Malecon Restaurant (97th Street)

Reviews

• PC

  P C

  2 days ago
  5.0
  The Best Dominican Food IN NYC! Believe me! Come check them out! 10/10 Service is amazing! Tell em PC Sent you!
• PF

  Petra Flores

  4 days ago
  5.0
  We always do take out, but there is plenty of comfortable seating with local music. Fast service, extremely well priced, and a very friendly staff.
• EL

  Evelyn Lopez

  Apr 6, 2026
  3.0
  I've been coming to this restaurant since the 80s; most of my life because the food is very good, and I have never experienced rudeness like I did on this visit. A few days ago, I took my mother to lunch, and the service from our server (I believe her name was Jessica, or something starting with a "J", short w/ black hair) was unacceptable from the start. I initially gave her the benefit of the doubt because she was pregnant, and out of consideration for that, I let the slowness slide. I would never judge or discriminate based on someone's condition, but I also know it's not an excuse for poor service (as I was also a pregnant server once). I only mention it because I don't have a confirmed name and it's the only way to identify her in this review. But after about 10 minutes of waiting for our beverages, and noticing them sitting on the counter, as she passed them by about 3 times with empty hands; I had to get up and retrieve them myself before the ice melted completely. The same delay happened with our appetizer, a ready-made empanada, and the restaurant wasn't even busy. When she finally came by, I asked for bread for the table, which they used to serve complimentary. When I noticed it didn't look the same, I asked if it was the complimentary bread. She responded with a dismissive attitude, said no, dropped the basket on the table, and walked away. Throughout all of this, I had been nothing but pleasant. At that point, I was offended. I calmly asked the server nearby if she could take over for the rest of our visit. She recognized me, acknowledged that I am not a troublemaker, and gladly stepped in, and her service was excellent. Still, the damage was done. I could no longer enjoy the meal or the visit. I then spoke to the manager, who I believe may be one of the owners; a tall gentleman with grey hair. To my dismay, he was equally dismissive and responded with a joke: "Ya ahí que mandarla pa' la casa?" (paraphrasing). I told him, essentially, that may be so, but I've been coming here since the 80s and this was the worst service I've ever experienced. The bottom line: if you're planning to visit El Malecon on the Upper West Side, know that poor service may go unaddressed by management. This left such a sour taste that I don't plan on returning. There are plenty of restaurants that value their customers; and that's where our hard-earned money should go.
• TH

  Theo Hoffman

  Mar 28, 2026
  2.0
  Chicken extremely dry despite good seasonings, I ate a few bites and my stomach started feeling extremely weird. Sides were very mid. Rice was quite dry. Had to toss the food. Not coming back.
• TT

  Tee

  Mar 24, 2026
  5.0
  My first time eating Dominican food and and I am hooked! We were greeted and seated right away. The place was buzzing with energy. Luckily, we were there with folks who know all about what to order. Yes, I had mufungo. Mine with chicken and that amazing gravy. Hubster add a seafood version that shamed paella. Trust me...try it! The sweet plantain was deep fried and was better than candy. I dreamed of topping them with vanilla ice cream. To close, the service was unmatched. We wanted for nothing. Can't wait to go back!