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El Quijote

226 W. 23rd St., New York, NY 10011
nr. Seventh Ave. See Map | Subway Directions Hopstop Popup
212-929-1855 Send to Phone

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:
7.0 out of 10
|
6 Reviews | Write a Review
Cuisine: Spanish/Tapas

Photo by Elliot Black

Map Rate & Review

Official Website

elquijotenyc.com

Hours

Daily, 11:30am-midnight

Nearby Subway Stops

1 at 23rd St.; C, E at 23rd St.

Prices

$17.95-$23.95

Payment Methods

American Express, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Special Features

Bar Scene
Good for Groups
Private Dining/Party Space
Take-Out

Alcohol

Full Bar

Reservations

Accepted/Not Necessary

Profile

Dining at El Quijote is like taking a vacation—one where you’ve wandered into an utter tourist trap. Kitschy décor makes the place feel decidedly non-Manhattan; but unlike in other Disney-style destinations, a dollar here goes a fairly long way. Huge portions make it easy to get stuffed on paella and sangria—that is, if you can make your way through the packed front bar area to the even more packed dining room. Situated near other entertainments like Hunkmania, El Quijote makes for a perfect (and perfectly cheesy) bachelor/bachelorette/birthday plan. — Christina Nunez

Recommended Dishes

Paella valencia, $17.95; lobster in green sauce, $23.95

I've known THIS place for over 25 years and will return AGAIN tomorrow Tues. 11/10 for lunch. Many a XMAS/New Year Eves have been spent here. The Lobster in Garlic Sauce is MY favorite-So Plentyiful and Absolutely Delicious. And of course, EVERYONE has a slightly Off day, even in MY Own kitchen-just tell your waiter and it WILL be corrected promptly and Without question. Yes, the Decor is 'Old World' Cheesy, YES it is Charmingly Tacky but that can be overlooked-the FOOD and SERVICE more then Compensates for 'The Look'. Lobster, Clams and Sangria-Here I come, AGAIN!

It's all about the lobster...

sweetclafoutis from 10128 | Posted on 8/28/09

Overall Rating: 10 (Highly Recommended)


Food:	8
Service:	8

Décor:	7

Value:	8

I disagree with the reviewer who said the crowd was all tourists. I'm a native New Yorker and I love El Quijote. My whole family loves it. Sure, the decor is cheesy and old; that's part of its charm. It's like taking a step back in time. Service is friendly and efficient. I've been going with my parents, and now my husband, for years. When my sisters visit from California, a family dinner at El Quijote is a must. Here's the trick: Forget paella. Order a 3-pound lobster, broiled: split in half, topped with breadcrumbs and butter. Make sure you eat the delicious green stuff (tomalley). Begin with the white bean and ham soup instead of salad (it's a bit salty, but delicious), then housemade potato chips on the side and an order of steamed broccoli. They have lobsters in many sizes, so you can go smaller or larger, but to me 3 pounds is perfect (I bring the claws home to make lobster salad the next day). You can also have your lobster boiled if that's your preference. Give me the buttery breadcrumbs every time...

Read All 6 Reviews >>

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