Restaurant

Gonzalez y Gonzalez

SoHoManhattan

4.0· 2,032 reviewsClosed now
Gonzalez y Gonzalez — restaurant — in SoHo — Manhattan — NYC
Gonzalez y Gonzalez interior — SoHo

SoHo

Manhattan

The brief

About Gonzalez y Gonzalez

Mexican restaurant featuring happy hours, salsa bands & free salsa dance classes, plus a dance club.

Health inspection

NYC DOHMH Grade A

A

Score5(lower is better)

Inspected7/7/2022

Grade A is the highest mark from NYC's Department of Health — about 90% of restaurants earn it.

How grades work

Community Rating

4.0

out of 5

2,032 community reviews

Rating aggregated from community reviews across platforms. Read full reviews on Google or Yelp for detailed diner experiences.

Community-sourced rating

Reviews

What diners say about Gonzalez y Gonzalez

15 verified Google reviews · 14 with owner responses

3.9

15 reviews

5
7
4
3
3
3
2
0
1
2
Leibi Cuevas
a month ago

Horrible experience. We were four girls celebrating a birthday and were made to wait outside for a long time, only to be ID’d and then told there was a $20 per person cover charge — despite the place being nearly empty inside.<br><br>The staff was extremely rude, the venue smelled bad, and the bathrooms were far away in the basement and in very poor condition. Definitely not a place I’d recommend.

Response from the owner

We’re sorry your experience didn’t meet your expectations. We have amazing salsa bands every week around midnight, along with great food and drinks. We hope to give you a much better experience next time.

Fanny Bravo
a month ago

Make sure to grab a spot at the bar and say hello to Joshua ,Jose, Alfredoand Jesus. They are absolute pros—fast, friendly, and they know exactly how to keep the energy going even when the house is packed. Their hospitality makes you feel like a regular from the moment you sit down, and they definitely mix some of the best drinks in the city. Their attention to detail and great attitudes are a huge part of what makes this place a local favorite.

Response from the owner

Yes, we have a wonderful bartender who can make drinks that aren’t even on the menu, and the kitchen stays open late — which is rare for venues in NYC these days. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Thank you!

Monica G.Local guide
2 months ago

Carlos and his team absolutely delivered in every possible way for my mom’s 60th birthday. From start to finish, they made what could have been a stressful event feel seamless, thoughtful, and genuinely special.<br><br>We hosted around 50 guests on a Sunday evening, and I’m not exaggerating when I say every single person walked away impressed. The service was polished but warm, the food was outstanding, the music set the perfect tone, and the overall ambience felt elevated without losing that fun, celebratory energy you want for a milestone birthday.<br><br>The catering spread was a huge hit. The taco platters, especially the skirt steak and mahi mahi, were fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The chicken fajitas and empanadas disappeared almost immediately, and the mushroom quesadillas were a standout for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. The sides were just as strong, from the perfectly seasoned rice and beans to the elote and house salad. And the guacamole and salsa situation was on point all night, no one ever felt like they were waiting or missing out.<br><br>The drinks deserve their own shoutout. They were exceptional. Balanced, creative, and consistently well-made throughout the night. It added another layer to the experience that guests kept commenting on.<br><br>The churros were the perfect ending, and Carlos made sure everything stayed stocked, fresh, and flowing throughout the night.<br><br>Another detail that worked out perfectly was the family-friendly setup. Children were welcome until 9 PM, which struck exactly the right balance. It allowed families to be part of the celebration early on, while still giving the evening space to transition into a more adult atmosphere later.<br><br>What really sets Carlos and his team apart, though, is their execution. Timing, setup, breakdown, attention to detail, and overall guest experience. They handled it all effortlessly. You can tell they care about what they do, and it shows in every aspect of the event.<br><br>If you’re looking for a team that will not just meet expectations but genuinely elevate your event, this is it. Truly a 10 out of 10 experience. I would book them again without hesitation.

Response from the owner

Wow, thank you so much for the amazing reviews—we truly appreciate your support! We also provide daytime catering, perfect for corporate lunches, healthy meals, and group orders made fresh with care. For more details, please visit our catering website.

Mr. DLocal guide
4 months ago

This place is all about the music and the people. The food is good the chef does a great job. The service not that great but it might have to do with some of the patrons they have to deal with. The Atmosphere amazing. I don't love this new location, ive been going to this place for 10 plus years (yes i am older) but i still love the atmosphere and the music here..

Response from the owner

Thank you for taking the time to review us, we'll keep striving to improve our service so next time we can earn your five-star review. Hope to see you soon!

Laura Pareja
4 months ago

The service was terrible. We were a table of 14, all of us ordering food. It was a birthday celebration and I brought the cake. We asked if they could cut the cake for us and lend us some plates, and they told us it would cost $3 per slice and $2 per plate--$5 per portion in total! This is insane.<br>Later, when the party started, they told us that if we wanted to keep the table, we had to buy a bottle. We provided water and were told we could enjoy the rest of the night at that table. We agreed. Forty minutes later, without asking anything, they just took the bottle and glasses, put them at the bar, and said: 'Your time is over, please leave.

Response from the owner

We’re sorry your experience did not meet your expectations. We understand your frustration and apologize for any miscommunication regarding our policies and table service. Thank you for your feedback — it helps us improve.

Paisley ParkerLocal guide
5 months ago

Was excited to visit this place but it’s trash. Paid a cash cover only to be shaken down for a mandatory $5 cash coat check. We ran out of cash and didn't have physical atm cards with us, but they refused any other payment and were incredibly mean about it. Everyone here we interacted with was rude. Don't waste your time or money on this place. NYC has way better options that aren't stuck in the stone age.

Response from the owner

We're sorry to hear your experience didn't meet expectations. We understand how frustrating that situation must have felt, and this is not the impression we want to leave with our guests. This is not the level of hospitality we strive to provide. We'd welcome the opportunity to discuss this further and address your concerns, please reach us to us directly at 212-473-87-87.

Sawsan ALocal guide
7 months ago

I came here for salsa night while visiting NYC and had such a great time! The live band was incredible, and the energy on the dance floor was amazing. The cover charge is $20 (cash only!), but it was worth every penny. A perfect spot for anyone who loves live music and dancing!

Response from the owner

Thank you so much Sawsan for your five star-review, we're so happy to hear you enjoyed the live band and energy on the dance floor. Hope to see you again next time you're here in New York.

LVLocal guide
11 months ago

Our time at this restaurant/ club was the highlight of our visit to NYC. We felt very welcomed by both staff members as well as other guests, mostly locals. The food was excellent. We had the giant shrimp platter and plantain. The salsa class was fun and the music was fantastic, especially the live band. We hadn't danced like we did in ages! This place will definitely remain on our itinerary whenever we are in NYC.

Response from the owner

Thank you so much for stopping by, taking the time and leave us a five-star review, and also sharing your experience, it means a lot to us. Hope to see you again next time you're here in New York.

Daniela Jimenez RomeroLocal guide
11 months ago

I went to González y González and I really liked it! I give the vibes a 10 out of 10! The DJ was great, there were a lot of people, and you can dance all night! 🎶💃 The cover is $20 and you need to bring cash.<br><br>I really loved the guacamole! 🥑 It was super fresh and they make it right at your table. That was so cool and different! I also tried a beer (I forgot the name 😅), but it was really good. They have nice beers there!<br><br>The only things I didn’t like much were the drinks. My margarita tasted too artificial. I expected more. And the churros, I give them like a 3 out of 10. Not the best.<br><br>The prices were not cheap, not expensive — just normal.<br><br>But the atmosphere was amazing. I had so much fun! I want to go again! 💖

Response from the owner

Thank you so much for your detailed review and for sharing your experience with us! We’re thrilled to hear that you loved the atmosphere, music, and overall vibe. We’re also glad you enjoyed the tableside guacamole and our beer selection. We truly appreciate your honest feedback regarding the margaritas and churros, your comments help us improve, and we’ll be sure to share them with our team. <br><br>We’re happy to know that you had a great experience overall and will be happy to welcome you again. <br>

Zakkiyya ReeceLocal guide
a year ago

After calling to inquire about their Groupon, I spoke with Stephanie, who was truly a delight! Her energy was EVERYTHING—warm, welcoming, and instantly got us excited for our visit.<br><br>As a lifelong New Yorker, of course I knew of Gonzalez y Gonzalez, but it had been at least a decade since my last visit. Safe to say, this experience was a great reintroduction.<br><br>The Groupon was a fantastic deal, including a shared appetizer, two entrées each, one dessert, and four drinks—definitely bang for our buck! We started with the Mezcal Mussels, which came in a flavorful sauce with toasted bread (we immediately wanted more!). For entrées, we had the Chicken Chimichanga and Chuletas Al Pastor, both solid choices. And the churros? Unexpectedly AMAZING! Crispy, warm, and perfectly dusted with cinnamon sugar.<br><br>For drinks, I had the Spicy Jalapeño Margarita, while my partner went for the Mango Margarita—both hit the spot.<br><br>As self-proclaimed foodies, while this wasn’t the best Mexican food we’ve ever had, it was undeniably a solid choice for good eats, great value, and an even better vibe. The service was top-notch, with multiple staff members checking in on us from the moment we walked in. Our server, Carlos, was friendly, attentive, and had great recommendations, which really set the tone for a wonderful night.<br><br>We left just before the salsa dancing started, but it’s clearly a longstanding tradition and looks like a fun time—whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just there to enjoy the energy.<br><br>Overall, Gonzalez y Gonzalez delivers neighborhood vibes, solid food, and a memorable night out. We’d absolutely return (maybe for brunch next?!)—and you should too!

Response from the owner

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback. We're glad to hear you had a great night, and we thrive on making sure the safety of our customers. Hope to see you again soon!

Chubbi PapiLocal guide
a year ago

Came for dinner after watching NYU game and plus wifey loves Mexican food. Ordered a variety of things - MIL got steak tacos, wifey got a steak burrito, lil man got shrimp empanadas, and I got fried shrimp and calamari. We also got chips and guacamole for the table.<br><br>Overall food was pretty good. Lil man didn’t like his shrimp empanadas though - he said too much vegetables and not enough shrimp. The burrito tasted fine. MIL liked her tacos. And the fried shrimp and calamari was lightly fried and tasted fine.<br><br>We were seated right away. Had to show ID at the front, which I have never done before anywhere else but was not bothered by it. Inside was dark. Hard to see the plates.<br><br>Service was good. The waiter made our guacamole table side and it tasted great. The only thing was we had to wait a bit for the waiter to come around to ask for the check. But then again there was maybe two servers working.<br><br>Overall a pleasant experience. We have not been here in years. And I’m glad that the place is still open.

Response from the owner

Hello Steven, thank you SO MUCH for such a detailed review! Also thank you for adding photos as well. We look forward to serving you again in the future.<br>Thank you Steven!

Marco EspinozaLocal guide
a year ago

Having lived near a sizable Mexican community in Homestead, Florida, I can say that we are accustomed to authentic cuisine. The restaurant's ambiance is quite pleasant, and I really appreciate the location. It is relatively small and compact, which can give the impression of being more crowded than it actually is. We opted for some traditional Mexican dishes based on the patrons present, and while the flavors were quite good, they didn't fully match what we're used to. Nevertheless, we would recommend this place, so be sure to come by for an enjoyable atmosphere.

Response from the owner

Thank you Marcos for the great review as well as posting photos!

Minh HuaLocal guide
a year ago

Great latinx place with live music during some nights. They make guacamole fresh in front of you. It's a fun lively atmosphere.<br><br>Overall, a great place for what it is. I haven't been here since the 2000s and it's gotten better.

Carolina M.Local guide
a year ago

Excellent atmosphere. The food, the drinks and the live music were all on point. I took my friend for a late birthday dinner. She enjoyed herself immensely. I had the full house salad with steak and passion fruit frozen margarita and she had the steak fajitas with a strawberry mojito. To top it off we ate delicious churros as her birthday treat. All delicious!

Response from the owner

Thank you Carolina for your fantastic review & photos, so happy you had a blast here at GyG

Samelia JLocal guide
2 years ago

The amount of times my friends and I have been here is ridiculous. We love it and consistently return whenever we want great drinks and food.<br><br>🍹 Those happy hour drinks are bomb! They’re the main reason we keep returning. Food’s good too but the drinks are the main attraction for us.<br><br>🪇 The vibe is always great with the music, especially on a Friday.<br><br>🛎️ Servers are always great! They know us by face at this point. We enjoy getting the sombrero whenever we celebrate a birthday there. The bathroom’s all the way downstairs but it’s clean, and there are little trinkets being sold outside - gum, mints, lotion, etc.<br><br>📸 There’s a new service - photographers taking photos of your group. Photos are framed and cost $20/each.<br><br>It gets packed, so either get there early or make a reservation. I think you’re allowed 90-120 mins at your table. Highly recommend!

Response from the owner

Gonzalez Y Gonzalez would love to thank you for being a returning customer. It pleases us to hear that you enjoy the ambiance and experience that we aim to provide. We hope to continue being your choice for great drinks and food.

Reviews sourced from Google. Displayed for informational purposes. Ratings reflect reviewer opinions at the time of posting.

Been here? Share one sentence.

No account needed. One honest sentence about your experience. All submissions are reviewed before publishing.

0/280

Anonymous · Reviewed before publishing

Was the health and dietary information on this page accurate?

Explore

Gonzalez y Gonzalez is one of many healthy restaurants in our directory. See SoHo restaurants by health grade, healthy spots across Manhattan, and NYC restaurant health inspection grades.

Gonzalez y Gonzalez is listed in the Eat Real Food NYC directory — a curated database of healthy restaurants in Manhattan, verified with official NYC Department of Health inspection data.