El Parador

NYC's oldest Mexican restaurant serving delectable classic and contemporary dishes in a warm inviting atmosphere since 1959. A large tequila selection, superb margaritas and a well put wine list add to the enjoyment while cared for by a jovial wait staff.

8 / 10
259
ratings
  • Phone

    (212) 679-6812

  • Website

    elparadorcafe.com

  • Instagram

    No Instagram

  • X (Twitter)

    elparadorcafe

  • Facebook

    214398538600244

  • Type

    Mexican Restaurant

Address

325 E 34th St (btwn 1st Ave & Tunnel Entrance St) New York , NY 10016 United States

Credit Cards Yes (incl. Discover & Visa)
Outdoor Seating No
Menus Dinner, Happy Hour
Drinks Full Bar, Cocktails

Comments / 91


Keywords:

margaritas quesadillas off-menu items good for dates happy hour chicken tres leches cake great value affogatos boozy drinks salsa dinner peanut butter jalapeños alcohol city good for special occasions camarones rellenos roasted tomatoes
Nicolette Romero

You won't think you're in NYC when you step in here. Love the authentic decor and their service is top notch. I can't say enough good things about the shrimp quesadilla . They do it right!

✨Pun Bandhu ✨

One of those gems that only locals from the neighborhood know. Enchanting, romantic , decor. Gracious, linen-table service. Home cooked , fresh meals w/ depth of flavor. Vegetarian menu is great! Ask!

IrmaZandl ZandlSlant

Delicious cod and the affogato dessert was sublime. It’s very old school which isn’t normally my thing but they’ve kept it very yummy and haven’t let things slide.

Lauren Montemurro

A gem. Every dish has a rich depth of flavor. Starting with the salsa - it’s like nothing you’ve ever tried or will ever try. I could eat it with a spoon. And I might have done that.

Beatrice M.

Lovely setting, looks like a real Mexican venue!Tacos tray is tasty&helpful if u are undecided as it has a bit of everything,can be an apetizer to share for 2 or a main dish for a very hungry person!

Kara Dawson

Favorite margarita in the city ! Strongly recommend their guac , shrimp quesadillas , chicken wings (not on the menu !), and taco tray . Just do it.

Halstead Property

The Quesadilla Camarones has the perfect proportion of Gulf Shrimp and melted, smooth cheese and is accompanied by roasted tomato salsa that adds just the necessary tang to the dish.

Brendan Hasenstab

The Baja fish tacos here are the very best I've had ANYWHERE. That's Orange Roughy in there, and it is cooked to absolute perfection. Add a nachos normales to start and you've got a great dinner .

Elvis Rodricks

Great spot to dine and get some authentic food. Guac , corn cheese , marinated fried chicken and tres leches ! Hidden gem ...

The Corcoran Group

Sit at the bar and enjoy a delicious margarita while dining on a mix of chicken and beef fajitas . Finish your meal with the Mexican Fried Ice Cream .

Audrey O

Great service + food is delicious. Desserts : Tres leches cake is perfect for the sweet tooth, but the rice pudding is just right.

Emily Whited

Authentic Mexican food ... and also, the best I've ever had. Strong drinks , friendly staff , beautiful restaurant . Everything is on-point!

Tracy Quasha

Great atmosphere. Really good food. Fun for a group.

Dev Anand

They can get fairly custom with the dishes. Pick an item you like and have it your way. Drinks are very fresh. Relatively easy to get a table because of its obscure location in Murray Hill .

Natalia Ramirez

Get the guac ! Amazing Queso fundido , and tray of tacos ????????enough for two people.

Olessya K

Happy birthday to Kolya and everyone else who celebrated here! Now, the food: it's good, 4 stars, but better at Pampano or Yerba Buena. Service is however 5+. impeccable! Decor too! Awesome!

Barbara Kallas

Great margaritas and guacamole . The bartender and the host had fun, warm, accommodating personalities.

Chuck Hirsch

I go to El Parador all of the time at 325 E. 34th St. Their Tasting Hour is the best Happy Hour in NY. They have great Monday night wine lovers and kids/family specials as well . 212-679-6812. Read more

Katie T

You will never find crunchy peanut butter stuffed grilled jalapeños as good as these!!!

Chuck Hirsch

El Parador Cafe has introduced a later evening version of their wonderful Tasting Hour. Beer , house margaritas and red and white sangria for $5, and select apps 1/2 price. Mon-Sat, 10 PM to Midnight. Read more

Chuck Hirsch

El Parador Cafe is the oldest Mexican restaurant in NYC. They have a tasting hr M-F, 3-6PM with $5 beers , wine and Sangria and also 1/2 price appetizers . Their food and drinks are fantastico! Read more

Jamie Kim

Mole chicken is awesome but huge so share with 2

Jonathan Gottfried

Everything I've eaten here has been amazing - Paella , Mole , tacos , guacamole - delicious!

Amber Lockwood

The peanut butter jalapeños are delish! And they have a separate vegetarian menu if you ask.

April Dito

Great vegetarian menu . The taco tray was excellent and big enough to share.

Ricky Sherrill

Do not know what took me so long to try this place. Great food & very friendly service .

Chloe

Their margarita on the rocks and peanut butter stuffed jalapeño are the best after work pick me up in NYC.

David Lounsbury

Their Mole sauce is excellent. Great Sangria , too.

Andrew Chao

The paella is good here! Also a solid mojito .

Daniel Latorre

Coming or going on the east river ferry , take a break and have a some refreshment at the cozy bar .

Mark Forscher

There's a separate vegetarian menu – this should tell you everything you need to know.

amNewYork

Opened in 1959, El Parador Cafe still serves up great chow in a boisterous, unpretentious environment.

Cambria McCue

So the Roja Veja was too die for!! Wanted to order a second serving. Can't wait to go back.

Lindsay Duggan

Peanut butter filled jalapeño rellenos are surprisingly delicious as is the cinnamon spiced salsa , yumm!

Alex Franchilli

Taco trey. The large size is more than enough for two.

Jodi Enomoto

I was told that the "must haves" are shrimp quesadilla , taco tray and meat salsa ..

Angela M

Try the margarita with the lime and grapefruit soda water. So good I need to recreate it!

Laura Black

Amazing enchiladas suizas ! You will never be the same.

Winnie T

Jalepenos stuffed with peanutbutter are the best and most surprising thing ever! Be sure to order them for a fantastic taste explosion.

Jess T

Never before have I had to wait two whole hours in a restaurant before receiving my entree... until tonight. The food is delicious, but only if you're willing to wait for potentially a very long time.

Courtney Berg

Chicken wings are the best kept secret on menu ????

Matthew Kennedy

Just go. This place is AMAZING. Food. Ambiance. Drinks. The works.

Daniel Barnett

This place is no joke. Nice hidden gem of my childhood.

CBC PianoMan

The best mole in the city . Homemade nachos .

Jay Mandel

Please remember that their house cooked salsa is NOT vegetarian .

Brendan McCluskey

Order anything other than what Amy recommended in her tip (she said mushroom quesadilla and lobster salad ).

Ben Goldberg

Awesome secret menu chicken wings . Must order!!!! Hi Jen

John Arthur Berg

Margaritas on the rock! I usually don't drink Margaritas , here I stopped at three..

Jessica Stalker

Taco tray is a great go to!

Jason Liszka

Serious white-tablecloth Mexican food (not Tex-Mex). Mole poblano is totally worth the wait.

Similar places nearby :

7.9
Mexican
Baby Bo's Cantina

Good Mexican and veggie friendly. My faves include the chipotle enchiladas (spinach or cheese) and the chile blackened green beans. #yum - dara lynne

7.0
Mexican
Dos Caminos

Guacamole is a must! Plenty of options for vegatarians too - squash or pumpkin enchiladas were surprisingly tasty! - Katrina S.

7.7
Mexican
Añejo

This is my go-to neighborhood spot. Amazing food and drinks and upbeat atmosphere. The staff is welcoming and friendly. Braised beef and shrimp tacos are excellent choices. Good margaritas too! - Lindsey H

8.0
Movie Theater
AMC Kips Bay 15

Stadium seating, friendly staff and away from the tourists. One of my fav theaters in the city! - Norman Ellis

6.5
Pub
Failte Irish Pub & Restaurant

I love this place for their upstairs party room. I've had 2 events here and they were huge successes. The bartenders are awesome and the price is reasonable. Just $40 for 4 hrs of open bar. Niiiice! - Hazel Garcia Cristan