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Home > Restaurants > El Sombrero (The Hat)

All Reader Reviews of...

El Sombrero (The Hat)

108 Stanton St., New York, NY, 10002
at Ludlow St.
212-254-4188

Avg. Rating

6
Food: 6
Service: 7
Décor: 7
"Mixed Reviews"

Average Reader Rating on a Scale of 10.

67% would go back.

 Write your own review

So Much Swagger

By liquidsilverarms on 10/4/2010

  • Overall Rating: 10
  • Food: 10
  • Service: 10
  • Décor: 10
  • Yes, I would go back!

After visiting the hat the other night with friends, I can conclude that the bar does not only serve delicious kamakazis, but also has an unparalleled "youth-friendly" atmosphere later in the night. Though it may be difficult to see beyond the dirty bathrooms, unlit holiday lights and christian iconography; if you really let yourself enjoy the place, an abundance of swag can be found. I do not recommend consuming any food items.

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27 out of 45 people found this review helpful.

LOVE

By tharrison5 on 10/4/2010

  • Overall Rating: 10
  • Food: 10
  • Service: 10
  • Décor: 10
  • Yes, I would go back!

this restaurant has character. i love it.

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26 out of 40 people found this review helpful.

Its good because its there

By JoeyNYC on 6/21/2007

  • Overall Rating: 7
  • Food: 7
  • Service: 7
  • Décor: 7
  • Yes, I would go back!

This place is not rosa mexicana but it is way better then a 4. Its about the whole situation. You can eat with friends and have a great time getting loose on the very good margaritas. Are you going to find a sea bass in mole sauce baked in parchment here? NO. will you have a great time and cheap tasty meal ? Hell Yeah! Viva The hat!!!

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194 out of 472 people found this review helpful.

Nada especial

By pinkcloud on 1/29/2003

  • Overall Rating: 4
  • Food: 4
  • Service: 4
  • Décor: 5
  • No, I would not go back!

I've been asking myself for years: Why is this place so popular? I could understand it 10 years ago when it was one of only a few restaurants in the area. But folks, there are plenty of other, better options now. Take advantage of them. Come only for the drinks.

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396 out of 807 people found this review helpful.

Get drunk with friends! Eats, feh!

By shamrock on 1/20/2003

  • Overall Rating: 5
  • Food: 4
  • Service: 7
  • Décor: 6
  • Yes, I would go back!

The ear-splitting, consciousness-erasing Latin jukebox here is one of the many love-hate reasons to go to "The Hat". NEVER call it "El Sombrero! One of the only places where Latinos and whites mix on the LES, The Hat is rumored to use grain alcohol in its margaritas -- and you'll believe it after you knock back a couple of these babies. No rocks, no up -- only frozen. Hmmm... The food here functions exclusively as liquor absorbency. There is no reason to eat here unless you're worried about passing out -- though the soupy, spicy salsa is slightly worthwhile. The endlessly patient, fun staff humors the increasingly gentrified crowd who think it's "hysterical". Make sure you show up with someone who can support your weight later on when they have to carry you to Houston and stuff you into a cab. Arriba!

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337 out of 687 people found this review helpful.

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