The most amazing mole! every part of this place has so many memories and stories! Thank you Nestor for sharing your story. Please support this community business.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
rebecca gelfer
Absolutely amazing food and an incredible owner. The most delicious Mexican food I’ve eaten in the city with the kindest folks! Must go!!
Leticia Abad
Every time we dine at El Kallejon we are delighted with exquisite botanas from Mexico. The cocktails are great and the desserts too. The ambience is very cozy and decorated with art and colors from different places of Mexico. You can enjoy dinner with your friends and family. My son enjoys eating shrimp tacos, chilaquiles and churros. I enjoyed as well every signature dish and every artisan craft cocktail from El Kallejon. Also, El Kallejon hosts every year a Day of the Death Event where you can celebrate this tradition with music and folk dance. El Kallejon is a piece of Mexico in East Harlem. Nestor, chef, and owner is friendly and humorous. He describes his passion for his culture, food, music and traditions. Visit el Kallejon in East Harlem.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fish Tacos, Flatbread, Guacamole Al Kallejon, Carrot Cake and Churros
Jimena B
Delicious delicacies, great music, warm and friendly host. Super cozy and very beautiful art and folklore collection. I’m making this my neighborhood spot!
<3
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fish Tacos, Ceviche, Guacamole Kallejon MP, Huitlacoche
G C
Avoid it! It is one of the worst places I ever been in my life ! You will not drink what you order. You will not eat what you order. And at the end you will not asking to pay what you order. Take a good amount of time to found what we must pay. Dealing with the drunk owner. I really feel bad for the 2 worker ladies who dealing with that mess.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Alex Gopinathan
AVOID AT ALL COSTS – TORTILLA CHIPS WITH SOMEONE ELSE’S CHEWED BONES? SERIOUSLY?!
If I could give this place zero stars, I would. But unfortunately, the system forces me to give it at least one — and even that feels like a betrayal to every clean, competent restaurant out there.
We came in expecting a casual bite, nothing fancy — just some tortilla chips and dips to start. What we got instead was an abomination: halfway through the basket, we discovered eaten bones — yes, actual chewed-on chicken or ox bones — nestled in among the chips like a disgusting little surprise. These weren’t cooking mistakes or bones that slipped in by accident. These were clearly gnawed, already sucked-dry bones that looked like they came straight from another customer’s plate.
We immediately showed the staff, expecting shock, horror — anything resembling basic human decency. Instead, we got blank stares and were told, with stunning nonchalance, that we still had to pay for the meal. No apology. No refund. No sense of shame. Just the bill, handed to us like we should be grateful we weren’t charged extra for the “protein.”
This wasn’t just gross — it was unforgivable. The health violations alone should have this place shut down. And the way the staff handled it? Even worse.
BOTTOM LINE: Do not eat here unless you enjoy a side of someone else’s leftovers with your tortilla chips. Report them. Warn others. And whatever you do, don’t go near this dumpster fire of a restaurant.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Kirsten Nelson
This place is legitimately delicious. Will be going back to eat the other 5 things on the menu I didn’t get to try. They do it right.
Sal Casanas
Hidden gem! Excellent all around. Fun for a date night or a chill evening after work.
Food - delicious and creative. Good mix of safe bets and exotic adventures.
Drinks - fantastic and creative cocktails
Service - slow for NYC if you are in a rush to get in and out, but perfect if you want to take the experience all in and enjoy the evening. Think island time, but worth it for the attention to care in the food and beverages. The owner, chef, bar tender, waiter may all be the same person at times (Nestor). Loved it!
Atmosphere - It wraps it all up beautifully. It's quaint and festive. Loots to look at on the walls. Everything appears to be a personal work of art or decor. The small chairs and wood tables are fitting for the food, space, and overall vibe.
I highly recommend it. I look forward to visiting again next time I'm in NYC.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Katie M
Delicious food, fantastic staff and service, and super fun, original decorations. The staff were so attentive to our needs and requests. The food was super tasty, especially the smoked fish tostadas, and the coffee satisfied our coffee snob friend. The decorations are super cute and there are so many fun things to look at as you eat. A great local spot!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Guacamole Kallejon MP
Rachel B
The menu was a total catfish— we ordered octopus and shrimp salad and it came with only shrimp. We also ordered guacamole with shrimp and crab but we couldn’t find the seafood. We ordered quesadilla but it was a taco with salad on top of it. Moreover, the drinks were totally watery. We were disappointed as this restaurant is highly reviewed and the owner insisted on the quality and history of the restaurant. Save your energy and go somewhere else.
This place is a complete scam. I took my family here on Saturday, and we should have walked out the moment we arrived. The owner had a terrible attitude and seemed intoxicated. When it was time to pay, they handed my sister a ripped check. After reviewing the total—since it wasn’t adding up—we discovered they had charged us for FIVE drinks we never ordered. Avoid this place at all costs! We will never be coming back.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Jennifer Gomez
Food is always delicious and service is always attentive! They also have karaoke on Saturdays from 8-11 and on Sundays from 7-9
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shannon Henderson
Wow, what an amazing place! 10 out of 10. I had the omakase style dinner with friends. Not only were the food and drinks delicious, but the atmosphere was so warm and cozy. The people were very welcoming. I’ve never felt more at home in an NYC restaurant. Go here, you won’t be disappointed. A true one of a kind gem!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Miranda Shafer
My friend had a party there and one dish after another was amazing and authentic. When it came time to bring out the cupcakes Nestor put on an amazing show
The most amazing mole! every part of this place has so many memories and stories! Thank you Nestor for sharing your story. Please support this community business.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely amazing food and an incredible owner. The most delicious Mexican food I’ve eaten in the city with the kindest folks! Must go!!
Every time we dine at El Kallejon we are delighted with exquisite botanas from Mexico. The cocktails are great and the desserts too. The ambience is very cozy and decorated with art and colors from different places of Mexico. You can enjoy dinner with your friends and family. My son enjoys eating shrimp tacos, chilaquiles and churros. I enjoyed as well every signature dish and every artisan craft cocktail from El Kallejon. Also, El Kallejon hosts every year a Day of the Death Event where you can celebrate this tradition with music and folk dance. El Kallejon is a piece of Mexico in East Harlem. Nestor, chef, and owner is friendly and humorous. He describes his passion for his culture, food, music and traditions. Visit el Kallejon in East Harlem.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fish Tacos, Flatbread, Guacamole Al Kallejon, Carrot Cake and Churros
Delicious delicacies, great music, warm and friendly host. Super cozy and very beautiful art and folklore collection. I’m making this my neighborhood spot!
<3
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fish Tacos, Ceviche, Guacamole Kallejon MP, Huitlacoche
Avoid it! It is one of the worst places I ever been in my life ! You will not drink what you order. You will not eat what you order. And at the end you will not asking to pay what you order. Take a good amount of time to found what we must pay. Dealing with the drunk owner. I really feel bad for the 2 worker ladies who dealing with that mess.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
AVOID AT ALL COSTS – TORTILLA CHIPS WITH SOMEONE ELSE’S CHEWED BONES? SERIOUSLY?!
If I could give this place zero stars, I would. But unfortunately, the system forces me to give it at least one — and even that feels like a betrayal to every clean, competent restaurant out there.
We came in expecting a casual bite, nothing fancy — just some tortilla chips and dips to start. What we got instead was an abomination: halfway through the basket, we discovered eaten bones — yes, actual chewed-on chicken or ox bones — nestled in among the chips like a disgusting little surprise. These weren’t cooking mistakes or bones that slipped in by accident. These were clearly gnawed, already sucked-dry bones that looked like they came straight from another customer’s plate.
We immediately showed the staff, expecting shock, horror — anything resembling basic human decency. Instead, we got blank stares and were told, with stunning nonchalance, that we still had to pay for the meal. No apology. No refund. No sense of shame. Just the bill, handed to us like we should be grateful we weren’t charged extra for the “protein.”
This wasn’t just gross — it was unforgivable. The health violations alone should have this place shut down. And the way the staff handled it? Even worse.
BOTTOM LINE: Do not eat here unless you enjoy a side of someone else’s leftovers with your tortilla chips. Report them. Warn others. And whatever you do, don’t go near this dumpster fire of a restaurant.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
This place is legitimately delicious. Will be going back to eat the other 5 things on the menu I didn’t get to try. They do it right.
Hidden gem! Excellent all around. Fun for a date night or a chill evening after work.
Food - delicious and creative. Good mix of safe bets and exotic adventures.
Drinks - fantastic and creative cocktails
Service - slow for NYC if you are in a rush to get in and out, but perfect if you want to take the experience all in and enjoy the evening. Think island time, but worth it for the attention to care in the food and beverages. The owner, chef, bar tender, waiter may all be the same person at times (Nestor). Loved it!
Atmosphere - It wraps it all up beautifully. It's quaint and festive. Loots to look at on the walls. Everything appears to be a personal work of art or decor. The small chairs and wood tables are fitting for the food, space, and overall vibe.
I highly recommend it. I look forward to visiting again next time I'm in NYC.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious food, fantastic staff and service, and super fun, original decorations. The staff were so attentive to our needs and requests. The food was super tasty, especially the smoked fish tostadas, and the coffee satisfied our coffee snob friend. The decorations are super cute and there are so many fun things to look at as you eat. A great local spot!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Guacamole Kallejon MP
The menu was a total catfish— we ordered octopus and shrimp salad and it came with only shrimp. We also ordered guacamole with shrimp and crab but we couldn’t find the seafood. We ordered quesadilla but it was a taco with salad on top of it. Moreover, the drinks were totally watery. We were disappointed as this restaurant is highly reviewed and the owner insisted on the quality and history of the restaurant. Save your energy and go somewhere else.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
This place is a complete scam. I took my family here on Saturday, and we should have walked out the moment we arrived. The owner had a terrible attitude and seemed intoxicated. When it was time to pay, they handed my sister a ripped check. After reviewing the total—since it wasn’t adding up—we discovered they had charged us for FIVE drinks we never ordered. Avoid this place at all costs! We will never be coming back.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Food is always delicious and service is always attentive! They also have karaoke on Saturdays from 8-11 and on Sundays from 7-9
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wow, what an amazing place! 10 out of 10. I had the omakase style dinner with friends. Not only were the food and drinks delicious, but the atmosphere was so warm and cozy. The people were very welcoming. I’ve never felt more at home in an NYC restaurant. Go here, you won’t be disappointed. A true one of a kind gem!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My friend had a party there and one dish after another was amazing and authentic. When it came time to bring out the cupcakes Nestor put on an amazing show
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
incredible spot, highly recommend
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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