I really enjoyed this meal and everything we ate; normally, I'm suspicious of places that have less than 4 stars on Yelp, and I'm glad I took a chance. Chicken liver: 7.5/10 Potatoes: 8/10 Bluefin aguachile: 9/10 Beef tartare: 8.5/10 Lamb shoulder: 9.5/10 Grilled Pulpo: 9/10 Chocolate torta: 9.5/10 Pear, corn cake: 10/10 It's a really sexy ambience and the waiters are so nice! I just wish I could have had the oysters, so I guess I just have to come back. read more

Comal was just okay. And for a place that generated a lot of hype with a price tag to match, just okay is disappointing. I hoped not to be coming here with this report, but I knew it was a possibility after seeing the mixed reviews across all platforms. I'm not even sure how reviews can be mixed at all, because we were underwhelmed across the board with the exception of one dish. That said, I'm still glad we tried it, and the space was overall an enjoyable setting to share a meal. We came here at 8:45pm on a Saturday night. We both got a good vibe upon walking in -- the space is bright, warm, welcoming, lively, trendy. We got a corner booth seat which was prime real estate. Interestingly -- and I'm not sure if this is due to the way the space is organized or something about the acoustics, or both -- the parties flanking either side of us both asked us questions about things we ordered, and I also felt weird tapped into the vibes of both of those parties during the evening. Not saying this is positive or negative, just an interesting observation. With a neurospicy brain like mine it can be distracting but in a way that can be nice because it can allow for spontaneous connection. To drink, we each had two cocktails, all of which we found underwhelming. We each started with the mezcalita (his normal, mine spicy), which was kind of boring with almost no sweetness or character. It looked very pretty but obviously that is not an ideal report at a Mexican restaurant. For my second drink, I ordered their iteration of a dirty martini but it didn't taste any different than your typical dirty martini so I am still wondering if they are just indistinguishable from one another or if in fact they didn't make the one listed on the menu and gave me a straightforward one. Food-wise, Comal has a good number of small plates and overall has a menu conducive to sharing. It also has a great mix of veggies and proteins, so you can get a nice variety if you option to share amongst your party, even if you only have two people. Off the bat I'd definitely say order the house salsa flight (truthfully you should probably get two orders of it because you don't get too much with one) because of some of the dishes skew bland or otherwise one-dimensional, and the salsas add some extra punch/flavor that is very much needed in some cases. Overall, both concept and execution leave some to be desired, though in varying degrees. Eats, below: Artichoke Heart Tostada, Cotija & Salsa Macha: B+ Honestly more of a B, but the mango salsa made for a much more enjoyable bite. A lot to like but the execution was off because the tostada part was too tough and difficulty to chew, in no man's land between soft and crunch. The cotija was good but there was too much of it. The artichokes themselves were yummy. Bluefin Aguachile, Chiltepin, Lime Oil: A- The one solid dish of the night, very few notes. A- only because it wasn't necessarily memorable and we had some of the best tuna of our lives the night before and in comparison this wasn't as standout. But still very good, fresh and light still with some good flavors. Celery, Guava, Manchego & Bitter Leaves: B- Probably my least favorite of the night. It was meh. The cheese didn't really seem to fit here and there was too much dressing. I enjoyed each element separately but together I didn't feel like they made a cohesive dish. Mixed Grilled Greens , Marigold, Salsa Seca: B+ A mix of asparagus and broccoli rabe, more vibrant in color than in flavor but still pretty good. Smoked Half Chicken, Stuffed Wing, Adobo: B/B+ B/B+ because some aspects were better than others. The sauce/marinade was yummy but there wasn't enough of it for the amount of chicken that was on the plate. Our server said the salsa paired nicely with the chicken which was true, but as I said there wasn't all that much of it so we ran out far too early. That said, the wings and other small pieces were more flavorful while the breast was pretty bland. But a fun concept nonetheless. read more

Food: 4/5 Service: 1/5 The food was honestly good. No complaints there -- everything we ordered tasted great. Service, however, was a completely different story. When we arrived, we were told we had 1 hour and 15 minutes to dine. Totally fine -- we were mindful of it and ordered everything within a few minutes of sitting down. The first two dishes came out quickly, but then the remaining dishes didn't arrive until about 15 minutes before our time was up. No explanation, no apology. Then shortly after the rest of the food hit the table, our waiter dropped the bill and walked away. We were in the middle of a great conversation and didn't think much of it, so we paid. It wasn't until we saw the table next to us ordering dessert that we realized we were never even offered a dessert menu. In time-limited situations, most restaurants will at least give you a heads-up or ask if you'd like to order dessert ahead of time. Instead, when we asked about it, the waiter told us, "My manager said you guys don't have enough time, so you don't get dessert." The delivery felt dismissive and unprofessional. When we said we felt offended by how it was handled, he clearly didn't want to deal with us and said he'd get the manager. The manager did offer us complimentary soft serve, which we appreciated, but the damage was kind of done at that point. Good food can't make up for service that makes you feel unwelcome. Unfortunately, because of this experience, I wouldn't return or recommend it. read more

The burger, appetizer, and cocktails we ordered were all excellent. The decor was unique and thoughtfully curated, which made the atmosphere really enjoyable. Our server was kind and professional, but the overall service felt unexpectedly rushed. While other tables around us were still relaxing and finishing their drinks, we were asked multiple times (at least five) if we were done -- even though our cocktails were still half full. The check was dropped off, and about ten minutes later the payment device was brought over, which made us feel pressured to wrap up. It stood out because we were seated after some other parties and didn't stay particularly long, and there were open tables available, so it didn't seem like they needed the space. I truly loved the food, but with so many great dining options in NYC, the uncomfortable service experience makes me unsure if I would return. read more

Comal - Burger - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

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Interestingly saw very mixed reviews online about Comal, but its offerings seemed unique and inspiring, so I had to check it out. We came on time for our reservation and were promptly seated. The ambience and decor here is lovely and feels rustic/cozy while still feeling modern as well. We felt service was smooth throughout the meal. There may have been a few shift changes, as several different people came to wait on our table throughout the meal, but this did not bother us. We tried the skewers first - unfortunately they did not have the lengua which I was looking forward to - so we instead got the pork and mushroom. The pork was the standout of the two due to its marinade/seasoning. One minor issue- the happy hour sign was out for $4 skewers when we walked in, so we asked the host if it still applied. We also asked if HH applied at the tables instead of the bar. He told us HH was not technically available on weekends but that he would honor it for us regardless because the sign was out as we walked in. Unfortunately when the bill came we were charged full price; the host had left by then. A bit of a bummer and we only decided to try the mushroom skewers because we thought we were getting them at HH price, but no big deal. Onto the rest of the meal! The aguachile was a refreshing change of texture and flavor. Similar to crudo dishes I've had elsewhere but with a different mix of a deliciously sour sauce with a bit of a kick to it. It's like and a fairly small dish but I appreciated the contrast from the other dishes. The honeynut squash we decided to get on a whim, to add to what were mostly predetermined orders by us before we got to the restaurant but was a real standout. The mixture of the crispiness with the soft squash and the pickled veggies, paired with the smokiness of the sauces was delicious. The last two dishes took a while longer to come out which we rationalized was due to the extensive preparation required to make these dishes fresh (which we appreciated!) The potato was a real standout to me - crispy on the outside surfaces but nice and warm/soft in the middle. Paired with the sauce - delicious! I really enjoyed the chicken as well. Overall the squash and potato were my favorite dishes and would return from them (and maybe to try the lengua too). The food was the standout of this experience - our experience was mildly soured from the miscommunication about the skewers - but it did not ultimately detract from a favorable dining experience. read more

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I wasn't the biggest fan of my experience here, on a weekend. When trying to come in for a walk-in, we were swiftly rejected, with the hostess mentioning they were all booked for the night. Ok! That's fine, our mistake--however, we then noticed reservations popping up--cancellations, perhaps? So we snagged one for the evening. Upon arrival, we had to wait over 30 minutes for the table we reserved to open, with the hostess telling us that the party "wasn't leaving," which I found bizarre. I've been gently told that my table is reserved for the upcoming party plenty of times in NYC, so I was rather flabbergasted that the hostess didn't want to nudge the table to leave in a timely manner, as we had a reservation. I couldn't tell if this was a little diss against us for showing up after being turned away the first time. When we got seated, so did several other tables around us. There was a group of two being seated at the same time as us, and interestingly enough, the server came and helped them first, ignoring us for a little while, and that motion persisted throughout the dinner. The server would ask how they're doing, skip us, ask another table how they were doing, etc. While our server, and the hostess were not unkind, nor mean, I couldn't help but feel a sense of dissonance when interacting with them. While their demeanors were "nice," the way they put my party on the back burner was rather bizarre. There was also a severely obnoxious group right in the center of the restaurant screeching, guffawing, and speaking so loudly that it made the meal very distracting. I could see other patrons reacting to the noise and feeling helpless. I wish the restaurant staff would've given the group a little reminder of courtesy for other guests. Glancing around the restaurant, it seemed like we were the only Asian diners there. While I'm not usually the type to jump to that conclusion, my gut in this situation is suggesting that us being a minority in this kind of setting might've set us up for a less than optimal experience. The food itself was just alright; I don't think it was my sort of flavor, but I was happy to try something new. My most favorite part must've been the soft serve at the end, one of the better desserts I've had in the city. Overall, the food left room to be desired, the service was confusing and questionable, and the environment was rather unwelcoming. Even though I was able to cross off a restaurant on my list for a while, I can't help but feel regret that I wanted to check it out in the first place. I wouldn't recommend it. read more

Comal is a newly opened restaurant highlighting Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. While I liked the flavors overall, none of the dishes left a strong impression. However I am excited to see how they grow and how the menu evolves. Started off the skewers: the al pastor was alright, but the lengua was pretty tender and the mushroom well seasoned and smokey. I liked the crab tostada because I like the crab, but between the crab meat, avocado, and the crunchy tortilla there weren't any prominent flavors. The aguachille had a very tasty and tangy sauce. I felt that the bluefin slices were a tad too fishy compared to other crudo/raw fish dishes I've had. The beef tartare offered a nice mix of chillies and seasoning which I enjoyed! The veggies were fresh and served as a nice vehicle. The mole was slightly too salty for me. The zucchini was quite interesting! Cooked zucchini served cold which contrasted with the crispy masa pieces. The savory taste was contrasted with the cinnamon-y or nutmeg seasoning and sweet nectarine pieces. Staff were super busy on a Friday night. It seemed like there was only 1 waiter with several bussers for the entire restaurant, indoor and outdoor. Service was inconsistent and it took us a while to get our check. In sum, I'm glad I got a chance to check out this place and curious to see how things might change after they iron out the details. read more

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This place has amazing food. The tuna agauchile and pork chop were phenomenal, as was the chicken liver. Would absolutely return to try more things. read more

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A total disappointment. Felt like we were ripped off. We ordered the lobster salad and it was literally chopped up lobster onions and parsley on top. I ate a whole mouth of parsley... A full meal of confusion and utter disappointment... Waygu Skirt steak served with tortilla in the side... Gave them extra star because the beef lengua skewer was pretty good. read more

Bummer to see the mixed reviews here, I actually really loved my meal here. My fiance and I walked in on a Tuesday evening and luckily there were two bar seats. We ordered the lengua skewer, aguachile, potato dish, roasted chicken and soft serve. EVERYTHING was so well made, earthy and delicious. The most astonishing dishes for me were the potato dish (literally cooked with so much thought, and so many thin layers) and the soft serve (which is 100% to DIE for). Definitely a pricey choice but I was really impressed with the ambiance, food and the team were super friendly! read more

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This was mostly excellent. We loved the skewers, mussels, aguachile, potato, and especially the desserts (some of the best we've had this year). We also got the steak, which came with amazing tortillas and sauces, but we both thought the steak itself was too tough for tacos, which we were disappointed about given the price. read more

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Comal is in LES, and their cuisine is a celebration of Mexico City - our group came here to check them out for an early dinner, and our party ordered the following to share: +some Skewers - al pastor and mushroom (they also have lengua) +Mussels - with corn custard and potato +the Striped Bass Aguachile - with lime oil; I was actually excited for this dish! +the Asparagus - with lardo and masa +and, Smoked Half Chicken - stuffed wings with Comal hot sauce; we also added the Comal Rice and the Green Salad with cotija with this dish Everything was beautifully presented and easily shareable. For dessert, we had a passion fruit ice cream and the Chocolate & Guajillo Torta. The restaurant itself is cozy, and I enjoyed their open kitchen; the service was on point, as we were frequently checked upon, plates were cleared, and our drinks were always full! They take reservations! We were seated promptly for ours, and I highly recommend in making one as the place was pretty packed when we came. +great shareables +open kitchen +friendly service +reservations accepted read more

They made us wait 30 minutes, they then compared us to other tables waiting time to nullify our qualms and then the manger asked me if I worked in a restaurant before to validify my argument. My family owns a restaurant and the lesson they taught was when you as a manager mess up, it's on you(the manager) not the guest or the other table that sit and enjoy their wine. Terrible service. to the kitchen... great work you are amazing and a gift from God. I'm sorry your managment lowers your overall reviews. read more

I came here for the Halloween tasting menu with the advertised "spooky surprises." This was my first visit, and overall I'd rate the experience a 3/5. While the concept was cool, there unfortunately weren't any "spooky surprises" as advertised, which was a bit disappointing. With tasting menus, I know not every dish will be to everyone's taste, but a few courses (like the octopus, mushroom, and mussel starter, as well as the fish) didn't quite land for me. The main issue for our party was the lack of communication about the time limit on the table. Typically, that's mentioned at the beginning or at least given with a short warning before the end of the seating. Instead, after ordering another round of drinks, we were approached by three different staff members urging us to pay right away, which felt abrupt. From that point on, the service became a bit disorganized. we ended up standing in the middle of the restaurant with our drinks for about 15 minutes before finding space at the bar, and even then it took a while to be served since the bartender was busy with table orders. On a positive note, our waitress was lovely and attentive when she could be, but overall, the flow and communication throughout the night felt off. Unfortunately, service can really make or break an experience, and this visit just didn't quite meet expectations. I do think the restaurant has potential it just needs to iron out of few kinks. read more

First of all, food was delicious and definitely reminiscent of the CDMX ethos. My friend and I both dined vegetarian and were blown away by the flavors, especially the salsa macha on the potato/hoja santo dish and the burnt satsuma curd on the mushrooms. We also thought the chocolate guajillo torta was a beautiful dessert, richness cut perfectly with whipped sour cream. The mushroom skewers were adequate, could have used a little more flavor on their own but were just fine with the salsas, just the best little mini flavor bombs. I also want to applaud the staff for their composure and firmness in handling some truly atrocious and rude customers, who were loud beyond normal and overly aggressive when asked politely to watch their volume. Truly some of the sweetest waitstaff and front of house around. Excited to come back and eat here again! read more

Amazing food! I still dream of their steak! Definitely worth your time in the city !

The food the ambiance it's a whole vibe here , a definite must try and the service is impeccable.

Went here the week it opened, so perhaps they're still figuring things out but I didn't enjoy our meal. My father is from Mexico City. My husband and I visit often and I make Mexican food at home often. I feel confident in saying that while the restaurant's aesthetic reminds me of the cool and vibrant restaurant scene in CDMX, I found the food to be really disappointing, especially for the price. The aguachiles was bland and the fish's texture was hard, almost crunchy? The chicken for the chicken mole dish was slightly undercooked and there wasn't enough mole sauce. They served pickles with it, too, which had zero connection to the dish and didn't make any sense. There were also no tortillas offered so the dish overall felt incomplete and disjointed. The only dish I liked was the al pastor skewer but it was tiny for the price. Dining here was a total bust IMO. Didn't even want desert. Sorry. read more