First time at El Cid last night and let me say, it blew me away. The service was first class and the food was phenomenal. Come hungry because the portions are huge. Can't recommend giving this place a try enough. The manager (I think his name is Rob) checked in on us multiple times and was very welcoming and friendly. read more

El Cid - Spanish Near Me - Paramus, New Jersey

This past Christmas Eve day, I was off from work, as was my birth mother, and she suggested we get together for dinner, as we both had to work the next day (she's 16 years older than me, but in better health...no migraines, no cataracts...and much more together overall than I am). I was agreeable. Dinner would be her Christmas gift to me. I picked her up and we drove to the Viva Margarita in Wallington, where we often eat. In the past I wrote a positive review about them. It was about 1pm when we pulled in, and the parking lot was empty, except for 1 car containing 2 guys. I tried the front door of the restaurant; it was locked. I know a lot of restaurants close on Christmas Day (I have vivid memories of being on my own on Christmas Day over 20 years ago, and the only restaurant I could find open after an increasingly desperate search was a Chinese take-out place at an otherwise empty mini-mall in Wayne), but why Christmas Eve? I got into the car, shrugged. My birth mother looked at the 2 guys in the other car. They looked away. I glanced over, saw them looking at us again, but they quickly turned away when they saw me giving them the once-over. I was hoping they were going to get out of the car and proceed to open the place up, but they remained seated, staring straight ahead when they weren't casting furtive glances our way. Were they, like us, potential patrons confused about whether the place was going to open or not? Were they employees (I quickly chastised myself-- Sure, Mr. Liberal, just because they look Hispanic, they must be employees. So much for your pompously self-declared progressive ideals...)? Maybe they thought WE were the employees, and were waiting for us to open the place up? Maybe they were just 2 guys who parked in an empty parking lot to talk, or smoke, or whatever. After a few more seconds of increasingly ridiculous back-and-forth looks, I finally stated the obvious to my birth mother: "This place must be closed." "What about those guys in the car next to us?" "I don't know, but I don't think we're getting inside today." As I pulled away, she mentioned El Cid in Paramus. I had never heard of it, but she said she had gone there a few times over the years and that they served pretty good burgers and such. I was game. I followed her directions north through Lodi, Rochelle Park, and into Paramus. El Cid is a pretty big place, and parking was plentiful. George Washington Cemetery, where my parents are buried, is only a stone's throw away. Inside, we were escorted through a spacious dark paneled room to a table in the corner and presented with menus and a basket of fresh bread. The prices on the menu were very high, and my birth mother agreed that they must have upgraded things entirely since she last ate here. I offered to help with money, but she declined, insisting it was her treat. I could pay the tip, which I did. Let's just say the tip cost as much as I might pay for a entire meal in some lesser establishment. I can't remember what she had, but I ordered Arroz Con Pollo, which was Spanish rice with chicken breast. The addition of chorizo was an extra charge. I was tempted, but given that Mom was paying, I denied myself. Turns out, it was just as well. The food was plentiful and delicious. It seemed a more simplified version of Paella, which I used to eat at the Portuguese restaurants on Ferry St. in Newark back in the ancient days of my youthful gluttony. That paella was served with all kinds of chicken, seafood and sausage, but now, in my old age, I didn't miss all that over-abundance. El Cid's version was more limited in terms of ingredients-- Spanish rice and chicken breast-- but it was perfect. Plenty of stellar food that left me completely full, but not to the point where I was uncomfortable. It was served with Spanish chips, which were tasty, crispy, and not oily like the potato chips from my childhood (and adolescence). Spanish chips were unfamiliar to me, but they were excellent. For dessert, we split a large, creamy slice of carrot cake. Service was friendly and efficient. Bathrooms were clean. Like I've said, the prices here are, plebeian that I am, VERY high but the food is wonderful, and there's plenty of it. Highly recommended. read more

Sunday night and it was very empty, which should've told us something but having gone so many times before new owners took over we decided to give it a shot. I ordered the seafood paella which was terrible. Chef cut the scallops into little squares - why??? Paella itself was sitting in a pond of butter and I didn't even want to try the rice because the butter just over saturated it. They gave me a separate plate of rice and it was undercooked and crunchy. Husband ordered the NY strip which he enjoyed . The "fresh chips" were stale. Straw that broke the camels back was husband ordered the chocolate mousse cake and it had mold on it!! New owners are supposedly same owners that own Nanni's in Rochelle Park. Went there once a few months ago and similarly won't go back there either. read more

El Cid - Molded chocolate mousse cake. - Spanish Near Me - Paramus, New Jersey

THANK YOU for a fantastic evening. The food was superb and the service was first class. You really looked after us, your organisation skills are second to none. My husband had his birthday party here last night for 45 people. Everything was perfect. The owner, Rob and his superb team are the best. I would 100% recommend El Cid. read more

Enjoyed the grand Re-Opening of this local gem! The space is the same lovely classic interior with dark accents. The bartenders were friendly and prepared delicious cocktails. Since this was an event we didn't try their menu but rather the complimentary offerings which were very good especially the fresh shrimp cocktail! Looking forward to returning. read more

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This is the second time I have been here since they reopened and the food is fantastic. It is hard not to miss my old friends who I spent so many meals with over the years but the new management is fantastic and the spirit of the place is still there. Wonderful staff. Great food. Like all trips to El Cid in the past: if you can finish it you are probably eating more than you should. The stuffed scallop was amazing as was the filet mignon sandwich. The red sangria was on point and my mule was perfect. Finish up with their flan which has always been a favorite. Sorry there are no pictures. I was more interested in eating than playing critic. read more

Very sad. What was once a fabulous restaurant has really taken a turn for the worst. Maybe I'm not the only one thinking this as in a Friday night prime time the place was empty. My cocktail tasted like the St Germaine was fermented - old. That was the least of my problems when the salmon came out. Very fishy. It looked beautiful on the plate- a nice thick piece but the taste was disappointing. The other diner I was with had the shrimp & rice. Shrimp was overcooked - rice not bad but it does come from a box. Not regular rice. I'd like to say I'll return but with options like Taverna Mykonos & RP Prime so close will probably opt for those since they were not disappointing. read more

Food (4.1) Service (4.3) Ambiance (3.9) We enjoyed the meal. We started with the Shrimp in Garlic which was good. Average sized shrimp in a nice butter sauce, went well with their fresh bread. We shared the Mariscada in Green sauce and the Filet Mignon. The Mariscada (fish/clam/muscle stew) was good but I have had better. The shrimp were the same, average sized where I would like to have seen large, over 1" shrimp. The lobster meat was chewy and after some effort I gave up and left some on the side of my dish. The claw was tender as they always are. The sauce was very similar to what they used for the shrimp in garlic sauce, still very nice along with their fresh bread. I am not a meat fan but must say their Filet Mignon was fabulous. Very tender and fairly priced for a large piece that can easily feed 2 average people. We split one between 4 of us along with 2 fish dishes which was perfect. The service was very good, almost too good. They visit very often to ensure water glasses are filled and dirty dishes are removed. One time they didn't return with the a shell dish so we waived them down. The location has been through various establishments, I couldn't get "Nichols Alley" out of mind since the rooms have not changed from that classic pub which lived there for many years. The ambiance is nice, appropriate for any semi-formal event yet you will feel comfortable in any attire. They have the same popular bar area from earlier establishments, with what looked like very well crafted drinks. I was not drinking this evening but the ladies said the Red Sangria was very good. We would return. read more

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Always go to El Cids on SPECIAL OCCASIONS....plus we must always finish our meal with an El CID coffee And a delicious Flan!!!!! read more

Pretty solid all around, the steak tips were nicely cooked, the sauce was good had a nice balance of spice and earthiness (great for bread dipping). For my main I got the paella , the rice was so good , loaded with garlic. The dish was filled with seafood, most of which was overcooked unfortunately. The muscles were also very small. The lobster was the best part and was cooked to perfection, and tasted great. read more

El Cid - Spicy steak tips - Spanish Near Me - Paramus, New Jersey

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Excellent dishes Superior service Always busy Reservations suggested and probably required read more

El Cid is back and better than ever! Friendly and attentive service! The food is absolutely delicious! We ordered the lobster tails and bone in ribeye, both cooked to perfection! You can taste the quality! Loved the Spanish chips and rice with veggies! Sooo good! read more

El Cid - Spanish Chips - Spanish Near Me - Paramus, New Jersey

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Some reviews here seem a bit harsh but it's highly probable it simply depends what you order and when you go. I'll tell you what I believe is fantastic ... Appetizers: the chorizo and garlic shrimp are top notch, and that is coming from a foodie. I'm not sure if the chorizo is even listed on the menu. Be sure to order it. I also love the smaller shrimp. Much different taste experience compared to larger (chewier) shrimp. The garlic danced in my mouth and not in a too much type of way. Entre: love, love, love the filet medallions covered in a (yummy) dark sherry sauce. Absolutely fantastic, cooked perfectly (rare in my case), and super tender. Coupled with some complimentary veggies. A good value on price. I'd also add I'm a big fan of the shrimp w/ Spanish rice and the chicken (name evades me). Soups are 'good'. Nothing that stood out as a wow. Same as salad. Service has always been excellent. Attentive, pleasant. Manuel was my server the last time and steered me in the direction of the filet medallions after I peppered him with a few questions. I'm happy he did. The ambience is nice. Old school bar and vibe. I tend to go for lunch so can't speak to Friday or Saturday nights. On a positive side, it's nice to be able to actually have a discussion where you can hear the people talking to you :). In terms of pricing, seems reasonable enough. I certainly wouldn't call it cheap nor would I call it a rip-off. You get what you pay for in this life and unfortunately food prices have risen sharply. read more

This a very family cozy restaurant, the service is great the food is excellent , it's a little pricey but they give you a lot for the price , I couldn't fished all, delicious sea food . I have been coming here for many years . It's was closed for few years because the pandemic but now they reopened and still so good , I strongly recommend. read more

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Lovely ambience. Professional servers who care about accommodating patrons Delicious and fresh food We return again and again read more

The spicy steak tip were great. Homemade chips very good as well. The shrimp and lobster in green sauce was mostly shrimp and was flavorless somehow. Very disappointing. Scallops were cooked well. Sangria mediocre. We were extremely rushed throughout. Unfortunately we won't be returning. read more

The portion sizes are huge, and the Prime Rib is hands-down the best in Bergen County -- always spot-on and never disappoints. The drinks are fantastic, and the sangria? I could drink it by the gallon! Can't wait to come back! read more

El Cid - Prime Rib - Spanish Near Me - Paramus, New Jersey

The management! Our waitress was funny and efficient, but that was the end of the positive experience. I walked into a bar area, no host, a guy was eating and begrudgingly got up and sat me. (I had a reservation) The sangria was okay. They bought the appetizer and meal at the same time. The appetizer was good, the entrees were average. They asked about dessert, we ordered a latte and an expresso martini. The bill came before the drinks. I had not even signed it before they came for it twice, meanwhile when my drink arrived they stared at me and continued to come over and ask if we were done. I saved the best for last. Before leaving they saw us enter the bathroom and deliberately turned off the lights. I have NEVER been treated so badly in my life. One and done read more

Wife and I used to live in NJ and eaten at El CID on many occasions. We returned from FL just to re enjoy the reopening of EL CID. We read mixed reviews and higher prices like everything else has jumped . We arrived for early dinner and ordered our traditional Prime rib, twin lobsters (come with 3 lobsters) just like old days and paella Valenciana and fried potato chips. It was wonderful. Taste was perfect. Prime rib medium rare center cut cooked to perfection and taste. Lobsters were to die for. sweet succulent cooked perfectly. Paella was outstanding delicious. Relived a fantastic memory of fine Spanish cuisine at EL CID . Definitely won't be our last when we visit NY/NJ. read more

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Not the same since Vinnie sold, food with new owners is sub-par, smaller portion size with higher price. Red Mariscada, which I have eaten in both Spain, Portugal, and loved Vinnie's came out brown, don't know how that happened? Sea bass is a 1/4 size of how Vinnie served it. Segovia Steak House is our new preferred choice. read more

Not the same. Ridiculously Expensive. $30 for an Appetizer...really? Food not like the old El Cid. Very Disappointed. read more

We are so happy El Cid has reopened! They've only been open 2 weeks. Service was great. Everyone was very nice and attentive. Appetizers took a little long to come out but like I said they just reopened. Good and bad things about the food. Tha lamb chops were amazing, lots of flavor. Our favorite was always the shrimp and garlic and continues to be now. It was great. Shrimps are larger than the previous ones. The cold crab cocktail had a good portion for the price and flavor was good. The scallops were also very good, cooked perfect but lacking a tiny bit of flavor even though served garlic spinach so that was surprising. The lobster however was overcooked. And the rice was very bland it definitely needs spices. The menu overall is significantly smaller but still great options. The acoustics upstairs also make it pretty loud up there. We will definitely be back to try this place out again and hopefully we can give it 5 starts next time. :) read more

This place is not worth the time or the money. The food is extremely overpriced for what you get, and the quality is very poor. To make matters worse, I saw a waitress leave a bathroom stall without washing her hands. I reported it to another staff member, who spoke with her, and she claimed that she was only washing her face, which was not true. Because of this experience, I will never return to this location. read more

It was our first time coming here. The menu had alot of nice options. Everything was a bit pricey. However, I must say that I had the best surf and turf! The steak was so flavorful and both the steak and lobster were so tender. The sangria was just ok for me. Not bad but I've had better. The table next to us had glasses of wine and they looked like generous pours. May try that next time. Sides were good. Dessert was typical but nicely plated. Overall a great experience. read more

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Excellent service, very attentive. Food came out quick although the restaurant had a lot of open tables for a Friday evening, last time I was here I remember waiting almost an hour. We had steak which was cooked the way we ordered. Rice vegetables and chips were all good too. Chorizo was a little dry, but still tasty. We didn't have any cocktails or seafood so I can't comment on that. I'll come back. read more

Food was delicious, atmosphere was awesome, and staff were so friendly and accommodating. Made a great night out for my husband and me. Highly recommend and will be going back soon! read more

My brother and I had decided to take a short drive to the "newly re-opened" ElCid restaurant, after visiting my Parents at George Washington Memorial Cemetery. It's been a long journey (kidding), and I was looking forward to a good meal. Not knowing the hours, we took our chances and happy that they sat us immediately.... That was until I looked at the walll! (see pic below) That brought back memories of St. Joseph's ER and the 'clean' "blanket" they provided me (see my picture in my review). I, again, will repeat myself, a picture says 1,000 words! I am very critical when it comes to dining out, especially now-a-days with the economy and COVID... looking at my brother's face, I refrained from saying anything since today was a remembrance of Life and an appreciation of the life that was given to us. The reason why this review below. We were greeted by a waitress, and asked for bottled water. A few seconds later a busser came over with VERY VERY hard bread, wrapped in a black napkin. A white napkin should be used, since fingerprints from the flour and residue were clearly visible. Another busser came over and attempted to fill our glasses with tap, I knew it was going to be the beginning of a rough ride - no communication! The menu was simple, and being a pescatarian, the choices were limiting. I played safe and ordered a house salad with bleu cheese dressing. I questioned the server if their house dressing had anchovies, and she had no clue. She told me the house dressing did have oil and vinegar. Thanks! My brother ordered Stuffed Oysters as an appetizer, which looked very oily and he said it was 'okay'. My salad ... iceberg lettuce, sliced tomatoes and red onions - nothing fancy - for $9. The bleu cheese dressing did taste if horseradish was added, which was unusual. For my main, I asked the waitress how the Shrimp with Spanish Rice was prepared...was there a sauce, etc.? She said it was just like a paella, with just shrimp...Okay? Again, Since the menu was limiting...and not really getting any answers from the server, that's what I ordered - my brother ordered the shrimp enchiladas. That dish looked so much nicer and better than mine for a dollar more! His had hot peppers (not mentioned on menu), a heaping side of rice along with mixed vegetables, and for the table, fresh unseasoned potato chips. My dish - was oily and shrimp were overcooked and looked like the dish went under the broiled at the last minute-since the tails came out charred. We both were wondering were we to share the veggies? During this fiasco, I asked the server not to pour our bottled water, and he had an attitude by saying, fine I won't come back! We must have felt like 10 mins waiting, our silverware in the proper position, for someone to come by to take dirty dishes off the table. Well I had to ask that same waiter to remove out plates, instead of taking the two main dishes, he walked away empty handed, went in the kitchen to get the busser. Oh sorry, after that, YES, it was more than 10 mins. We decided not to stay for dessert, it sounded like everything came from Bindi (local dessert distributor) anyway and not made in-house! Asking for the check, he dropped it then, we immediately placed the card on top and again, waited. After 10 mins, I turned to my brother to say should I just get up and run the card!? They only had 3 other tables, they weren't that busy! No manager came over to touch the table, service was horrific! Food was even worse. For my brother to say that was the worst experience, says something! BTW, I am writing this because I went online to look at their menu again, the message came up as coming soon, same as the photos and specials. I tried to call, however, the message stated that " the calls party is temporarily unavailable, please try again later. " Sad, I LOVE the woodwork and sure remind me of the days of Nickel's Alley. If they keep this up, it's certain to close, AGAIN! read more

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Oh where to begin... I was so excited to come back here again after finding out it was reopened. Walking through the doors brought back great memories of a time long gone. First the good. The ambiance was as it was before. Eclectic. Part American steak house. Part Spanish tavern. Part old-school bar. We were seated in the iconic attic dining area. Just wonderful. The staff and management were very courteous but the restaurant was understaffed. Having grown up in the restaurant business I could decisively say there were too many generals and too few soldiers. It be nice to see a manager or maitre D help out. The appetizers were good yet not outstanding. The chorizo was good but way too salty, even for chorizo. The garlic shrimp were on point. The clams casino were excellent. Wish we ordered more. Now to the bad. The sangria was warm and reminiscent of the bottled store bought variety. The bone in prime rib cuts were interesting. Definitely not aged and definitely not of the original El Cid variety. There was little marbling and the texture seemed off. Almost grainy. The cook temperatures were off for at least for some of the group. My steak, which was ordered medium rare, had a distinctive dry pan sear on top. The others were obviously finished in a broiler. Maybe my steak fell and they served it upside down? The taste was unremarkable. The surf and turf was above average with a sizable portion of tenderloin and turf. The sides were average. I won't get into the details of each but they were average and not substantial. Service was friendly yet very slow. We had a large group but it was about a half hour between the appetizers and the main course. Now to the ugly. At least 2 of our group had intestinal distress later that evening and 1 had it early morning. Won't go into details. Nostalgia aside I was sadly disappointed. Not sure if I would give it another try again. I would expect more at even less of a price point. 2.5 stars for now. read more

El Cid is back- not exactly the same but damn close- Sangria recipe needs some work but lobster, shrimp, chips all very good- very good service, needs to have lights dimmed a little and background music needs to be more classy. If your into the big prime rib dish , it's there also- So they are really putting in the effort and now they take reservations as well- definitely want to support them- my advice is to go expecting a level 3 and be pleasantly surprised when it turns out to be closer to a 4- read more

This was by far the worst lobster dinner I have had. I ordered the 3 lobster special for 79.00 and asked that the lobsters be steamed. What was brought out were 3 lobsters that looked like they had been cooked previously and then reheated and brought to the table. The lobsters were lukewarm and overcooked and very dry. One lobster in particular was a different dark color like it had been sitting around...not like it was freshly cooked. The lobster meat was dry and rubbery. I've been to El Cid many times over the years. This time was absolutely a disappointing end to my love for this restaurant. Will not go back again. Over priced and mediocre .​ read more

Upon arrival we were told the reservation for 4 had been crossed out. The hostess then seated us at a table for 6-8 next to the prep station and entry door with excessly cold air conditioning. After moving the waiter was less than helpful with the ordering process. The food was okay but the Spanish potato chips had to be requested when we were coming to the completion of our dinners. read more

We were thrilled that they'd re-opened!, but we're very disappointed, The food was not nearly as good. The salmon, which used to be great, was inedible, it was dry and tasteless. The chips, which they now charge for, were overcooked and tasteless. The rice was very greasy The service was excellent. The prices are way higher for much less. Lunch for 2 was $120 with no appetizer or drinks! Definitely overpriced. read more

Many years ago, my boyfriend used to take me there for Valentine's Day and other occasions. The food was great. They were closed and now they are open if you like Spaniard food, this is still a place to go. when you go in you see a lot of armor statues it's amazing inside. The sangria is to die for. lobster is great. read more

Simply amazing and the Prime Rib is spectacular and very large. The bar is nice as well. So glad it reopened under new ownership. read more

Was introduced to this restaurant last year,been back many times since! Always good and enjoyable!!! For this dinner, we only had four people, and we order their super size prime rib, twin lobsters (3), seafood paella, 2 order escargot, shrimps entree. Of course there is leftover to take home, I think that's the norm for this place, because price value for the portion and good quality of well prepared foods, my son comments "How are they making money!!??" We'll be back soon!! read more

I ordered the paella. The seafood was fresh and tasty. The rice lacked the crispy bottom a paella should have. Service is excellent.

Amazing food and service. Growing up in Bergen county. Went to the old owners all the time decided to give it a try and it was nothing short of spectacular. The ribeye was amazing. read more

Food is terrible Service are good Ambiance late 60s early 70s This place had horrible menu Salad is joke, lettuce and 3 slices of tomatoes There is absolutely nothing good on the menu, seafood was horrible, the rice in the paella is flooded with liquid, the Mariscada is horrible. The lobster was so chewy we had to spit it out Why is this place even open. read more

Outstanding meal! Everything was delicious and perfectly prepared and presented. Lamb chops, paella, surf and turf, garlic shrimp, signature potato chips ... all outstanding. Very accommodating and welcoming as well. We will be back soon. read more

Recently reopened since before Covid. ith new owners. My daughters took me here for my birthday and the food was excellent although menu choices a lot less than the usual but enough choices. We were 7 people and 2 people had the rack of lamb said best they ever tasted. 3 chicken dishes were outstanding , the salmon was great and my shrimp dish was outstanding. the appetizers, garlic shrimp and chorizo were also great. Could have used more help because the place was very crowded and they don't take reservations was about the only negative they have the original decor. Highly recommend. read more