Don Coqui — Restaurant in Edgewater

Let me start this by saying that I probably came here on the worse day ever to come -- Valentine's Day. I had no idea there was a pre fixe menu until I arrived (i booked my reservation over 2 weeks in advance) and honestly, had I known that I wouldn't have shown up.

Me and my partner do not drink alcohol (I'm pregnant and he doesn't drink for personal reasons). I told the waiter this and handed him back the drink menu. 30 seconds later he returns with two glasses of cheap champagne we didn't ask for. Normally I'd be fine with the gesture - but not after i literally JUST told you that we cannot drink. He then comes back with some sort of lemon spritzer that was gross - i gave him a pass.

Then came the appetizers - we got the platter for two. I'd say it was the best part of the meal but the calamari can use some work. They're too gummy & the breading falls right off. Not fun. Everything else on the platter was fine.

Then came the REAL disappointment. We waited nearly 45 minutes for our meal to be met with cold/odd tasting lobster Mac & cheese, corn & lobster mash that didn't look edible, jerk chicken that was way too spicy, Moro rice that was dry, and potato salad that had too much onions. My chimichurri steak was good but honestly, that's a VERY difficult entree to screw up.

As for the jerk chicken: non Jamaican restaurants need to stop these poor attempts at jerk chicken. I honestly feel like this is the most disrespected cultural meal on the planet. Jerk is a STYLE of cooking, not just a flavor. Also, jerk chicken is not over saturated with jerk seasoning to the point where it's difficult to even eat the skin. A Latin restaurant honestly has no business having a jerk chicken option on the menu ESPECIALLY if it'll just be roasted chicken drowned in jerk sauce. And ESPECIALLY when it's the only chicken option on the menu. Latinos have some of the best rotisserie chicken in the world -- why stray away from a classic for an abysmal attempt at a dish that isn't even culturally fit?

Also going back to the lobster Mac. There's no reason i waited this long for it and it comes out COLD. Like i literally can see the cold shreds of cheese. No. I told the waiter, who then forgot about it and comes back and asks if i got the dish. I said no, but cancel it because I've already finished eating.. he brings it anyway LOL. Second time not listening. The manager comes and kindly removes it from the tab BUT our bill was still a whopping $300! And may i remind you that we did not have any drinks.

I have no issue spending $$$ at a restaurant for good food. I make really good money so I'm not necessarily pressed for cash. However, nothing annoys me more than WASTING money on a subpar experience. I could've gone to Mastro's for a much better meal and paid $$$ less. Absolutely disappointing. I've been scarred from ever eating out for...

My fiancée and I went to Don Coqui on Friday 3/14/25. We’ve visited several of their locations in the tri-state area, including City Island (closed) and Queens, so we were surprised to see they opened one in Edgewater—just six minutes from where we live. We were excited about the great food and music we had enjoyed at their other locations.

When we arrived we were greeted by the hostess and mentioned our 5:30 reservation. However, they told my fiancée she couldn’t wear her hat. The hostess called over the manager and my fiancée explained to him that she couldn’t remove her hat due to a health condition and it’s not her personal styling choices that she was wearing one. After they embarrassed us in front of the multiple people that were already crowed by the front desk area, we were seated in the lounge area. Meanwhile, we noticed at least five other guests in the main dining area wearing hats, some even dressed as if they were heading to the gym. If there’s a dress code, it should be enforced consistently. Because of the “hat rule,” we were seated in the lounge by the door instead of the main dining area. Aside from majority of the restaurant patrons wearing hoodies, track suits, gym clothes, leggings, and Jordans. If you’re going to enforce a dress code then do it. Within 5 minutes of sitting in the lounge area a security guard accosted us again practically shouting that we couldn’t be in the lounge area wearing a hat. We told him multiple times the manager allowed us and he kept questioning us aggressively and embarrassing us further. Finally, he accepted the fact that we were allowed to sit there and left.

Despite this, we didn’t want to let it ruin our night, so we tried to keep the positive vibe going. We ordered the Ceviche for appetizer, skirt steak (medium) and ropa vieja for the main. The steak came out looking old, flat, overcooked, cold, and missing the chimichurri sauce. We have never seen a skirt steak in this condition. We’ve gotten better skirt steaks from Outback Steakhouse and expected a better experience from this “fine establishment”. The ceviche which we ordered as an appetizer came out with both freezing main courses. The fish was grey in color and the ceviche itself was actually warmer than our dinners. We sent the skirt steak back because at that point our appetite was utterly ruined. We proceeded to make a reservation at Taverana which also has a no hat rule but doesn’t embarrass and ostracize people for their health conditions.

Overall, we are utterly shocked in this $340.00 experience. We have been to almost all the restaurants in the area and I can tell you this is NOT the...

As I stepped into Don Coqui I was immediately enveloped by the warm, inviting atmosphere of the restaurant. The soft glow of candlelight danced across elegantly set tables, and the enticing aroma of gourmet cuisine wafted through the air. It was a place where every detail seemed meticulously curated to create a memorable dining experience.

Our evening began with a delightful selection of appetizers. The shrimp ceviche was a burst of fresh flavors, perfectly complemented by a hint of zesty lime, while the bruschetta topped with heirloom tomatoes and basil was a simple yet exquisite delight. Each dish was a testament to the culinary expertise of the chefs, who clearly took pride in their craft.

The service was impeccable. Our waitress was not only attentive but also exuded professionalism and warmth, making us feel like valued guests throughout the night. The management staff was equally impressive, ensuring that everything ran smoothly and that our needs were met without interruption.

As the night unfolded, the atmosphere became even more electric with the arrival of the DJ. The music selection was a delightful mix of international genres, from the smooth rhythms of R&B to the vibrant beats of salsa and soca, seamlessly transitioning to the infectious energy of Caribbean reggae. It was impossible not to sway in my seat or tap my feet to the infectious tunes.

Then came the moment that made the evening truly unforgettable. A couple at a nearby table, seemingly lost in their own world, began to share tender glances. Suddenly, the man stood up, holding a small velvet box in his hand. The restaurant fell silent as he knelt down on one knee, his voice trembling with emotion as he asked the love of his life to marry him. The joy on her face was radiant, and when she said yes, the restaurant erupted in applause and cheers. It was a beautiful testament to love, shared in such a perfect setting.

As we savored our main courses—each bite of the grilled salmon and herb-crusted chicken was a delight—the joy of the proposal lingered in the air, blending perfectly with the delicious food and vibrant atmosphere. We ended the evening with decadent desserts, the rich chocolate mousse a perfect finale to a night filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Don Coqui is more than just a restaurant; it’s a destination. With its delicious food, professional service, and a lively ambiance fueled by incredible music, it’s a place where special moments come to life. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply enjoying a night out, this is a must-visit spot that will leave you...