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Calle Ocho

Critics' Pick

446 Columbus Ave., New York, NY 10024
nr. 81st St. See Map | Subway Directions Hopstop Popup
212-873-5025 Send to Phone

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Price Range:
$$$
Key to Prices and ratings
Upscale

Almost Perfect

Exceptional

Generally Excellent

Very Good

Good

Cheap Eats

Best in Category

Excellent

Delicious

Very Good

Noteworthy
Very Expensive

Expensive

Moderate

Cheap
Reader Rating:
7.4 out of 10
|
26 Reviews | Write a Review
Cuisine: Latin American, Spanish/Tapas

Photo by Robert K. Chin

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Official Website

calleochonyc.com

Hours

Mon-Thu, 6pm-11pm; Fri, 6pm-midnight; Sat, 5pm-midnight; Sun, 11:30am-3pm and 5pm-10pm

Nearby Subway Stops

1 at 79th St.; B, C at 81st St.-Museum of Natural History

Prices

$21-$29

Payment Methods

American Express, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Special Features

Brunch - Weekend
Good for Groups
Kid-Friendly
Kids' Menu
Private Dining/Party Space
Singles Scene
Teen Appeal

Alcohol

Full Bar

Reservations

Recommended

Make a Reservation with opentable.com

Profile

Who'da thunk that the West Side could ever boast a restaurant as uncalculatingly sexy as Calle Ocho? And yet how can you not be swayed by its spectacular Caribbean sunset of glazed terra-cotta; by the light filtering through its curved louvered ceiling, as flattering as a fresh tan; by the jewel-toned banquettes moving through the space like waves along the gulf, creating a grand café that beckons you to bat your eyelids, wet your lips, and get your torso to speak whatever it is you can't say? Let the staff steer you toward the flash fires of ceviches or the soothing arepas and tamales that the kitchen has devised to enthrall the neighborhood. Can't stand the heat? Get out the yucca fries, which, though tamer, deserve a Super Bowl commercial all their own. Could a Latin-tinged evening be more appealing? Yes, but until Rosario Dawson asks you to merengue, this will do quite nicely. — Hal Rubenstein

Brunch

Sun., 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

Recommended Dishes

Cuban style steak frites, $28; paella, $29

Food:	8

Service:	7

Décor:	10

Value:	8

I had my birthday party here, and had a reservation for 15 people. We got there late and still ended up waiting a full 45 minutes until we could be seated. 15 people loitering in the full lounge? ugh. My spirits lifted, however, when we were led to our gorgeous ROUND table with a gigantic lazy susan in the middle for easy access, and 4 pitchers of sangria on the house because we had waited for so long. The service was great in person, but they blatantly forgot one of the dishes, which happened to be MINE. I basically got it after everyone was done, but was not offered any discount or real apology. Food was good though, didn't blow my mind.

WORST SERVICE AND STAFF IN THE CITY!!!!

KATEKATE from 10019 | Posted on 10/16/09

Overall Rating: (NA) (Not Rated)


Food:	3
Service:	1

Décor:	5

Value:	3

DO NOT GO!!! I just had my bday party there, bringing in a lot of friends to the lounge. It was a big mistake because the staff at Calle Ocho is the worst ever. Both the waiters and the manager Luke were extremely rude. The information provided on the phone and by the hostess upon arrival was inaccurate. Overall, the service was a disaster: the waiter would not come to our table, the food took forever to arrive, etc. The prices are OK and so is the decor but THE SERVICE RUINS IT ALL, SO GO ANYPLACE ELSE AND YOU WILL BE BETTER OFF.

Read All 26 Reviews >>

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