El Kallejon
“Nestor and company made eating there feel like eating over at an old friend's backyard in Jackson Heights.”
“Definitely an adorable spot to check out in East Harlem – awesome food, great decor, fantastic service.”
“It has a beautiful backyard/garden to have a romantic date night or even to escape the city's madness for a while.”
El Kallejon
Takes Reservations: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Has TV: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes
PokéStop Nearby: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
7 reviews
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Very nice place run by Nestor, its owner.
It has a beautiful backyard/garden to have a romantic date night or even to escape the city's madness for a while. It's a truly gem found in the middle of East Harlem.
The food is great, small tapas to share, maybe one or two per person to get your belly quite full. We were two and we ordered three plates. It was enough since we weren't that hungry.
The choices: tacos de pescado, three mini baja style fish tacos with a delicious chipotle sauce, an amazing albondigas (meatballs) served with tomato sauce and green tortillas and lastly but not least, the gringa coca which is a flatbread. Everything was great, specially the first two. I think the cocas would be a blast if the bread wasn't that toasted. It felt more like a crostini or chip, kind of dry. It lacks moisture in the bread. That would have been incredible, but the rest of the ingredients on top were perfectly paired: shrimp, pineapple, chimichurri… yummmm
The service is quite poor, there's the owner and the chef and that's about it so I guess if the place is packed you better start playing cards or do something to wait for your dish. There wasn't too many people at the restaurant and we got our order in time so I can't complain, but I would say the attitude of Nestor is just not as "happy" as I thought.
Great getaway and good food!
Just had an amazing lunch with friends, after the Bathel Gospel.
Yummy, original, fresh Mexican food, with lots of choice also for vegetarians.
The staff is very friendly and were happy to help us understand the menu. The cocktails were AMAZING, both the margaritas and the homemade sodas. The food great and fresh.
There is also a beautiful backyard!
Definetely a must go when in Harlem
This place is adorable and the food is awesome. I went there on a hot summer Tuesday and it was completely empty with no air conditioning and service incredibly non attentive. It was weird, as if they were not quite open for business. Must visit again on a weekend, because they seem to have great potential.
Wow. So happy that I found this place. Looked on yelp for a place near East Harlem since we were taking a shuttle from there to Randall's Island, and stumbled across one of the best hole in the wall places I've ever found. Walked in and right away, the atmosphere was great– live little band, cozy dark atmosphere, and made me feel like I was in Mexico or somewhere else outside of East Harlem area.
I was happy with everything we ordered, right down to the jalapeno cilantro drink, named "El Kallejon" that had spicy red jalapeno peppers and just the right amount of kick.
The food was outstanding, and really great homemade sauces served with tiny adorable wooden spoons. My mind was blown away by the jalapeno raspberry sauce on our dessert. Truly an inspiration to my own cooking. The owner was so nice and generous by giving us a complimentary dish and a complimentary dessert. The Hamachi tostados were so delish. Every single tapas dish and drink was made with LOVE.
It's a shame this place is so far from me, otherwise I would go back much more often. Absolutely deserves the full amount of stars.
A jewel…
A gem…
An oasis…
Yeah, what they said!
* Delicious small dishes
* Creative mixed drinks (currently only with wine)
* Exceptional service!!!
* Warm indoor décor
* Cute and relaxing outdoor decor
On a quiet Sunday afternoon, we sat in the back outdoor space, being treated with numerous samples from the kitchen and attentive service. This was only my first visit, but my friend says she was treated with the same (seemingly) special attention on a previous visit. It was quiet in the back. I almost forgot I was in East Harlem!
I felt the need to update my review since the last few times I've been here the sangria has been really good! I believe there's a new person at the bar so that could be the reason and after having 4 sangrias during my latest visit I can highly recommend it! Try the cheese plate it's really good!!
Made a pleasant discovery of this place after catching a production of "In The Heights" at The Harlem Repertory Theater.
The ambiance immediately fit right up our alley. A small, intimate setting. Think Mexican hipster without the guilt of trying to hard to be cool. Best fit for a late evening with friends craving cervezas and fish tacos.