El Parador Cafe
Company Details
Tuesday: 12-10PM
Wednesday: 12-10PM
Thursday: 12-10PM
Friday: 12-11PM
Saturday: 12-11PM
Sunday: 2-10PM
Contact Information
New York, New York, 10016
United States
El Parador Cafe Reviews
Submitted by Rod & Liz Merlo on 06/16/2022
Rod & Liz Merlo 4 stars rating.
Good service and quick. Did not like the fact that it was little too dark for my liking (lighting inside the place). The food was OK, but not great. It did satisfy my Mexican food craving but definitely had better before.
Submitted by Denby Liu on 06/12/2022
Denby Liu 5 stars rating.
This was one of those great finds of a restaurant we didn't realise was so close to where we live. Been here several times now and the food has been consistently excellent.
My favourite dish has to be the fajitas, but the tacos are good as are the enchiladas. All of them are big portions and come with lots of rice and beans. So, go hungry if you're visiting.
The spice level of the dishes were just right for us, in that it's reasonably mild. Okay, probably not the spice level of normal Mexican food, but given the target market you don't want to blow your customers' heads off if they're not used to overly spicy foods.
One of the interesting things they provide with the tortilla chips is a warm salsa. Unusual, but very pleasant. The tortilla chip basket gets replaced even before you finish it, so you can munch to your hearts content. Though I'd recommend stopping so you can eat what you ordered!
The staff are very friendly, speedy, attentive and professional.
The decor is very homey, lots of fun lanterns which provide an inviting vibe to the place. When it gets busy it can get a little loud. It's great for weekend brunch as it doesn't get too crowded.
Apparently, it's the oldest Mexican restaurant in the city and with food as good as they produce I can see why they're still around.
Submitted by Debbie Chapman on 05/27/2022
Debbie Chapman 5 stars rating.
If you hadn’t done your research you’d walk straight past this place, it doesn’t look like much from the outside, inside however it opens up beautifully to reveal a lovely traditional style restaurant, cosy and welcoming with a warm ambience. We had our fussy 13 year old son with us but they were able to provide non spicy fajitas. All our table loved the homemade salsa but I adored the guacamole, unfortunately I ate so much of it I couldn’t do my main course of tacos full justice! The other kids had the fried chicken and they loved it. Service was amazing, glasses always topped up and loads of tortilla chips that kept coming. Highly recommend. Has a nice bar too that I’d imagine would be lovely to sit at with a margarita (they were delicious too!!) and a bowl of guacamole.
Submitted by LA CASA DE TASHA on 05/17/2022
LA CASA DE TASHA 5 stars rating.
This Mexican spot has it all! I enjoyed the happy hour and everything was delicious! The ahi tuna tacos were indescribable
Submitted by Meredith Meissgeier on 02/28/2022
Meredith Meissgeier 5 stars rating.
I make sure to stop here for dinner every time I'm in town. My grandfather has been coming since the 1960's and we love keeping the tradition alive. The menu is always fresh and original, portions are great, and the drinks are delicious.
Worth the stop every single time!
Submitted by Kyle McCarthy on 02/19/2022
Kyle McCarthy 4 stars rating.
Warm and cozy family favorite for classic Spanish and Mexican dishes. Love the retro decor and tile work. Food wasn't quite up to par but still better than most. Definitely a cut above for a nice night out.
Submitted by Reed Hatcher on 02/04/2022
Reed Hatcher 3 stars rating.
Nice atmosphere and service but fairly typical of New York Mexican-style restaurants that while not being bad, doesn’t really deliver on the authenticity. Their version of rice especially can hardly be called Mexican.
Submitted by Dan Diner on 02/02/2022
Dan Diner 5 stars rating.
Ive been coming here for about 15 years now and its one of my favorite spots in the city! The place feels warm and cozy, like home, the food delicious and always fresh, but the real magic in this place is the people. The staff have been there longer than I've been coming and their love for the customers is felt every time! There are very few places in the world today where you can still dine and people remember your name, your favorite dish and your favorite beverage but at El Parador, its exactly that.
Alex and his team have done an incredible job making this place a Top Level restaurant and its always a pleasure. One of my favorite things is to bring new people and to hear how much they enjoyed their experience.
FYI for anyone reading this place and planning to leave a review, there are many 4 star reviews that say they loved everything and would come again, so for me the 4.5 rating is bogus, this place is a 5 all the way!
Submitted by Nilima Shet on 01/24/2022
Nilima Shet 4 stars rating.
Came here for dinner with a large group and loved that we were able to be seated downstairs! Service was great and the atmosphere was lovely - right down to the decorations and music. I, unfortunately, didn't order a drink but my friends loved theirs. I went with the chilaquiles which was a delicious mess of cheese, tomatillo, chicken, and tortilla served in an adorable casserole pot. Portion-size it might've just been too much for me, personally, but otherwise was great. I'll definitely hit this place up again to try something else out!
Submitted by VK on 08/09/2021
VK 4 stars rating.
I went there with my team from our work place, we really liked our food! I ordered spinach quesadillas! Good service and good value for your money!
I took one point off just because they don't have a vegetarian salsa with their chips!! I mean who doesn't keep vegetarian salsa with chips in 2021, especially in city like New York......1) lot of people eat vegan/ vegetarian food and 2) regular salsa is more common and conventional..
