I have been a customer at this restaurant for many years. The customer service is good as well as the 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! read more

We had the best time! Their food is amazing, do not miss this place. I had the shrimp in garlic sauce with mashed potatoes. Hubby had chicharrones. We split some of the mini empanadas. But they were pretty much full size! Also their margaritas were the bomb dot com. I got the bulldog Coronarita. Even their glasses were great! Save money if you pay in cash. read more

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The best roast chicken --perfectly seasoned with crispy, golden skin and incredibly juicy, tender meat. Comfort food done right. Service is great Highly recommend read more

Walking down Amsterdam towards the City when hunger creeps up on me and begins to beat me into The Incredible Hangryman. Standing at the crosswalk I note a restaurant caddy corner - Tropical Sensation...what??? In the Upper West Side? Bet - I took the chance. Walking in is an instant shift from one of the United States busiest cities, to a sun soaked theme of music surging through you and helping you forget the snow and wind just beyond the windows. Ordering was quick and easy - and the food...well the food did not necessarily match the vibe. It was, okay...not great, not horrible...just okay. With all of the noted high scores Tropical Sensation received from others, I can only assume I went on an off day. Well good news - this Dominican restaurant dressed as a bar is in the general area of my job, so a future trip is in the books, and definitely needed. read more

Nice spot for Dominican food in the area. Solid Chicarron Monfongo and plating was great. Would recommend ordering a side if you are super hungry, the monfongo was decently portioned but ended up not being enough for me. Strong and tasty drinks, definitely. Service was good. Friend got the Medio Pollo al a Brasa, and the portions were huge. Will definitely have left overs!! read more

Tropical Sensation Restaurant - Monfongo - Latin American Near Me - New York, New York

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I just enjoy their "Tropical Sensation Salad", it's vinegary with pieces of mangoes . Large & savory! I go just for the salad and a drink!

This 5* review is for the great service and the 100% authentic Dominican food you get here AND to combat the haters who have reviewed this restaurant. TS deserves at least 4 stars - why does it only have 3.5*? Because of trolls who say things like 1) "delicious food - 3 stars" or 2) "the food is great but they include a 15% tip with the bill - 1 star" - please! If the food is really good, then give the place a decent rating. So here's what's good: 1) Dominican coffee ALL DAY - Cuban is way too strong but the coffee here is robust and fantastic (with or without milk) 2) Pernil - one of their specialties and their lunch plate comes with a LOT of food 3) Chiva- goat stew. It's really the gravy here that puts this dish over the top - I could probably get by on the gravy and rice alone 4) tres leches cake with guava - the guava brings acidity and balances some of the natural richness of the cake - never had this combination of flavors before and it works so well! Everything else is solid as well but the above 3 items are fantastic. The Pernil and the fish are available M-F for lunch but I would definitely come back to try their pig feet (patita de cerdo) and oxtail (rabo) lunch plates - not available every day. read more

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extremely expensive and bad service they charge you extra just for sitting at a table tips are added automatically there are better for cheaper prices. a very small piece of flan dessert will cost $6 read more

Went there twice. Never again. We ordered "costillas guisada" and received dry, charred ribs. Inedible. I'll go to El Malecon instead - always consistently delicious. read more

The setting makes ordinary meals feel more special. The employees greet you like old friends. Their cooking quality exceeds normal standards. You'll appreciate the originality here. The restaurant delivers completely. read more

You can't go wrong! Great Latin food at a great price. Compared to the other Latin options within a 10 block radius these guys offer the best deal for the quality! read more

Tropical Sensation Restaurant - Having brunch with the family and a good friend! - Latin American Near Me - New York, New York

Local Dominican restaurant any. Ordered through GrubHub. Fast delivery, everything as ordered. Food is hot and delicious. Very happy! read more

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I love this restaurant. We love this restaurant. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. I tried a little bit of everything on the menu and it's all consistent and good. I have even ordered soup from here when I have felt under the weather (they delivered to my home). It's my favorite place In the area because it's down to earth. The staff is so nice, music is good and lots of locals. Lunch specials start at $10.00 but most are $12 and up. The drink selection is great. Happy Hour all day! It's good for a date, with your girlfriends, family, by yourself. I'm a fan as you can tell. Please note they automatically add 15% gratuity to the bill. Everyone looks happy here - the workers and customers. read more

I had hope for this restaurant but disappointed when I tried it. I tried their fried rice with sausage. The portion is huge. I had a very full dinner and still had enough leftover for next day's lunch. Buy I don't really like the flavor of the fried rice. And the sausage didn't taste fresh at all. read more

Tropical Sensation Restaurant - Locrio de Longaniza - Latin American Near Me - New York, New York

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Came here on a Tuesday evening to celebrate my friends birthday. It's a small place but there was definitely a booth seat in the back for my friend and I. My friend has been here prior and ordered the Pollo Parmigiana with rice and beans instead of pasta lol I ordered the Camarofongo and a side of white rice. My dish was decent. I probably wouldn't order it again because the mashed fried plantain dome is a lot and thick-heavy. Flavors weren't bad though. I'm pescatarian so maybe next time I'll try a fish dish. For dessert, I got the tres leches which is usually my go to at a Spanish restaurant. I ordered chicken, plantains and salad for my mom for takeout to bring to her. She really enjoyed it. The food was good. The prices were great. I'd go back. read more

Tropical Sensation Restaurant - Camarofongo and Pollo Parmigiana - Latin American Near Me - New York, New York

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Tropical offers everything I crave from a Dominican restaurant. Good music in the background, clean space, friendly staff, and most importantly delicious food that stays consistent. Being half Dominican, I am fussy when it comes to food that I prefer eating at home, but this restaurant doesn't disappoint. I never stray from the chicharron mofongo which somehow is both crispy and moist and filled with chunks of pork (there are other varieties). Pernil is a must. I never leave without taking a cuban sandwich to go. The stews are hearty and perfectly seasoned. There is a reason why I return time and time again. The prices are reasonable and what you'd expect from this area. Cards are accepted. This place is casual and laid back. There is a full bar. The music can be loud, but if you ask then they lower it. Changing table is available. You will need proof of vaccination upon entry. read more

Tropical Sensation Restaurant - Mofongo de chicharron - Latin American Near Me - New York, New York

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Drinks are good and they have enough alcohol. I've had their bulldogs and it's the perfect drink and it's on happy hour. Came here twice and sat quickly. Service is good they always pass by so if you have a need you can just ask. The food is delicious. You see them walking with buckets of plantains so they definitely make things fresh. The sancocho was really flavorful. I would suggest to order a side of rice. It just paired so well with the soup which was kind of thick. The tables in the back are big so bring some games if you're going out with friends. read more

Tropical Sensation Restaurant - Sancocho large - Latin American Near Me - New York, New York

Lunch special on a Saturday. Roast pork (pernil) was juicy and tender and flavorful. Red beans also had flavor. Even the yellow rice was good. Side salad was good. Everything was delicious. Best lunch I've had in awhile. Service was excellent. Comfortable place. Festive. They do add a 15% service charge to the bill... but you will want to give them a bit more. read more

Love them I get the Dominican breakfast. The chicken soup. The lunch specials. Eddie Kane

Love this place, the food is always the bomb. They have lunch specials and all. The food is very fulfilling and the people are always so nice. The drinks are strong, great place to chill and enjoy. Please try the mariquitas its soo good! read more

Tropical Sensation Restaurant - Boneless Fried chicken chunks and shrimp Monfongo - Latin American Near Me - New York, New York

We enjoyed Tropical Sensation take-out this week. The highlight of the meal was their rotisserie chicken. It was full of flavor and tender/juicy. The black beans and yellow rice was also good. The sweet fried plantains were a little disappointing since they were dried out. I'm not sure if that's because they were overcooked/had been sitting, or because they had been delivered (and, therefore, would have been better at the restaurant). My partner also enjoyed his Cuban sandwich. read more

One of the best Cuban sandwiches Ive had in a while. but if you want mustard or pickles you have to tell them. read more

Tropical Sensation Restaurant - Cuban Sandwich - Latin American Near Me - New York, New York

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this is the very first time I eat Caribbean food, and i gotta say, it has been the best experience i could have. the food is just amazing, the plates are really really well served. The waitress and all staff are always ready to help. this is a very happy place. definitely a must whenever you are visiting NY read more

Food is good! Especially the grilled steak & onions I wish they delivered further... Or let Grub hub and Uber deliver. read more

Tropical sensation always comes up as a lunch option at work and every time I have it I'm impressed! I mean where else in the upper west side area can you get a full Dominican meal for less than $10?! The restaurant is a small family owned and operated establishment with plenty of good vibes. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating and the staff are super helpful. I always get a meal from their lunch specials selections for $9.99. I usually get the brown stew chicken with "yellow" rice, beans and plantains and its so yummy! But I do find the chicken a bit bland. On the other hand, the plantains are always ripe and sweet which is always a good addition to any meal. Overall a great option for a cheap and filling Dominican meal! read more

Tropical Sensation Restaurant - Stewed Chicken Lunch Special - Latin American Near Me - New York, New York

I been to this place a ton of time and have tried many of their dishes. This time I tried the Ropa Vieja and it is so delicious. It wakes every taste bud in your mouth. The plantains are sweet and delicious. However the Henny Colada was a miss for me their margaritas are so much better. They also have good happy hour Monday - Friday. This is a good spots for after work, dinner, date night or just a night to eat out. I recommend this place. read more

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This restaurant is one of the Westside's best kept secret. The service is amazing. The drinks are delicious. Food is really good. The portions are a nice size and the ambiance is great. read more

Service in-house or via delivery is always hit or miss. Be sure to check out your receipt to see that they add a 15% tip to all bills, so don't think that you need to leave anything extra. I have had to cancel a number of orders because although they confirmed receipt of the order, the delivery person was not in and they didnt bother to notify me until I called to check on the order. Their res guisado (stewed beef chunks) are tender but flavorless. Their empanadas taste baked as the outer crust is never quite crisp enough. Their tres golpes breakfast is acceptable if you actually receive it but make sure you specify whether you like your eggs raw or actually cooked. I have given this place way too many chances so I always opt for other when in the area. read more

Came here a few weeks ago after one of my people's posted about this spot on IG a few months ago...didn't have much but the empanada's and a Layered Margarita...WOW! BOTH were so damn good! I don't know if I am necessarily surprised or not being that I am biased towards Spanish food anyway but maybe I was a bit surprised by the drink cause it definitely did it's justice...strong, inexpensive and decorative...if first impressions mean everything then Tropical Sensation did it's job! Coming here again and again... This place has Happy Hour weekdays from 5pm-8pm if I'm correct and good for after work, dates and groups! Probably will do a follow up review after I come here a few more times and start having entree's but for now...this place is definitely a GO! read more

Tropical Sensation Restaurant - Latin American Near Me - New York, New York

Steak and onions is fire. Drinks are amazing. Great lunch deals. Terrific service. Will be coming here regularly.

Great food options! Love ordering take out from here when I'm busy on late nights. Their mofongo is my favorite

This place was suddenly my COVID ride or die. They have that comfort food from home type of cooking and they deliver. I love their tostones with that garlic dip. I can eat 2 orders all to myself. I love their shrimp in garlic sauce and also their fried fish with rice and veggies. The food and dinner options are types of food that I would eat at mama's house and so whenever I want some comfort food, I would order from Tropical sensation. Amazing job with all the orders and staying consistent with your food and portions. Yummy! If you can, please support this local business and order from Tropical sensation! read more

Great food. Higher recommended. The service is also great. The ambiance is also excellent.

I came here for Mothers day and a craving for Mofongo with Chicharrón,! this is my second trip and the people are so nice. My daughter had the Yuca Mofongo, My Wife the Port Ribs everything was huge and fantastic, I really don't want this gen discovered. I was in the mood for a Pina Colata and after the 2nd I was happy as a coconut! I will be back again and again! read more

Fresh delicious food. Kind service. Warm atmosphere, very festive Holiday vibe. I love it here read more

Family restaurant. Can't go wrong with the classic rice chicken and beans. Natural juices. Affordable prices. read more

Tropical Sensation Restaurant - Latin American Near Me - New York, New York

My family and I have been coming to Tropical Sensation for several years. We frequent this restaurant, because the food is consistently AMAZING! You can't go wrong here. When dining in, you get homemade fried plaintain chips and pita chips with a delicious and freshly chopped tomato and onion dip for the table. Some of my favorites are chicharron de pollo, fried calamari, Salmon Atlantico, and shrimp mofongo. Members of my family love their grilled pork chops, steak with onions, moro (mixed rice and beans), and chicken/cheese pastelillos. The restaurant is known for its great food and affordable mixed drinks; however, I typically get a cosmopolitan when I am there. The waitresses are all friendly and the manager goes above and beyond to satisfy his customers. If you have not been to this neighbor gem, you are missing out!! read more

Tropical Sensation Restaurant - Pernil Mofongo - Latin American Near Me - New York, New York

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Coffee - So good. Stewed chicken with white rice- Loved it! Will go for more soon. Recommend for anyone looking for authentic Dominican/Puertorrican food. read more

I was referred to this place by a friend and checked it out on a Thursday night. Honestly service was kind of slow since a server didn't take our order for about 15 minutes even though we kept trying to flag them down and the restaurant wasn't super crowded. It wasn't a great first impression, but what earns this place the stars is the drinks and the FOOD. The margaritas are some of the cheapest in the city ($6!) but are strong and tasty--I had the passion fruit and was surprised by how good it was for the price. The happy hour is all day Mon-Thurs which is a great deal. I had the costilla bbq ribs which were DELICIOUS and my friends had the sanchocho and pernil and all enjoyed their meals. The atmosphere was upbeat but not too loud so we could hear each other, and we ended up having a good time and will definitely be back again. Maybe they were short-staffed which would account for the slow service, but overall the place was good bang for your buck. read more

CHECK ITEMIZED RECEIPTS TO AVOID DOUBLE-TIPPING Food was good (sangria + chicken & broccoli mashed potatoes) but the receipt management was a low blow. I was given a non-itemized recept with a subtotal $30, prompting to tip and sign. When I asked for itemized receipt it turned out that they already included 15% tip into the subtotal. I usually give more than 15% but this makes me want to tip $0. Watch out if you dine there. read more