El Original

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1. MC

   MayCorsini

   New York Area

   27 reviews

   vip
   2.0

   27 reviews

   Dined on November 30, 2018

   overall2food1service3ambience3

   The food was beyond bland, the shrimp skewers only came With one skewer for $25. Everyone is nice but I do not recommend this place for more than a drink.
   

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2. A

   Alleybj

   New York Area

   21 reviews

   vip
   1.0

   21 reviews

   Dined on November 14, 2018

   overall1food1service3ambience3

   This is the worst Mexican food I’ve ever eaten in New York. It was pretty good when if first opened, but I have to believe the original promoters/managers are long gone. Even the margaritas are terrible tasting. I will never eat there again, and it’s hard to imagine why anyone would. It will close soon unless it improves drastically.
   

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3. TS

   TSKnoxville

   E. Tennessee

   50 reviews

   3.0

   50 reviews

   Dined on November 14, 2018

   overall3food3service4ambience2

   I was delighted when I found reviews of this restaurant on Opentable. There appeared to be interesting appetizers and entrées; and I had high hopes for a meal there. But alas my hopes were dashed for! The menu that I was presented was much simpler and less interesting. Opentable needs to update the online menu for this restaurant. (I am attaching photos of the current menu) I will say that the frozen margarita was very good. And the cheese quesadilla was quite good too. But nothing else on the menu really appeal to me. Also the restaurant is quite large and can’t accommodate large groups. The service was very good.
   

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4. LC

   LeighC

   New York Area

   5 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on August 7, 2018

   overall3food2service2ambience4

   I was quite disappointed in my experience. I am a Texan and was hoping for a memorable experience. This place lacks a Texas ambiance and the food was mediocre. It's too bad.
   

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5. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   New York Area

   1 review

   vip
   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 23, 2018

   overall4food4service4ambience3

   Between Angels in America
   

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6. SF

   SFwino

   New York Area

   31 reviews

   vip
   1.0

   31 reviews

   Dined on April 2, 2018

   overall1food3service5ambience1

   Horrible, aggressively loud and death metal music playing during core dinner time. Was painful to sit through - food def not worth it. Will not be back.
   

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7. DM

   DavidM

   New York Area

   15 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   15 reviews

   Dined on March 20, 2018

   overall4food4service3ambience4

   I was disappointed to see how empty the place was on a Tuesday night. I have been there a couple of times but over the years, it seems like the attendance has been diminishing and the menu has become more limited. Totally enjoyed the enchiladas Mexican with Salsa Verde...delicious and the guacamole is great! My friend ordered a house margarita and we both commented on the child size serving, he ordered another one but the waiter must have missed hearing it. Overall enjoyable but wish there was a little bit more people in the place.
   

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8. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Austin

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on December 30, 2017

   overall4food3service4ambience3

   Decent tex mex according to this Texan. Was not expecting much from NYC "tex mex" but was pleasantly surprised. Had grilled chicken nachos. Not bad. Salsa actually good. Mexican beers available.
   

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9. O

   Olivia

   New York Area

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on December 28, 2017

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Great food, great service. Warm atmosphere and comfortable feel.
   

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10. KC

    KristenC

    Key West

    10 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on December 16, 2017

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    The food was really bad...very low quality...and the management was in a shouting match with a guest when we were trying to leave. It is probably the worst Mexican food I have ever had...and I've had a lot.
    

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11. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2017

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    Worst Mexican restaurant in NYC. Absolute garbage. I’m embarrassed to have even suggested it.
    

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12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 14, 2017

    overall3food2service3ambience2

    Less than mediocre at best. The queso was cold, the tacos flavorless.
    

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13. MT

    ManhattanTraveler

    New York Area

    20 reviews

    4.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2017

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    I've been here a few times - gathering with friends for dinner and, once, attended a low-key baby shower here. All were great fun as the space is large and can accommodate a large party. Thank you; we will be returning!
    

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14. S

    Susanh

    Denver

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2017

    overall2food2service3ambience4

    The food was not that great. The salsa was good and the rest was mediocre.
    

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15. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 12, 2015

    overall3food3service2ambience4

    I was born and raised in Texas and in my opinion, El Original, like most NYC Mexican restaurants, misses the mark. This would disappoint anyone looking for true TexMex. Salsa is bla. Food came out cold. A friends chile relleno had nothing inside. The queso tastes like cheese whiz.
    

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16. P

    Poncho

    New York Area

    11 reviews

    1.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on December 7, 2015

    overall1food1service3ambience1

    I have an issue with restaurants that advertise a plate in the plural, as in "Chiles rellenos," but then only serves one. The chile relleno in question was minuscule, lacked flavor, and cost me $15.00. This was a special occasion, a birthday for a friend who is from Houston and is an expert on Tex-Mex cuisine. His chicken enchilada was dry and bland. I was embarrassed by the meal, and apologized profusely to him. I will nver return here, and I'll make sure nobody else I know will do likewise.
    

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17. JJ

    JJBB

    Minneapolis

    8 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on December 4, 2015

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    When we showed up for our reservation, the dining room was pretty much empty. Most people were in the bar. We were seated immediately, but the service was extremely slow. I had to request chips and salsa for the table, which they gave us 2 small baskets for 5 people and would not refill. The fajitas that we ordered for an entree came with 3 tortillas. When we asked for more, we waited about 10 minutes, at which point the fajitas were cold. The fish tacos I ordered were totally cold as was the rice that accompanied it. The service was SO slow.
    

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18. e

    erthnyc

    New York Area

    30 reviews

    4.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2015

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Second time I went, invited a few to my birthday. Good texmex, nice selection of tequilas. Huge space for NY and the feeling is deeply casual. All of us live here in Manhattan so we really liked that the most. Not too noisy, you can spread out and chat with people. Good big group place.
    

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19. BT

    BTDRD

    London

    9 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 24, 2015

    overall4food4service4ambience3

    Excellent and hearty breakfast. No frills.
    

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20. RL

    RLida

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2015

    overall2food1service1ambience2

    We loved this place when we first went in May. Embarrased that we brought friends with us this time. Menu has changed almost completely, and even some of the items that are still on it (like the chili) are not the same dish. Took forever to get drinks. Fajitas were limp meat on a plate (no sizzle). Waiter was "new" and showed it. Music was on a tape loop, same song playing when we came in and when we left. Couldn't believe this was the same place. Won't be going back.
    

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21. g

    gretas

    New York Area

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on October 6, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Loved it! We are from Texas and are VERY glad to have a good Tex-Mex option in NYC!
    

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22. HM

    HouMark

    Houston

    33 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2015

    overall4food4service1ambience3

    We enjoyed our food but the service was worse than any other we've experienced in a long time. We ate outside but that shouldn't make a difference. We had to ask for napkins and sliver ware 3 times. Our queso appetizer came after our entree and the requested add'l tortillas never came. Frustrating.
    

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23. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    23 reviews

    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We have been here about 5 times which speaks to our love of this new go-to place for family and friends. Everything is authentic and delicios in a beautifully designed space.
    

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24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    193 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    193 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Not super special, but, a step above standard Tex-Mex fare with very friendly and attentive staff. Love those puffy tacos and the Frozen Strawberry Margaritas!!!
    

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25. LL

    LisaL

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 28, 2015

    overall3food3service3ambience4

    Food was good. A pretty extensive menu. I gave it 3 stars because I did find it very overpriced for the amount of food. There are Mexican restaurants in the area that are just as good, and half the price.
    

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26. A

    Andrew

    New York Area

    31 reviews

    4.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2015

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    We were pleasantly impressed with El Original! Pretty adventurous Cocktails! Guacamole and chips hit the spot and Taco salad was Tacolicious! Definitely will be back for more.
    

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27. CE

    CameronE

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 23, 2015

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    I grew up in Texas and also lived in California for 5 years so I know my mexican food. This is by far the best i have found thus far living in NYC. They have ACTUAL queso (MELTED) not just a cheese board. And the other entrees were very good as well.
    

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28. LG

    LindaG

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2015

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Went for dinner and margaritas with two friends on a random Wed night in Aug. The place is huge and pretty empty for our whole meal. But, service was attentive, margaritas were delicious and the food was above average. The space is beautiful and they had live music starting at 8:30, which I was afraid was going to be very loud and disruptive, but was at a good volume and added a nice touch to the ambience. We had overall a very good experience. And because big restaurants are hard to come by in ny, seems like a perfect spot for a big, loud, fun group meal. Recommended.
    

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29. w

    willforfood

    New York Area

    33 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2015

    overall2food1service2ambience2

    I liked this place when it first opened. Good margaritas and solid Texas Mex food. Unfortunately the food is no longer good. Tough, fat laden beef in the lukewarm enchiladas and tasteless watered-down margaritas. Salsa tasted like it came out of a bottle. Sadly this place has become a TexMex mess.
    

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30. LT

    LuvToEatWell

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    2.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2015

    overall2food2service1ambience1

    The fall of a once great restaurant. When El Original opened the food and service was amazing. Dining there brought tears of joy to Texans transplanted to NYC (literally, that happened). Even then, the writing was on the wall... the restaurant was too big to fill up on a regular basis and it felt like owners wanted a franchise, not a one-off. It has since descended into sadness. The food went from great, to mediocre to bland. The last time we went to El Original we sat outside for over 30 minutes without service, not even water (we left). We tried using them for delivery a few more times... but with other good Mexican restaurants in the area... we have since regretfully moved on.
    

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31. A

    Austin

    Austin

    25 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on August 8, 2015

    overall1food1service2ambience3

    The story goes that three Texans opened this place. El Original is located in a nice, large, renovated space in a transition hood. While many of the NYC Mexican restaurants has moved on to authentic Mexican cuisine, El Original features old school Texas Mexican food. If El Original was located in Austin, even the simple food trucks could outshine their product. This restaurant is for people that have no knowledge of TexMex-We had top shelf margaritas that were mediocre, guacamole, chile con queso, cheese enchiladas, chicken taco, carne quisado, rice and beans. From that list, I would recommend the rice.
    

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32. GC

    GottogetherbeforeCMS

    London

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 3, 2015

    overall3food3service4ambience3

    Went because it was touted as "best texmex in town" Nope. It's a meh chain. At that Jose Tejas or chilis is better Vs real, hand-made, unique cuisine it's inferior for more $. stick to your favorite Mexican. Nice staff.
    

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33. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 2, 2015

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Bring a native Texan now living in NYC. El Original is a little slice of home. The food is spot on and it's the ingredients/soul that set it apart from other TexMex restaurants in The city. TexMex has a lot of love in its food. My only criticism, and it's a small but important one..The flour tortillas. They have to be pillowy soft. My last visit they were hard. I would totally return and will recommend others to visit.
    

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34. ST

    StillaTexan

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 30, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Finally real Tex-Mex in the city! Run by Texans, the food is delicious and authentic, the decor is fun and the service was terrific. We enjoyed smooth frozen margaritas, chunky guacamole and spicy queso. Being from Texas myself, my friends back home would taunt me with snapchats of their plates of enchiladas. No more! Try the fish tacos and don't forget to to have the pralines for dessert!
    

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35. JN

    JagsNYC

    New York Area

    18 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on July 16, 2015

    overall2food4service1ambience3

    Food and Margs are good. Service was terrible. It wasn't even crowded and our waiter couldn't be bothered to even get our simple order correct. Unfortunately I probably won't be back.
    

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36. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 12, 2015

    overall2food2service4ambience2

    Meh. Underwhelming and frankly, pretty disappointing in terms of my expectations. Outside of the chips and queso everything else seemed like it just came out of the microwave. Just not really that good at all.
    

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37. NY

    NYCFan

    Houston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 12, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We were in town from Houston and the food is absolutely authentic Tex Mex. enchiladas were great. Guacamole very fresh. Refried beans best i have ever had - even in Texas. Tacos el carbon were excellent. Friendly staff. The restaurant is large especially for the area and the design is very well executed. They spent as we say in Texas a "pretty penny" on the interior. Very well appointed. No shortcuts here. The live music at brunch with guitar and fiddle was a nice touch as well.
    

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38. TE

    TexasEx

    Denver

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 11, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Genuine TexMex. Solid. The cheese enchiladas with chili gravy was straight out of Austin. The frito pie appetizer was delicious; the crispy taco, dynamite. The salsa was exactly what you'd expect in Texas as well.
    

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39. LS

    LoneStar82

    New York Area

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 7, 2015

    overall3food3service4ambience4

    As a former Texan living in NY, I was pretty excited about trying this place out. Unfortunately, there's nothing to really to write home about. It's honestly pretty overpriced for the quality. BUT, the staff is very friendly and the atmosphere is great. So much space! Which is so welcomed in NY where you're usually cramped. The queso was actually pretty delicious. The rest just fell short of my expectations. I'm going to give it another shot and see if maybe it was just an off day. I just really wish NY had a great Tex Mex place.
    

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40. e

    erthnyc

    New York Area

    30 reviews

    3.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on July 3, 2015

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    Bartenders were friendly, good drinks/tequila selection. Table service a bit slow and, for some reason, the guacamole was delivered alone without the chips. And then the chips arrived separately. Curious. Nice big place. There was really nothing special about the food at all. The one thing we all really liked were the charra beans which were an option for the entrees. Otherwise, meh.
    

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