Came here for the first time in passing and omg I want to return a million times…read more Their shrimp ceviche is BOMBBBBBB. The service was top notch and the employees were welcoming and friendly . Ruby was my bartender and the two ladies that were servers were sooooo friendly omg. I felt like family even though it was my first time here . Diana was the best ! I would return anytime

I loved this place! The service was amazing! Diana, our server was so welcoming and kind. The food…read moreis delicious and fresh. They have cute backdrops to take photos for IG and their menu is extensive. We tried the calentado breakfast which was on point! Can't wait to go back for dinner.

Came for lunch with my wife…read more We split everything, like a good marriage. And how can you not resist and share something so good. I ordered the hot dog special. It was topped with crispy potatoes string fries. On top of a subtle relish. And a crispy hot dog. It was so delicious. My wife at the non meat pierogi. The dough and filling had the perfect ratio. Cooked very well as the dough didnt have an firmy or overly cooked bites. And the onion topping had such a great sweet finish. Can't wait to come back for dinner. Bonus- I just adore the space. The details and the feeling of calm was great.

Stopped at Pierogi Boys for lunch after reading about founders Krzysztof Poluchowicz and Andrzej…read moreKinczyk, life and business partners who started the business as a stall in Dekalb Market. The interior evoked elements of interwar and Communist-era Poland. The wooden booths, bar stools, glass paneling, and light fixtures created a homey yet bright atmosphere, and even the bathroom carried through the historic aesthetic. The plates were also done in a traditional Polish pottery style. Given the name of the establishment, we had to try the pierogi. Aside from the meat (z mięsem) and sauerkraut & mushroom (z kapustą i grzybami), there were also potato & cheese (ruskie), ranging from $14-$16 for lunch. Each order came with six pierogi and were filling enough that we had some leftover to bring home. The pierogi z kapustą i grzybami were traditional, with a filling that had nice flavor and texture, though I think they could have used a bit less dill on top. The pierogi z mięsem were more non-traditional, incorporating beef cheek alongside pork. These were also very good, with tender meat. We also ordered the pickled cucumbers, onions, and mushrooms (kiszonki), which provided a nice contrast in both texture and flavor to the pierogi. The menu included inventive cocktails incorporating Polish flavors like apple cake (szarlotka) and beet (burak). I'd come back for dinner to try both the cocktails and the more extensive evening menu. Aside from the restaurant, there is also a market in the space. Most of the inventory consisted of assorted non-perishables like sauces and jams from across the US, with less of a focus on Polish products than traditional "polskie sklepy" around Ridgewood. There was also a deli counter, though it was fairly limited. I had planned on buying Polish herbal tea, but the tea selection consisted of only a few black teas. The coffee selection was larger, though mostly brands you'd find in any supermarket. Overall, a welcome addition to Ridgewood that both keeps Polish culture alive and feels fresh and contemporary.

This joint serves Italy on a plate. The pasta is silky, the sauces feel crafted with love, and…read moreevery bite reminds you food is an art. The atmosphere? Cozy but elevated - perfect for a date or just celebrating yourself with a glass of wine. When I say authentic, I mean flavors that transport you, it's an experience. Live, love & laugh - Sha

It's all ok. We were the only diners on a Thursday night. Place used to be a Latin joint maybe…read moresame owners. Not a true Italian restaurant IMO. Nice man working there. Friendly service. Shared a small margarita pizza ( nothing to write home about, not so far from a decent frozen pizza) just average and not bad. Cavatelli with vodka sauce was good. Had a little mozzarella on top. Good flavor. Also had chicken Marsala. It was a decent portion with mashed potatoes and veggies ( fresh not frozen or boiled). Cash only. Zero ambiance. No wine or beer. No need to return.

If you're looking for a great spot for date night, Monkey King is definitely worth checking out…read more The ambience was great--the space feels stylish, relaxed, and perfect for a night out. Even the bathroom was impressively nice, which always says a lot about a restaurant's attention to detail. The food and drinks were on point. The crab fried rice, fried shrimp toast, rib lamb were all flavorful and well-prepared. One standout for me was the spring rolls--they were so good, crispy and packed with flavor. The drinks were also great, making the overall dining experience even better. Between the great food, nice atmosphere, and convenient location, it's definitely a place I'd go back to again. Alexa greeted us and took our order she's amazing! If you're planning a date night or a nice dinner out, Monkey King is a solid choice.

Monkey King is easily a 10/10 experience and one of those rare restaurants where the food is…read moreincredible and the people behind it make you feel genuinely cared for. First, the owners are some of the kindest, most thoughtful hosts you could hope to meet. You can feel how much they care about their community the moment you walk in. They've also made real efforts to make the space accessible for different bodies, which is something that far too few restaurants consider. That level of intention and hospitality truly stands out. And then there's the food -- absolutely phenomenal. Every dish feels intentional, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. Standouts for me: Shrimp Toast - the best I've ever had. Perfectly crisp, rich, and balanced. Duck - deeply flavorful and cooked to perfection. Ribs - tender, savory, and incredibly satisfying. Char Siu - sweet, smoky, and melt-in-your-mouth good. Eggplant - unbelievably delicious and a must-order. Monkey King is the kind of place you leave already planning your next visit. Amazing food, genuine hospitality, and a space that feels welcoming and thoughtful. Highly recommend supporting this gem.

- parking is hit or miss - excellent service…read more- lots of open spots on Resy, the day before almost no spots left on the day of - fabulous service - 90s/200s hip hop soundtrack - the sampler platter is a great way to hit the highlights - burger really is good - ricotta toast was really good - garlic tots were really good, the sauce was a great complement - drinks were very well prepared - drinks were delicious - soju sampler was great way to taste multiple drinks on the cheap - creme brulee dessert was really good

WORTH THE HYPE!…read more Absolutely delicious omgggg! My party of 3 tried the "classic mixtape" which includes 6 plates of food to share family style. The plates we chose were the: - chilled cucumber kimchi - whipped yuzu ricotta toast - shrimp tacos - chopped cheese rice cakes (fan fave!) - garlic honey butter tatter tots - legendary cheeseburger (my personal fave!) I swear everything was delicious, served hot and fresh. The servers were mindful of bringing out the plates at interval times so we're not sitting there with a table full of food which could be overwhelming. Everyone was so kind and attentive and I'm definitely coming back beacuse I had a great time!! 10/10 recommend!

Came at 2pm on a Sunday with no reservation, so we were not expecting to be sat as were told there…read morewould be 1.5hr wait with no guarantee. We got a table just before 3 which I was very grateful for and the host staff was friendly. We were told to get our order in before 3 since they would be closing. We ordered just an order of pancakes and unfortunately they were very burnt, but we did not want to send them back/cause any inconveniences as the place was already technically closed with most tables finishing their food and the waitstaff walking around to close out tables. The inside of the pancakes were delicious but the flavor was unfortunately altered by the char on the outside. I would come back with a reservation at a better time, it was a cute spot and seemed like there were a lot of delicious options but we definitely felt the time crunch in our food quality.

Hellbender just earned a spot on my brunch rotation. Every dish brought something different to the…read moretable and the whole meal just worked. Starting with the Soft Scramble Egg Tostada, scrumptious is the right word! The eggs were perfectly soft and creamy and paired with that chili sauce it had just the right amount of heat to wake everything up. The Shrimp Ceviche was clean, bright and fresh, served with thick crispy tostadas to scoop it all up. The Chamoy Watermelon though? order it, full stop! Juicy watermelon cubes coated in chamoy, chili flakes and mint. Sweet, spicy, tangy and refreshing all at once. It's one of those dishes that sounds simple but completely delivers. The Chicken Milanesa was a solid protein forward dish. Beautifully golden and crispy with a light coleslaw on top that kept it from feeling too heavy. And the Chilaquiles were loaded and satisfying, topped with crema, cotija and scallions. The Vampiro cocktail has spicy tequila, house sangrita, hibiscus and grapefruit. It had everything I look for in a drink. Bold, a little spicy and so well balanced. Couldn't have chosen better!

I've been coming to this restaurant for many years, and my family still eats here almost every…read moreFriday. We have even held parties here and it is a great restaurant for a party as well. The staff is always incredibly friendly and welcoming, and the space itself is cozy and charming. The food and drinks are consistently phenomenal. I've probably tried just about everything on the menu at this point, and not a single dish has ever disappointed. Even though I don't usually like salmon, theirs is prepared so well that I actually enjoy it. Some of my personal favorites are the birria tacos, tortilla soup, and the wet burrito. The drinks are just as impressive, with a secret sangria recipe that's always a hit. My go to is the frozen watermelon margarita, refreshing and delicious every time. As a longtime regular, I can confidently say that once you try La Casita, you'll be hooked and want to come back again and again.

I didn't realize that Mexican food could taste bad. Enchiladas in pieces and soggy, got one cheese…read moreand 2 chicken, chicken is dry and could not cut the cheese, it's a big block of hard cheese that seems burnt or old, I'm not sure but inedible. No option to order side or sauce of sour cream on the menu so asked on note and did not get sour cream. French fries no salt. Also fyi not typical salsa. Ordered on Insta Cart / Uber Eats

Have been here a handful of times now and think it's pretty solid for the area! Have never been for…read moredinner so can only speak for the lunch vibe, but I have found the service to be great and the lighting is nice because there are floor to ceiling windows. The menu is pretty diverse with various appetizers, sushi, and also ramen/curry so your standard izakaya fare. One of my favorite dishes here has been the chirashi. The fish was very fresh and it's pretty affordable. I've only ever been here in groups of two and I probably would recommend it for smaller groups because the space itself is small and most of the tables are two-seaters if I recall correctly.

Cuisine: 8 Service: 7…read moreDecor: 7 Value: 7 Overall: 8 Another Thai owned Japanese restaurant specializing in izakaya style cuisine in Bushwick. It's been open for a few years, so clearly it has a good enough formula to keep the neighborhood happy. I have been here once before, but returned last week after dining several meals at Tomoni in Jackson Heights. Apparently, the owners are friends. Nonetheless, I needed to make the comparison. After my first few bites of their Tora Don and Chirashi Don, it was clear that this restaurant has the better quality seafood. Each slice of sashimi had vibrant colors, clean taste, and the proper texture. Tomoni is not bad, but fall slightly short of this caliber. With that said, there is an even farther gap between their rice quality. Though Tora is very good, Tomoni produces nearly perfect texture and acidity for my taste buds. Other than the best omakase restaurants in NYC, Tomoni shines as one of the best versions of sushi rice in the five boroughs. Service is good and space is cute. If I have a craving for some decent Japanese food, I would drive 20 minutes here for a meal anytime.