TLDR; unique blend of Cuban chinese. Each dish was flavorful and good. Stand out must try for me was: mapo mauduros, crispy wings. All the dishes are very reasonably priced that you can try a lot of small plates! Ambiance (5/5): Step into an immersive experience with the dim lighting and décor, that transports you to a rustic Cuban chill spot. The restaurant extends towards the back with lots of dining space spaced far apart. Music wasn't too loud and the establishment filled up by 8p. Service (5/5): Staff was kind and provided us a warning when the happy hour was about to be over. We took advantage of their HH menu and ordered a few drinks and apps. The drinks are not that much discounted at $12 for cocktails, $7 beers. HH Oysters (5/5) were $2/ w 6pc min. They were very fresh and medium sized! Both the lechon and ropa vieja tostones (5/5) were very good. The tostones were unique, soft but sturdy to hold the toppings. Crispy bao (duck) (4/5): For the price point, it was 1 duck leg to be split between 3 bao buns. This did not feel like it worth that price. Felt below par from Chinese duck baos. Chicken empanada 2pc (5/5): wonderful exterior with a tasty green sauce. The chicken was moist and mojo spice was great Papa Rellenas 2pc (5/5): A nice presentation of the croquettes which was great Crispy wings (5/5): I loved the wings as they were not breaded, but still crispy. The Bian Pao was lightly spicy/sweet, not overpowering taste. Cuban fried rice (4/5): This was only okay Ropa Vieja Noodles (4/5): This was only okay Ma-Po Maduros (5/5): I've never had anything like this! I'm a huge fan of mapo tofu and this was a great spin off with mapo flavoring on a plantain. It was delicious. Cashew Cauliflower (5/5): This was also delicious We were definitely too full - however it turned out to be about $63/pp post tax. read more

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It seems like a great date place. It was just me and my friend. We came here for dinner. The food was good. We had some drinks. There happy hour was a little anemic. We had a salad which was OK. Chicken wings were delicious. The paella was not bad. Overall a good experience, food was common. read more

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Cool spot with a casual but vibrant vibe and quality food and drink. Stopped in with a group based on a friend's strong endorsement, and none of us were disappointed. The Chinese Cuban fusion menu had a great variety of fun choices. Cuban sandwich spring rolls tasted exactly like what the name suggests--delicious riff. Noodle dishes were tasty. Wings were great, well cooked and flavorful! Drinks were reasonably good but weren't remarkable, alas. Our server was great, helpful and attentive. Worth a visit for sure. read more

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We came in as a group of 6 on a Friday night with reservations for 7:45. They originally gave us a table at the back near the door to kitchen but soon moved us to another spot in the front room without us even asking. Grateful that they did because it was originally a pretty uncomfortable seating arrangement for the size of our party. What we ordered: - CRISPY SHIITAKE WONTONS - Shiitake and Vegetable Medley with Chile Lime Soy Reduction and Spicy Aioli - CUBAN SANDWICH SPRING ROLLS - CUBAN SANDWICH SPRING ROLLS - CRISPY PORK BELLY - Crispy Pork Belly, Salsa Verde, Chili Crisp, Crispy Shallots - CUBAN FRIED RICE - Shrimp, Pulled Pork, Spam, Maduros, Onion, Bell Pepper, Egg, and Cilantro Crema - ROPA VIEJA NOODLES - 8 hr. Slow Roasted Brisket, Sautéed Peppers, Onions, Broccoli and Mushrooms, Sichuan Soy Glaze We all at everything family style so everyone got to sample a bit of it all. All the dishes were good but the stand outs for us was the Cuban Sandwich Spring Rolls and Cuban Fried Rice. We ended up order more of those. We ordered a bunch of cocktails and mocktails (pina coladas) as well and they were all made well. Definitely enjoyed our visit and will return. read more

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Very pleasant I have had many conversations with friends and family members about ratings, specifically 4 versus 5. While the food wasn't near the best that I've ever had, they did everything right. The cocktails and plates were creative and tasty. The Lobster Noodles were outstanding. The texture of the Flan was memorable. The room is comfortable and the service was attentive. read more

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Calle Dao is a well-received Chinese-Cuban gastronomical fusion experience. The restaurant appears to be a local favorite. There aren't many Cuban restaurants in the city so would take advantage for your fix. I ordered the ropa vieja noodles which were good. Loved the concept of the dish but the spice took over the taste of the ropa vieja a bit --overall still very satisfying. Ambience is laid back and inviting. Great spot. read more

Calle Dao - Bryant Park - Cuban Near Me - New York, New York

Must try: Lunch Special ($20.99) and Lobster Noodles! Why: We shared a Calle Dao Burger lunch special with Yucca Fries as well as Lobster Noodles. Everything was delish! The burger cooked medium had Swiss Cheese, Soy Grilled Onions, Avocado, and Pickles. Juicy patty and lots of flavor. Lobster Noodles with Miso Butter, Mushroom, Peppers, Onions, and Broccoli was also packed with flavor. Lobster in noodles was unique and I wanted more! Notes: Waitress and workers were all friendly and attentive. Clean and spacious restaurant with many takes for small and large parties. They also have bar area. It was cold outside and our table happened to be under the heater vent to warm us up. We thought the sandwich lunch special was a great deal and large portions, and we'd would like to come back to try Cubano, Pork Belly and Cheesesteak. read more

Calle Dao - Bryant Park - LOBSTER NOODLES ($39) CALLE DAO BURGER ($20.99 lunch special) - Cuban Near Me - New York, New York

Visiting NYC for 4th of July festivities, I came across Calle Dao due to pure serendipity, it was next to my hotel. I checked out the menu outside ND decided to try it. The atmosphere is somewhere between nostalgic and functional. As soon as you enter, there is a long bar, and some small tables. There are more tables on the back. There are nostalgic touches everywhere, like the display of Cuban rum bottles at the bar, or the map of La Habana with "Cuchillo" ("Dao" in Cantonese) Street prominently displayed. Calle Cuchillo ("Knife Street") is a short, pedestrian-only block in Havana's Barrio Chino (Chinatown), in Centro Habana. It's lined with Chinese-Cuban restaurants (since the 19th C.) , and has been officially renamed "El Callejón del Barrio Chino". Calle Dao in Bryant Park ,NYC seeks to pay homage to that Cuban-Chinese history, and offers unique "Cuban Chinese fusion" dishes. I sat blat the bar and established a pleasant conversation with the bartender. She was incredibly friendly, and happy to talk about food, "her favorite subject". I ordered the "tostones con ropa vieja" (fried green plantains topped with shredded beef stew). The tostones were crispy and the meat tender, and utterly delicious. I followed it with crispy pork belly baos, served traditional style, with a hoisin sauce and green onion-cilantro dressing. Of course I had to try the mojito and it was lime-muddled and authentic. For dessert I had their house made flan, which was rich and delicious(probably because it was a cream cheese enriched custard). I recommend Calle Dao for a unique restaurant experience, far away from the Booba teas and fried rice that you can have anywhere in NYC. read more

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I went for Happy hour and was disappointed that the empanadas and another app portion were so small for the price and the the drinks were very simple and light. I feel like it was not any less $$ than a regular dinner menu at a similar restaurant but the reason I went after searching online was for the happy hour. The air conditioning was not strong as well so it was unpleasant to stay longer. read more

Very interesting flavors Chinese noodles with Cuban spices. Very tasty . If you're looking for something different unique , you'll have to come and give it a try. It's a cute little humble, cozy restaurant. Very good service. read more

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This place was quite a surprise! Chinese Cuban fusion! The food was amazing and was very unique and how they approach diffusion of specific dishes, such as a Cuban sandwich eggrolls. Or Cuban sandwich fried rice. Service was quick and efficient. They seem to be a very busy spot and go based off reservations. The space itself was adorned with a lot of Cuban and Chinese antiques, and they had a very moody vibe read more

Calle Dao - Bryant Park - Cuban Near Me - New York, New York

Finally tried Calle Dao in Midtown and loved it! The Cuban Sandwich Spring Rolls blew my mind -- crispy, juicy, and so good with the mustard. Total must-order. The lobster noodles were another favorite: super flavorful noodles and the lobster already shelled (bless!). Shrimp was fresh, and my husband loved the flank steak with rice and beans. Drinks were solid and the vibe is great for grabbing a cocktail after shopping. Service was friendly and the space feels stylish. Will definitely come back for those spring rolls! read more

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It's been about 6 months since I've been here and I just remembered thinking I didn't write a review for this place and I also still remember enjoying this place. That says a lot because my memory sucks. This place was recommended to me by someone that use to live here. We ordered the crispy pork belly to share and I had lobster noodles. Both were great! I know traveling is about trying new food, but next time I visit New York, I'm definitely stopping by again and getting something different! If I had a second stomach I'd get the same things as well. The atmosphere gave off family own, the workers were welcoming and warm, and the place itself was clean. I don't think I've tried a place like this before. I usually hate fusion food, but I think it's because most the fusion places tried to be American mixed with another ethnicity, but this place really knows how to tie in Cuban and Chinese tastes into a well thought out dish. Thanks for a great experience :) I didn't get her name, but I remember one of the great staff members had really nice tattoos that I commented on. I'm actually really surprised to have had this impression lasting from months ago so I really mean it when I say don't skip on this place! read more

Calle Dao - Bryant Park - Crispy Pork Belly - Cuban Near Me - New York, New York

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My friend and I tried out this place for restaurant week. The food was delish from the appetizer down to the dessert. We especially love the cuban rice. Our server was polite and has a good sense of humor. They were proactive in serving the dishes without us needing to call their attention for the next course. If you want a quiet dinner this isn't the place to be, for someone softspoken you can't have a nice conversation without speaking up, but the ambiance was more of a candlelit dinner vibe just not the noise. What turned us off was the front desk lady. She did not even acknowledge us when we came in. She was arguing with someone over the phone and her face was in rbf mode when she finally acknowledged us and led us to our seats. She looks like she's tired of her job to us. But, aside from that we had a good experience. Nice place to try out for restaurant week. read more

I've been to this place a few times. Their drinks are always strong and food is consistently good. Plus they have happy hour from 12-7 for drinks. This time we just got a glass of wine, sangria and the wings. The wings came with 6 pieces and the bian pao sauce was great. A good spot for casual get togethers with good food and drinks. Price is also very good for the area a block away from Bryant park read more

Calle Dao - Bryant Park - Cuban Near Me - New York, New York

My friends and I came here for dinner on a Tuesday evening. We had a reservation and were seated upon arrival. The restaurant has some mood lighting and decor matching the cuisine: Cuban Chinese. Food: I started my meal with the shiitake wontons. They were pretty good. For my entree, I had the spiced tofu stir-fry. I enjoyed it a lot, but I wish the tofu was just a little bit more spiced. My friends and I also shared some yucca fries. They were crispy, and I would recommend. Service: Our server was a great ball of energy. They were friendly and delightful. I wish I remembered their name. Our food came out promptly after ordering. Our drinks took a little more time, but it was pretty busy when we were seated. It was also still happy hour when we arrived for dinner. TL;DR - good food with great service read more

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Sat us on a Friday night without a problem. The atmosphere was great and vibe on point. Justin, our server, was incredible. Amazing service! Charming, funny and very attentive. My glass was never empty. Drinks were yummy and happy hour prices weren't insane. Delicious Sauvignon Blanc. My favorite white. I got the chicken and yellow rice, which was bursting with unbelievable flavor. It was so good. Everything came together perfectly and the portion size was hearty. I couldn't finish, but wish I did. We had plans after dinner so we kept it light. Can't wait to go back for more. The menu is incredible. read more

Calle Dao - Bryant Park - CHICKEN AND YELLOW RICE - Cuban Near Me - New York, New York

Little Gem in Bryant Park, you will feel like you are somewhere in Miami.... Calle Ocho... Love the decor... seriously you won't feel like you are in NYC. Good place for happy hour. We tried the Mojito, Sangria, Yuca Fries, Lechon on tostones. The food, drinks and service were great! read more

Calle Dao - Bryant Park - Cuban Near Me - New York, New York

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The ambience at Calle Dao immediately caught our attention, so we decided to stop in after a walk around New York City--and I'm glad we did. The space felt very warm, inviting, and full of character. We originally came in hoping to try the oysters, but it was around 3:30 PM and oysters are only available during happy hour starting at 4 PM, which was totally fine. Instead, we ordered the duck bao bun, pork bao bun, spicy wings, and the lobster noodle bowl. The lobster noodle bowl was absolutely phenomenal--so good that I cleaned the entire bowl. It was rich, flavorful, and easily the highlight of the meal. I loved the concept of the duck bao, especially the duck being served on the bone, but it was a bit of a hassle pulling it apart and assembling the bun with the sauce. I do wish the duck was sliced, with maybe one wing left on the bone, to make it easier to enjoy in bao form. The crispy pork bao bun was just okay, and the spicy wings were decent but didn't stand out compared to the noodle bowl. Our server was very attentive and genuinely kind, which added to the overall experience. I'd definitely come back--especially to check out their happy hour (and finally try those oysters). Overall, a great spot with a standout dish and a vibe that makes you want to return. read more

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Went for some tapas for a friend's birthday and it was yummy! Happy Hour was great and we got a little bit of everything. We were one of two tables and the service was very quick. read more

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Calle Dao serves incredible and flavorful Cuban Chinese fusion food. Prices might be on the higher side -but totally worth it. I would definitely order their Cuban fried rice, which was recommended by our servers. The dish is an interesting combination of plantains, shrimp, pulled pork, Spam, onion, bell pepper, egg, and cilantro crema. The flavors were unexpected in the best way. For appetizers, I would say the wings are a great choice. We tried the spicy mojo wings - deliciously crispy. read more

Calle Dao - Bryant Park - CUBAN FRIED RICE - Cuban Near Me - New York, New York

A fusion restaurant near Bryant park, Calle Dao is a mix of Cuban and Chinese in a way that doesn't feel cheap but also not too fancy. I came here during their happy hour and my god is it worth it! Drinks $10 and under are such a STEAL and most of the apps are a good size to share almost all are only $15 and under. We were able to walk in and be seated because they had a table that was currently empty. They just needed it in 90 mins which was perfect since we were on our way to a show nearby. The restaurant was dimly lit but had many elements in the restaurant that gave great sources of light from the cute lamp on the tables to hanging light fixtures on the wall and neon lights. The 2 person tables were really small especially when all the food came out but we managed. The service was great, all the staff were nice and the food came out quick just how I like to see it. The food was delicious but my favorite was the build a bao! That sauce that you dip it into was so rich and really made the dish for me. Plus the yucca fries came out hot and popping with some interesting sauces. They had the normal more sweet sauce I feel like always comes with these fries but also a gopchang ketchup as well. I really enjoyed myself here and would go again for the happy hour and even try their brunch which looks yummy as well! Plus they have a bottomless brunch. Put your drinks up ! Food 8 Service 8 Atmosphere 8 What we had Mojita Red Sangria Brisket tostones Build a bao- Pork Belly Yucca Fries read more

Calle Dao - Bryant Park - Cuban Near Me - New York, New York

Went on a weekend really liked that they had happy hour available. Enjoyed the sangria great not too sweet. The place was spacious with good ambiance. Our waiter was fun and attentive. The food was okay wings were a bit spicy. Overall great spot for a weekend happy hour read more

Calle Dao - Bryant Park - CRISPY WINGS - Cuban Near Me - New York, New York

Okay, so the concept of this place being Asian Spanish fusion was very enticing. But being so close to Bryant Park, woooooo the prices show it. I didn't get any entrées, as my friend and I were just grabbing drinks and snacking on food, but it added up. The apps we got...they were okay. It was cool to try different concepts of food, but ultimately I think I'll leave this place for tourists. Beware of getting virgin drinks, they literally cost the same as standard alcoholic ($14!) though I will give it them-- it was the best mango smoothie I ever had. It was fireeeeee honestly I'd consider going back for it read more

Calle Dao - Bryant Park - Cuban Near Me - New York, New York

I'm a huge fan of Spanish wine and loved the selection. The mushroom wontons were a fave, along with the grilled shrimp. But it'd order 3 mushroom wontons for ever shrimp order, that's how much I loved them. I had the salmon on this trip and was over the moon. The skin was crispy, the sauce incredible. The bok choy was 10/10 - get a side if it doesn't come with your meal! Ambiance is awesome, Justin is the best server ever. read more

Calle Dao - Bryant Park - BIAN PAO SALMON - Cuban Near Me - New York, New York

The happy hour deals were good. I tried the house wine and pulled pork tostones, which had good flavor and not salty. I also tried the rope vieja noodles and mapo maduros, both of which had nice flavor too. Nothing was too spicy or overwhelming. Service was quick too. The restaurant had a good happy hour vibe and the music wasn't too loud. I would come again for happy hour! read more

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Came here to celebrate my brother's birthday, and it was such a great experience! The food was amazing -- flavorful but perfectly balanced. A lot of fusion spots tend to overdo it with sauces or spices, but everything here was just right. Our server Justin was awesome -- super attentive, funny, and really made our dinner party a fun one. It's also a great spot for larger groups and very accommodating for kids, which made it even better for us. And the drinks? Incredible! Our favorite was the Opium -- it was so good we ended up ordering 15 of them by the end of the night! Definitely recommend this place if you're looking for great food, great vibes, and great service. read more

I opted for the cheesesteak sandwich made with Brisket, Peppers, Onions, and Swiss Cheese, served with a side salad and yucca fries. This was a good sized portion and the bread on the sandwich was so soft and fresh. Atmosphere is nice and the music was good! read more

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Had the restaurant week, it is interesting to have a Cuban/Chinese mix and you know what? Most of the flavors really work well together! The happy hour was great as well. Service was attentive and quick, but that may have been because the happy hour group was bigger than the dining group. Kitchen and wait staff might have had more bandwidth. It is a dimly lit and vibrant interior with spanish covers of established songs. That was kinda cool too. read more

Stopped for happy hour drinks and oyesters. Service was great. Oysters are fresh and plump. Would love to go back. read more

Calle Dao - Bryant Park - Cuban Near Me - New York, New York

Came for an early dinner during the week. Staff were very friendly and service was great. We ordered a whole bunch of stuff off the happy hour menu and the food was tasty. Prices were decent. It was empty while we were there since we came early, but started picking up as we were leaving. Would recommend. read more

I've been to Calle Dao before & I can tell why they're popular. I had gone right before their HH ended @ 7 PM & had the ropa vieja on tostones & a caipirinha. The ropa vieja tostones were quite tasty but make sure to have them quickly or else the tostones get soggy. The caipirinha was strong & great as well. I also got the Cuban sandwich spring rolls which were quite tasty as well & a nice fusion of two cultures IMHO. All in all, Calle Dao is great. I definitely want to try the ropa vieja noodles next. read more

Calle Dao - Bryant Park - Lechon Asado - Cuban Near Me - New York, New York

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The service is five-star--warm and attentive. However, the food didn't quite have the wow factor. I'm not sure if I just ordered the wrong dishes. Crispy Pork Build-A-Bao - Though it's supposed to be crispy, it was dry and lacked flavor, making it not worth the price. Bian Pao Crispy Wings - These were fine but not quite memorable. Papas Rellenas - Out of the three appetizers, this was my favorite. I've always been a fan of croquettes, so I couldn't resist. Black Rice Seafood Paella - It was pretty decent, and they were generous with the seafood. If I return, I'd be curious to try their brunch next time. read more

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Cuisine is Cuban Chinese fusion. I wasn't sure how those two flavors were going to meld together but they did. All the food was yummy. The stand out was the grilled shrimp appetizer. My Cuban fried rice was really good. They did a good job of incorporating Cuban flavors into fried rice. I loved it. Both desserts, flan and tres leches were delicious. I not usually a fan of flan and I really enjoyed it. The ambiance was so cool and I loved the music they played. This place is worth a visit. read more

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Weird little place - it was rowdy at 5:30 due to bigger happy hour groups, to the point where my husband and I could barely hear each other. Service was very friendly and the food was tasty, but very overpriced. I'd come here if there were discounts - like paying with inkind or if they do restaurant week menu, but full price was not worth. Lobster noodles - pretty good! Shitake wontons - very mushroom forward, so only like if you love mushroom lol we enjoyed it Seafood paella - good amount of seafood on top, rice was cooked ok, overall flavor way sweeter than we expected no drinks and total bill was 100+ so.... read more

5/5 Stars!!!! Came here tonight for our last dinner in New York. So worth it. We ordered the Chicken with Yellow Rice, the Cuban Fried Rice, empanadas, and oysters. The food was made to perfection! The staff were kind and provided excellent service. The drinks were smooth and tasty. Pricing: $$($) Staff: 5/5 Food: 5/5 Drinks: 5/5 read more

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Had a terrific experience here this evening after visiting Bryant Park's Winter Market. Got here about 6PM or so and found the atmosphere to be of Cuban AND Chinese styles, which is what the fusion of this restaurant represents. Even the music here consisted of covers of old classics (rock and otherwise) put to a Cuban beat. I had a Garden Salad that was very good, though I would have liked more dressing (or a dressing with a slightly stronger flavor). The main course though, that was excellent. I had the Ropa Vieja with Noodles. Unfortunately, they ran out of noodles, so they warned me that they would serve it on a bed of rice. I appreciated the advanced warning and agreed to it, and it was delish. I could taste the Chinese influence on the Cuban dish. The wife had the Tofu Stir Fry with Pork Belly... excellent flavors. Our kid had the Salmon, which I was really proud about, and she loved it. Her first time having salmon in a restaurant... I was thrilled for her to like it since it's so healthy, and she's otherwise a vegetarian. The bathroom was clean and adorable and the service was really very good. We would return for sure. read more

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Yum, Yum, Yum! Chinese Cuban food! How can you go wrong? During our annual trip to New York City, we decided to go to Calle Dao on Bryant Street. The restaurant wasn't far from our hotel and we have been wanting something different. A old friend of mine met me, my daughter Muff and my sister Luch for lunch at Calle Dao. Come on man! The menu is off the hook! I'm talking Cuban sandwich spring rolls, steamed shrimp wontons, crispy wings, pork belly sandwiches, seared salmon and Cuban fried rice y'all! How can you go wrong at this restaurant? You can't! The menu is too expansive and delicious for anyone to be disappointed. We ate things so fast at this restaurant, that I almost forgot to take any pictures of what we were eating. The decor of the restaurant reminds you of Cuba with a little Chinatown in the mix. A little eccentric and a little retro all at the same time. So mixing Cuban food and Chinese food together makes perfectly good sense in this environment. Two very strong cultural places that have had an extremely outsized reputation for food experimentation is our pleasure at Calle Dao. We didn't have a single bad item and I wanted to know the secret of their Bian Pao Salmon and Cuban Sandwich Spring Rolls. read more

Calle Dao - Bryant Park - Steamed Shrimp Wontons - Cuban Near Me - New York, New York

Visited Calle Dao on a date. We didn't have reservations but luckily there was space available. The restaurant itself is pretty small. The vibe inside is cozy and a little intimate so nice for a date! Our waiter was also nice which is a plus. The food was pretty decent nothing super special about it. I had the salmon, bok choy, with rice. I wanted the steak but my stomach wasn't feeling too good. My date had noddles with shredded steak on top and that was pretty good. Drinks were also just decent. All in all, I would recommend as a casual spot to try if you're in city or coming from Penn station and want to grab a bite to eat! read more

Calle Dao - Bryant Park - Cuban Near Me - New York, New York

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Although we loved our food and drinks, I feel like the service left a lot to be desired. Our server just disappeared for long periods of time. We were sitting in the front of the restaurant and on more than one occasion we had to ask the hostess if she could track down our server for us. The restaurant was NOT busy at all, so that wasn't an excuse. Aside for feeling a bit neglected and ignored, the food was truly delicious. We sampled a variety of dishes, but some of my favorites were the chicken empanadas, shrimp wontons, and the lobster noodles. The food is good enough to get me to come back but I would really hope for better service next time. read more

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