Espinal Deli — Restaurant in New York

Ok. Ok. Ok. Yes I gave this spot a fiver but you gotta understand why. Here is my rationale. NYC is the home of the greasy spoon plus we are the home of the immigrant so when you put those two together what do you get? A slippery spoon that has the flavors of the UN on it. 🥸. But this is a good thing. Espinal is a testament to the immigrant in New York story - the food is made by some melanated hands in the back. You can taste the love and care put into the food. Every day without fail you can get breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food is always hot, the soup is always full of provisions and the jerk chicken is actually jerking. Yes this Spanish spot serves jerk chicken and BBQ ribs. Not to mention the Spanish must haves of rice and beans, fried pork, tasty fried fish and roast chicken. Plus on various days they will offer goat, spaghetti and other favorite recipes. So you really can't lose with this spot or its sister location in Queens on Northern Blvd. But really the reason why Espinal gets a 5 star is simply because of its consistency. Yes you get props for being in your bag day in and day out. This place never misses a beat and the food is what it is - good down home Spanish- Caribbean food. There is a little counter space to eat in the store if you like but honestly this is the kind of food you take home and enjoy while in front of the TV with loved ones. So if your ever in the neighborhood and you want a place that has good quality made...

What consistently poor service.

I'd stop spending my money with this business over a year ago and have discouraged anyone else from spending money here also.

The food has one seasoning... all of the food tastes the same. Most of it is overcooked which only makes the poor cuts of meat less appealing.

The staff ALWAYS has a nasty attitude towards non Spanish speaking costumers and the terrible attitudes are part of the brand.

I've lived in other, heavily Dominican populated areas and have not had this experience before. I tried to resolve the various matters with the staff and they were as uninterested in fixing their attitudes as well as fixing the food.

I will resume my boycott and recommend you find other places to eat in the area as this place really isn't that good.

Terrible...

The food is not halal for any Muslim costumers. The workers are extremely rude for no reason, they assistance Spanish speaking costumers first. When assisting they always are very rude. The food is mediocre. Sometimes the food is really good and sometimes it’s really dry and nasty. Don’t really recommend. I’ve been going here for like 4 years. The pros is that theirs this one worker that has my order memorized and is extremely kind. They have drinks, ice cream, everything for a side. The price is too high and always shifts even if I buy the same thing. One day it’s 5$ the next day it’s 5.50$ the next...