Jalao

Name: Jalao
Address: 2420 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY, United States, 10033-7327
Telephone: (929) 688-4684
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.3

4.3 (413)

$31 to $50

Caribbean

2420 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10033-7327

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 4, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

About this restaurant

Charming
Great for happy hour

Welcome to Jalao! Escape from the streets of New York City to the brightly colored paradise of the Dominican Republic while dining at Jalao. Enjoy authentic Dominican food and vibrant cultural surroundings right in the heart of NYC’s Washington Heights Neighborhood.

Eat surrounded by the vibrant ambiance of Taíno, African, and Spanish influences that blend together in a flavorful splash of Dominican culture. In a courtyard built for live music and dancing, experience the timeless atmosphere of the historic Ciudad Colonial of Santo Domingo.

Located in the brand new Radio Hotel, join Manhattan’s Little Dominican Republic community as they experience a taste of home. Handcrafted Dominican furniture adorns the dining area, while the walls are splashed with brightly colored murals and authentic Carnival masks.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Caribbean
Hours of operation
Mon, Tue 12:00 pm–10:00 pm Breakfast Wed–Sun 7:00 am–11:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Happy Hour Wed–Fri 4:00 pm–7:00 pm Dinner Wed–Sun 5:00 pm–10:30 pm
Phone number
(929) 688-4684
Website
https://jalaonyc.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Wilmer Chuquillanqui
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

Location
2420 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10033-7327
Neighborhood
Washington Heights
Cross street
Amsterdam Ave & 181st St
Parking details
None
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dancing, Delivery, Entertainment, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Editor’s choice: 16 go-to NYC restaurants from our local expert

Offers

Happy Hour Series
Multiple dates available
Wed - Thu - 4:00 PM - 9:45 PM,Fri - 4:00 PM - 10:45 PM
🍹 "The Golden Hour" at El Patio 🌆 Daily | 4PM – 7PM | Inside the Radio Hotel Unwind where Uptown meets Downtown flair. Join us for The Golden Hour—our daily mixer series serving up signature cocktails, small bites, and DJ vibes in a lush tropical patio setting. ✨ $ 8 cocktails 🍷 $8 wine & sangria 🍻 $6 beer specials 🎶 Curated sounds to set the mood Pull up, sip slow, and mix with the neighborhood. Because the best stories start between 4 and 7.

Guacamole Jalao$17.00
pico de gallo / caribbean chips / pomegranate / jalapeno
Chicharrón y Tostones$16.00
marinated crispy pork / tostones / sweet plantains / chimichurri
Chicharrón de pollo$12.00
Cripsy fried chicken, tostones, poblano aioli
- Large$12.00
Montadito de Steak$21.00
Grilled marinated skirt steak / guacamole / tostones / pico de gallo
Taquitos de Chivo$19.00
Braised Goat Meat / flour tortilla / guava coleslaw

Starters - Bocaditos

Chicharrón de Mar$19.00
crispy calamari and shrimp / cilantro-basil aioli
Beef Empanadas$13.00
braised ground beef / chimichurri / mayo-ketchup
Bombones de Yuca$14.00
cheddar cheese / yuca croquettes / criolla sauce
Croquetas de Chivo**$15.00
braised goat croquettes / cilantro-basil aioli

Caribbean - Style Ceviches

Ceviche Morir Sonando$22.00
Shrimp / red onion / peppers / milk / aji amarillo
Ahi Tuna*$21.00
passion fruit / aji amarillo / pomegranate / lime

Caldos & Salads

Enhance Your Salad: Chicken +$7, Salmon +$9, Shrimp S +$9, Steak* +$11

Sancocho$12.00
"ya tu sabe" traditional dominican stew / chicken / beef / pork / root vegetable / corn / white rice / avocado
Asopao de Mariscos$35.00
rice stew / mussels / clams / saffron-fish broth
Fabulous Salad$15.00
lettuce and kale / feta cheese / candied almonds / strawberries / balsamic dressing
Jalao Salad$14.00
romaine lettuce / creamy dominican oregano dressing / parmesan cheese / croutons

Main Dishes

Costillas Ñoñas*$25.00
pork ribs / passion fruit bbq sauce / crispy yuca grilled corn
Roasted Chicken$25.00
roasted vegetables / mashed potato
Paila Jalao$30.00
skirt onion-steak / crispy pork belly / avocado / white rice / red bean stew / sausage
Jalao Pasta$25.00
choice of pomodoro sauce / white sauce / vodka sauce
Rabo Encendío$35.00
spicy red wine stewed oxtail / rice and peas
Coconut Fish Fillet$33.00
coconut sauce / rice and peas / tostones
Sea Food Mofongo$42.00
pork belly / smash fried plantain / sautéed mussels & clams / calamari / shrimp in ajillo sauce
Chivo con Moro$29.00
goat stew / rice and peas / fried sweet plantain
Pecao Frito$65.00
fried snapper for 2, rice and peas, tostones, & yaniqueque
- Serves 2 People$65.00
Pechuga De Pollo Rellena$28.00
stuffed chicken breast with ham & white cheddar / maduros white cheese sauce / tostones

Grilled

Pechuga de Pollo$25.00
Grilled chicken breast / rice & beans / salad
Salmon*$32.00
served with your choice of side
Churrasco*$45.00
Grilled skirt steak served with your choice of side
- 8oz steak$45.00
- 12oz steak$65.00
Jalao Burger$25.00
2 Four ounce patties / mayo-ketchup / cheddar cheese / bacon / fries
Dominican Parrillada*$75.00
churrasco / costillas / sausage / grilled ghicken / crispy pork / grilled corn / yuca fries

Sides

Tostones$9.00
crispy plantain / mojo
Yuca Frita$9.00
crispy yuca / mojo
Truffle Fries$10.00
parmesan cheese / truffle oil
Arroz y Habichuela$9.00
rice / red beans
Moro de Guandules$9.00
rice / green pigeons peas
Grilled Vegetables$9.00
Green Salad$9.00
small side of our Jalao salad
Mashed Potatoes$9.00
Medio Aguacate$7.00
half an avocado
French Fries$9.00

What 413 people are saying

Jalao reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.3

4.3 based on recent ratings

4.3Food
4.0Service
4.4Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

New York City
Caribbean

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Jalao boasts a vibrant ambience "from the moment you walk in" and is renowned for its "amazing food" with substantial portions and "unique twists on favorite classics." While some diners note "slow service" and "loud" music, the restaurant's Dominican culinary delights and "superb" drinks make it a must-visit.

413 Reviews

R
Remoratile
New York City1 review
2.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 4
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
The food was good and well seasoned. We had mimosas and I thought they were watered down. The service was terrible from the minute we walked in, no one was by the door to check us in, had to walk in and look for someone to help me.
Is this helpful?
K
Kim VIP
New York City13 reviews
3.0
Dined on June 21, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
We found the service to be very slow. Before dinner it took 20 minutes for the bartenders to serve us. They were very inattentive. The red snapper was delicious. Other items from the menu were good.
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M
Melissa
New York City12 reviews
3.0
Dined on June 20, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
The place is really nice, and the drinks were solid. The food and service on the other hand was not what we expected. I felt the food as a Dominican was very basic, did not have any flavor twist; it tasted like something I can pick up from corner deli. The service was pretty bad, the drinks took a long time that the Bartender had to bring them to us because they were sitting there long and it was not busy, so it was very odd. The food did come out with good timing. The manager asked how we were doing and when we explained that the service was slow, he brushed it off and walked away. Paula who was the bartender that night was very attentive and polite. From the lack of attention, we literally could have walked out without paying. Very disappointed as I travelled from CT and my friend from Texas to meet and have a great experience.
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A
Aaron
Unspecified1 review
2.0
Dined on June 11, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 5
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Food was delicious and the staff was friendly. The service was the slowest I’ve ever seen. From taking orders, to bringing out drinks and food we sat waiting for so long.
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J
Jackie
New York City1 review
4.0
Dined on May 11, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Beautiful place, but it was loud! Both inside and outside. We kept asking the waitress and hostess to lower the music. We couldn’t have a conversation even sitting next to each other…. It was like nightclub volume! Food was tasty. From the appetizers- we had empanadas, both ceviches, truffle fries, and sliders… we had the salmon, parrillada, stuffed chicken for entrees- all very good! It was a little overpriced considering we could have gone the the neighboring restaurants in the neighborhood for the same food and less $$. I guess you’re paying for the ambience. I give 3.5-4 stars just because of how loud it was. Bring Tylenol. Servise was ok … kinda slow. But the girls were very nice, polite and professional. I guess they were super busy because we had to keep an eye out for them to order or get an extra drink. Overall, it was a nice time with good food and great drinks!! They were superb!!!
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T
Tiffany VIP
New York City11 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Amazing service for our cousins 40th small celebration! So accommodating and the food and appetizers were delicious. We also enjoyed our cocktails - their mojito was very good.
Is this helpful?
Y
Yari
New York City2 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 10, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Great food, big portions, good price La pechuga rellena 10/10
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York City5 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 30, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food, so delicious! Ambience was very nice, enjoyed my first time here with some close friends
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York City1 review
4.0
Dined on March 8, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Food was very good! So was the service. Definitely going back!
Is this helpful?
A
Aleeyah
New York City8 reviews
4.0
Dined on March 7, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 5
We visited Jalao before a concert for convenience and were pleasantly surprised with the ambience from the moment you walk in. Our food was great - flavorful, fresh, and unique twists on our favorite classics. We ordered beef empanadas, chicharron de pollo, and pescado frito. We were told after ordering it that the ceviche morir soñando was not available so we’ll have to try it another time. Beyond the food, the restaurant should strongly consider investing in training for their staff surrounding customer service and etiquette. We were serviced much like a 1 star restaurant. It felt as though our waitress thought she was doing us a favor by doing her job.
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FAQs

Jalao offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (929) 688-4684.

Jalao is rated 4.3 stars by 413 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 4, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

2420 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10033-7327

Additional information

Cross street
Amsterdam Ave & 181st St
Neighborhood
Washington Heights
Hours of operation
Mon, Tue 12:00 pm–10:00 pm Breakfast Wed–Sun 7:00 am–11:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Happy Hour Wed–Fri 4:00 pm–7:00 pm Dinner Wed–Sun 5:00 pm–10:30 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Caribbean
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
None
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Wilmer Chuquillanqui
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dancing, Delivery, Entertainment, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

Website
https://jalaonyc.com/
Phone number
(929) 688-4684

Featured in

Editor’s choice: 16 go-to NYC restaurants from our local expert

Jalao

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Editor’s choice: 16 go-to NYC restaurants from our local expert

Happy Hour Series

To Share

Guacamole Jalao$17.00

Chicharrón y Tostones$16.00

Chicharrón de pollo$12.00

Montadito de Steak$21.00

Taquitos de Chivo$19.00

Starters - Bocaditos

Chicharrón de Mar$19.00

Beef Empanadas$13.00

Bombones de Yuca$14.00

Croquetas de Chivo**$15.00

Caribbean - Style Ceviches

Ceviche Morir Sonando$22.00

Ahi Tuna*$21.00

Caldos & Salads

Sancocho$12.00

Asopao de Mariscos$35.00

Fabulous Salad$15.00

Jalao Salad$14.00

Main Dishes

Costillas Ñoñas*$25.00

Roasted Chicken$25.00

Paila Jalao$30.00

Jalao Pasta$25.00

Rabo Encendío$35.00

Coconut Fish Fillet$33.00

Sea Food Mofongo$42.00

Chivo con Moro$29.00

Pecao Frito$65.00

Pechuga De Pollo Rellena$28.00

Grilled

Pechuga de Pollo$25.00

Salmon*$32.00

Churrasco*$45.00

Jalao Burger$25.00

Dominican Parrillada*$75.00

Sides

Tostones$9.00

Yuca Frita$9.00

Truffle Fries$10.00

Arroz y Habichuela$9.00

Moro de Guandules$9.00

Grilled Vegetables$9.00

Green Salad$9.00

Mashed Potatoes$9.00

Medio Aguacate$7.00

French Fries$9.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Jalao offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Jalao restaurant rated?

Is Jalao currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information

Featured in

Editor’s choice: 16 go-to NYC restaurants from our local expert