El Quijote

Located in New York, New York

Address: 226 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10011, United States

Phone: +1 212-518-1843

Rating: 4.1

Services

Outdoor seating
Dine-in
Delivery
Takeaway
Great coffee
Great dessert
Dinner
Solo dining
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy-hour drinks
Happy-hour food
Healthy options
Late-night food
Organic dishes
Private dining room
Small plates
Spirits
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Bar on site
Gender-neutral toilets
Toilets
Casual
Cosy
Historic
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safe space
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
High chairs

Photos

Latest NYC Bar Directory

Comments

Review 1 (2024-12-27 - Rating: 5)
We loved this place! It feels like you step into another world and time. The history behind this restaurant is just breathtaking. The service was great as well. The platye were a good size. Well made and enough food but not too much. And the wine was delicious. Hoping to come back with our family!

Review 2 (2024-09-02 - Rating: 5)
Pure perfection! We were able to secure the Cervantes Room for our party of 5 for a birthday dinner, and our host pre-ordered a large portion of the menu. The food was absolutely out of this world! We enjoyed cheese and croquettes for appetizers, and chicken, ham, peppers, and paella for the main courses. Staff was quick, helpful, friendly and amazing to our group! I highly recommend this restaurant if you like Spanish tapas.

Review 3 (2023-12-29 - Rating: 5)
Great service, staff, delicious food and cocktails, plus a lively and beautiful atmosphere.Our server Athenais was truly exceptional and outstanding at her job. She was fun, helpful, personable and professional. One of the best out there!The manager was fantastic as well!It was a wonderful experience.....just be prepared for sticker shock....this beautiful experience cost us $350 per couple! I dont mind paying for quality and this certainly lived up to the price!We will be back!

Review 4 (2024-05-20 - Rating: 5)
El Quijote’s and Despana’s Jamon and Spanish Cuisine experience was fantastic. The welcoming atmosphere and delicious aromas set the stage for an enjoyable evening. The perfectly sliced jamon and flavorful dishes, from the tapas to the Cochinillo, were delightful. The knowledgeable and passionate staff added a nice touch, making it a memorable dining experience.

Review 5 (2024-09-16 - Rating: 5)
Great tapas selection in a historic building; the staff was remarkably welcoming, the ambiance was friendly and cosy (the patrons as iconic as the building), and if you’re in the mood for tapas, the food is impossible to dislike.

Review 6 (2024-12-31 - Rating: 5)
The food here is amazing. The bartender Will was so kind and helpful to give us suggestions on what to eat. The drinks were phenomenal, Will made the best Espresso Martini and Dirty Martini I’ve ever had!!

Review 7 (2024-11-17 - Rating: 5)
Food came in very big portions and was very delicious! We got a corner booth and the vibe was really cozy with nice street viewz

Review 8 (2023-07-28 - Rating: 5)
This old and beautiful Spanish restaurant has now come back to life on 23rd street. It was closed for a while and for a moment I thought it would be lost forever like so many others post-COVID. Am so glad that it’s back and that they kept most of its atmosphere (some of the picture frames behind the bar are the same and the space felt cosy and familiar). Best part is that they definitely upped the game on food and drinks. A smaller menu(I remember the previous menu was like a book) The presentation, quality and taste of the meal and service by our server DJ were top notch. Glad to see this restaurant back and all the best for much success.

Review 9 (2023-05-22 - Rating: 5)
El Quijote is a sophisticated Spanish-style restaurant which is a part of Hotel Chelsea in NYC. It’s chic atmosphere, service and food is an unforgettably amazing experience! The appetizers, small plates, drinks and all of it, just hits! Great spot for an intimate solo date or romantic date for two.

Review 10 (2024-11-17 - Rating: 5)
Will is an incredible bartender, he made us feel so welcome. He talked us through menu items and made suggestions based on food preferences. He was extremely hospitable - cant wait to come back!

Review 11 (2024-12-31 - Rating: 5)
Will was such an amazing host at the bar. Spent my NYE with my best friends here and it was an experience to remember. Definitely will come back!!

Review 12 (2023-12-02 - Rating: 5)
The front part is surprisingly unchanged. Same bar and booths separated by a partition. Same painted walls. Statues of Don Quijote above the bar. I sat at the bar and enjoyed a Rebujito along with a variety of Tapas. Experienced mixologists are at your service. Ask for bread to sop up the oils. It is now directly connected to the Chelsea Hotel. Exit the back and you will find event rooms and the hotel bar. I will return for my favorite New York lobster.

Review 13 (2024-11-08 - Rating: 4)
Had a great birthday dinner here. We started in the lobby bar which has an awesome atmosphere and the small seating areas are quaint and great for a date. In the restaurant we shared small plates including the sardines, artichoke, ham croquettes, chorizo, and fluke. We agreed the fluke was our favorite. Served like sushi. Very good. My mom used to make croquettes and they were much different. These were more of crispy breading and warm creamy cheese inside. I like them but not what I expected. The artichoke was my second favorite. Lots of great texture and flavors. The sardines were great as well and she would pick those as her second choice. The chorizo was good. We just liked the others better. I would say that nothing was extraordinary. But all were worth the visit and would recommend trying. We ended sharing the chocolate basque. It was like a brownie outer layer and mouse inner layer. Dark chocolate. We both like dark chocolate and thought it was very good. Service was excellent. Atmosphere felt like we were in Spain throughout. We have been there.If you found this helpful follow me for more. :)

Review 14 (2022-11-03 - Rating: 5)
Every bite was great. Weirdly the salad was my highlight. We just had cocktails and nibbles with dessert after. Great night out.

Review 15 (2024-09-12 - Rating: 4)
Cute spot so reminiscent of a late night spot you’d find in a Madrid or Barcelona tapas crawl. Staff was so attentive from the start, forgot I even mentioned it was our anniversary celebration on reservation but they gave us an anniversary card and complimentary glasses of delicious cava. What a beautiful touch. Enjoyed the gambas, jamon, but the pan con tomate was probably one of the tastiest I’ve had. Perfectly balanced and bread was warm, crusty yet totally soft and chewy inside. Atmosphere was lively, saw larger groups, couples on dates and just casual diners grabbing a drink at the bar. Love the vibe and service!

Review 16 (2023-03-28 - Rating: 4)
Go for the great cocktails and to drink in the historic hotel. The restaurant space is over 100 years old. Overall, the tapas are decent - don’t miss the chicken Pintxos Morunos. The vibe is super relaxed with lovely, but slow and often inattentive service. From Sunday Hospitality (Sunday in Brooklyn & Rule of Thirds).

Review 17 (2024-09-11 - Rating: 5)
Lobster, cooked on a plancha and dripping with smoky pimentòn butter and sherry, is a far cry from the garlic-scented chew toys of former times. Arbequina olive oil, distinctly fruity and flavorful, softens the bite of garlic in the gambas al ajillo, griddled in their pink shells. Tuna is stewed with Espelette pepper in warm olive oil until it attains the tenderness and richness of braised beef cheeks.

Review 18 (2023-07-31 - Rating: 5)
Came here for a late night snack and a drink on a Saturday night. The kitchen was open until midnight. We walked around 11:30pm and were able to get seated right away, there were only a few other people at the bar and the vibe was chill. The spot has a good atmosphere. I tried their non-alcoholic gin and tonic cocktail and it was delicious.

Review 19 (2024-01-02 - Rating: 5)
Service was a bit slow, but the food was absolutely delicious, and the restaurant is beautiful. I cant believe it was established in 1944 and still has some of the original decor.The patatas bravas are a must-try!

Review 20 (2023-10-09 - Rating: 5)
Honestly didn’t know what to expect but the food was phenomenal, ribeye and gambas were excellent. Cocktails were really good and service was outstanding.

Review 21 (2024-03-22 - Rating: 5)
A cozy little tapas place. Had calamari and prawns in garlic, both were delicious. Only disappointment was the lack of big cubes for bourbon 😢

Review 22 (2024-05-21 - Rating: 5)
Everything was so beautiful and authentic. Definitely felt like I was in Spain . And this restaurant has actually been around since 1930s 😍

Review 23 (2024-07-25 - Rating: 5)
One of the best meals I have had in a long time! Recommend ordering small plates and trying everything. Will definitely be back soon!

Review 24 (2023-05-08 - Rating: 5)
The quijote at hotel Chelsea never disappoints, they recently added new dishes to the menu, like the merluza with clams, or the asparagus in green sauce. We had the lobster, the chipirones with morcilla (blood sausage) tomato bread, shrimp in garlic sauce, tuna crudo and some other dishes but honestly all of them were delicious.Can’t wait to come back!

Review 25 (2017-02-04 - Rating: 4)
Such a unique spot that transports you to another place & time... we could have been anywhere but NYC while we were inside. Great place for groups (they have a back room) but saw many people at the bar or dining in pairs. The dinner entrees are huge- they said one paella could serve 2-3 but I think it would easily feed 4. Did not like that they charge a $7.95 per person fee to share though! You might be better off taking home leftovers. Great food, friendly service, a bit expensive, Id come back here for a special occasion.

Review 26 (2024-10-08 - Rating: 5)
Delicious food, captivating aesthetic, and great customer service! S/o Carlos for the wonderful experience 🙌 (till next time NY!)

Review 27 (2024-12-31 - Rating: 5)
Will was great behind the bar!! Very friendly and made an amazing dirty martini

Review 28 (2022-08-06 - Rating: 4)
A festive, tasty spot with a history. Go for the drinks but skip the paella (not what it once was).

Review 29 (2024-01-07 - Rating: 5)
El Quijote hosted a dinner special occasion for us a few weeks ago and it could not have gone better. A truly memorable experience, from the food to the historic location and atmosphere to the very professional and helpful service and management. One of the best restaurant experiences I’ve had in New York, highly recommend for a group event!

Review 30 (2024-03-12 - Rating: 5)
Excellent place, very cozy, quiet atmosphere where you can talk and have a very pleasant moment. My wife and I went to celebrate our 19th Anniversary, the staff was very friendly, they took the liberty of offering us a congratulatory note accompanied by a delicious dessert courtesy of the house. I recommend it 100%.. Thank you!!!!

Review 31 (2024-12-12 - Rating: 5)
It would be cool to be really rich and eat here all the time. Another thing that would be is an idea called Nice Medusa. Basically shes got the snake hair, but its not a problem. Nothing happens to you off of the snakes.

Review 32 (2022-08-21 - Rating: 4)
Great food and ambience, excellent service. The list of wines by the glass was quite disappointing tho.

Review 33 (2023-08-27 - Rating: 5)
The first time I went to El Quijote was 10 years ago when I moved to NYC, and I had a good but not great experience. I was walking by so I stopped in, and quickly realized that the atmosphere felt different, but in a good way compared to the first time I went. I sat down at the bar to get a drink, the Bartender (Kasia), served me some of the best drinks I have ever had. They were so good I actually ended up ordering food which had also changed a lot since I had been here, and it set the bar high. If you visit, skip the tables and sit at the bar if Kasia is there. The service, staff, drinks and food all get 5 stars.

Review 34 (2023-02-15 - Rating: 5)
Great place for Valentine’s about 12 tables in a historical NYC hotel

Review 35 (2023-06-03 - Rating: 5)
We had a great time and the food was great. We loved the paella, it was great, the same quality you would have in Spain. We also had Estrella Galicia beer, which is hard to find here. The staff were so kind and attentive.

Review 36 (2023-07-14 - Rating: 5)
The variety and quality of the meal offerings was way beyond expectations, and we were expecting “very good.” We had an early seating on a mid-week summer day. Three of us picked snacks, apps, mains Willy-nilly from the menu. The server was very helpful with anything unfamiliar and made done suggestions when asked… all exquisite as it turns out. We were unhurried, took a minute to tour the beautiful facility (historic Chelsea Hotel) and daydreamed of hosting a grand or intimate private event in one of their other first floor catering rooms. The kitchen sent us complimentary surprise dishes and desserts! I’m over the moon. When you are vids it ing New York, have had an adventurous and tiring day as a busy and informed tourist, this magical place might just rejuvenate all your energy for life. Yes I said that… because really, it did! We are adventurous and had little or no experience with the cuisine of Spain… one of us has a deadly shrimp allergy, the others still love eating shrimp whenever it’s dining out time.. no problem! We shared some dishes and sequestered others — our server took all our quirks in stride and even seemed happy to have these kinds of little problems to sort out. Don’t you love it when people take joy in their work? We do, and we are going to go back soon!

Review 37 (2023-09-13 - Rating: 5)
First of all the vibe in the place is incredible, you have the character of Chelsea Hotel as it was and in El Quijote restaurant you have this intimate feeling of long history.The food was nice, the steak was by far the best choice, perfectly cooked and seasoned to perfection. The spanish tortilla was also very tasty and well cooked.The patatas bravas have some room for improvement, or they just need some additional resting of 5-7 minutes before serving, when they arrived they were too hot, crispy on the outside and a bit undercooked on the inside, we left some to try with our steak and after 10 mins resting they seemed better.Croquettes were nothing special, again extremely hot when they arrived on the table so be careful while eating them.Service was great, especially the Sommelier,Would definitely visit again

Review 38 (2024-01-19 - Rating: 4)
They could have done a lot worse with the re-imagining, but the food was actually still better at the old version, even toward the end. Bring back the original papas bravas! Space is still beautiful and the history still feels like it’s hanging around. Miss the huge old back room though.

Review 39 (2023-04-04 - Rating: 4)
The place is a nice and very fun atmosphere. It is under new ownership. The staff is amazing from once you enter to when you are seated. The menu is completely different from before, and the food is nowhere the same as it was with the previous owner. The food to me had no flavor or seasoning, especially for eating out.

Review 40 (2023-05-07 - Rating: 5)
I don’t know where to start with this marvelous place…. The vibe, the facility, the food, the drinks… everything is crazy amazing!!Don’t forget to try the cheese plate and the chicken skewers… out off the hook!

Review 41 (2023-07-13 - Rating: 4)
This place has frenetic energy. The night we were there things were hopping. We settled into a high top in the corner.The recent renovation in my opinion has been a great success. It still retains its previous elegance/shabbiness/60s decor. The vibe was perfect.We ordered pan con tomat, potato tortilla & vegetarian paella. All were well prepared, flavourful and attractive.Service by Mark was first rate. He knows his stuff plus lots of stories about the Chelsea Hotel.Treat yourself to a pre-dinner drink at The Lobby Bar of The Chelsea Hotel.

Review 42 (2024-01-02 - Rating: 4)
Cozy historic spanish restaurant. The space is very compact so reservations are a must for dinner. Dont expect to be able to walk in and sit at the bar.Service was friendly and efficient including free glasses of wine due to our table not being available for approx ~20 minutes after the scheduled reservation (this was offered without prompting so I was very impressed).Paella was a highlight (easily served 3 along with apps) and all the food ordered was very good but also not necessarily distinguished given the month + reservation wait. To be clear, I would happily go again but if you dont live in the city, I wouldnt sweat it if you cant get a reservation for your trip /visit.

Review 43 (2023-02-06 - Rating: 5)
Popped in on a whim at 5pm on Saturday, driven primarily by my interest in the history of this longtime restaurant and the adjoining Hotel Chelsea. We grabbed seats at the bar, and the restaurant quickly started to fill up. I didnt have any specific expectations for the cocktails, but they were exceptional. The Las Palmas was my favorite. Based on the cocktails and service, we decided to stay a bit longer and try the food. The complimentary bread and Croquetas de Jamón were good (how could they not be?), but the Crudo de Atún was fantastic. It was beautifully plated, and different than any tuna crudo Ive had in the past. The combination of the fresh fish, pimentón, and orange, was to die for.Between the surprisingly great food and drink, excellent service, and convivial atmosphere, El Quijote is definitely on my list for a return visit.

Review 44 (2023-08-22 - Rating: 5)
The menu is on point, the mediterranean essence is in all dishes. The anchoy e boquerone simply delicious - add in some bread and butter and its heaven. The crudo atun is like eating silk. Every plate had a bright and happy quality, the paella was perfect (I am eating the leftovers as I write this). The whole evening went at a relaxed and efficient pace, dishes arrived when they arrived and made for just the right amount. The place is like stepping back in time and everything has a gorgeous charm. NYC needs to retain places like this - 100 years and still going!

Review 45 (2023-09-24 - Rating: 5)
This is one of those places you want to come back all the time.Imagine this: it’s one of those warm September evenings, you have a table outside, you’re drinking good Spanish wine with the tuna tartare and pan amb tomaquet, the patatas bravas, then the entrées: the Spanish chorizo and of course the paella.I think this is one of the best paella I ever eaten outside Spain.The service is terrific, all the people is very kind, they even offered to take us pictures (this never happens in NYC)!!Just as recommendation, try to offer Spanish dessert like Crema Catalana or Casadielles from Asturias (🤤)or the typical flans.We’re so grateful and of course, we will come back soon to keep trying other dishes and having fun.

Review 46 (2023-01-23 - Rating: 4)
Such a beauty! The ambiance is breathtakingly beautiful. The place gets crowded pretty quickly so make sure you make reservations in advance! The staff was really super nice. Highly recommend the Pan con tomate (scanning my phone for photos but I think I forgot to take it) for appetizer as an option. We accidentally got it but it was SO DELICIOUS that I would get it again whenever we visit.Its not necessary but this would be great for playing a little dress-up for birthday or anniversary or any other special occasions. Would love to have a bit more vegetarian options, but the ones they have are pretty good. It was super cold outside and I got the garbanzo stew...pure comfort. Our desert was pretty delicious too. If you ever had baked butter mochi...it takes pretty much like that.

Review 47 (2023-12-10 - Rating: 5)
Excellent dining experience in the iconic Chelsea Hotel. The raw tuna is stunning. Excellent service. Great drinks. Wonderful experience all around.

Review 48 (2024-11-14 - Rating: 5)
Excellent service. Great Cocktails !oved it

Review 49 (2023-04-24 - Rating: 5)
Best Paella in town. I highly recommend the restaurant. The hospitality by the staff is unmatched. The manager Ben Estrada, a true professional and such a vibrant personality. Looking forward to my next visit.

Review 50 (2022-03-27 - Rating: 5)
Very good food with service to match. The restaurant has a quirky interior which I really liked. The anchovies were so good, as was the paella. Would definitely return.

Review 51 (2023-04-10 - Rating: 5)
I really loved this place. I accepted a friend invitation and went there with no expectations, but since I opened the door the greater was super attentive. I arrived early for my reso, so she located us at the bar while our table was ready.All drinks were delicious. When were able to be at the table all servers were amazing, specially the Puerto Rican (sorry don’t remember his name) and Banner the manager was super attentive as well.The bread with tomato was a die for, same as the Tuna, but all we ordered were delicious, reminded me the flavors when I lived in Spain. The ice cream meringues were WOW!!! The only thing I could tell is that the croquetas weren’t the greatest, flavor was good, but not a traditional one that I used to eat in Madrid.Overall, the atmosphere was perfect, the decor stunning and the whole vibe transported me to Spain. Definitely, will come back when I visit NY again.

Review 52 (2022-04-03 - Rating: 5)
New El Quijote has great food and vibes. Its fun, cozy and sexy!

Review 53 (2022-02-11 - Rating: 5)
If you’re looking for a place that just has that feeling, look no further, this is it. The space is intimate and cool, the playlist is amazing, the cocktails are impeccable - as is the wine. The food will knock your socks off…try everything, but don’t sleep on the prawns, squid ink angel hair, anchovies, and oh! the dessert….live large and get the ice cream and Spanish pastries, you won’t regret it. Tell your friends. Or maybe don’t. The space is limited and I want it to myself!

Review 54 (2023-03-21 - Rating: 5)
Great food, great place! Loved the atmosphere and the fact that it was located in our hotel. Our server was amazing and gave us really good restaurants recommendations for the rest of our trip. Thank you Carlos!

Review 55 (2017-12-13 - Rating: 4)
The El Quijote has long been one of my favourite haunts, and is 10 blocks uptown from me, so I just walk there. Ive probably been 50 times over the years. Everything is garlicky and green-sauce-y and some things like Chicken Francese are just excellent. In the summer season, they have marvelous Soft-Shell Crabs. I have had whole fish dishes, shrimp, the whole lobster, their excellent Fried Calamari, and their Veal Scallopine is very good too, although I think I prefer this at Italian restaurants. The service is always fine, especially when they get to know you. Adolfo, a dignified gent if ever there was one, has been there since the early 80s, and hes wonderful, as are the younger waitstaff. Theres a reasonably priced lunch special, but its over at 3 p.m., not 4 as is the usual. The restaurant dates back to 1930 and has amazing chandeliers that are so unique it is hard to describe them--the little lamps (many on each one) are like candles, and the whole room has a wonderful mellow, aged quality. You can have a drink at the bar, and also with your meal they have Spanish and some good Portuguese wines like Alborino by the glass or bottle. They usually play nice background music, sometimes it is classical guitar, sometimes seasonal, or just old standards, usually instrumental. I like it because it doesnt really remind me of the other aspects of the famous old hotel, which I have reason not to like so much (I know some of the residents, and some of them are quite crazy.) But the restaurant, although now fully owned by the Chelsea, is quite independent in its attitude, and is just a beautiful and very relaxing place, either to go with someone or alone.

Review 56 (2024-10-14 - Rating: 5)
Quite dark! Cosy tho! Good food.. fun for an Autumn dinner

Review 57 (2023-12-09 - Rating: 5)
I do know the food and the service and the atmosphere. It is excellent because I worked there for a year and a half before my folks decided to head out to Puerto Rico… PONCE, Puerto Rico.

Review 58 (2022-12-28 - Rating: 4)
Very good tapas. The tortilla was perfect. The gateau Basque was a highlight. Fairly traditional menu. Wonderful wine list. Clare and Jose helped make our evening fantastic!!

Review 59 (2017-12-26 - Rating: 4)
El Quijote is an excellent Spanish restaurant with a good variety of menu selections,. The food is always well-prepared & delicious & the staff is friendly, courteous & attentive. I have taken many guests to the restaurant through the years & it has become a favorite of theirs, too. I have had many wonderful meals, including the restaurants paella, the various green sauce dishes (all terrific) & meals made up of multiple selections from the starter options. But, my favorite choice for lunch or dinner -- & it is my favorite choice anywhere -- is the insalata Quijote, a beautiful, generous array of shrimp & chunks of lobster served over a bed of salad greens & wedges of tomato & it is a feast to which I eagerly return over & over. El Quijote is always immaculate, just as fresh & appealing as it was on my first visit more than two decades ago. It deserves its long running success. It is a jewel of New York!

Review 60 (2023-02-03 - Rating: 5)
David at the bar was amazing. He was informative and patient. Loved chatting with him and learning about some great cocktails.

Review 61 (2024-11-19 - Rating: 5)
The paella was amazing, I loved the environment of the restaurant, perfect for a date

Review 62 (2022-02-16 - Rating: 5)
This place it’s fabulous!! The vintage Spanish vibe from the restaurant, the detail attention form the servers, order the sangria it’s really good. I had 6 different dishes and they were all great! My favorite was the Chipirones with squid ink and the croquetas.Highly recommend:)

Review 63 (2018-02-10 - Rating: 4)
This place is as authentic Spanish food as they come. I’ve been here twice in two weeks and each time I was amazed by the flavors in each meal. First start with a couple of tapas. The Filet Mignon steak tips were delicious and on the spicy side if you love spicy food, as well as the chorizo. I do recommend getting a sea food/Chicken and Chorizo Paella for the table of its 4 or less. Or get a couple of plates to share. The Sangria was one of the best I’ve had in a while. I would also try keep some room for dessert. Their Cheese cake was creamy and delicious. Beside the great food. Their decor is beautiful. You’ll see a lot of references to the famous Spanish book Don Quijote. Which is named after. I would love to go again with a big group.

Review 64 (2024-01-11 - Rating: 5)
Great ambiance- lovely, cozy and fun. The food was great (especially the potatoes) and the wine was delicious.

Review 65 (2022-02-11 - Rating: 5)
El Quijote is back and better than ever! From the Salty tasty anchovies to the unforgettable toasted angel hair, the delicious orange wine and mezcal cocktail, the deep flavors of the buttifarra, the mood, the vibe, the history - what a restaurant, what an experience :)Secret tip: order the cinnamon sugar Spanish pastry at the end together with the goat milk ice cream… they are delicious alone, but better together ❤️❤️

Review 66 (2024-11-10 - Rating: 5)
Great cozy atmosphere. Service was excellent.

Review 67 (2015-11-19 - Rating: 5)
I have visited this place few times when I visited NYC. It is the best place for the food. It is always packed but I love the food. It is on the higher price range but the seafood, shrimp, lobsters are extremely great. I love the steak. I cant wait to go back again when I and my family plan to go to NYC.

Review 68 (2016-08-21 - Rating: 4)
Seafood paella was delicious and great for sharing. We came with a large group and they were very accommodating of us. Small restaurant with a retro charm to it, totally recommended!

Review 69 (2013-07-06 - Rating: 5)
Ive been here a few times and every time has been the same way. The waiters and waitresses are very atentive, the food is freshly made. The stuffed lobster is to die for. By far mine and my wifes favorite rest in NYC. Were getting ready to go on a date as Im typing this. Ha!

Review 70 (2012-05-30 - Rating: 5)
This is the only genuine Spanish place I will come to if given the choice. Food is excellent as is the staff. Location is pretty good too. I have never had a bad morsel of food from this restaurant. They pride themselves on the quality and authenticity of their food. This place delivers.

Review 71 (2018-01-29 - Rating: 5)
Really good food (the Paella is out of sight) . Love the ambience. Had dinner at the bar. The bartender (Diego) is most charming and knows his stuff. He treated my friends and I most graciously.

Review 72 (2022-06-26 - Rating: 5)
Welcoming staff, luscious cocktails made by an expert mixologist, tasty appetizers, tons of literally Quixotic atmosphere, NYC landmark -- GO!

Review 73 (2017-07-12 - Rating: 5)
El Quijote what great memories of the 80s and 90s. My husband and I visited at least twice a month. The food was always delicious and the waiters were attentive while still allowing privacy. The Lobster & Mariscada al ajillo, Stuffed Lobster are delicious

Review 74 (2022-09-24 - Rating: 4)
After reopening, the food is better but pricey. Its a charming place with a lot of historic value, easy to like. Its not going to be my regular go to but Im happy enough to come once in a while.

Review 75 (2017-03-15 - Rating: 5)
I discovered this gem from an ad in a Broadway playbill 20+ years ago. Since then my family goes there whenever were in NY (were from Philly). We always get the daily double (2 - 1.25 lb lobsters). The service and food are always good. Many restaurants overcook their lobsters but Ive never had a subpar lobster at El Quijote - always tender and flavorful. I was supposed to go to NY this week but couldnt due to weather. Missing El Quijote is one of the big disappointments!

Review 76 (2023-06-20 - Rating: 5)
The staff is genuine and friendly, ambiance is eclectic and moody, definitely get the paella and the tuna crudo.It was my friend’s birthday but we were too full for dessert, the manager came to our table to toast with a shot of sherry, really fun night.

Review 77 (2017-12-12 - Rating: 4)
Nice spot in Chelsea. The paella is really good but geasy. The Sangia is probably the best I had so far. Only issue is how pricy it is. Most on the menu goes from $25 to $40 dollars on avg.

Review 78 (2021-06-19 - Rating: 5)
El Quijote Restaurant is more than just a dine in and out place. It was a place where friends and family can get together and create beautiful memories surrounded by a great staff and manager! The food is absolutely delish and very filling!

Review 79 (2014-08-11 - Rating: 5)
This place is to die for. One of the best restaurants Ive ever been to. If you are a seafood lover, this is thee place. I highly recommend it. The service is awesome, the food exquisite and the ambience is great!!!Its a must go!

Review 80 (2013-12-29 - Rating: 5)
One of if not the best in NYC. The lamb chops are great. The skirt steak is large and delicious. Try the meats with a great Spanish red wine. We will be back.

Review 81 (2016-08-05 - Rating: 5)
Good Spanish cuisine. Approved by my Spanish friend. And I also like it. Those huge pot of paella is something out of this world:)))One pot is too much even for the company of three. Spanish are really munificent people.

Review 82 (2024-10-02 - Rating: 5)
Is this my favorite place for a drink and/or paella in Chelsea?

Review 83 (2016-02-13 - Rating: 5)
Absolutely amazing food! Best tapas menu with authentic Spaniard cuisine throughout. Very professional and helpful wait staff. I go here on any occasion whenever I can.

Review 84 (2022-05-20 - Rating: 5)
Located in Hotel Chelsea, El Quijote is a feast for the eyes and senses. The entire staff was welcoming/engaging and you could feel the history eminating throughout. We loved the personal story our wine sommelier shared with us about her daily gratitud, hence the name of our chosen wine for the evening.

Review 85 (2022-03-02 - Rating: 5)
The food is really delicious, real Spanish seasoning, great tastes and flavors, Bravo por el cheff 👏

Review 86 (2022-07-24 - Rating: 5)
Every bite was delicious. We got the paella and a few mezcal cocktails.

Review 87 (2022-12-23 - Rating: 5)
Delicious food. Chipirones en su tinta con morcilla were amazing!, croquetas ummmmm... Everything is good. We loved it!

Review 88 (2023-08-19 - Rating: 5)
Absolutely amazing, will be back.

Review 89 (2022-06-12 - Rating: 4)
Solid food, cool atmosphere, nice bar

Review 90 (2024-06-19 - Rating: 4)
Feel transported back in time, with a Don Quijote themed bar/restaurant. Food was Spanish authentic and portion size appropriate for tapas plates.Its worth the journey to visit, even for a cocktail.

Review 91 (2022-03-21 - Rating: 5)
Excellent food, beautiful “patina-ed” restoration. Friendly fast service. Romantic and historic.

Review 92 (2022-10-07 - Rating: 4)
Food and drinks were delicious and the ambience was beautiful and classy. Food was onbthe saltier side. A little overpriced for the portions, but the overall experience was pleasant.

Review 93 (2023-11-21 - Rating: 5)
Great cocktails and stellar snacks at the bar. The team was informed and generous.

Review 94 (2023-01-23 - Rating: 4)
I came here on a Saturday night because every where else was full up. This place was full up too but worth navigating the crowd. Great Negroni. Would possibly return some other night when every where else is too busy.

Review 95 (2018-02-24 - Rating: 5)
Great Grande Dame restaurant. Only, please dont bring the appetizers until we are done with the salad! Great food, drink and atmosphere! Great service too!

Review 96 (2018-01-22 - Rating: 5)
Love going to this place for some good seafood. The steaks are amazing as well. Although it may need a bit of interrior updating, I love the atmosphere.

Review 97 (2024-05-23 - Rating: 5)
Unique twist on Spanish tapas. Reasonable price and great service. We sat outside and the patio was very nice

Review 98 (2018-06-29 - Rating: 5)
I absolutely loved this restaurant! I dined there for many years! The broiled lobster and the sangria were my favorites! I am so upset that they are closed.

Review 99 (2018-02-19 - Rating: 4)
Was much better before change of owners. Prices have gone up, food has stayed nearly the same menu. Great sangria.

Review 100 (2022-02-21 - Rating: 5)
Its back in a big way! Excellent sangria and bar apps.

Review 101 (2016-01-03 - Rating: 4)
Great! The food is fresh and cooked well. But maybe you should try to add a little seasoning to it the food is kind of bland. :)

Review 102 (2022-05-03 - Rating: 5)
Definitely get the corn ribs, brussel sprouts, and tacos. The corn ribs were incredible. I still dream about them sometimes

Review 103 (2022-08-13 - Rating: 5)
The food is fantastic. Interior design is great. Service is very nice, no complaints

Review 104 (2018-03-16 - Rating: 4)
Pretty good Spanish food; a bit pricey but service and atmosphere and ambiance is good

Review 105 (2023-10-15 - Rating: 5)
FABULOUS!!! I made a reservation for 3 people. We were seated at a back booth. The hostess was lovely and kindly made a rez for us for a table at the Lobby Bar after dinner. Our waitress was lovely and professional. The drinks were great and our appetizers & dinner were exceptional. Love the decor, old world charm of this restaurant! Highly recommend!

Review 106 (2022-10-29 - Rating: 5)
Great atmosphere and food. The pork and special sangria were highlights

Review 107 (2024-03-12 - Rating: 4)
I miss the old El Quijote which had a larger menu and open later.

Review 108 (2022-04-24 - Rating: 5)
Thrilled that they re-opened. Looks terrific. Just had a drink but staff was welcoming and fun.

Review 109 (2013-03-29 - Rating: 5)
I have to say that was one of the most Delicious meals i had. Everything was fresh, and the staff was very attentive :)

Review 110 (2017-11-03 - Rating: 5)
Funny bartenders with great service. Food and wine is delicious... if you order the good stuff.

Review 111 (2023-06-02 - Rating: 5)
Impromptu stop for small bites and beverages on a Sunday evening with friends. We were greeted by friendly smiles at the door and a warm inviting atmosphere. The service was kind and prompt which was a breath of fresh air coming from cold Seattle. We asked for the top three appetizer recommendations and were not disappointed, the food was beautifully plated and came out quickly. One of the best gin and tonics I’ve enjoyed in some time and later pleasantly surprised by an amazing dessert on the house before saying our goodbyes. Five stars across the board, look forward to revisiting on our next trip!

Review 112 (2016-01-12 - Rating: 5)
THE BEST ALASKIAN KING CRAB LEGS IN BRANDY AND GARLIC SAUCE, AND THE PRICE IS RIGHT. ONE OF MY FAVOR RESTAURANTS

Review 113 (2024-02-17 - Rating: 5)
While everything about the menu is different than back in the day, this place is a win. The food was delicious, the staff were terrific.

Review 114 (2023-03-16 - Rating: 5)
Had dinner with friends. This was my 1st time returning to El Quijote since the renovation of the Chelsea Hotel & restaurant. The dining space is now limited in comparison to before. The menu is also with limited selections vs the pages of selections from before. However, the food was sublime!! The waitstaff was VERY attentive, timely & anticipated our every need. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and plan to return in the very near future.

Review 115 (2023-07-05 - Rating: 5)
Great food, amazing service and perfect drinks!!

Review 116 (2013-08-07 - Rating: 5)
Although the prices are a little on the pricy side the food isnt bad at all. The portions are insanely huge and the staff was beyond friendly

Review 117 (2023-05-27 - Rating: 5)
Friday night Dinner at it’s best. Food can’t get any better. Every item was on point. Staff is very welcoming and attentive. Vibe was great all around. Highly recommended!

Review 118 (2022-03-30 - Rating: 5)
An absolute delight. Glad they reopenedFantastic food and great service.

Review 119 (2018-01-15 - Rating: 5)
My favor Restaurant.Everything is Good but you can try the Paella or El Quijote Specials

Review 120 (2015-06-25 - Rating: 5)
Outstanding portions of food, great prices and humble, very efficient staff = great night!

Review 121 (2023-05-23 - Rating: 5)
Been here twice. This place is magical! Had dinner with some of my freinds, then continued to some cocktails in their nice “hidden” rooms in the back. Will definitely be visiting again.

Review 122 (2023-12-02 - Rating: 5)
This is the place If you want to eat a traditional PAELLA. DELICIOUS!!!

Review 123 (2022-12-17 - Rating: 5)
Great service-- really nice people. The menu was different from online but everything was great, although no paella. The chef was working on the menu. Really fun, just a bit noisy. And not really expensive, although it felt like it should have been

Review 124 (2022-09-30 - Rating: 5)
This place is so cool and the food is amazing. Be prepared to spend a couple of hours there because the food comes out slowly as thats how the experience is designed. We came in an hour and a half before a movie and had to rush through our main course to make it on time. Better than the alternative where they rush you out the door. Will definitely be going back - this is a new staple for us.

Review 125 (2017-07-18 - Rating: 5)
One of the best place Ive visited good food and their Sangria is delicious.

Review 126 (2023-06-04 - Rating: 5)
Had a great time service was excellent Carlos are server was great Christina was very helpful and Alexandra was very welcoming on our 1st anniversary highly recommended this establishment

Review 127 (2023-08-08 - Rating: 5)
Came for diner with my girlfriend for our anniversary. Jose our server was exceptional, best service and desert ive ever had thank you soo much

Review 128 (2023-06-02 - Rating: 4)
Gorgeous Location and Tasty food. Get the Jamon!!

Review 129 (2023-07-26 - Rating: 5)
A joy, the renovation is great, the food fine standard Spanish, the friendly attentive service best of all

Review 130 (2022-04-18 - Rating: 5)
Everything was perfect. What can I Say.Food was excellent. They were welcoming to the guest and service was quick and friendly staff what more can you ask for. A rare thing in todays day and age.

Review 131 (2022-05-08 - Rating: 4)
This restaurant is a NY staple thats been around almost 100 years. It closed temporarily for renovations and recently reopened. It took me months to get a reservation. The service and ambiance were great. Menu was not that expansive and all portions are pretty small with the exception of the paella. It was tasty but not worth the wait or the money. I wont be back. Theres better tapas in NYC.

Review 132 (2023-04-06 - Rating: 5)
Beautifully restored classic with upgraded food and drinks (sangrias are next level) and friendly service. Great spot

Review 133 (2023-08-25 - Rating: 5)
Such an amazing experience! Can’t wait to go back

Review 134 (2022-10-18 - Rating: 5)
Whenever my parents come to town, from Colon Panama this is our go to restaurant before they leave . They have the nicest staff, relaxed atmosphere and their food is very well prepared . We are hoping to return this year but my father is in a wheel chair and I must call and check if it’s assessable . If so I have something to look forward to in November 22

Review 135 (2023-05-22 - Rating: 5)
Excellent atmosphere, first class service and delicious food.

Review 136 (2018-01-09 - Rating: 5)
Great atmosphere and great food! The Sangria is the best!

Review 137 (2022-03-24 - Rating: 4)
We had Dinner last night.. lots of good memories from theold place.they are trying very hard, a very professionalstaff.... But unfortunately the menu needs to be improvedto get close to the old great place...the new concept itsvery interesting... will check this place again soon.