El Parador

Name: El Parador
Address: 325 East 34th Street, New York, NY, United States, 10016
Telephone: (212) 679-6812
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.4

4.4

1074 Reviews

$31 to $50

Mexican

Top Tags:

El Parador cafe was founded in 1959 and it's the oldest Mexican restaurant in NYC. White Stucco walls, intimate lighting, and a repertoire of authentic delicacies make us a destination for those who seek the flavors of traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(212) 679-6812

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Mexican, Traditional Mexican, Tex-Mex
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Sat 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Bar Mon–Sat 3:00 pm–7:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(212) 679-6812
Website
http://www.elparadorcafe.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Jose Alejandro
Private party facilities
We also have one of the best party spaces in NY, La Cueva (The Cave). Complete with a separate bar and independent sound system, this private space will meet all of your requirements for a great time. La Cueva can comfortably accommodate up to 40 people.
Private party contact
Private Dining Coordinator: (888) 608-1054

Location
325 East 34th Street, New York, NY 10016
Neighborhood
Murray Hill
Cross street
Between 1st and 2nd Avenues
Parking details
There are public lots located on 34th Street and street parking available on 33rd, 34th, and 35th Streets and 2nd Avenue.
Public transit
6 train to Park Avenue/33rd Street, the M34 & M16 1st Avenue buses, and the 3rd Avenue bus.
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wine

Guacamole$10.00
Fresh Pico De Gallo$4.00
Soup of the Day$8.00
House Salad$4.00
Romaine, cabbage, carrot and beet.
Lobster "Salpicon" Salad$18.00
Scallions, tomato, serrano and mixed greens. Lemon and olive oil.
Roasted Corn Esquite Salad$10.00
Cotija cheese, red onion, mayo and chile pequin. Watercress.
Garbanzo Bean and Quinoa Salad$13.00
Spinach, tomato, cilantro and mango. Roasted Jalapeno dressing.
Grilled Chicken Tostada Salad$14.00
Romaine, tomato, cucumber and avocado. Blue corn tortilla and refried beans.
Huevos Rancheros$12.00
Sunny side up eggs over corn tortillas. Avocado, queso fresco and black beans roasted tomato salsa.
Huevos Divorciados$12.00
Sunny side up eggs over fried corn tortillas tostones, queso cotija and refried beans. One with jitomate salsa the other with tomatillo.
Huevos Revueltos Con Papa Y Chorizo$12.00
Scrambled eggs with mexican longaniza sausage and potatoes. Hot tortillas on the side. Maduro plantains. Serrano salsa verde.
Huevos a Caballo$22.00
Thin sirloin steak with two fried eggs a top. Avocado salsa. Tostones.
Chilaquiles Con Huevo$14.00
Verdes o rojos. Chicken, corn chips, crema and queso. Fried egg.
Nachos
- Normales$6.00
- Royal(with Spanish Sausage and Sofrito)$10.00
Quesadilla De Camarones$12.00
White shrimp sauté with roasted tomato salsa.
Quesadillasofia$11.00
Grilled breast of chicken tossed with charred jalapeno.
Quesadilla De Hongos$10.00
Three mushrooms, garlic, onion and oregano.
Enchilada Suiza and a Chile Relleno$14.00
Enchilada with chicken, tomatillo salsa and queso cotija. Chile stuffed with cheese. Jitomate salsa.
Burritos or Chimichangas$12.00
Large flour tortilla baked or fried. Stuffed with stewed chicken or beef picadillo. Guacamole, rice and beans.
Baja California Fish Tacos$16.00
Chunky avocado and cilantro salsa. Black beans and rice.
Fajitas
Saffron rice, refried beans, roasted peppers, onions, guacamole, sour cream, and tortillas.
- Pollo$16.00
- Sirloin$18.00
- Shrimp$22.00
Grilled Catch of the Day
Roasted seasonal vegetables. Parsley and radish picadillo. Chile pequin oil.
- Market Price

Tortas

The traditional mexican sandwich served in a roll.

Milanesastyle Breaded Cutlet
Avocado, tomato, chayote, refried beans and jalapeno slaw.
- Depollo$13.00
- Decarne$15.00
Torta De Chorizo$13.00
Potatoes, cilantro, red onion, avocado, refried beans, oaxacan cheese, and watercress.
Ahogada De Cochinito$14.00
Pulled roast pork, oaxacan cheese, avocado, cilantro, pickled red onion and salsa de chile guajillo.

What 1,074 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.4

4.4 based on all time ratings

4.4Food
4.2Service
4.2Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Sort by

Filters

JO
JohnO
New York Area
22 reviews
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on June 17, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
As good as always! Haven’t been for long time.
UU
UrjaUpadhyaya
San Francisco
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on June 12, 2019
overall1food1service2ambience3
Food was not up to the mark but prices are. The food quality is lowered. Too much noise and the server was asked to bring one warm water and one regular but didn’t bother to listen and brought two hot water. Extremely slow and noisy at its peak
b
bernardf
New York Area
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on June 10, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Because El Parador has been a "tried and true" for so many years, it does not get the attention that its carefully prepared food and excellent service deserve. They were all evident when we returned to this "old haunt" of ours . . . El Parador moves back to the top of the list. It's not only a great neighborhood place -- it's worth leaving your neighborhood for.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 7, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and atmosphere!
EC
EddyC
New York Area
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on June 6, 2019
overall5food5service4ambience5
Always fun and the food is always excellent and great value. The staff are great!
T
Takethecake2
New York Area
63 reviews
vip
4.0
63 reviews
Dined on June 5, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience4
Excellent menu, great food and outstanding service.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 2, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place. Lively vibes and kind staff.
RA
ReganA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 1, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent meal. Highly recommend the chicken parador and the peanut butter jalapenos. Great service as well.
MM
MMCQ
Atlanta
40 reviews
vip
5.0
40 reviews
Dined on May 31, 2019
overall5food5service4ambience5
Wonderful place to dine. Consistently good.
V
Visiting
New York Area
33 reviews
vip
4.0
33 reviews
Dined on May 28, 2019
overall4food4service3ambience3
Going there for 30 years. Maybe hundreds of times. So we love it. Howeve, it needs to pay attention to food and service. It's uneven.
MS
MikeS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 25, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Hands down, the best Mexican Restaurant in Manhattan! I lived in Arizona and have been to DOZENS of Mexican restaurants in NYC and have been disappointed at most... El Parador has become my go-to with legit Mexican recipes and incredible quality of food, service, and ambiance. If you like Mexican, it's a MUST visit (Their Enchiladas with mole poblano is the best I've ever had)
JR
JohnR
New York Area
17 reviews
vip
4.0
17 reviews
Dined on May 23, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience4
Great food. Really attentive service. The room is dark but after a while my eyes adjusted. Would definitely come back.
j
johnf
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 18, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent classic Mexican food. It's my go to spot in midtown.
TI
ThomasI
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 18, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Lobster Cerviche might possibly be one of the best dishes I have had in several years!
HM
HillaryM
New York Area
54 reviews
vip
4.0
54 reviews
Dined on May 18, 2019
overall4food4service4ambience4
Everything was good.
LK
LisaK
New York Area
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 12, 2019
overall4food4service4ambience4
Love this place -- great food, great old-style service.
JM
JoanM
New York Area
64 reviews
vip
4.0
64 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience4
El Parador has been in business for over 50 years, and continues to serve excellent Mexican food. For this visit our group of 4 had excellent entrees. The restaurant was very crowded on a Tuesday night, and everyone was having a great time--including a large group next to us. The service is very good, and we were all satisfied with our dinners.
HB
Happy2BinNYC
New York Area
52 reviews
vip
4.0
52 reviews
Dined on May 6, 2019
overall4food4service4ambience4
We really enjoyed the food and the friendly efficient service. We thought the margaritas were mediocre but we still enjoyed our night there!
BF
BeantownFoodie
Philadelphia
28 reviews
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on May 4, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was amazing. THE BEST mole I've ever had. Waitstaff were attentive. Just a beautiful meal.
DD
DeeD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 3, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service was great and staffs are all efficient and friendly especially Grace at the bar. Food are delicious! It’s our Fridays go place!
JM
JouhaM
Birmingham
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 3, 2019
overall4food5service5ambience4
Love this place! I go to El Parador everytime I visit NYC. Food is great and reasonably priced. Staffs are friendly and serving well.
EC
EddyC
New York Area
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on May 2, 2019
overall5food4service5ambience5
I love this place - a real neighbourhood gem! Delicious food, friendly and welcoming staff, and GREAT margaritas! Always a reliable option, but you have to book as it gets pretty busy!
H
Hungry4more
New York Area
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best choice for groups. The menu and specials have a variety of choices to suit everyone's taste. The peanut butter stuffed jalapenos, sauteed chorizo, mussels and ceviche are just a few of my favorites apps! Great margaritas and a nice selection of wines complement the food!
O
Ossie
Fort Lauderdale
10 reviews
3.0
10 reviews
Dined on April 19, 2019
overall3food2service3ambience3
Family vacation in New York City El Parador’s food was average My daughter Alex order a glass of sangría which did not taste very good Food was just above average Have had much better Mexican food Good waiter!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 18, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The pollo parador was the best chicken I’ve EVER ate.
NY
fritzNYC
New York Area
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on April 16, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is gourmet. Recommend trying and chef specials. There is a reason it has been a hit since the 1960s.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on April 16, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time going. It was great. Overall. Hidden gem !
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on April 13, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went to celebrate my wife’s birthday, but that’s just an excuse for going to our favorite restaurant. Her family’s been going for decades, and now I’m enjoying it as well. It’s a great place to have a splendid meal and enjoy the ambiance.
HF
HeatherF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 9, 2019
overall5food5service4ambience5
One of my favorite places in the city. I actually went back the next night with 5 work colleagues because I can always depend on it being so good!
C
Christine
New York Area
14 reviews
vip
4.0
14 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2019
overall4food4service4ambience4
Comfortable atmosphere with good food
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
25 reviews
vip
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on April 6, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food always excellwnt. Real Mexican not Tex-Mex.
b
bruce
New York Area
29 reviews
vip
4.0
29 reviews
Dined on April 5, 2019
overall4food4service4ambience3
We came for lunch, which we've done many times before. The guac was excellent as were the lamb chops and tres leche cake. Good sangria also.
S
Sean
New York Area
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on April 4, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
As an honorary New Yorker. WHY have I never been here? It’s in an out of the way neighborhood but OMG go. Everything- staff, food and ambiance - was top notch all while being casual and relaxed. Going as soon as I’m back in town! Loved it!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on April 2, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The best Mexican food in NYC!!!
DB
DaniellaB
Miami
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 28, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Quality food and service, very special atmosphere
KH
KH2017
New York Area
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on March 24, 2019
overall5food5service4ambience5
This Resturant is always at the top of my list. Best Mexican in NYC
JO
JerryO
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 23, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Been coming here for years, place is incredible, food excellent, staff attentive. It's a NYC spot, not touristy at all, it’s a place for locals or after work crowd people who would seek a quintessential NYC spot. It’s a bit old school in the best way, and has a big enough menu to make everyone in your party happy. They will adjust the dishes if you ask, want an entree as an appetizer for the table, not a problem. Massive tequila selection and regular margaritas or iced ones are also very good. Must tries are peanut butter jalapenos, mushroom quesadilla, cowboy ribeye, chicken mole or Parador. But honestly you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu or the specials. Highly recommended!
WT
WhataTreat
New York Area
45 reviews
vip
5.0
45 reviews
Dined on March 23, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love this place ! Been having special occasions, friendly get togethers or just grabbing cocktails here for 15 years. Always look forward and never disappoints. Alex runs a superb restaurant.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 22, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great margaritas, great food, great service.
NY
NewYorker
New York Area
90 reviews
vip
5.0
90 reviews
Dined on March 21, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding!

FAQs

El Parador offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (212) 679-6812.

El Parador is rated 4.4 stars by 1074 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(212) 679-6812

Additional information

Cross street
Between 1st and 2nd Avenues
Neighborhood
Murray Hill
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Sat 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Bar Mon–Sat 3:00 pm–7:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–11:00 pm
Cuisines
Mexican, Traditional Mexican, Tex-Mex
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
There are public lots located on 34th Street and street parking available on 33rd, 34th, and 35th Streets and 2nd Avenue.
Public transit
6 train to Park Avenue/33rd Street, the M34 & M16 1st Avenue buses, and the 3rd Avenue bus.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Jose Alejandro
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wine

Website
http://www.elparadorcafe.com/
Phone number
(212) 679-6812
Private party facilities
We also have one of the best party spaces in NY, La Cueva (The Cave). Complete with a separate bar and independent sound system, this private space will meet all of your requirements for a great time. La Cueva can comfortably accommodate up to 40 people.
Private party contact
Private Dining Coordinator: (888) 608-1054

El Parador

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Main

Guacamole$10.00

Fresh Pico De Gallo$4.00

Soup of the Day$8.00

House Salad$4.00

Lobster "Salpicon" Salad$18.00

Roasted Corn Esquite Salad$10.00

Garbanzo Bean and Quinoa Salad$13.00

Grilled Chicken Tostada Salad$14.00

Huevos Rancheros$12.00

Huevos Divorciados$12.00

Huevos Revueltos Con Papa Y Chorizo$12.00

Huevos a Caballo$22.00

Chilaquiles Con Huevo$14.00

Nachos

Quesadilla De Camarones$12.00

Quesadillasofia$11.00

Quesadilla De Hongos$10.00

Enchilada Suiza and a Chile Relleno$14.00

Burritos or Chimichangas$12.00

Baja California Fish Tacos$16.00

Fajitas

Grilled Catch of the Day

Tortas

Milanesastyle Breaded Cutlet

Torta De Chorizo$13.00

Ahogada De Cochinito$14.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Sort by

Filters

FAQs

Does El Parador offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is El Parador restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information