tell we are open just like Francisco Vasco place. -2nd star: looks very old, decor old, like grandparents house old. I will come back because its not bad, prices are decent and its close to work.
(3)
Aaron K.
One of the great old school Spanish restaurants in NYC. Still a true bargain. My wife and I return 3-4 times year. Most of our friends go for the lobsters which are done perfectly at a reasonable price. I usually order clams in green or garlic sauce or one of the rice and seafood dishes. More than you can eat. The ambiance is basically non-existent. The noise level a bit too loud. The service adequate but nothing special. You go to El Quiote for a great meal and true value.
(4)
Kat M.
went there early on a friday night with no reservation. we were seated with no wait, but oveall the restaurant was not worth the time or money spent. The server was a surly woman who seemed annoyed to have to do things like offer some more insight into differences in paellas on menu. THERE ARE LITTLE TO NO DESCRIPTIONS OF THE FOOD ON THE MENUS WHICH YOU CAN BARELY READ BECAUSE IT'S DARK LIKE A CAVE IN THIS PLACE -- so it'd seem reasonable to expect the servers to help fill in the blanks. sigh. nope. She was really kind of awful. She was so inhospitable. And food was not much better than the service. Paella is horrible. Rice-a-roni -- a LOT of rice-a-roni. with some okay but overcooked seafood. tons of a bad thing does not make a bad thing better. the mussels in garlic as appetizer were quite good, but the rest of the food and the service were mediocre to awful. saving grace were my fellow diners - to whom i give 5 stars, and the location which has history and nostalgia going for it. terrible place though - don't go there expecting a nice dinner. it has nothing going for it. it's noisy, the food is meh, and the service is less than meh. but now i've been to the chelsea hotel sort of.
(2)
Robby S.
Went here with a bunch of friends on a recommendation. There were 11 of us and unfortunately, it was a bit of a wait for a table (approx 40 minutes). But once we were seated, we ordered some appetizers including Chorizo, Filet Mignon tips, which were out of this world, and Clams Casino, also excellent! Most of our group had the special Sangria, which they loved. (I had tequila...). For entree's, we had a bunch of different things, including Filet Mignon, Lobsters, Salmon, Pork Loin, Jambalaya, and Skirt Steak, which may have been the best thing (which was passed around so we could all taste it). The portions were huge and there was lots of food to take home, so beware when ordering. But the bottom line is that we all had one of the best meals we've had a long time!
(4)
C H.
This place is dated in every way. The decor and the food are stale and uninspiring. The portions are large, for those who consider that the mark of a good restaurant, but the prices are relatively high as well.
(2)
Josue M.
Good and welcoming service. Enjoyed my Rib Eye steak cooked to perfection. Very flavorful and portions where more then expected. A must visit restaurant when in the City!!!!
(4)
Joel S.
I've been going to el Q for 30 years. It's a place that's reliable and always the same, in a good way. The waiters and bartenders have been there forever. It's the best place in Manhattan for lobster. It's reasonably priced and cooked perfectly. The Spanish food is pretty good. The entremes variados is a gigantic platter of mixed appetizers that's always fun to start off with. We have ordered many things off of the menu and have rarely been disappointed. Favorites are mariscada in green sauce, paella and shrimp in garlic sauce. An iconoclastic member of our family occasionally orders steak at el Q and swears by it. Portions are generally too much to consume in a single sitting. Desserts are OK. This restaurant is a great place and part of my family's history. I try to go regularly.
(5)
Al S.
Very disappointing. I had eaten in this establishment many times when I lived in NYC. On a return visit, I was very saddened to see the decline. The service was appalling. Long waits for everything, the waitress was very impatient and dismissive when we had the nerve to ask a few questions. Their signature dish, seafood paella, was just miserable. The rice was all clumped together and the chicken was over cooked and favor-less. There were two tiny pieces of lobster. Oh, and did I mention that for the privilege of partaking this over-priced abomination, we had to wait 40 minutes for a table the we were originally told would be available in "10 to 15 minutes"? Never again.
(1)
Jerry A.
Been going there for more than 30 yrs. Love EVERYTHING there especially Champagne Sangria, Seafood Paella, anything in green sauce and of course....broiled Lobster (only the price is disappointing). I was once told by the owner that the cost went up so he had to raise the price....however, now that the cost went down, I'm still waiting for the price to go down. But still one of my favorite places in all of NYC !!!!!
(4)
Sharyn M.
I have been going here for over 25 years. My favorite is their broiled lobster. In the last few months, they have been adding way too many bread crumbs, no olive oil or whatever they used to add to make it moist but it's way too dry. I thought it might be a new cook, but it's been a few months now and they should have gotten it right by now. I will give them one more chance, then well look for another place to go. I'm there at least oncea month. VERY upsetting to see them go downhill.
(1)
Jessica G.
I was not a fan of this restaurant. The food was boring and I wasn't a fan of the flavors.
(3)
Ebony J.
Very nice, cozy restaurant. I loved my seafood dish and was happy with the freshness of my lobster. I wish it had just a hint more seasoning to make it flavorful. Otherwise, this is a pretty good restaurant that provides generous portions.
(4)
A L.
Fancy restaurant. Came here a couple of times with the bf. We both enjoy the food! And we love the sangria!! Whenever we come, we can ever finish! The seafood paella is pretty good. My bf has the porter house which was huge! (Could be my dinner for few days). I had the combo el Quijote, which comes with shrimp, lobster, steak and chicken!
(4)
Leon P.
Waited a while for the food but its a nice spot to eat. I had filet mignon it was average nothing special. I think the seafood taste better that's what the wifey says.
(3)
Jon Henry Q.
I just found out the rumors are all true they have sold the place and it is going to the "lets flip the script " route could be a. Breath of fresh air or its going to become super trendo and lose all of its charm. And you know what's next fire the whole staff and jack the prices to bad now I am missing them and they aren't even gone yet
(1)
Hans W.
Although The Chelsea Hotel no longer exists, El Quijote holds on to that mystique of legends that once passed through there or was their local spot: Patti Smith, Maplethorpe, Sid Vicious among many others. It has that great vibe that holds on to the NYC of yesteryears and is one of the true tapas bar in the city. I highly recommend the Sirloin tips with a bottle of Tempraniillo. Cool down your thirst in the summertime with an icy cold Strella de Galicia beer. Also 1 1/2 lb of lobster with soup salad and rice for $25, not bad at all. There's word they are moving from that spot: I hope that's not the case. That will put the last Niall in the coffin of the New York everyone knows about and will become a douchebaggy sports bar with shitty food and bad service.
(5)
Robert C.
Dinner and drinks at the bar for the first of many future visits. Generous sized tapas (big meaty marinated portobello, large tasty crab cake) were a nice surprise in this classic legendary spot. The prime NY strip steak dinner (and others) has to be one of the best values in Manhattan, as it includes sides. Next time we'll sample fish and seafood dishes. We had the pleasure of meeting one of the locals lucky enough to live close and be a frequent guest. That speaks volumes about quality and value.
(4)
Helen K.
Paella was satisfying. Not over the top authentic flavor but still it was good. Portion was also very generous.
(4)
Marciano B.
For many years my favorite, the food is consistent and the portions are generous. Their Paella dish can easily satisfy two persons. Love the freixenet Cava! There is one female waitress(Latin?/mid 30's early 40's/curved dark hair/short posture) who is absolutely a sweetheart! Great service. Croquettes de bacalao : fantastico! Escargot : delicious Paella: Muy sabroso! Staff at the door is friendly. The young Spanish male host(wearing a suit) , sometimes act a bit arrogant and cocky. Try to change this because multiple customers have noticed this , next to that it effects the overall great dining experience( see it as constructive feedback).
(5)
Benjamin A.
Awful! Unless you're over age 65 and nostalgic for old fashioned pseudo-Spanish food with terrible service and outdated decor there is no reason for you to go to this restaurant. I asked the waiter to show me the list of Cava on the menu...he pointed to Sangria and walked away. Despite this being a "spanish" restaurant they only have one choice of Cava...Freixenet or Freixenet...really???? The food was all over cooked...including the lobster, which is their signature dish. I can't think of a good reason to go to this restaurant. Awful!!!!!
(1)
Scotty K.
Just a quickie review to throw praise and let others know how amazing their food and service are! I've been here a bunch of times with family and they never fail to amaze!! Last night I have the rice and chorizo, my aunt had the salmon steak and uncle had the dinner salad (filled with shrimp, chicken, etc)... amazing@@ Also, be prepared for leftovers whatever you order... Even my reasonably priced rice/sausage dish came in a huge pot, filled with about 6 servings, not that isn't wasn't good enough to keep going, however I had to fight that urge :)) Enjoy!!!!
(5)
Joe T.
This is one of my favorite "time machines" in NYC. A real throwback to an earlier era (1930s - 1950s). Go and enjoy the atmosphere from a red leatherette booth. Food was good too. We order two dishes: Paella and a House Special (I forget the name) that had Filet Mignon, Lobster Tail, Chicken Breast and Shrimp. Both entrees provided food for 2 meals in addition to the one we had in the restaurant. So priced very reasonably, when you consider the portion size. That said, if you are staying in a hotel, and aren't bringing food home, a lot will go to waste. In that case, I suggest you go just to have a drink at the real cool retro bar (check out the original cash register).
(4)
Kelly H.
Love, love, love, this place, been coming here for over 10 years. I've never had a bad meal and the service is always good. I highly recommend it.
(5)
Rob G.
Saturday night dinner here . Another great meal! Chicken Villeroy and shrimp and white sauce! Clams on the half shell and white bean soup. Love the fact that I have leftovers
(4)
DJ P.
Expensive is an understatement. I would say, however, the food is good quality and try to get their lunch specials but be prepared to flag down the inattentive staff.
(2)
Nick P.
I've been going to this restaurant for the past 2 years and have had a lot of wonderful memories. The decor is a true throwback to old New York with the remnants of cigarette burns on the bar harkening back to a time in the 60's where it was connected to the Chelsea Hotel. There is a true feeling that you are dining in the shadow of some of the greatest musicians, artists and literary greats of our time. The entire decor is dedicated to El Quijote, with statues and murals adorning the entire restaurant. Oh yeah...It is cosy, upscale and the waters wear suits with red jackets and black bowties. Gentleman are expected to be gentleman and it's a rule to remove the lid. There is a sense of elevation of a restaurant experience. My girlfriend and I both love the staff and especially Christian, the bartender, who is amazing and has excellent points of service. I can't say enough about how professional he is, which is sadly a lost art of many current day bars in the city. The food...what can't I say? I've never had a bad dish there. The steak tips are amazing, calamari (grilled) garlic sauce, scallops in garlic sauce and the giant filet mignon entrees are to die for. All in all excellent service across the board. One of the last great original restaurants that continue to sustain.
(5)
Robert C.
I would like to say nice things about this place and the old world decor was warm and inviting, if you like that look. The service was very efficient. BUT we ordered 2 different paellas and neither had any flavor. Just a lot of rice and seafood but no sauce or spices in it. Not being an expert in spanish food I still have to think it can taste a lot better than this. They included salad as well and it was pathetic. the sangria was sweet and slurpy but not special. Looking at the crowd it seemed full of tourist types but it was 2 days from XMAS so maybe it was included in a tour guide. This native NYer won't be back. Pobrecita.
(2)
Ariane S.
What a shame. I have been going here for over 20 years and I just had the most disappointing experience. I will never go back. We ordered the Madrid (whole lobster and steak), the usual. Steak wasn't the best but we were willing to deal since it's been one of our favorite spots for years. We tasted the lobster and it was rancid. Disgusting. We asked to speak to the manager and he was so incredibly rude (new management) and could "do nothing for us." I told him that we've been patrons for years and never had a problem...always looked forward to coming. We didn't even ask for money back, just wanted an apology and thought maybe he'd comp a round of drinks or some coffee. Nothing. So, bye bye El Quijote, I still taste that rancid lobster...good luck with your new management.
(1)
Max R.
Best Lobster in New York! Excellent service, delicious food! A 2 1/2lb broiled female lobster with delicious breadcrumb stuffing is simply sublime. The prices are excellent for the portion sizes and quality of ingredients. The Filet Mignon tornados are absolutely fantastic and they give you two large chunks of steak! The Red Snapper Vizcaina with a delicious tomato sauce and lots of little neck clams surrounding it is also a fantastic dish! The boss' name is Jose and he is ALWAYS there and ALWAYS available if you have any problems or just want to tell him your praises. El Quijote is a legendary place and one of the best restaurants in NYC in my opinion.
(5)
Lorelei D.
I can't believe that, as a native New Yorker, I had never gone here before. Wonderful atmosphere and food. Definitely try the tortilla espanola and the hanger steak. Great blue cheese dressing for salad!
(4)
C.E. R.
The food is overly salty and the portions are too huge for a normal sized person yet the restaurant charges $9.50 to share a meal. The music was horrible; it was noisy and the decor was tacky. We will never visit this place again. Eating at this restaurant was a total waste of money.
(1)
Joey C.
Service would receive 5 stars. However, the food deserved 1 star. Everything was flavored with salt and nothing else, or so it seemed. Paella was buttery and very salty. Rice was undercooked. Don't get me started on the processed flan from-a-can that was not consumed by anyone at the table. This food is for boring old whites. I would not go back or recommended it as a foodie destination.
(1)
Eileen C.
My dad and I went to celebrate my father's 81st Birthday on Sunday 6/6/15. What a mistake! Wait staff was standing around socializing. We waited over 20 mins to get their attention. We asked a busboy to send a waiter over. We watched him tell several waiters (who were staring at us). Yet, we continued to wait for another 10 mins. When we received our food, several of the side dishes were missing. But.... so was our waiter. We couldn't eat everything @ the same time. He wasn't apologetic in the least. Secondly, the food was very substandard. I had been to dinner here several times without any issues. It was very disappointing. I won't be back!
(1)
Justin S.
El Quijote is truly legendary, not only in New York City but in the sphere of my friend who sees it as one of the most classic "old New York" restaurants. As we pulled up to the restaurant in the cab, I exclaimed "I didn't realize it was IN the Chelsea Hotel," but yes, it surely is (on the ground floor anyway). I've been here twice now, and both times I found that the atmosphere and the food are equal in quality. That said, I don't think this is an avant-garde dining establishment, or even one where you can really go expecting mind-blowingly good food, but somehow the old-fashioned atmosphere, solicitous waiters and massive portions work together to form something great. El Quijote is basically a Spanish-influenced steakhouse and the menu reflects that. There are some interesting Spanish options but I have always found myself drawn to the steak here. I went hard and ordered the Filet Mignon Dulcinea last time, which is essentially a gorgeously cooked, huge piece of meat served on an old-fashioned silver plate. You have an option for sides, and most people here will tell you to go for the old-fashioned fried potatoes which is a good choice. My steak was excellent and extremely meaty... I don't mean that to be glib, but to say that it was a cut of high quality and one that had been tampered with minimally as far as flavor goes (we like that). The group I was with shared a few appetizers including shrimp cocktail, mushrooms in garlic sauce and chorizo, all of which were good, though the steak definitely eclipsed them. While waiting for our table, we ordered a few drinks at the bar. I went for a Negroni which was great - And it seemed like the right type of drink to order while hanging out in this old atmosphere (though sangria also seems a popular choice). At dinner, the waiter recommended some pretty good Spanish red wine which we shared and enjoyed. All told, El Quijote is at least an interesting bet for something different, and for a more old-fashioned dining experience in New York. It's a good fall-back as a place to take out-of-town guests too, and that steak will keep me coming back too!
(5)
Daybel V.
OMG the worst restaurant I have EVER been in . My boyfriend took me here for my birthday. We dressed up and he wanted a romantic night for me . The night was going good until we received our food. The presentation was nice but the food was HORRIBLE!! That not being enough in the middle of our dinner the waiter asks us to move bc they had a bigger party come in and they needed our table . They move us and offered us the most disgusting cake ever!! It tasted like an ice box cake .
(1)
Ari A.
El Quijote had me feeling full, tipsy, and happy all at once. The paella gets you tons of food at a reasonable price & the lobster tail was generous. But beware for those splitting charges. We ordered enough food that I thought it was a bit overkill. That and the soup they served was subpar. Our chorizo plate was delicious, but the olive & Manchego plate was underwhelming. If you order the steak, I hope you think 3 meals in advance, I'd say it was easily 1.5lbs on that plate. El Quijote was a blast from the past, where people are still slipping the maître'd tips & the servers are wearing red monkey suits. Be prepared for an experience & come hungry.
(3)
Frank M.
Great food and drinks at reasonable prices. Sangria is one of the best. Went with good friends and my girlfriend before Radio City Christmas show. Been going there for years. Never know when to stop ordering appetizers, big selection of good food. Seafood always good. Bar area is tight, not much room to hang.
(4)
Ernest A.
We decided to try this NYC establishment after the recent take over. The place was crowded and the usual poor service was in abundance. I ordered the porterhouse medium, which was presented charged, Still, a good and very large piece of meat and certainly edible. My companion ordered a 2.5 Male lobster opened. What arrived was a female lobster unbroken. What was worse - the lobster was not 2.5 pounds. It was the same size as all the other lobsters passing the room - the standard 1.25 pounds. A mistake, and that was innocent enough. However, after a thirty minute wait, the same exact lobster was returned to the table. We were upset to say the least. To put it mildly, there are simply many other places to go in NYC to have a good meal and I cant say this in one of them. With poor service, and obviously a rather poor service manager, Id say count yourself lucky if you go and enjoy your meal, but otherwise be concerned.
(2)
Gabrina P.
I am sad to say that I will not be returning to this restaurant-which I've been going to for about 20 years with my family. My sister and I went there for much needed Friday night get together. We ordered our usual-the Madrid/New York-which is a ny strip steak and a whole broiled lobster. It turns out that the lobster was inedible. It tasted awful-we told the waiter that it tasted weird to us. The waiter, who was very attentive, said that he would have to talk to the manager. He then came back and said that the manager said that he can't do anything about it. We asked to speak to that manager. The manager came over and said that the only thing he could do is offer us another lobster-but, after the taste of the first lobster we were disgusted. He then said that was the only thing he can do,-nothing else. Really? He can't offer a cup of coffee or even a measly dessert or even a drink? Who wants to send back a lobster? After all these years, we're so sad to say that not only were we dissatisfied by our meal-but the treatment from management was awful. We're so disappointed.
(1)
Lulu H.
Open letter to the new owners and chefs: PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE EL QUIJOTE INTO A NEW, TRENDY, and OVERPRICED PLACE TO EAT. NYC is full of places where one can get a good meal of small portions for a mortgage payment and have a "high end" generic dining experience. Take it from a life long New Yorker... The best places that make New York what it is are fast disappearing. Old time establishments with history and grit are what make NYC unique and a destination to be fully indulged, not simply visited. If one wants shiny and new, go to Disney World or some suburban strip mall. El Quijiote is one of those favorite places that offered good food (and sangria!) in a relaxed and interesting atmosphere at reasonable prices. Not every restaurant needs to be a once in a life time entire paycheck experience. I miss the neighborhood stand bys that locals are comfortable frequenting on a regular basis, rather than the trendy places that cater to the tourists. So again, I beg you to not turn a beloved restaurant into just another expensive place to eat. Thank you for listening.
(1)
Cheyenne B.
I was there Saturday 4/25 @ 2pm with a guest. The decor was ok, it certainly looks like it's 85 yrs of age. We stood in the foyer for approximately 10 mins before we were seated. The place was NOT crowded, many available tables and booths. The waiter placed menus on the table and hurriedly walked off. A short time later (15 mins) he returned and wanted to rush take our order, note....We weren't even offered any water. I asked a passing server for water. The food came a short time later. I ordered the seafood combo of shrimp/octopus in garlic sauce. My guest ordered the Mussels in green sauce. The food was excellent. The service needs a lot to be desired. The waiter was not atttentive. He never returned to us until tab time. I only gave 3 stars because of the food. If there were a service rating. Based on my experience, the place would fail in customer service. I will not recommend to friends and family.
(3)
Charlie M.
Firstly, As other posters have pointed out. The decor is a huge throwback. I felt like I was sitting in the red booths circa 1970. BUT the food is very good. Huge portions in big pots come to your table. The staff is very friendly. This place to a life long New Yorker like myself is what makes NYC great.
(4)
David L.
Very much felt like I was in Madrid. Very generous portions, highly seasoned dishes and gregarious service. Worth going back
(4)
Betty Ming L.
This is such a fun restaurant space, basically a local landmark with a wonderfully responsive staff. I love the ambiance! But I would never go just for the food, which is fairly standard in taste and preparation, sort of reminds me of cafeteria seafood. We stopped in for a snack of three appetizers: stuffed scallop with mystery filling, garlicky shrimp that tasted so previously frozen and mussels vinaigrette which was little more than mussels with chopped onions and a splash of vinegar. The bread was truly like school cafeteria Italian bread! Nothing wrong with any of this. This is still a great place to take a group for an evening of wine and laughs.
(3)
Mike F.
The best food and the prices are great! Been going here for over 20 years and never had a bad meal. Waiters are great....you will love this place. Be prepared to bring home food, they give you so much.
(5)
Soy L.
Plus side - 1. Pleasant staff. 2. Tasty food. 3. Reasonable prices. 4. Nice vintage feel. 5. The best cup of coffee I've had in a long time. Minus side - 1. Men's room was filthy. 2. About five different people will serve you and take your order. Some are good, some not. The food delivery was met with - "who ordered the chicken?" That's unprofessional. 3. The staff congregates by the front door/coat check room. We sat there and had to hear quite a few conversations. We had no choice. 4. One item was overcharged on the bill by $3 as compared to the menu. I did not bother to complain but that is just sloppy, sloppy, sloppy. Be on the look out for it in case it's a recurring issue. 5. Bread basket will not get refilled no matter what.
(2)
Angela M.
Miguel and I have been coming here for so long that a waiter is now the manager. How time flys when you're eating a good meal. Spanish cuisine is a passion of ours. El Quijote is great for couples or a group. Ask to be seated in the main dining room or eat at the bar. And don't forget to count the statues of Don Quijote.
(3)
Queen R.
Horrible service, underwhelming food, highly acidic and old espresso, huge portions, great for old people. Go elsewhere if you are under 55.
(2)
Danielle P.
Place is creepy looking they need to renovate. Service sucks because they dont know the menu. Portions are abnormally huge!!!!! Waitress should have told us this. Food was good but wish I would have known about the huge portions.
(1)
K E.
I have a softness for this place because it's a legendary NY restaurant. It's quiet and has a nice enough atmosphere. With that said though, the food just really isn't that high in quality. EVERYTHING is DROWNING in butter and oil. That can be fun for a minute, but I couldn't really get to the end of the meal without kind of feeling nauseous. The menu could use a little updating. The decor could use a cleaning and a fresh coat of paint. The service... well, it's fine. It's "old school". I can't really say anything was bad (except for the cold and gluey crab cakes that we just had to send back), but for the prices, I would want better quality food. I had a good time there, but I can't say that I would vote to go back.
(3)
Jason E.
I came here with my girlfriend after a night out. If you like traditional Spanish food I would give this a try--the place has been around for a good amount of time. The waiters are all in suits and the scenery was hilariously cool. We got calamari, sangria, paella and soups. The meal itself was decent and wasn't crazy expensive considering how much we got. If I do go back, a steak is probably the next best move. In general, I enjoyed it. Would I deem this my favorite place in the city? No. However it was certainly a consistent meal.
(3)
Mike P.
They are your standard Spanish cuisine. Various lobster and seafoods with green sauce or garlic sauce, fresh fish and a wide selection of steaks. The food is absolutely fine. Perhaps I prefer the similar yet differing Portuguese cuisine, but I've had far better meals in Newark. I've never had a bad meal here, yet I'm never wowed either. The interior is really in need of a facelift, it just feels old. Not old in a charming old school feel, but more of a decaying depressing kind of way. The bar area is cramped--either find a seat or don't stand there or you'll be blocking the already too narrow path leading to the entrance. Even the bathroom is uncomfortable. The staff and service are on point. While they may have to verify who ordered what, they are quick too fill water glasses, they get the drink orders filled quickly, tables are cleared efficiently and the meal is well paced. Every meal comes with either a blah salad or a midgrade soup. They offer a dessert cart that seems to have had the exact same options for the past 20 years.
(3)
Julian k.
We each had paella, which was good. The Paella Valencia definitely was better than the seafood one. Service was...well, the only way I can characterize it is very "messed up", especially for a restaurant with such expensive food. We were attended by a woman who claimed to be our waitress, took our orders and asked after our food when it came. Then, she disappeared. No one else helped or checked in for quite some time (about a half hour, I'd say). We asked three waitresses and busboys in succession to have our waitress come over without any results. One of the waitresses we asked even hung out in the front with the host chatting, in plain sight of us two tables away. Clearly, the staff has no concept of customer service. We finally asked a busboy to get the manager, who told us the waitress had left for the night. No excuses, no help: just told us and then left. Finally, the busboy brought the woman over who had served us. We asked for the host again and asked him why he lied to us. It turns out the woman was a busperson who had taken care of us, then just stopped. The host did nothing to respond to our first request, answer our question or try to "make it right". In the end, we just paid and hightailed it out of there. This place clearly disdains its customers and has no concept of service.
(1)
Trey K.
We were a group of 12. Lots of tasty delicious food and wicked sangria. Everyone was please. Do I need to say more?
(4)
Elle B.
Honestly, I read all the reviews before going and went there to meet with friends who know the restaurant well. I was not impressed with the food whatsoever. The service is good, respectful waiters that are dressed nicely. This is more of an old timers' restaurants, it's a nice style but it hasn't been renovated and cleaned properly in too many years. Would not go back.
(2)
Albert F.
Good Spanish restaurant, Ambiience is nice too. Servung is hugh, eg Paella enough for 2 peoole.
(4)
Abdelhak J.
Huge portions (Spanish habits ^^). Price a bit high, but the service is above average. Nicely located next to the Ny comedy club. Make a reservation (often a line)
(3)
Jonathan Z.
El Quijote is a landmark lounge. I think my first time there was in the late 90s, when I was nearing the end of a Hunter Thompson book. It was the perfect setting to finish the last few pages of fear and loathing, helping further animate the story with its undeniable decor and ambient lighting. So I went back last night. It's still awesome inside. Great people, loud laughs, leering eyes... still transported to another time and place. Oh, and the food smelled great there.
(5)
Anneurys T.
I am very sad to say that I just recently went back to this restaurant and my experience (and I'm sure that all of my friends) wasn't good. To start and for my taste the food was too salty. I ordered the filet mignon in the brown sauce with mushrooms and asked for my meat medium well. My order came out with the mignon burned and inedible. The sauce was salty. I have to say that my previous experiences at this place were very pleasant but now I am very disappointed.
(2)
Huw P.
I have been here many times both for drinks and to eat , the cocktails are not for the faint hearted !!!!! I have had many celebratory dinners here and will be going tonight NYE14 The meat is amazing and comes with a soup or salad option, the fish is great to I have had the paella it's huge and tasty the food all takes a bit of time to come out but that's because it's cooked to order as it should be, I went once with a big group including some Muslims from work the staff were very helpful explaining the menu and pointing out the dishes without pork and everyone was happy, the deserts I have not eaten much of as I have never had enough room, wines range form cheap and chearful To the top enjoy
(5)
Enrique D.
Huge portions. Kitsch everywhere. Mediocre food with some pleasant surprises here n there. The place is super old school and can be very hit or miss depending on the day. However I always have such a good time here. Its fun and the take home amount of food is insane. Every portion is easily shared for two to four people. The price is reasonable for the quantity. The servers are very very attentive. Some may say a little too attentive, but I prefer that over inattentive. Sangria is good and paellas are delicious. Stick with classic dishes and don't get too adventerous and you will have a good meal here. Great for large groups or a fun date (maybe not a first date though)
(3)
Leon G.
I have been coming here for over 20 years the food is made to order and made to perfection I love this please and the antithetic flavor. I go there at least 2 times a month I come in from Rockland County NY. I have the Soup Caldo Gallego and the Chicken Villaroy .The steak Quijot out standign I also love the Lobster in Green sauce or the seafood Papaya. the dessert is WOW the best Coffee or Cappuccino . The BEST Sangria
(5)
Jess L.
I rarely do this -- rate an entire experience based on one dish -- but if you see this seafood platter, you'll understand. For $70, you get a huge, huge, huge platter of lobster, scallops, clams, prawns, and oysters in a delicious garlic sauce. You also get two side salads and a side vegetable. Truly an incredible deal and delicious taste. (Check out the photo I uploaded!) The sangria is also pretty stellar, some of the best in the city. Service was pretty "meh," but you're not here for the service, right? A true NYC institution!
(5)
J. K.
My place for lobster in the city have been going here for years always good make a reservation or be prepared to wait the line I've seen is in the street very popular place monster filet mignon(wow).Great long bar v good sangria.
(4)
Jan P.
Still one of my favorites. Garlic soup less salty this time. Service is still lousy though. Used to be good. So many wait staff around, what's the problem?
(4)
John C.
Second time being back. Last time I had the sausage with rice (since it was my first time) but I decided to dabble and get the chicken and garlic sauce. Just like my first time, the food was great. My Pinot was great as well. I would suggest anyone to come here, either it be a first date or just for some good food.
(4)
Katey G.
As I entered this place, I heard Gordon Ramsey in my head: "Giant menus? Out of date decor? Huge portions???" I admit, I was skeptical. However! The food was pretty good. The sangria was sweet and had actual fruit in it. The plates, while pricey, will feed you for the rest of the week. I got Arroz con Chorizo and I'll be eating it until Friday. Seriously sized portions - enough to split. The Paella with seafood looks like the whole ocean jumped in. The veggie Paella looked to contain most of a garden. White bean soup is nice, has chunks of ham that add a good saltiness. I'm also very appreciative that on a quiet night, we could sit and talk and catch up with people and no one (seemed to) mind.
(4)
Felix L.
This rating is for their Flán only. While their food may rate differently. -Lugo "The Flan Critic & Innovator"
(1)
Katie M.
I had a great time here this past Saturday night. I was meeting 5 friends, 1 showed up on time w/ me, and the rest were 45 minutes late. Was it a problem moving our reservation around? Not at all! El Quijote was totally nice about it and extremely accommodating. While we waited at the bar, we enjoyed a few very inexpensive glasses of delicious house wine - seriously, it was only $7.50 a glass and notably tasty. We also nibbled (scratch that, inhaled) some fried calamari to tide us over until we sat down. This was also quite delectable, no complaints here. After our late friends arrived and we finally sat down, the great service continued all the way through the meal. The dining room and bar area are very uniquely decorated, sort of like old school stuffy meets Cinco de Mayo, and it totally works! It was an awesome experience all around. But NOOOO, unfortunately, I HATE to say that my food was not good. I got the Mariscada En Salsa Verde (mixed seafood in green sauce), as recommended by our server, and was pretty shocked to get a bunch of really solid pieces of seafood, bathing in this funky, flavorless, congealed butter-like sauce. It was such a shame. I'm not even sure it was "butter" in the apparently butter-based sauce... i'm seriously hoping it wasn't crisco. This place was ALMOST a win -- especially as a go-to spot to take out out-of-towners -- but i can't look past bad food. Other people at my table seemed to like their dishes; there was steak (wow, gigantic portion here), mussels in garlic sauce, and lobster in garlic sauce. No one complained though, so maybe it's just me?
(3)
Alan G.
I highly recommend the lobster special, baked with delicious breadcrumbs! Ask for the square rolls. They have a nice, slightly salty taste. Yum. Also, their red sangria is one of the best I've had.
(4)
Tom B.
Haven't been there in a few years but judging by the reviews nothing's changed. Big portions of garlicky lobster delivered by professional servers. There's really nothing quite like it in nyc. Very old school. Very 1950s. Come for the vibe and stay for the sangria and lobster.
(3)
Sheila C.
Not very good but it could have been the dishes we ordered. Short ribs which came with 1 tablespoon of peas...the rubs had a dry rub and were grilled. Not what I was expecting. Someone else at our table had to ask for some sauce to flavor her paella...lol. No need to return for me.
(3)
Shelley Y.
This was not exceptional. The staff was very nice, but the food was pretty blah. We ordered 4 tapas. Maybe we got the wrong things? The guy at the next table had a huge steak that looked good and an ice cream dessert that looked amazing. The Sangria was good, we will go back for drinks.
(3)
Gloria W.
We've made a reservation for 20 people and we've got a table for 18. They've quickly corrected the seating situation and added another table to fit all 20 chairs comfortably. Great service on making sure that our drinks were always filled and orders goes to the correct person. We began our meal with either soup or salad. I had the soup and it was a bit too salty for me. There are 3 dressing options for your choice of salad. I shared a combo of madrid, its one full size lobster and a new york sirlion steak for $34. (Good deal!) Food was great for the price, we were so stuffed. Remember to ask for bib, plenty of wet napkins and a few lobster cracker tool (brain fart- dont remember what its called) cause it's not set for you or maybe they've forgotten. And lastly, we had red velvet birthday with pretty sparks for the birthday girls. Overall, we felt alittle rushed but we had a great experience!
(4)
brent P.
Went there again last night. Started with martinis at their incredible bar with the best bartenders. They even gave us some free superb tapas. Then headed for dinner with wife and friend. At one time I just looked up and said, "This is still the best place." I'm going to post some pics of our food which included my ENORMOUS Steak Dulcinea. My wife's veal chops (she could only eat one they were so big, and our friend who had the double broiled lobster. All three of these came with salad/soup and a vegatable/rice of choice. Wonderful.
(5)
May Y.
Went there to meet up with friends & tried their dishes...I forgot what I had because it was a while back... But I would go back & give it another shot.
(4)
Lonita E.
Excellent food and service. After 5 pitchers of sangria, several appetizers, and my paella along with tasting several other entrees, I needed a wheel chair to leave the premises. A restaurant you must try and return to.
(5)
Lindsay L.
Love the ambiance. Love the wine. Love the staff. Love this place!
(5)
Alice F.
This place is a gem. I've been going for years. It's not fancy, pretentious or trendy. Most people who go there are old and/or dress badly. But do not let this deter you. Their lobster deal is the best in the city. Their service is great. It's always packed, always festive, always consistent food/service quality. Nearly did not want to write this as I don't want too many people going there.
(5)
Kerin Z.
After passing by El Quijote many times and always curious to go inside, I finally had the opportunity to try it last night. It was exactly as I expected it and even more. Immediately upon walking inside, this is a place you feel comfortable, as if you were in Northern Spain and going to visit your house mother's family owned restaurant. The crowd was all ages, which I liked. The bartender was friendly. The sangria was hands down one of the best sangria's I've had in NYC lately and I was very impressed. We were in the Cervantes room, and although the waiters weren't on top of you like they could be in other restaurants, they were still very friendly and warm. The waiters seem like they have worked there forever and it was so nice to hear the Spanish accent again, as it has been a few years since I lived in Spain! The paella was amazing, and I was really surprised that there was just so much of it, considering the low price of $20.00. I had MORE than enough (and I can eat let me tell you) and still have enough for lunch, and dinner, and maybe a snack later. I liked how they had a card on the table to review your waiter and to drop it in the box on the way out. Every last Saturday of the month there is a drawing and the winner gets $100.00 credit at the restaurant (including tip!). I was actually imperssed by that. They want you to keep coming back. After 80 years of business, I think they know what they are doing. And I take comfort in that. Overall, it was such a pleasant experience and I can not stop chatting about it. Upon leaving, I saw a few people just sitting at the bar sharing a half carafe of sangria and I thougth what a good idea that might be to come back and do if you are just up for a little bevy and nearby. The half carafe is only about $17.00 and was about 4 glasses and well worth it. Not surprised I enjoyed this place, as everytime I have walked past the restaurant for the past 8 months I have lived here, the crowd outside always looked happy and enjoying themselves, while smoking a cigarette or waiting for their party to finish up. I will definitely be back. And I am curious to try Vasco's across the street, to compare the two. Looks like I will have to have my left overs today in order to be able to order the same at Vasco's.. Stay tuned for my next postings! :) who knows, you might even meet me there. If you see some blond sitting at the bar alone with a big smile on her face, talking to just about anyone who comes her way, that is me! Please feel free to say hello, and I will be sure to say "ciao!"
(5)
Stephen W.
Good drinks, I enjoyed tequila, white and red sangria. Very good food, large portions, not incredibly overpriced. Appetizers were very good, the Seafood Paella was great, as was the Red Snapper. Mediocre service.
(4)
Jackie M.
Had a giant serving of paella. Good but I'd rather go to Soccarat. The decor is super gaudy but that's a big part of El Quijote's charm.
(3)
Wei-Jen C.
it's my first review in yelp, and i have to give it to el quijote. i have been here for more than 10 times. the food never ever disappoints me, and the portion is really generous. when you try it once, you'll understand why it can stay chelsea for 80 years! personal favorite: anything in garlic sauce, paella, seafood in green sauce, and steak is nice too. will definitely come back.
So near 5 stars......... What seems to be a small place next to the Chelsea Hotel opens onto 2 good-sized dining rooms. With 3 people, we split an order of unexceptional but serviceable clams casino, along with our opening choices - salads for my dining companions and a hearty white bean and greens soup for me. Entrees were at the next level - sole in salsa verde, a huge succulent strip steak, and seafood in egg sauce. The sole was hearty and moist- perfectly cooked and sauced. My side of broccoli was a little underdone but no big deal. Ended with an expresso. I wish DC had a place like this.
(4)
Valerie G.
My friends and I had our huuuuuuuge NYE dinner here & they were very accommodating for our group of about 30 people. We had the nice little private room in the back (or really just half of it as there were random people sitting there with us as our night went on...). Initially they didn't want to sit us without the entire party being there but really with such a large group that's nearly impossible. So they let us sit! And then they didn't want to let us order unless everyone was there either but they relented. So A+ for service =) Their portions are humongo! I split the seafood paella w/ lobster (only $24.95!) with my guy friend and we couldn't even finish it! The paella was also nicely split up for us which was very nice & came with a choice of soup or salad. Noted - get the soup bc the salad consisted of sad pieces of iceberg (the worst ever) lettuce + slivers of carrots. The paella all came out at the same time and was redonkulously quick which makes me suspicious as to how authentic it was, knowing that real paella takes quite long to make. My friend ordered the pollo con arroz y chorizo dish which was huge but she said it wasn't very good =/ We also shared a good dozen or so pitchers of sangria which was a nice medium between being overly sweet and overly strong. All in all we were able to be in and out in 2.5 hours, full & happy :)
(4)
Greg K.
I came here last weekend with my boyfriend who had some good things to say about this place. Long story short, by the time we left he had recanted his statement. For starters, we were graced with who was hands down the rudest waiter I have ever encountered in my life. The man glared and literally stared daggers at us throughout our entire ordering process, and every attempt we made to catch his attention after that he seemed to purposefully ignore. I was starving. We ordered 2 glasses of wine, the Entremes Variados appetizer combination for two, and the paella as an entree. The appetizer combination was god awful: bland, tasteless, and really unbalanced. Unfortunately that was the least of it's problems. Within 5 minutes I started to feel sick. Now i'm someone who can polish off a whole large pizza by myself in one sitting and never get sick from a meal. By the time the paella came I wasn't sure how confident I was I would not vomit. I ignored the paella and he ate a few bites before he started to feel sick as well. We decided to just ask for the check, and decided to tell the manager about our issue. We gave the waiter our credit card and they wrapped up the paella. When the manager came over we explained to him how we had gotten sick from the appetizer. What was intended as an FYI to the manager, (since there was clearly something bad in the appetizer) , quickly transitioned into an argument with him about how much paella we ate, as if he was accusing us of fabricating the whole tale for a discounted bill. So he keeps insisting we ate half of it, (in reality it was about three bites) - which I thought was funny And after twenty mins of arguing (while i supressed my urge to vomit,) he offered to comp the appetizer. We left the 2lbs of paella behind and paid a check for 50 dollars. What bothered me the most about this is that we just wanted to LEAVE and could have cared less about the bill. So anways when we got home my boyfriend ran to the bathroom and vomited 3 times over the next hour. I didn't vomit but i felt disgusting for the rest of the night. So essentially, we paid 50 dollars to eat a revolting appetizer, and go home to vomit. The only positive thing i can say is that there was nothing wrong with my pinot grigio. I will never return to El Quijote again and advise everyone to be extremely wary of this restaurant. Avoid like the plague!!!
(1)
Dina L.
I wanted to try it after peeking in one day and seeing the traditional Castilian ambience. It's hidden underneath a dark awning in an otherwise dingy block, but it's a find since I was pleased with the food and service. Started with a grilled calamari with roasted garlic and wish I had more. I went for the conventional seafood paella, which was anything but and of course you know the paella is good for two. I recommend because I like old school, I like traditional feel and I'm keeping the business card so I can go to the bar one of these sooner days.
(4)
Salvatore C.
GET THE SEAFOOD PLATTER!! its 75 bucks but its huge, you can split it between 2-4 people. Theres two decent lobsters, bunch of big shrimp, and lots of clams and mussels, its cooked in this delicious sauce I've never really tasted before. Also got the octopus appetizer and it was really good, perfectly cooked and the sauce was amazing. Got margaritas, they were tiny and 10 bucks, wouldn't recommend them. The place has been around forever and has solid food. Inside is typical classy, they have a room for big parties too.
(4)
James C.
I've been coming to this restaurant for over 10 years and it has been awesome EVERY time. The people who give this restaurant a bad rating must not know good food! I went so far as to even have my wedding party of over 70 people here! Unbelievable steak and seafood!!! The daily double is a favorite, but if you are a huge seafood lover like myself, a must try the seafood platter for two. Be careful though it's more like for four!! The manager, bartenders and the waitstaff are friendly and courteous on every level. A staple of this Chelsea neighborhood for OVER 80 years SOOOOO they must be doing something right! I take family and friends who visit from out of town all the time and have never heard anything but how great it was. Sometimes the wait to get in is long, again a sign of a good restaurant. Who wants to eat in a place where no one else is eating?? These people who gave a bad rating need to go home and eat at Applebees, where there's no wait and everything is bought from restaurant depot! Bad rating =simpleton (s m p l-t n). person who is felt to be deficient in judgment, good sense, or intelligence; a fool. A few favorites: APPETIZER: Filet Mignon Tips Scallops or Mussels Quixote style Stuffed mushrooms ENTREES: NY strip Double Filet Mignon dinner Seafood Paella Lobster daily double and of course the seafood platter for two Go and try it, you won't be upset!!
(5)
Maria S.
I went there on Valentine day, it was a biggest mistake I have ever done. Too crowded, very noisy, I had a reservation but had to wait for 1 hour. I could get the seat because they put me on top of the list by mistake, otherwise I would have been waiting for 2 hours. It's ridiculous. And the food is not good at all. It was way too expensive for tasteless food. Paella, I saw some reviews that it says it was great. Really? I had so many paella in my life but I hated this restaurant's. my boyfriend orders steak, it was huge tasteless chunk of meat. And he ended up taking 90% of meat to home. We spend over $100 for such food. I must admit Sangria was Okay though. I gave 1 star because I could not give 0 star. I really don't know why this restaurant is over rated. Please avoid the experience like I had. Go to other restaurant please.
(1)
Jane S.
I took one star off for decor in back room. but if rating just food, would give 5, for taste and price. Food is very good. Quail app is delicious, and they have it as an entree too which is better deal to order for appetizer. soup or salad? get the soup I love the seafood, with lobster in mariscada sauce (green), enough to take home. I always order this. I have tried other things and very good. I also love their short ribs, which is enough for two people. I never have room for dessert. This place is an institution.
(4)
Mike B.
One of the worst restaurants I have ever been to. 1. The salad that comes with the meal is almost frozen and it is accompanied by three tins filled with thick glutinous blue-chees dressing, creamy viangrette and something else which I cant recall-gross! 2. The asparagous vinagrette was from a can. 3. The peas with my filet of sole were not fresh, but frozen and 4. My fish was flavorless. I just dont understand how the the place is packed. I will never return. OMG! YUCK.
(1)
Thomas W.
Man of La Mancha's version of the West Side Story! Oh how my old Chelsea neighborhood has changed. The danger and intrigue of the West Side has been changed into Yuppie Heaven! Indeed I often look for Richard Kiley to appear singing Dulcinea to Rita Moreno? It is good to see some things don't change. This place comes right out of the 1960's. It is a little older, but the food is the same--plentiful and a bargain. This Spanish restaurant has the best prices on lobster you will find anywhere. The old style salad dressings don't have the same zest, but the paella is still as good as you will find for this price. There are many higher class Spanish restaurants around, but El Quijote is second to none in the care they put into their Paella Valencia con langosto! Oh how I hope this place stays the same.
(4)
Yolanda L.
Relatives brought us here for dinner & I LOVED It! I got the recommended broiled lobster (3 tails) which was delicious, wish i had more. My dad got the whole broiled lobster (which looked fantastic, 1.5lbs), sis got the lobster in garlic sauce (out of this world!), and mom got the filet of red snapper (it was ok but not the best). Portions are hearty, entrees come w/choice of a starch & i opted for the spanish rice. I spooned some of the garlic sauce onto my rice, OMG..heaven. Apparently, this place has been around for a very, very long time & I like the kitschy atmosphere. Sangria was tasty as well. Overall, everyone ordered something fabulous, the flavors were delicious and wants me yearning for more. I'm looking at the yelp pics & i'm drooling already. This place is a must go to for me every time i'm in NYC. That seafood paella looks KILLER!!! Prices are ok, not too expensive & not cheap. fun place for a nite out on the town (or when im vacationing over there) Why does NYC have the BEST restaurants?! puts SF restaurants to shame...
(5)
Mike G.
I come here every trip to NYC. Food is excellent and portions are huge. Favorites are shrimp creole and stuffed shrimp. The shrimp creole is in a tomato based slightly spicy sauce and served with rice. They bring you a pot full of shrimp. Very tasty. The stuffed shrimp come with a stuffing that actually has pieces of real crabmeat in it. Excellent, tasty meal. Prices are very reasonable and include soup or salad. Bread served with meal as well. If you go, get the red sangria. It is homemade and it is excellent. Will keep coming back.
(5)
Ishan G.
Mediocre food...Interesting place.. A curious place. Somewhat like an Olive Garden of Spanish food. Crowded, big menu, streamlined service.. super sized plates. My wife and I went here with a couple of friends thinking that this is a classic Spanish tapas food. The menu was big enough that there were a few appetizers which passed for tapas. Some dishes were good, the other okay. Nothing spectacular. Prices are decent. But definitely not a place I would go for a second time nor place to take anyone if you want to impress them. If you happen to go here, stick to seafood.
(3)
Rach K.
Yum! For my friend's birthday, she had a hard time finding a place that would take a party of 8 people for dinner on a Saturday night so she ended up making a reservation here. I walked in to see a relatively long bar, a room divider, and some booth/table seating areas on the other side. I was one of the non-punctual people (due to torrential rain downpour causing traffic all over the place) so I only got to take a few sips of my friend's white wine sangria before we were seated. We were led down the bar through a little doorway into the back area where there were a few tables and cute Spanish decor (ceramic painted tiles, chandelier, etc.). So point #1: ambiance was v. nice. Casual enough to bring children, but cute and upscale enough to bring a date. Now onto the food! To start, we ordered 2 orders each of 4 different tapas - scallops, baked clams, stuffed mushrooms, calamari - and a pitcher of the white wine sangria, because why not? Everything was really delicious and served pretty promptly. Our waiter was really friendly and nice, but not in an overbearing way. I thought all of the tapas were really good but the baked clams were the best. The seasoned breading made it for me. I thought all of the seafood in general was cooked perfectly - tender scallops, crisp and soft calamari. The stuffed mushrooms were good, but a bit salty for my taste. For the main course, we shared the steak and 2 orders of the paella valencia. At the bequest of one of the pickier members of our party, we got it cooked medium well. It was charred on the outside, almost to the point of inedibility, but it was still surprisingly tender and moist on the inside. It came with a side of some spicy gravy, but I silently wished to myself that they had served chimichurri instead. To be honest, I've had better paella, but I thought they did a pretty good job with the flavor and it was full of seafood and chorizo. There was only 1 piece of chicken per pot so not everyone got to try it. From what I heard though, it was really moist and delicious. The paella pots had higher rims than the paella pots I'm accustomed to seeing, and it made a difference in the finished product because there wasn't any rice that crisped up on the bottom of the pan (which is one of my favorite parts about paella). The sangria was really refreshing and had apple and orange slices floating in it, as well as marachino cherries. The bill split amongst the 7 of us (because the birthday girl didn't pay, of course) was $31, which was really good considering we were all completely stuffed and there was even a bit of food leftover. Overall, a really pleasant dining experience! Enough so that even with the boundless restaurant choices in NYC, I'd be willing to visit again.
(4)
Geoff C.
Best Lobster and Paella in NY City. The Sangria is great also, but beware, you'll pay for it in the AM. Get's crowded after 7: 00 PM on peak nights so get their early or late on those days.
(4)
AP V.
Time-warp dining. I'm sorry I missed the restaurant's heyday. Go for the ambiance, not so much the food, which is just passable. Though portions are impressive and service reminiscent of the Old World and Old New York.
(2)
Clare C.
Reservations a must!!! Sangria is very good! Exercise caution - it goes down like fruit juice but can hit you!!!! Food is plentiful. We were a party of 6 and got 5 entrees to split. There was MORE than enough food!
(3)
Boyd P.
I went with a group of 4 on a Friday night around 8pm. We were able to make a reservation a few hours earlier so when we got there we were seated immediately. It wasn't packed but I'm pretty sure it was close to capacity. The portions here are HUGE!! Thankfully we didn't order too many tapas otherwise we wouldn't have been able to eat any of our main course. We started off with a pitcher of sangria which was pretty good and with big slices of fruit in it. Then we ordered some light tapas, stuffed mushrooms and clams served in a pot of red sauce which was pretty amazing (+1 for having enough bread leftover to dip in the sauce). I ended up ordering paella seafood combo w/ lobster which came with choice of soup or salad. Ended up going with the soup which was a hearty white bean soup that everyone at the table loved. Everyone else went with the salads which came with an array of dressings to choose from and looked pretty good. The paella came out piled high on a plate and than an entire pot of paella was brought out as well. It was an INSANE amount of food to fathom eating and I ended up having quite a bit of leftovers. Someone else at the table had paella as well and barely even made a dent. The others ordered veal entrees and both plates were very large portions and tasted very good. We rounded off the dinner with another pitcher of sangria and then had the waiter roll us out the door...highly recommended!
(5)
Mango J.
El Quijote?.. oh you mean El Excellente.. I like it here , this place is mm mmm good! And from the look,decor, & set up of the place you'd think it was so much more pricey. But its actually quite moderately priced for such marvelously healthy portions of excellent delicious plates of seafood, from salads,rices, pastas and all in such a lovely set up. I like that knight at the front entrance* unique touch that bought character - the red curtains and tassles may come across too much/traditional, too " cha cha" or even dated to some, but I enjoyed it. And this establishment has been succesfully in business for a very long time for a reason. Its good!
(5)
Wayne T.
Been here many times and have never been disappointed. Party of 8 big eaters so we ordered all the shellfish apps plus two paellas (with lobsters) for starters. Everything was great especially the raw oysters. To make up for the lower cost of lobsters, it appears they increase the size of the twin lobsters from 1 1/4 to more like 1 1/2 pounders, which is a class act. We also had lobstesr (sans shells) in green and white sauces as well as in puff pastry shells. All excellent. FYI 4 1/2 lb lobster was under $70, which is half of what steak houses charge. Definitely will repeat.
(4)
Brad P.
This place has been here a very long time for a reason, and it is definitely one of my favorite go to places in the city. I have never been disappointed. I had one of the best steak and lobster meals anywhere at this place. I try to eat here at least one time on every visit.
(5)
Ashish S.
This place belongs in the suburbs -- not in Manhattan.
(1)
David Mark S.
My first experience at El Quijote was this past weekend, for a holiday party/Christmas dinner. The place was packed, noisy and vibrant, but generally there was an upbeat atmosphere all around. The extensive menu gives you a lot to think about, but think quick because even with reservations, you might get rushed along a little. I went for the combo dinner of veal and shrimp -- a great portion and tasty, to boot. This paried with an escargot appetizer was solid as a rock. The sangria was a little weak, so i'd suggest sticking with the wine or hard liquor. One small thing: the bar area seems quite the zoo on weekends, if you don't want to get jostled a lot by people waiting for tables or the traffic for the front door, drink at your table. Nice place, efficient if not toasty warm service, and serviceable food at good prices.
(3)
Arthur J.
I have only eaten at the bar here, but the day I did the calamari was super fresh and the margaritas perfect. The bartender friendly and knowledgeable, the room interesting with dark woods, red wall paper. Definitely going back to meetup with friends at the bar for more calamari insalada and margaritas!
(4)
Carl B.
It's one of the oldest Spanish restaurant in NYC, open since 1930. The interior feels charmingly pleasant conventional and proper, with dim lights, red leather booths, candles, waiters and busboys in jackets. This place is like the Latin accidental discovery of something pleasant and valuable, in my opinion. A inconspicuous storefront hides a hidden jewel. The food was delicious, the portions are enormous, the place is romantic, the service was great, and the pork chops, chicken and shrimp were all exceedingly scrumptious !! The food is good, the prices are not that expensive and you get a lot of food. What more could you ask for? Thank You El Quijote...
(5)
Naoko I.
Their Lobster Paella was amazing. If I remember it correctly there was a whole (or half, cannot remember) Lobster in the Paella pan with all other sea foods. Their seafood and the rice was seasoned just perfect and tasty. It is very huge so you might want to share with your friends. I'd like to go back again very soon.
(5)
Emma M.
BF and I stumbled in here over the weekend looking for a late dinner. We had second thoughts once we got inside and we're greeted by a woman with crazy hair and a matador costume but ignored our good sense and sat down anyway. We thought it was tapas. It is not. The menu lists a few appetizers as tapas, but this is not a tapas restaurant. Determined to salvage the night, we sat down and ordered the fried calamari. Gross. They were chewy, flavorless, not crispy in the slightest and came with a side of pizza sauce in a metal gravy boat. At this point we were scared to order anything else off the menu and just paid for the wine and "fried calamari" and bailed. But not before I got a look at the "desert cart." OMG. They keep the desserts in the most disgusting manner I have ever seen. Out on the floor in a metal and glass case that looks like it's been in the restaurant since the 1960s. Plus the desserts just look nasty. So unappetizing. Kitschy and charming? Not even. This place is just OLD. I will never come back here.
(1)
Raven M.
El Quijote is one of those Magical Places. I felt as if I was in Spain circa late 20's- with Anais Nin and Henry Miller getting cozy in the booth behind me.... The pictures posted on their website just do not do it justice. Low-Candlelit-Hints of sparkle- Utter Bliss. As a party of three we enjoyed Champagne Sangria- I must point out it was The Best I have ever had. Enough that lasted us throughout dinner. The pickled asparagus (I believe) was out of this world. All of their small dishes in fact were incredible. For my entree I enjoyed the Sole verde, which was tender, juicy and exactly what I had in mind. All of their entrees are definitely large enough to to share. Service was absolutely impeccable. I can't wait to return- maybe I'll book a room at the famous Chelsea Hotel as it's right next door ; )
(4)
Jackie M.
I'm inlove with this place. I've been going here for years and held my birthday party in the back room w/o having to pay a fee to do so. Even bought outside cake inside with no extra fee. The food is excellent and come in big portions, prices are reasonable and attentive service. Their Sangria is amazing & the paella is mouth watering. My faves are the grilled salmon and fried shrimp. The decor is cute and old-fashioned, but I don't care about that. What matters is the food in my opinion and I constantly refer my friends here and now they're El Quijote fans too.
(5)
Corey J.
Based on our expectations this restaurant was a bit of a disappointment but did have some positive aspects. Serving sizes here are HUGE! Their dinner rolls are massive but sadly were dried out in the center. The vegetable Pallea was also unneccessarly large and could have fed more than my whole family. One a positive note the Sangria was definitely worth ordering a picher of and the Grouper in green sauce was delicious.
(2)
Gregg L.
This is my go to spot for a date. It has that classy old school vibe. The waiters treat you like friends. The portions are huge and the soups are great. My favorite dish? The shrimp in wine sauce!! It's amazing and very filling. If you want a taste at a lower price go during lunch. This place gets crowded for dinner so be sure to make reservations!
(4)
Vincent K.
The salad, o god, NEVER ask for the salad. IT not only looks like crap, it tastes like it was grown out of their asses. For a place that demands so much, yet offer so little is beyond my comprehension. I don't see why they're so pretentious when the atmosphere opens up for a family setting. Can't wear hats in, splitting plates cost $2.50 a person extra, being treated like kids, please....I can enjoy a meal without the special treatment. As for the food, the salsa verde with garlic green sauce is pretty good with the seafood; the paella is filling, but its nothing spectacular in my opinion. Overall, it wasn't a very pleasant meal I was hoping for. In fact, it made me angry thinking about it along my trip in the East Coast.
(2)
Sue G.
Great Spanish old school place close to the garment district. I get my lobster on here. Probably one of the best, if you don't want the stuffiness of The Palm.
(4)
KL Z.
It can get really crowded in here, and rightly so cuz it's good food at great prices. Came here one evening with a couple of gals based on a recommendation and we're all glad we ate here. Everything tasted delicious albeit a bit too salty for my entree but overall the dishes were excellent. The rice was fluffy, the seafood was fresh and the sangria was perfect. The wait could take forever but hey, if the food's worth it then why not? Get the mussels in green sauce! Trust me, you won't regret it. My friends and I were using up all our bread to soak up the sauce!
(4)
Argentum S.
We heard so many good things about El Quijote and the pix on their web site looked so good that we had to try out this place. Well my friends this was just a big disappointment. The mariscada is excessively salty and the portion was tiny. How small? 3 shrimp, 3 small clams, five mussels. The broiled lobster was maybe a one pounder and the stuffing was middling. A plate of yellow rice was maybe half a serving. As for service? What service? We saw our waiter once, when he took our order and once again when he belatedly gave us the check. In between we had to flag down busboys to get what we needed and we waited about 15 minutes to get change back after we paid the bill. Yes the sangria was pretty good
(2)
michelle r.
ooh goodness if ever in NYC you must try this place ! Great tapas , ambience , Sangria, desserts and can sit here for hours without feeling rushed out ! Very European flair has been here for 80years need I say more.
(5)
Jenny S.
Came here for a birthday dinner and they reserved our tables in the back. Liked the bustling and antique atmosphere, great sangria, and lobster dish we ordered. The lobster was a bit overcooked but still good flavor. This place is pricey but easily accessible by train.
(3)
Amanda D.
I went here with a group of five. Good food and a lot f fun. It is definitely old school and hasn't changed since I lived on this block more than ten years ago. Large portions you even get a soup or salad with the reasonably priced entrees. Good service the decor is fun a great evening out.
(4)
Steve M.
By the Chelsea Hotel, El Quijote has been serving great Spanish cuisine since1930. Menu has so many selections but it's their seafood as to why this place is rarely empty. Besides the main room, they have a couple more rooms in the back. I didn't need to make reservations on a Thursday but they may require them for the weekends. The lobster was fresh and cooked perfectly. Good-sized portions served. Old-school, well-dressed waiters are constantly moving and cover so many tables. Fun bar scene even though its a bit cramped compared to the dining areas. Bartender mixed up a solid vodka tonic to complement the entire meal. Check it out mi amigos!
(4)
Michelle S.
Wow talk about getting a lot for your money. $20 got me, bread, salad, HUGE plate of veal big enough for 3 meals and a giant side of rice. Sangria is pretty good too.
(4)
Joshua S.
Favorite Spanish restaurantin the states. Older crowd, but lively and lots of fun! Sangria and paella are a must!
(4)
Harry H.
Pricier than you'd expect, likely since it has an essence and is classier and more old-fashioned than I assumed, but I guess the exterior does exude both. That's not to say it's expensive or overpriced, as a boatload of paella with bread & white bean soup arrived for under $17. Wasn't very good, though, with bland paella, oddly prepared veggies, and a piece of meat; I've had better on LI. The space is actually pretty freakin' vast, unassumingly so as you enter, with various themed rooms towards the back. Went with the vegetable paella to-go, which was quite good but not spectacular. Service was friendly yet no-nonsense & it was ready in 10-15 as estimated. For takeout folks: you get enough butter (and paella) to feed a village, but no utensils or napkins. Seems like a decent option for drinks & tapas.
(3)
Sarah C.
Oh man. So good. El Quijote dates from 1930, and it feels venerably old, at once both elegant and slightly kitschy. The Spanish, Don Quixote themed decor is beautifully over the top, with high ceilings, elaborate light fixtures, and murals of windmills and such. The waiters are also ridiculously upscale, with epaulets on their jackets. It simultaneously amuses and sets a romantically old fashioned mood. The menu is expansive, and though the steak and lobster entrees are super pricey, you are get a huge value for what you are paying. For example, Boyfriend always gets the Daily Double: two delicious lobsters for $38! I've also tried the slightly cheaper crab meat stuffed lobster, which was a gargantuan portion and SO GOOD, (still kicking myself for leaving the leftovers at that awful bar, McFaddens!). I've also attempted to eat the veritable mountain of meat known as the parrillada: a large platter with a pork chop, a lamb chop, a veal chop, a good-sized steak, a chorizo sausage and an incredibly laughable pile of peas. This was under $40 and fed me for nearly a week, no joke. Most of the other dishes are much cheaper, but there is just something about the extravagant atmosphere that just makes you want to go whole hog. Hah. As an added bonus, everything comes with white bean soup, and you will love the white bean soup. It has bacon in it, and some sort of escarole thingie. Like I said, you will love it. So stop by, drink in the sangria and the uniquely quixotic decor, and be prepared for lots and lots of meat and lobster of the highest quality. What a gem.
(5)
Jessi T.
I ate tapas, cheesecake and drank sangria here. The tapas weren't really anything so memorable but the sauce for the chorizo was good. Their cheesecake was really good (but I like Eileen's better :P)... oh and their sangria was verrry good. Mmm... 2 of us drank 1.5 pitchers. Delicious! The service was very nice, friendly and very attentive. I loved the feel of this place.. oh and their bathrooms were pretty clean! Yay for sanitary-ness!
(4)
Phillip M.
Ok, THIS IS NOW OUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT! We use to have another restaurant as our go to restaurant for authentic food from Spain & Spanish seafood - prior to us discovering this gem! We have been going to this restaurant and cocktail lounge for OVER a MONTH STRAIGHT of weekends!! There are SEVERAL factors that make THIS restaurant GREAT (and owners and other restaurants can take notes and follow this plan IF they want the same). First off food being great is an obvious given. Each time we have been there we have gotten a different dish. The menu itself is EXTENSIVE; you could probably go here a year straight and still not have gone through the entire thing. The portions are FAMILY STYLE, you can order most items (such as paella, steaks,etc...) and split them between a minimum of two people. If you want, you can go there and sit at the cocktail bar and eat or just order appetizers at the bar or sit at a table and do "tapas style". The pricing is very reasonable. The second factor that makes this restaurant excellent (other owners, please listen up and take notes...) is the MANAGER! THAT is a HUGE key point; hiring and having a manager that CARES as if they owned the restaurant personally themselves. Along with that is the third factor and that is the managers "people skills" to hire and train the CORRECT staff (waiter, hostess, chef's, busboys, etc...) to do the job. The ENTIRE staff operates as one solid unit - family! They do there work extremely well and you can see they are allowed to interact with the patrons especially the regulars, and most of all have fun while still doing their job. Those who don't work out, are not kept on the payroll to do a half ass job. Everyone is on top of their game there. If there were ever a Manager Of The Year award for restaurant managers, Jose the manager of this fine establishment would be the first manger I would give the award to hands down! Luis, our waiter on our first night at the restaurant is a gentleman and a true professional - and we told him that after dinner that first night. We seek him out every time we go there for dinner and look to be seated in his section. Now I turn to the bar scene/cocktail lounge, it is lively, you can strike up a friendly conversation with anyone around you. Many regulars of the restaurant and area come in and have a drink or eat their dinner or appetizers at the bar. The best thing about the bar, is - the bartender - Christian! A person who worked his way up through the ranks to his current position. He is a personable, fun and interesting employee.Whether we are eating dinner and then finished or waiting on a table or simple come in to have cocktails and a/or appetizers we always sit at the bar and talk with him. He makes great frozen drinks using FRESH ingredients (example: strawberry daiquiri/margarita's) or ANY mixed drink including some interesting concoctions that he has "invented" himself and made for us. The sangria is the BEST of ANY of the Spanish restaurants that we go to - and MOST reasonably priced! We have so far celebrated our "meeting anniversary" (the day we met - wedding anniversary is next...along with all birthdays and holidays such a s Christmas Eve/New Years Eve dinners, etc...). This place has been open since 1930 (81 YEARS!) - they MUST be doing something RIGHT! Well to wrap up, we will be there for the fifth weekend straight to have dinner and then go next door to The Chelsea Room to party for the rest of the night! THIS PLACE IS TOP SHELF!!!!! Phillip & Lisa
(5)
liz f.
Excellent tapas and sangria. Wonderful service. The place came highly recommended by friends who have been coming here for years. Their parents come from nj to eat here and their special occasions are celebrated here. With good reason. Went back with my teenagers and it was again amazing. Very accommodating and friendly service. Will come again.
(5)
Dani B.
I really like this place. Actually, it may be my new favorite place in NYC. I don't know, I just like everything about it so I find it hard to be eloquent, but I'll try :) First of all... It's next door to Hotel Chelsea, sooo that right there... enough said. Second of all... This place has sooo much history! From Janis Joplin, to Jimi Hendrix, to Patti Smith... Everyone who was ever cool in the history of the planet has eaten at El Quijote. I just like the idea that my butt could be in the same spot that Janis' was. It makes me happy. Third... I like the decor... It's just it's own thing and it's very traditional. I like El Quijote because they are not trying to be modern or trendy. I don't believe that they have changed it much over the years, so it still has that "authentic" feel. In short, the location is great, the vibe is great, the staff is very friendly, and the food is really good. Sometimes I just pop in, sit at the bar and get oysters on the half shell and a glass of champagne. It's a nice little treat. If you are pretty hungry, I like the seafood paella. It's huge. You can definitely share it with a friend. What else? Oh, the sangria is delish and they sell it by the pitcher which is always nice when you are with friends... And yes, this is a good place for groups.
(5)
Gloria D.
I have been to El Quijote a few times, mostly during the last month. First - this place is ALWAYS packed, so reservations for parties of three, or more, is a necessity! Second - The Paella Valencia is OUTSTANDING. Reasonably priced, cooked to perfection and simply mouth-watering. Third - The Sangria, both red & white, is amazingly tasty, yet incredibly strong. proceed with caution. I have personally drank more than my fair share, not realizing how DRUNK I was until I stood up. Fourth - If with 4 or less, always ask for a booth. That section is just better. Better lighting, quieter, good spot for a date, if you're on one. I mostly go here with large groups of friends, that side is no good for larger groups. Fifth - The "Steak Tips" Tapas plate is incrediballs. Get it! Sixth - The Filet Mignon with Swiss and Mushroom Sauce, I think it's called "Steak El Quijote" but not sure... Is also amazing. Finally, Seventh - GO GO GO GO GO. Big Yumz.
(4)
Clarissa C.
P A E L L A!
(4)
Ana L.
I was very disappointed after reading so many good reviews.. The place looks fancy but the food was horrible. My plate was dry , burnt and flavorless while my partners plate was like eating rubber..the server had an armpit odor filling up the air every time he passed by. I couldn't even finish eating without feeling nauseous.
(1)
Robert B.
We ordered the paella Valencia with lobster and the three lobster tails. The paella is supposed to come with chicken, chorizo, shrimps, mussels, clams and lobster. They prepared the wrong dish, there was no chicken or chorizo. Well, they eventually took it back reluctantly, as a matter of fact the waiter told my wife that that is how it is prepared. Only after another waitress came over and inspected the paella and told him it was the wrong order did he agree to take it back. He returned shortly thereafter with the new or should I say revised order with what appeared to be the same dish, with whatt appeared to be a piece of half cooked chicken wing and a few chorizos thrown in. The chicken wing tasted terrible and the chorizo wasn't much better. The whole paella was tasteless. We have had paella that tasted a thousand times better then this. As for the Sangria, it tasted like a version of pink lemonade, not good at all. Then there was the lobster tails, they were over cooked and dried out. Oh, the soup was just tasteless, I think it was white bean or something along that order and the salad was just as unimpressive. The wait staff is comprised of a team of waiters who are mediocre at best. The waitress did not clean my wife's side of the table, I suppose because it would have required more effort to reach that area of the table. When my wife asked for the tool they use to clean the table, instead of the waitress offering to clean it herself she brought my wife the utensil and a plate. Come on your a waitress where did you get your training? OK, the portions are large but who cares if the food is not good.
(1)
Shaquana L.
I've come here several times and each one was a great dining experience if it was with a friend or the BF. The service is decent. Comfortable atmosphere. The seafood paella....YUM. The lobster...TASTY. The lamb chops....DE-LiSH! I typically do not get an appetizer because the meal portions are pretty generous and come with a house salad or the white bean soup (which I love). But I'll have to try them someday. And the white sangria...AWESOME. I usually get a pitcher to share, definitely worth it.
(4)
Star E.
This place was unbelievably and unnecessarily pricey!!!! So my bf and I decided to share the Lobster Parrillada, which was already $35, they charged us $6.50 to share the meal...how ridiculous!!! For that I got my own salad in addition to his salad, no where near worth $6.50. They claim you get a little extra food. Yea right!!!! We was able to get an extra side after my bf complained about the extra charge, so we had some bland string beans and even more bland broccoli. The seafood was pretty good, as well as, the sangria. The rolls they serve before the meal were hard and the butter was cold, what a combo. I feel that for the prices they charge, there portions could be better. The side dishes were pathetic. I would prefer to go to city island. Get more bang for my buck!!!!
(3)
Gillad M.
Certainly for an older crowd but good food. Walking into El Quijote you'll experience a drastic change from the hustle and bustle of 23rd Street to a ornately decorated restaurant with abundant seating. I'd call this a family restaurant good for larger groups with the noise that goes along with it. I started with a bowl of chicken soup which was the highlight of the meal (though I'm not even sure what the soup was called). I opted for the broiled salmon steak, while my fellow diners had chicken and rice and a seafood paelle. The broiled salmon was well flavored and perfectly flake, topped with capers with sides of grilled onions and lightly cooked broccoli. I tried the chicken and rice, and, while the chicken was a bit tough to pick through, the rice was outstanding. Service was OK. It was tough to get the waiter's attention and they were very difficult to understand. Overall, this isn't the type of place I normally good to, but I had great company and I'm glad I tried it out.
(3)
Tommy K.
I've been here a few times before and I feel like the place has changed a bit. I feel like I'm being rushed and ignored. Maybe the place is too busy for itself to handle. Customer service has gone down. Big negative. Every visit, I order the lobsters and my friend usually orders the mixed seafood with lobster paella. The food is very good and worth to dismiss the poor service. The sangria could be stronger next time. I like but the management could make some change to help me love it.
(3)
Chris A.
Very quaint place . The churrasco (skirt steak ) was grilled perfectly and was a generous portion .
(4)
Ariel J.
How could I have waited this long to visit this neighborhood establishment. The decor is kitsch, but of the high brow variety and beautifully done. The service was fun and the portions are huuuuuge. The sangria was great. The house red was really good and available in a half carafe - yeay. I started with the soup of the day, a white bean soup. It was the best i've had. It was followed up with a scallop appetizer was succulent and cooked to perfection. I finished off the feast with the 20oz Filet Mignon Tornedos, rare. The meat was not of the most supreme quality but worth more than the $33 bucks you shell out for the dish. A great experience I look to repeat - next time it's the Paella.
(5)
Valerie M.
Oh the Sangria! Always the half carafe or pitcher - never just a glass. This Spanish restaurant never disappoints and they never rush you so it's an awesome place for good conversation ( especially if you have much catching up). Located adjacent to the legendary Chelsea Hotel, El Quijote managed to maintain that old New York charm in ambiance ( the booths) and service. We started out with the scallops in garlic sauce (Vieras Ajillo) followed by mixed seafood paella with lobster (Paella Marinara con Langosta) ending with espresso. So authentically yummy and plentiful too ( it's also a great value)! I can hardly wait to return.
(5)
Gally L.
Great place. The portions are huge and the food is good. Got the seafood Mariscara and it was really tasty. The spicy red sauce was really flavorful and plentiful. Exactly the way red sauce is supposed to taste. Additionally my friend got the stuff sole with crab meat and they were very generous with real crab meat. Going to recommend the place to a few friends.
(4)
Hannah L.
THIS PLACE IS AMAZING!!! i feel like im in epcot center, if there was spain land. this place is from the 40s, and has not been updated since then. the vintage, kitschy decor is mind blowing. so overstimulating. this is THE place to have original hard-to-find vintage seafood apps, like clams casino and legit shrimp cocktail. my favorite things about el quijote: 1. it's proximity to trailer park. make a kitschy night of it! 2. the sangria is only $23 and equals 3 large drinks for 2 people 3. the waiters all wear tuxedos and bowties with name tags, and serve you your meal onto your plate 4. the booths!!!!! 5. the leftover paella was enough for 2 people's lunch the next day dude, you must come here, it is truly amazingly cheesy and yummy, and i was smiling the whoooooole time.
(5)
Eric G.
This iconic New York establishment is fun, festive and loud and a great place to go with a large group of friends--as long as you don't mind eating really horrible food.
(1)
Franny A.
OLD school to the nth degree. One of a few remaining traditional Spanish restaurants left in NYC housed in the classic Chelsea Hotel. I am a big fan of El Quijote on every level. We were seated in a booth- Sweet! The waiters are decked out in waiter uniforms- wow. Bread and butter arrived on the table- nice. As we perused the extensive menu- I usually go with a veal or lobster- both are popular. I went with broiled 1/4 pound lobster which was $21.95. Entrees are served with salad. Now reading other reviews of the salad, I am confused. This is a good simple salad consisting of romaine, radishes, sweet grape tomatoes and what they are famous for is it is served with three different dressings- fab. Remember this is an old school joint, no modern interpretations of food here. The lobster was DELISH- broiled with a little breadcrumbs, very sweet. My friend's fillet of sole was nicely served with lemon and peas.
(4)
Jane Q P.
Definitely one of the great restaurants that I make recommendations to when anyone I know is in the city. The sangria is amazing. The food is amazing. The portions are amazing. Great place to go.
(4)
Juan S.
Must have the sangria and please, do NOT skip the Paella Valenciana...if you have to come here, do it solely for the Paella - its amazing!
(5)
Tony C.
After reading the good and bad reviews, decided to give it a try. We went on a Sunday afternoon and stayed with what people recommended as the best bets: sangria and paella. Both were excellent: well worth recommending. Service was good, and as good a Don Quixote atmosphere as you could do with that as a theme.
(4)
Doreen L.
Went here with my family because the place was highly recommended to us. Let's just say, I was not impressed. The decor is very nice - old world, dimly lit, Don Quixote statue greets you in the front, but that's about it. There was no music, which sort of made the place sound too quiet at first, and then too loud with all the surrounding conversations. They could've really made the place feel just right some traditional Spanish music.. but I digress. As for the food, well, everything is so SALTY. The bread was salty and not all that great. We didn't even get a second serving of butter when we asked for more bread, which seemed really cheap on their part. For the starter, I got the white bean soup (which is really their version of caldo gallego - it had white beans, potatoes, cabbage and bits of ham). Not so bad, but was very filling. The sangria was OK, but was certainly not the best I've had. For dinner, I ordered the Arroz con Pollo y Chorizo, and it was a HUGE serving. I couldn't even finish the plate in front of me. My sister got the serrano ham and manchengo cheese - and the ham was basically dry. Rest of the family got paella and they agreed the food was extremely salty and not all that special, considering this place charges way more than any other Spanish restaurant I have been to. Wouldn't return here, as there are plenty of other restaurants that are worth the trip.
(2)
Peter D.
A great evening - classic atmosphere, great food prepared exactly the way we requested, wonderful service, fair prices. So enjoyable.
(4)
Elizabeth N.
Definitely come here for the seafood. Their seafood platters are decent for the price and has a good amount of food on it. However, don't get any meats here. It's not good at all and they don't know how to cook it to the temperature you like.
(3)
Michelle B.
My boyfriend and I were taking a Sunday stroll trying to figure out what the hell to eat when we came upon this place. The outside entrance is quite impressive and gives off a "I have been here a long time" impression. So we gave it a shot. After realizing their portions were the size of a pig trough we skipped the appetizer and went straight for the paella with seafood and lobster. To break it all down the rice was really good piping hot and nicely seasoned, a bit salty but whatever. The mussels and shrimp were wonderful and there was plenty of them, but there were not a lot of clams and scallops, but they were good. They gave us a half of a lobster which was a little dry, and not pre-cracked, yes I am a baby but I really suck at doing this and I appeared as though this was my last meal when trying to do so. The half pitcher of awesome sangria we shared got me nicely buzzed so that makes a good sangria in my opinion. The paella is served in one of those really awesome pots that you get from any discount store for $5 but that is not a bad thing because they really are awesome. You get A LOT of food as I mentioned above. We didn't even get a desert because we were so full. The restaurant ambiance is very nice, almost fancy. I was in jeans, a nice top with flip flops so its not that big of a deal. The service is just OK but the waiters present themselves with professionalism. My only complaint is that the fire alarm was continually going on and off throughout or entire dinner and they didn't apologize for this until I asked them what was going on, nor did they take $ off the bill or whatever....I would have it was my restaurant but whatever. Try it, and bring your stomach.
Good place for Lobster. Double Lobster actually. When you open the menu, look at the bottom left of the second page. Order Double Lobster with your favorite style. It comes with side dishes. Although the place is hugh, but it's packed pretty early. A star is missing because the place is quite old and need improvement. I don't mind old style actually, but an update for hygienic-feel purpose would be nice.
(4)
Gigi L.
This place is amazing. Never disappoints and I hope it never will. My family and I have been going here for years! My dad used to love bringing the family for dinner. I used to always order gambas al ajillo, delicious! The day after my wedding we had a family brunch here as a way to remember my dad and everyone agreed that it was indeed so so good, hospitable, and nice. The family feasted on paella, lobster, steak, you name it. EVERYTHING was worth it! As a matter of fact, I am taking my mom there tomorrow for her birthday =)
(5)
Mariana R.
Excellent choice! I went there with my family and we all ordered lobster! It was delicious! And the prices very good!... I would recommend this place without any doubt!!
(5)
Quan T.
This is, hands down, my favorite Spanish restaurant. Living near San Francisco, I've tried to find something similar and I just can't because every Spanish joint out there just does tapas for the most part. So, to get my fix, I have to come back to NYC every so often and stuff my face here. Their seafood paella is to die for. Their other stuff is pretty good too, but the paella is what keeps me coming back. Like a sad Goldilocks, most other places I've tried end up making theirs too dry, too soggy or just too bland. EQ does it right every time. As far as drinks go, their red sangria is good and you can probably get the same elsewhere, but the white sangria is like freaking ambrosia. I have yet to find any place else that has something that compares. It's got a subtle sweetness that isn't cloying and there's no hint of sourness that I find in other white sangrias. This place is a serious must visit!
(5)
Mags R.
Let me tell you, it might look dated and tacky but the food is amazing, fresh, delicious and the best Old School Spanish Paella, Sangria, and Spanish dishes. It's worth the trip to try it. This is traditional - the real deal. You might not find the authenticity at some new "trendy" or a "fusion" tapas places. You'll get authentic rich tasting great quality fresh food for the price you pay. It's a little dark so photos won't come out well unless you put the flash on. It could use some updating in the bathroom (old tiles and partitions). The bar is always packed. For my Tapa's fix, I love the Baked Clams, Chorizo, and Garlic Shrimp - which is enough to share because they give you bread - so watch out because it can be filling. It's filling because it's so good you keep eating it - so keep that in mind if you plan on ordering the Paella. Or you can just eat that with the bread and Sangria for Tapas. They have various Paella's and I've tried like 3 (seafood/ chicken and chorizo, and another seafood one I can't remember) and they have all been good. It has a nice rich broth and seafood taste and its moist. Just so you know, the Paella comes in a pot that serves maybe 4 people (if your ordering tapas ). My husband and I eat twice and we still have enough to take home the next day (like maybe one serving - usually mine LOL). I'm telling you this because I had this one young waiter who tried to tell me and my friend that we each needed to order one Paella because it was for one person. He must have been new and didn't know that I go there sometimes so I told him that we would share it and had to stop him at his tracks and tell him that I know the deal because I go there. I didn't want to be rude but he was being persistent. So I'm just looking out for you. They are not usually pushy but do try to get you to order dessert at the end - which I never do because I'm really more about the food than dessert. BTW, they have a vegetarian Paella - never had it but the people next to me did and it looked good and they said they liked it. The skirt stake is amazing, fresh, hot sizzling nice charred flavor medium well with onions, peppers....even the bread is nice and warm served with butter on the side (or use the bread to sop up the garlic shrimp sauce or eat it with the chorizo). FYI - The skirt stake (churrasco) is long, the size of an oblong plate - over 12" maybe. You can probably share that with Tapas and Sangria too. The fish (Tilapia, sole were light tasting). I prefer going here for their Paellas, Tapas, skirt steak, and sangria. I might try more fish here but every time I go, I get tempted to order what I've previously had because its always spot-on good! The Sangria comes in a carafe (serves 2 maybe) or a pitcher. I love the Red Sangria. Haven't tried the white, but the red has always been my favorite. Damn, wish I had some now.
(5)
Peter S.
I've been meaning to try this place for a while due to its connection to Leonard Cohen. (I gather he was a regular here back when he lived at the Chelsea Hotel, which is virtually next door.) It wasn't quite what I expected--it's a very old school Spanish restaurant--but I was not disappointed at all. Ordered the Ensalada a la Manny for lunch. It was a very generous portion of nice seafood (shrimp, calamari, etc.) served cold with oil and vinegar. Very tasty, flavorful and filling. My friend had the lobster bisque, which she also really loved. Will definitely come back.
(5)
Marcia P.
Fun, retro atmosphere full of windmills; old-fashioned food and portion sizes to match. I've been going here for YEARS but for some reason I only get the daily-double lobster, which is USUALLY very good. HowEVer, on recent visits, one of the two lobsters has been sub-par. Like, mushy. So I don't know what to say... Normally, I love the broiled lobsters; never overcooked or dried out and the buttery breadcrumb stuffing is delish. The homemade potato chips are decadent and irresistible, the soup is good in a hearty Spanish way. The salad's kinda lame, though the old-fashioned dressing carousel is a nice touch. I haven't personally tried much else, but the steaks look giant and good!
(4)
G M.
I've been coming here for years because the first impression got me. I was hooked to the surf and turf, sangria and some apps. But I noticed that the last couple of times I came service was suspect and the food average at best. The last straw was when my lobster tail was beyond salty and asked my server for another one, his response was precious---The reason it tastes so salty is because we got it from a saltier ocean....Needless to say I looked at him with knives in my eyes and that's all that I had to say...It seems to me that they are living on reputation now...But that will soon fade...
(2)
Terri M.
As fans of El Quijote for many years, my husband and I usually dine there whenever we're in Chelsea. Most time we've gone for their special paella or their lobster special, but this time we went straight for the tapas. We had the mussels in green sauce, the shrimp in garlic sauce, the chicken livers with onions, serrano ham and melon, and the manchego cheese with olives--all of which were absolutamente deliciosa! The portions were ample and the prices were more than fair. The service was plentiful and unobtrusively attentive--just the way we like it. The ambiance has that same classy old school feel it has had for years, with tablecloths, uniformed wait staff, and dated but interesing decor. Having always left El Quijote feeling pampered and satisfied, I (we) plan to go there again and again.
(4)
D S.
Nothing impressive. Food was OK, except the soup was cold and it had a weird taste. Good service.
(3)
Charles M.
I went to this restaurant with my mistress (please don't judge) because it was out of the way and I was almost certain I would not run into anyone that my wife and I knew here. The ambience is quiet and dark -- an all around perfect place to conduct an illicit affair. The waiter was friendly, but I could tell that he was a little distracted when he spilled some of the red wine on the table. For his part, I think he was just checking out my sumptuous date. Regardless, I don't hold it against him. I ordered the broiled cornish hen, my mistress got the skirt steak. Both were very tasty, but mine was just a tad bit dry. When we were finishing the meal, my lady friend made a horrible face (which I initially thought might be because of the food) but when I felt a steaming, lumpy liquid pour over my head I knew otherwise. I turned around and through a face of Black Bean Soup (yuck!) I could see my girlfriend standing there looking mad as heck. Her mother was sitting behind her enjoying a fork-full of Squid a la Romana -- they had apparently been there the whole time! Shucks. I give El Quijote a 3/5.
I have been here 4 times. Twice last year, then March this year and last Saturday. All 4 times I ordered the exact same dish (Langosta Rellena), which was their stuffed lobster with crabmeat. It came with a salad and also a side dish, which I chose rice. The first three times I had the most amazing stuffed lobsters. Each time I had a decent size lobster and the stuffing was so delicious; as was the tasty rice. Compared to other expensive seafood restaurants in Manhattan and on Long Island, I felt this place gives you a good bang for your buck. l was hooked on their lobsters. However, this past Saturday, I was surprisingly disappointed. When I was ordering, the waiter asked if I wanted lobster tail or whole lobster. This was never asked the first 3 times I ate here. Of course I said whole lobster; which was what I got before. When my dish came, I saw a baby lobster, sitting alone on a metal plate; the size of it was significantly smaller this time, as was the portion of the rice, which was now served on a smaller plate. It seems the price hasn't changed; but the portions they serve now were much smaller than before. The food was still delicious, but was not as filling as before. So I ended up ordering desert, a strawberry cheese cake, which was tasty. I will go back here to try again. But then, I will be ordering a 2 lb stuffed lobster.
(3)
Ann K.
Went to El Quijote with a couple co-workers last winter. The food was decent, the sangria was yummy and we generally had a good time. The tapas offerings were better than the paella which I'll likely skip next time. I've been to better tapas places but if you're in Chelsea, it's worth a stop but don't make a special trip.
(3)
dusty c.
Was always curious about this place on past stays at the Chelsea next door, and we love Spanish food so my husband I met up with a friend here are at El Quijote on our most recent trip in to the city. I was thrilled to discover how awesome this place is. It's the oldest Spanish restaurant in NYC, open since 1930. The interior feels delightfully old-school and proper, with dim lights, red leather booths, candles, waiters and busboys in jackets. Service was great - serious and attentive without being stuffy. We loved everything we tried, foodwise: a few tapas - shrimp in green sauce, serrano ham and olives, stuffed mushrooms. Entrees at the table - chicken quijote - whole roasted chicken in brandy sauce, crabacakes (my favorite), and a lobster dish with a delicate cream sauce that my husband all but fainted into because he loved it so much. We finished off a pitcher of sangria too - it tasted wonderful and there was quite a lot of it! Highly recommend this place for a fun, elegant dinner with a warm and lively atmosphere.
(4)
Andy X.
I've been to this place twice. For Lobster it's pretty cheap. If I recall correctly they have 2 1 1/4 lobsters for under 35 bucks. I've gone with a group of 6 both times. I have tasted good portion of the dishes there. Food is good value, atmosphere is nice, not too loud.
(4)
Jen L.
Great place for paella. Cool spot. Service is great too. And I love the vibe and atmosphere there. They give LOTS of food, which is what I like. I like how old this place is too. All we had was paella and man, it was good, plentiful and very flavorful. Highly recommend.
(4)
Aly Y.
Can't believe that I have finally set foot into this historic place (even more ironic that it was my cousin who made the reservation - she's visiting from Asia!!) Wonderful smells of garlic and seafood upon entering made me so hungry. Nice long bar near the front of the restaurant made me wish I lived upstairs in the Chelsea Hotel! We were a party of eight; given the back room near the kitchen. At first, a bit noisy as there was a bigger party of twenty men next to us. But after they left, we had the room all to ourselves - yay! Now for the food - we ordered tapas of chorizos, stuffed mushrooms, garlic shrimp, serrano ham with honeydew and a 2+ lb. broiled lobster. Yum. We ordered the tapas and wine first; both delivered soon after we ordered. They didn't take our entree orders until after we were almost finished with our tapas which was alittle unusual. For the entrees, thumbs up for the paella marinera (mixed seafood), paella marinera with lobster and the strip steak. Unless you're Joey Chestnut (winner of several Nathan's hot dog eating contests), one paella is big enough to share. Thumbs down for the overdone rack of lamb (entrees were slow to come out so hubby didn't want to wait if he sent the lamb back). For the service, I'd describe it as professional, amiable and not overbearing. We never felt rushed and our water glasses were always filled promptly. Good thing we were not in a rush because we had a nice leisurely dinner which allowed us to catch up with our cousins from Asia and Australia!! Did not have room for dessert this time so will have to return!
Greek food is a fine melody of the finest pressed olive oil, fresh fermented bread, colorful vegetables, juicy meat, sea food all cooked in spices and fresh rosemary. The people from Greek were great scholars who aimed to excel in everything they do. The results are quite visible in their food as they are the inventors of olive oil which is beneficial to health. Greeks also made different type of wines from the best quality of grapes fermented in controlled environment.
Today, you can find hundreds of restaurants offering authentic Greek food or popularly termed as Mediterranean cuisine in New York city alone. People wait in line to taste the exotic Greek dishes like saganaki, taramasalata, souvlaki, loukoumades, spanakopita, moussaka, and many more. One thing which most people like about these authentic Greek dishes is abundant use of lemon juice, olive oil, fresh rosemary and sea salt. A smart mix of few ingredients can virtually take you on the pebble streets of beautiful city of Greece.
For those who don't have time to enjoy fine dining should try tasting the famous souvlaki with pita which is type of meat dish, also a trademark Greek fast food. For those who are vegetarian, or vegan can try different versions of Greek Salad. So, if you wish to enjoy a hearty yet healthy meal that tastes divine then try dining at the best Greek restaurant in your city. Greek cuisine not only tastes good but also help maintain your body in a natural way through healthy diet.
Queen R.
Horrible service, underwhelming food, highly acidic and old espresso, huge portions, great for old people. Go elsewhere if you are under 55.
(2)Danielle P.
Place is creepy looking they need to renovate. Service sucks because they dont know the menu. Portions are abnormally huge!!!!! Waitress should have told us this. Food was good but wish I would have known about the huge portions.
(1)K E.
I have a softness for this place because it's a legendary NY restaurant. It's quiet and has a nice enough atmosphere. With that said though, the food just really isn't that high in quality. EVERYTHING is DROWNING in butter and oil. That can be fun for a minute, but I couldn't really get to the end of the meal without kind of feeling nauseous. The menu could use a little updating. The decor could use a cleaning and a fresh coat of paint. The service... well, it's fine. It's "old school". I can't really say anything was bad (except for the cold and gluey crab cakes that we just had to send back), but for the prices, I would want better quality food. I had a good time there, but I can't say that I would vote to go back.
(3)Julian k.
We each had paella, which was good. The Paella Valencia definitely was better than the seafood one. Service was...well, the only way I can characterize it is very "messed up", especially for a restaurant with such expensive food. We were attended by a woman who claimed to be our waitress, took our orders and asked after our food when it came. Then, she disappeared. No one else helped or checked in for quite some time (about a half hour, I'd say). We asked three waitresses and busboys in succession to have our waitress come over without any results. One of the waitresses we asked even hung out in the front with the host chatting, in plain sight of us two tables away. Clearly, the staff has no concept of customer service. We finally asked a busboy to get the manager, who told us the waitress had left for the night. No excuses, no help: just told us and then left. Finally, the busboy brought the woman over who had served us. We asked for the host again and asked him why he lied to us. It turns out the woman was a busperson who had taken care of us, then just stopped. The host did nothing to respond to our first request, answer our question or try to "make it right". In the end, we just paid and hightailed it out of there. This place clearly disdains its customers and has no concept of service.
(1)Trey K.
We were a group of 12. Lots of tasty delicious food and wicked sangria. Everyone was please. Do I need to say more?
(4)Elle B.
Honestly, I read all the reviews before going and went there to meet with friends who know the restaurant well. I was not impressed with the food whatsoever. The service is good, respectful waiters that are dressed nicely. This is more of an old timers' restaurants, it's a nice style but it hasn't been renovated and cleaned properly in too many years. Would not go back.
(2)Albert F.
Good Spanish restaurant, Ambiience is nice too. Servung is hugh, eg Paella enough for 2 peoole.
(4)Abdelhak J.
Huge portions (Spanish habits ^^). Price a bit high, but the service is above average. Nicely located next to the Ny comedy club. Make a reservation (often a line)
(3)Jonathan Z.
El Quijote is a landmark lounge. I think my first time there was in the late 90s, when I was nearing the end of a Hunter Thompson book. It was the perfect setting to finish the last few pages of fear and loathing, helping further animate the story with its undeniable decor and ambient lighting. So I went back last night. It's still awesome inside. Great people, loud laughs, leering eyes... still transported to another time and place. Oh, and the food smelled great there.
(5)Anneurys T.
I am very sad to say that I just recently went back to this restaurant and my experience (and I'm sure that all of my friends) wasn't good. To start and for my taste the food was too salty. I ordered the filet mignon in the brown sauce with mushrooms and asked for my meat medium well. My order came out with the mignon burned and inedible. The sauce was salty. I have to say that my previous experiences at this place were very pleasant but now I am very disappointed.
(2)Huw P.
I have been here many times both for drinks and to eat , the cocktails are not for the faint hearted !!!!! I have had many celebratory dinners here and will be going tonight NYE14 The meat is amazing and comes with a soup or salad option, the fish is great to I have had the paella it's huge and tasty the food all takes a bit of time to come out but that's because it's cooked to order as it should be, I went once with a big group including some Muslims from work the staff were very helpful explaining the menu and pointing out the dishes without pork and everyone was happy, the deserts I have not eaten much of as I have never had enough room, wines range form cheap and chearful To the top enjoy
(5)Enrique D.
Huge portions. Kitsch everywhere. Mediocre food with some pleasant surprises here n there. The place is super old school and can be very hit or miss depending on the day. However I always have such a good time here. Its fun and the take home amount of food is insane. Every portion is easily shared for two to four people. The price is reasonable for the quantity. The servers are very very attentive. Some may say a little too attentive, but I prefer that over inattentive. Sangria is good and paellas are delicious. Stick with classic dishes and don't get too adventerous and you will have a good meal here. Great for large groups or a fun date (maybe not a first date though)
(3)Leon G.
I have been coming here for over 20 years the food is made to order and made to perfection I love this please and the antithetic flavor. I go there at least 2 times a month I come in from Rockland County NY. I have the Soup Caldo Gallego and the Chicken Villaroy .The steak Quijot out standign I also love the Lobster in Green sauce or the seafood Papaya. the dessert is WOW the best Coffee or Cappuccino . The BEST Sangria
(5)Jess L.
I rarely do this -- rate an entire experience based on one dish -- but if you see this seafood platter, you'll understand. For $70, you get a huge, huge, huge platter of lobster, scallops, clams, prawns, and oysters in a delicious garlic sauce. You also get two side salads and a side vegetable. Truly an incredible deal and delicious taste. (Check out the photo I uploaded!) The sangria is also pretty stellar, some of the best in the city. Service was pretty "meh," but you're not here for the service, right? A true NYC institution!
(5)J. K.
My place for lobster in the city have been going here for years always good make a reservation or be prepared to wait the line I've seen is in the street very popular place monster filet mignon(wow).Great long bar v good sangria.
(4)Jan P.
Still one of my favorites. Garlic soup less salty this time. Service is still lousy though. Used to be good. So many wait staff around, what's the problem?
(4)John C.
Second time being back. Last time I had the sausage with rice (since it was my first time) but I decided to dabble and get the chicken and garlic sauce. Just like my first time, the food was great. My Pinot was great as well. I would suggest anyone to come here, either it be a first date or just for some good food.
(4)Katey G.
As I entered this place, I heard Gordon Ramsey in my head: "Giant menus? Out of date decor? Huge portions???" I admit, I was skeptical. However! The food was pretty good. The sangria was sweet and had actual fruit in it. The plates, while pricey, will feed you for the rest of the week. I got Arroz con Chorizo and I'll be eating it until Friday. Seriously sized portions - enough to split. The Paella with seafood looks like the whole ocean jumped in. The veggie Paella looked to contain most of a garden. White bean soup is nice, has chunks of ham that add a good saltiness. I'm also very appreciative that on a quiet night, we could sit and talk and catch up with people and no one (seemed to) mind.
(4)Felix L.
This rating is for their Flán only. While their food may rate differently. -Lugo "The Flan Critic & Innovator"
(1)Katie M.
I had a great time here this past Saturday night. I was meeting 5 friends, 1 showed up on time w/ me, and the rest were 45 minutes late. Was it a problem moving our reservation around? Not at all! El Quijote was totally nice about it and extremely accommodating. While we waited at the bar, we enjoyed a few very inexpensive glasses of delicious house wine - seriously, it was only $7.50 a glass and notably tasty. We also nibbled (scratch that, inhaled) some fried calamari to tide us over until we sat down. This was also quite delectable, no complaints here. After our late friends arrived and we finally sat down, the great service continued all the way through the meal. The dining room and bar area are very uniquely decorated, sort of like old school stuffy meets Cinco de Mayo, and it totally works! It was an awesome experience all around. But NOOOO, unfortunately, I HATE to say that my food was not good. I got the Mariscada En Salsa Verde (mixed seafood in green sauce), as recommended by our server, and was pretty shocked to get a bunch of really solid pieces of seafood, bathing in this funky, flavorless, congealed butter-like sauce. It was such a shame. I'm not even sure it was "butter" in the apparently butter-based sauce... i'm seriously hoping it wasn't crisco. This place was ALMOST a win -- especially as a go-to spot to take out out-of-towners -- but i can't look past bad food. Other people at my table seemed to like their dishes; there was steak (wow, gigantic portion here), mussels in garlic sauce, and lobster in garlic sauce. No one complained though, so maybe it's just me?
(3)Alan G.
I highly recommend the lobster special, baked with delicious breadcrumbs! Ask for the square rolls. They have a nice, slightly salty taste. Yum. Also, their red sangria is one of the best I've had.
(4)Tom B.
Haven't been there in a few years but judging by the reviews nothing's changed. Big portions of garlicky lobster delivered by professional servers. There's really nothing quite like it in nyc. Very old school. Very 1950s. Come for the vibe and stay for the sangria and lobster.
(3)Sheila C.
Not very good but it could have been the dishes we ordered. Short ribs which came with 1 tablespoon of peas...the rubs had a dry rub and were grilled. Not what I was expecting. Someone else at our table had to ask for some sauce to flavor her paella...lol. No need to return for me.
(3)Gloria W.
We've made a reservation for 20 people and we've got a table for 18. They've quickly corrected the seating situation and added another table to fit all 20 chairs comfortably. Great service on making sure that our drinks were always filled and orders goes to the correct person. We began our meal with either soup or salad. I had the soup and it was a bit too salty for me. There are 3 dressing options for your choice of salad. I shared a combo of madrid, its one full size lobster and a new york sirlion steak for $34. (Good deal!) Food was great for the price, we were so stuffed. Remember to ask for bib, plenty of wet napkins and a few lobster cracker tool (brain fart- dont remember what its called) cause it's not set for you or maybe they've forgotten. And lastly, we had red velvet birthday with pretty sparks for the birthday girls. Overall, we felt alittle rushed but we had a great experience!
(4)brent P.
Went there again last night. Started with martinis at their incredible bar with the best bartenders. They even gave us some free superb tapas. Then headed for dinner with wife and friend. At one time I just looked up and said, "This is still the best place." I'm going to post some pics of our food which included my ENORMOUS Steak Dulcinea. My wife's veal chops (she could only eat one they were so big, and our friend who had the double broiled lobster. All three of these came with salad/soup and a vegatable/rice of choice. Wonderful.
(5)May Y.
Went there to meet up with friends & tried their dishes...I forgot what I had because it was a while back... But I would go back & give it another shot.
(4)Lonita E.
Excellent food and service. After 5 pitchers of sangria, several appetizers, and my paella along with tasting several other entrees, I needed a wheel chair to leave the premises. A restaurant you must try and return to.
(5)Lindsay L.
Love the ambiance. Love the wine. Love the staff. Love this place!
(5)Alice F.
This place is a gem. I've been going for years. It's not fancy, pretentious or trendy. Most people who go there are old and/or dress badly. But do not let this deter you. Their lobster deal is the best in the city. Their service is great. It's always packed, always festive, always consistent food/service quality. Nearly did not want to write this as I don't want too many people going there.
(5)Mariana R.
Excellent choice! I went there with my family and we all ordered lobster! It was delicious! And the prices very good!... I would recommend this place without any doubt!!
(5)Kerin Z.
After passing by El Quijote many times and always curious to go inside, I finally had the opportunity to try it last night. It was exactly as I expected it and even more. Immediately upon walking inside, this is a place you feel comfortable, as if you were in Northern Spain and going to visit your house mother's family owned restaurant. The crowd was all ages, which I liked. The bartender was friendly. The sangria was hands down one of the best sangria's I've had in NYC lately and I was very impressed. We were in the Cervantes room, and although the waiters weren't on top of you like they could be in other restaurants, they were still very friendly and warm. The waiters seem like they have worked there forever and it was so nice to hear the Spanish accent again, as it has been a few years since I lived in Spain! The paella was amazing, and I was really surprised that there was just so much of it, considering the low price of $20.00. I had MORE than enough (and I can eat let me tell you) and still have enough for lunch, and dinner, and maybe a snack later. I liked how they had a card on the table to review your waiter and to drop it in the box on the way out. Every last Saturday of the month there is a drawing and the winner gets $100.00 credit at the restaurant (including tip!). I was actually imperssed by that. They want you to keep coming back. After 80 years of business, I think they know what they are doing. And I take comfort in that. Overall, it was such a pleasant experience and I can not stop chatting about it. Upon leaving, I saw a few people just sitting at the bar sharing a half carafe of sangria and I thougth what a good idea that might be to come back and do if you are just up for a little bevy and nearby. The half carafe is only about $17.00 and was about 4 glasses and well worth it. Not surprised I enjoyed this place, as everytime I have walked past the restaurant for the past 8 months I have lived here, the crowd outside always looked happy and enjoying themselves, while smoking a cigarette or waiting for their party to finish up. I will definitely be back. And I am curious to try Vasco's across the street, to compare the two. Looks like I will have to have my left overs today in order to be able to order the same at Vasco's.. Stay tuned for my next postings! :) who knows, you might even meet me there. If you see some blond sitting at the bar alone with a big smile on her face, talking to just about anyone who comes her way, that is me! Please feel free to say hello, and I will be sure to say "ciao!"
(5)Stephen W.
Good drinks, I enjoyed tequila, white and red sangria. Very good food, large portions, not incredibly overpriced. Appetizers were very good, the Seafood Paella was great, as was the Red Snapper. Mediocre service.
(4)Gregory Edmundt V.
I've been coming here for 12 years It really is an anchor to the Chelsea neighborhood. It's a 80+ year Old School Spanish institution, classic red jackets, big menu, dessert cart and an old school décor to go with it. The fact that this restaurant has been here 8 decades while the rest of world has changed dramatically speaks volumes how many places have come and gone in the last 10 years alone? I have yet to find ANY restaurant in NYC that has a better meat selection in its size and price than these guys do. So, IF you're looking for amazing food at a great price you're going to find it here. The tapas dishes, soft shell crab, filet mignon tips, bean soup, their Sangria are ALL over the top great! Now for the 'wannabe-on" scene seekers you'll find celebrities here but they come here to keep a low profile to NOT be seen. So, if you want that "watch me, watch you action" this isn't going to be your place perhaps Cafeteria will be. Everyone else you'll love it!
(5)art f.
So near 5 stars......... What seems to be a small place next to the Chelsea Hotel opens onto 2 good-sized dining rooms. With 3 people, we split an order of unexceptional but serviceable clams casino, along with our opening choices - salads for my dining companions and a hearty white bean and greens soup for me. Entrees were at the next level - sole in salsa verde, a huge succulent strip steak, and seafood in egg sauce. The sole was hearty and moist- perfectly cooked and sauced. My side of broccoli was a little underdone but no big deal. Ended with an expresso. I wish DC had a place like this.
(4)Valerie G.
My friends and I had our huuuuuuuge NYE dinner here & they were very accommodating for our group of about 30 people. We had the nice little private room in the back (or really just half of it as there were random people sitting there with us as our night went on...). Initially they didn't want to sit us without the entire party being there but really with such a large group that's nearly impossible. So they let us sit! And then they didn't want to let us order unless everyone was there either but they relented. So A+ for service =) Their portions are humongo! I split the seafood paella w/ lobster (only $24.95!) with my guy friend and we couldn't even finish it! The paella was also nicely split up for us which was very nice & came with a choice of soup or salad. Noted - get the soup bc the salad consisted of sad pieces of iceberg (the worst ever) lettuce + slivers of carrots. The paella all came out at the same time and was redonkulously quick which makes me suspicious as to how authentic it was, knowing that real paella takes quite long to make. My friend ordered the pollo con arroz y chorizo dish which was huge but she said it wasn't very good =/ We also shared a good dozen or so pitchers of sangria which was a nice medium between being overly sweet and overly strong. All in all we were able to be in and out in 2.5 hours, full & happy :)
(4)Clarissa C.
P A E L L A!
(4)Ana L.
I was very disappointed after reading so many good reviews.. The place looks fancy but the food was horrible. My plate was dry , burnt and flavorless while my partners plate was like eating rubber..the server had an armpit odor filling up the air every time he passed by. I couldn't even finish eating without feeling nauseous.
(1)Greg K.
I came here last weekend with my boyfriend who had some good things to say about this place. Long story short, by the time we left he had recanted his statement. For starters, we were graced with who was hands down the rudest waiter I have ever encountered in my life. The man glared and literally stared daggers at us throughout our entire ordering process, and every attempt we made to catch his attention after that he seemed to purposefully ignore. I was starving. We ordered 2 glasses of wine, the Entremes Variados appetizer combination for two, and the paella as an entree. The appetizer combination was god awful: bland, tasteless, and really unbalanced. Unfortunately that was the least of it's problems. Within 5 minutes I started to feel sick. Now i'm someone who can polish off a whole large pizza by myself in one sitting and never get sick from a meal. By the time the paella came I wasn't sure how confident I was I would not vomit. I ignored the paella and he ate a few bites before he started to feel sick as well. We decided to just ask for the check, and decided to tell the manager about our issue. We gave the waiter our credit card and they wrapped up the paella. When the manager came over we explained to him how we had gotten sick from the appetizer. What was intended as an FYI to the manager, (since there was clearly something bad in the appetizer) , quickly transitioned into an argument with him about how much paella we ate, as if he was accusing us of fabricating the whole tale for a discounted bill. So he keeps insisting we ate half of it, (in reality it was about three bites) - which I thought was funny And after twenty mins of arguing (while i supressed my urge to vomit,) he offered to comp the appetizer. We left the 2lbs of paella behind and paid a check for 50 dollars. What bothered me the most about this is that we just wanted to LEAVE and could have cared less about the bill. So anways when we got home my boyfriend ran to the bathroom and vomited 3 times over the next hour. I didn't vomit but i felt disgusting for the rest of the night. So essentially, we paid 50 dollars to eat a revolting appetizer, and go home to vomit. The only positive thing i can say is that there was nothing wrong with my pinot grigio. I will never return to El Quijote again and advise everyone to be extremely wary of this restaurant. Avoid like the plague!!!
(1)Dina L.
I wanted to try it after peeking in one day and seeing the traditional Castilian ambience. It's hidden underneath a dark awning in an otherwise dingy block, but it's a find since I was pleased with the food and service. Started with a grilled calamari with roasted garlic and wish I had more. I went for the conventional seafood paella, which was anything but and of course you know the paella is good for two. I recommend because I like old school, I like traditional feel and I'm keeping the business card so I can go to the bar one of these sooner days.
(4)Salvatore C.
GET THE SEAFOOD PLATTER!! its 75 bucks but its huge, you can split it between 2-4 people. Theres two decent lobsters, bunch of big shrimp, and lots of clams and mussels, its cooked in this delicious sauce I've never really tasted before. Also got the octopus appetizer and it was really good, perfectly cooked and the sauce was amazing. Got margaritas, they were tiny and 10 bucks, wouldn't recommend them. The place has been around forever and has solid food. Inside is typical classy, they have a room for big parties too.
(4)James C.
I've been coming to this restaurant for over 10 years and it has been awesome EVERY time. The people who give this restaurant a bad rating must not know good food! I went so far as to even have my wedding party of over 70 people here! Unbelievable steak and seafood!!! The daily double is a favorite, but if you are a huge seafood lover like myself, a must try the seafood platter for two. Be careful though it's more like for four!! The manager, bartenders and the waitstaff are friendly and courteous on every level. A staple of this Chelsea neighborhood for OVER 80 years SOOOOO they must be doing something right! I take family and friends who visit from out of town all the time and have never heard anything but how great it was. Sometimes the wait to get in is long, again a sign of a good restaurant. Who wants to eat in a place where no one else is eating?? These people who gave a bad rating need to go home and eat at Applebees, where there's no wait and everything is bought from restaurant depot! Bad rating =simpleton (s m p l-t n). person who is felt to be deficient in judgment, good sense, or intelligence; a fool. A few favorites: APPETIZER: Filet Mignon Tips Scallops or Mussels Quixote style Stuffed mushrooms ENTREES: NY strip Double Filet Mignon dinner Seafood Paella Lobster daily double and of course the seafood platter for two Go and try it, you won't be upset!!
(5)Maria S.
I went there on Valentine day, it was a biggest mistake I have ever done. Too crowded, very noisy, I had a reservation but had to wait for 1 hour. I could get the seat because they put me on top of the list by mistake, otherwise I would have been waiting for 2 hours. It's ridiculous. And the food is not good at all. It was way too expensive for tasteless food. Paella, I saw some reviews that it says it was great. Really? I had so many paella in my life but I hated this restaurant's. my boyfriend orders steak, it was huge tasteless chunk of meat. And he ended up taking 90% of meat to home. We spend over $100 for such food. I must admit Sangria was Okay though. I gave 1 star because I could not give 0 star. I really don't know why this restaurant is over rated. Please avoid the experience like I had. Go to other restaurant please.
(1)Jane S.
I took one star off for decor in back room. but if rating just food, would give 5, for taste and price. Food is very good. Quail app is delicious, and they have it as an entree too which is better deal to order for appetizer. soup or salad? get the soup I love the seafood, with lobster in mariscada sauce (green), enough to take home. I always order this. I have tried other things and very good. I also love their short ribs, which is enough for two people. I never have room for dessert. This place is an institution.
(4)Mike B.
One of the worst restaurants I have ever been to. 1. The salad that comes with the meal is almost frozen and it is accompanied by three tins filled with thick glutinous blue-chees dressing, creamy viangrette and something else which I cant recall-gross! 2. The asparagous vinagrette was from a can. 3. The peas with my filet of sole were not fresh, but frozen and 4. My fish was flavorless. I just dont understand how the the place is packed. I will never return. OMG! YUCK.
(1)Thomas W.
Man of La Mancha's version of the West Side Story! Oh how my old Chelsea neighborhood has changed. The danger and intrigue of the West Side has been changed into Yuppie Heaven! Indeed I often look for Richard Kiley to appear singing Dulcinea to Rita Moreno? It is good to see some things don't change. This place comes right out of the 1960's. It is a little older, but the food is the same--plentiful and a bargain. This Spanish restaurant has the best prices on lobster you will find anywhere. The old style salad dressings don't have the same zest, but the paella is still as good as you will find for this price. There are many higher class Spanish restaurants around, but El Quijote is second to none in the care they put into their Paella Valencia con langosto! Oh how I hope this place stays the same.
(4)Yolanda L.
Relatives brought us here for dinner & I LOVED It! I got the recommended broiled lobster (3 tails) which was delicious, wish i had more. My dad got the whole broiled lobster (which looked fantastic, 1.5lbs), sis got the lobster in garlic sauce (out of this world!), and mom got the filet of red snapper (it was ok but not the best). Portions are hearty, entrees come w/choice of a starch & i opted for the spanish rice. I spooned some of the garlic sauce onto my rice, OMG..heaven. Apparently, this place has been around for a very, very long time & I like the kitschy atmosphere. Sangria was tasty as well. Overall, everyone ordered something fabulous, the flavors were delicious and wants me yearning for more. I'm looking at the yelp pics & i'm drooling already. This place is a must go to for me every time i'm in NYC. That seafood paella looks KILLER!!! Prices are ok, not too expensive & not cheap. fun place for a nite out on the town (or when im vacationing over there) Why does NYC have the BEST restaurants?! puts SF restaurants to shame...
(5)Gally L.
Great place. The portions are huge and the food is good. Got the seafood Mariscara and it was really tasty. The spicy red sauce was really flavorful and plentiful. Exactly the way red sauce is supposed to taste. Additionally my friend got the stuff sole with crab meat and they were very generous with real crab meat. Going to recommend the place to a few friends.
(4)Hannah L.
THIS PLACE IS AMAZING!!! i feel like im in epcot center, if there was spain land. this place is from the 40s, and has not been updated since then. the vintage, kitschy decor is mind blowing. so overstimulating. this is THE place to have original hard-to-find vintage seafood apps, like clams casino and legit shrimp cocktail. my favorite things about el quijote: 1. it's proximity to trailer park. make a kitschy night of it! 2. the sangria is only $23 and equals 3 large drinks for 2 people 3. the waiters all wear tuxedos and bowties with name tags, and serve you your meal onto your plate 4. the booths!!!!! 5. the leftover paella was enough for 2 people's lunch the next day dude, you must come here, it is truly amazingly cheesy and yummy, and i was smiling the whoooooole time.
(5)Eric G.
This iconic New York establishment is fun, festive and loud and a great place to go with a large group of friends--as long as you don't mind eating really horrible food.
(1)Rach K.
Yum! For my friend's birthday, she had a hard time finding a place that would take a party of 8 people for dinner on a Saturday night so she ended up making a reservation here. I walked in to see a relatively long bar, a room divider, and some booth/table seating areas on the other side. I was one of the non-punctual people (due to torrential rain downpour causing traffic all over the place) so I only got to take a few sips of my friend's white wine sangria before we were seated. We were led down the bar through a little doorway into the back area where there were a few tables and cute Spanish decor (ceramic painted tiles, chandelier, etc.). So point #1: ambiance was v. nice. Casual enough to bring children, but cute and upscale enough to bring a date. Now onto the food! To start, we ordered 2 orders each of 4 different tapas - scallops, baked clams, stuffed mushrooms, calamari - and a pitcher of the white wine sangria, because why not? Everything was really delicious and served pretty promptly. Our waiter was really friendly and nice, but not in an overbearing way. I thought all of the tapas were really good but the baked clams were the best. The seasoned breading made it for me. I thought all of the seafood in general was cooked perfectly - tender scallops, crisp and soft calamari. The stuffed mushrooms were good, but a bit salty for my taste. For the main course, we shared the steak and 2 orders of the paella valencia. At the bequest of one of the pickier members of our party, we got it cooked medium well. It was charred on the outside, almost to the point of inedibility, but it was still surprisingly tender and moist on the inside. It came with a side of some spicy gravy, but I silently wished to myself that they had served chimichurri instead. To be honest, I've had better paella, but I thought they did a pretty good job with the flavor and it was full of seafood and chorizo. There was only 1 piece of chicken per pot so not everyone got to try it. From what I heard though, it was really moist and delicious. The paella pots had higher rims than the paella pots I'm accustomed to seeing, and it made a difference in the finished product because there wasn't any rice that crisped up on the bottom of the pan (which is one of my favorite parts about paella). The sangria was really refreshing and had apple and orange slices floating in it, as well as marachino cherries. The bill split amongst the 7 of us (because the birthday girl didn't pay, of course) was $31, which was really good considering we were all completely stuffed and there was even a bit of food leftover. Overall, a really pleasant dining experience! Enough so that even with the boundless restaurant choices in NYC, I'd be willing to visit again.
(4)Geoff C.
Best Lobster and Paella in NY City. The Sangria is great also, but beware, you'll pay for it in the AM. Get's crowded after 7: 00 PM on peak nights so get their early or late on those days.
(4)AP V.
Time-warp dining. I'm sorry I missed the restaurant's heyday. Go for the ambiance, not so much the food, which is just passable. Though portions are impressive and service reminiscent of the Old World and Old New York.
(2)Clare C.
Reservations a must!!! Sangria is very good! Exercise caution - it goes down like fruit juice but can hit you!!!! Food is plentiful. We were a party of 6 and got 5 entrees to split. There was MORE than enough food!
(3)Boyd P.
I went with a group of 4 on a Friday night around 8pm. We were able to make a reservation a few hours earlier so when we got there we were seated immediately. It wasn't packed but I'm pretty sure it was close to capacity. The portions here are HUGE!! Thankfully we didn't order too many tapas otherwise we wouldn't have been able to eat any of our main course. We started off with a pitcher of sangria which was pretty good and with big slices of fruit in it. Then we ordered some light tapas, stuffed mushrooms and clams served in a pot of red sauce which was pretty amazing (+1 for having enough bread leftover to dip in the sauce). I ended up ordering paella seafood combo w/ lobster which came with choice of soup or salad. Ended up going with the soup which was a hearty white bean soup that everyone at the table loved. Everyone else went with the salads which came with an array of dressings to choose from and looked pretty good. The paella came out piled high on a plate and than an entire pot of paella was brought out as well. It was an INSANE amount of food to fathom eating and I ended up having quite a bit of leftovers. Someone else at the table had paella as well and barely even made a dent. The others ordered veal entrees and both plates were very large portions and tasted very good. We rounded off the dinner with another pitcher of sangria and then had the waiter roll us out the door...highly recommended!
(5)Mango J.
El Quijote?.. oh you mean El Excellente.. I like it here , this place is mm mmm good! And from the look,decor, & set up of the place you'd think it was so much more pricey. But its actually quite moderately priced for such marvelously healthy portions of excellent delicious plates of seafood, from salads,rices, pastas and all in such a lovely set up. I like that knight at the front entrance* unique touch that bought character - the red curtains and tassles may come across too much/traditional, too " cha cha" or even dated to some, but I enjoyed it. And this establishment has been succesfully in business for a very long time for a reason. Its good!
(5)Wayne T.
Been here many times and have never been disappointed. Party of 8 big eaters so we ordered all the shellfish apps plus two paellas (with lobsters) for starters. Everything was great especially the raw oysters. To make up for the lower cost of lobsters, it appears they increase the size of the twin lobsters from 1 1/4 to more like 1 1/2 pounders, which is a class act. We also had lobstesr (sans shells) in green and white sauces as well as in puff pastry shells. All excellent. FYI 4 1/2 lb lobster was under $70, which is half of what steak houses charge. Definitely will repeat.
(4)Brad P.
This place has been here a very long time for a reason, and it is definitely one of my favorite go to places in the city. I have never been disappointed. I had one of the best steak and lobster meals anywhere at this place. I try to eat here at least one time on every visit.
(5)Ashish S.
This place belongs in the suburbs -- not in Manhattan.
(1)David Mark S.
My first experience at El Quijote was this past weekend, for a holiday party/Christmas dinner. The place was packed, noisy and vibrant, but generally there was an upbeat atmosphere all around. The extensive menu gives you a lot to think about, but think quick because even with reservations, you might get rushed along a little. I went for the combo dinner of veal and shrimp -- a great portion and tasty, to boot. This paried with an escargot appetizer was solid as a rock. The sangria was a little weak, so i'd suggest sticking with the wine or hard liquor. One small thing: the bar area seems quite the zoo on weekends, if you don't want to get jostled a lot by people waiting for tables or the traffic for the front door, drink at your table. Nice place, efficient if not toasty warm service, and serviceable food at good prices.
(3)liz f.
Excellent tapas and sangria. Wonderful service. The place came highly recommended by friends who have been coming here for years. Their parents come from nj to eat here and their special occasions are celebrated here. With good reason. Went back with my teenagers and it was again amazing. Very accommodating and friendly service. Will come again.
(5)Dani B.
I really like this place. Actually, it may be my new favorite place in NYC. I don't know, I just like everything about it so I find it hard to be eloquent, but I'll try :) First of all... It's next door to Hotel Chelsea, sooo that right there... enough said. Second of all... This place has sooo much history! From Janis Joplin, to Jimi Hendrix, to Patti Smith... Everyone who was ever cool in the history of the planet has eaten at El Quijote. I just like the idea that my butt could be in the same spot that Janis' was. It makes me happy. Third... I like the decor... It's just it's own thing and it's very traditional. I like El Quijote because they are not trying to be modern or trendy. I don't believe that they have changed it much over the years, so it still has that "authentic" feel. In short, the location is great, the vibe is great, the staff is very friendly, and the food is really good. Sometimes I just pop in, sit at the bar and get oysters on the half shell and a glass of champagne. It's a nice little treat. If you are pretty hungry, I like the seafood paella. It's huge. You can definitely share it with a friend. What else? Oh, the sangria is delish and they sell it by the pitcher which is always nice when you are with friends... And yes, this is a good place for groups.
(5)Gloria D.
I have been to El Quijote a few times, mostly during the last month. First - this place is ALWAYS packed, so reservations for parties of three, or more, is a necessity! Second - The Paella Valencia is OUTSTANDING. Reasonably priced, cooked to perfection and simply mouth-watering. Third - The Sangria, both red & white, is amazingly tasty, yet incredibly strong. proceed with caution. I have personally drank more than my fair share, not realizing how DRUNK I was until I stood up. Fourth - If with 4 or less, always ask for a booth. That section is just better. Better lighting, quieter, good spot for a date, if you're on one. I mostly go here with large groups of friends, that side is no good for larger groups. Fifth - The "Steak Tips" Tapas plate is incrediballs. Get it! Sixth - The Filet Mignon with Swiss and Mushroom Sauce, I think it's called "Steak El Quijote" but not sure... Is also amazing. Finally, Seventh - GO GO GO GO GO. Big Yumz.
(4)Robert B.
We ordered the paella Valencia with lobster and the three lobster tails. The paella is supposed to come with chicken, chorizo, shrimps, mussels, clams and lobster. They prepared the wrong dish, there was no chicken or chorizo. Well, they eventually took it back reluctantly, as a matter of fact the waiter told my wife that that is how it is prepared. Only after another waitress came over and inspected the paella and told him it was the wrong order did he agree to take it back. He returned shortly thereafter with the new or should I say revised order with what appeared to be the same dish, with whatt appeared to be a piece of half cooked chicken wing and a few chorizos thrown in. The chicken wing tasted terrible and the chorizo wasn't much better. The whole paella was tasteless. We have had paella that tasted a thousand times better then this. As for the Sangria, it tasted like a version of pink lemonade, not good at all. Then there was the lobster tails, they were over cooked and dried out. Oh, the soup was just tasteless, I think it was white bean or something along that order and the salad was just as unimpressive. The wait staff is comprised of a team of waiters who are mediocre at best. The waitress did not clean my wife's side of the table, I suppose because it would have required more effort to reach that area of the table. When my wife asked for the tool they use to clean the table, instead of the waitress offering to clean it herself she brought my wife the utensil and a plate. Come on your a waitress where did you get your training? OK, the portions are large but who cares if the food is not good.
(1)Shaquana L.
I've come here several times and each one was a great dining experience if it was with a friend or the BF. The service is decent. Comfortable atmosphere. The seafood paella....YUM. The lobster...TASTY. The lamb chops....DE-LiSH! I typically do not get an appetizer because the meal portions are pretty generous and come with a house salad or the white bean soup (which I love). But I'll have to try them someday. And the white sangria...AWESOME. I usually get a pitcher to share, definitely worth it.
(4)Star E.
This place was unbelievably and unnecessarily pricey!!!! So my bf and I decided to share the Lobster Parrillada, which was already $35, they charged us $6.50 to share the meal...how ridiculous!!! For that I got my own salad in addition to his salad, no where near worth $6.50. They claim you get a little extra food. Yea right!!!! We was able to get an extra side after my bf complained about the extra charge, so we had some bland string beans and even more bland broccoli. The seafood was pretty good, as well as, the sangria. The rolls they serve before the meal were hard and the butter was cold, what a combo. I feel that for the prices they charge, there portions could be better. The side dishes were pathetic. I would prefer to go to city island. Get more bang for my buck!!!!
(3)Gillad M.
Certainly for an older crowd but good food. Walking into El Quijote you'll experience a drastic change from the hustle and bustle of 23rd Street to a ornately decorated restaurant with abundant seating. I'd call this a family restaurant good for larger groups with the noise that goes along with it. I started with a bowl of chicken soup which was the highlight of the meal (though I'm not even sure what the soup was called). I opted for the broiled salmon steak, while my fellow diners had chicken and rice and a seafood paelle. The broiled salmon was well flavored and perfectly flake, topped with capers with sides of grilled onions and lightly cooked broccoli. I tried the chicken and rice, and, while the chicken was a bit tough to pick through, the rice was outstanding. Service was OK. It was tough to get the waiter's attention and they were very difficult to understand. Overall, this isn't the type of place I normally good to, but I had great company and I'm glad I tried it out.
(3)Tommy K.
I've been here a few times before and I feel like the place has changed a bit. I feel like I'm being rushed and ignored. Maybe the place is too busy for itself to handle. Customer service has gone down. Big negative. Every visit, I order the lobsters and my friend usually orders the mixed seafood with lobster paella. The food is very good and worth to dismiss the poor service. The sangria could be stronger next time. I like but the management could make some change to help me love it.
(3)Chris A.
Very quaint place . The churrasco (skirt steak ) was grilled perfectly and was a generous portion .
(4)Ariel J.
How could I have waited this long to visit this neighborhood establishment. The decor is kitsch, but of the high brow variety and beautifully done. The service was fun and the portions are huuuuuge. The sangria was great. The house red was really good and available in a half carafe - yeay. I started with the soup of the day, a white bean soup. It was the best i've had. It was followed up with a scallop appetizer was succulent and cooked to perfection. I finished off the feast with the 20oz Filet Mignon Tornedos, rare. The meat was not of the most supreme quality but worth more than the $33 bucks you shell out for the dish. A great experience I look to repeat - next time it's the Paella.
(5)Valerie M.
Oh the Sangria! Always the half carafe or pitcher - never just a glass. This Spanish restaurant never disappoints and they never rush you so it's an awesome place for good conversation ( especially if you have much catching up). Located adjacent to the legendary Chelsea Hotel, El Quijote managed to maintain that old New York charm in ambiance ( the booths) and service. We started out with the scallops in garlic sauce (Vieras Ajillo) followed by mixed seafood paella with lobster (Paella Marinara con Langosta) ending with espresso. So authentically yummy and plentiful too ( it's also a great value)! I can hardly wait to return.
(5)Franny A.
OLD school to the nth degree. One of a few remaining traditional Spanish restaurants left in NYC housed in the classic Chelsea Hotel. I am a big fan of El Quijote on every level. We were seated in a booth- Sweet! The waiters are decked out in waiter uniforms- wow. Bread and butter arrived on the table- nice. As we perused the extensive menu- I usually go with a veal or lobster- both are popular. I went with broiled 1/4 pound lobster which was $21.95. Entrees are served with salad. Now reading other reviews of the salad, I am confused. This is a good simple salad consisting of romaine, radishes, sweet grape tomatoes and what they are famous for is it is served with three different dressings- fab. Remember this is an old school joint, no modern interpretations of food here. The lobster was DELISH- broiled with a little breadcrumbs, very sweet. My friend's fillet of sole was nicely served with lemon and peas.
(4)Doreen L.
Went here with my family because the place was highly recommended to us. Let's just say, I was not impressed. The decor is very nice - old world, dimly lit, Don Quixote statue greets you in the front, but that's about it. There was no music, which sort of made the place sound too quiet at first, and then too loud with all the surrounding conversations. They could've really made the place feel just right some traditional Spanish music.. but I digress. As for the food, well, everything is so SALTY. The bread was salty and not all that great. We didn't even get a second serving of butter when we asked for more bread, which seemed really cheap on their part. For the starter, I got the white bean soup (which is really their version of caldo gallego - it had white beans, potatoes, cabbage and bits of ham). Not so bad, but was very filling. The sangria was OK, but was certainly not the best I've had. For dinner, I ordered the Arroz con Pollo y Chorizo, and it was a HUGE serving. I couldn't even finish the plate in front of me. My sister got the serrano ham and manchengo cheese - and the ham was basically dry. Rest of the family got paella and they agreed the food was extremely salty and not all that special, considering this place charges way more than any other Spanish restaurant I have been to. Wouldn't return here, as there are plenty of other restaurants that are worth the trip.
(2)Peter D.
A great evening - classic atmosphere, great food prepared exactly the way we requested, wonderful service, fair prices. So enjoyable.
(4)Elizabeth N.
Definitely come here for the seafood. Their seafood platters are decent for the price and has a good amount of food on it. However, don't get any meats here. It's not good at all and they don't know how to cook it to the temperature you like.
(3)Gigi L.
This place is amazing. Never disappoints and I hope it never will. My family and I have been going here for years! My dad used to love bringing the family for dinner. I used to always order gambas al ajillo, delicious! The day after my wedding we had a family brunch here as a way to remember my dad and everyone agreed that it was indeed so so good, hospitable, and nice. The family feasted on paella, lobster, steak, you name it. EVERYTHING was worth it! As a matter of fact, I am taking my mom there tomorrow for her birthday =)
(5)Michelle B.
My boyfriend and I were taking a Sunday stroll trying to figure out what the hell to eat when we came upon this place. The outside entrance is quite impressive and gives off a "I have been here a long time" impression. So we gave it a shot. After realizing their portions were the size of a pig trough we skipped the appetizer and went straight for the paella with seafood and lobster. To break it all down the rice was really good piping hot and nicely seasoned, a bit salty but whatever. The mussels and shrimp were wonderful and there was plenty of them, but there were not a lot of clams and scallops, but they were good. They gave us a half of a lobster which was a little dry, and not pre-cracked, yes I am a baby but I really suck at doing this and I appeared as though this was my last meal when trying to do so. The half pitcher of awesome sangria we shared got me nicely buzzed so that makes a good sangria in my opinion. The paella is served in one of those really awesome pots that you get from any discount store for $5 but that is not a bad thing because they really are awesome. You get A LOT of food as I mentioned above. We didn't even get a desert because we were so full. The restaurant ambiance is very nice, almost fancy. I was in jeans, a nice top with flip flops so its not that big of a deal. The service is just OK but the waiters present themselves with professionalism. My only complaint is that the fire alarm was continually going on and off throughout or entire dinner and they didn't apologize for this until I asked them what was going on, nor did they take $ off the bill or whatever....I would have it was my restaurant but whatever. Try it, and bring your stomach.
(4)gozer s.
Coming out of town with my boyfriend we were looking for a dinner before we headed back home.. I'd like to be kinder with words but this was by far one of my worst experiences dining in New York City. We were very disappointed mainly by the service. The only good thing I remember about it was the décor and location, it made me feel as if I was at a Spanish abuela's house in for a treat, except this was not... The staff was horrible to say the least making me feel like I shouldn't have walked in.. the cranky hostess, the sloppy and careless servers who literally slapped food on our plates nearly splashing it all over.. My man ordered a chicken dish without being given the options of choosing a side of veggies until after the chicken came, I ordered the chorizo dish with rice- meh. Mediocre. I make them both better, and I'm Polish, (our food tends to be bland).. Maybe this was just a bad night for the staff. It's really all about the attitude and making folks, especially out of towners feel welcome, even if and when you're overwhelmed and tired- It can be done, I've done it. Get your shit together El Quijote.. and if this is what's to be expected for Pete's sakes lower your prices, no one needs this kind of experience while traveling.. Especially to NYC.
(2)Tunyaluck P.
Good place for Lobster. Double Lobster actually. When you open the menu, look at the bottom left of the second page. Order Double Lobster with your favorite style. It comes with side dishes. Although the place is hugh, but it's packed pretty early. A star is missing because the place is quite old and need improvement. I don't mind old style actually, but an update for hygienic-feel purpose would be nice.
(4)Quan T.
This is, hands down, my favorite Spanish restaurant. Living near San Francisco, I've tried to find something similar and I just can't because every Spanish joint out there just does tapas for the most part. So, to get my fix, I have to come back to NYC every so often and stuff my face here. Their seafood paella is to die for. Their other stuff is pretty good too, but the paella is what keeps me coming back. Like a sad Goldilocks, most other places I've tried end up making theirs too dry, too soggy or just too bland. EQ does it right every time. As far as drinks go, their red sangria is good and you can probably get the same elsewhere, but the white sangria is like freaking ambrosia. I have yet to find any place else that has something that compares. It's got a subtle sweetness that isn't cloying and there's no hint of sourness that I find in other white sangrias. This place is a serious must visit!
(5)Jane Q P.
Definitely one of the great restaurants that I make recommendations to when anyone I know is in the city. The sangria is amazing. The food is amazing. The portions are amazing. Great place to go.
(4)Juan S.
Must have the sangria and please, do NOT skip the Paella Valenciana...if you have to come here, do it solely for the Paella - its amazing!
(5)Tony C.
After reading the good and bad reviews, decided to give it a try. We went on a Sunday afternoon and stayed with what people recommended as the best bets: sangria and paella. Both were excellent: well worth recommending. Service was good, and as good a Don Quixote atmosphere as you could do with that as a theme.
(4)Marcia P.
Fun, retro atmosphere full of windmills; old-fashioned food and portion sizes to match. I've been going here for YEARS but for some reason I only get the daily-double lobster, which is USUALLY very good. HowEVer, on recent visits, one of the two lobsters has been sub-par. Like, mushy. So I don't know what to say... Normally, I love the broiled lobsters; never overcooked or dried out and the buttery breadcrumb stuffing is delish. The homemade potato chips are decadent and irresistible, the soup is good in a hearty Spanish way. The salad's kinda lame, though the old-fashioned dressing carousel is a nice touch. I haven't personally tried much else, but the steaks look giant and good!
(4)G M.
I've been coming here for years because the first impression got me. I was hooked to the surf and turf, sangria and some apps. But I noticed that the last couple of times I came service was suspect and the food average at best. The last straw was when my lobster tail was beyond salty and asked my server for another one, his response was precious---The reason it tastes so salty is because we got it from a saltier ocean....Needless to say I looked at him with knives in my eyes and that's all that I had to say...It seems to me that they are living on reputation now...But that will soon fade...
(2)Mags R.
Let me tell you, it might look dated and tacky but the food is amazing, fresh, delicious and the best Old School Spanish Paella, Sangria, and Spanish dishes. It's worth the trip to try it. This is traditional - the real deal. You might not find the authenticity at some new "trendy" or a "fusion" tapas places. You'll get authentic rich tasting great quality fresh food for the price you pay. It's a little dark so photos won't come out well unless you put the flash on. It could use some updating in the bathroom (old tiles and partitions). The bar is always packed. For my Tapa's fix, I love the Baked Clams, Chorizo, and Garlic Shrimp - which is enough to share because they give you bread - so watch out because it can be filling. It's filling because it's so good you keep eating it - so keep that in mind if you plan on ordering the Paella. Or you can just eat that with the bread and Sangria for Tapas. They have various Paella's and I've tried like 3 (seafood/ chicken and chorizo, and another seafood one I can't remember) and they have all been good. It has a nice rich broth and seafood taste and its moist. Just so you know, the Paella comes in a pot that serves maybe 4 people (if your ordering tapas ). My husband and I eat twice and we still have enough to take home the next day (like maybe one serving - usually mine LOL). I'm telling you this because I had this one young waiter who tried to tell me and my friend that we each needed to order one Paella because it was for one person. He must have been new and didn't know that I go there sometimes so I told him that we would share it and had to stop him at his tracks and tell him that I know the deal because I go there. I didn't want to be rude but he was being persistent. So I'm just looking out for you. They are not usually pushy but do try to get you to order dessert at the end - which I never do because I'm really more about the food than dessert. BTW, they have a vegetarian Paella - never had it but the people next to me did and it looked good and they said they liked it. The skirt stake is amazing, fresh, hot sizzling nice charred flavor medium well with onions, peppers....even the bread is nice and warm served with butter on the side (or use the bread to sop up the garlic shrimp sauce or eat it with the chorizo). FYI - The skirt stake (churrasco) is long, the size of an oblong plate - over 12" maybe. You can probably share that with Tapas and Sangria too. The fish (Tilapia, sole were light tasting). I prefer going here for their Paellas, Tapas, skirt steak, and sangria. I might try more fish here but every time I go, I get tempted to order what I've previously had because its always spot-on good! The Sangria comes in a carafe (serves 2 maybe) or a pitcher. I love the Red Sangria. Haven't tried the white, but the red has always been my favorite. Damn, wish I had some now.
(5)Peter S.
I've been meaning to try this place for a while due to its connection to Leonard Cohen. (I gather he was a regular here back when he lived at the Chelsea Hotel, which is virtually next door.) It wasn't quite what I expected--it's a very old school Spanish restaurant--but I was not disappointed at all. Ordered the Ensalada a la Manny for lunch. It was a very generous portion of nice seafood (shrimp, calamari, etc.) served cold with oil and vinegar. Very tasty, flavorful and filling. My friend had the lobster bisque, which she also really loved. Will definitely come back.
(5)Terri M.
As fans of El Quijote for many years, my husband and I usually dine there whenever we're in Chelsea. Most time we've gone for their special paella or their lobster special, but this time we went straight for the tapas. We had the mussels in green sauce, the shrimp in garlic sauce, the chicken livers with onions, serrano ham and melon, and the manchego cheese with olives--all of which were absolutamente deliciosa! The portions were ample and the prices were more than fair. The service was plentiful and unobtrusively attentive--just the way we like it. The ambiance has that same classy old school feel it has had for years, with tablecloths, uniformed wait staff, and dated but interesing decor. Having always left El Quijote feeling pampered and satisfied, I (we) plan to go there again and again.
(4)D S.
Nothing impressive. Food was OK, except the soup was cold and it had a weird taste. Good service.
(3)Charles M.
I went to this restaurant with my mistress (please don't judge) because it was out of the way and I was almost certain I would not run into anyone that my wife and I knew here. The ambience is quiet and dark -- an all around perfect place to conduct an illicit affair. The waiter was friendly, but I could tell that he was a little distracted when he spilled some of the red wine on the table. For his part, I think he was just checking out my sumptuous date. Regardless, I don't hold it against him. I ordered the broiled cornish hen, my mistress got the skirt steak. Both were very tasty, but mine was just a tad bit dry. When we were finishing the meal, my lady friend made a horrible face (which I initially thought might be because of the food) but when I felt a steaming, lumpy liquid pour over my head I knew otherwise. I turned around and through a face of Black Bean Soup (yuck!) I could see my girlfriend standing there looking mad as heck. Her mother was sitting behind her enjoying a fork-full of Squid a la Romana -- they had apparently been there the whole time! Shucks. I give El Quijote a 3/5.
(3)Joshua Y.
I just got terrible food poisoning from here. Appetizer combination was fowl....something was seriously wrong with it. Me and my boyfriend both got very ill, very soon after We did not eat our entree The manager was very rude, blamed us for not canceling our entrée. Sadly that wasn't an option considering our waiter was virtually non existent.
(1)Wendy J.
I have been here 4 times. Twice last year, then March this year and last Saturday. All 4 times I ordered the exact same dish (Langosta Rellena), which was their stuffed lobster with crabmeat. It came with a salad and also a side dish, which I chose rice. The first three times I had the most amazing stuffed lobsters. Each time I had a decent size lobster and the stuffing was so delicious; as was the tasty rice. Compared to other expensive seafood restaurants in Manhattan and on Long Island, I felt this place gives you a good bang for your buck. l was hooked on their lobsters. However, this past Saturday, I was surprisingly disappointed. When I was ordering, the waiter asked if I wanted lobster tail or whole lobster. This was never asked the first 3 times I ate here. Of course I said whole lobster; which was what I got before. When my dish came, I saw a baby lobster, sitting alone on a metal plate; the size of it was significantly smaller this time, as was the portion of the rice, which was now served on a smaller plate. It seems the price hasn't changed; but the portions they serve now were much smaller than before. The food was still delicious, but was not as filling as before. So I ended up ordering desert, a strawberry cheese cake, which was tasty. I will go back here to try again. But then, I will be ordering a 2 lb stuffed lobster.
(3)Ann K.
Went to El Quijote with a couple co-workers last winter. The food was decent, the sangria was yummy and we generally had a good time. The tapas offerings were better than the paella which I'll likely skip next time. I've been to better tapas places but if you're in Chelsea, it's worth a stop but don't make a special trip.
(3)dusty c.
Was always curious about this place on past stays at the Chelsea next door, and we love Spanish food so my husband I met up with a friend here are at El Quijote on our most recent trip in to the city. I was thrilled to discover how awesome this place is. It's the oldest Spanish restaurant in NYC, open since 1930. The interior feels delightfully old-school and proper, with dim lights, red leather booths, candles, waiters and busboys in jackets. Service was great - serious and attentive without being stuffy. We loved everything we tried, foodwise: a few tapas - shrimp in green sauce, serrano ham and olives, stuffed mushrooms. Entrees at the table - chicken quijote - whole roasted chicken in brandy sauce, crabacakes (my favorite), and a lobster dish with a delicate cream sauce that my husband all but fainted into because he loved it so much. We finished off a pitcher of sangria too - it tasted wonderful and there was quite a lot of it! Highly recommend this place for a fun, elegant dinner with a warm and lively atmosphere.
(4)Andy X.
I've been to this place twice. For Lobster it's pretty cheap. If I recall correctly they have 2 1 1/4 lobsters for under 35 bucks. I've gone with a group of 6 both times. I have tasted good portion of the dishes there. Food is good value, atmosphere is nice, not too loud.
(4)Jen L.
Great place for paella. Cool spot. Service is great too. And I love the vibe and atmosphere there. They give LOTS of food, which is what I like. I like how old this place is too. All we had was paella and man, it was good, plentiful and very flavorful. Highly recommend.
(4)Aly Y.
Can't believe that I have finally set foot into this historic place (even more ironic that it was my cousin who made the reservation - she's visiting from Asia!!) Wonderful smells of garlic and seafood upon entering made me so hungry. Nice long bar near the front of the restaurant made me wish I lived upstairs in the Chelsea Hotel! We were a party of eight; given the back room near the kitchen. At first, a bit noisy as there was a bigger party of twenty men next to us. But after they left, we had the room all to ourselves - yay! Now for the food - we ordered tapas of chorizos, stuffed mushrooms, garlic shrimp, serrano ham with honeydew and a 2+ lb. broiled lobster. Yum. We ordered the tapas and wine first; both delivered soon after we ordered. They didn't take our entree orders until after we were almost finished with our tapas which was alittle unusual. For the entrees, thumbs up for the paella marinera (mixed seafood), paella marinera with lobster and the strip steak. Unless you're Joey Chestnut (winner of several Nathan's hot dog eating contests), one paella is big enough to share. Thumbs down for the overdone rack of lamb (entrees were slow to come out so hubby didn't want to wait if he sent the lamb back). For the service, I'd describe it as professional, amiable and not overbearing. We never felt rushed and our water glasses were always filled promptly. Good thing we were not in a rush because we had a nice leisurely dinner which allowed us to catch up with our cousins from Asia and Australia!! Did not have room for dessert this time so will have to return!
(4)Nancy C.
Wow. What a place! The food was delicious, the place is romantic, the service was great, the sangria was oh-so yummy!! A date took me out to this place and I was impressed! I admit I didnt think very much of it from the outside. They got bamboo plants outside a old fashioned looking spanish restaurant. Mmmmmmm ok. Once you're inside though, you're not in modern New York anymore. Actually, you've just time traveled to New York circa the 40s, with old fashioned dressed waiters, low light, old classic style paintings on the walls, deep rich reds, and a bar that says "charlie chaplin used to eat here, my friend". (Dont take my word for it. Im just using my imagination here). My date and I sipped the sangria pitcher for a good two hours while chatting and munching on real potato chips, which were great! The chicken with almond sauce was fantastic! chicken in a sweet almond sauce with crunchy roasted almond slivers on top! The textures were exciting! He ordered the lamb which he says was good too. The only thing was that they mistakenly ordered him the wrong thing. Instead of bringing out lamb, they brought him a lobster. I decided to wait for his dish to arrive but then the waiter offered to hold the plate in the kitchen to stay hot while I waited, which was really helpful and attentive of him (I would have drooled over it while waiting). Bravo!
(5)Jessica N.
Went here for the first time last Friday with my boyfriend after he heard from a coworker about it who loved it. We're very big on paellas and sangria so immediately we knew we had to go and what we would be getting. I felt a little out of place at first because I was not expecting it to look the way it did- we were greeted at the door by a staff member in a full suit. While it does seem nicer though, most people do come in casual so it's fine. We split the paella marinana with lobster and it was definitely more than enough for both of us. They add a sharing charge of $6.50 but you also get to choose between a soup or salad to start off so it was worth it. We both ended up trying the garlic soup which was delicious! The paella was brought over in a small pot and served to us and was enough for 2-3 servings each. It had shrimp, mussles, clams, scallops and half a lobster- amazing! We got a pitcher of the red sangria to drink and it was great too. It was a bit strong and the pitcher was a pretty good size (we could have just as easily just done the half pitcher). It was a great dinner and for the type of food/drink we got, the price was good too. Will definitely be coming again soon and hope to try more of what they have.
(4)Robert P.
I was amused by the review that said they were charged six fifty to split a lobster when it was already 35 dollars ! Wow, a 35 dollar lobster, that's really expensive! (not) how can the place be overpriced when they are still charging $16.95 for 3 pork chops? This is NYC! The food Is great. Try the Shrimp Ajillo, Lobster in Green Sauce, pork chops, or Chicken Ajillo.
(4)Celina K.
Love the Red wine sangria!! The combination Quixote plattter is well worth it and a great sampling of the bests on the menu. Grilled shrimp, lobster tail, filet mignon, and chicken villaroy (coated in a mashed potato breading). This place never disappoints.
(5)Julie Y.
From what I hear, this is the oldest spanish restaurant in the city. It's not much from the outside but quite charming inside. We were a group of 13 for lunch. About 90% of the people went with some form of paella and I did have a taste. double yum! I was one of the few rebels and opted for the skirt steak b/c the 24 oz steaks seemed ridiculously large. Ironic thing was that the skirt steak must have been at least 30oz and the length of my arm!!! Great steak... yummy potato chips... Won't hear me complaining...
(5)Jerry A.
Been going there for more than 30 yrs. Love EVERYTHING there especially Champagne Sangria, Seafood Paella, anything in green sauce and of course....broiled Lobster (only the price is disappointing). I was once told by the owner that the cost went up so he had to raise the price....however, now that the cost went down, I'm still waiting for the price to go down. But still one of my favorite places in all of NYC !!!!!
(4)Sharyn M.
I have been going here for over 25 years. My favorite is their broiled lobster. In the last few months, they have been adding way too many bread crumbs, no olive oil or whatever they used to add to make it moist but it's way too dry. I thought it might be a new cook, but it's been a few months now and they should have gotten it right by now. I will give them one more chance, then well look for another place to go. I'm there at least oncea month. VERY upsetting to see them go downhill.
(1)Jessica G.
I was not a fan of this restaurant. The food was boring and I wasn't a fan of the flavors.
(3)Ebony J.
Very nice, cozy restaurant. I loved my seafood dish and was happy with the freshness of my lobster. I wish it had just a hint more seasoning to make it flavorful. Otherwise, this is a pretty good restaurant that provides generous portions.
(4)A L.
Fancy restaurant. Came here a couple of times with the bf. We both enjoy the food! And we love the sangria!! Whenever we come, we can ever finish! The seafood paella is pretty good. My bf has the porter house which was huge! (Could be my dinner for few days). I had the combo el Quijote, which comes with shrimp, lobster, steak and chicken!
(4)Leon P.
Waited a while for the food but its a nice spot to eat. I had filet mignon it was average nothing special. I think the seafood taste better that's what the wifey says.
(3)Jon Henry Q.
I just found out the rumors are all true they have sold the place and it is going to the "lets flip the script " route could be a. Breath of fresh air or its going to become super trendo and lose all of its charm. And you know what's next fire the whole staff and jack the prices to bad now I am missing them and they aren't even gone yet
(1)Hans W.
Although The Chelsea Hotel no longer exists, El Quijote holds on to that mystique of legends that once passed through there or was their local spot: Patti Smith, Maplethorpe, Sid Vicious among many others. It has that great vibe that holds on to the NYC of yesteryears and is one of the true tapas bar in the city. I highly recommend the Sirloin tips with a bottle of Tempraniillo. Cool down your thirst in the summertime with an icy cold Strella de Galicia beer. Also 1 1/2 lb of lobster with soup salad and rice for $25, not bad at all. There's word they are moving from that spot: I hope that's not the case. That will put the last Niall in the coffin of the New York everyone knows about and will become a douchebaggy sports bar with shitty food and bad service.
(5)Robert C.
Dinner and drinks at the bar for the first of many future visits. Generous sized tapas (big meaty marinated portobello, large tasty crab cake) were a nice surprise in this classic legendary spot. The prime NY strip steak dinner (and others) has to be one of the best values in Manhattan, as it includes sides. Next time we'll sample fish and seafood dishes. We had the pleasure of meeting one of the locals lucky enough to live close and be a frequent guest. That speaks volumes about quality and value.
(4)Helen K.
Paella was satisfying. Not over the top authentic flavor but still it was good. Portion was also very generous.
(4)Marciano B.
For many years my favorite, the food is consistent and the portions are generous. Their Paella dish can easily satisfy two persons. Love the freixenet Cava! There is one female waitress(Latin?/mid 30's early 40's/curved dark hair/short posture) who is absolutely a sweetheart! Great service. Croquettes de bacalao : fantastico! Escargot : delicious Paella: Muy sabroso! Staff at the door is friendly. The young Spanish male host(wearing a suit) , sometimes act a bit arrogant and cocky. Try to change this because multiple customers have noticed this , next to that it effects the overall great dining experience( see it as constructive feedback).
(5)Benjamin A.
Awful! Unless you're over age 65 and nostalgic for old fashioned pseudo-Spanish food with terrible service and outdated decor there is no reason for you to go to this restaurant. I asked the waiter to show me the list of Cava on the menu...he pointed to Sangria and walked away. Despite this being a "spanish" restaurant they only have one choice of Cava...Freixenet or Freixenet...really???? The food was all over cooked...including the lobster, which is their signature dish. I can't think of a good reason to go to this restaurant. Awful!!!!!
(1)Scotty K.
Just a quickie review to throw praise and let others know how amazing their food and service are! I've been here a bunch of times with family and they never fail to amaze!! Last night I have the rice and chorizo, my aunt had the salmon steak and uncle had the dinner salad (filled with shrimp, chicken, etc)... amazing@@ Also, be prepared for leftovers whatever you order... Even my reasonably priced rice/sausage dish came in a huge pot, filled with about 6 servings, not that isn't wasn't good enough to keep going, however I had to fight that urge :)) Enjoy!!!!
(5)Joe T.
This is one of my favorite "time machines" in NYC. A real throwback to an earlier era (1930s - 1950s). Go and enjoy the atmosphere from a red leatherette booth. Food was good too. We order two dishes: Paella and a House Special (I forget the name) that had Filet Mignon, Lobster Tail, Chicken Breast and Shrimp. Both entrees provided food for 2 meals in addition to the one we had in the restaurant. So priced very reasonably, when you consider the portion size. That said, if you are staying in a hotel, and aren't bringing food home, a lot will go to waste. In that case, I suggest you go just to have a drink at the real cool retro bar (check out the original cash register).
(4)Kelly H.
Love, love, love, this place, been coming here for over 10 years. I've never had a bad meal and the service is always good. I highly recommend it.
(5)Rob G.
Saturday night dinner here . Another great meal! Chicken Villeroy and shrimp and white sauce! Clams on the half shell and white bean soup. Love the fact that I have leftovers
(4)DJ P.
Expensive is an understatement. I would say, however, the food is good quality and try to get their lunch specials but be prepared to flag down the inattentive staff.
(2)Nick P.
I've been going to this restaurant for the past 2 years and have had a lot of wonderful memories. The decor is a true throwback to old New York with the remnants of cigarette burns on the bar harkening back to a time in the 60's where it was connected to the Chelsea Hotel. There is a true feeling that you are dining in the shadow of some of the greatest musicians, artists and literary greats of our time. The entire decor is dedicated to El Quijote, with statues and murals adorning the entire restaurant. Oh yeah...It is cosy, upscale and the waters wear suits with red jackets and black bowties. Gentleman are expected to be gentleman and it's a rule to remove the lid. There is a sense of elevation of a restaurant experience. My girlfriend and I both love the staff and especially Christian, the bartender, who is amazing and has excellent points of service. I can't say enough about how professional he is, which is sadly a lost art of many current day bars in the city. The food...what can't I say? I've never had a bad dish there. The steak tips are amazing, calamari (grilled) garlic sauce, scallops in garlic sauce and the giant filet mignon entrees are to die for. All in all excellent service across the board. One of the last great original restaurants that continue to sustain.
(5)Ariane S.
What a shame. I have been going here for over 20 years and I just had the most disappointing experience. I will never go back. We ordered the Madrid (whole lobster and steak), the usual. Steak wasn't the best but we were willing to deal since it's been one of our favorite spots for years. We tasted the lobster and it was rancid. Disgusting. We asked to speak to the manager and he was so incredibly rude (new management) and could "do nothing for us." I told him that we've been patrons for years and never had a problem...always looked forward to coming. We didn't even ask for money back, just wanted an apology and thought maybe he'd comp a round of drinks or some coffee. Nothing. So, bye bye El Quijote, I still taste that rancid lobster...good luck with your new management.
(1)Max R.
Best Lobster in New York! Excellent service, delicious food! A 2 1/2lb broiled female lobster with delicious breadcrumb stuffing is simply sublime. The prices are excellent for the portion sizes and quality of ingredients. The Filet Mignon tornados are absolutely fantastic and they give you two large chunks of steak! The Red Snapper Vizcaina with a delicious tomato sauce and lots of little neck clams surrounding it is also a fantastic dish! The boss' name is Jose and he is ALWAYS there and ALWAYS available if you have any problems or just want to tell him your praises. El Quijote is a legendary place and one of the best restaurants in NYC in my opinion.
(5)Lorelei D.
I can't believe that, as a native New Yorker, I had never gone here before. Wonderful atmosphere and food. Definitely try the tortilla espanola and the hanger steak. Great blue cheese dressing for salad!
(4)C.E. R.
The food is overly salty and the portions are too huge for a normal sized person yet the restaurant charges $9.50 to share a meal. The music was horrible; it was noisy and the decor was tacky. We will never visit this place again. Eating at this restaurant was a total waste of money.
(1)Joey C.
Service would receive 5 stars. However, the food deserved 1 star. Everything was flavored with salt and nothing else, or so it seemed. Paella was buttery and very salty. Rice was undercooked. Don't get me started on the processed flan from-a-can that was not consumed by anyone at the table. This food is for boring old whites. I would not go back or recommended it as a foodie destination.
(1)Eileen C.
My dad and I went to celebrate my father's 81st Birthday on Sunday 6/6/15. What a mistake! Wait staff was standing around socializing. We waited over 20 mins to get their attention. We asked a busboy to send a waiter over. We watched him tell several waiters (who were staring at us). Yet, we continued to wait for another 10 mins. When we received our food, several of the side dishes were missing. But.... so was our waiter. We couldn't eat everything @ the same time. He wasn't apologetic in the least. Secondly, the food was very substandard. I had been to dinner here several times without any issues. It was very disappointing. I won't be back!
(1)Robert C.
I would like to say nice things about this place and the old world decor was warm and inviting, if you like that look. The service was very efficient. BUT we ordered 2 different paellas and neither had any flavor. Just a lot of rice and seafood but no sauce or spices in it. Not being an expert in spanish food I still have to think it can taste a lot better than this. They included salad as well and it was pathetic. the sangria was sweet and slurpy but not special. Looking at the crowd it seemed full of tourist types but it was 2 days from XMAS so maybe it was included in a tour guide. This native NYer won't be back. Pobrecita.
(2)Justin S.
El Quijote is truly legendary, not only in New York City but in the sphere of my friend who sees it as one of the most classic "old New York" restaurants. As we pulled up to the restaurant in the cab, I exclaimed "I didn't realize it was IN the Chelsea Hotel," but yes, it surely is (on the ground floor anyway). I've been here twice now, and both times I found that the atmosphere and the food are equal in quality. That said, I don't think this is an avant-garde dining establishment, or even one where you can really go expecting mind-blowingly good food, but somehow the old-fashioned atmosphere, solicitous waiters and massive portions work together to form something great. El Quijote is basically a Spanish-influenced steakhouse and the menu reflects that. There are some interesting Spanish options but I have always found myself drawn to the steak here. I went hard and ordered the Filet Mignon Dulcinea last time, which is essentially a gorgeously cooked, huge piece of meat served on an old-fashioned silver plate. You have an option for sides, and most people here will tell you to go for the old-fashioned fried potatoes which is a good choice. My steak was excellent and extremely meaty... I don't mean that to be glib, but to say that it was a cut of high quality and one that had been tampered with minimally as far as flavor goes (we like that). The group I was with shared a few appetizers including shrimp cocktail, mushrooms in garlic sauce and chorizo, all of which were good, though the steak definitely eclipsed them. While waiting for our table, we ordered a few drinks at the bar. I went for a Negroni which was great - And it seemed like the right type of drink to order while hanging out in this old atmosphere (though sangria also seems a popular choice). At dinner, the waiter recommended some pretty good Spanish red wine which we shared and enjoyed. All told, El Quijote is at least an interesting bet for something different, and for a more old-fashioned dining experience in New York. It's a good fall-back as a place to take out-of-town guests too, and that steak will keep me coming back too!
(5)Daybel V.
OMG the worst restaurant I have EVER been in . My boyfriend took me here for my birthday. We dressed up and he wanted a romantic night for me . The night was going good until we received our food. The presentation was nice but the food was HORRIBLE!! That not being enough in the middle of our dinner the waiter asks us to move bc they had a bigger party come in and they needed our table . They move us and offered us the most disgusting cake ever!! It tasted like an ice box cake .
(1)Ari A.
El Quijote had me feeling full, tipsy, and happy all at once. The paella gets you tons of food at a reasonable price & the lobster tail was generous. But beware for those splitting charges. We ordered enough food that I thought it was a bit overkill. That and the soup they served was subpar. Our chorizo plate was delicious, but the olive & Manchego plate was underwhelming. If you order the steak, I hope you think 3 meals in advance, I'd say it was easily 1.5lbs on that plate. El Quijote was a blast from the past, where people are still slipping the maître'd tips & the servers are wearing red monkey suits. Be prepared for an experience & come hungry.
(3)Frank M.
Great food and drinks at reasonable prices. Sangria is one of the best. Went with good friends and my girlfriend before Radio City Christmas show. Been going there for years. Never know when to stop ordering appetizers, big selection of good food. Seafood always good. Bar area is tight, not much room to hang.
(4)Ernest A.
We decided to try this NYC establishment after the recent take over. The place was crowded and the usual poor service was in abundance. I ordered the porterhouse medium, which was presented charged, Still, a good and very large piece of meat and certainly edible. My companion ordered a 2.5 Male lobster opened. What arrived was a female lobster unbroken. What was worse - the lobster was not 2.5 pounds. It was the same size as all the other lobsters passing the room - the standard 1.25 pounds. A mistake, and that was innocent enough. However, after a thirty minute wait, the same exact lobster was returned to the table. We were upset to say the least. To put it mildly, there are simply many other places to go in NYC to have a good meal and I cant say this in one of them. With poor service, and obviously a rather poor service manager, Id say count yourself lucky if you go and enjoy your meal, but otherwise be concerned.
(2)Gabrina P.
I am sad to say that I will not be returning to this restaurant-which I've been going to for about 20 years with my family. My sister and I went there for much needed Friday night get together. We ordered our usual-the Madrid/New York-which is a ny strip steak and a whole broiled lobster. It turns out that the lobster was inedible. It tasted awful-we told the waiter that it tasted weird to us. The waiter, who was very attentive, said that he would have to talk to the manager. He then came back and said that the manager said that he can't do anything about it. We asked to speak to that manager. The manager came over and said that the only thing he could do is offer us another lobster-but, after the taste of the first lobster we were disgusted. He then said that was the only thing he can do,-nothing else. Really? He can't offer a cup of coffee or even a measly dessert or even a drink? Who wants to send back a lobster? After all these years, we're so sad to say that not only were we dissatisfied by our meal-but the treatment from management was awful. We're so disappointed.
(1)Lulu H.
Open letter to the new owners and chefs: PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE EL QUIJOTE INTO A NEW, TRENDY, and OVERPRICED PLACE TO EAT. NYC is full of places where one can get a good meal of small portions for a mortgage payment and have a "high end" generic dining experience. Take it from a life long New Yorker... The best places that make New York what it is are fast disappearing. Old time establishments with history and grit are what make NYC unique and a destination to be fully indulged, not simply visited. If one wants shiny and new, go to Disney World or some suburban strip mall. El Quijiote is one of those favorite places that offered good food (and sangria!) in a relaxed and interesting atmosphere at reasonable prices. Not every restaurant needs to be a once in a life time entire paycheck experience. I miss the neighborhood stand bys that locals are comfortable frequenting on a regular basis, rather than the trendy places that cater to the tourists. So again, I beg you to not turn a beloved restaurant into just another expensive place to eat. Thank you for listening.
(1)Cheyenne B.
I was there Saturday 4/25 @ 2pm with a guest. The decor was ok, it certainly looks like it's 85 yrs of age. We stood in the foyer for approximately 10 mins before we were seated. The place was NOT crowded, many available tables and booths. The waiter placed menus on the table and hurriedly walked off. A short time later (15 mins) he returned and wanted to rush take our order, note....We weren't even offered any water. I asked a passing server for water. The food came a short time later. I ordered the seafood combo of shrimp/octopus in garlic sauce. My guest ordered the Mussels in green sauce. The food was excellent. The service needs a lot to be desired. The waiter was not atttentive. He never returned to us until tab time. I only gave 3 stars because of the food. If there were a service rating. Based on my experience, the place would fail in customer service. I will not recommend to friends and family.
(3)Charlie M.
Firstly, As other posters have pointed out. The decor is a huge throwback. I felt like I was sitting in the red booths circa 1970. BUT the food is very good. Huge portions in big pots come to your table. The staff is very friendly. This place to a life long New Yorker like myself is what makes NYC great.
(4)David L.
Very much felt like I was in Madrid. Very generous portions, highly seasoned dishes and gregarious service. Worth going back
(4)Betty Ming L.
This is such a fun restaurant space, basically a local landmark with a wonderfully responsive staff. I love the ambiance! But I would never go just for the food, which is fairly standard in taste and preparation, sort of reminds me of cafeteria seafood. We stopped in for a snack of three appetizers: stuffed scallop with mystery filling, garlicky shrimp that tasted so previously frozen and mussels vinaigrette which was little more than mussels with chopped onions and a splash of vinegar. The bread was truly like school cafeteria Italian bread! Nothing wrong with any of this. This is still a great place to take a group for an evening of wine and laughs.
(3)Mike F.
The best food and the prices are great! Been going here for over 20 years and never had a bad meal. Waiters are great....you will love this place. Be prepared to bring home food, they give you so much.
(5)Soy L.
Plus side - 1. Pleasant staff. 2. Tasty food. 3. Reasonable prices. 4. Nice vintage feel. 5. The best cup of coffee I've had in a long time. Minus side - 1. Men's room was filthy. 2. About five different people will serve you and take your order. Some are good, some not. The food delivery was met with - "who ordered the chicken?" That's unprofessional. 3. The staff congregates by the front door/coat check room. We sat there and had to hear quite a few conversations. We had no choice. 4. One item was overcharged on the bill by $3 as compared to the menu. I did not bother to complain but that is just sloppy, sloppy, sloppy. Be on the look out for it in case it's a recurring issue. 5. Bread basket will not get refilled no matter what.
(2)Angela M.
Miguel and I have been coming here for so long that a waiter is now the manager. How time flys when you're eating a good meal. Spanish cuisine is a passion of ours. El Quijote is great for couples or a group. Ask to be seated in the main dining room or eat at the bar. And don't forget to count the statues of Don Quijote.
(3)Arthur J.
I have only eaten at the bar here, but the day I did the calamari was super fresh and the margaritas perfect. The bartender friendly and knowledgeable, the room interesting with dark woods, red wall paper. Definitely going back to meetup with friends at the bar for more calamari insalada and margaritas!
(4)Carl B.
It's one of the oldest Spanish restaurant in NYC, open since 1930. The interior feels charmingly pleasant conventional and proper, with dim lights, red leather booths, candles, waiters and busboys in jackets. This place is like the Latin accidental discovery of something pleasant and valuable, in my opinion. A inconspicuous storefront hides a hidden jewel. The food was delicious, the portions are enormous, the place is romantic, the service was great, and the pork chops, chicken and shrimp were all exceedingly scrumptious !! The food is good, the prices are not that expensive and you get a lot of food. What more could you ask for? Thank You El Quijote...
(5)Naoko I.
Their Lobster Paella was amazing. If I remember it correctly there was a whole (or half, cannot remember) Lobster in the Paella pan with all other sea foods. Their seafood and the rice was seasoned just perfect and tasty. It is very huge so you might want to share with your friends. I'd like to go back again very soon.
(5)Emma M.
BF and I stumbled in here over the weekend looking for a late dinner. We had second thoughts once we got inside and we're greeted by a woman with crazy hair and a matador costume but ignored our good sense and sat down anyway. We thought it was tapas. It is not. The menu lists a few appetizers as tapas, but this is not a tapas restaurant. Determined to salvage the night, we sat down and ordered the fried calamari. Gross. They were chewy, flavorless, not crispy in the slightest and came with a side of pizza sauce in a metal gravy boat. At this point we were scared to order anything else off the menu and just paid for the wine and "fried calamari" and bailed. But not before I got a look at the "desert cart." OMG. They keep the desserts in the most disgusting manner I have ever seen. Out on the floor in a metal and glass case that looks like it's been in the restaurant since the 1960s. Plus the desserts just look nasty. So unappetizing. Kitschy and charming? Not even. This place is just OLD. I will never come back here.
(1)Mike G.
I come here every trip to NYC. Food is excellent and portions are huge. Favorites are shrimp creole and stuffed shrimp. The shrimp creole is in a tomato based slightly spicy sauce and served with rice. They bring you a pot full of shrimp. Very tasty. The stuffed shrimp come with a stuffing that actually has pieces of real crabmeat in it. Excellent, tasty meal. Prices are very reasonable and include soup or salad. Bread served with meal as well. If you go, get the red sangria. It is homemade and it is excellent. Will keep coming back.
(5)Ishan G.
Mediocre food...Interesting place.. A curious place. Somewhat like an Olive Garden of Spanish food. Crowded, big menu, streamlined service.. super sized plates. My wife and I went here with a couple of friends thinking that this is a classic Spanish tapas food. The menu was big enough that there were a few appetizers which passed for tapas. Some dishes were good, the other okay. Nothing spectacular. Prices are decent. But definitely not a place I would go for a second time nor place to take anyone if you want to impress them. If you happen to go here, stick to seafood.
(3)Raven M.
El Quijote is one of those Magical Places. I felt as if I was in Spain circa late 20's- with Anais Nin and Henry Miller getting cozy in the booth behind me.... The pictures posted on their website just do not do it justice. Low-Candlelit-Hints of sparkle- Utter Bliss. As a party of three we enjoyed Champagne Sangria- I must point out it was The Best I have ever had. Enough that lasted us throughout dinner. The pickled asparagus (I believe) was out of this world. All of their small dishes in fact were incredible. For my entree I enjoyed the Sole verde, which was tender, juicy and exactly what I had in mind. All of their entrees are definitely large enough to to share. Service was absolutely impeccable. I can't wait to return- maybe I'll book a room at the famous Chelsea Hotel as it's right next door ; )
(4)Jackie M.
I'm inlove with this place. I've been going here for years and held my birthday party in the back room w/o having to pay a fee to do so. Even bought outside cake inside with no extra fee. The food is excellent and come in big portions, prices are reasonable and attentive service. Their Sangria is amazing & the paella is mouth watering. My faves are the grilled salmon and fried shrimp. The decor is cute and old-fashioned, but I don't care about that. What matters is the food in my opinion and I constantly refer my friends here and now they're El Quijote fans too.
(5)Corey J.
Based on our expectations this restaurant was a bit of a disappointment but did have some positive aspects. Serving sizes here are HUGE! Their dinner rolls are massive but sadly were dried out in the center. The vegetable Pallea was also unneccessarly large and could have fed more than my whole family. One a positive note the Sangria was definitely worth ordering a picher of and the Grouper in green sauce was delicious.
(2)Gregg L.
This is my go to spot for a date. It has that classy old school vibe. The waiters treat you like friends. The portions are huge and the soups are great. My favorite dish? The shrimp in wine sauce!! It's amazing and very filling. If you want a taste at a lower price go during lunch. This place gets crowded for dinner so be sure to make reservations!
(4)Raisa M.
I love El Quijote. The portions are GIGANTIC and the food is delcious. The decor is gaudy but absolutely wonderful. If you're not too hell-bent on going to chic restaurants, you should give this place a try.
(4)J J.
I have yet to have a good experience with Spanish food (which has led me to believe that Spanish food is not very tasty), and this definitely did not make it better. The paella was mediocre at best, although the portions were huge. It was crowded when we went, although I can't exactly figure out why.
(2)Lori K.
i came here for a group birthday dinner this past weekend and there is nothing to complain about- except for the space that they kindly ask you wait in until your entire party has arrived. it's so small and crowded next to the bar you feel bad hovering over people. it is only a minor setback though because you will surely enjoy your evening at this restaurant. there are three separate dining spaces so there really is plenty of room for everybody- but making a reservation is highly suggested. the wait staff was super friendly and attentive, always filling up our water glasses and bringing additional items to the table upon request. the portions are HUGE! seriously- make sure you share with someone. i took home more than half of my arroz con pollo y charizo (mmm....) and will probably be eating it for dinner for the next three nights. everything was very flavorful (sangria, salad dressings, etc). and i even got to taste some dessert. i loves me some cheesecake! the prices are reasonable and the food is yummy... i would absolutely recommend this restaurant, especially for group dinners or date night.
(3)Suzanne E.
Does anyone have any idea when the decor dates back to? I agree that it could be seen as kitschy, but I've always found it fascinating, sort of fossilized at some point in time that I can't figure out. I first discovered it in the 1980s and fell in love with it immediately, and the last time I checked it hadn't changed a bit. It has a 1950s Technicolor B movie feel to it, but something else going on as well. Anyway, thanks to Nicole C. for the info that Janis Joplin used to hang out there.
(4)Pucci P.
Yummm!! You gotta love the tacky fabulous decor in this place. It's so kitchy....they even have a dessert cart . The food is delicious and the portions are enormous. By far the best seafood around!!! The waitstaff consists of career waiters...think Joe's Stone Crab Miami beach. The prices are reasonable and the Sangria is delicious. I go there at least twice a month.
(5)R M.
I looooove Spanish food and I think this place turned me on to it. This is not a place to go to follow the tapas fad (though their appetizers, such as the chorizo, are pretty good too) -- I come here for the paella! It is always perfectly cooked (rice is fluffy, not soggy nor dry), with lots of flavor and big pieces of seafood. Portions, in general, are very big (both a good and bad thing!). I also like their softshell crabs (though they are a bit on the small side but what do you expect when you crave softshells and they're not exactly in season?). The waiters are friendly and helpful, even though the restaurant gets jam packed. The only thing I'm not crazy about is the occasional guitar band that they allow to roam around the restaurant playing loud, bad music. One time I think the singer spit in my food but oh well it was still good.
(4)BizyMizy O.
Went this week at about 8pm, place was busy for an "off" night. The table options presented to us were limited, but ultimately sat promptly (3 mins) at a great booth. Dim lighting, old fashioned spanish decor, the place feels old inside - which for me was a little "ehh" but quickly became warm n Unprentenious, that includes Diners and staff. Staff was great and very attentive. Perhaps staff is a little too quick (a time or 2 resulting in spilled water/ piece of food) but nothing major at all. THE GREEN SAUCE is awesome, you will be dipping your bread in it, I ordered the mussels in green sauce - it was great!! Even better, I have an onion allergy n told the waiter about it AFTER we got the sauce (sauce is like a cilantro/ onion/ I cant guess anymore ingredients but I loved it!) they brought back a sauce without onions smoothly, no worries. Overall, the patrons were about 40+, looked like famillies, afterwork folk, attire looked casual/business casual, dont come here looking hot, this place is not that speed. Its the kinda place you can connect with someone at, catch up, have a conversation, enjoy the Red Sangria, I ordered a pitcher, its cheaper that way and not overpowering. I regret not having dessert here, but after seeing the portions they give you, its amazing! My appetizer alone (see dish listed above, lol) was totally meant for two! Great date night for long term, older couples, famillies, friends (slow speed). Not a place to really dress completely down either, ie hoody, jeans, sneakers. Spent about $100, well worth it :)
(4)Alice K.
One of my favorites! Very reasonable prices and EXCELLENT food. I always go for the paella which is more than enough to feed 2-3 people. The tapas is also awesome. I usually get the chorizo and the grilled baby calamare. Service has always been good for me (knock on wood). Highly highly recommend this place =)
(5)Marvin C.
Had lunch there when I was one of a very few customers. Even then, service was inattentive at best, if not dismissive. The filet mignon tips were so average. The iced tea was odd tasting, and a second glass, which I was charged for again, was no better. My comments and input was ignored completely. Go here when you are desparate. Over-rated and needs to go into the history books.
(2)Adam K.
Excellent New york City locale for Spanish food that offers some excellent traditional steaks as prepared in Spain. Its very old-fashioned like a restaurant you'd find in Madrid that had been standing for decades.
(5)Stanley O.
Make reservations as this is quite a popular place. The decor and service leave little to be desired, but the food is excellent and great value. I ordered the lobster with green sauce, a vegetable-based, garlic-heavy sauce that was to die for. The dish provided sufficiently challenging that I kept at it until I finished every last piece of lobster. For a party of 12, we spent less than $40 each, quite a bargain in NYC.
(4)marias s.
The food was decent, but I felt like the waiters were overly interested in my breakup conversation. There were always there! The decor is cheesy in that Fast Times at Ridgemont high way (although that restaurant was German). If you can stand that (maybe you should wear a rose in your hair to fit in), by all means go. You might get some input from your waiter about your breakup, in addition to bottomless glasses of water and sangria.
(3)John A.
If you haven't been to El Quijote, do go, and do go more than once. The food is great, the drinks are phenomenal, and the service is lovely. Across the bar are sculptures of Don Quijote which just bring you into the near chivalric era of the 1600's Spain...ok maybe after a few drinks, but still. The Caldo Gallego is next to to-die-for, and the gambas ajillo are terrrrrificos. DEF RECOMMENDED!!!
(5)Erin R.
I wasn't impressed by this place. I ordered the stuffed mushrooms and the red wine sangria to start. The mushrooms were tiny and filled with bland breading. The sangria was okay but nothing amazing. It had a little bit too much liquor in it for me. I could barely taste the wine. That being said, I thought the paella was pretty tasty. I've never had it before though so I have nothing better to compare it to. The paella portions were huge. My boyfriend ordered the seafood Valencia paella and they didn't skimp on the seafood. All of it tasted fresh and the meal wasn't too expensive, about $20 per person. I probably wouldn't seek this place out to go eat at again.
(3)Molly T.
El Quijote is a second home for my family and I. My parents have gone here for years and have passed the tradition onto me, where we have celebrated graduations, birthdays and new years time and time again. The food is fantastic. It's a great place to eat family style- my friends and I tend to share red sangria pitchers, garlic chicken and seafood paella. I have tried almost every main and app on the menu and I have to say it's exceptional. We love the service too and it is one of the reasons this is the top choice for us on a Friday night. The friendly staff and bartenders make an effort to make each meal an experience. Sadly it is hard to say that for most restaurants in the city. I have brought all of my friends here, visitors and NYC natives alike, and all have left El Quijote happy and planning for the next time they can go.
(5)Yuki O.
The paella valenciana with lobster is as good as it gets. It was only like $25 and it was huge and full of flavors, flavors that reminded me of my trip to Spain. How nice :)
(5)Anders B.
excellent restaurant with oldschool new york charm. this place has been serving similar dishes since its opening in 1930. right next to the historic hotel chelsea--home of a myriad of artists and writers. this place is not to be missed. must try the camarones (shrimp) al ajillo excellent espresso
(4)Ellie B.
The food was good and plentiful. The atmosphere is, well, classically Spanish. My only complaint is that we ate here to celebrate an anniversary, and the food came so fast, that we felt very rushed. We ordered an appetizer and they brought the dinner salad first, this allowed them to turn over the tables faster. While I appreciate the need for restaurants to turn their tables, I will not go here again. I would rather pay more and have more time to dine. Eating a three course meal in less than a hour may be OK for some, but not for me. Then again, I also don't eat in the car... I prefer to dine at dinner.
(2)Amy Y.
One of my favorites of all time. Super fun atmosphere, nice staff, and great tapas. The entrees are so enormous that my husband and I, upon dining there, assumed it to be a 'family style' restaurant. You can't go wrong with an order of the filet tips, mushrooms in garlic sauce, and some champagne sangria. The happy hour is great as they pass around free nibbles, which vary from day to day. And if you're a fan of the novel Don Quixote, you can marvel at all the memorabilia.
(4)Danna A.
Came here on a Sunday for a late brunch/ early linner and it was absolutely empty, not even a cricket in sight. I wouldn't usually care except for the fact that it was lunch with my birth father and his family whom I rarely ever see or even speak to... awkwaaard! The decor was very old fashioned, kind of kitschy yet classy? What's the best word to describe it... ah, VINTAGE! I don't mean to insult, I kinda liked it--burgandy booths and chairs, white table cloths, black and white tiled floors, reddish-brown walls with images of farm life painted in white along some walls and others in full color, still life paintings, mirrors, candelabra-lamp like chandeliers hanging from the ceilings and wooden fixtures. Everything is very proper, the setting of the table, the mannerisms in service and the etiquette they require in return--they asked my dad to take his hat off during our meal. We each ordered the "daily double" which basically consists of two, yes two, 1&1/4 lb lobsters. Who doesn't love lobster? I mean, seriously, D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S! The waiter came around and tied bibs around each of our necks as lobster-guts-splash-guards and served us in silver platters of sea creature goodness. There was butter for dipping but honestly not needed. My dad's wife ordered what looked like a meat loaf or pork chops of some sort--totally didn't look appetizing, and since I'm not a fan of pork unless it's bacon, I didn't bother for a bite. I chose their soup of the day for my appetizer which was some sort of lentil and spinach combination--it was okay. We also ordered their amazing Sangria which I lovelovelove! The waiter served all of us including my clearly underage step-brother. I laughed to myself but thought to let the kiddo have his fun until either parents realized there was alcohol in it. Man, I'd be an awesome mother. This place is pretty expensive, but I really want to come back and try the Paella and scope out the atmosphere when it's out the door with patrons. Oh, and to check out the equally vintage bar 'cause seriously, if they make that kind of Sangria, I'm pretty sure the rest of their drinks are just as awesome.
(4)Joey L.
Ok don't expect any sort of atmosphere or A-1 service but if you want a great lobster at a fairly decent price (for NY standards) and if you wnat a good fresh Steak (yes a steak) at a decent price come to El Quijote. Their steaks are huge (enough for two foodies to share). Their lobsters are single serving and depending on how large is how much the price is. They are best broiled with the breadcumbs inside. The sangria is delicious. It's sort of loud and it's not cheap but again well worth it.
(4)Paul F.
A landmark.
(4)Reo T.
Been a regular for many years here. Food is good and believe it or not, even though it looks like many are waiting for a table the wait is not that long. The daily special of 2 lobsters are always good and paella can't go wrong. The dessert's of sorbet are my favorite. Especially the pineapple sorbet! The orange and lemon are good too! I gave 3 stars because depending on the day, some staffs can be really annoying and rude.
(3)Melissa M.
This place is like the Latin Serendipity, in my opinion. So kitschy and charming. We came here for my work holiday party and I don't know, maybe food and drinks just taste better when someone else is paying. I literally drank about two pitchers of sangria myself and while I wouldn't turn down even the shittiest sangria, this was actually delicious. My co-worker and I split 2 things -- the shrimp with garlic and the seafood paella with lobster. Heaven, both things. Maybe the shrimp with garlic more so. It was so buttery and garlicky and hot... so good. So good. The portions are enormous, i.e. I estimated that my to-go bag weighed the same as a large newborn baby and I wasn't exaggerating. Seriously, it's like the next 3 dinners and the next 3 lunches. Delicious, authentic, affordable lobster... what's not to love?
(4)Jeffrey Y.
A discreet storefront hides a hidden gem. I've always walked by this place but never knew it was a restaurant. I walked into this place and my first impression was how old school it was. Everything from the decor to the waiters looked like it was from another era. The seating in the back is a little cramped but me and the bf are not fat so it was just enough space for two people. The menu wasn't very descriptive but the waiter was very patient and helpful explaining all the dishes to us. We ended up ordering the vegetarian paella and the chicken villaroy. Both dishes came with either soup or salad and the entrees were big enough for three.
(4)Elisa E.
Eat paella while enjoying fabulous, campy 1930s-era "Ye Olde Spaine" decor, attentive and friendly staff, and the company of dozens of notable ghosts: William Burroughs, Allen Ginsberg, Dylan Thomas, Robert Mapplethorpe, etc. I had just started reading Patti Smith's memoir "Just Kids," when I dined at El Quijote, located on the ground floor of the historic Chelsea Hotel. In one scene, she describes walking into the restaurant and seeing Janis Joplin, Grace Slick AND Jimi Hendrix, all chowing down at once. Did I mention there's paella? Used to Spanish restaurant tapas rip-off, I ordered way too much food. The jamon comes with half of a huge melon, and the chicken livers could feed a platoon. The staff kindly provided us with a large shopping bag in which to take home our delicious left-overs. Most of Chelsea is incredibly gentrified (there's a Chipotle half a block from the F train) but this is one relic of the old days worth cherishing.
(5)Jj T.
Sangria was good. Gazpacho very good.. The tapas we got Pulpo and Scallops reasonable. The Paella marinara with lobster was a bit disappointing, Considering location and the prize.. Reasonable. Maybe will come back for Tapas and Drinks and sangria.
(3)lauren l.
Almost thought it was a joke. Bad food with a captain who takes your order. Loved the Sangria but this oldie is no longer a goodie!
(1)Luca T.
I recommend this place although it is not cheap and the quality of food is not excellent. Over all this is a nice place to go
(3)Devin C.
Out of pure indecision, My wife and I wandered the streets hoping to stumble upon the perfect dinner spot. Not starving at the time, it was a great Summer stroll. We passed many viable options walking all the way from Sullivan Street to Chelsea... and then I saw the Chelsea Hotel sign from a couple of blocks away and that was it. I was locked-in and my wife was game! It was her first time there and I had been there for a work thing a while back... Charming Spanish decor - A big plus. After checking with the hostess and being told it would just be a few minutes... We settled in to the bar for a margarita.. I wish we had more time to soak up the atmosphere there. Very cool great service and a margarita that really hit the spot. (I'm no savage...I did opt for Souza over the house Tequila... Never drink house tequila... It'll hurt you later.) Seriously one of the best I've had in a while! - heavy on the Tequila, and not too sour - If you've read my other reviews, you know I'm an Apps fan. Lump Crab Cocktail! - My first encounter and it was a winner! - Yum - I'll be back just for a drink at the bar and that app sometime very soon. The Stuffed Mushrooms were pretty basic... The service was great. I had the Paella Valencia and my wife had the King Crab Legs. The table side service is classic. A nice touch and great presentation. The Crab Legs were a bit garlic heavy for my taste. But it's Crab... yummy yummy Crab... hard to go wrong. The Paella was very good. Not mind blowing, but a good variety of seafood was in there and it was tasty, the Chorizo was also tasty, but not mind blowing - I ate heartily and took home leftovers of three more servings! Oh, I didn't mention the Sangria! AWESOME! - Again, one of the best I've had in a while In the end it was a bit on the pricy side. But after (no numbers) Margaritas, Sangria... good food... and a good date... I'm happy to pay it.
(4)Sadie S.
Back when I was a swingin' single, I used to make all my dates meet me at the bar at El Quijote, which served as a good litmus test, since I am kind of the El Quijote Bar in human form - besides being over fifty, that is, and smelling sorta peculiar. The food is uneven here (although the front room, with its red horseshoe banquettes and Cervantes decor, is undeniably nifty), but the bar is absolutely aces: I'm a sucker for a time warp, as everybody knows, but that alone is not enough to guarantee my fealty. The sangria's yummy, and the bartender mixes as good a Brandy Alexander as I've ever had. (It's the kind of place where you find the words "Brandy Alexander" coming out of your mouth even if you're not sure what that means.) Warning: one is sometimes approached by oddballs here. But it kind of adds to the experience. For me, anyway.
(4)Elliot G.
Cool. Place. Makes me feel like I am the man of la mancha! lol... Get the seafood Paella with lobster #winning
(4)Jess D.
One word - CHURRASCO! Oh, and this is where my husband and I had our very first date :)
(4)Juan N.
I'm only going to review the one thing I've ordered there, and the only thing I will order from now on and that is their Steak. The Steak, cooked to perfection, was by far the biggest I've seen and had. I went there for Valentines Day with my girl and I ordered the 56oz. Porterhouse Steak and I have to tell you; it was the only Steak, in my lifetime that I could not eat entirely. Now that I know my limits and how good the service and Steaks :D were I know to order the 32oz-48oz Steaks. The food was great and priced very fairly, just make sure you pay for your own meal otherwise it can be very costly for just one person to pick up the check for everyone else, even if it is just one extra person.
(4)kristina s.
If you have a thing for Old New York establishments but not into paying $300 for a flavorless meal, go to El Quijote immediately. Legend has it that it's been around since 1930 and it has that historic charm. The food is outstanding and very well priced. The steak and lobster dishes are definitely on the pricey side, which is to be expected. However, every thing else on the menu is more than reasonable. The assorted appetizer platter is massive and amazing. The bar is barely separated from the rest of the joint but is still a great place to get a cocktail and a couple tapas in the neighborhood.
(4)Hana P.
the paella here is really delicious. i got the seafood paella and it is DEFINITELY enough to share - enough for even 3 or 4 people. my sister got the crab cakes and a baked potato and said that both were wonderful. my dad got the filet of sole and he enjoyed it - however, he said it had just a touch too much garlic. the decor turned me off a bit, but oh well. friendly staff and a nice dinner.
(4)Tanya T.
I was underwhelmed. By the food, not the decor. I don't know if I was sniffing glue or I had actually read this somewhere, but I *swear* I heard that this place supposedly has the best paella in the city. With visions of saffron-infused wonderment dancing in my head, that's just what I ordered. And I got... paella. It was good. But it tasted like paella, no more, no less. Maybe it's me, but I've never had a dish of paella that made me go "now THAT'S a good paella!" I probably need to go to Spain for this. I think Passport to Europe and that perfect brown, crunchy rice Samantha Brown got in Madrid has ruined my idea of what paella SHOULD be. The service is a bit old-fashioned. Distinguished men in suits, hovering over you with water. White linen table cloths. Don Quixote softly serenading your table. Wait, that didn't happen. But it should have.
(2)Thomas S.
Very good and satisfying. I have always enjoyed my experience at El Quijote.
(5)Diddy E.
hands down, my favorite place in Manhattan, for a party of two or twelve. -awesome sangria at twenty bucks a pitcher -the paella is amazing and can feed a family of five -wonderfully random decor paired with a great waitstaff and free matches equals a good night all around.
(5)clb k.
This is yet another horrible experience of mediocrity in the NYC restaurant scene. Oh why, oh why couldn't this restaurant have been somewhat decent? I'm giving it a star since we can't give negative ratings on here and the dcor and space was OK. What the hell was I expecting with such an array of items on the menu? It could only mean that the food is prepared sub par in EVERY category. We ordered the garlic shrimp, which was so rubbery and not fresh hence, the freezer stench on it. The stuffed mushrooms were so-so since it's pretty hard to screw them up. We shared the rack of lamb entre, which I expected to be exceptional due to the buzz of the restaurant and all the awards plastered on the front door. Needless to say, this was the worst Spanish food I've had in the city. I would never recommend this place, not even to my worst enemy.
(1)Susan D.
Had dinner here back in March on Vac. on a recommendation. It was just ok. The decor was old world and the service was good, but the meal was mediocre. I ordered the garlic shrimp and it was good, could really feed two. My daughter is not much of a fish eater so I guess this wasn't the best choice of restaurants for her, and ordered a vegetable marinara? with no sauce? Had to give her some of my white sauce because hers was so dry. And hers was huge too, nobody is going to eat that much pasta and veggies. It would have been better to share an entree if we'd known they were that large. Especially since we couldn't take the leftover back to our room.
(3)Tony L.
My friends and I settled on this place since the trendier and smaller Boqueria was overly packed. The restaurant is fairly large with an aging decor that reminded me of a Spanish TGIF, but with much more personality. They seated us right away. The menu was quite thorough, and the staff, helpful. If there's anything I would go back for, it's the tasty sangria and the family style atmosphere. The food has more of a home cooked feel that I could appreciate, the portions were large and the presentation was genuine. The biggest disappointment was the seafood paella. I was looking forward to digging into the lobster tail sticking out of the pot, but it was overcooked -- tough and dry. Otherwise, the tapas we had, including a large stuffed clam, fillet mignon tips, and chorizo were quite tasty. If you're looking for a restaurant that can host a large group of people or simply an authentic touch, this might be the place for you.
(3)Sam P.
Ok, this is why I ALWAYS need to be consulted before making a group dinner reservation. THIS IS MY JOB, PEOPLE!! Sigh...oh, where to begin on this place. How about some background. A good friend from college who's been living out of the country for several years was in town for the week of New Year's - needless to say there was much partying and many group dinners to be had with our old crew from college. Someone wanted tapas, so someone else found this place (on Yelp, at least) and I was told to meet here at 8. First, the decor. As our friend Andrew put it, "it's like It's A Small World broke down and we're stranded in Spain." I'm all for kitsch, but this is just too much, we're talking heinous murals all over the walls, plasitc olive and grape leaves everywhere, jarritos and ugly statues of Don Quixote by the dozens, and cheesy zarzuela remixes on the stereo. Wow. Second, the service. I'm all for attentive waiters, but this was a little too close for comfort. In fact it was a little creepy. There was a team of them and they were up our asses from the moment we sat down. We ordered pitchers of sangria (natch), and we couldn't take more than two sips before one of them was there to refill our glass. After a while, it just got annoying. I'm sure I even caught one of them hovering over me to snatch the cup and refill my half a glass the second I put it down. But the weirdest part was, once we were done eating, they were no where to be found! One of our party had to get up and actaully flag down someone to bring us a check. Not cool. Finally, the food. The reason this is a three star is that the food was mighty tasty. Large, hearty portions with plenty of leftovers to take home and surprisingly low prices. Three courses each and four pitchers of sangria between 9 people came out to about $40/person. Not too shabby. But all in all, it felt like a touristy, overdone experience. Times Square comes to 23rd street. I'll pass.
(3)Marah A.
Go to the bar! This place it for the decor and drinks.
(5)Deborah G.
This is an updated review I wrote one a few years back. Not everyone would give El Quijote 5 stars but this is absolutely my favorite restaurant in New York City mostly due to the lobster being the best I have found in the New York area. (Or maybe anywhere I have been other than Maine) I will be celebrating my 30 year anniversary of going to this restaurant next year. My two recommendations would be the "Santiago Margarita" and of course ordering lobster for dinner. I recommend the daily double two 1 1/4 pound lobsters for 32.95 (as to date) 29 years ago it was the price of 17.95. I recommend getting The lobsters broiled since they put stuffing in them that is an extra special touch. The lobster comes with either a choice of soup or salad and a side dish. Service is always very attentive with 2-3 people tending the table. Out of the almost 30 years I have been going here I have not really ordered much else though my friends have ordered some of the traditional Spanish dishes and really enjoyed them. In my opinion the prices at this restaurant are very reasonable for a Chelsea neighborhood restaurant.
(5)Junkfoodie Q.
3.75 stars Shared the extremos variados appetizer combo for two, the madrid/new york broiled whole lobster and sirloin steak combo, and the coconut sorbet. The appetizer combo had garlic shrimp, mussels, fried calamari, fried chicken cutlet, stuffed mushrooms, and sliced chorizo. The shrimp was my favorite, quite garlicky and tender. The calamari and chicken cutlet were lightly breaded and a little bland. The chorizo was pretty good. The sirloin was tender and tasty. T asked for drawn butter and the lobster was super yummy dipped in it. You definitely get generous servings of food at this place! The coconut sorbet came in half a coconut shell and was a refreshing contrast to all the other food. We stared in awe as huge platters of seafood were served to neighboring tables...gotta come back and try those out!
(4)Ellie K.
My uncle lived across from this restaurant in the 80's, so I remember going there when I was a kid. I went back last night for the first time and it hasn't changed much. The food is good but not great. The restaurant has a very classic feel. Seems like a good place to take special out-of-town guests or business partners.
(4)Stanley M.
been going here for years the filet mignon tips are my favorite dish with yellow rice and the sangria the best in n y c
(4)Nancy C.
Wow. What a place! The food was delicious, the place is romantic, the service was great, the sangria was oh-so yummy!! A date took me out to this place and I was impressed! I admit I didnt think very much of it from the outside. They got bamboo plants outside a old fashioned looking spanish restaurant. Mmmmmmm ok. Once you're inside though, you're not in modern New York anymore. Actually, you've just time traveled to New York circa the 40s, with old fashioned dressed waiters, low light, old classic style paintings on the walls, deep rich reds, and a bar that says "charlie chaplin used to eat here, my friend". (Dont take my word for it. Im just using my imagination here). My date and I sipped the sangria pitcher for a good two hours while chatting and munching on real potato chips, which were great! The chicken with almond sauce was fantastic! chicken in a sweet almond sauce with crunchy roasted almond slivers on top! The textures were exciting! He ordered the lamb which he says was good too. The only thing was that they mistakenly ordered him the wrong thing. Instead of bringing out lamb, they brought him a lobster. I decided to wait for his dish to arrive but then the waiter offered to hold the plate in the kitchen to stay hot while I waited, which was really helpful and attentive of him (I would have drooled over it while waiting). Bravo!
(5)Jessica N.
Went here for the first time last Friday with my boyfriend after he heard from a coworker about it who loved it. We're very big on paellas and sangria so immediately we knew we had to go and what we would be getting. I felt a little out of place at first because I was not expecting it to look the way it did- we were greeted at the door by a staff member in a full suit. While it does seem nicer though, most people do come in casual so it's fine. We split the paella marinana with lobster and it was definitely more than enough for both of us. They add a sharing charge of $6.50 but you also get to choose between a soup or salad to start off so it was worth it. We both ended up trying the garlic soup which was delicious! The paella was brought over in a small pot and served to us and was enough for 2-3 servings each. It had shrimp, mussles, clams, scallops and half a lobster- amazing! We got a pitcher of the red sangria to drink and it was great too. It was a bit strong and the pitcher was a pretty good size (we could have just as easily just done the half pitcher). It was a great dinner and for the type of food/drink we got, the price was good too. Will definitely be coming again soon and hope to try more of what they have.
(4)Robert P.
I was amused by the review that said they were charged six fifty to split a lobster when it was already 35 dollars ! Wow, a 35 dollar lobster, that's really expensive! (not) how can the place be overpriced when they are still charging $16.95 for 3 pork chops? This is NYC! The food Is great. Try the Shrimp Ajillo, Lobster in Green Sauce, pork chops, or Chicken Ajillo.
(4)Celina K.
Love the Red wine sangria!! The combination Quixote plattter is well worth it and a great sampling of the bests on the menu. Grilled shrimp, lobster tail, filet mignon, and chicken villaroy (coated in a mashed potato breading). This place never disappoints.
(5)Julie Y.
From what I hear, this is the oldest spanish restaurant in the city. It's not much from the outside but quite charming inside. We were a group of 13 for lunch. About 90% of the people went with some form of paella and I did have a taste. double yum! I was one of the few rebels and opted for the skirt steak b/c the 24 oz steaks seemed ridiculously large. Ironic thing was that the skirt steak must have been at least 30oz and the length of my arm!!! Great steak... yummy potato chips... Won't hear me complaining...
(5)Bartholomew C.
Stepping into El Quijote is like walking into an old lady's living room, junk and kitsch everywhere! Although I did like the fully armored Don Quijote that greeted me at the front door. The sangria was first rate but the food...not so much. Portions were Flintstone sized, but all of my party's steaks were incorrectly cooked, shrimp had to be de-shelled by us at the table (stinky finger alert), and the calamari tasted like chewy onion rings. All is not lost though, the paella was good, as were the mussels in green sauce. Our server was very nice but I found the bus boys surprisingly rude. I would go back but only if I was in the nabe, and maybe only for the sangria.
(2)G P.
1.5 stars The decor looks like it's been stuck in time for the last 30 years which is why this place caters to the older generation because most of them can barely see five feet in front of them. It's very old school and very ugly. Onto the food. I had a farewell luncheon for two coworkers. One was becoming a supervisor in San Francisco while the other was SUPPOSEDLY being transferred to an office ten blocks away in the very near future. I have yet to see any proof of this alleged transfer. It's been three months and she's still here taking up prime real estate. She actually just transferred to my group only three months ago, and now, according to her, she's moving again. (I think it's a scam to get out of actually working and initiating new cases but whatever...) Everyone started with the soup du jour or salad. I must say, the soup is good. I did't know what it was called but it was made with potatoes, white beans, pork, and possible collard greens or some other dark leafy veggy. Everyone who had the soup enjoyed it. Then came the main dishes. First, let me remind the yelpers that the portions were huge. This little piece of very useful info was not offered by the waitstaff. And there are some general rules of dining that most experienced diners are aware of: Quantity will usually sacrifice quality, and a menu with too many items will bring back sad memories of those notorious 24-hour diners. I had the arroz con pollo y chorizo (rice w/ chicken and sausage). The portions were so huge that it's served in a 2-qt pot. It was enough to feed 2-3 people. Remember what I said about quantity over quality? Had I known that this thing would be monstrous, I wouldn't have ordered it. I only ordered the rice and chicken because I thought to myself, "You can't mess up this dish." I was wrong; not very good. I've had chorizo before and the sausage on my plate didn't look or taste like it. It looked like hot dogs from Yankee Stadium. The rice was overdone and the chicken...what a shame... A friend had the salmon steak. I tried some and had to spit it out. Bad. Another friend had the Minute Steak. Very tough, dry, and tasteless. I'm not sure what cut of meat a Minute Steak is. Another one had the pasta primavera. It was whatever. Finally, a few had the paella. They liked it but what do they know. My coworkers will eat anything. You should see some of the lunches they eat. DISGUSTING... Wow...this place sucks. I would give it 1 star if it weren't for the soup.
(2)Brett L.
If you ABSOLUTELY must get your buttery lobster on in Manhattan, and you don't have wads of cashish to spend, and you don't mind a somewhat tacky-tacky decor, and you don't mind hearing some fantastically cheeseball conversations going on at other tables, and you don't mind seeing Spanish reality TV on a tiny color TV above the bar, and you don't mind trying to spot about 1000 Don Quijotes spread around all over the place... Then El Quijote is DEFINITELY your spot. I got the special double lobster and ate myself into a slightly uncomfortable position. Can't say I didn't enjoy every bite, though. Come here for the food and the experience - it's worth it at twice the price.
(4)Danny M.
I was here for a holiday party last year. The decor felt like a timewarp, but it wasn't totally bad. The food was decent, but they had great sangria. Maybe a little TOO good (if you know what I mean)
(3)Marcia H.
We arrived at the restaurant at 5:25 and put our name on a list. For some reason they had not opened their sizable back room so many of us were squeezed into a narrow space blocking access to the bar and coatroom. After waiting patiently for 35 minutes we were told we were next and they were clearing our table. Then the hostess was told to give the table to a couple who had arrived much later than us but had requested a booth. Another table became available and it was going to the first party of 3 or more. As two people who had not requested a booth we couldn't see how we would ever qualify for a table. When we announced that we were leaving the hostess seemed completely indifferent, wouldn't look us in the eye and certainly did not apologize. We would hesitate to say this might have been because, as seniors, we didn't fit their preferred demographic. We think they would have treated anyone this way because they were filled to capacity and didn't care about customer service. What good is having reasonably priced lobsters if you can't get seated?
(1)sonia n.
This old stand by is a fun place to go to see locals. If you like large portions, this place is for you. Sangria is watered down. Fresh lobsters are definitely tasty.
(2)Pina R.
We went there with a group of co-workers from out of town. I wanted to do the ordering since I was there several times. I ordered the clams in green sauce which was a hit and would get again. Someone else ordered the crab cakes - ouch not very good and would not recommend. They used to be my go to place for lobsters but they raised their prices and the lobsters got smaller. The sangria made it all worthwile. The service was just ok; I had to ask my waiter for bread 3 times and each time is was a different type of bread. I just wanted to dunk the bread in that yummy green sauce.
(3)Melody H.
You know how most restaurants are only reeeeally good at a couple of things and mostly so-so at everything else on their menu? Here is what you should do at El Quijote's: 1. Go with no less than 4 people. 2. Order a pitcher of the delicious sangria. It doesn't even taste alcoholic, and the fruit chunks have been soaked for a long time and they are large enough that they don't impede your sangria drinking. This $25 pitcher gets you about 12 glasses. 3. Order the "daily double" for $38. That's two 1.5 pound lobsters. Split one daily double between two people. They will charge a splitting charge of $6 or so but they'll throw in a Tuscan bean soup or a salad and a side dish of choice. This is likely to be one of the best whole lobsters you've had in your life. Get it steamed for moisture and sliced open for ease of eating. Lobster can get messy. 4. If you're in the mood for surf 'n turf, order one 22 oz steak for $25 (or the 50 oz. one for $35 if you have a party of 8 or more) and share. 5. Eat until you are stuffed, take everything to go, and gasp about how full you are and how surprised you are when you get to walk out of a gigantic surf 'n turf meal complete with sangria, soup, salad, sides, and a jumbo lump crab appetizer (if you chose to go that route, as we did) for just $46 per person including drinks, tax, and tip. Quit complaining if you order anything else on the menu. Lobster is the only way to go. One star is missing because the sides were only okay (the garlic green beans weren't anything special, though good, but the yellow spanish rice was a bit bland and a tad dry). I will be back for more lobster, though, and let me say that the Tuscan bean soup is really fantastic when you reheat it at home, so if it's going to ruin your appetite for your giant lobster and hunk'o'steak, get the soup to go.
(4)Pinky L.
I haven't been to EQ for a while but I agree with some Yelpers' reviews. First of all, it seems that the place still smells bad. Why did only one Yelper notice this? Last visit I sat near the kitchen, and the stinky carpet smelled like vomit. The whole place smelled funky and unclean, I thought. Secondly, another Yelper was right about big portions usually sacrificing quality. I also found the food over-salted, as is usually the case with Spanish food--too much Adobo?! I did enjoy their Twin Lobster Special when I was there years ago.
(1)Carrie P.
I like this place- the sangria is delicious and they have some great and affordable selections on their tapas menu. My sister ordered the paella and really enjoyed it, though she could not come anywhere close to finishing it. The place can get very crowded on the weekends, so be prepared to wait... but they have live music late at night and the atmosphere is lively and fun. Overall, definitely worth a visit in my opinion.
(4)T B.
Great atmosphere. Wonderful service. Very good food. Classic!
(4)Rachel F.
Not so good. We didn't even get to the food. The restaurant smelled terrible, we should have just left right then. The bigger problem was the service. The waitress stepped away to fluff pillows after the first person ordered a drink, then we all waited for her to return. When she came back we were ready to order, she asked us to wait one minute. She walked away, sat on one of the couches alone for a bit, then came back, walked past our table and ask the women behind us "are you ready to order food?" Even after taking their order she didn't come to take ours. We paid for our drinks and left. I don't believe in not tipping, but I pulled out a wimpy 15% for this shoddy service.
(1)Nicole C.
This place is right next to the Chelsea Hotel, right near where my friend lives in Manhattan. It was a great stop to make after having been out on the town for a few hours. We had some lobster, a combination tapas platter, and esalada papa fruta. As far as I can remember it all slid down the throat with tasty pleasure, with a little help from a fruity concoction of sangria. In addition, just knowing that Janis Joplin used to hang out at the bar back in the day, gave me that partyin' like a rock star feeeeeeelllin'-aws yeahs.
(5)Robert C. Y.
I really like the place for about 25 years now. I think sometimes the kitchen gets a bit erratic when they have 3 or 4 large groups. Since I'm retired, we go on Sunday evening or during the week. The Payella was only bad once (sent it back and got a better one) and the Pollo Ajillo (chicken with garlic sauce), which is one of my favorite standbys was only bad once (sent it back and got a better portion). The Churasco (skirt streak) weighs in at about 24 ounces and is always good. Skip the rack of lamb, well done and loaded with garlic (why do people always do that to lamb, don't they like the flavor of the meat?). The only Spanish place that gives you a choice of Caldo Gallego soup or a salad. The soup is made from white beans, smoked pork tnederloin and kale. It is divoon. But, I did take off a star for the couple of times it wasn't up to par. Oh, great Sangria and Spanish fried potatoes too. The potatoes always come with any dish without rice.
(4)Micaela L.
El Quijote is a funny spot -- kitschy decor, GIANT portion sizes, and decent food for not a lot of money. The paella is a reliable choice. I'm not sure I'd have come here if it hadn't been for the fact that it's one of my boss's favorite restaurants, but I was pleasantly surprised by the experience.
(4)Raisa M.
I love El Quijote. The portions are GIGANTIC and the food is delcious. The decor is gaudy but absolutely wonderful. If you're not too hell-bent on going to chic restaurants, you should give this place a try.
(4)J J.
I have yet to have a good experience with Spanish food (which has led me to believe that Spanish food is not very tasty), and this definitely did not make it better. The paella was mediocre at best, although the portions were huge. It was crowded when we went, although I can't exactly figure out why.
(2)Lori K.
i came here for a group birthday dinner this past weekend and there is nothing to complain about- except for the space that they kindly ask you wait in until your entire party has arrived. it's so small and crowded next to the bar you feel bad hovering over people. it is only a minor setback though because you will surely enjoy your evening at this restaurant. there are three separate dining spaces so there really is plenty of room for everybody- but making a reservation is highly suggested. the wait staff was super friendly and attentive, always filling up our water glasses and bringing additional items to the table upon request. the portions are HUGE! seriously- make sure you share with someone. i took home more than half of my arroz con pollo y charizo (mmm....) and will probably be eating it for dinner for the next three nights. everything was very flavorful (sangria, salad dressings, etc). and i even got to taste some dessert. i loves me some cheesecake! the prices are reasonable and the food is yummy... i would absolutely recommend this restaurant, especially for group dinners or date night.
(3)Suzanne E.
Does anyone have any idea when the decor dates back to? I agree that it could be seen as kitschy, but I've always found it fascinating, sort of fossilized at some point in time that I can't figure out. I first discovered it in the 1980s and fell in love with it immediately, and the last time I checked it hadn't changed a bit. It has a 1950s Technicolor B movie feel to it, but something else going on as well. Anyway, thanks to Nicole C. for the info that Janis Joplin used to hang out there.
(4)Pucci P.
Yummm!! You gotta love the tacky fabulous decor in this place. It's so kitchy....they even have a dessert cart . The food is delicious and the portions are enormous. By far the best seafood around!!! The waitstaff consists of career waiters...think Joe's Stone Crab Miami beach. The prices are reasonable and the Sangria is delicious. I go there at least twice a month.
(5)R M.
I looooove Spanish food and I think this place turned me on to it. This is not a place to go to follow the tapas fad (though their appetizers, such as the chorizo, are pretty good too) -- I come here for the paella! It is always perfectly cooked (rice is fluffy, not soggy nor dry), with lots of flavor and big pieces of seafood. Portions, in general, are very big (both a good and bad thing!). I also like their softshell crabs (though they are a bit on the small side but what do you expect when you crave softshells and they're not exactly in season?). The waiters are friendly and helpful, even though the restaurant gets jam packed. The only thing I'm not crazy about is the occasional guitar band that they allow to roam around the restaurant playing loud, bad music. One time I think the singer spit in my food but oh well it was still good.
(4)BizyMizy O.
Went this week at about 8pm, place was busy for an "off" night. The table options presented to us were limited, but ultimately sat promptly (3 mins) at a great booth. Dim lighting, old fashioned spanish decor, the place feels old inside - which for me was a little "ehh" but quickly became warm n Unprentenious, that includes Diners and staff. Staff was great and very attentive. Perhaps staff is a little too quick (a time or 2 resulting in spilled water/ piece of food) but nothing major at all. THE GREEN SAUCE is awesome, you will be dipping your bread in it, I ordered the mussels in green sauce - it was great!! Even better, I have an onion allergy n told the waiter about it AFTER we got the sauce (sauce is like a cilantro/ onion/ I cant guess anymore ingredients but I loved it!) they brought back a sauce without onions smoothly, no worries. Overall, the patrons were about 40+, looked like famillies, afterwork folk, attire looked casual/business casual, dont come here looking hot, this place is not that speed. Its the kinda place you can connect with someone at, catch up, have a conversation, enjoy the Red Sangria, I ordered a pitcher, its cheaper that way and not overpowering. I regret not having dessert here, but after seeing the portions they give you, its amazing! My appetizer alone (see dish listed above, lol) was totally meant for two! Great date night for long term, older couples, famillies, friends (slow speed). Not a place to really dress completely down either, ie hoody, jeans, sneakers. Spent about $100, well worth it :)
(4)Alice K.
One of my favorites! Very reasonable prices and EXCELLENT food. I always go for the paella which is more than enough to feed 2-3 people. The tapas is also awesome. I usually get the chorizo and the grilled baby calamare. Service has always been good for me (knock on wood). Highly highly recommend this place =)
(5)Marvin C.
Had lunch there when I was one of a very few customers. Even then, service was inattentive at best, if not dismissive. The filet mignon tips were so average. The iced tea was odd tasting, and a second glass, which I was charged for again, was no better. My comments and input was ignored completely. Go here when you are desparate. Over-rated and needs to go into the history books.
(2)Adam K.
Excellent New york City locale for Spanish food that offers some excellent traditional steaks as prepared in Spain. Its very old-fashioned like a restaurant you'd find in Madrid that had been standing for decades.
(5)Stanley O.
Make reservations as this is quite a popular place. The decor and service leave little to be desired, but the food is excellent and great value. I ordered the lobster with green sauce, a vegetable-based, garlic-heavy sauce that was to die for. The dish provided sufficiently challenging that I kept at it until I finished every last piece of lobster. For a party of 12, we spent less than $40 each, quite a bargain in NYC.
(4)marias s.
The food was decent, but I felt like the waiters were overly interested in my breakup conversation. There were always there! The decor is cheesy in that Fast Times at Ridgemont high way (although that restaurant was German). If you can stand that (maybe you should wear a rose in your hair to fit in), by all means go. You might get some input from your waiter about your breakup, in addition to bottomless glasses of water and sangria.
(3)John A.
If you haven't been to El Quijote, do go, and do go more than once. The food is great, the drinks are phenomenal, and the service is lovely. Across the bar are sculptures of Don Quijote which just bring you into the near chivalric era of the 1600's Spain...ok maybe after a few drinks, but still. The Caldo Gallego is next to to-die-for, and the gambas ajillo are terrrrrificos. DEF RECOMMENDED!!!
(5)Erin R.
I wasn't impressed by this place. I ordered the stuffed mushrooms and the red wine sangria to start. The mushrooms were tiny and filled with bland breading. The sangria was okay but nothing amazing. It had a little bit too much liquor in it for me. I could barely taste the wine. That being said, I thought the paella was pretty tasty. I've never had it before though so I have nothing better to compare it to. The paella portions were huge. My boyfriend ordered the seafood Valencia paella and they didn't skimp on the seafood. All of it tasted fresh and the meal wasn't too expensive, about $20 per person. I probably wouldn't seek this place out to go eat at again.
(3)Amanda L.
I was so excited to see my paella dish - full of muscles, clams, shrimp & chrizo. But when the waiter placed the pot of paella next to me...I had to say it took me a while to open that lid to see the pot full of food. It was large enough to feed 3-4 people! Left overs for days ya'll!
(4)Jerome S.
Very very good. We ordered the steak, don't remember what else really because we also order fantastic drinks. Not the cheapest of places to eat and be merry but definitely one of the most delicious I had a meal at. Certainly one of best steaks in the city that I've tasted but there is so much more exploring to do. Very excited about returning their again and trying the Lobster and other Spanish dishes but I have to say everything was great from the evening I was their. Its also a great place to do business if you like quieter restaurants meetups.
(4)Sally B.
It was love at first sight, then again at first bite. I was here for a work event and the service and food both were wonderful. We had mixed appetizer plates (stuffed mushrooms, garlic shrimp, calamari, thick-bacon wrapped scallops, and a couple other items I didn't sample) - - the selections were delicious. I had a salad with a fresh vinaigrette that was delicious, then came the shrimp in green sauce, also delicious. The chicken in garlic sauce to my right, and the chicken marsala to my left both looked and smelled wonderful. The sangria and flan were icing on the proverbial cake. I can't wait to go back.
(5)Allison W.
A total GEM. Lobster is the best in town, and the staff is great. Would come here once a week, if I could.
(5)Jully H.
Another check off my bookmark list and once again my fellow yelpers did not disappoint me im glad to say!!! A friend and I decided to meet up and come here fiving me the choice to pick the place. I arrived first and on time which is shocking. The place qasbt that busy probaly because it was a tuesday and we were promptly seated. We skipped the appetizers and went straight for the entrees and ordered a pitcher of sangria which wasnt strong at all (hence the 4 instead of 5 stars) that was disappointing. I ordered the surf and turf cooked medium and my friend ordered the el quijote combination which i should have ordered. His meal came with a lobster tail, grilled shrimp, a stuffed fried chicken and a filet mignon which he subsituted out because hes hindu for more shrimp. He loved the chicken the most. My order was a HUGE chunk of filet mignon and a lobster tail which was perfectly cooked and seasoned and oh so ever juicy! Despite the weak sangria (go for the wine or cocktail instead) i really loved this place and cant wait to go back again!!
(4)Regina D.
My friend been raving about this place for a looong time, so we finally got together and went out to dinner. The person that met me at the door spoke bare English, she could not find our reservation and then it turned out that they put us down for later time. Lucky us!!! They did put together a table but there was no apology from anyone that they screwed up and somewhat where convinced that we showed up early and were just being difficult. The menu is huge, the waiter did make some suggestions and then he also offered us the sangria. Do you like drinking juice with water and 3 pieces of apple then perhaps its for you but like I said many times over I am over age of juice and water stop cheating at the bar. We did end up ordering wine and it was actually not bad. Now I was going to share the massive 56 oz steak with my hubby but it turned out that they charge $12 or $13 for sharing?! I find that tactic cheap!! I was not going to pay extra to share one dish so I ordered soup and shrimp in garlic. The soup, or lets call it mashed tomato was terrible, I am sorry to say but I wanted to throw up from the taste. The shrimp that came with string beans was actually not too bad. My husbands massive steak was done correctly but it was just a slab of meat with out any flavor. My friends seemed to be happy with their choices of lobster and fillet minion. The deserts were not here nor there, my flan was ok but house cake was terrible and ice cream tasted like its .99 store selection. The bottom line this place might have been great once upon a time but now it outlived itself with bad food and dated decor. I will not be back....
(2)Felicia G.
I went there last night, it was a very busy Spanish restaurant. We ordered a 56 oz steak medium, when the steak is here we were a little surprised. it looks burned outside. but the waiter told us since it's too big, in order to cook medium inside, outside got to be burned. We didn't want it chopped because we wanted to see the whole steak as one piece. It is an experience learned. I'm not gonna order too big of a steak next time.
(3)Kalacey D.
One of my fav places when i come to nyc to visit my dad! Food is amazing. A little pricey but worth every bite. Comes with sides, and salad or soup.
(5)Virginia T.
My friend and I went in around 4:30 during the week just for some Sangria which was very good. Very romantic and quiet. We sat right at the bar and we enjoyed every minute of it. My friend and I were starving but only ordered Sangria because were meeting someone else for dinner afterwards. The bartender was a sweetheart!!!! Ordered fresh chips for us (like... Seriously freshly made, warm potatoes from the kitchen)!! Then he gave us some warm chicken that he had up in the bar in some buffet style server. Boy was that chicken tasty! It was like a small tapas! I can't wait to go back just because he was so very cool and the chips, chicken and Sangria were amazing! I should add that a few guys were also at the bar eating and seemed to really enjoy their Pina Coladas.
(5)Jeffie J.
Old school to the core, this restaurant opened in 1930 and serves food that was probably popular 85 years ago, in authentic surroundings. The menu, which has all the Spanish classics, seems like it hasn't changed much, but prices have certainly been updated. Entrees come with soup or salad. Whether you will like this food depends entirely on your tolerance for nostalgia over cutting edge cuisine. I like it, once in a while. The black bean soup was well seasoned and is served with a whole plate of chopped onions for garnish. Filet of sole in green sauce had very meaty fish swimming in a white sauce with little flecks of green. The sauce could have used some flavor enhancements but still was good for slathering over the rice and dipping your bread into. Desserts might have been interesting back in 1950 but aren't today. The food is brought out on carts or in covered serving dishes, old school style, and you will probably have left-overs. To my retro taste, the decor is beautiful and deserves historic landmark status. Red leather booths, wall sconces, fresh flowers on every table, hand painted murals, pictures and sculptures of El Quijote, every cliche of Spanish culture is depicted somewhere in this restaurant. The service also has a vintage quality. There are two sets of waiters--the ones in black jackets take your order, and the ones in red vests serve it. On the whole they were friendly and knowing. Like the Hotel Chelsea that surrounds it, this is the restaurant time forgot (until recently; I think the hotel is under renovation). Visit El Quijote, step back in time, and retreat from the pervasive hipness of present-day Manhattan.
(4)Stinky G.
I'm VERY sad to say that since my last review, this restaurant has been sold. It changed from a family-run business to a restaurant run by some large real estate corporation. I've been coming here for decades, and I have never been disappointed. It has been claimed in print that nothing would change after the sale. Sorrowfully, this does not seem to be the case. The change, for the worse, is blatantly apparent. I came here a few nights ago with my son, and this now feels like a different restaurant. Slow, SLOW totally indifferent service. Food not prepared properly. The consistent, dependable flavors were all off. The abrupt turnaround is nothing less than shamefully startling. Requiescat in pace, old standby, I'm truly sorry to see you go. Unless some miracle occurs the downhill crash and burn seems inevitable.
(2)Tasha S.
The best sangrias ever! They really sneak up on you. Mussels in green sauce the best..filet mignon tips awesome..xxl portion of food at an affordable price. Great place to eat and servers are very attentive
(5)Jorge A.
I was here with a couples of friends, and it was a nice evening, we ordered sangria and it wasn't that good, but the food itself was delicious, big portions and well presented. We made reservation ahead and it was not waiting time for us to be seated. Good service.
(4)Alana A.
I'm not happy. First, my group walks in and there's a bit of a wait but absolutely no area for us to wait in! We felt so smushed and in the way of everything. Not a good start. Then, we were seated in a room in the back and were the only table there. It was so hot. Hot like a furnace. Hot like Miami in mid July. So, so hot. We asked for it to be cooled down and after asking many servers and nearly suffocating to death, they finally went and changed it. No joke, I felt I was seconds away from passing out. I'm just going to skip everything else and get right to the food. I ordered the skirt steak, well done. After waiting and waiting and waiting nearly an eternity, the food begins to appear. I was last to be served and finally got my...shrimp? Uh, not what I ordered! I waited even longer and finally received my steak. My GIANT HUMONGOUS RIDICULOUSLY LARGE steak. What the heck was this, the whole cow?! I ordered it well done but on my first (and second and third) cut, so much blood oozed out. The steak was seriously medium rare. The server took it back (more waiting for me!) and came back with it just ok. In the meantime, I tried my boyfriend's also GIANT HUMONGOUS RIDICULOUSLY LARGE salad and it was just plain bad. When I finally ate the steak, it was so greasy and I was just straight up disgusted. Later, a server bumped my boyfriend while my boyfriend was sipping his glass of water which seriously hurt him and caused him to bleed from the mouth. The server was sincerely apologetic and brought him complimentary cheesecake (which was the worst I've ever had, but nonetheless a good gesture) and that's the reason I gave this place an extra star. I was so incredibly upset that the servers failed to mention that the food would be served in abnormally huge portions. Some items on the menu listed the ounces but most, like mine, did not. My grandfather was a busboy here in the 50s so he brought us here. Sadly, it was a horrendous disappointment.
(2)Juan T.
Hola Amigos, Quieren comer bueno... Come to El Quijote. The menu is Huge, way too many things to choose form in a timely manner. Tapas are a good portion and not expensive at all. The regular lunch is around 15-20 and portions are big. The 56oz steak is way too big for 2 people unless you are a fatty. The red sangria is almost perfect, skip the white. We ordered the appetizer sampler and it was super big and tons of meat. The grilled sampler has 2-3 pounds of meat and its delicious. It contains, sausage, steak, chicken and pork. The paella valenciana its good, not great and i had better but its not the worse either. -1 star: the place looks under construction for over 6 months, No big signage to tell we are open just like Francisco Vasco place. -2nd star: looks very old, decor old, like grandparents house old. I will come back because its not bad, prices are decent and its close to work.
(3)Aaron K.
One of the great old school Spanish restaurants in NYC. Still a true bargain. My wife and I return 3-4 times year. Most of our friends go for the lobsters which are done perfectly at a reasonable price. I usually order clams in green or garlic sauce or one of the rice and seafood dishes. More than you can eat. The ambiance is basically non-existent. The noise level a bit too loud. The service adequate but nothing special. You go to El Quiote for a great meal and true value.
(4)Kat M.
went there early on a friday night with no reservation. we were seated with no wait, but oveall the restaurant was not worth the time or money spent. The server was a surly woman who seemed annoyed to have to do things like offer some more insight into differences in paellas on menu. THERE ARE LITTLE TO NO DESCRIPTIONS OF THE FOOD ON THE MENUS WHICH YOU CAN BARELY READ BECAUSE IT'S DARK LIKE A CAVE IN THIS PLACE -- so it'd seem reasonable to expect the servers to help fill in the blanks. sigh. nope. She was really kind of awful. She was so inhospitable. And food was not much better than the service. Paella is horrible. Rice-a-roni -- a LOT of rice-a-roni. with some okay but overcooked seafood. tons of a bad thing does not make a bad thing better. the mussels in garlic as appetizer were quite good, but the rest of the food and the service were mediocre to awful. saving grace were my fellow diners - to whom i give 5 stars, and the location which has history and nostalgia going for it. terrible place though - don't go there expecting a nice dinner. it has nothing going for it. it's noisy, the food is meh, and the service is less than meh. but now i've been to the chelsea hotel sort of.
(2)Robby S.
Went here with a bunch of friends on a recommendation. There were 11 of us and unfortunately, it was a bit of a wait for a table (approx 40 minutes). But once we were seated, we ordered some appetizers including Chorizo, Filet Mignon tips, which were out of this world, and Clams Casino, also excellent! Most of our group had the special Sangria, which they loved. (I had tequila...). For entree's, we had a bunch of different things, including Filet Mignon, Lobsters, Salmon, Pork Loin, Jambalaya, and Skirt Steak, which may have been the best thing (which was passed around so we could all taste it). The portions were huge and there was lots of food to take home, so beware when ordering. But the bottom line is that we all had one of the best meals we've had a long time!
(4)C H.
This place is dated in every way. The decor and the food are stale and uninspiring. The portions are large, for those who consider that the mark of a good restaurant, but the prices are relatively high as well.
(2)Josue M.
Good and welcoming service. Enjoyed my Rib Eye steak cooked to perfection. Very flavorful and portions where more then expected. A must visit restaurant when in the City!!!!
(4)Joel S.
I've been going to el Q for 30 years. It's a place that's reliable and always the same, in a good way. The waiters and bartenders have been there forever. It's the best place in Manhattan for lobster. It's reasonably priced and cooked perfectly. The Spanish food is pretty good. The entremes variados is a gigantic platter of mixed appetizers that's always fun to start off with. We have ordered many things off of the menu and have rarely been disappointed. Favorites are mariscada in green sauce, paella and shrimp in garlic sauce. An iconoclastic member of our family occasionally orders steak at el Q and swears by it. Portions are generally too much to consume in a single sitting. Desserts are OK. This restaurant is a great place and part of my family's history. I try to go regularly.
(5)Al S.
Very disappointing. I had eaten in this establishment many times when I lived in NYC. On a return visit, I was very saddened to see the decline. The service was appalling. Long waits for everything, the waitress was very impatient and dismissive when we had the nerve to ask a few questions. Their signature dish, seafood paella, was just miserable. The rice was all clumped together and the chicken was over cooked and favor-less. There were two tiny pieces of lobster. Oh, and did I mention that for the privilege of partaking this over-priced abomination, we had to wait 40 minutes for a table the we were originally told would be available in "10 to 15 minutes"? Never again.
(1)Jerry A.
Been going there for more than 30 yrs. Love EVERYTHING there especially Champagne Sangria, Seafood Paella, anything in green sauce and of course....broiled Lobster (only the price is disappointing). I was once told by the owner that the cost went up so he had to raise the price....however, now that the cost went down, I'm still waiting for the price to go down. But still one of my favorite places in all of NYC !!!!!
(4)Sharyn M.
I have been going here for over 25 years. My favorite is their broiled lobster. In the last few months, they have been adding way too many bread crumbs, no olive oil or whatever they used to add to make it moist but it's way too dry. I thought it might be a new cook, but it's been a few months now and they should have gotten it right by now. I will give them one more chance, then well look for another place to go. I'm there at least oncea month. VERY upsetting to see them go downhill.
(1)Jessica G.
I was not a fan of this restaurant. The food was boring and I wasn't a fan of the flavors.
(3)Ebony J.
Very nice, cozy restaurant. I loved my seafood dish and was happy with the freshness of my lobster. I wish it had just a hint more seasoning to make it flavorful. Otherwise, this is a pretty good restaurant that provides generous portions.
(4)A L.
Fancy restaurant. Came here a couple of times with the bf. We both enjoy the food! And we love the sangria!! Whenever we come, we can ever finish! The seafood paella is pretty good. My bf has the porter house which was huge! (Could be my dinner for few days). I had the combo el Quijote, which comes with shrimp, lobster, steak and chicken!
(4)Leon P.
Waited a while for the food but its a nice spot to eat. I had filet mignon it was average nothing special. I think the seafood taste better that's what the wifey says.
(3)Jon Henry Q.
I just found out the rumors are all true they have sold the place and it is going to the "lets flip the script " route could be a. Breath of fresh air or its going to become super trendo and lose all of its charm. And you know what's next fire the whole staff and jack the prices to bad now I am missing them and they aren't even gone yet
(1)Hans W.
Although The Chelsea Hotel no longer exists, El Quijote holds on to that mystique of legends that once passed through there or was their local spot: Patti Smith, Maplethorpe, Sid Vicious among many others. It has that great vibe that holds on to the NYC of yesteryears and is one of the true tapas bar in the city. I highly recommend the Sirloin tips with a bottle of Tempraniillo. Cool down your thirst in the summertime with an icy cold Strella de Galicia beer. Also 1 1/2 lb of lobster with soup salad and rice for $25, not bad at all. There's word they are moving from that spot: I hope that's not the case. That will put the last Niall in the coffin of the New York everyone knows about and will become a douchebaggy sports bar with shitty food and bad service.
(5)Robert C.
Dinner and drinks at the bar for the first of many future visits. Generous sized tapas (big meaty marinated portobello, large tasty crab cake) were a nice surprise in this classic legendary spot. The prime NY strip steak dinner (and others) has to be one of the best values in Manhattan, as it includes sides. Next time we'll sample fish and seafood dishes. We had the pleasure of meeting one of the locals lucky enough to live close and be a frequent guest. That speaks volumes about quality and value.
(4)Helen K.
Paella was satisfying. Not over the top authentic flavor but still it was good. Portion was also very generous.
(4)Marciano B.
For many years my favorite, the food is consistent and the portions are generous. Their Paella dish can easily satisfy two persons. Love the freixenet Cava! There is one female waitress(Latin?/mid 30's early 40's/curved dark hair/short posture) who is absolutely a sweetheart! Great service. Croquettes de bacalao : fantastico! Escargot : delicious Paella: Muy sabroso! Staff at the door is friendly. The young Spanish male host(wearing a suit) , sometimes act a bit arrogant and cocky. Try to change this because multiple customers have noticed this , next to that it effects the overall great dining experience( see it as constructive feedback).
(5)Benjamin A.
Awful! Unless you're over age 65 and nostalgic for old fashioned pseudo-Spanish food with terrible service and outdated decor there is no reason for you to go to this restaurant. I asked the waiter to show me the list of Cava on the menu...he pointed to Sangria and walked away. Despite this being a "spanish" restaurant they only have one choice of Cava...Freixenet or Freixenet...really???? The food was all over cooked...including the lobster, which is their signature dish. I can't think of a good reason to go to this restaurant. Awful!!!!!
(1)Scotty K.
Just a quickie review to throw praise and let others know how amazing their food and service are! I've been here a bunch of times with family and they never fail to amaze!! Last night I have the rice and chorizo, my aunt had the salmon steak and uncle had the dinner salad (filled with shrimp, chicken, etc)... amazing@@ Also, be prepared for leftovers whatever you order... Even my reasonably priced rice/sausage dish came in a huge pot, filled with about 6 servings, not that isn't wasn't good enough to keep going, however I had to fight that urge :)) Enjoy!!!!
(5)Joe T.
This is one of my favorite "time machines" in NYC. A real throwback to an earlier era (1930s - 1950s). Go and enjoy the atmosphere from a red leatherette booth. Food was good too. We order two dishes: Paella and a House Special (I forget the name) that had Filet Mignon, Lobster Tail, Chicken Breast and Shrimp. Both entrees provided food for 2 meals in addition to the one we had in the restaurant. So priced very reasonably, when you consider the portion size. That said, if you are staying in a hotel, and aren't bringing food home, a lot will go to waste. In that case, I suggest you go just to have a drink at the real cool retro bar (check out the original cash register).
(4)Kelly H.
Love, love, love, this place, been coming here for over 10 years. I've never had a bad meal and the service is always good. I highly recommend it.
(5)Rob G.
Saturday night dinner here . Another great meal! Chicken Villeroy and shrimp and white sauce! Clams on the half shell and white bean soup. Love the fact that I have leftovers
(4)DJ P.
Expensive is an understatement. I would say, however, the food is good quality and try to get their lunch specials but be prepared to flag down the inattentive staff.
(2)Nick P.
I've been going to this restaurant for the past 2 years and have had a lot of wonderful memories. The decor is a true throwback to old New York with the remnants of cigarette burns on the bar harkening back to a time in the 60's where it was connected to the Chelsea Hotel. There is a true feeling that you are dining in the shadow of some of the greatest musicians, artists and literary greats of our time. The entire decor is dedicated to El Quijote, with statues and murals adorning the entire restaurant. Oh yeah...It is cosy, upscale and the waters wear suits with red jackets and black bowties. Gentleman are expected to be gentleman and it's a rule to remove the lid. There is a sense of elevation of a restaurant experience. My girlfriend and I both love the staff and especially Christian, the bartender, who is amazing and has excellent points of service. I can't say enough about how professional he is, which is sadly a lost art of many current day bars in the city. The food...what can't I say? I've never had a bad dish there. The steak tips are amazing, calamari (grilled) garlic sauce, scallops in garlic sauce and the giant filet mignon entrees are to die for. All in all excellent service across the board. One of the last great original restaurants that continue to sustain.
(5)Robert C.
I would like to say nice things about this place and the old world decor was warm and inviting, if you like that look. The service was very efficient. BUT we ordered 2 different paellas and neither had any flavor. Just a lot of rice and seafood but no sauce or spices in it. Not being an expert in spanish food I still have to think it can taste a lot better than this. They included salad as well and it was pathetic. the sangria was sweet and slurpy but not special. Looking at the crowd it seemed full of tourist types but it was 2 days from XMAS so maybe it was included in a tour guide. This native NYer won't be back. Pobrecita.
(2)Ariane S.
What a shame. I have been going here for over 20 years and I just had the most disappointing experience. I will never go back. We ordered the Madrid (whole lobster and steak), the usual. Steak wasn't the best but we were willing to deal since it's been one of our favorite spots for years. We tasted the lobster and it was rancid. Disgusting. We asked to speak to the manager and he was so incredibly rude (new management) and could "do nothing for us." I told him that we've been patrons for years and never had a problem...always looked forward to coming. We didn't even ask for money back, just wanted an apology and thought maybe he'd comp a round of drinks or some coffee. Nothing. So, bye bye El Quijote, I still taste that rancid lobster...good luck with your new management.
(1)Max R.
Best Lobster in New York! Excellent service, delicious food! A 2 1/2lb broiled female lobster with delicious breadcrumb stuffing is simply sublime. The prices are excellent for the portion sizes and quality of ingredients. The Filet Mignon tornados are absolutely fantastic and they give you two large chunks of steak! The Red Snapper Vizcaina with a delicious tomato sauce and lots of little neck clams surrounding it is also a fantastic dish! The boss' name is Jose and he is ALWAYS there and ALWAYS available if you have any problems or just want to tell him your praises. El Quijote is a legendary place and one of the best restaurants in NYC in my opinion.
(5)Lorelei D.
I can't believe that, as a native New Yorker, I had never gone here before. Wonderful atmosphere and food. Definitely try the tortilla espanola and the hanger steak. Great blue cheese dressing for salad!
(4)C.E. R.
The food is overly salty and the portions are too huge for a normal sized person yet the restaurant charges $9.50 to share a meal. The music was horrible; it was noisy and the decor was tacky. We will never visit this place again. Eating at this restaurant was a total waste of money.
(1)Joey C.
Service would receive 5 stars. However, the food deserved 1 star. Everything was flavored with salt and nothing else, or so it seemed. Paella was buttery and very salty. Rice was undercooked. Don't get me started on the processed flan from-a-can that was not consumed by anyone at the table. This food is for boring old whites. I would not go back or recommended it as a foodie destination.
(1)Eileen C.
My dad and I went to celebrate my father's 81st Birthday on Sunday 6/6/15. What a mistake! Wait staff was standing around socializing. We waited over 20 mins to get their attention. We asked a busboy to send a waiter over. We watched him tell several waiters (who were staring at us). Yet, we continued to wait for another 10 mins. When we received our food, several of the side dishes were missing. But.... so was our waiter. We couldn't eat everything @ the same time. He wasn't apologetic in the least. Secondly, the food was very substandard. I had been to dinner here several times without any issues. It was very disappointing. I won't be back!
(1)Justin S.
El Quijote is truly legendary, not only in New York City but in the sphere of my friend who sees it as one of the most classic "old New York" restaurants. As we pulled up to the restaurant in the cab, I exclaimed "I didn't realize it was IN the Chelsea Hotel," but yes, it surely is (on the ground floor anyway). I've been here twice now, and both times I found that the atmosphere and the food are equal in quality. That said, I don't think this is an avant-garde dining establishment, or even one where you can really go expecting mind-blowingly good food, but somehow the old-fashioned atmosphere, solicitous waiters and massive portions work together to form something great. El Quijote is basically a Spanish-influenced steakhouse and the menu reflects that. There are some interesting Spanish options but I have always found myself drawn to the steak here. I went hard and ordered the Filet Mignon Dulcinea last time, which is essentially a gorgeously cooked, huge piece of meat served on an old-fashioned silver plate. You have an option for sides, and most people here will tell you to go for the old-fashioned fried potatoes which is a good choice. My steak was excellent and extremely meaty... I don't mean that to be glib, but to say that it was a cut of high quality and one that had been tampered with minimally as far as flavor goes (we like that). The group I was with shared a few appetizers including shrimp cocktail, mushrooms in garlic sauce and chorizo, all of which were good, though the steak definitely eclipsed them. While waiting for our table, we ordered a few drinks at the bar. I went for a Negroni which was great - And it seemed like the right type of drink to order while hanging out in this old atmosphere (though sangria also seems a popular choice). At dinner, the waiter recommended some pretty good Spanish red wine which we shared and enjoyed. All told, El Quijote is at least an interesting bet for something different, and for a more old-fashioned dining experience in New York. It's a good fall-back as a place to take out-of-town guests too, and that steak will keep me coming back too!
(5)Daybel V.
OMG the worst restaurant I have EVER been in . My boyfriend took me here for my birthday. We dressed up and he wanted a romantic night for me . The night was going good until we received our food. The presentation was nice but the food was HORRIBLE!! That not being enough in the middle of our dinner the waiter asks us to move bc they had a bigger party come in and they needed our table . They move us and offered us the most disgusting cake ever!! It tasted like an ice box cake .
(1)Ari A.
El Quijote had me feeling full, tipsy, and happy all at once. The paella gets you tons of food at a reasonable price & the lobster tail was generous. But beware for those splitting charges. We ordered enough food that I thought it was a bit overkill. That and the soup they served was subpar. Our chorizo plate was delicious, but the olive & Manchego plate was underwhelming. If you order the steak, I hope you think 3 meals in advance, I'd say it was easily 1.5lbs on that plate. El Quijote was a blast from the past, where people are still slipping the maître'd tips & the servers are wearing red monkey suits. Be prepared for an experience & come hungry.
(3)Frank M.
Great food and drinks at reasonable prices. Sangria is one of the best. Went with good friends and my girlfriend before Radio City Christmas show. Been going there for years. Never know when to stop ordering appetizers, big selection of good food. Seafood always good. Bar area is tight, not much room to hang.
(4)Ernest A.
We decided to try this NYC establishment after the recent take over. The place was crowded and the usual poor service was in abundance. I ordered the porterhouse medium, which was presented charged, Still, a good and very large piece of meat and certainly edible. My companion ordered a 2.5 Male lobster opened. What arrived was a female lobster unbroken. What was worse - the lobster was not 2.5 pounds. It was the same size as all the other lobsters passing the room - the standard 1.25 pounds. A mistake, and that was innocent enough. However, after a thirty minute wait, the same exact lobster was returned to the table. We were upset to say the least. To put it mildly, there are simply many other places to go in NYC to have a good meal and I cant say this in one of them. With poor service, and obviously a rather poor service manager, Id say count yourself lucky if you go and enjoy your meal, but otherwise be concerned.
(2)Gabrina P.
I am sad to say that I will not be returning to this restaurant-which I've been going to for about 20 years with my family. My sister and I went there for much needed Friday night get together. We ordered our usual-the Madrid/New York-which is a ny strip steak and a whole broiled lobster. It turns out that the lobster was inedible. It tasted awful-we told the waiter that it tasted weird to us. The waiter, who was very attentive, said that he would have to talk to the manager. He then came back and said that the manager said that he can't do anything about it. We asked to speak to that manager. The manager came over and said that the only thing he could do is offer us another lobster-but, after the taste of the first lobster we were disgusted. He then said that was the only thing he can do,-nothing else. Really? He can't offer a cup of coffee or even a measly dessert or even a drink? Who wants to send back a lobster? After all these years, we're so sad to say that not only were we dissatisfied by our meal-but the treatment from management was awful. We're so disappointed.
(1)Lulu H.
Open letter to the new owners and chefs: PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE EL QUIJOTE INTO A NEW, TRENDY, and OVERPRICED PLACE TO EAT. NYC is full of places where one can get a good meal of small portions for a mortgage payment and have a "high end" generic dining experience. Take it from a life long New Yorker... The best places that make New York what it is are fast disappearing. Old time establishments with history and grit are what make NYC unique and a destination to be fully indulged, not simply visited. If one wants shiny and new, go to Disney World or some suburban strip mall. El Quijiote is one of those favorite places that offered good food (and sangria!) in a relaxed and interesting atmosphere at reasonable prices. Not every restaurant needs to be a once in a life time entire paycheck experience. I miss the neighborhood stand bys that locals are comfortable frequenting on a regular basis, rather than the trendy places that cater to the tourists. So again, I beg you to not turn a beloved restaurant into just another expensive place to eat. Thank you for listening.
(1)Cheyenne B.
I was there Saturday 4/25 @ 2pm with a guest. The decor was ok, it certainly looks like it's 85 yrs of age. We stood in the foyer for approximately 10 mins before we were seated. The place was NOT crowded, many available tables and booths. The waiter placed menus on the table and hurriedly walked off. A short time later (15 mins) he returned and wanted to rush take our order, note....We weren't even offered any water. I asked a passing server for water. The food came a short time later. I ordered the seafood combo of shrimp/octopus in garlic sauce. My guest ordered the Mussels in green sauce. The food was excellent. The service needs a lot to be desired. The waiter was not atttentive. He never returned to us until tab time. I only gave 3 stars because of the food. If there were a service rating. Based on my experience, the place would fail in customer service. I will not recommend to friends and family.
(3)Charlie M.
Firstly, As other posters have pointed out. The decor is a huge throwback. I felt like I was sitting in the red booths circa 1970. BUT the food is very good. Huge portions in big pots come to your table. The staff is very friendly. This place to a life long New Yorker like myself is what makes NYC great.
(4)David L.
Very much felt like I was in Madrid. Very generous portions, highly seasoned dishes and gregarious service. Worth going back
(4)Betty Ming L.
This is such a fun restaurant space, basically a local landmark with a wonderfully responsive staff. I love the ambiance! But I would never go just for the food, which is fairly standard in taste and preparation, sort of reminds me of cafeteria seafood. We stopped in for a snack of three appetizers: stuffed scallop with mystery filling, garlicky shrimp that tasted so previously frozen and mussels vinaigrette which was little more than mussels with chopped onions and a splash of vinegar. The bread was truly like school cafeteria Italian bread! Nothing wrong with any of this. This is still a great place to take a group for an evening of wine and laughs.
(3)Mike F.
The best food and the prices are great! Been going here for over 20 years and never had a bad meal. Waiters are great....you will love this place. Be prepared to bring home food, they give you so much.
(5)Soy L.
Plus side - 1. Pleasant staff. 2. Tasty food. 3. Reasonable prices. 4. Nice vintage feel. 5. The best cup of coffee I've had in a long time. Minus side - 1. Men's room was filthy. 2. About five different people will serve you and take your order. Some are good, some not. The food delivery was met with - "who ordered the chicken?" That's unprofessional. 3. The staff congregates by the front door/coat check room. We sat there and had to hear quite a few conversations. We had no choice. 4. One item was overcharged on the bill by $3 as compared to the menu. I did not bother to complain but that is just sloppy, sloppy, sloppy. Be on the look out for it in case it's a recurring issue. 5. Bread basket will not get refilled no matter what.
(2)Angela M.
Miguel and I have been coming here for so long that a waiter is now the manager. How time flys when you're eating a good meal. Spanish cuisine is a passion of ours. El Quijote is great for couples or a group. Ask to be seated in the main dining room or eat at the bar. And don't forget to count the statues of Don Quijote.
(3)Queen R.
Horrible service, underwhelming food, highly acidic and old espresso, huge portions, great for old people. Go elsewhere if you are under 55.
(2)Danielle P.
Place is creepy looking they need to renovate. Service sucks because they dont know the menu. Portions are abnormally huge!!!!! Waitress should have told us this. Food was good but wish I would have known about the huge portions.
(1)K E.
I have a softness for this place because it's a legendary NY restaurant. It's quiet and has a nice enough atmosphere. With that said though, the food just really isn't that high in quality. EVERYTHING is DROWNING in butter and oil. That can be fun for a minute, but I couldn't really get to the end of the meal without kind of feeling nauseous. The menu could use a little updating. The decor could use a cleaning and a fresh coat of paint. The service... well, it's fine. It's "old school". I can't really say anything was bad (except for the cold and gluey crab cakes that we just had to send back), but for the prices, I would want better quality food. I had a good time there, but I can't say that I would vote to go back.
(3)Jason E.
I came here with my girlfriend after a night out. If you like traditional Spanish food I would give this a try--the place has been around for a good amount of time. The waiters are all in suits and the scenery was hilariously cool. We got calamari, sangria, paella and soups. The meal itself was decent and wasn't crazy expensive considering how much we got. If I do go back, a steak is probably the next best move. In general, I enjoyed it. Would I deem this my favorite place in the city? No. However it was certainly a consistent meal.
(3)Mike P.
They are your standard Spanish cuisine. Various lobster and seafoods with green sauce or garlic sauce, fresh fish and a wide selection of steaks. The food is absolutely fine. Perhaps I prefer the similar yet differing Portuguese cuisine, but I've had far better meals in Newark. I've never had a bad meal here, yet I'm never wowed either. The interior is really in need of a facelift, it just feels old. Not old in a charming old school feel, but more of a decaying depressing kind of way. The bar area is cramped--either find a seat or don't stand there or you'll be blocking the already too narrow path leading to the entrance. Even the bathroom is uncomfortable. The staff and service are on point. While they may have to verify who ordered what, they are quick too fill water glasses, they get the drink orders filled quickly, tables are cleared efficiently and the meal is well paced. Every meal comes with either a blah salad or a midgrade soup. They offer a dessert cart that seems to have had the exact same options for the past 20 years.
(3)Julian k.
We each had paella, which was good. The Paella Valencia definitely was better than the seafood one. Service was...well, the only way I can characterize it is very "messed up", especially for a restaurant with such expensive food. We were attended by a woman who claimed to be our waitress, took our orders and asked after our food when it came. Then, she disappeared. No one else helped or checked in for quite some time (about a half hour, I'd say). We asked three waitresses and busboys in succession to have our waitress come over without any results. One of the waitresses we asked even hung out in the front with the host chatting, in plain sight of us two tables away. Clearly, the staff has no concept of customer service. We finally asked a busboy to get the manager, who told us the waitress had left for the night. No excuses, no help: just told us and then left. Finally, the busboy brought the woman over who had served us. We asked for the host again and asked him why he lied to us. It turns out the woman was a busperson who had taken care of us, then just stopped. The host did nothing to respond to our first request, answer our question or try to "make it right". In the end, we just paid and hightailed it out of there. This place clearly disdains its customers and has no concept of service.
(1)Trey K.
We were a group of 12. Lots of tasty delicious food and wicked sangria. Everyone was please. Do I need to say more?
(4)Elle B.
Honestly, I read all the reviews before going and went there to meet with friends who know the restaurant well. I was not impressed with the food whatsoever. The service is good, respectful waiters that are dressed nicely. This is more of an old timers' restaurants, it's a nice style but it hasn't been renovated and cleaned properly in too many years. Would not go back.
(2)Albert F.
Good Spanish restaurant, Ambiience is nice too. Servung is hugh, eg Paella enough for 2 peoole.
(4)Abdelhak J.
Huge portions (Spanish habits ^^). Price a bit high, but the service is above average. Nicely located next to the Ny comedy club. Make a reservation (often a line)
(3)Jonathan Z.
El Quijote is a landmark lounge. I think my first time there was in the late 90s, when I was nearing the end of a Hunter Thompson book. It was the perfect setting to finish the last few pages of fear and loathing, helping further animate the story with its undeniable decor and ambient lighting. So I went back last night. It's still awesome inside. Great people, loud laughs, leering eyes... still transported to another time and place. Oh, and the food smelled great there.
(5)Anneurys T.
I am very sad to say that I just recently went back to this restaurant and my experience (and I'm sure that all of my friends) wasn't good. To start and for my taste the food was too salty. I ordered the filet mignon in the brown sauce with mushrooms and asked for my meat medium well. My order came out with the mignon burned and inedible. The sauce was salty. I have to say that my previous experiences at this place were very pleasant but now I am very disappointed.
(2)Huw P.
I have been here many times both for drinks and to eat , the cocktails are not for the faint hearted !!!!! I have had many celebratory dinners here and will be going tonight NYE14 The meat is amazing and comes with a soup or salad option, the fish is great to I have had the paella it's huge and tasty the food all takes a bit of time to come out but that's because it's cooked to order as it should be, I went once with a big group including some Muslims from work the staff were very helpful explaining the menu and pointing out the dishes without pork and everyone was happy, the deserts I have not eaten much of as I have never had enough room, wines range form cheap and chearful To the top enjoy
(5)Enrique D.
Huge portions. Kitsch everywhere. Mediocre food with some pleasant surprises here n there. The place is super old school and can be very hit or miss depending on the day. However I always have such a good time here. Its fun and the take home amount of food is insane. Every portion is easily shared for two to four people. The price is reasonable for the quantity. The servers are very very attentive. Some may say a little too attentive, but I prefer that over inattentive. Sangria is good and paellas are delicious. Stick with classic dishes and don't get too adventerous and you will have a good meal here. Great for large groups or a fun date (maybe not a first date though)
(3)Leon G.
I have been coming here for over 20 years the food is made to order and made to perfection I love this please and the antithetic flavor. I go there at least 2 times a month I come in from Rockland County NY. I have the Soup Caldo Gallego and the Chicken Villaroy .The steak Quijot out standign I also love the Lobster in Green sauce or the seafood Papaya. the dessert is WOW the best Coffee or Cappuccino . The BEST Sangria
(5)Jess L.
I rarely do this -- rate an entire experience based on one dish -- but if you see this seafood platter, you'll understand. For $70, you get a huge, huge, huge platter of lobster, scallops, clams, prawns, and oysters in a delicious garlic sauce. You also get two side salads and a side vegetable. Truly an incredible deal and delicious taste. (Check out the photo I uploaded!) The sangria is also pretty stellar, some of the best in the city. Service was pretty "meh," but you're not here for the service, right? A true NYC institution!
(5)J. K.
My place for lobster in the city have been going here for years always good make a reservation or be prepared to wait the line I've seen is in the street very popular place monster filet mignon(wow).Great long bar v good sangria.
(4)Jan P.
Still one of my favorites. Garlic soup less salty this time. Service is still lousy though. Used to be good. So many wait staff around, what's the problem?
(4)John C.
Second time being back. Last time I had the sausage with rice (since it was my first time) but I decided to dabble and get the chicken and garlic sauce. Just like my first time, the food was great. My Pinot was great as well. I would suggest anyone to come here, either it be a first date or just for some good food.
(4)Katey G.
As I entered this place, I heard Gordon Ramsey in my head: "Giant menus? Out of date decor? Huge portions???" I admit, I was skeptical. However! The food was pretty good. The sangria was sweet and had actual fruit in it. The plates, while pricey, will feed you for the rest of the week. I got Arroz con Chorizo and I'll be eating it until Friday. Seriously sized portions - enough to split. The Paella with seafood looks like the whole ocean jumped in. The veggie Paella looked to contain most of a garden. White bean soup is nice, has chunks of ham that add a good saltiness. I'm also very appreciative that on a quiet night, we could sit and talk and catch up with people and no one (seemed to) mind.
(4)Felix L.
This rating is for their Flán only. While their food may rate differently. -Lugo "The Flan Critic & Innovator"
(1)Katie M.
I had a great time here this past Saturday night. I was meeting 5 friends, 1 showed up on time w/ me, and the rest were 45 minutes late. Was it a problem moving our reservation around? Not at all! El Quijote was totally nice about it and extremely accommodating. While we waited at the bar, we enjoyed a few very inexpensive glasses of delicious house wine - seriously, it was only $7.50 a glass and notably tasty. We also nibbled (scratch that, inhaled) some fried calamari to tide us over until we sat down. This was also quite delectable, no complaints here. After our late friends arrived and we finally sat down, the great service continued all the way through the meal. The dining room and bar area are very uniquely decorated, sort of like old school stuffy meets Cinco de Mayo, and it totally works! It was an awesome experience all around. But NOOOO, unfortunately, I HATE to say that my food was not good. I got the Mariscada En Salsa Verde (mixed seafood in green sauce), as recommended by our server, and was pretty shocked to get a bunch of really solid pieces of seafood, bathing in this funky, flavorless, congealed butter-like sauce. It was such a shame. I'm not even sure it was "butter" in the apparently butter-based sauce... i'm seriously hoping it wasn't crisco. This place was ALMOST a win -- especially as a go-to spot to take out out-of-towners -- but i can't look past bad food. Other people at my table seemed to like their dishes; there was steak (wow, gigantic portion here), mussels in garlic sauce, and lobster in garlic sauce. No one complained though, so maybe it's just me?
(3)Alan G.
I highly recommend the lobster special, baked with delicious breadcrumbs! Ask for the square rolls. They have a nice, slightly salty taste. Yum. Also, their red sangria is one of the best I've had.
(4)Tom B.
Haven't been there in a few years but judging by the reviews nothing's changed. Big portions of garlicky lobster delivered by professional servers. There's really nothing quite like it in nyc. Very old school. Very 1950s. Come for the vibe and stay for the sangria and lobster.
(3)Sheila C.
Not very good but it could have been the dishes we ordered. Short ribs which came with 1 tablespoon of peas...the rubs had a dry rub and were grilled. Not what I was expecting. Someone else at our table had to ask for some sauce to flavor her paella...lol. No need to return for me.
(3)Shelley Y.
This was not exceptional. The staff was very nice, but the food was pretty blah. We ordered 4 tapas. Maybe we got the wrong things? The guy at the next table had a huge steak that looked good and an ice cream dessert that looked amazing. The Sangria was good, we will go back for drinks.
(3)Gloria W.
We've made a reservation for 20 people and we've got a table for 18. They've quickly corrected the seating situation and added another table to fit all 20 chairs comfortably. Great service on making sure that our drinks were always filled and orders goes to the correct person. We began our meal with either soup or salad. I had the soup and it was a bit too salty for me. There are 3 dressing options for your choice of salad. I shared a combo of madrid, its one full size lobster and a new york sirlion steak for $34. (Good deal!) Food was great for the price, we were so stuffed. Remember to ask for bib, plenty of wet napkins and a few lobster cracker tool (brain fart- dont remember what its called) cause it's not set for you or maybe they've forgotten. And lastly, we had red velvet birthday with pretty sparks for the birthday girls. Overall, we felt alittle rushed but we had a great experience!
(4)brent P.
Went there again last night. Started with martinis at their incredible bar with the best bartenders. They even gave us some free superb tapas. Then headed for dinner with wife and friend. At one time I just looked up and said, "This is still the best place." I'm going to post some pics of our food which included my ENORMOUS Steak Dulcinea. My wife's veal chops (she could only eat one they were so big, and our friend who had the double broiled lobster. All three of these came with salad/soup and a vegatable/rice of choice. Wonderful.
(5)May Y.
Went there to meet up with friends & tried their dishes...I forgot what I had because it was a while back... But I would go back & give it another shot.
(4)Lonita E.
Excellent food and service. After 5 pitchers of sangria, several appetizers, and my paella along with tasting several other entrees, I needed a wheel chair to leave the premises. A restaurant you must try and return to.
(5)Lindsay L.
Love the ambiance. Love the wine. Love the staff. Love this place!
(5)Alice F.
This place is a gem. I've been going for years. It's not fancy, pretentious or trendy. Most people who go there are old and/or dress badly. But do not let this deter you. Their lobster deal is the best in the city. Their service is great. It's always packed, always festive, always consistent food/service quality. Nearly did not want to write this as I don't want too many people going there.
(5)Kerin Z.
After passing by El Quijote many times and always curious to go inside, I finally had the opportunity to try it last night. It was exactly as I expected it and even more. Immediately upon walking inside, this is a place you feel comfortable, as if you were in Northern Spain and going to visit your house mother's family owned restaurant. The crowd was all ages, which I liked. The bartender was friendly. The sangria was hands down one of the best sangria's I've had in NYC lately and I was very impressed. We were in the Cervantes room, and although the waiters weren't on top of you like they could be in other restaurants, they were still very friendly and warm. The waiters seem like they have worked there forever and it was so nice to hear the Spanish accent again, as it has been a few years since I lived in Spain! The paella was amazing, and I was really surprised that there was just so much of it, considering the low price of $20.00. I had MORE than enough (and I can eat let me tell you) and still have enough for lunch, and dinner, and maybe a snack later. I liked how they had a card on the table to review your waiter and to drop it in the box on the way out. Every last Saturday of the month there is a drawing and the winner gets $100.00 credit at the restaurant (including tip!). I was actually imperssed by that. They want you to keep coming back. After 80 years of business, I think they know what they are doing. And I take comfort in that. Overall, it was such a pleasant experience and I can not stop chatting about it. Upon leaving, I saw a few people just sitting at the bar sharing a half carafe of sangria and I thougth what a good idea that might be to come back and do if you are just up for a little bevy and nearby. The half carafe is only about $17.00 and was about 4 glasses and well worth it. Not surprised I enjoyed this place, as everytime I have walked past the restaurant for the past 8 months I have lived here, the crowd outside always looked happy and enjoying themselves, while smoking a cigarette or waiting for their party to finish up. I will definitely be back. And I am curious to try Vasco's across the street, to compare the two. Looks like I will have to have my left overs today in order to be able to order the same at Vasco's.. Stay tuned for my next postings! :) who knows, you might even meet me there. If you see some blond sitting at the bar alone with a big smile on her face, talking to just about anyone who comes her way, that is me! Please feel free to say hello, and I will be sure to say "ciao!"
(5)Stephen W.
Good drinks, I enjoyed tequila, white and red sangria. Very good food, large portions, not incredibly overpriced. Appetizers were very good, the Seafood Paella was great, as was the Red Snapper. Mediocre service.
(4)Jackie M.
Had a giant serving of paella. Good but I'd rather go to Soccarat. The decor is super gaudy but that's a big part of El Quijote's charm.
(3)Wei-Jen C.
it's my first review in yelp, and i have to give it to el quijote. i have been here for more than 10 times. the food never ever disappoints me, and the portion is really generous. when you try it once, you'll understand why it can stay chelsea for 80 years! personal favorite: anything in garlic sauce, paella, seafood in green sauce, and steak is nice too. will definitely come back.
(5)Gregory Edmundt V.
I've been coming here for 12 years It really is an anchor to the Chelsea neighborhood. It's a 80+ year Old School Spanish institution, classic red jackets, big menu, dessert cart and an old school décor to go with it. The fact that this restaurant has been here 8 decades while the rest of world has changed dramatically speaks volumes how many places have come and gone in the last 10 years alone? I have yet to find ANY restaurant in NYC that has a better meat selection in its size and price than these guys do. So, IF you're looking for amazing food at a great price you're going to find it here. The tapas dishes, soft shell crab, filet mignon tips, bean soup, their Sangria are ALL over the top great! Now for the 'wannabe-on" scene seekers you'll find celebrities here but they come here to keep a low profile to NOT be seen. So, if you want that "watch me, watch you action" this isn't going to be your place perhaps Cafeteria will be. Everyone else you'll love it!
(5)art f.
So near 5 stars......... What seems to be a small place next to the Chelsea Hotel opens onto 2 good-sized dining rooms. With 3 people, we split an order of unexceptional but serviceable clams casino, along with our opening choices - salads for my dining companions and a hearty white bean and greens soup for me. Entrees were at the next level - sole in salsa verde, a huge succulent strip steak, and seafood in egg sauce. The sole was hearty and moist- perfectly cooked and sauced. My side of broccoli was a little underdone but no big deal. Ended with an expresso. I wish DC had a place like this.
(4)Valerie G.
My friends and I had our huuuuuuuge NYE dinner here & they were very accommodating for our group of about 30 people. We had the nice little private room in the back (or really just half of it as there were random people sitting there with us as our night went on...). Initially they didn't want to sit us without the entire party being there but really with such a large group that's nearly impossible. So they let us sit! And then they didn't want to let us order unless everyone was there either but they relented. So A+ for service =) Their portions are humongo! I split the seafood paella w/ lobster (only $24.95!) with my guy friend and we couldn't even finish it! The paella was also nicely split up for us which was very nice & came with a choice of soup or salad. Noted - get the soup bc the salad consisted of sad pieces of iceberg (the worst ever) lettuce + slivers of carrots. The paella all came out at the same time and was redonkulously quick which makes me suspicious as to how authentic it was, knowing that real paella takes quite long to make. My friend ordered the pollo con arroz y chorizo dish which was huge but she said it wasn't very good =/ We also shared a good dozen or so pitchers of sangria which was a nice medium between being overly sweet and overly strong. All in all we were able to be in and out in 2.5 hours, full & happy :)
(4)Greg K.
I came here last weekend with my boyfriend who had some good things to say about this place. Long story short, by the time we left he had recanted his statement. For starters, we were graced with who was hands down the rudest waiter I have ever encountered in my life. The man glared and literally stared daggers at us throughout our entire ordering process, and every attempt we made to catch his attention after that he seemed to purposefully ignore. I was starving. We ordered 2 glasses of wine, the Entremes Variados appetizer combination for two, and the paella as an entree. The appetizer combination was god awful: bland, tasteless, and really unbalanced. Unfortunately that was the least of it's problems. Within 5 minutes I started to feel sick. Now i'm someone who can polish off a whole large pizza by myself in one sitting and never get sick from a meal. By the time the paella came I wasn't sure how confident I was I would not vomit. I ignored the paella and he ate a few bites before he started to feel sick as well. We decided to just ask for the check, and decided to tell the manager about our issue. We gave the waiter our credit card and they wrapped up the paella. When the manager came over we explained to him how we had gotten sick from the appetizer. What was intended as an FYI to the manager, (since there was clearly something bad in the appetizer) , quickly transitioned into an argument with him about how much paella we ate, as if he was accusing us of fabricating the whole tale for a discounted bill. So he keeps insisting we ate half of it, (in reality it was about three bites) - which I thought was funny And after twenty mins of arguing (while i supressed my urge to vomit,) he offered to comp the appetizer. We left the 2lbs of paella behind and paid a check for 50 dollars. What bothered me the most about this is that we just wanted to LEAVE and could have cared less about the bill. So anways when we got home my boyfriend ran to the bathroom and vomited 3 times over the next hour. I didn't vomit but i felt disgusting for the rest of the night. So essentially, we paid 50 dollars to eat a revolting appetizer, and go home to vomit. The only positive thing i can say is that there was nothing wrong with my pinot grigio. I will never return to El Quijote again and advise everyone to be extremely wary of this restaurant. Avoid like the plague!!!
(1)Dina L.
I wanted to try it after peeking in one day and seeing the traditional Castilian ambience. It's hidden underneath a dark awning in an otherwise dingy block, but it's a find since I was pleased with the food and service. Started with a grilled calamari with roasted garlic and wish I had more. I went for the conventional seafood paella, which was anything but and of course you know the paella is good for two. I recommend because I like old school, I like traditional feel and I'm keeping the business card so I can go to the bar one of these sooner days.
(4)Salvatore C.
GET THE SEAFOOD PLATTER!! its 75 bucks but its huge, you can split it between 2-4 people. Theres two decent lobsters, bunch of big shrimp, and lots of clams and mussels, its cooked in this delicious sauce I've never really tasted before. Also got the octopus appetizer and it was really good, perfectly cooked and the sauce was amazing. Got margaritas, they were tiny and 10 bucks, wouldn't recommend them. The place has been around forever and has solid food. Inside is typical classy, they have a room for big parties too.
(4)James C.
I've been coming to this restaurant for over 10 years and it has been awesome EVERY time. The people who give this restaurant a bad rating must not know good food! I went so far as to even have my wedding party of over 70 people here! Unbelievable steak and seafood!!! The daily double is a favorite, but if you are a huge seafood lover like myself, a must try the seafood platter for two. Be careful though it's more like for four!! The manager, bartenders and the waitstaff are friendly and courteous on every level. A staple of this Chelsea neighborhood for OVER 80 years SOOOOO they must be doing something right! I take family and friends who visit from out of town all the time and have never heard anything but how great it was. Sometimes the wait to get in is long, again a sign of a good restaurant. Who wants to eat in a place where no one else is eating?? These people who gave a bad rating need to go home and eat at Applebees, where there's no wait and everything is bought from restaurant depot! Bad rating =simpleton (s m p l-t n). person who is felt to be deficient in judgment, good sense, or intelligence; a fool. A few favorites: APPETIZER: Filet Mignon Tips Scallops or Mussels Quixote style Stuffed mushrooms ENTREES: NY strip Double Filet Mignon dinner Seafood Paella Lobster daily double and of course the seafood platter for two Go and try it, you won't be upset!!
(5)Maria S.
I went there on Valentine day, it was a biggest mistake I have ever done. Too crowded, very noisy, I had a reservation but had to wait for 1 hour. I could get the seat because they put me on top of the list by mistake, otherwise I would have been waiting for 2 hours. It's ridiculous. And the food is not good at all. It was way too expensive for tasteless food. Paella, I saw some reviews that it says it was great. Really? I had so many paella in my life but I hated this restaurant's. my boyfriend orders steak, it was huge tasteless chunk of meat. And he ended up taking 90% of meat to home. We spend over $100 for such food. I must admit Sangria was Okay though. I gave 1 star because I could not give 0 star. I really don't know why this restaurant is over rated. Please avoid the experience like I had. Go to other restaurant please.
(1)Jane S.
I took one star off for decor in back room. but if rating just food, would give 5, for taste and price. Food is very good. Quail app is delicious, and they have it as an entree too which is better deal to order for appetizer. soup or salad? get the soup I love the seafood, with lobster in mariscada sauce (green), enough to take home. I always order this. I have tried other things and very good. I also love their short ribs, which is enough for two people. I never have room for dessert. This place is an institution.
(4)Mike B.
One of the worst restaurants I have ever been to. 1. The salad that comes with the meal is almost frozen and it is accompanied by three tins filled with thick glutinous blue-chees dressing, creamy viangrette and something else which I cant recall-gross! 2. The asparagous vinagrette was from a can. 3. The peas with my filet of sole were not fresh, but frozen and 4. My fish was flavorless. I just dont understand how the the place is packed. I will never return. OMG! YUCK.
(1)Thomas W.
Man of La Mancha's version of the West Side Story! Oh how my old Chelsea neighborhood has changed. The danger and intrigue of the West Side has been changed into Yuppie Heaven! Indeed I often look for Richard Kiley to appear singing Dulcinea to Rita Moreno? It is good to see some things don't change. This place comes right out of the 1960's. It is a little older, but the food is the same--plentiful and a bargain. This Spanish restaurant has the best prices on lobster you will find anywhere. The old style salad dressings don't have the same zest, but the paella is still as good as you will find for this price. There are many higher class Spanish restaurants around, but El Quijote is second to none in the care they put into their Paella Valencia con langosto! Oh how I hope this place stays the same.
(4)Yolanda L.
Relatives brought us here for dinner & I LOVED It! I got the recommended broiled lobster (3 tails) which was delicious, wish i had more. My dad got the whole broiled lobster (which looked fantastic, 1.5lbs), sis got the lobster in garlic sauce (out of this world!), and mom got the filet of red snapper (it was ok but not the best). Portions are hearty, entrees come w/choice of a starch & i opted for the spanish rice. I spooned some of the garlic sauce onto my rice, OMG..heaven. Apparently, this place has been around for a very, very long time & I like the kitschy atmosphere. Sangria was tasty as well. Overall, everyone ordered something fabulous, the flavors were delicious and wants me yearning for more. I'm looking at the yelp pics & i'm drooling already. This place is a must go to for me every time i'm in NYC. That seafood paella looks KILLER!!! Prices are ok, not too expensive & not cheap. fun place for a nite out on the town (or when im vacationing over there) Why does NYC have the BEST restaurants?! puts SF restaurants to shame...
(5)Mike G.
I come here every trip to NYC. Food is excellent and portions are huge. Favorites are shrimp creole and stuffed shrimp. The shrimp creole is in a tomato based slightly spicy sauce and served with rice. They bring you a pot full of shrimp. Very tasty. The stuffed shrimp come with a stuffing that actually has pieces of real crabmeat in it. Excellent, tasty meal. Prices are very reasonable and include soup or salad. Bread served with meal as well. If you go, get the red sangria. It is homemade and it is excellent. Will keep coming back.
(5)Ishan G.
Mediocre food...Interesting place.. A curious place. Somewhat like an Olive Garden of Spanish food. Crowded, big menu, streamlined service.. super sized plates. My wife and I went here with a couple of friends thinking that this is a classic Spanish tapas food. The menu was big enough that there were a few appetizers which passed for tapas. Some dishes were good, the other okay. Nothing spectacular. Prices are decent. But definitely not a place I would go for a second time nor place to take anyone if you want to impress them. If you happen to go here, stick to seafood.
(3)Rach K.
Yum! For my friend's birthday, she had a hard time finding a place that would take a party of 8 people for dinner on a Saturday night so she ended up making a reservation here. I walked in to see a relatively long bar, a room divider, and some booth/table seating areas on the other side. I was one of the non-punctual people (due to torrential rain downpour causing traffic all over the place) so I only got to take a few sips of my friend's white wine sangria before we were seated. We were led down the bar through a little doorway into the back area where there were a few tables and cute Spanish decor (ceramic painted tiles, chandelier, etc.). So point #1: ambiance was v. nice. Casual enough to bring children, but cute and upscale enough to bring a date. Now onto the food! To start, we ordered 2 orders each of 4 different tapas - scallops, baked clams, stuffed mushrooms, calamari - and a pitcher of the white wine sangria, because why not? Everything was really delicious and served pretty promptly. Our waiter was really friendly and nice, but not in an overbearing way. I thought all of the tapas were really good but the baked clams were the best. The seasoned breading made it for me. I thought all of the seafood in general was cooked perfectly - tender scallops, crisp and soft calamari. The stuffed mushrooms were good, but a bit salty for my taste. For the main course, we shared the steak and 2 orders of the paella valencia. At the bequest of one of the pickier members of our party, we got it cooked medium well. It was charred on the outside, almost to the point of inedibility, but it was still surprisingly tender and moist on the inside. It came with a side of some spicy gravy, but I silently wished to myself that they had served chimichurri instead. To be honest, I've had better paella, but I thought they did a pretty good job with the flavor and it was full of seafood and chorizo. There was only 1 piece of chicken per pot so not everyone got to try it. From what I heard though, it was really moist and delicious. The paella pots had higher rims than the paella pots I'm accustomed to seeing, and it made a difference in the finished product because there wasn't any rice that crisped up on the bottom of the pan (which is one of my favorite parts about paella). The sangria was really refreshing and had apple and orange slices floating in it, as well as marachino cherries. The bill split amongst the 7 of us (because the birthday girl didn't pay, of course) was $31, which was really good considering we were all completely stuffed and there was even a bit of food leftover. Overall, a really pleasant dining experience! Enough so that even with the boundless restaurant choices in NYC, I'd be willing to visit again.
(4)Geoff C.
Best Lobster and Paella in NY City. The Sangria is great also, but beware, you'll pay for it in the AM. Get's crowded after 7: 00 PM on peak nights so get their early or late on those days.
(4)AP V.
Time-warp dining. I'm sorry I missed the restaurant's heyday. Go for the ambiance, not so much the food, which is just passable. Though portions are impressive and service reminiscent of the Old World and Old New York.
(2)Clare C.
Reservations a must!!! Sangria is very good! Exercise caution - it goes down like fruit juice but can hit you!!!! Food is plentiful. We were a party of 6 and got 5 entrees to split. There was MORE than enough food!
(3)Boyd P.
I went with a group of 4 on a Friday night around 8pm. We were able to make a reservation a few hours earlier so when we got there we were seated immediately. It wasn't packed but I'm pretty sure it was close to capacity. The portions here are HUGE!! Thankfully we didn't order too many tapas otherwise we wouldn't have been able to eat any of our main course. We started off with a pitcher of sangria which was pretty good and with big slices of fruit in it. Then we ordered some light tapas, stuffed mushrooms and clams served in a pot of red sauce which was pretty amazing (+1 for having enough bread leftover to dip in the sauce). I ended up ordering paella seafood combo w/ lobster which came with choice of soup or salad. Ended up going with the soup which was a hearty white bean soup that everyone at the table loved. Everyone else went with the salads which came with an array of dressings to choose from and looked pretty good. The paella came out piled high on a plate and than an entire pot of paella was brought out as well. It was an INSANE amount of food to fathom eating and I ended up having quite a bit of leftovers. Someone else at the table had paella as well and barely even made a dent. The others ordered veal entrees and both plates were very large portions and tasted very good. We rounded off the dinner with another pitcher of sangria and then had the waiter roll us out the door...highly recommended!
(5)Mango J.
El Quijote?.. oh you mean El Excellente.. I like it here , this place is mm mmm good! And from the look,decor, & set up of the place you'd think it was so much more pricey. But its actually quite moderately priced for such marvelously healthy portions of excellent delicious plates of seafood, from salads,rices, pastas and all in such a lovely set up. I like that knight at the front entrance* unique touch that bought character - the red curtains and tassles may come across too much/traditional, too " cha cha" or even dated to some, but I enjoyed it. And this establishment has been succesfully in business for a very long time for a reason. Its good!
(5)Wayne T.
Been here many times and have never been disappointed. Party of 8 big eaters so we ordered all the shellfish apps plus two paellas (with lobsters) for starters. Everything was great especially the raw oysters. To make up for the lower cost of lobsters, it appears they increase the size of the twin lobsters from 1 1/4 to more like 1 1/2 pounders, which is a class act. We also had lobstesr (sans shells) in green and white sauces as well as in puff pastry shells. All excellent. FYI 4 1/2 lb lobster was under $70, which is half of what steak houses charge. Definitely will repeat.
(4)Brad P.
This place has been here a very long time for a reason, and it is definitely one of my favorite go to places in the city. I have never been disappointed. I had one of the best steak and lobster meals anywhere at this place. I try to eat here at least one time on every visit.
(5)Ashish S.
This place belongs in the suburbs -- not in Manhattan.
(1)David Mark S.
My first experience at El Quijote was this past weekend, for a holiday party/Christmas dinner. The place was packed, noisy and vibrant, but generally there was an upbeat atmosphere all around. The extensive menu gives you a lot to think about, but think quick because even with reservations, you might get rushed along a little. I went for the combo dinner of veal and shrimp -- a great portion and tasty, to boot. This paried with an escargot appetizer was solid as a rock. The sangria was a little weak, so i'd suggest sticking with the wine or hard liquor. One small thing: the bar area seems quite the zoo on weekends, if you don't want to get jostled a lot by people waiting for tables or the traffic for the front door, drink at your table. Nice place, efficient if not toasty warm service, and serviceable food at good prices.
(3)Arthur J.
I have only eaten at the bar here, but the day I did the calamari was super fresh and the margaritas perfect. The bartender friendly and knowledgeable, the room interesting with dark woods, red wall paper. Definitely going back to meetup with friends at the bar for more calamari insalada and margaritas!
(4)Carl B.
It's one of the oldest Spanish restaurant in NYC, open since 1930. The interior feels charmingly pleasant conventional and proper, with dim lights, red leather booths, candles, waiters and busboys in jackets. This place is like the Latin accidental discovery of something pleasant and valuable, in my opinion. A inconspicuous storefront hides a hidden jewel. The food was delicious, the portions are enormous, the place is romantic, the service was great, and the pork chops, chicken and shrimp were all exceedingly scrumptious !! The food is good, the prices are not that expensive and you get a lot of food. What more could you ask for? Thank You El Quijote...
(5)Naoko I.
Their Lobster Paella was amazing. If I remember it correctly there was a whole (or half, cannot remember) Lobster in the Paella pan with all other sea foods. Their seafood and the rice was seasoned just perfect and tasty. It is very huge so you might want to share with your friends. I'd like to go back again very soon.
(5)Emma M.
BF and I stumbled in here over the weekend looking for a late dinner. We had second thoughts once we got inside and we're greeted by a woman with crazy hair and a matador costume but ignored our good sense and sat down anyway. We thought it was tapas. It is not. The menu lists a few appetizers as tapas, but this is not a tapas restaurant. Determined to salvage the night, we sat down and ordered the fried calamari. Gross. They were chewy, flavorless, not crispy in the slightest and came with a side of pizza sauce in a metal gravy boat. At this point we were scared to order anything else off the menu and just paid for the wine and "fried calamari" and bailed. But not before I got a look at the "desert cart." OMG. They keep the desserts in the most disgusting manner I have ever seen. Out on the floor in a metal and glass case that looks like it's been in the restaurant since the 1960s. Plus the desserts just look nasty. So unappetizing. Kitschy and charming? Not even. This place is just OLD. I will never come back here.
(1)Raven M.
El Quijote is one of those Magical Places. I felt as if I was in Spain circa late 20's- with Anais Nin and Henry Miller getting cozy in the booth behind me.... The pictures posted on their website just do not do it justice. Low-Candlelit-Hints of sparkle- Utter Bliss. As a party of three we enjoyed Champagne Sangria- I must point out it was The Best I have ever had. Enough that lasted us throughout dinner. The pickled asparagus (I believe) was out of this world. All of their small dishes in fact were incredible. For my entree I enjoyed the Sole verde, which was tender, juicy and exactly what I had in mind. All of their entrees are definitely large enough to to share. Service was absolutely impeccable. I can't wait to return- maybe I'll book a room at the famous Chelsea Hotel as it's right next door ; )
(4)Jackie M.
I'm inlove with this place. I've been going here for years and held my birthday party in the back room w/o having to pay a fee to do so. Even bought outside cake inside with no extra fee. The food is excellent and come in big portions, prices are reasonable and attentive service. Their Sangria is amazing & the paella is mouth watering. My faves are the grilled salmon and fried shrimp. The decor is cute and old-fashioned, but I don't care about that. What matters is the food in my opinion and I constantly refer my friends here and now they're El Quijote fans too.
(5)Corey J.
Based on our expectations this restaurant was a bit of a disappointment but did have some positive aspects. Serving sizes here are HUGE! Their dinner rolls are massive but sadly were dried out in the center. The vegetable Pallea was also unneccessarly large and could have fed more than my whole family. One a positive note the Sangria was definitely worth ordering a picher of and the Grouper in green sauce was delicious.
(2)Gregg L.
This is my go to spot for a date. It has that classy old school vibe. The waiters treat you like friends. The portions are huge and the soups are great. My favorite dish? The shrimp in wine sauce!! It's amazing and very filling. If you want a taste at a lower price go during lunch. This place gets crowded for dinner so be sure to make reservations!
(4)Vincent K.
The salad, o god, NEVER ask for the salad. IT not only looks like crap, it tastes like it was grown out of their asses. For a place that demands so much, yet offer so little is beyond my comprehension. I don't see why they're so pretentious when the atmosphere opens up for a family setting. Can't wear hats in, splitting plates cost $2.50 a person extra, being treated like kids, please....I can enjoy a meal without the special treatment. As for the food, the salsa verde with garlic green sauce is pretty good with the seafood; the paella is filling, but its nothing spectacular in my opinion. Overall, it wasn't a very pleasant meal I was hoping for. In fact, it made me angry thinking about it along my trip in the East Coast.
(2)Sue G.
Great Spanish old school place close to the garment district. I get my lobster on here. Probably one of the best, if you don't want the stuffiness of The Palm.
(4)KL Z.
It can get really crowded in here, and rightly so cuz it's good food at great prices. Came here one evening with a couple of gals based on a recommendation and we're all glad we ate here. Everything tasted delicious albeit a bit too salty for my entree but overall the dishes were excellent. The rice was fluffy, the seafood was fresh and the sangria was perfect. The wait could take forever but hey, if the food's worth it then why not? Get the mussels in green sauce! Trust me, you won't regret it. My friends and I were using up all our bread to soak up the sauce!
(4)Argentum S.
We heard so many good things about El Quijote and the pix on their web site looked so good that we had to try out this place. Well my friends this was just a big disappointment. The mariscada is excessively salty and the portion was tiny. How small? 3 shrimp, 3 small clams, five mussels. The broiled lobster was maybe a one pounder and the stuffing was middling. A plate of yellow rice was maybe half a serving. As for service? What service? We saw our waiter once, when he took our order and once again when he belatedly gave us the check. In between we had to flag down busboys to get what we needed and we waited about 15 minutes to get change back after we paid the bill. Yes the sangria was pretty good
(2)michelle r.
ooh goodness if ever in NYC you must try this place ! Great tapas , ambience , Sangria, desserts and can sit here for hours without feeling rushed out ! Very European flair has been here for 80years need I say more.
(5)Jenny S.
Came here for a birthday dinner and they reserved our tables in the back. Liked the bustling and antique atmosphere, great sangria, and lobster dish we ordered. The lobster was a bit overcooked but still good flavor. This place is pricey but easily accessible by train.
(3)Amanda D.
I went here with a group of five. Good food and a lot f fun. It is definitely old school and hasn't changed since I lived on this block more than ten years ago. Large portions you even get a soup or salad with the reasonably priced entrees. Good service the decor is fun a great evening out.
(4)Steve M.
By the Chelsea Hotel, El Quijote has been serving great Spanish cuisine since1930. Menu has so many selections but it's their seafood as to why this place is rarely empty. Besides the main room, they have a couple more rooms in the back. I didn't need to make reservations on a Thursday but they may require them for the weekends. The lobster was fresh and cooked perfectly. Good-sized portions served. Old-school, well-dressed waiters are constantly moving and cover so many tables. Fun bar scene even though its a bit cramped compared to the dining areas. Bartender mixed up a solid vodka tonic to complement the entire meal. Check it out mi amigos!
(4)Michelle S.
Wow talk about getting a lot for your money. $20 got me, bread, salad, HUGE plate of veal big enough for 3 meals and a giant side of rice. Sangria is pretty good too.
(4)Joshua S.
Favorite Spanish restaurantin the states. Older crowd, but lively and lots of fun! Sangria and paella are a must!
(4)Harry H.
Pricier than you'd expect, likely since it has an essence and is classier and more old-fashioned than I assumed, but I guess the exterior does exude both. That's not to say it's expensive or overpriced, as a boatload of paella with bread & white bean soup arrived for under $17. Wasn't very good, though, with bland paella, oddly prepared veggies, and a piece of meat; I've had better on LI. The space is actually pretty freakin' vast, unassumingly so as you enter, with various themed rooms towards the back. Went with the vegetable paella to-go, which was quite good but not spectacular. Service was friendly yet no-nonsense & it was ready in 10-15 as estimated. For takeout folks: you get enough butter (and paella) to feed a village, but no utensils or napkins. Seems like a decent option for drinks & tapas.
(3)Sarah C.
Oh man. So good. El Quijote dates from 1930, and it feels venerably old, at once both elegant and slightly kitschy. The Spanish, Don Quixote themed decor is beautifully over the top, with high ceilings, elaborate light fixtures, and murals of windmills and such. The waiters are also ridiculously upscale, with epaulets on their jackets. It simultaneously amuses and sets a romantically old fashioned mood. The menu is expansive, and though the steak and lobster entrees are super pricey, you are get a huge value for what you are paying. For example, Boyfriend always gets the Daily Double: two delicious lobsters for $38! I've also tried the slightly cheaper crab meat stuffed lobster, which was a gargantuan portion and SO GOOD, (still kicking myself for leaving the leftovers at that awful bar, McFaddens!). I've also attempted to eat the veritable mountain of meat known as the parrillada: a large platter with a pork chop, a lamb chop, a veal chop, a good-sized steak, a chorizo sausage and an incredibly laughable pile of peas. This was under $40 and fed me for nearly a week, no joke. Most of the other dishes are much cheaper, but there is just something about the extravagant atmosphere that just makes you want to go whole hog. Hah. As an added bonus, everything comes with white bean soup, and you will love the white bean soup. It has bacon in it, and some sort of escarole thingie. Like I said, you will love it. So stop by, drink in the sangria and the uniquely quixotic decor, and be prepared for lots and lots of meat and lobster of the highest quality. What a gem.
(5)Jessi T.
I ate tapas, cheesecake and drank sangria here. The tapas weren't really anything so memorable but the sauce for the chorizo was good. Their cheesecake was really good (but I like Eileen's better :P)... oh and their sangria was verrry good. Mmm... 2 of us drank 1.5 pitchers. Delicious! The service was very nice, friendly and very attentive. I loved the feel of this place.. oh and their bathrooms were pretty clean! Yay for sanitary-ness!
(4)Phillip M.
Ok, THIS IS NOW OUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT! We use to have another restaurant as our go to restaurant for authentic food from Spain & Spanish seafood - prior to us discovering this gem! We have been going to this restaurant and cocktail lounge for OVER a MONTH STRAIGHT of weekends!! There are SEVERAL factors that make THIS restaurant GREAT (and owners and other restaurants can take notes and follow this plan IF they want the same). First off food being great is an obvious given. Each time we have been there we have gotten a different dish. The menu itself is EXTENSIVE; you could probably go here a year straight and still not have gone through the entire thing. The portions are FAMILY STYLE, you can order most items (such as paella, steaks,etc...) and split them between a minimum of two people. If you want, you can go there and sit at the cocktail bar and eat or just order appetizers at the bar or sit at a table and do "tapas style". The pricing is very reasonable. The second factor that makes this restaurant excellent (other owners, please listen up and take notes...) is the MANAGER! THAT is a HUGE key point; hiring and having a manager that CARES as if they owned the restaurant personally themselves. Along with that is the third factor and that is the managers "people skills" to hire and train the CORRECT staff (waiter, hostess, chef's, busboys, etc...) to do the job. The ENTIRE staff operates as one solid unit - family! They do there work extremely well and you can see they are allowed to interact with the patrons especially the regulars, and most of all have fun while still doing their job. Those who don't work out, are not kept on the payroll to do a half ass job. Everyone is on top of their game there. If there were ever a Manager Of The Year award for restaurant managers, Jose the manager of this fine establishment would be the first manger I would give the award to hands down! Luis, our waiter on our first night at the restaurant is a gentleman and a true professional - and we told him that after dinner that first night. We seek him out every time we go there for dinner and look to be seated in his section. Now I turn to the bar scene/cocktail lounge, it is lively, you can strike up a friendly conversation with anyone around you. Many regulars of the restaurant and area come in and have a drink or eat their dinner or appetizers at the bar. The best thing about the bar, is - the bartender - Christian! A person who worked his way up through the ranks to his current position. He is a personable, fun and interesting employee.Whether we are eating dinner and then finished or waiting on a table or simple come in to have cocktails and a/or appetizers we always sit at the bar and talk with him. He makes great frozen drinks using FRESH ingredients (example: strawberry daiquiri/margarita's) or ANY mixed drink including some interesting concoctions that he has "invented" himself and made for us. The sangria is the BEST of ANY of the Spanish restaurants that we go to - and MOST reasonably priced! We have so far celebrated our "meeting anniversary" (the day we met - wedding anniversary is next...along with all birthdays and holidays such a s Christmas Eve/New Years Eve dinners, etc...). This place has been open since 1930 (81 YEARS!) - they MUST be doing something RIGHT! Well to wrap up, we will be there for the fifth weekend straight to have dinner and then go next door to The Chelsea Room to party for the rest of the night! THIS PLACE IS TOP SHELF!!!!! Phillip & Lisa
(5)liz f.
Excellent tapas and sangria. Wonderful service. The place came highly recommended by friends who have been coming here for years. Their parents come from nj to eat here and their special occasions are celebrated here. With good reason. Went back with my teenagers and it was again amazing. Very accommodating and friendly service. Will come again.
(5)Dani B.
I really like this place. Actually, it may be my new favorite place in NYC. I don't know, I just like everything about it so I find it hard to be eloquent, but I'll try :) First of all... It's next door to Hotel Chelsea, sooo that right there... enough said. Second of all... This place has sooo much history! From Janis Joplin, to Jimi Hendrix, to Patti Smith... Everyone who was ever cool in the history of the planet has eaten at El Quijote. I just like the idea that my butt could be in the same spot that Janis' was. It makes me happy. Third... I like the decor... It's just it's own thing and it's very traditional. I like El Quijote because they are not trying to be modern or trendy. I don't believe that they have changed it much over the years, so it still has that "authentic" feel. In short, the location is great, the vibe is great, the staff is very friendly, and the food is really good. Sometimes I just pop in, sit at the bar and get oysters on the half shell and a glass of champagne. It's a nice little treat. If you are pretty hungry, I like the seafood paella. It's huge. You can definitely share it with a friend. What else? Oh, the sangria is delish and they sell it by the pitcher which is always nice when you are with friends... And yes, this is a good place for groups.
(5)Gloria D.
I have been to El Quijote a few times, mostly during the last month. First - this place is ALWAYS packed, so reservations for parties of three, or more, is a necessity! Second - The Paella Valencia is OUTSTANDING. Reasonably priced, cooked to perfection and simply mouth-watering. Third - The Sangria, both red & white, is amazingly tasty, yet incredibly strong. proceed with caution. I have personally drank more than my fair share, not realizing how DRUNK I was until I stood up. Fourth - If with 4 or less, always ask for a booth. That section is just better. Better lighting, quieter, good spot for a date, if you're on one. I mostly go here with large groups of friends, that side is no good for larger groups. Fifth - The "Steak Tips" Tapas plate is incrediballs. Get it! Sixth - The Filet Mignon with Swiss and Mushroom Sauce, I think it's called "Steak El Quijote" but not sure... Is also amazing. Finally, Seventh - GO GO GO GO GO. Big Yumz.
(4)Clarissa C.
P A E L L A!
(4)Ana L.
I was very disappointed after reading so many good reviews.. The place looks fancy but the food was horrible. My plate was dry , burnt and flavorless while my partners plate was like eating rubber..the server had an armpit odor filling up the air every time he passed by. I couldn't even finish eating without feeling nauseous.
(1)Robert B.
We ordered the paella Valencia with lobster and the three lobster tails. The paella is supposed to come with chicken, chorizo, shrimps, mussels, clams and lobster. They prepared the wrong dish, there was no chicken or chorizo. Well, they eventually took it back reluctantly, as a matter of fact the waiter told my wife that that is how it is prepared. Only after another waitress came over and inspected the paella and told him it was the wrong order did he agree to take it back. He returned shortly thereafter with the new or should I say revised order with what appeared to be the same dish, with whatt appeared to be a piece of half cooked chicken wing and a few chorizos thrown in. The chicken wing tasted terrible and the chorizo wasn't much better. The whole paella was tasteless. We have had paella that tasted a thousand times better then this. As for the Sangria, it tasted like a version of pink lemonade, not good at all. Then there was the lobster tails, they were over cooked and dried out. Oh, the soup was just tasteless, I think it was white bean or something along that order and the salad was just as unimpressive. The wait staff is comprised of a team of waiters who are mediocre at best. The waitress did not clean my wife's side of the table, I suppose because it would have required more effort to reach that area of the table. When my wife asked for the tool they use to clean the table, instead of the waitress offering to clean it herself she brought my wife the utensil and a plate. Come on your a waitress where did you get your training? OK, the portions are large but who cares if the food is not good.
(1)Shaquana L.
I've come here several times and each one was a great dining experience if it was with a friend or the BF. The service is decent. Comfortable atmosphere. The seafood paella....YUM. The lobster...TASTY. The lamb chops....DE-LiSH! I typically do not get an appetizer because the meal portions are pretty generous and come with a house salad or the white bean soup (which I love). But I'll have to try them someday. And the white sangria...AWESOME. I usually get a pitcher to share, definitely worth it.
(4)Star E.
This place was unbelievably and unnecessarily pricey!!!! So my bf and I decided to share the Lobster Parrillada, which was already $35, they charged us $6.50 to share the meal...how ridiculous!!! For that I got my own salad in addition to his salad, no where near worth $6.50. They claim you get a little extra food. Yea right!!!! We was able to get an extra side after my bf complained about the extra charge, so we had some bland string beans and even more bland broccoli. The seafood was pretty good, as well as, the sangria. The rolls they serve before the meal were hard and the butter was cold, what a combo. I feel that for the prices they charge, there portions could be better. The side dishes were pathetic. I would prefer to go to city island. Get more bang for my buck!!!!
(3)Gillad M.
Certainly for an older crowd but good food. Walking into El Quijote you'll experience a drastic change from the hustle and bustle of 23rd Street to a ornately decorated restaurant with abundant seating. I'd call this a family restaurant good for larger groups with the noise that goes along with it. I started with a bowl of chicken soup which was the highlight of the meal (though I'm not even sure what the soup was called). I opted for the broiled salmon steak, while my fellow diners had chicken and rice and a seafood paelle. The broiled salmon was well flavored and perfectly flake, topped with capers with sides of grilled onions and lightly cooked broccoli. I tried the chicken and rice, and, while the chicken was a bit tough to pick through, the rice was outstanding. Service was OK. It was tough to get the waiter's attention and they were very difficult to understand. Overall, this isn't the type of place I normally good to, but I had great company and I'm glad I tried it out.
(3)Tommy K.
I've been here a few times before and I feel like the place has changed a bit. I feel like I'm being rushed and ignored. Maybe the place is too busy for itself to handle. Customer service has gone down. Big negative. Every visit, I order the lobsters and my friend usually orders the mixed seafood with lobster paella. The food is very good and worth to dismiss the poor service. The sangria could be stronger next time. I like but the management could make some change to help me love it.
(3)Chris A.
Very quaint place . The churrasco (skirt steak ) was grilled perfectly and was a generous portion .
(4)Ariel J.
How could I have waited this long to visit this neighborhood establishment. The decor is kitsch, but of the high brow variety and beautifully done. The service was fun and the portions are huuuuuge. The sangria was great. The house red was really good and available in a half carafe - yeay. I started with the soup of the day, a white bean soup. It was the best i've had. It was followed up with a scallop appetizer was succulent and cooked to perfection. I finished off the feast with the 20oz Filet Mignon Tornedos, rare. The meat was not of the most supreme quality but worth more than the $33 bucks you shell out for the dish. A great experience I look to repeat - next time it's the Paella.
(5)Valerie M.
Oh the Sangria! Always the half carafe or pitcher - never just a glass. This Spanish restaurant never disappoints and they never rush you so it's an awesome place for good conversation ( especially if you have much catching up). Located adjacent to the legendary Chelsea Hotel, El Quijote managed to maintain that old New York charm in ambiance ( the booths) and service. We started out with the scallops in garlic sauce (Vieras Ajillo) followed by mixed seafood paella with lobster (Paella Marinara con Langosta) ending with espresso. So authentically yummy and plentiful too ( it's also a great value)! I can hardly wait to return.
(5)Gally L.
Great place. The portions are huge and the food is good. Got the seafood Mariscara and it was really tasty. The spicy red sauce was really flavorful and plentiful. Exactly the way red sauce is supposed to taste. Additionally my friend got the stuff sole with crab meat and they were very generous with real crab meat. Going to recommend the place to a few friends.
(4)Hannah L.
THIS PLACE IS AMAZING!!! i feel like im in epcot center, if there was spain land. this place is from the 40s, and has not been updated since then. the vintage, kitschy decor is mind blowing. so overstimulating. this is THE place to have original hard-to-find vintage seafood apps, like clams casino and legit shrimp cocktail. my favorite things about el quijote: 1. it's proximity to trailer park. make a kitschy night of it! 2. the sangria is only $23 and equals 3 large drinks for 2 people 3. the waiters all wear tuxedos and bowties with name tags, and serve you your meal onto your plate 4. the booths!!!!! 5. the leftover paella was enough for 2 people's lunch the next day dude, you must come here, it is truly amazingly cheesy and yummy, and i was smiling the whoooooole time.
(5)Eric G.
This iconic New York establishment is fun, festive and loud and a great place to go with a large group of friends--as long as you don't mind eating really horrible food.
(1)Franny A.
OLD school to the nth degree. One of a few remaining traditional Spanish restaurants left in NYC housed in the classic Chelsea Hotel. I am a big fan of El Quijote on every level. We were seated in a booth- Sweet! The waiters are decked out in waiter uniforms- wow. Bread and butter arrived on the table- nice. As we perused the extensive menu- I usually go with a veal or lobster- both are popular. I went with broiled 1/4 pound lobster which was $21.95. Entrees are served with salad. Now reading other reviews of the salad, I am confused. This is a good simple salad consisting of romaine, radishes, sweet grape tomatoes and what they are famous for is it is served with three different dressings- fab. Remember this is an old school joint, no modern interpretations of food here. The lobster was DELISH- broiled with a little breadcrumbs, very sweet. My friend's fillet of sole was nicely served with lemon and peas.
(4)Jane Q P.
Definitely one of the great restaurants that I make recommendations to when anyone I know is in the city. The sangria is amazing. The food is amazing. The portions are amazing. Great place to go.
(4)Juan S.
Must have the sangria and please, do NOT skip the Paella Valenciana...if you have to come here, do it solely for the Paella - its amazing!
(5)Tony C.
After reading the good and bad reviews, decided to give it a try. We went on a Sunday afternoon and stayed with what people recommended as the best bets: sangria and paella. Both were excellent: well worth recommending. Service was good, and as good a Don Quixote atmosphere as you could do with that as a theme.
(4)Doreen L.
Went here with my family because the place was highly recommended to us. Let's just say, I was not impressed. The decor is very nice - old world, dimly lit, Don Quixote statue greets you in the front, but that's about it. There was no music, which sort of made the place sound too quiet at first, and then too loud with all the surrounding conversations. They could've really made the place feel just right some traditional Spanish music.. but I digress. As for the food, well, everything is so SALTY. The bread was salty and not all that great. We didn't even get a second serving of butter when we asked for more bread, which seemed really cheap on their part. For the starter, I got the white bean soup (which is really their version of caldo gallego - it had white beans, potatoes, cabbage and bits of ham). Not so bad, but was very filling. The sangria was OK, but was certainly not the best I've had. For dinner, I ordered the Arroz con Pollo y Chorizo, and it was a HUGE serving. I couldn't even finish the plate in front of me. My sister got the serrano ham and manchengo cheese - and the ham was basically dry. Rest of the family got paella and they agreed the food was extremely salty and not all that special, considering this place charges way more than any other Spanish restaurant I have been to. Wouldn't return here, as there are plenty of other restaurants that are worth the trip.
(2)Peter D.
A great evening - classic atmosphere, great food prepared exactly the way we requested, wonderful service, fair prices. So enjoyable.
(4)Elizabeth N.
Definitely come here for the seafood. Their seafood platters are decent for the price and has a good amount of food on it. However, don't get any meats here. It's not good at all and they don't know how to cook it to the temperature you like.
(3)Michelle B.
My boyfriend and I were taking a Sunday stroll trying to figure out what the hell to eat when we came upon this place. The outside entrance is quite impressive and gives off a "I have been here a long time" impression. So we gave it a shot. After realizing their portions were the size of a pig trough we skipped the appetizer and went straight for the paella with seafood and lobster. To break it all down the rice was really good piping hot and nicely seasoned, a bit salty but whatever. The mussels and shrimp were wonderful and there was plenty of them, but there were not a lot of clams and scallops, but they were good. They gave us a half of a lobster which was a little dry, and not pre-cracked, yes I am a baby but I really suck at doing this and I appeared as though this was my last meal when trying to do so. The half pitcher of awesome sangria we shared got me nicely buzzed so that makes a good sangria in my opinion. The paella is served in one of those really awesome pots that you get from any discount store for $5 but that is not a bad thing because they really are awesome. You get A LOT of food as I mentioned above. We didn't even get a desert because we were so full. The restaurant ambiance is very nice, almost fancy. I was in jeans, a nice top with flip flops so its not that big of a deal. The service is just OK but the waiters present themselves with professionalism. My only complaint is that the fire alarm was continually going on and off throughout or entire dinner and they didn't apologize for this until I asked them what was going on, nor did they take $ off the bill or whatever....I would have it was my restaurant but whatever. Try it, and bring your stomach.
(4)gozer s.
Coming out of town with my boyfriend we were looking for a dinner before we headed back home.. I'd like to be kinder with words but this was by far one of my worst experiences dining in New York City. We were very disappointed mainly by the service. The only good thing I remember about it was the décor and location, it made me feel as if I was at a Spanish abuela's house in for a treat, except this was not... The staff was horrible to say the least making me feel like I shouldn't have walked in.. the cranky hostess, the sloppy and careless servers who literally slapped food on our plates nearly splashing it all over.. My man ordered a chicken dish without being given the options of choosing a side of veggies until after the chicken came, I ordered the chorizo dish with rice- meh. Mediocre. I make them both better, and I'm Polish, (our food tends to be bland).. Maybe this was just a bad night for the staff. It's really all about the attitude and making folks, especially out of towners feel welcome, even if and when you're overwhelmed and tired- It can be done, I've done it. Get your shit together El Quijote.. and if this is what's to be expected for Pete's sakes lower your prices, no one needs this kind of experience while traveling.. Especially to NYC.
(2)Tunyaluck P.
Good place for Lobster. Double Lobster actually. When you open the menu, look at the bottom left of the second page. Order Double Lobster with your favorite style. It comes with side dishes. Although the place is hugh, but it's packed pretty early. A star is missing because the place is quite old and need improvement. I don't mind old style actually, but an update for hygienic-feel purpose would be nice.
(4)Gigi L.
This place is amazing. Never disappoints and I hope it never will. My family and I have been going here for years! My dad used to love bringing the family for dinner. I used to always order gambas al ajillo, delicious! The day after my wedding we had a family brunch here as a way to remember my dad and everyone agreed that it was indeed so so good, hospitable, and nice. The family feasted on paella, lobster, steak, you name it. EVERYTHING was worth it! As a matter of fact, I am taking my mom there tomorrow for her birthday =)
(5)Mariana R.
Excellent choice! I went there with my family and we all ordered lobster! It was delicious! And the prices very good!... I would recommend this place without any doubt!!
(5)Quan T.
This is, hands down, my favorite Spanish restaurant. Living near San Francisco, I've tried to find something similar and I just can't because every Spanish joint out there just does tapas for the most part. So, to get my fix, I have to come back to NYC every so often and stuff my face here. Their seafood paella is to die for. Their other stuff is pretty good too, but the paella is what keeps me coming back. Like a sad Goldilocks, most other places I've tried end up making theirs too dry, too soggy or just too bland. EQ does it right every time. As far as drinks go, their red sangria is good and you can probably get the same elsewhere, but the white sangria is like freaking ambrosia. I have yet to find any place else that has something that compares. It's got a subtle sweetness that isn't cloying and there's no hint of sourness that I find in other white sangrias. This place is a serious must visit!
(5)Mags R.
Let me tell you, it might look dated and tacky but the food is amazing, fresh, delicious and the best Old School Spanish Paella, Sangria, and Spanish dishes. It's worth the trip to try it. This is traditional - the real deal. You might not find the authenticity at some new "trendy" or a "fusion" tapas places. You'll get authentic rich tasting great quality fresh food for the price you pay. It's a little dark so photos won't come out well unless you put the flash on. It could use some updating in the bathroom (old tiles and partitions). The bar is always packed. For my Tapa's fix, I love the Baked Clams, Chorizo, and Garlic Shrimp - which is enough to share because they give you bread - so watch out because it can be filling. It's filling because it's so good you keep eating it - so keep that in mind if you plan on ordering the Paella. Or you can just eat that with the bread and Sangria for Tapas. They have various Paella's and I've tried like 3 (seafood/ chicken and chorizo, and another seafood one I can't remember) and they have all been good. It has a nice rich broth and seafood taste and its moist. Just so you know, the Paella comes in a pot that serves maybe 4 people (if your ordering tapas ). My husband and I eat twice and we still have enough to take home the next day (like maybe one serving - usually mine LOL). I'm telling you this because I had this one young waiter who tried to tell me and my friend that we each needed to order one Paella because it was for one person. He must have been new and didn't know that I go there sometimes so I told him that we would share it and had to stop him at his tracks and tell him that I know the deal because I go there. I didn't want to be rude but he was being persistent. So I'm just looking out for you. They are not usually pushy but do try to get you to order dessert at the end - which I never do because I'm really more about the food than dessert. BTW, they have a vegetarian Paella - never had it but the people next to me did and it looked good and they said they liked it. The skirt stake is amazing, fresh, hot sizzling nice charred flavor medium well with onions, peppers....even the bread is nice and warm served with butter on the side (or use the bread to sop up the garlic shrimp sauce or eat it with the chorizo). FYI - The skirt stake (churrasco) is long, the size of an oblong plate - over 12" maybe. You can probably share that with Tapas and Sangria too. The fish (Tilapia, sole were light tasting). I prefer going here for their Paellas, Tapas, skirt steak, and sangria. I might try more fish here but every time I go, I get tempted to order what I've previously had because its always spot-on good! The Sangria comes in a carafe (serves 2 maybe) or a pitcher. I love the Red Sangria. Haven't tried the white, but the red has always been my favorite. Damn, wish I had some now.
(5)Peter S.
I've been meaning to try this place for a while due to its connection to Leonard Cohen. (I gather he was a regular here back when he lived at the Chelsea Hotel, which is virtually next door.) It wasn't quite what I expected--it's a very old school Spanish restaurant--but I was not disappointed at all. Ordered the Ensalada a la Manny for lunch. It was a very generous portion of nice seafood (shrimp, calamari, etc.) served cold with oil and vinegar. Very tasty, flavorful and filling. My friend had the lobster bisque, which she also really loved. Will definitely come back.
(5)Marcia P.
Fun, retro atmosphere full of windmills; old-fashioned food and portion sizes to match. I've been going here for YEARS but for some reason I only get the daily-double lobster, which is USUALLY very good. HowEVer, on recent visits, one of the two lobsters has been sub-par. Like, mushy. So I don't know what to say... Normally, I love the broiled lobsters; never overcooked or dried out and the buttery breadcrumb stuffing is delish. The homemade potato chips are decadent and irresistible, the soup is good in a hearty Spanish way. The salad's kinda lame, though the old-fashioned dressing carousel is a nice touch. I haven't personally tried much else, but the steaks look giant and good!
(4)G M.
I've been coming here for years because the first impression got me. I was hooked to the surf and turf, sangria and some apps. But I noticed that the last couple of times I came service was suspect and the food average at best. The last straw was when my lobster tail was beyond salty and asked my server for another one, his response was precious---The reason it tastes so salty is because we got it from a saltier ocean....Needless to say I looked at him with knives in my eyes and that's all that I had to say...It seems to me that they are living on reputation now...But that will soon fade...
(2)Terri M.
As fans of El Quijote for many years, my husband and I usually dine there whenever we're in Chelsea. Most time we've gone for their special paella or their lobster special, but this time we went straight for the tapas. We had the mussels in green sauce, the shrimp in garlic sauce, the chicken livers with onions, serrano ham and melon, and the manchego cheese with olives--all of which were absolutamente deliciosa! The portions were ample and the prices were more than fair. The service was plentiful and unobtrusively attentive--just the way we like it. The ambiance has that same classy old school feel it has had for years, with tablecloths, uniformed wait staff, and dated but interesing decor. Having always left El Quijote feeling pampered and satisfied, I (we) plan to go there again and again.
(4)D S.
Nothing impressive. Food was OK, except the soup was cold and it had a weird taste. Good service.
(3)Charles M.
I went to this restaurant with my mistress (please don't judge) because it was out of the way and I was almost certain I would not run into anyone that my wife and I knew here. The ambience is quiet and dark -- an all around perfect place to conduct an illicit affair. The waiter was friendly, but I could tell that he was a little distracted when he spilled some of the red wine on the table. For his part, I think he was just checking out my sumptuous date. Regardless, I don't hold it against him. I ordered the broiled cornish hen, my mistress got the skirt steak. Both were very tasty, but mine was just a tad bit dry. When we were finishing the meal, my lady friend made a horrible face (which I initially thought might be because of the food) but when I felt a steaming, lumpy liquid pour over my head I knew otherwise. I turned around and through a face of Black Bean Soup (yuck!) I could see my girlfriend standing there looking mad as heck. Her mother was sitting behind her enjoying a fork-full of Squid a la Romana -- they had apparently been there the whole time! Shucks. I give El Quijote a 3/5.
(3)Joshua Y.
I just got terrible food poisoning from here. Appetizer combination was fowl....something was seriously wrong with it. Me and my boyfriend both got very ill, very soon after We did not eat our entree The manager was very rude, blamed us for not canceling our entrée. Sadly that wasn't an option considering our waiter was virtually non existent.
(1)Wendy J.
I have been here 4 times. Twice last year, then March this year and last Saturday. All 4 times I ordered the exact same dish (Langosta Rellena), which was their stuffed lobster with crabmeat. It came with a salad and also a side dish, which I chose rice. The first three times I had the most amazing stuffed lobsters. Each time I had a decent size lobster and the stuffing was so delicious; as was the tasty rice. Compared to other expensive seafood restaurants in Manhattan and on Long Island, I felt this place gives you a good bang for your buck. l was hooked on their lobsters. However, this past Saturday, I was surprisingly disappointed. When I was ordering, the waiter asked if I wanted lobster tail or whole lobster. This was never asked the first 3 times I ate here. Of course I said whole lobster; which was what I got before. When my dish came, I saw a baby lobster, sitting alone on a metal plate; the size of it was significantly smaller this time, as was the portion of the rice, which was now served on a smaller plate. It seems the price hasn't changed; but the portions they serve now were much smaller than before. The food was still delicious, but was not as filling as before. So I ended up ordering desert, a strawberry cheese cake, which was tasty. I will go back here to try again. But then, I will be ordering a 2 lb stuffed lobster.
(3)Ann K.
Went to El Quijote with a couple co-workers last winter. The food was decent, the sangria was yummy and we generally had a good time. The tapas offerings were better than the paella which I'll likely skip next time. I've been to better tapas places but if you're in Chelsea, it's worth a stop but don't make a special trip.
(3)dusty c.
Was always curious about this place on past stays at the Chelsea next door, and we love Spanish food so my husband I met up with a friend here are at El Quijote on our most recent trip in to the city. I was thrilled to discover how awesome this place is. It's the oldest Spanish restaurant in NYC, open since 1930. The interior feels delightfully old-school and proper, with dim lights, red leather booths, candles, waiters and busboys in jackets. Service was great - serious and attentive without being stuffy. We loved everything we tried, foodwise: a few tapas - shrimp in green sauce, serrano ham and olives, stuffed mushrooms. Entrees at the table - chicken quijote - whole roasted chicken in brandy sauce, crabacakes (my favorite), and a lobster dish with a delicate cream sauce that my husband all but fainted into because he loved it so much. We finished off a pitcher of sangria too - it tasted wonderful and there was quite a lot of it! Highly recommend this place for a fun, elegant dinner with a warm and lively atmosphere.
(4)Andy X.
I've been to this place twice. For Lobster it's pretty cheap. If I recall correctly they have 2 1 1/4 lobsters for under 35 bucks. I've gone with a group of 6 both times. I have tasted good portion of the dishes there. Food is good value, atmosphere is nice, not too loud.
(4)Jen L.
Great place for paella. Cool spot. Service is great too. And I love the vibe and atmosphere there. They give LOTS of food, which is what I like. I like how old this place is too. All we had was paella and man, it was good, plentiful and very flavorful. Highly recommend.
(4)Aly Y.
Can't believe that I have finally set foot into this historic place (even more ironic that it was my cousin who made the reservation - she's visiting from Asia!!) Wonderful smells of garlic and seafood upon entering made me so hungry. Nice long bar near the front of the restaurant made me wish I lived upstairs in the Chelsea Hotel! We were a party of eight; given the back room near the kitchen. At first, a bit noisy as there was a bigger party of twenty men next to us. But after they left, we had the room all to ourselves - yay! Now for the food - we ordered tapas of chorizos, stuffed mushrooms, garlic shrimp, serrano ham with honeydew and a 2+ lb. broiled lobster. Yum. We ordered the tapas and wine first; both delivered soon after we ordered. They didn't take our entree orders until after we were almost finished with our tapas which was alittle unusual. For the entrees, thumbs up for the paella marinera (mixed seafood), paella marinera with lobster and the strip steak. Unless you're Joey Chestnut (winner of several Nathan's hot dog eating contests), one paella is big enough to share. Thumbs down for the overdone rack of lamb (entrees were slow to come out so hubby didn't want to wait if he sent the lamb back). For the service, I'd describe it as professional, amiable and not overbearing. We never felt rushed and our water glasses were always filled promptly. Good thing we were not in a rush because we had a nice leisurely dinner which allowed us to catch up with our cousins from Asia and Australia!! Did not have room for dessert this time so will have to return!
(4)