Skip to main content

El Conde Bar & Grill
$$$ · BBQ

1263 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10033
Are you the owner? Claim this business

ZipPicks Awards

Best BBQ Ribs in Washington Heights

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

El Conde Bar & Grill 8.1
Washington Heights (South)
Vibes: Birthday & Celebration Central Girls Night Out Approved Happy Hour Hotspots Trendy Table Hotspots
El Conde Bar & Grill runs as a Latin bar-grill where smoky BBQ pork ribs share the menu with churrasco, seafood, and strong cocktails. It’s a go-to when you want ribs in a louder, party-leaning setting rather than a quiet restaurant.
Must-Try Dishes: BBQ Pork Ribs, Churrasco Steak, Mofongo with Shrimp
Scores:
Value: 6.6 Service: 7.2 Consistency: 8.1 Food Quality: 8.4 Atmosphere: 8.6 Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A Dominican bar-grill where smoky BBQ pork ribs sit beside cocktails.
Who should go: Groups planning birthday dinners with loud music and shared platters.
When to visit: Late evenings for happy hour rolling into DJ-fueled dinner.
What to order: BBQ pork ribs, churrasco steak, mofongo with shrimp.
Insider tip: Reserve or arrive early on weekend nights to avoid waits.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; typically limited near Broadway and 181st, especially after 7pm on weekends
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — birthday groups often dress up, but jeans and sneakers are common
Noise level: Loud — DJ and crowd energy make conversation difficult during peak nights
Weekend wait: 30–60 min without a reservation after 8pm; faster before 7pm
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; dinner hours can see short delays
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few sides and non-meat plates, but menu is meat-forward
Vegan options: Very limited — most mains include meat, seafood, or dairy
Gluten-free options: Informal accommodation on some grilled items; no dedicated gluten-free prep area
Best For
Better for: Lively celebrations, big rib and churrasco platters, cocktails, and a party-leaning atmosphere where music and energy are part of the experience.
Consider Alternatives If: You want quiet dining, fine-tuned barbecue, or dietary flexibility — choose alternatives if conversation, lighter food options, or kid-focused settings are priorities.