El Rey — Restaurant in New York

UPDATE NOV 2024 it REALLY pains me to do this because I have been a loyal/consistent customer for over 10 years and this place has been a source of great comfort for me. With that said, the quality has gone WAY down. And please bear in mind that I waited to edit my original review because I figured maybe they were in between chefs or something and it was temporary. It was not. The beans are almost grey in color, rice is mushy now and tasteless, presentation is severely lacking compared to before, overall quality has diminished significantly. Nachos come wilted, steak from the fajita was like rubber. Even the salsa is diff and tasteless now. Not to mention some of the chips were stale. I have given this place such good ratings to everyone I know. I've came here many times with my husband and family. Mostly I order at least once a month and have it delivered to my apartment which is pretty close to the restaurant. I'm writing this in hopes that the food quality issues are addressed. I really really loved this place but it's looking like we will not be returning. Also worth noting, prices seem more expensive over the phone than online. That was another issue I had once too. Not to mention they refuse, in over 10 yrs, to get someone that speaks and understands English. The language barrier is unbearable and that's why I use GrubHub. Sad to see them get to this point. Thank u for all the years of amazing food. Wish you well.

Original review: I really do love this place. Sometimes the food comes cold and that's annoyoan but the food is so good I can't stop ordering . They're the best Mexican in town . Thankfully the woman answering the phone now speaks clearer english. I recommend ordering or even dining in . Music was too loud last time tho . That's my...

Have loved the food here before for YEARS-previous 5 stars. But they had the wrong store times clearly indicated at the restaurant's door (and in many places online). I went in just before 1am-door was open, day's menu chalkboard outside. I sat on a table, and was told it was closed, despite all appearance to the contrary, people chatting (perhaps employees taking it easy, or their friends?), and the clearly stated 2AM closing time. This simple error-or unwillingness to serve food at open times for whatever reasons-will cost them my business, which they clearly seem not to care about. Will still give them two stars because the food is not bad-when they deem me worthy of eating it, that is. I would be lying if I kept the 5 stars score, as it isn't a great dining experience.

(Throughout the years, some employees have also been a bit lacking in warmth, though that wasn't the case the day I was refused a menu. The lady just told me it was closed when it really wasn't, so that annoyed me a big deal, because I made the trip because it was supposedly open! I just ignore the disinterested employees, and am grateful for the better ones. Customer service is thus a mixed bag, depending on who's on...

The combination platters were usually a good value and delivery/pickup is super quick. This was never remarkable Mexican food it was just nice that they had combinations and it was good enough but just ordered again tonight and it was painfully mediocre. Meat is just ok probably has been reheated or been sitting all day, rice and beans were almost inedible which is disturbing for a Mexican restaurant. Food is just way too expensive nowadays for mediocrity. Two stars because there might be some items that can redeem this place but it’s up to your discretion to try them out because I...