Chica & The Don — Restaurant in New York

I came to the restaurant 30 mins earlier before my reservation and decided to sit at the bar to wait for my friend. I order a drink and it wasn’t popping. Okay , cool. I decided to order my usual drink aka Tito with club soda and a splash of cranberry juice. You can’t mess up this drink and thankfully bartender didn’t. My friend arrived and we got our table. We order two apps which were the blue crab and ceviche. Ehhhh it was alright. It wasn’t busting and the ceviche def need more vinegar. Now go to the entree. We got the oxtail and fries cause I love oxtail. Shoot I love meat, period. My oh my the dish was beyond salty. Listen , I’m Asian and we MSG pro life. This was beyond salty. The working manager ask how was everything and I told him. He said “oh I’m the main bartender manager but i do go around and find out about service.” He apologized and I would think as a woman who used to have a family own Chinese restaurant, he will either take some dollars of the bill or something. He did give two free lychee shots. Not bad. So my friend told them it’s my birthday and I thought okay maybe a small dessert they might bring out. Lol they didn’t and honestly I wasn’t into sweet dishes so I told my friend I’m good with desserts. Will I come back? A hard no. The light was dim as heck. I get the vibe and the atmosphere is cute , but listen I gotta see the menu to order food and take pictures to post this review. Oh, worst of all was the food service was s l o w. Listen, it wasn’t busy for it to be slow. Two dishes were basically cold. We did get the guacamole which was 2 min boom service. The manager took forever to give us the dessert menu since my friend wanted something sweet. She end up asking the busboy for a menu. The waiter was busy being busy. Yeah and food ain’t cheap...

Update 11/19/2024: Chica and the Don is my new favorite spot! From the moment you walk in, the welcoming staff sets the tone for a fantastic experience. The vibes are always on point, making it the perfect place to unwind. The drinks? Absolute perfection! The bartenders are not only skilled at crafting any cocktail you can think of but are also super friendly and happy to answer any questions.

I ordered the Blue Crab Tostada and the Short Rib Y Maduro Quesadilla, and wow — every bite was packed with flavor. The tostada had the perfect balance of fresh blue crab, creamy manchego mornay, and tangy pickled red onions, while the quesadilla was a comforting combination of tender short rib, sweet maduro, and melty cheese goodness. Paired with a classic Moscow Mule, it was a meal to remember!

Whether you're there for drinks, food, or the overall ambiance, Chica and the Don delivers on every level. Can't wait to come back!

My friend and I visited Chica and the Don for some cocktails and a quick snack, and it was an amazing experience! The drinks were beautifully presented, which we really appreciated. I had THE DON (toki, mamajuana, tamarind, banane, aromatic bitters, cinnamon) and my friend had the ESPRESSO “CHERY” MARTINI (grey goose, licor 43, cherry, espresso, averna, demerara). Both cocktails were delicious and expertly crafted.

We also shared the CAMARONES AL AJILLO (sautéed shrimp, saffron butter, white wine, lemon, tostones). The butter sauce was sooooo tasty! The shrimp were perfectly cooked, and the serving size was generous. The service was great as well—attentive and friendly.

Overall, we had a fantastic time and will definitely be back. Highly recommend Chica and the Don for anyone looking for great cocktails and...

If you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience in New York City, Chica and The don a must-visit! This vibrant restaurant captures the essence of Latin cuisine, making it a delightful destination for food lovers.

One standout dish that I cannot rave about enough is their chicharron The moment it arrives at your table, you’re greeted with an enticing aroma. Each piece is perfectly crisp and bursting with flavor, creating that satisfying crunch in every bite. It’s seasoned to perfection, making it addictive and hard to resist! You definitely won’t want to share this dish with anyone.

Equally impressive is their pollo asado Cooked to succulent perfection, the chicken is marinated in a blend of spices that elevates it to new heights. The smoky, grilled flavor combined with the tender, juicy meat is an experience that truly honors traditional recipes while making every mouthful feel special. Served with a side of vibrant sauces and fresh accompaniments, it’s a dish that speaks to the heart of Latin cooking.

The ambiance of Chica and the Don is as warm and inviting as the food itself, with colorful decor and a lively atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring your visit is nothing short of excellent.

In summary, if you’re in NYC and craving authentic Latin flavors, Chica and the Don is the place to be. The chicharrón and pollo asado alone are reasons enough to return again and again. Don't miss out on this culinary gem!

Minda is a...