Spain Inn — Restaurant in Piscataway Township

This was supposed to be a birthday celebration to include my root culture—Spaniard cuisine. After spending a glorious weekend celebrating and partaking of exquisite culinary offerings, came back home and wanted to try a local Spaniard restaurant with apparently good reviews, as I had a taste for one of my favorite foods for the gods—Paella Valenciana. We ventured off to Spain Inn, Piscataway, based on Google reviews. The place was a tad dated but paid no mind since I was anxious to experience a good “Paella Valenciana”. We ordered a pitcher of Sangria. It was bland. That alone should have been a red flag. We moved on to ordering an appetizer—calamari. They served us tepid and soggy calamari that had obviously been sitting for quite some time. Needless to say we asked for a fresh batch and what a difference with the new ones! Fried to a glorious golden brown—and delicious! We moved on to ordering dinner entrees. Hubby and I ordered “Paella Valenciana” which supposedly included clams, scallop, lobster tails, chorizos, and chicken legs. We waited and voila! The “Paella Valenciana” arrived. They literally looked frightful and pale. Where was the touch of saffron? Where was the “arroz valenciano?” Where we’re the seasonings? Where was the “socarrat!” We both received pale yellow mushy rice that seriously resembled instant rice—bland, pale, and devoid of any magical or even a whimsical touch. We did not feel the Love at all. Hubby was starved so he worked his way through the seafood and charred “chorizo”. I could not. I would not. This was beyond the measure of mediocrity if ever I saw it, let alone taste it. We made it very clear to the serving team that we meant no disrespect nor offense. We simply did not like either Paella. Instant rice? Really? In their defense, and even if it weren’t instant rice, it appeared to be so and that alone is disappointing. Pale tasteless yellow rice. I realize there are numerous versions of Paella, each true to the region from whence it originates. If only the subject Paella were true to at least one of those versions—we might argue that the creators were true to their form and that is to be respected and honored. Not so as the version presented held to no known form and was sadly indifferent and devoid of any passion or true meaning. The birthday boy here returned the Paella. He was offered another option, and chose a lightly battered flattened chicken breast in a garlic sauce with blanched green beans and rice. When it arrived, I didn’t know what to expect. I should have quit while ahead. Sadly, the chicken too was mediocre and sad—and mushy. Even more sad, and what pushed me over the edge, enough to pen my distaste and disappointment, was that the same sad mellow and pale rice used for the so called “Paella Valenciana” once again made its royal appearance with the sad mushy garlic chicken as a replacement for the sad, mushy, tired, and uneventful “Paella Valenciana” that I so desired on this my birthday. I do attempt to see all points of view, and try to be mindful of the fact that there are good as well as bad days in any profession or endeavor. Unfortunately, our experience at “Spain Inn” in Piscataway was indeed a “…series of unfortunate (and sad) events” from which we shall not recover and shall never attempt to repeat. Also, if I might add that we had our 6 year old with us that wanted the “Mac and cheese” from the Childrens menu. (I know, I know—shouldn’t expect decent Mac and cheese from a Spaniard restaurant.). Sad to say, that too was an utter disappointment. We do not recommend this establishment at all. Alas, if mediocrity is the name of the game at “Spain Inn,” then have at it and to each his own. Peace be unto...

Been thinking about trying this place for 12 years since I moved to the area and finally went for Mother's Day. Waited 10 minutes for someone to come to the table and ask for drinks. Then waited another 15 minutes for water to be brought to the table (more on that later). Then waited another 10 minutes for a different person to ask if we were ready to order. We found out after we ordered our food that they ran out of chicken for the paella (have you never been busy on mother's day before that you didn't know how to prepare). Food came fast enough, but none of it had any flavor. It was all very bland. I got up and got my own hot sauce because I didn't know how long it would take to get help. By the way, one section of lights kept turning off. Staff would keep going over to turn it back on, but they would soon enough turn off on their own again. This happened so much (at least 100 times in our 2 hour visit) that many of us went home with a headache. If all of this wasn't bad enough, I went back the next day at 4pm to speak to a manager as I didn't want to cause a scene in a crowded restaurant and to give myself time to calm down. I told him about the lights and he said nothing. No "I'm sorry", not an explanation as to the malfunction, just stared at me. Then I explained about the waiting 25 minutes for water and 35 minutes for our order and offered him the suggestion to hire more staff for a busy event like this or take less reservations. And his response was, "I think your expectations for service on Mother's Day is too high". I tried explaining to him that I'm in my late 40's and this is not my first time dining out on Mother's Day. But he doubled down and said, "trust me, no one was delivering food and water fast on Mother's Day". The guy took 15 minutes to fill 7 glasses with water and the manager at Spain Inn thought this was okay and any negative thoughts I had about the experience were my fault. To sum it up, if you go when they aren't busy, you might have some luck with the service. But no matter what, you can expect to spend $30 per person on a terrible representation of...

Can you say awesome? This place is great. We professionally hosted an event there today and the staff was extremely helpful. Even though we were not one of the guests, they treated us like we were and were very attentive, helpful, and kind. The manager is also awesome. I think his name is Louie.

They offered us soft drinks even when we did not ask for them because they knew that we were working hard to set everything up. What made it even cooler was the fact that despite the fact that they had things to do, they always came and checked on us (the planners). They were great conversationalists as well.

The food was out of this world, epically the sauteed shrimp (not sure if that is the dish's name but it was the best shrimp I have ever tasted! The rest of the food was also great. They were also great about keeping tabs on how the event needed to run in terms of timing. I wish every event ran this smoothly but when you have an awesome staff like this..things just flow. They all need recognition and I feel that they deserve this and every other good rating they receive. They work so hard, that you would think that they were working for tips. I will be back there as a patron and we will recommend them to anyone who wants a great venue.

Keep up the great work...