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El Parador Reviews List
El Parador
El Parador Café was founded in 1959; it is the oldest and most authentic Mexican restaurant in New York, celebrating its 50th year in business. Carlos Jacott launched the original establishment, first located on 2nd Avenue and 31st Street. The restaurant has been lauded for having the best Margaritas by The New York Press and the best Ceviche by The New York Times.
The torch has now been passed onto Jose "Alex" Alejandro, a 1994 graduate of The French Culinary Institute, who continues to grow the restaurant’s following by offering an excellent menu, world class bar & lounge and warm atmosphere.
El Parador is dedicated to culture and hospitality. Many of the customers, dubbed “El Paradorians,” first met each other at the restaurant.
The wonderful ambiance and cuisine has made El Parador Cafe NYC's favorite Mexican Restaurant, voted #1 by Open table and, once again, named a Bib Gourmand winner by the Michelin Guide for great value.
See more El Parador details
95 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 95 reviews
5 stars
(28)
4 stars
(52)
3 stars
(11)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(55)
- fit for foodies(36)
- good for groups(34)
- romantic(23)
- special occasion(21)
- vibrant bar scene(13)
El Parador Reviews List
Review 1 for El Parador
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This has been my go-to spot in the neighborhood for entertaining guests and office staff for many years. It's wonderful to have a place like this so close, especially when I feel like having a couple of great margaritas and meal during the week."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 2 for El Parador
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Not Tex Mex
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"A good change from all the Mex Tex noise. They serve warm salsa but you can ask for cold."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for El Parador
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"food was good but I sent the bland guacamole back for more heat.
Paella was good, fresh and loaded with goodies but a little too salty for my taste."
Paella was good, fresh and loaded with goodies but a little too salty for my taste."
Dined on 5/11/2013
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Review 4 for El Parador
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"El Parador serves good Mexican chow in a dimly lit setting. If the fare isn't haute, it's nonetheless tasty, the service is deft and efficient, and the ambiance is very happy."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 5 for El Parador
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"They don't make them like this anymore. Authentic, unpretentious, with genuine atmosphere, great food and excellent service."
Dined on 5/06/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for El Parador
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Yum
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food and wait staff. Only complaint is that it is sometimes booked when we want to go. Keep it up El Parador!"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for El Parador
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great authentic Mexican
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I found this r restaurant on the net and it claimed to be the best & most authentic Mexican in New York. We were coming from New Zealand and wanted something great not average like most " tex Mex" outfits. We weren't disappointed. The restaurant has a cool ambience & we were greeted at the door by the owner who was very welcoming. Top service and excellent food that goes beyond nachos! If you like Sangria, then there's was the best I've tried. Well worth the visit."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 8 for El Parador
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The best!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Best Mexican food restaurant in the world. Period."
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, special occasion
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Review 9 for El Parador
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Fun Mexican spot in the heart of Murray hill. Neighboorhood joint that serves delicious Mexican food and great drinks. Ambiance is lively and fun! Nice spot to unwind and relax."
Dined on 4/27/2013
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for El Parador
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
El Parador came recommended
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"El Parador came recommended by a friend who loves good food. We were not disappointed.
Right from the moment I made the reservation (we live in Canada and were visiting NYC)
the level of customer service was excellent. And the food did not disappoint us. We have already recommended this little gem to friends travelling to New York."
Right from the moment I made the reservation (we live in Canada and were visiting NYC)
the level of customer service was excellent. And the food did not disappoint us. We have already recommended this little gem to friends travelling to New York."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 11 for El Parador
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Mexican at it's best!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Exceptional Mexican food - never had anything but a fabulous meal here and service is always terrific. Whether you are in the neighborhood or need to make a trip over, make it your business to eat here!"
Dined on 04/25/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for El Parador
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We were a party of six seated
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We were a party of six seated in the rear - the restaurant is a "happening" place and it is hard to hear across-the-table conversation. The food and service were both wonderful and we all had a great time but I did leave the place with my ears ringing!"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 13 for El Parador
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
El Parador is a wonderful
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"El Parador is a wonderful dining experience. The wait-staff is very attentive and the ambiance is fun, yet intimate. It's like being in someone's noisy kitchen filled with warmth. The staff welcome you like old friends. The food is fresh and of good quality, with the appropriate seving sizes. We've been patrons for over 30 years, back to the days of Carlos. It's a hike from NJ but well worth the experience."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 14 for El Parador
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
El Para-don't
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I fear this spot may have lost a bit of it's luster. My sister's Paella seemed as if it had been cooked hours ago and was given a once-over in the broiler before being served. My chicken - touted as the restaurant special- was nothing more than overly crispy fried bits with no discernible meat. It's pricey too."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2010
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Review 15 for El Parador
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Tim from Malvern. PA
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My wife and I were in the city and she was determined to go. Returning after 30 years, she remember why her parents took her there. The food was great and the service was wonderful. We will return sooner!"
Dined on 04/07/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 16 for El Parador
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Open table is anti customer
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I attended this restaurant two times in two weeks
Each time I I'd myself to owner as open table customer
Each time I was listed as a no show
I had to prove I was their via card receipt
I was told I could lose my membership
What a waste of my time
Was the restaurant cautioned about their abuse
Of a customers time ?
Of course they will never see again
Not too happy about open tables attitude and policy
Seems anti customer"
Each time I I'd myself to owner as open table customer
Each time I was listed as a no show
I had to prove I was their via card receipt
I was told I could lose my membership
What a waste of my time
Was the restaurant cautioned about their abuse
Of a customers time ?
Of course they will never see again
Not too happy about open tables attitude and policy
Seems anti customer"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2012
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Review 17 for El Parador
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Hadn't been there in years.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Hadn't been there in years. Just as good. Missed Carlos."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 18 for El Parador
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I loved the salsa and guacamole.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I loved the salsa and guacamole. friendly service, my lamb shank was really tender. Good experience overall."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 19 for El Parador
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Always a pleasure....like
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Always a pleasure....like returning home for yet another great meal. Just wish it weren't quite so loud."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 20 for El Parador
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I recommend this restaurant.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I recommend this restaurant. great food and service; quiet but energetic;"
Dined on 03/27/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 21 for El Parador
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Best chicken mole in New York.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Best chicken mole in New York. Restaurant as inviting as first visit in l971."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2008
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Review 22 for El Parador
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Good because not your usual heavy Mexican fare. More gourmet. Has always been an excellent restaurant."
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Review 23 for El Parador
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
I was already in midtown and
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I was already in midtown and decided to stop in because of the positive reviews and after viewing the well put together video on their website. However i was very disappointed after making the long trek to 34th street bet 1st & 2nd ave to find that the lunch specials were not as advertised on the website. The new offerings were not as appealing. After telling the waitress I can eat onions. she helped me selectthe cheviche & beef enchiladas and chocolate tres leche. While the cheviche was refreshing, it was loaded with onions which I had to pick out. When the entree came it had onions also. :-(. The best part if the meal was the dessert. Otherwise I was sorry I didn't just go to Chipolite's for take out. It was not worth $25."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2010
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Review 24 for El Parador
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This is our second time here
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This is our second time here & the food was great. We had the tamales, chily rellenos & the roasted chicken which were all really amazing.I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes Mexican food. Now that Zarela's has closed down this the place that we like. The service was also excellent & the people are very nice. It is not a hip place & I guess that's why there is not that buzz about it."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 25 for El Parador
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The best service; the BEST
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The best service; the BEST pork chop I ever had!"
Dined on 02/15/2013
2007
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Review 26 for El Parador
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food was pretty good but
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was pretty good but at times the service seemed almost forgetful of us. Yet, overall I was in good company and enjoyed my meal. I would recommend this restaurant to others."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, romantic
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Review 27 for El Parador
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Highly Disappointed
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The waiter made no eye contact with my girlfriend, and did not acknowlege her at the table. I ordered our drinks and he placed both infront of me when he returned. We ordered an appetizer and asked for a minute to order our meals. Then the waiter didn't come back until we were finishing our appetizers, and took our menus without asking for our order. In short it was a horrible experience and would not recomend this restaurant to anyone. However, the booking and reservations were handled great. Having been recommended by a very good friend, we were highly disappointed and left immediately after having our appetizer to have dinner elsewhere."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2013
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Review 28 for El Parador
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Warmth and Mexican Graciousness
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I've been coming to El Parador since 1972 in the days when you were greeted by Carlos Jacotte, the tall, tuxedoed owner and maitre'd who was a favorite of all. Although our trips here are infrequent these days, sadly, I am happy to report this is still the best Mexican food I have ever had in New York. Many variations and experiments with the basic cuisine and all are good. I say that without having tried all of them, but I trust El Parador. Excellent, professional and friendly service and still the best Margarita in the city. Warm and homey in the best way."
Dined on 02/03/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for El Parador
Based on the average of (67) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
6 out of 6 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic