Cascalote Latin Bistro

Loved this local spot. The music selection was right on; Cardie B, Shaggy, Eminem, Lizzo and Nellie…read moreto name a few. The music vibe was excellent. Drinks were good, prices were perfect and the food was just ok. Not bad but ok. Ordered the chicken Caesar salad, side Mac and cheese and wings. The wings were huge. Mac and cheese was plentiful especially since I only ordered the side and the Caesar was good. I really enjoyed the music and the vibe. The staff was attentive and we were never in need of anything. They were constantly checking to make sure we were good. I find this really nice especially when gratuity is already added to the check.

I've been here twice for dinner and brunch and both times my experience could have been better…read more Service is slow, they don't have enough staff working, bathrooms aren't the cleanest. Food is mediocre and can use a bit more seasoning in my opinion. The positives are it's beautifully decorated, conveniently located in a popular area, the staff is nice and welcoming and they do host events. We did get a bit upset when we brought a small cake to celebrate our friend who was leaving our job and moving away and they charged us to cut the cake. The cake was tiny and we had to pay a fee to cut it and celebrate our friend it was a little ridiculous esp when it was only 4 of us in total.

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MacCheese

Cocotazo

4.1(103 reviews)

0.1 mi•East Harlem

#6 on the list‽‽‽ what¿ No this restaurant definitely…read morebeats out El Rincon and rinconcito hands down and the chef at Cocotazo is truly blessed with a gift. Close your eyes as you eat, listen for the coqui sounds in the background past the music. Makes you feel like your on the island. # 6 I dont think so, definitely top 3 for sure. Must have is The guava ribs with her mashed Malaga, The salmon and her bistec encebollado.

The first time I went, in April, I was so pleased with the food and service that I couldn't wait to…read morereturn. Well return I did, last week, and I was not pleased with the waiter, the lack of true Puerto Rican courtesy and the food servings. The host/waiter did not greet us with a smile or an "hola, bienvenido". He was very robotic and seemed annoyed when we wanted to order appetizers and asked if he could come back to take our main order. He stated, and not kindly, that he wanted to take the whole order at once. I can go on and on with how this man did not represent what the restaurant claims to represent which is Puerto Rican culture. On to the food. We asked and ordered the "special". What a disappointment- Bacalao that cost $22.00 and belonged in the kids meal section. Suffice it to say that I did not feel that Puerto Rican vibe of warmth and "bienvenido a nuestro hogar" and will not be returning.

Paintings for sale.

Rican Sandwich

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View of Spanish Harlem

El Patio de Fela

4.4(18 reviews)

0.7 mi•East Harlem

Love it here! If you ever stop by, definitely get the shrimp empanadas. 10/10, hands down! And the…read morefrozen piña coladas always hit the spot. Definitely one of my go-to orders.

I was standing on the street, minding my own business, when the smell of roasted chicken came my…read moreway. I looked around and didn't even see a restaurant at first. When I finally saw where that smell was coming from, I was drawn inside and found some delicious looking food. To my surprise, they have oxtail today! The woman serving me behind the counter was really nice, didn't rush me, and I'll bet she was an owner. The oxtail was really, really good, and they have really good red beans. If you're on a strict diet, this place might not be the very best choice for you, but a for me, I'm looking to return next time I'm in this hood! The ambience here is great, with love plants galore, a patio... even a clean and functional bathroom! That lunch special was only like $16. Incredible.

Pernil, arroz con gandules, beans

Roasted Pork

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La Isla Cuchifrito

4.2(41 reviews)

1.9 mi•Mott Haven

It was a busy Thursday afternoon visiting an old favorite. We sat at the counter space and…read morepatiently waited for 1 of the women to serve us. It was very busy, but they can keep up well. Very pleasant we ordered from the variety of pre made food and one order from the kitchen only menu. We tried the roasted chicken with rice and red beans, 2 chicken Empanadas, and 1 order of fried pork chops with green plaintain (chuleta frita con tostones). Took about 10 minutes to come out, and it was very fresh and delicious. The chops were well seasoned and crispy. The tostones were freshly made and crispy. I put a ton of their homemade mojito (garlic) sauce all over everything, and my son proceeded to follow me with his meal. Their chicken was roasted perfectly. Moist and tender with flavors. They have a huge rotisserie pit behind the wall and out the way to save space. Genius. The Rice and beans were standard yet authentic. The Empanadas were a little dry, but I had to show my eldest about ketchu-mayo lol iykyk, then he liked it. He's a bit inexperienced in the cuchifrito area and almost got a brand drink. I had to cut him off and direct him to the fountain drinks because ,uh-uh, we drink from the house in a great cuchifrito spot son! I got him the passion fruit, and I got my usual sesame seed. He looked at me crazy y'all lmao I let him try my sesame drink, and he was somewhat impressed with it. But he loved his passion fruit already. The service was attentive, and I honestly don't know how the ladies balance it all. He was pleasantly surprised at the bill $32. 2 full large meals, 2 drinks, 2 Empanadas, and 1 alcapurria because I had to grab one when I saw the cook dump a fresh batch. I went home thinking damn I should have grabbed 3 more. They were loading fresh cuchifritos and I shouldn't have held back. Later always comes and left overs are always welcomed. Overall, we both loved it. Even taught him a few things in there. For the culture and the price point he loved it even more. I know for sure we will be back.

BLAST-FROM-THY-PAST GANGSTER PARADISE*KITCHEN*CUCHIFRITOS…read moreTruth be told this flagship SAVOURY EATERY dating back into greater than fifty years will forever be pricelessly MISSED eternally! On many memorable cuisine days of the freshly specially CUCHIFRITOS menu dishes (using: Achiote Oil, Sofrito, Adobo, Aceite Oliva, Lard, Butter) truly having that unique Cuchifritos aroma fragrance, delicacy taste, unbelievable texture of Puerto Rican & Cuban hints of grandmas aboriginal TAINO secret recipe covert ingredients! Between the Mofongo marisco o puerco, Pollo or Steak with Rice and Cubano & Chicken-Steak Sandwiches, and warmth of Pollo stew, Sancocho, Sopon de Patidas de Cerdo, Fricassee de Pollo, Asopao de Camarones, Sopa Pollo de fideos, Chuleta de Jardinera, and the bizarre saucy marinated favorites of PIG'S ears, tongue, stomach, morsillas (blood pudding), Chicharrones, pasteles, yucca-plátanos con pescado! Yet didn't serve another two favorite El Jibarito o Tripleta? FRITURAS: Tostones, Alcapurria, Bacalaitos, Empanadillas, Pastelillos, Croqueta, relleno Papá, Pastellon, Pernil, Arepas de Coco, Ensalada de Bacalao & Pulpo o Ceviche, Bistec "beefsteak" encebollado and también los lo Potres de Flan, Tembleque, Flancocho, Queso, Arroz Dulce, Mallorca, pebidas de Coco, Guava con crema, tamarindo. People often came to this business regardless of the community deterioration of police statistics because of the reminiscent 1970-1970s blends of "comida" preparations hard to literally find that older no frills mixed combinations of methodology to "cosinando" dexterity not prevelant anymore as past Chefs either AGED or DIED with their extraordinary TAINO style Caribbean Island RITUALS like Caldo Santo (Holy Good Friday FISH Stew)! The older Misses working at this establishment had no choice but to be sarcastic strong Spanish women given the recidivism of Rift-Raft in this neighborhood of mix populace, especially a zip code of delinquents, criminals, and dastardly venomous attitudes of gypsy homeless, gang bangers, anger management loud-mouths entering the restaurant to cause arguments, disturbances, beggars pleading for tasty Latino Spanish's food of mamma's familiar morsels. These were the cheap eats of tasty MEALS of separated or divorce, and broken family authentic tasting home cuisine missed from mamma, wifey, side-Biscuit girlfriend,and death of homestyle cooker, and missed Holidays foods of those gone & remembered!

TYPICAL PUERTO RICAN CUBAN DISH

Mini lunch to go lunch special.

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Chicken plate

Harlemite Peruvian Cuisine

4.5(171 reviews)

1.0 mi•Harlem

Such great food! We really enjoyed every dish and the drinks. Everyone is super friendlyread more

This is a cute, unassuming restaurant. Although it's on a busy street, it was pretty quiet on a…read moreSaturday evening. They have three outdoor tables and a bar in the front of the restaurant. The owners are Peruvian. To drink, I had the house red sangria. I loved that you could specify sweet, semi-sweet, or tart. I went for semi-sweet. It was nice and fruity and you could taste the wine. My husband enjoyed the strawberry pineapple wine punch, which had a bold pineapple flavor. They have several vegan entrees. I got the vegan chaufa with tofu. It was full of veggies and the fried rice was rich and well prepared. The tofu was nice and firm. I asked for hot sauce and they provided a red and a green option. The latter had cream in it. Our waitress warned that the red was quite spicy. It did have a kick, but it wasn't crazy and gave the dish the added flavor I was looking for. Their sweet plantains were satisfyingly charred for a crisp bite. Service was fast.

Ambiance!

Patio

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Harlemite Chaufa Eat the cucumber

Amor Cubano

3.8(629 reviews)

0.2 mi•East Harlem

It was a long, eventful rollercoaster of day... desperately in need of some sustenance, we looked…read morefor a spot in route to our final destination. With one of my favs, we decided to visit Amor Cubano, based on a found memory of their champagne mojitos. It was a cold Saturday night in January and all the stars aligned. We pulled and found parking right outside the door. We entered and was seated immediately without reservation even though it was crowded and the first week of NY restaurant week. We perused both the regular and restaurant week menu. In an attempt to keep it simple we went the regular menu and ordered everything at once. Of course two champagne mojitos and empanadas to start. For entrées, we went with Arroz Con Pollo (for me) and Churrasco- grilled skirt steak (for my partner in crime). Customer service was good, food came quick and hit the spot. We enjoyed it all while listing to the live band. This was a nice ending to an eventful day. Just A Note: A tag on IG... gets you a spin of the bonus wheel. I snagged a gift card for my next visit.

Great food and service for a girls dinner. They also had live music on Saturday nights. Great vibes…read moreand decor was pretty. Would def return

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La Fonda

3.2(381 reviews)

0.2 mi•East Harlem

Food was great just like mom used to make very authentic…read more Staff very friendly Nice ambiance

Food and service is amazing! Great place for authentic people and food. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxread more

Our Mimosa Towers - flavors available and bottomless options.

Shrimp Pinchos served with our serve passion-fruit sauce.

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$10 virgins piña colada in plastic cups!!! This is unacceptable and should not be allowed

El Nuevo Tina

3.5(100 reviews)

1.7 mi•Harlem

The food was super good man and my fiancé loved it they were super chill and the service was nice…read moreall I can say is I 100% recommend this to anyone

Do not bother with this place. Really EXPENSIVE; Yellow rice, Black beans, Tail with 3 BBQ ribs =…read more$25 "Lunch special" according to the hostess. So it's not even a FULL SERVING. Not worth it. I think as a Dominican since they cater to other people they charge whatever they want and expect no complaints. For one person it's too much MOVE ALONG, GO FURTHER UPTOWN AND SAVE SOME MONEY.

Mojito sauce

Fried pork

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Mofongo de cerdo

Cuchifritos

3.5(253 reviews)

0.4 mi•East Harlem

When you visit Cuchifritos, expect a constant line and no air conditioning. The staff isn't super…read morefriendly, but they are highly efficient and keep the crowd moving quickly so you get your food fast. We ordered a lot to try. The arroz con gandules was a solid, well-seasoned base for the meal and came in a generous portion. We also grabbed a couple of pastelillos. The pastelillos con carne and the pastelillo con queso both had a great crunch and were packed with filling. The alcapurria was fried well with a solid exterior, and the inside was full of seasoned meat. To finish it off, we had the bacalaitos, which were huge, savory codfish fritters with crispy edges. It gets hot inside and you will have to wait, but the efficient service and excellent food make it a strong 4 star spot.

I returned here although the quality of fried foods has gone down. Acapurrias are not made with…read moreplatano but with yucca ... taste is not the same!#@!? Plain mofongo from here had bones and gristle in it ... disgustingly unpalatable! I must find another cuchifrito joint which makes its acapurria wit platano!

Arroz con gandules

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Pastelillo de queso

Oso - The tacos are about three inches in diameter, maybe less.

Oso

4.2(400 reviews)

2.1 mi•Harlem

Service started at high note and kept getting better. Renee made our experience great and had the…read moreperfect recommendations. The Happy Hour is one of the best in the city - buy one get one. And you aren't limited with getting the exact same drink. The Spicy Tuna Tostada was fresher than the sea. It was a perfect poor with a cold cocktail. My favorite bite. All the taco options were superb. I went with the Al Pastor was not disappointed. I just moved to the area and I will undoubtedly become a regular here.

Armando, You're Great-But the Prices? Not So Much…read more We live in the neighborhood and have our go-to spots. Since Oso seemed to have changed hands or at least the vibe has shifted we decided to give this place another try. First, a shoutout to Armando you're great at your job! Friendly, attentive, and professional. Truly a standout. While the food was tasty, I couldn't help but feel the prices didn't align with the portion sizes or overall value. Let's be honest most ingredients in Mexican cuisine are relatively inexpensive (except maybe the avocado), so $16 for two tacos with barely a teaspoon of chicken or beef feels excessive. Just two blocks away on Broadway, there's another fantastic Mexican spot offering generous portions at a much more reasonable price point. Unfortunately, this felt like price gouging, and I won't be returning. Great service can't make up for what feels like taking advantage of customers.

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Carne asada taco

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Graffiti mural

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33 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Robert G.

111

13 years ago

This is not an exaggeration: Of all the restaurants I've been to in NYC, Cascalote is the best. My girlfriend and I came here last night for a Valentine's Day dinner. We've been looking for MONTHS for a Mexican place that's a little fancier than the standard "burrito/taco/enchilada" menu, which is always a beautiful thing but sometimes you want something a little special. The problem is, every "fancy" Mexican place we've visited has either been 1) white people trying to Frenchify Mexican food (i.e. using processing techniques that are impressive and "prestigious" but really just ruin the textures and warp the flavors), or 2) younger chefs who try interesting things but just don't have enough experience to make something truly delicious. Cascalote brought together experience, innovation, and respect for traditional ingredients -- all under one roof. Cascalote is literally a mom-and-pop joint: The chefs are a older Latino couple, and their daughters even serve the food. The space reflects this familial coziness: it's intimate but not crowded, and the family's deserved pride in their operation radiates through the welcoming decor. But behind all this warmth, there's also a culinary school sensitivity: The menu is innovative, the dishes are plated really damn well, and everything was executed to perfection I got the arugula salad with pear, roasted pepitas, cotija cheese, chopped dates, and Serrano dressing. The pear was perfectly shaved -- no awkwardly-big lumps of fruit here -- and there were just enough pepitas and dates to keep each bite varied without being distracting. The serrano dressing was also exquisitely balanced, alternately highlighting and counterposing the flavors of the main ingredients to somehow make the dish both refreshing AND utterly satisfying. My girlfriend got the chipotle prawns with quinoa risotto, which is even better than it sounds. At first I was skeptical of her choice because it seemed like there were a million ways that this dish could go wrong, but luckily for us, I was totally off-the-mark The risotto was tender yet a little toothy, and there was just enough chipotle marinade on the shrimp to flavor the quinoa without making the dish soupy. The resulting sauce was awesome: Imagine everything wonderful about a perfect puttanesca -- savory flavors bursting into a refreshing spray of the sea -- and then imagine the complexity of an arrabbiata's bustling brightness, and then imagine a sauce that links up ALL those things with the sultry smokiness of chipotles. Why haven't you booked a reservation yet? Cascalote's guacamole was the best I've had anywhere (and I'm from California so I don't say that lightly!): it was chunky, creamy, spicy, and had a lovely herbal punch. The complimentary chips were crispy and only lightly oiled, and obviously made fresh on-site, and were served with a salsa that was delectably tangy and bright. The maduros plaintains were expertly fried and attractively presented. Even though my girlfriend and I made the mistake of eating just a few hours before dinner, we damn near licked our plates clean. Why am I writing such a glowing review of this place? Because I want to be able to eat here as long as I can! Despite going there on a Friday night (Valentine's Day!) Cascalote was still only about half-full! I'm worried that if not enough people eat here, it'll have to close before I can get my fill. The only way I can explain the slow business the restaurant's location: at 109th and 2nd Ave, it's a bit out of the way for most people. But you know what? Some restaurants are worth a pilgrimage. read more

Claudia A.

1 year ago

I recently attended a brunch here with 15 other guests. One of the guests felt compelled to leave a review that was filled with false and misleading information, and I felt compelled to come and clarify how incredibly inviting, attentive, and serviceable the team at Cascalote truly is. For starters, we did not 'rent' the back. As a courtesy to our large party, the Cascalote team felt we would be more comfortable in a long table and offered it. Renting would require a price point we did not meet. The categorization that one person was treated differently from "others in group' is ludicrous. The entire group was Black women. Some from the islands, some native to the US, all skin tones and hairstyles included. There was no discrimination towards anyone by the staff. The comment that the food might have been tampered with is wild, but indicative of this person's misguided self-importance. We had 3 entrees to choose from- all were prepared with the care and love that make this restaurant a staple for my family and friends. None of the guests were disappointed except for 1. Those odds are great. The reviewer also failed to mention that the price they agreed to included appetizers which they happily consumed, and because we wiped all the plates clean, some in our party had leftovers which they commented on the next day as being just as delicious as when they were served. There was no hostility from the staff even after the guest withheld payment unless another meal was produced for her- which while initially offered and declined- was accommodated. The complimentary shot? It was pre-agreed upon from the head of service and I for helping me pull off a successful event in under a week for 16 people with varying tastes. There was nothing wrong with the food. The restaurant does a phenomenal job incorporating Latin American flavors into Anglo/euro dishes and while some might prefer original versions of the dish, it is simple-minded to expect a Mexican restaurant to not add sazón y labor that represent their cuisine. I'll leave you with this, for over 10 years I have patronized this establishment. My parents, siblings, cousins, and friends have been introduced to it and all have returned. The food, service, and ambiance are the reason why. #Supportlocal and let the food speak to why the majority of reviewers agree with 5 stars. read more

Rehanna A.

1 year ago

Cascalote is a gem of a Latin restaurant nestled in the heart of East Harlem, offering an authentic and delightful culinary experience. This family-run neighborhood establishment is helmed by the talented Chef Julian and his wife, whom I fondly refer to as his "su chef," creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes you feel like part of the family. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with genuine hospitality and the enticing aromas of Latin flavors. Everything on the menu is simply delicious, showcasing the chef's passion and skill in every dish. The quality and freshness of the ingredients shine through, resulting in a symphony of tastes that dance on your palate. Even the drinks are crafted with care and attention, complementing the food perfectly. However, the absolute standouts for me are the tamarind margaritas and the salmon tartare tacos. The tamarind margaritas are a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and boozy, making them incredibly refreshing and addictive. The salmon tartare tacos are an innovative and delectable creation, blending the freshness of the salmon with the vibrant flavors of Latin cuisine. Cascalote is a must-visit for anyone seeking an exceptional Latin dining experience in East Harlem. read more

Marie A.

12 years ago

Ok. Editing my previous review, because they are 100% amazing and so responsive! In my first review I only gave 3 stars and said I used to love this place... but they switched the type of chicken they use and it was just....not it, anymore lol. I wrote them and asked about and they said they always listen to their customers and have been hearing it from more than one person...so they are going to switch back! Such amazing customer service. Every time I've gone, they've been so nice. And the food is seriously delicious. I crave it during the day. And I am from California, so I am quite picky when it comes to mexican and latin food....and this is some of the best you can get in NYC. The neighborhood is great, the place is cozy for eating in and timely with delivery. You can't lose. It's also family owned so they actually care about their food and their customers. It's worth it. Very satisfied. read more

Norah M.

12 years ago

I seriously cannot say enough about this place. I eat here a few days a week. EVERYTHING is delicious! All of the ingredients are fresh and the staff is fantastic. The chef is just absolutely awesome. I have seen him cut corn off of the cob and put it in the burritos. The cuts of meat used for the burgers are top notch. I have also had brunch here many times and ordered a variety of items from pancakes to omelettes. Everything is cooked to perfection and with care. I have listed them on my facebook community page - Norah's World read more

Jamie D.

7 years ago

As always, the little hole in the wall places are the best! Cascalote is amazing! The food is fresh, authentic and well priced for the portions. All of our dishes, drinks, and music were on point! Our little one had watermelon juice and it was unlike any juice we've tasted. It was obviously made with fresh watermelon and nothing else! If you're in the neighborhood, you have to stop by this place. You may wait a little bit for the food, but that's because it's freshly made and well worth the wait! Highly recommend! read more

Christi C.

12 years ago

Cascalote Latin Bistro has a lot of hype and I love COCO so I knew there were high expectations going in. We were told the wait would be an hour but it two hours. After the wait the service was great and the food was good but not worth the wait. The portions are smaller than I expected but are crafted well. I would come back and recommend it as there wasn't a bad thing on the menu but I don't know when I would want to deal with the hassle and costs. read more

Craig P.

3 years ago

This was one of the best eating experiences I have ever had in my life atleast in . Everything I tasted was perfect and beyond. I'm a foodie so I don't say this easily. The food tasted fantastic and felt soulful. The family that runs this place makes you feel special and at home. I wish I lived closer so I could eat there everyday. The place is small but feels big because of their hospitality. I will be back soon! read more

sandra m.

7 years ago

Did not get to dine in the restaurant today -- an emergency kept me from going ! SO my buds went and I was jealous . I love the owners of this place - been friends like family .. The food phenomenal -- what a treat ! Still missing the hugs of Chef Ana, Chef Julian and their thre beautiful daughters -- RUN DONT WALK to this family owned and operated jewel --- read more

Mark F.

4 years ago

What a delcious find !!! This place is so cute! It is also authentic and delectable. A husband and wife run the kitchen and if their love is what makes this food so good, I want them to show me their ways. The service and decor are great too. I mean they have an art piece of SELENA on the wall! read more

Jeffrey C.

3 years ago

Came here for brunch on Sunday morning. The food and drinks were delicious! The sangria glass was filled to the top and the meal was satisfying. We each had the tres leches pancakes and agreed that they were great! I'd recommend this place to anyone looking for a great brunch in East Harlem. read more

Cody W.

11 years ago

The best of the best in Spanish Halrem. A true gem. The crab cakes are some of the best you can. The brunch is off the hook! Portion size is perfect and everything is delicious. They take benedict to another level. Family owned operated with the nicest people. read more

Shannon H.

10 years ago

This is a small and cozy place with great food. I would highly recommend the churrasco brasileno with fries as well as the tres leches pancakes tipped with deliciously fresh bananas. I keep this place in my top 10 restaurants, and you should too! read more

Arthur C.

3 years ago

This place has a grade pending That should have been a warning to me, but we went anyway!And I got so sick that night The food was good, but the prices were pretty steep and it obviously had a few violations that ended in a bad night for me. read more

Matt B.

11 years ago

Oh man, this Mexican restaurant is so delicious it makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Between myself and two other friends we ordered almost one of everything off the menu and still couldn't get enough. read more

Natalie S.

2 years ago

The food was pretty good, I'd say it's a decent place to grab a bite. The service was alright, nothing special but they weren't rude or anything. I'd come back if I was in the area and craving some Mexican food. read more

Sky M.

7 years ago

Their food is amazing!!! Good portion sizes and overall just really good. Wait staff isn't very attentive and takes a little while to get the check but they were friendly. read more

Hildegard B.

10 years ago

Everything was almost perfect. Attentive staff, delicious food, clean place. Both I and my husband had a really good time. Definitely coming back again. Thank you guys. read more

Izzie S.

10 years ago

Amazing Food! Amazing customer service! The place is small but clean and so welcoming. The staff are friendly and attentive. I recommend this restaurant to anyone. read more

Olinda R.

9 years ago

Delicious guacamole, and the salmon special was just perfect. For dessert I loved the pancakes and the tres leches cake. We are definitely coming back. read more

Cascalote Latin Bistro - latin - Updated September 2026

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I have been looking for a go-to Mexican restaurant in East Harlem, and I think this is the winner…read more I've had the enchiladas verdes, tostadas regulares, chilaques, and pozole, and they are all SO good. The salsas always taste bright, so bright and fresh. Also, great prices!

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I have been a customer at this restaurant for many years. The customer service is good as well as…read morethe food. One of my ideal foods to buy is the Flan, family combo with oven roasted chicken and the lunch size meals. When it is busy, everything can be delayed and the beans may not taste well cooked. Being patient is key to be out with your food faster. Inside there is a ceiling painting and wild birds that depict nature in the Caribbean island of the Dominican Republic. The main language spoken is Spanish but the staff also speaks English. When you are in the mood for eating some Dominican food, look no further than Tropical Sensation!

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3.2

(294 reviews)

I stopped by El Paso Taqueria for lunch on a Friday and was pleasantly surprised by how charming…read morethe space was. It's a smaller restaurant, but it has a cozy feel, and the Frida Kahlo artwork on the wall adds a lot of character. One thing I appreciated right away was the complimentary chips and salsa while waiting for my food. It was a nice touch and made the short wait even more enjoyable since everything came out fairly quickly. I ordered a passionfruit margarita, street corn, a bistec taco, and an al pastor taco. The margarita was delicious, with a great passionfruit flavor while still letting you know there was alcohol in it. It struck a nice balance without being overly sweet. The real standout for me was the street corn. The presentation was simple, but the taste was incredible. I absolutely devoured it and would order it again without hesitation. The tacos were a little more hit or miss. They were decent, but I found them a bit underseasoned. The salsa definitely helped bring them to life, though the bistec was slightly drier than I would've preferred. One thing I really liked about the restaurant was the atmosphere. It felt very welcoming for solo diners. Besides myself, I noticed several other people enjoying lunch alone, which made it feel comfortable if you're stopping in by yourself. It's also conveniently located just minutes from Central Park, making it an easy place to grab lunch before or after exploring the area. If you're visiting during the week, it's also worth knowing that Monday happy hour runs all day, while Tuesday through Friday it's available from 2 to 8 p.m. Overall, I'd definitely come back, especially for the street corn and another passionfruit margarita.

I ordered the shrimp burrito, and unfortunately, it was a disappointment. The shrimp were…read moreovercooked and tasted like they had been boiled, lacking any real seasoning. The rice was just as bland, making the entire burrito pretty underwhelming. I had to ask for multiple sauces just to add some flavor. The best part of the meal? The fries that came with it--crispy and well-salted, which is more than I can say for the main dish. Service was okay, but based on the food, I wouldn't go out of my way to return. The service there was great at least . Food came out promptly and the waitress checked in on me often .

Mi Paso Centroamericano Restaurant

4.1

(38 reviews)

I wanted to get lunch around Columbia's medical campus from somewhere other than a food truck, and…read morethis pupusa place looked perfect. It's a small no-frills restaurant with only a few tables, but it wasn't too busy on a weekday lunchtime and I got a seat. The woman serving me didn't appear fluent in English, but the menu has English and I was able to make my order just fine; she printed out a bill in English and showed it to me to confirm the items which was a nice gesture. I got two pupusas, one with loroco and one with chicharron, and both were served fresh and hot and literally bursting with cheese. They also came with a generous serving of a slaw/salad and a nice tomato-y sauce. The food was all spot on and incredibly filling, all for less than $9 including tip! That's even cheaper than some of the food trucks! I'll definitely be back when I'm in the area again.

Everything was very freshly made and delicious! The beans that came with the maduros were…read moreespecially delicious, as well as the spinach and cheese pupusa. The staff was very friendly and they played great music. Would highly recommend this affordable and tasty local spot!

Frijolito's

4.4

(183 reviews)

Eduardo, You and Your Restaurant Are 5 Stars All Around!…read more Everything on the menu is absolutely delicious, fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. I honestly can't imagine going anywhere else for Mexican food. This place is a true local gem, family-owned and operated with so much love and pride. Eduardo is always up front, warmly greeting customers, while his wife and her amazing team work magic in the kitchen. They're serving some of the best food we've ever had, and it keeps us coming back. We love this place! Note; this is not a sit down restaurant. They have a couple of tables inside and outside dining weather permitted.

Wonderful little place with excellent food. Love the nachos with chicken and guacamole.read more

presto fresh mexican

4.1

(31 reviews)

I am a fan of Presto Fresh Mexican. There may be two locations but my experience is solely with…read morethis location on 125th! They have very reasonably priced lunch specials. The food really is always very fresh. I usually get the Flautas combo (1st choose chicken or cheese) comes with pico de gallo, crema and a side of gauc as well as. A VERY large side of rice and beans. Honestly, I was full after the flautas guac and pico. My bf's friend came over later and ate the rice and beans cold as a snack I've had them warm, on days when I was hungrier and they were delicious. Grilled Chicken Sandwich is so delicious Also have had the smoothies- they will make whatever you want. Fresh fruit not frozen and options for your base. We have done both take out and delivery. Customer service is always SOOO wonderful (if it's not crowded I take advantage and practice my spanish and they always help me improve) Delivery is always on time or early and hot.

This is exactly how a salad should taste, It was delicious!!!!! Everything was fresh as well…read more I asked for ranch on the side and they did just that. Customer service was on point! Super friendly staff. I would come back and recommend

Tacos Cano Taqueria de Guerrero

3.0

(6 reviews)

Stopped by while exploring the neighborhood and was pleasantly surprised. They started us with…read morechips and salsa. The salsa selection was especially good, with multiple kinds to try. They had a great taco special where you could get three tacos for $12, which felt like a pretty solid deal. I went with the al pastor, carnitas, and chicken, and all three were flavorful, fresh, and just the right size. My friend also ordered the elote, which was a hit. Overall, a great casual spot for a quick, tasty meal if you're in the area.

A hidden gem - which I've been going to for years. A truly great taqueria. Try the chicken or the…read morechorizo tacos. Not much on ambiance but everything is delicious. Prices are excellent too. If the weather is good, sit outside and watch the world go by. Either way, say hello to Elicio - the proprietor - and enjoy.

Quesadillas Doña Maty

3.9

(79 reviews)

Passing through East Harlem and had a hankering for a quesadilla so decided to try out Quesadillas…read moreDoña Maty. Have passed by here a number of times and glad I stopped in. A festively decorated, homey space with seating, you order by the entrance. I selected a Quesadilla Al Pastor for $10. What I got was something different than the quesadillas format I'm used to. I'd compare it to a large taco, which some may view a bit pricey for the size. That being said, it was freshly made, good, and hit the spot,... although I'd need more for a full meal. Nevertheless, would definitely recommend checking out Quesadillas Doña Maty if you're in the neighborhood!

Torta de Milanesa de pollo con rajas is my go to! Although it's a little on the small side but I…read morewould say it is the best tortas I've had in my life. They also have great aguas frescas. My kids like the sopes de frijol con queso y crema. The service is quick and the ladies are nice. We enjoy the ambience and the music they play.

Jaguar Restaurant

3.6

(20 reviews)