I have been coming to this place since I was a kid, mostly ordering food for delivery to my house. The food is generally good; however, lately they have hired a lot of disrespectful people to take orders. They are either dismissive of your requests and send you whatever they feel like, even when you are very specific about what you want, or they take an incredibly long time to deliver your order. At this point, it almost seems intentional. Today, I placed my order at 7:00 p.m. I waited an hour and 17 minutes before calling because I wanted to be considerate, as they often take a long time. I was told my order had left only eight minutes earlier. When another 23 minutes passed (an hour and 40 minutes after I had originally placed my order), I called again. A different employee answered and said she would check on the delivery and call me back. When she called back, she informed me that my order had never been made and asked if I would still like them to prepare and send it. I said yes, but I hoped it would be at no cost given what had happened. She said no. If this had been the first time something like this happened, I would have let it go. Unfortunately, this has become a consistent pattern. I have genuinely tried to be understanding, but it is unfair that I had to wait nearly two hours for food that was never even prepared. I also had to stay up much later than planned while waiting, only to end up ordering from somewhere else. What makes the experience even worse is the complete lack of any effort to make things right for the customer. This is terrible customer service that borders on disrespect toward loyal customers. Although I have been a loyal customer for over two decades, I do not appreciate being treated this way. Good food is not enough to make up for consistently poor service and a lack of respect for your customers. read more

come here if you like over cooked steak room temperature rice and beans and to have to get up and get your own drink. just for starters. all this served with the waitres's attitude perfection of what not to visit while in queens..... and if you take this review down I will repost it. btw I'm in the res while writing this review. ciao.... read more

El Rey Restaurant - Supposed to be rare..... - Latin American Near Me - Jamaica, New York

Honestly I don't understand some of the bad reviews. If you aren't used to Dominican/ Puerto Rican food of course the amount of salt or sazon that pours through will be too much for you... but anyway ... this is my go to when I miss my grandmas cooking. I order so much from here that they know my voice when I call and my face when I go in. I had mangu with 3 golpe today and felt like finally giving a review. It was AMAZING. As always though. From the mangu with 3 golpes in the morning to a quick lunch de pernil con arroz y gandules to even a simple batida de lechosa- I have no complaints. I've went in and sat down a few times but I mostly order for pick up and both experiences have been great. I always grab an empanada or a quipe to go and they always hit perfectly. A local staple read more

I had the shrimp Mofongo. Forgot to add the sauce that goes on top but it was SO good! My friend ordered on one of the many apps out there. They came quickly. Food was hot and ready even sitting around while I had to finish some work. They included fresh lime slices and these little containers of sauce (I think l hot sauce). The sauce was delicious too. Only slightly spicy but had a nice kick. I feel like when you order shrimp Mofongo some places try to charge an arm and a leg. This was reasonably priced and delicious. Definitely looking forward to ordering lunch here again. read more

El Rey Restaurant - Shrimp mofongo Monfongo De Camerones - Latin American Near Me - Jamaica, New York

Planning on going tonight to watch the subways series game . Hungry for some delicious food and cold beers read more

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My co worker orders from here all the time. I decided to order breakfast with him today i ordered a Bacon Egg and Cheese and Ham Egg and Cheese both on a roll ( I would save one for lunch) When the delivery came I was very surprised to see it was not on a roll but a long hero bread. The food was hot and fresh, the Ham and Bacon cooked to perfection and not salty at all . Delicious and well worth the $5 as other places I order, the sandwich comes on a smaller roll Thank You El Rey for breakfast this morning, will be ordering again read more

El Rey Restaurant - Ham Egg and Cheese on a large roll - Latin American Near Me - Jamaica, New York

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Every time I order food here for delivery or pick it's a mess or it's wrong it never fails

Food is a little too salty. The rice aka moro is very salty.. if they off the salt on all of their food would be much better. Like add the salt que es adecuadooo dont over do it. read more

Have been there many times and they are very consistent with the good food and cocktails. My favorite it the shrimp mofongo with white sauce. Salads are also large and good. read more

El Rey Restaurant - Margarita and shrimp mofongo with white sauce - Latin American Near Me - Jamaica, New York

I got a guava tres leches cake with my order and was excited to try it. I had a spoonful and thought, "Hey, this isn't very sweet at all....". But maybe it was my gringa tastebuds fooling me. I tried another bite. I was WRONG :((((((. Mold was inside my piece of cake, and I accidentally took two bites without realizing. This is NOT guava, people! That is a fungus tres leches cake. Everybody please pray for me, I will be in the bathroom all day tomorrow. Dios me bendiga. read more

El Rey Restaurant - a piece of dessert in a plastic container - Latin American Near Me - Jamaica, New York

I ordered food from here and it was dry and disgusting the beef stew had a bitter taste the rice was dry and hard and the plaintains were hard and old read more

They get 3 stars STRICTLY because the food here has ALWAYS been good! Kudos to the chef! The service however, UGHHHH! I hate the b**ches that work there including the one I'm assuming is the girlfriend or wife of the young Dominican guy that's often at the register. I always order take out and they give me attitude as if I've been sleeping with their man. I truly just go in, place my order and pay. That's all! No fuss no nothing. Oh but let a man walk in and see how quick they perk up and smile. If you can get past this, the foods worth it, but I'm one more visit away from cursing out the next one that gives me attitude! If you're that miserable, just end yourself! If you're a man, you might love it here! read more

I like this spot but...they make up their prices and give you the wrong order. Management doesn't seem to care about customer service at all. If you do not speak Spanish it seems you receive smaller portions and will wait longer according to my co-workers (this I found out was actually true, I ordered in Spanish and received a larger portion and received my order quickly). read more

Now when I first moved to Jamaica 12 years ago I had checked this place out in person and the nasty attitude of staff to non-Spanish speaking clients and women was noted. Food was good but nothing spectacular but I was so turned off by my initial experience never frequented them again . But during COVID decided to give them a try and glad I did. I have been ordering online from them a lot because there are certain things they do SO RIGHT Generous portions for price -always get 2 servings for any meal All things mofongo especially roast /fried pork Steak Fried pork Avocado salad generous but pricey Ok but not amazing chicken meal and codfish salads Less successful beans, rice ,empanada Did I mention the pork -one of the best fried and roast pork I have had anywhere - had some last night - so if you want some delicious DR pork or steak order hear read more

By far the worse service. I ordered breakfast at 9:33 am and I received it at 11:00 am I had to call them three times and not to mention they blamed it on the delivery guy which was a complete lie because when he arrived and we questioned him he politely apologized and said he only takes orders from the people who work there. The food was not only cold but disgusting. I will not ever eat from there. If I can give them a zero stars I would!! read more

I only eat the Shrimp ceviche, tostones, or the chicken chunks with rice and beans.. so that's why my score is so high. I love the food I mentioned above, the taste/portion is good-- the older woman waitress is the best. The service can be slow, the dudes could be more personable, and the girls especially standing at the bar area wrapping silverware and patrons are waiting for drinks. If you're not going to serve us find someone who will in a timely manner, being a small business isn't an excuse for subpar service. Get it together. read more

This is a small Spanish sit down restaurant in Queens.Did takeout out goat with rice and beans. The food was really good however, I got a lot of bone pieces not enough meat. Overall, this place is well replenished in food from chicken to pork to goat. read more

El Rey Restaurant - Latin American Near Me - Jamaica, New York

A neighborhood favorite . I had the scrambled eggs, mangu(crushed plantains), beef salami with cheese breakfast dish . Definitely filling and am sure you'll probably have a late lunch after eating this. Good space for family and children as the space is abundant with 6 chair tables that can be pushed together or apart based on guest dining size . read more

El Rey Restaurant - Latin American Near Me - Jamaica, New York

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Went here for the first time . Went to the to Go line there was a guy online in front of me and one behind. As I was up next to have my order taken the guy behind counter skipped me and asked the guy behind me what I wanted. I guess they arent to friendly if you aren't Spanish . Sorry i was born white. read more

This place is everything service price portion atmosphere everything was amazing drinks was everything the customer service was like no other ! My birthday was amazing more so due to the amazing waiter we had I highly recommend this place their menu is wide variety I had surf and turf he had shrimp and pasta ! We had so much food to take home ! Haven't been to a place like this since covid ! They are covid safe took temps wear mask tables six feet and contact tracing ! Treat yourself and stop by read more

El Rey Restaurant - T bone broiled steak fried jumbo shrimp with steamed veggies ! Could finish half portions are crazy - Latin American Near Me - Jamaica, New York

Skirt Steak was cooked a bit past my request for Medium to almost well done but was great. The Shrimp was butterflied and had a really good bite, I loved that I got the roasted Jalapeño with my order. Nice bite and would definitely order again, good helping of rice with beans on the side. Came on a Wednesday evening and was seated and greeted immediately. Vanilla Shake was done very well and a good compliment to everything else. read more

El Rey Restaurant - Skirt Steak & Butterfly Shrimp. - Latin American Near Me - Jamaica, New York

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So it's reassuring to see that most clientele here don't only come here because they're on break from doing jury duty 2 blocks away [like I was]; it seems that lunchtime is bustling, and they have regulars! I don't have Dominican food much, so I wanted to try something remotely signature; I chose the mofongo (a mashed fried plaintains mix) con chicharron (fried pork rinds). It was $6 for 1 serving that could fill 2 grease-lovers' mouths. Yes, the gravy was really oily -- but if I am one to order fried plantains and pork cracklings, I have taken away my own right to complain. Overall, I loved the garlicky taste of it. Others ordered chicken+rice+beans, which looked really good too. I only wish everything were cheaper, and more fitting for this seedy neighborhood. The prices are higher than on their menus listed through third-parties online. I wouldn't say service is friendly, but they get the job done. read more

El Rey Restaurant - mofongo con chicharron, take out. - Latin American Near Me - Jamaica, New York

... downstairs takeout area is cramped, and the service slow. Excellent Cuban Sandwiches! read more

The food is ok. But that is where the positives end! The service is horrible. They use pretty much every trick in the book to add to your bill. They love to play "Fast, & Loose" with the prices they charge. Apparently the bill goes according to whatever mood their in on the day you arrive. But I will add that more often, than not. you will be a little offended by your bill. At the register. The counter person, and the cashier exchanged comments on what to charge. Not once was I asked If i was happy, ok, is there anything else? It's safe to say that this is by Far the worse restaurant experience that i have ever experienced! Stay away!!! read more

I must have passed by this place a million times and was finally able to have dinner here one night after a friend came up with the bright idea. The food is delicious! My boyfriend has eaten a lot of churassco in his lifetime and puts the steak he had here in his "Top 5". I don't eat red meat so I had the mofongo with chicken and cheese which I absolutely loved. It was nicely seasoned and not too dry. The staff is pleasant but very sluggish around the restaurant. Our food came out fast but the check took a a very long time to come. Perhaps next time I will do a to-go order and enjoy the food in the comfort of my home. read more

El Rey Restaurant - Dinner for 4 - Latin American Near Me - Jamaica, New York

Passed by this place for years without going in. Finally decided to get some food for mothers day from here. The food is great. I work with Dominicans that can vouch that this food is for real. The Sopa de Mondongo and Espagete were on point. My only issue in this place is the service..or lack of it I should say. I only go in to make orders for take out and I can literally stand in front of the register while employees walk by or talk between each other like I am not there. The only way I have been able to get food here is to actually call out to someone walking by and tell them I want to order now. Other than that, great food read more

El Rey Restaurant - Espagete!!!!! Dominicano!!! - Latin American Near Me - Jamaica, New York

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Pretty decent dominican food that is fairly priced. The Dominican breakfast is delicious and for $5 or $5.50, you can't beat it. The Chimichurri here is better than most of the trucks in Queens, but that might not be saying much. Service is good. They recently opened the second floor which is good because there wasn't much seating before and they now have karaoke nights? That should be interesting. Overall this is a good spot when you want some home-cooked-style Dominican food for a decent price. (around 10 bucks for a meal) read more

El Rey Restaurant - Dominican breakfast for $5.50...amazing - Latin American Near Me - Jamaica, New York

My #1 Spanish restaurant in E. NY. The food is always tasty, served in large portions and very affordable. The staff is also friendly.

Liked this place until I found a rubber band in my empanada. I called to notify them and they did nothing, not that I wanted anything in return but some sort of apology or an offer to compensate what was spent would've been the courteous thing to do. Unfortunately I haven't returned since and probably never will. Their food is average, rotisserie chicken is dry and on the salty side. read more

El Rey Restaurant - Latin American Near Me - Jamaica, New York

My review is mostly based on their soup. Other than their soup I've only had the beef stew which was ok. The soup here is really good. It has noodles and chicken and carrots and tons of stuff. The large is big enough for two people to share. I always get soup from here when I'm sick. Add a little hot sauce and you're set. This soup is really a meal in itself. It's very filling. Three stars for their soup. read more

So fun! Came here for easter and had a great time. We arrived with a party of 11. All ordered food and the wait was long, but the toasted bread made up for it. Don't expect five star service or food. Service was good, not great- but it was also easter and packed the three hours we were there. My food in particular was cold but still okay. I have to say the atmosphere here is fantastic! They had music playing and everyone at our table was dancing bachata, salsa, merengue all night! Had such a great time. Plates are very cheap. Great casual place to go to on the weekend. Will certainly be back, it was soooo much fun! read more

Service is good. Food was tasty but I felt the fried turkey/chicken could use more seasoning. But it's good if you have high blood pressure, and like the no added salt. They give you salad and bread. Which were delicious. No homemade salad dressing here. All in all, I would come back and I would try a different meal. The homemade hot sauce made the chicken flavorful and DELICIOUS. read more

El Rey Restaurant - Latin American Near Me - Jamaica, New York

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The food was good but this rating is mostly about the service. We came in and were not greeted by the host. So we figured we'll go sit upstairs but they told us it was closed and to sit on the main floor. We were waiting and waiting and waiting for a menu. If they told us to sit on the main floor it means they knew we were there. I ordered the shrimp mofongo and pointed at the lady which one. She gave me the most expensive one: jumbo shrimp, $12 vs. $16. I asked if they had fresh juice like fruit punch and she gave me a Snapple bottle. Once I kindly ask for passionfruit in exchange I could tell it wasn't fresh. Fine they don't offer fresh juices. The kicker was the bill. It was three of us and there was a gratuity of 20% already included. Please be warned! read more

El Rey Restaurant - Mofongo with Jumbo Shrimp - Latin American Near Me - Jamaica, New York

Came here for dinner with good friends to celebrate a birthday. The food was delicious & the server Grace, was very good! She was attentive & very courteous to all of us. Highly recommend this place for yummy Spanish food & the price is very reasonable!!! So come here if you are on a budget & Want very good Spanish food! read more

The food is good. The wait for your order makes it frustrating to go there. We placed the order by phone. And still had to wait an additional 30 minutes, while others walked in and got their orders right away. read more

I have mixed feelings about this place, the food is good , the ambience is a bit subpar.

Don't go here if you are Black and don't speak Spanish. Especially don't go here, if you are black, female, and attractive. The food is good and that is why I used to frequent it. My mom lives nearby so, I have been here SEVERAL TIMES. Each time I kept giving this place the benefit of doubt. Now I am sure that they purposefully mistreat Black customers. I have witnessed, blacks being waited on last, having to wait extra long for their orders as the waitress does everything else INSTEAD of serve them. I have seen attractive black females walk in and the female staff roll their eyes. The following incidents happened to me, and that is why I will no longer go here. TIME 1: I walked in to get coffee and two other Latinos came in AFTER me. The cashier waited on them first, going through their complicated orders, and ringing them up before she even looked at me. TIME 2: I walked in to buy a Pepsi and some tostones (plantains). I was paying for my order, and one waitress deliberately bumped me out of her way, so that she could reach the phone, and proceeded to have the phone wire tangle directly in my face as she spoke on the phone while I was trying to pay for my order. TIME 3: I walked in to get a large coffee. I was quoted a price of 2.50. NOT EVEN STARBUCKS SELLS A GRANDE FOR 2.50. A person behind ordered the same thing in Spanish, and the cashier said 1.25. I know the difference between "dos cinquenta" and "una veinticinco". I said "Oh his coffee is 1. 25 and mine is 2.50. That is when I walked out and left the coffee. No need to interpret that one. I had to pay extra for her to service me a black person. Iwould give this place less than a star for that last bit of treatment read more

I eat here pretty often but my co worker recently put me up on the boneless chicken chunks and let me tell you they are absolutely delicious. They are cooked just right you can taste the juiciness in every bite. They taste better and better each time I order. Along with the yellow rice and beans on the side & salad this is now my favorite dish from this spot. There's kinda a wait for delivery but trust me it is well worth it read more

El Rey Restaurant - Delicious boneless chicken chunks - Latin American Near Me - Jamaica, New York

If I could give zero stars I would. Let me list all the reasons why this place deserves no stars: First, I should not have to wait more than fifteen minutes to place an order when the resturant is not busy. Second, if you do not speak spanish, you should not go to this resturant! Regardless if I look hispanic, it does not mean I speak spanish. If I speak to you in english, I expect for my server to speak to me back in english not in spanish. I clearly told the server I did not speak spanish and she only spoke to me in spanish. Rude! Third, my server messed up my order up but instead of correcting it said this is what I ordered. Excuse me I know what I ordered. Fourth , why do I have to ask to get a drink refill? It is your job to check on your customers. It was clear that this resturant does not care to do that. Fifth, I have never had a server argue with me and to make matters worse she still spoke to me in Spanish. Seriously! Sixth, the food wasn't worth the price. Steak was overcooked, I did not order shrimp and the rice and beans were just okay. Overall, it was not worth it. My order was messed up and my server argued with me. Never in my life have I had such a horrible experience before. I will never be back to this resturant again! read more

Roaches, roaches roaches... Smh I suggest if your going to keep dining here, you double, triple check your food. My colleagues and I ordered the exact same thing, half rotisserie chicken and vegetables. So, I'm eating my food and almost to the bottom of the vegetables, a ROACH in the bottom of my food hiding under a piece of broccoli!! He wasn't already dead neither like a roach caucus, it looked almost alive as though it passed out from the steam in the container .. Talking about disgusted, I threw up immediately!! We called back and the guy had the nerve to say, 'it wasn't in there when I made the food and I made it myself'.... Who says that?? He said that he would replace the vegetables but even then, I couldn't help myself to eat them. I called and placed a complaint with 311 and I'm urging everyone to do the same.. read more

El Rey Restaurant - The roach I found in the bottom of my food - Latin American Near Me - Jamaica, New York