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El Pote Español Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants Spanish Restaurants Basque Spanish, Basque [Edit]
718 2nd Ave(between 38th St & 39th St)
New York, NY 10016
Neighbourhoods: Midtown East, Murray Hill
(212) 889-6680
- Nearest Transit:
-
Grand Central - 42 St (7, 7X)
Grand Central - 42 St (4, 5, 6, 6X)
33 St (4, 6, 6X)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 12 am - 11 pm
Sat 5 pm - 11 pm
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
39 reviews for El Pote Español Restaurant
Review Highlights
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"Def worth a try just for their sangria and Paella." In 20 reviews -
"I love their Calamares en Su Tinta." In 2 reviews -
"Best things were the tres leches flan and the sangria." In 14 reviews
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39 reviews in English
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Review from Lissa V.
2/24/2012
What a great little hidden gem! When you walk up to this place over on 2nd Ave in Midtown you may not have high hopes (I certainly did not)... well I can tell you that El Pote can and WILL surpass your expectations.
It's a family style Spanish place that greets you with a wonderful aroma from the moment you walk in. The atmosphere is very friendly and welcoming. I felt like I was in someones Sevillan living room. Start with the Sangria - some of the best Sangria I've tasted. Then do yourself a favor and order the Calamares en Su Tinta, you'll even want extra bread to sop up the ink. Such amazing flavor, I'd never had the ink with my calamari before.
For our entrees we did some splitting of 3 dishes for 4 people: the Paella Valencia, which is your traditional paella with seafood, chicken and sausage (possibly the best paella I've ever tasted), the Mariscada Salsa Verde - seafood with green sauce (also very tasty), and the Spanish Omelette which was a wonderful complement to the seafood dishes.
We left full, happy and our wallets were not complaining either. I'd highly recommend if you need a good meal in Midtown.Listed in: Kickin' it with a Crew
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Review from Shoko O.
Los Angeles, CA
5/16/2012
I guess my mom and I made the mistake of ordering 2 paellas for lunchtime special on a Tuesday.
The paellas are MASSIVE. They said it'll come on a plate, so we thought ordering one for each one of us was good. Nope. The paellas were really filling. I ended up not eating maybe 1/5th of the rice on the plate.
But the paella is alright. It's good, lots of seafood and chicken, but I got tired of it after a while. It wasn't anything special, and as I've eaten really good paellas back in Barcelona, this one was definitely anything but a genuine, Spanish paella.
But the service was pretty good, the staff there are really kind, and there were a lot of people coming in for lunch.
I just won't be coming back to this place, for sure. -
Review from EGG L.
Queens, NY
3/23/2012
I came here for lunch on a Friday afternoon and the restaurant was practically empty. Now I understand why, price is high, service is bad, food is mediocre at best.
We came with 4 girls who aren't a big eater, so we just want to get some appetizers and an entree to share.
At first we got 2 appetizer and 1 main dish and the waiter was pissed and made sure we know it, he literally said "We will not serve you if you only get 1 dish." We were shocked to hear he said that but we told him to give us more time to look over the menu. We ended up getting the "Special of the day fish dish," seafood paella, the squid in its own ink and an escargot in butter.
To top the bad service, they ended up charging us an extra $12 for sharing the entrees, which we wished the waiter could mention BEFORE we placed the order.
The food was OK and came out quickly, but the bad service really killed it for us. -
Review from Phil P.
ASTORIA, NY
5/16/2012
Prices are way too high, service is bad, and food is mediocre. They call themseleves spanish food, come on. A few spanish items on menu doesnt make it spanish
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Review from Esperan za l.
Manhattan, NY
5/7/2012
very good place for pulpo and paella, i enjoy my diner with the good flavor of the paella, a very good Spanish,very nice wines
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Review from An T.
12/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great little restaurant. Was close by the hotel and it was a bit late but I wanted to eat somewhere decent. This place was open and I saw that Paella was one of their specialties. Sold all I needed to hear. Came here with the GF and she got the Paella valencia and I got the Seafood with green sauce. I am not sure what is in the green sauce. It looked like claified butter with white wine and chives or clintro mixed in. Whatever it was it was delicious. The paella was not made in an authentic paella pan which explains why you are able to order for 1 person. It was still delicious.
Also they had this great beer. I thought he said stella but its estrella. -
Review from Todd S.
New York, NY
3/10/2012
Great little place. Awesome food. Sangria and paella are really good. Lobster special is always a good choice and a great deal. Small place, with friendly , helpful staff.
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Review from Daoud G.
6/17/2011
FOOD - appetizer squid cooked in its ink was outstanding, seafood paella was o.k. (a bit overcooked rice and maybe it was saffron substitute that made it mushy), shrimp in garlic was missing the crustacean (or others beat me to it). Reasonably priced Spanish wines, a few familiar Riojas. If you are not a religious wine snob then sangria is pretty good too and the more you pour the happier you can get...
ATMOSPHERE - very cozy interior, looks like a dive from outside.
LOGISTICS - @2nd Ave & 38th, easy to get to by cab or walk from major thoroughfares.
CREATIVITY - not been there enough times to see changes to the menu. Reasonably priced for decent sit down and cozy location yet authentic out of the US feel. Good sangria, but if you are wine snob then order a good Rioja. -
Review from Jonathan H.
New York, NY
1/26/2011 1 photo
OK. First things first. And this probably won't affect a lot of people but it got me yesterday. This place is open for lunch AND open for dinner but closed from 3-5pm. Most likely of little interest but still should be noted.
Onto the food. Let me start by saying we came here for the Paella.
The paella was by no means the star of the meal though. I think the paella at the Sevilla and at Maz Mezcal is head and shoulders better. The flavors were good but it was very runny. There was no gumption at all to the dish. Maybe it is just a personal preference but I like a rice that is a little less oily.
Appetizers:
Mushrooms caps: Goooood! Perfect bite sized caps. Great flavor and not greasy like some places.
Squid in it's own ink: Besides the paella, Yelpers had me curious about this dish. Wow! Were we pleasantly surprised! It is not often that I get to experience new flavors AND textures in the same dish and this was it for sure. We actually liked it a better once the "sauce" started to congeal a little. A touch of salt and it was a great dish. I am still thinking about it now and how delicious it would be over some fettuccine!
I am drawing a blank on our third app. Not sure if that is good or bad.
Main courses besides the paella:
Slow cooked Pork chop: looked amazing when it hit the table and that was my comment. One of my fellow diners said "I don't know. Looks dry" Dry? it's smothered in sauce! Sure enough, A LITTLE dry. It was tender as could be and I loved it but the rest of the party thought it was a little dry. I just kept dipping it in the sauce and piling the peppers and onions on top of it. I liked it, but not as much as...
Chicken in olive oil: On the bone, perfectly cooked. All the right spices and just delicious. This was the waiter's suggestion and I am happy we asked! This and the squid are the two things I would go back for.
Service was great. Old school charm. Old school waiters.
I would return if in the neighborhood or to treat someone to the squid but probably won't go again. The Sevilla just beats this place dish for dish in my opinion for Spanish food and charm and Maz Mezcal is closer to me on the UES.
Dinner for four including 2 pitchers of sangria (which my friends really liked) and beers, tax and tip = $220. The price does make this place appealing though! -
Review from Sarah B.
8/19/2010
It is possible to be transported from Manhattan to Spain in two seconds. All you have to do is step through the doors of this restaurant and you can kiss the dirty streets of the city goodbye and wake up in Europe.
The decor wreaks of old world charm. The waiters are very friendly, and quick as well. A perfect combination during lunch when you can't take forever and have to get back to the office at a decent hour.
The order was simple. Sangria and Paella Marinera. In that order. The sangria is simply perfect. Goes down soooo easy that I was feeling tipsy before the food arrived. When the paella arrived, the waiter served tableside. The plates were set with a perfect arrangement of lobster, mussels, clams and rice. Oh my god it was DELICIOUS!! When I was half done with my plate, the waiter came back and dished out some more! Talk about SERVICE!
Overall, I simply loved this charming restaurant. The food was heavenly...and that sangria...mmmmm. Will I come back? Most definitely!! -
Review from Jaclyn L.
6/16/2010
After eating here today for a work luncheon for a co-worker's engagement celebration, I felt much like Neo from the Matrix after he downloads information into his brain. Instead of uttering, "I know Kung Fu," I said, "I know Spanish food" and entered into the Matrix...I mean, the restaurant.
We sat in a very nice corner table for four, and the first thought that entered my mind upon sitting down was how warm the place was. Yes, it was cutely decorated, I guess very much modeled after a Spanish home (I'm not Spanish, so forgive me if I'm wayyy off) but it was a bit warm. Luckily, they read my mind and the AC kicked in.
Boss: They are known for their paella valencia.
Me (in my head): I was looking at that, the veal with almond sauce, the shrimp with green sauce (this mystified me), or opt for the lunch specials ($11.99 each).
I got the paella valencia and so did my boss's boss, and OMG the pot that the waiter came out with was right from the kitchen! He perfectly placed the seafood, chicken, and sausage smothered in rice in such a beautiful way, that I needed to indulge - and I sure as hell did! I cleaned my plate and was estatic when the waiter came back with the same pot and offered more.
Me: I can't, I'm stuffed; I would've loved to bring it home.
Co-worker: You can share with your family if you do that.
Me: Umm...or not. Yeah, could you wrap that up? Thanks!
I'm sitting at work right now....giddy...that my leftovers are sitting in the fridge with my initials on them...just incase someone tries to pull a fast one. I can't wait to come back!!!!Listed in: Just the Two of Us, Money Ain't a Thing!
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Review from Kimberly F.
Manhattan, NY
12/17/2010
Strolled in here after attending a Holiday party in the area and seeing all the great reviews. The outside is nothing to look at, but the minute you enter it is old world charm all the way. You are greeted by a nice Spanish lady that checks your coat, and the tiny 4 or 5 seat bar is to the left. To the right, with a couple of tables is the desert cart..holding 2 decadent-looking cakes.
The waiter found us a nice cozy seat towards the back...and the musty smell hit me while walking threw the dining area. Honestly, I didn't know if it was a sweaty patron...or the restaurant.
Ignoring that, we went on to order a white sangria and an order of paella, after reading all of the reviews and seeing the 3 tables around us place the same order.
When the food came, I thought they had actually put in 2 orders it was so much.The paella was served table side and the presentation and service was nice. The rice was moist, and their was a lot seafood, but it seemed bland or wasn't that fresh.
Restaurant was ok, but am still on the hunt for a good paella. -
Review from Carla B.
12/6/2006
Have spent many trips to Spanish restaurants trying to find a paella like what was once served at El Cortijo in the Village. Never mind that they closed 20 years ago, I have searched high and low, to no avail.
Then someone steered me to El Pote, and I was truly impressed. The paella was prepared authenically, so that with each forkful, you got a little of the rice plus several other ingredients. Lots of places just serve a pile of rice, and throw the other ingredients on top.
If you're searching for delicious paella, go no further. Plus the prices were very reasonable.Listed in: NYC bests
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Review from Deborah H.
New York, NY
3/17/2010
I came here at the recommendation of my colleague, who is a regular and absolutely loves this place.
My gfs and I enjoyed our meal, but we were a little put off by the service. It was haphazard and a tad bit unfriendly. We shared the hearts of palm and white asparagus (both really good, but kind of had the same sauce/flavoring), and I ordered the fish with the green sauce (again, the same flavoring as the apps). The fish meat itself was kind of blah but the sauce was crackticious. I wish the waiter said something about how all my dishes would taste the same when we originally ordered.
They have a decent wine list with many price points, but the food in general is on the pricier side. Not sure if I'd return, but not a terrible experience. -
Review from sanjay k.
San Francisco, CA
8/18/2010
First of all, I'm speaking in the context of dinner. From the sounds of it, the lunch is well worth it (though I'm unlikely to go back and give it a whirl). Second, I recently spent four months in Spain...
Interior/Ambiance: C-
I know some consider it "old world charm"; I tend to view it more as lack of maintenance. There's a musty smell, the chairs and tables are wobbly, and lighting could use an upgrade. Overall, dim and dank. Absolutely barren. My brother and his wife were regulars when they lived around the corner a few years ago, they couldn't believe how empty the place was when we walked in on a Thurs at 8:30pm. There were only 4 tables occupied when we left at 9:30.
Food: C-
They charged 18 for a fish that we couldn't even eat because it was like a fish stick right out of the frozen food section with a funny green sauce ("salsa verde"). The waiter insisted it was "muy rico", I chose to describe it [in Spanish] using a different "m" word when I sent it back. The paella? i won't even go there, but i will say you're better off with that "San Francisco treat" if you're old enough to recognize the jingle. The gambas al ajillo was the worst dish. It was actually served in a soupy brown sauce. How can you screw-up such a standard tapa?
Service: B-
I wouldn't characterize it as rude, but you know when you're being pushed. You can wave one down pretty easily, but that's probably because the place is empty. note: you'll have to wave them down because there's no check up on the table; chalk it up to old world charm i suppose. I give them the B because they took the fish off the bill. I would have expected more considering we didn't make a dent in the gambas or the paella.
I see alot of 5 stars so I'm thinking either it's new management or I went on an off-night. jussayin' -
Review from Akira O.
2/13/2010
This is a pretty typical Spanish restaurant in NYC. '60 decor with wet paella. The food was not so special and does not measure up to a regular restaurant in Spain, but it is a solid Spanish restaurant for NY standard.
We only had appetizers (tapas) - calamari in its ink, stuffed mushroom, stuffed pepper, snail, octopus, shrimp in garlic sauce, chorizo, etc. I was surprised they did not have tortillas or croquetas. Each dish was good its own way, again if you do not compare to the Spanish standard... I saw people from other tables eating entrees but they did not look very appetizing. I'd definitely recommend ordering many different tapas without entree. The tapas above are my recommendations.
Do not go for white sangria. It was too sweet. I'd just order traditional Spanish wine. -
Review from Jeanette Y.
Oakland, CA
4/25/2010
This place is a total HOLE IN THE WALL. From the outside, you probably wouldn't even think it's a restaurant! The PAELLA VALENCIA, it's so goood! The portion of the paella is MASSIVE! One order to me can feed me for 3 consecutive meals! Anyways, the paella is so insanely moist, and just loaded with all the goods - shrimp, sausages, chicken. They have a lot of other dishes too, but the paella valencia is so good that I just end up getting that and ONLY that. I should probably try other dishes too, but I can't help it! Haha.
Their appetizers, especially the snails, are just INSANE. I can't even describe how good it was. I definitely recommend trying the snails! AND their SANGRIA. I'm not a big fan of sangria, but I'd have to say that I LOVE IT here!Listed in: Best Restaurants NYC
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Review from Christine W.
Albany, NY
8/14/2011
Service is so friendly here, the guys are really nice. I was in NYC on business and I always feel weird as a single female diner, but they were sweet and welcoming. Best things were the tres leches flan and the sangria. I had seafood salad which was not memorable and the gazpacho lacked a bit of punch. However I think I just made bad choices as there seemed to be lots of delicious looking stuff at other tables. Great great espresso at the end, it's always good to get good coffee in a restaurant.
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Review from Juan F.
White Plains, NY
5/9/2011
Like I said, I am proud of my Spanish heritage. After I got suggestions from my fellow Yelpers about places where my fellow Spaniards gather, I took some time to decide where should I start. Afterwards, I started with El Pote Español due to proximity to Grand Central Station.
I arrived during early afternoon when it is not jam-packed due to small space. After getting a table for one, I looked at the menu and decided to try out the champiñones rellenos (stuffed mushrooms). About the stuffing, it kind of reminded me of an omelet.
For dessert, I had a flan. I hadn't had flan for a while, so I tasted it and it was so good.
I'll check out the other meals the next time I come back to El Pote, so I could see an in depth look into Spanish cuisine.Listed in: Ethnic Eats
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Review from Nils H.
1/31/2010
My girlfriend and I were searching for a cozy spanish restaurant in the neighborhood to try on a cold Saturday night, and decided to try El Pote based on friend's recommendations and reviews.
We ordered three appetizers and found them all to be OK. The "Squid in their own Ink" was very tasty, but the sauteed chicken liver and white asparagus were only mediocre. Note: we thought the appetizers were going to be small plates / tapas style, but the portions are quite generous. I'm a big fan of paella, and this one didn't disappoint. My girlfriend thought it was a little too salty, but still enjoyed it.
One note: service here definitely is lacking. They were a bit curt when taking our order, and we practically had to beg for them to bring our check (after waiting their idly for 20+ minutes). Despite the fact that there aren't other similar restaurants in the area, we'll likely not go again. -
Review from Carmen M.
New York, NY
4/11/2011
While the food was mediocre, the service was outstanding. Waiters were friendly, always available, attentive and fast in the restaurant. More importantly, when I forgot my iPhone, one of the waiters ran after me for at least 5 blocks to bring me the phone. He's a true hero.
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Review from Andrew C.
Bronx, NY
8/7/2008
This is a great little Spanish place. From the outside, it doesn't appear to be much. However, once inside it's a nice little cozy restaurant that has a very intimate atmosphere.
The Sangria is fantastic and the service is impeccable. I love their seafood paella. The portions are generous enough to share with others. As far as appeitizers go, everything is pretty good- I like the stuffed mushrooms. My friend I went with ordered a stuffed lobster which he said was off the charts. Other than their paella, their slow roasted pork chops are fantastic. It's slow cooked so the meat is very tender.
Def worth a try just for their sangria and Paella. -
Review from magic g.
Chicago, IL
2/5/2009
OMG, after searching for 5 years, i finally found a real Basque restaurant that serves Calamares en Su Tinta (Squid "In Their Own Ink").
it's not the cheapest place in the world and waiters are ... sleepy, but it's because the clientelle average age is 60
but still, food is fantastic -
Review from M R.
Manhattan, NY
6/5/2011
Very friendly staff and very well cooked meals. Their White Sangria is delicious. On Tuesday, paellas are the special. The place has been operating for nearly 30 years!
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Review from Kazuya S.
New York, NY
8/13/2009
Old school!!!
I think its one of the old dining place newyoker is missing in these days. -
Review from Kristy R.
11/28/2007
I love this place. First of all, let me recommend the arroz con pollo simply because once your plate is empty, they come back around with the pot of chicken and rice and fill your plate right up again! They keep doing this until you advise them to stop. In other words, you'll come out of this place very full. The sangria is also very good and there's not many restaurants left that still have a dessert tray. Even though by the end of your entree I'm sure you'll be too full to even consider dessert. The place is a little pricey so just be prepared. Also expect a long wait or make a reservation if you plan on visiting on a Friday or Saturday night.
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Review from Dominick B.
New York, NY
8/12/2010
If you want an old school Spanish joint out of the loop serving expected classics, with simple white tablecloths and professional mature service, this is it. Had the Lobster with the white sauce and paella...Both excellent as was the service and the Rioja! Sent people there and they loved it as well...No-nonsense, excellent old school Spanish food....
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Review from Linda C.
Queens, NY
10/28/2010
I usually order the paella valencia to go.
They put in shrimp, sausage, chicken and mussels.
The portion is decent and it is only $11.95.
Only available as a lunch special on Tuesday and Thursday.
Otherwise it is $20.
My only complaint is that they do not deliver, you have to go to pick up.
good food at a decent price.
The waiters are very friendly. -
Review from Richard H.
New York, NY
3/11/2008
Me encanta el Pote. I really do love this place. Anytime I am feeling nostalgic about my days in Espaa I shoot over here for a little Paella. My dad first put me on to this spot when he took me out for my birthday a couple of years back. I have since ate take out paella from there numerous times and the quality is always spot on. I have been to dinner here a number of times and they never seem to dissapoint. If you're looking for fairly inexpensive night with some paella and sangria El Pote is a good spot to hit. Vengan. Sta Luego.
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Review from Jennifer Y.
New York, NY
2/16/2008
After reading such great reviews. I was surprised at the food. It was very average at best. I had the mussels, serrano ham, cheese platter. The service is impeccable and prices are low but, somehow the food just doesn't stack up.
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Review from Tiffany C.
New York, NY
1/20/2010
great spanish food in an authentic Spanish environment.
my boyfriend and i went on a random wednesday night and it was overly crowded, luckily even without reservations, we were seated after waiting around 20 minutes. this was our second attempt to visit el pote, because we tried to go on a sunday but it wasnt open!!!
we both got two seafood paellas= AMAZING. scallops, lobster, shrimp, oyster..., the works. it was amazing, we were full halfway and simply stuffed ourselves...
definitely visit again -
Review from Susan s.
11/7/2009
Mom's secret neighborhood restaurant finally gets a review! This is defintely a hidden gem. In Midtown, it is hard to find a good restaurant, especially a Spanish one! El Pote is a restaurant I love to go to for lunch. Dinner is a little pricey but lunch is perfectly portioned for me! I love their Calamares en Su Tinta! - Squid ink pasta :) So good! I laos love their seafood paella special. *Only available on certain lunch days* Their servers are informative and friendly. That is important to me. I would highly reccommend this place to anyone who is passing by this area!
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Review from Chinku G.
Hicksville, NY
1/12/2006
I really liked this restaurant. I was expecting a much better paella, however the appetizers were all very good. Especially the olives are terrific. Don't escape the simplicity. I will go back to try some other stuff after a while; of course, unless I find a better Spanish restaurant by then. The atmosphere and service are first rate, I really liked the experience.
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Review from t c.
Brooklyn, NY
9/7/2010
The decor and furniture is old school, which is cool. The paella that everyone seems to be raving about was only average at best. But they do serve humongous hot portions, really enough for 2 meals for a grown man. For 20 bucks I'd say that's a pretty good deal for Paella. The sangria wasn't bad, but wasn't spectacular either.
I give it 3 stars. (even though i clicked 2 to bring the overall avg down.) -
Review from Annie T.
Long Island City, NY
5/27/2008
One of my favorite places to get some close to home paella and sangrias! It's a cozy/romantic place. Make sure to make reservations on a busy night.
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Review from Bjorn F.
New York, NY
1/10/2009
A neighborhood favorite. I personally think their paella is a bit on the dry side (which may be the "correct" way), but love their zarzuela and mariscado seafood dishes. The garlic soup is great, which keeps me away from many of the other appetizers, but the snails and octopus are definitely worth trying. Our (sometimes picky) 9 year old daughter can vouch for the lemon garlic chicken, and the sangria is excellent if you are into fruity wine drinks. If you are not, their wine list is pretty decent, if a bit predictable.
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Review from Olivia F.
New York, NY
1/23/2009
This is def a neightborhood gem!! You have to try their paella with the shrimp and all the other yummy ingredients!! Big glasses of wine, lots of food, great for groups!! We tried their chorrizo which was perfect...and so was dessert!! Chocolate cake was pretty good too!! They even stayed open late till we were ready to leave the place, which was nice.
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Review from cecile l.
New York, NY
5/25/2010
Very authentic looking Spanish restaurant, nice manchego and jamon Serrano. Great Sangria. There main dishes depend, sometimes very good and sometimes average (the fish was average the chicken was amazing) . It looks just like spain for anyone like me who loves it there! Hole in the wall place is exactly what it is!
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Review from A P.
New York, NY
5/4/2010
chicken with rice and sausage was absolutely delicious! going back to try more!
