Ajo y Orégano

If you want it to be sharp and credible, focus on the experience rather than insults. Reviews that are factual tend to carry more weight with potential customers.<br><br>I rarely leave negative reviews, but this experience was so frustrating that I feel compelled to warn others.<br><br>My friends and I arrived at Sho J Oregano’s Crescent Avenue location at approximately 9:45 PM. Although the restaurant’s posted closing time was 10:00 PM, we were told they would not seat us. While disappointing, we decided to give the restaurant another chance and took a taxi to the White Plains Road location, which was listed as being open until 11:00 PM.<br><br>We arrived around 10:00 PM only to be told that location was also closed and would not serve us.<br><br>What makes this particularly frustrating is that both locations were advertised as open, yet neither was willing to accommodate customers who arrived during posted business hours. We wasted time and money traveling between locations, only to be turned away twice.<br><br>For a restaurant that has received recognition as one of New York City’s notable dining destinations, I expected a much higher level of professionalism and consistency. If your kitchen closes early or you stop seating guests before closing time, that information should be clearly communicated online and at the door. Customers should not have to guess whether “open” actually means open.<br><br>The food may be excellent, but customer service and reliability matter too. Based on this experience, I cannot recommend making the trip unless you’re prepared to be turned away despite arriving during posted business hours.

The food here is mediocre. The atmosphere is not welcoming, and I felt out of place. The decoration is pretty and colorful. I honestly feel because we didn’t speak Spanish, we didn’t receive the same service as others. There's local Dominican restaurants in your area that are better and more affordable.

Had a great experience here! The food was excellent, but what really made the visit stand out was Bryan’s service. He was attentive, friendly, and made sure everything was perfect from start to finish. Bryan went above and beyond to make us feel welcomed. Definitely coming back!

The food here is amazing it’s the reason we keep coming back, even though we drive all the way from Queens just to eat here. Unfortunately, the customer service has consistently been disappointing. Time after time, the staff comes across as rude or uninterested, which takes away from the overall experience.<br><br>Great food should be matched with great service, and basic kindness and professionalism should be the minimum expectation. I really hope management focuses more on customer service training because this place has so much potential.

My first time in the Bronx. I heard of this place from a YouTube vloger, who highly recommended this place. I'm thankful I went.<br><br>Food: I ordered the pernil frita and arroz blanco con habbichuelas and it was toooooo good.<br><br>Service: So my nervous self messed up my experience with my server. I had the perfect opportunity to practice my Spanish with her and unfortunately my nerves got the best of me and forgot everything I learned. So my apologies to them. The staff were so amazing, and very polite and respectful. They deserve a raise.<br><br>Atmosphere: Everything there was active and lively. Felt like a home environment but also a place to hangout vibe. What was even better was there was a family who was celebrating a birthday, so to see that was exciting.<br><br>My overall experience at the restaurant was awesome. Shout out to the vlogger on YouTube (forgot the name). I recommend this place to anyone for lunch or early dinner.

I got this order through too good to go. The food was great. They gave me white rice which was cooked well but taste was lacking. Chicken was fall off the bone tender and flavorful. The server seemed to have a bit of an attitude. All in all food was good. Sweet plantains were included and those were great. The place always seems like a vibe.

DO NOT ORDER FROM THIS PLACE. This was hands down some of the worst food I’ve ever had. I paid $23 for a mofongo that looked like it was thrown together with zero care. No sauces, completely dry, are we supposed to just choke it down?<br><br>The plantains were old, mushy, and black. They barely added any cheese (if you can even call it that), and the chicken was straight-up disgusting. Honestly, it felt like they served leftovers that should’ve been in the trash.<br><br>Save your money and go literally anywhere else.

I really love this spot. The staff is pleasant and easy to deal with. They also have very large portions. They are just a bit slow depending on the time a day!

Real, honest review from a first-time customer.<br><br>I stay in NJ but was in the area and decided to try this place on a friend’s recommendation. We ordered takeout — 4 items — and with tip the total came to about $100.<br><br>What we ordered:<br>• Shrimp Mofongo – $24 (10/10)<br>• Shrimp in Garlic Sauce w/ Tostones – $26 (5/10)<br>• Chicharrón de Pollo w/ Rice & Beans – $24 (5/10)<br>• Tres Leches – $9 (?/10… more on that below)<br><br>We waited about 45 minutes for the food. The bag was stapled shut, so we left assuming everything was inside. My gut actually told me to check before leaving… I should’ve listened.<br><br>When we got home, the Tres Leches cake was missing. On top of that, the Chicharrón de Pollo looked exactly like chicken tenders. I immediately called the restaurant to let them know they forgot the cake and that the chicken didn’t look like traditional chicharrón. I was told that’s “how they make it” and that I could come back anytime to pick up the Tres Leches.<br><br>Here’s the issue… I stay in NJ. Going back means paying another $16 toll to cross the George Washington Bridge just to pick up a $9 cake that was forgotten. That part was frustrating.<br><br>Food breakdown:<br>• The Mofongo was amazing. Honestly 10/10. Perfect flavor, perfectly cooked. If they only served mofongo and called themselves “Mofongo House,” they’d probably crush it.<br>• The Shrimp in Garlic Sauce lacked flavor. I had to add quite a bit of salt to bring it to life.<br>• The Chicharrón de Pollo — while it tasted flavorful — was essentially a chicken tender. So yes, it was seasoned well for what it was, but it wasn’t what I expected when ordering chicharrón de pollo.<br>• The Rice & Beans were delicious and very flavorful.<br>• The Tostones were fine.<br>• The Tres Leches… well, I can’t rate it because I never got it.<br><br>Overall, this place is Overpriced but the mofongo is worth trying. The missing item and the response to it, along with the chicken tenders pretending to be Chicharron de Pollo left a bad taste in my mouth. I’ll probably only come back if I’m already in the area — for the Tres Leches I paid for… and maybe for a mofongo.<br><br>Pro tip: skip the Chicken Tenders .. I mean Chicharrón de Pollo. And check your take out order before leaving.

Had a great time! The servers were very welcoming and attentive. The food was absolutely delicious, and the presentation of the mofongo was beautiful. We’ll definitely be coming back!

The atmosphere was okay nothing bad, nothing that really stood out.<br>The food was also just okay. It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t memorable either.<br><br>Where the experience really fell apart was the service. Our waiter barely checked on us. We weren’t asked how the food was, if we needed water refills, another drink, or even if we wanted dessert. After finishing our meal, we waited an unreasonably long time just to get the check, which was frustrating and unnecessary.<br><br>Overall, it’s a place with potential, but the lack of attentive service seriously hurts the experience. Service matters, and unfortunately, it missed the mark here.

Me and my Church came here and had an amazing meal! We all had different orders and all enjoyed. Their juices are also great. I will be coming back! On my own time! Thank you all!

Omg! This place reminds me so much of Dominican Republic. The colors, the design, the ambiance, the music, the beers, the food! I highly recommend this location to anyone who loves good food.

Excellent Dominican food, and its name, " Ajo y Oregano," lives up to its dishes. The place is a little small but very cozy. Mr. Pedro is always friendly and cordial. His mofongos are delicious with four cheeses, everything typical Dominican style, which will make you feel in home. I recommend it 👍

I’ve visited this location twice so far in late June and mid-July. I’ve only been to the location on Crescent Avenue. Each time I’ve visited they have not let me down. Both times they have been consistent with the service, hospitality, and especially the food. The last two times I went to the restaurant I didn’t have a long wait. The atmosphere is beautiful especially the bright colors and decorations. Warning the menu is so appealing you won’t know what to order. I’ve had the beef stew and the steak with white rice they were both delicious. I’m usually not one to finish my food at a restaurant but I ate every single bite. There was someone walking around taking pictures as well as another person walking around selling flowers. I can’t wait to go back to try more of their delicious meals. Try it I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I did. They accept cash or card. Everyone else also loved their food. This location is accessible via public transportation. The restaurant offers valet parking.