Malecon Restaurant (97th Street)

I've been coming to this restaurant since the 80s; most of my life because the food is very good, and I have never experienced rudeness like I did on this visit. A few days ago, I took my mother to lunch, and the service from our server (I believe her name was Jessica, or something starting with a "J", short w/ black hair) was unacceptable from the start.<br>I initially gave her the benefit of the doubt because she was pregnant, and out of consideration for that, I let the slowness slide. I would never judge or discriminate based on someone's condition, but I also know it's not an excuse for poor service (as I was also a pregnant server once). I only mention it because I don't have a confirmed name and it's the only way to identify her in this review.<br>But after about 10 minutes of waiting for our beverages, and noticing them sitting on the counter, as she passed them by about 3 times with empty hands; I had to get up and retrieve them myself before the ice melted completely. The same delay happened with our appetizer, a ready-made empanada, and the restaurant wasn't even busy.<br>When she finally came by, I asked for bread for the table, which they used to serve complimentary. When I noticed it didn't look the same, I asked if it was the complimentary bread. She responded with a dismissive attitude, said no, dropped the basket on the table, and walked away. Throughout all of this, I had been nothing but pleasant.<br>At that point, I was offended. I calmly asked the server nearby if she could take over for the rest of our visit. She recognized me, acknowledged that I am not a troublemaker, and gladly stepped in, and her service was excellent. Still, the damage was done. I could no longer enjoy the meal or the visit.<br>I then spoke to the manager, who I believe may be one of the owners; a tall gentleman with grey hair. To my dismay, he was equally dismissive and responded with a joke: "Ya ahí que mandarla pa' la casa?" (paraphrasing). I told him, essentially, that may be so, but I've been coming here since the 80s and this was the worst service I've ever experienced.<br>The bottom line: if you're planning to visit El Malecon on the Upper West Side, know that poor service may go unaddressed by management. This left such a sour taste that I don't plan on returning. There are plenty of restaurants that value their customers; and that's where our hard-earned money should go.

I going to say packed! Food is good we always come here when we in New York they have 2 locations now

Never order from this dump again! How on earth can they give you stewed pork chunks instead of pernil? How are they the same. People are spending money and they have the audacity to give you crap you don’t want! Do not order delivery from them or they send you WHATEVER. Disgusting behavior!

Food was delicious. The atmosphere was great. The staff was friendly. The place was busy but not too overcrowded. We went back a second time during our vacation. I tried the bistec encebollado first then the churrasco. My son had the chicken both times. In his words “buzzing”! and the hubby had the parrillada. The portions are large you will definitely not leave hungry. The fruit juices were all delicious as well. Yes we tried all of them. Can’t recommend this place enough.

really cozy place with delicious rotisserie chicken, platanos maduros, yuca fries, mofongo, passionfruit juice and coffee. grouper fish filet was okay.

Malecon has quickly become one of our favorite go-to places in the neighborhood.<br><br>Fresh food always, amazing rotisserie, and a delicious spread of Dominican classics. Their rice and beans and chicken soup are packed with flavor.<br><br>We always do take out, but there is plenty of comfortable seating with local music. Fast service, extremely well priced, and a very friendly staff.

Chicken is on point. Portions are great, got a half rotisserie with a side of rice and some maduros to top it off. Great spot!

There food is fantastic they are fast efficient they also greet u with love n they are very supportive. There food is great. Except one time when I went back for the third time there arroz con pollo they did was salty too salty for my mom n dad to eat due to then having high cholesterol. Other than that there food was great.

I ordered food on NYE at 2PM and I called 1 hr and 45 mins later and I was told that the delivery person went on break, and it would be delivered soon. 2.5 hrs later no delivery and I called they said they were very busy Mami. I said it is 2.5 hrs later. When 3 hrs came I called to cancel. Very unprofessional. They should have said there were delivery problems. I wonder of the person who placed my order actually submitted it. Just bad customer service. I feel if you don’t speak Spanish - good luck with that.

The food is great but a little salty, The service was poor and their weren't many patrons on the day we went. I've been there before and it was great but It was horrible the last time I went. The waiter ignored us. My family was seated early but we waited 20 minutes before seeing the waitress and in those twenty minutes 5 different groups were seated and taken care of. I'm not going back I recommend no one eat there.

Great delectable selections of fine Dominican cuisine..Great service w decent priced affordable meals.. Great for families of 4 or more to enjoy.

Excellent restaurant. Promp and polite service. Great coffee, always fresh. Their broiled chicken is legendary - made every day, fresh and perfectly seasoned and cooked. They have the most perfect mangú con los tres golpes thatI have tried. The mangú's consistency is just amazing, creamy and satisfying, with the salt and spice on point to create a memorable experience. Los tres golpes are exactly as they should be, complementing the dish superbly. A joy that brings memories. Warmly recomended.

“I had chicken rice and beans, and both were excellent. The portions were very generous, and the service was impressively fast. Highly recommend!” 🍽️

This place was the first time I've ever tried Dominican food, and I'm already hungry for more! I went here for lunch with a friend, and I definitely recommend ordering any of their lunch specials. You can't beat the price with the amount of food they give you. I ordered the goat stew, and I know I will remember that meal for years and years to come -- it's that good!! I will definitely be returning, and I can't wait to try more of their dishes!

Simply and delicious Dominican food at a fair price.<br>The rosted chicken was very tasty; the rice was made excellent, and satisfying.<br>The service was pleasant and friendly as well.<br>Great place for lunch.<br>We enjoyed it very much and highly recommend it.