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    El Kallejon

    4.5 (375 reviews)
    Open 4:00 pm - 10:30 PM

    El Kallejon Photos

    Business Info

    EL KALLEJON ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Live music
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - El Kallejon

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    Matthew N.

    This floor level (semi basement) Mexican oasis in east harlem is a gem!! The chef is from Mexico City and has recreated some of the comfort food and dishes from his home city. The food is all delicious and fairly priced (for Manhattan). There is an extensive cocktail list and it's all very tasty. The setting is super unique, as it used to be an apartment and now resembles a Mexican garage/love letter to Cuidad de Mexico. Highly recommend a slow, casual dinner with a date or friends here! Stay a while and soak in the vibes and history of the place.

    View of the main room.

    A feast for all of your senses! So much to see, live music and very tasty food. Best sangria I've ever had. Top that off with friendly and attentive service (possibly from the owner).

    Melody M.

    It was good and the decorations are nice. Unfortunately, considering the portion and taste, in relation to the price, it's not really worth it. I really wanted to like this place but it's just okay.

    Flan
    Rob M.

    Easily one of the most fun and unique restaurants in the city. It is a straight up party. From the instant you walk through the door, El Kallejon is vibrant, eccentric, and colorful. The walls, bar, and nearly every surface imaginable are bedecked with miscellaneous baubles and trinkets. And the menu keeps the party going. Most of the food offerings are smallish, tapas-style portions. All of them are delicious and perfect for sharing. We have come a few times for dinner, but it's also great for pre or post-dinner drinks, snacks, apps, or desserts. Regardless of the occasion, it's a an awesome, lively place to bring friends.

    Honor G.

    Pros Located in East Harlem Lively aesthetics Creative aesthetics Colorful aesthetics Eccentric aesthetics One of a kind aesthetics Authentic food Fresh & superb food Small business Welcoming ambiance Funny and caring chef... Enersto? Outside seating area Accommodating chef Interesting cocktails Cons Limited vegetarian option Limited menu option $$$ Best Mexican food I've ever had!

    Fish tacos
    Kyra K.

    The fish tacos were small but really good. The fry was perfect and just yummy. The service was good, very cute and colorful and fun inside as well. Only had a small fan so was quite hot during July. They had a restroom which was nice.

    Guacamole
    Kae K.

    We came late one Friday for cocktails. The owner greeted us very warmly upon arrival. We ordered drinks, guacamole, and customized the queso without shrimp. Very cozy vibes. Loved the bench seating in the back. Would recommend for date nights, catching up with friends, bringing out of towners, and bonding with colleagues. Everything was so fresh and obviously made with love. Staff is really kind, as well. Will def be back!!

    Outdoor dining
    Shanita M.

    I stumbled by this cute restaurant while waiting for my reservation at another nearby eatery. I went in looking for a quick cocktail to pass time. The establishment is very cute and modest. It gives the vibe of a very small family owned business. My waitress was the cutest and very polite. While I was there, I had a cocktail and an "entree" We did wait a while, but I did not mind. With the eclectic decor, I felt I was abroad on holiday. The space is very small and intimate. Date night perfect. My cocktail was different and house crafted. And when my "entree" arrived, I was a little surprised as it was a small plate. Only now that I am writing this review do I see this restaurant listed as tapas.I did not mind the portion being smaller but not what I expected for a shrimp and crab quesadilla. My friends entree the same. It worked out perfectly for us because we originally did not go in for dinner, so this was the perfect appetizer. I will say the fish tacos were really good. I really enjoyed the experience and would go back. The only suggestion I would give management is to either include gratuity or find a system that after a person pays, they can sign and add tip. It felt awkward with the tip situation. Not only do I recommend but hope to return soon.

    Flatbread
    Giselle G.

    I came here a while back and I did not complete the review. This place was absolutely delicious. The food was delicious and he even gave us samples of other things on the menu. The flatbread was very good and a great option for sharing. The flatbread had the right amount of ingredients. The drinks were very good and I would definitely be back. I look forward to returning and trying other items. Their smoked fish tacos are amazing; it is very small but is very flavorful. They also have postcards and it is a very nice concept. The interior has a nice vibe and colorful. I believe they have outdoor dining but it was cold and we preferred to sit inside.

    Menu
    Elianny S.

    This place is still amazing! Nestor the owner is very into the details and constantly looking for ways to reinvent the menu. We tried a delicious flan with avocado puree that was light and creamy. The cocktails are really good. I'm looking forward to the summer when they open up the back patio. This is my favorite Mexican spot in East Harlem.

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    1 year ago

    Néstor the owner is always welcoming and his dishes are delicious. I would go more but the day I m off there closed.

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    2 years ago

    Food/ Service/ and drinks top Notch! Especially on the east side of Harlem. It's definitely a gem.

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    Page 1 of 10

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    Ask the Community - El Kallejon

    Would you recommend I RSVP for a group of 9 women?

    Yes, please call us at (646) 649-4795

    Do you guys have happy hr?

    Yes we do. Please sit at the bar for our specials. Tuesdays-Sunday from 4:00 PM-7:00 PM.

    Is live music held on only Saturdays?

    We usually have live music, if we are hosting a special event/holiday. We usually promote these events on our Instagram & Facebook page.

    Is there a bottomless brunch?

    Unfortunately, no brunch isn't bottomless.

    View All 5 Questions

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    El Kallejon - tapas - Updated May 2026

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