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El Quijote
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
El Quijote
7.8
A revived Hotel Chelsea landmark that leans into old-world Spanish classics in a richly atmospheric setting. The kitchen stays traditional—think tapas, grilled meats, and paellas—while the bar program and historic décor elevate it into a destination experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jamón ibérico & pan con tomate, Croquetas de jamón, Paella mixta
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Historic Chelsea Spanish dining room reborn inside Hotel Chelsea.
Who should go: History-minded diners with a bigger budget.
When to visit: Late dinner for peak ambiance.
What to order: Jamón + pan con tomate, croquetas, paella mixta.
Insider tip: Sit near the muraled main room for the full throwback feel.
El Quijote
8.1
Historic Spanish restaurant in a restored version of the original space at the Hotel Chelsea; the upstairs Cervantes Room and wine‑cellar style private space bring old‑world charm for intimate dinners. The menu balances traditional Spanish dishes with contemporary touches under modern culinary direction.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic paella, Patatas bravas, House‑made sangria
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A restored 1930s Spanish dining room with deep Chelsea history and private spaces.
Who should go: Couples and small groups seeking cozy Spanish dinner.
When to visit: Dinner time on weekday or weekend evenings.
What to order: Paella, patatas bravas, sangria.
Insider tip: Request the Cervantes Room or wine‑cellar room for moody, candlelit privacy.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available, but can be difficult after 6pm. Valet parking is not provided.
Dress code: Smart casual - jeans are fine but lean towards a dressier style for an elegant atmosphere.
Noise level: Moderate - conversation is easy, though it may get louder on busy weekend evenings.
Weekend wait: Expect a wait of 45-60 minutes without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, especially during lunchtime hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - there are several vegetarian-friendly options on the menu.
Vegan options: Limited - there are 2-3 vegan-friendly dishes available.
Gluten-free options: Yes - they have a separate prep area for gluten-free dishes to avoid cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for a romantic and intimate atmosphere. The cozy private rooms and candlelit setting offer the perfect environment for a memorable evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? While it's possible to get a table without a reservation, it’s highly recommended to book ahead, particularly on weekends when wait times can be long.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. El Quijote is more suited for adults, particularly couples and small groups, due to its intimate and romantic ambiance. No children's menu is available.
Best For
Better for: El Quijote excels in creating a romantic, intimate setting with its historic charm and private rooms for special dinners.
Skip if: If you’re looking for a more casual or family-friendly dining experience, this might not be the best choice. Also, if you're seeking a more modern or trendy vibe, there are other spots nearby.
El Quijote
8.3
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
Hidden Gems Heaven
Group Dining Gatherings
A historic Spanish‑style eatery offering hearty tapas and traditional lunch dishes — good for a quieter business lunch with a bit of character. Its long history and straightforward menu make it a solid choice for someone wanting something slightly out of the typical lunch crowd. Service and atmosphere are relaxed, enabling comfortable conversation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gambas al Ajillo, Pan con Tomate, Paella Mariscos
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Long‑standing Spanish lunch spot with traditional tapas and old‑school ambiance.
Who should go: Lunch dates or low‑key client meetings
When to visit: 11:30am–1:30pm weekdays
What to order: Gambas al Ajillo, Pan con Tomate, Paella Mariscos
Insider tip: Request a table away from the bar for quieter conversation
El Quijote
7.6
Classic Spanish‑style restaurant inside the historic Hotel Chelsea offering traditional tapas and comforting paellas. Its vintage charm and wide menu make it a calm, family‑friendly choice when you want hearty portions and a laid‑back atmosphere. It leans more relaxed and old‑school than trendy, which tends to appeal to multi‑generational groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seafood paella, Chorizo & manchego tapas, Patatas bravas
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Decades‑old Spanish institution with hearty tapas and paella.
Who should go: Families wanting relaxed dinner with familiar flavors.
When to visit: Evening — quieter mid‑week nights.
What to order: Seafood paella, tapas sampler, patatas bravas.
Insider tip: Ask for a half‑portion of paella if kids want smaller servings.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available, but can be challenging to find after 6pm. Valet parking is available at the Hotel Chelsea for a fee of $12.
Dress code: Casual attire is fine, but smart casual is recommended for a more polished look.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is comfortable, but it can get lively on weekends.
Weekend wait: Expect a 30-45 minute wait without a reservation, especially on busy nights.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, as lunch service is quieter.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — there are several vegetarian options available, including tapas and salads.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of vegan-friendly options, but not a dedicated menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free items are available, and the kitchen can accommodate with some advance notice.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? El Quijote’s relaxed, vintage charm makes it a good spot for a first date, especially if you're looking for a low-key but memorable atmosphere. It’s not overly romantic, but the comfort food and casual vibe are a perfect setting for a stress-free meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible to get a table without a reservation, particularly during weekday lunches or quieter evenings. However, weekends and evenings can be busy, so reservations are recommended to avoid a long wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, El Quijote is very kid-friendly with a relaxed atmosphere and family-style portions. The large tapas menu offers kid-friendly options like patatas bravas and paella, and the staff is accommodating for children.
Best For
Better for: El Quijote is better for families and multi-generational groups looking for a laid-back meal in a classic, old-school setting. It excels at offering hearty portions and comforting Spanish fare.
Skip if: If you're looking for a trendy, modern dining experience or a fine-dining atmosphere, this might not be the best choice. It's more about comfort and nostalgia than innovation.