Boqueria W40th — Restaurant in New York

My boyfriend and I came to eat after going to the movies. Our reservation was at 6:15 but we got there a hour early. They said they could seat still. We were happy. We got seated outside which was fine with me. The waitress asked us what we wanted to drink and started with apps. We asked for sparkling water. We needed some more time to look over the menu. Seated next to us was a cute elderly couple. They had the paella, massive. Of course, we wanted the paella, instantly when we saw it. The couple finished their food and asked the waitress for a cappuccino. We spoke to the couple and we ordered the cheese charcuterie board. Very yummy. I’m gluten free and my boyfriend has a severe nut allergy. So they made accommodations for us. As we were eating, I noticed the couple still didn’t receive their coffee. I called over a waiter and said it’s been over 25 minutes, they’re waiting on their cappuccino. The waiter was sweet and said he would check on it. Our waitress came back and took our plates. She asked what we wanted next. We both agreed on getting the seafood paella since the older couple plate looked so good. She said it took 45 minutes and if it was okay. We said sure, it was fine. The manager brought out the cappuccino and did take it off the couples bill since they did wait a really long time. I was happy. We waited for our food and it started raining. We didn’t mind the rain, it added to the night. Listening to the rain hit the roof. It was nice. The soft breeze of cool air made sitting outside more desirable. Another couple was seated in the corner where the elderly couple sat. Very happy and nice. As the night progress, I noticed we all including another dinner table could hear this nerve wreaking, soul scratching sound. It was the back door the waiters and waitress were coming through. At first, I ignored it but as the night went as we’re waiting for our food, I’m sorry, I couldn’t take it. I told my boyfriend, “the door is screaming WD-40.” At some point everyone next to me was noticing the loud sound coming from the door. We continued our conversation, with me staring at the door. Our paella comes out and it’s small and it looks amazing. The seafood was tender and delicious. The flavors at the surface were on point. When I took the first scoop out, I hit something hard. I’m thinking maybe it’s a clam shell, but it wasn’t. It was burnt black rice, not the cocholón that’s suppose to be at the bottom. It gave the dish a burnt taste at the end of each bite. I sipped sparkling water after every bite and noticed my boyfriend doing the same. We finished the paella and the waitress asked how the food was? I was honest, I told her it was burnt. She tried to explain, it’s suppose to be. I said no, paella is not suppose to be burnt. The rice at the bottom is suppose to brown and crispy. Not burnt and black. I actually recently made paella for my kids 3 weeks ago. So, I know how to make and the ingredients, time and preparation, that required for paella. She said she’d tell her manager. The manager did come to our table and I explained what happened to the food. The manager agreed, she took the paella off the bill. She even gave us free apps next time we come back. My boyfriend said he’d love to come back. I said I was down to come back. I was impressed how they handle everything. Not one mean thing or misunderstanding. My boyfriend and I look forward to coming back. Our experience was fun and the food was good outside of the burnt paella. The alcoholic drinks were super yummy. And we appreciate the accommodations because of our allergies. My boyfriend is allergic to nuts and we have already experience him going into anaphylaxis at another restaurant. So, the accommodation made us feel safe and comfortable. 4/5 is a...

First off, who chose stools everywhere? People like to sit down and properly relax and chill. Secondly, our party of 9 was sat on a long table, unfortunately unable to communicate to each end. Large party table are meant to be round, duh. Also, why are all the tables so huddled and bunched together? I noticed how other customers were complaining that they couldn't squeeze through tables. I even saw how one couple was being seated in between two other tables when there were like 15-20 other available tables. She was about to leave. I don't blame her. Kinda stupid. But I wish that was all. The waiter completely forgot to give me a plate, utensils, and a cup. But whatever. Here's what's worse. The waiter forgot to take the order of half the table. Like, how? How do you speak to 5 people but forget to take the order of the other 4? Food took forever to come. We maybe waited 45 min? They forgot to bring our drinks. They just put all the orders in the middle of the table instead of bringing it to the person who ordered . Then, my friend had brought a cake and gave it to the host(hostess) to surprise his girlfriend with a happy birthday cake and cutting. The waiter somehow decides to go up to the birthday girl and ask if there's a birthday..and what to do about the cake... Like, wow. They completely spoiled the surprise! They didn't bother ask the person who brought in the cake? Then, a $40 dollar fee to cut the cake into 8 slices. Wow. Just plain robbery. Oh. AND they didn't sing happy birthday?? Very stale energy. Then another waiter was rude when we momentarily stood up from our extremely uncomfortable chairs and passively said "EXCUSE ME, WE NEED THIS SPACE TO GET THROUGH". Like, it's not our fault your restaurant is more crowded with tables than people. And i don't, know. But maybe the waiter could've gone around us? Just lazy and passive aggressive behavior. We didn't file a proper complaint on the spot because we had a birthday guest, and we didn't want to make her feel...

Overall great place. It's a tapas menu! These are small dishes that you share with the table. It's a lot of food and it comes at you fast so you won't have to worry about not being full. We had a very large group and it was great because our waitress Charlene took care of us and had separate dishes for the folks with allergies and there were a lot that night (shell food, gluten, and milk). Everything tastes absolutely delicious! 🤤🤤 the drinks were also made well and really strong. Happy hour is 5pm to 6pm (at least on friday). Personally, I recommended the tequila cocktail. The yellow one (middle option, sorry can't recall the name) was the worst in my opinion and least favorite at our table...for me it was just too much citrus but if you're into citrus then choose that one. We all sat very closely together, but that's the point. This style of eating it about community.

You might be wondering why I gave 4 stars and not 5 if I don't have anything bad to say....we'll despite the strong drinks and getting quite tipsy I did have two main issues. Our server insisted on serving our drinks...which sounds ridiculous but with only an hour to drink such a large group it often took quite a while to get a refill and she really didn't like when we served ourselves...so that was kind of annoying The bathroom is Hella far...you gotta go to Narnia to relieve yourself...no really, it's more ridiculous than my first point...you have to exit the restaurant and go into a hotel and then walk down some stairs...that's quite tricky to do after you've had a few drinks in you...

But despite those really annoying things this is definitely a place I'd go to again with people I love or people I'm trying to bond with!

Why no pics? I was too busy enjoying myself to be honest. All I got was a few boomerang for the gram to make my peeps...