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The King of Fish (El Rey Del Pescado)
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
The King of Fish (El Rey Del Pescado)
8.4
The King of Fish is a Mexican marisqueria and cocktail bar where octopus, shrimp, and ceviche meet a dark, polished room and a full bar. Couples use it for relaxed date nights built around seafood platters, margaritas, and a soundtrack that leans more lounge than sports bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Octopus taco, Shrimp taco with house salsas, Mixed seafood ceviche
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 6.6
What makes it special: Mexican seafood, strong cocktails, and moody lighting on 5th Avenue.
Who should go: Couples who want seafood-heavy dates with cocktails.
When to visit: Weekend evenings for the fullest energy and bar scene.
What to order: Octopus tacos, shrimp tacos, mixed ceviche with tostadas.
Insider tip: Sit near the bar for quicker drink refills and livelier ambiance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots along 5th Avenue are limited and hard to find after 6pm, easier on side streets a few blocks away.
Dress code: Smart casual to trendy — jeans are fine, but most guests lean dressy for night dates.
Noise level: Moderate to loud in the evenings — conversation is possible but leans intimate and close-range.
Weekend wait: 30–60 min without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few veggie tacos, sides, and ceviche-style preparations without seafood can be customized.
Vegan options: Very limited — mainly sides and modified taco fillings without sauces.
Gluten-free options: Good options — ceviches, grilled seafood, and corn tortillas work well for gluten-free diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the moody lighting, cocktails, and shared seafood plates create natural conversation without feeling too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or earlier in the evening, but peak Friday and Saturday nights usually mean a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults — kids are welcome earlier in the evening, but late-night energy and bar focus make it less family-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Romantic seafood dates with cocktails, late-night energy, and a trendier lounge feel than typical marisquerías.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional seafood dinner or a fully vegetarian-friendly menu.
The King of Fish (El Rey Del Pescado)
8.6
The King of Fish is a Mexican marisquería and cocktail bar where octopus, shrimp, and ceviche share space with mezcal-heavy drinks and a moody, clubby back room. Locals use it for birthdays, girls’ nights, and seafood-forward dates built around fish tacos, aguachile, and long rounds of cocktails. With Eater nods and serious Google volume, it lands as one of Sunset Park’s go-to modern celebration spots.
Must-Try Dishes:
Octopus Tacos on Housemade Tortillas, Shrimp Aguachile, Tuna Tostada
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Buzzy Mexican seafood bar with cocktails and late-night energy.
Who should go: Seafood lovers planning festive, cocktail-heavy celebrations.
When to visit: Weekend evenings when the back room really fills up.
What to order: Octopus tacos, shrimp aguachile, tuna tostadas with drinks.
Insider tip: Head to the back room for louder music and party vibes.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; difficult after 6pm on weekends, easier on early weekdays
Dress code: Trendy casual to dressy—jeans are fine, but most people lean nightlife-ready
Noise level: Loud at peak hours—conversation is possible early, but turns clubby late
Weekend wait: 45–75 min without reservation after 7pm
Weekday lunch: No wait typically
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—mostly sides, quesadillas, and a few non-seafood plates
Vegan options: Very limited—aguachile without seafood and select sides only
Gluten-free options: Good seafood-based options; corn tortillas widely used but no separate prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you're comfortable with energy and cocktails. It's flirty, loud, and fun, but not ideal if you want quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Early weekday evenings are your best bet. On weekends after 7pm, expect a real wait unless you arrive right at opening.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this is more of a late-night adult vibe. Early dinners with teens can work, but small kids will feel out of place.
Best For
Better for: High-energy seafood dates, girls’ nights, mezcal cocktails, and late-night celebrations
Skip if: You want a quiet romantic dinner, formal service, or a family-friendly seafood meal
The King of Fish (El Rey Del Pescado)
8.7
Vibes:
Girls Night Out Approved
Birthday & Celebration Central
Late Night Legends
Trendy Table Hotspots
The King of Fish is a Mexican marisquería and cocktail bar on 5th Avenue where ceviches, shrimp towers, and lobster tacos share space with a moody back room built for celebrations. With strong multi-platform review volume and Eater shoutouts, it has become one of Sunset Park’s go-to spots for seafood-heavy birthdays and girls’ nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Aguachile verde, Lobster or shrimp tacos, Octopus tostada or seafood tower
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Lively Mexican seafood and cocktails with real destination buzz.
Who should go: Groups craving seafood, cocktails, and a loud room.
When to visit: Weekend evenings when the back room is packed.
What to order: Aguachile, seafood tower or octopus tostadas, signature tacos.
Insider tip: Sit toward the back for the full party energy and stronger music.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; difficult after 6pm on weekends, easier earlier in the evening or on weeknights
Dress code: Trendy casual to dressy; heels, statement outfits, and stylish streetwear all fit
Noise level: Loud - conversation gets difficult once the back room fills
Weekend wait: 45–75 min without reservation
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - a few vegetarian tacos and sides like esquites and chips with guac
Vegan options: Very limited - mostly sides and custom vegetable tacos
Gluten-free options: Moderate - ceviches, shrimp cocktails, and many seafood plates are naturally gluten-free
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a bold first date than a quiet one—great if you want energy, drinks, and shared seafood, but not ideal for intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a real wait on weekends; arriving before 7pm significantly improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Early evenings can work for families, but after 8pm it becomes strictly adult party energy.
Best For
Better for: Seafood-forward partying, cocktails, and loud birthday energy compared to quieter neighborhood Mexican spots
Skip if: You want a calm dinner, private conversation, or a seafood experience focused more on finesse than fun