El Conde - New York

The prices for our food were excessive, and our waiter seemed to expect a tip of over $40.

The meal wasn't inexpensive, and the service was disappointing. I was literally parched, as no waiter came to ask if we wanted water. Our server even took a break while we were still eating.

This restaurant was fantastic! We had a large group, but the staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating. The service was quick, and of course, the food was outstanding. Everyone was thrilled with their meals. The prices are somewhat high, but the portion sizes are definitely worth it. If you're looking for a great place to dine, I highly recommend El Conde.

I started my meal with a Cuba Libre that was impressively strong, while my partner opted for a bottle of Presidente beer. For dinner, I chose the grilled entraña, which is referred to as churrasco here, paired with tostones. I requested it to be cooked medium, although I generally prefer it rarer. However, it arrived well done, a common occurrence, but I wasn't disappointed. The onions were seasoned with something other than lime juice, and the skirt steak had a citrusy flavor that I suspect came from a vinegar-based marinade. This might explain the distinct flavor profile that has puzzled many previous reviewers of El Conde. My partner ordered the oxtail with red beans and white rice as her side dish. Even though she had half of her meal wrapped up to take home, she had no complaints about her dish. We skipped dessert and drinks after dinner, as we were both quite full from our meals.

The food is good, but I find it to be overpriced. I stopped going there a few years ago. I would recommend trying El Tipico Dominicano or El Malecon instead.