El Asador

Review summary

1. J

   James

   New York City

   6 reviews

   3.0

   6 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   The food was passable and palatable but not a 4. In general, Puerto Rican comida heavily relies on frying to prepare food - chicken and fish. So we were excited for grilled fish with interesting approaches to preparation. The fish was overcooked and was not masked by the too much sauce poured over and top of it. The cesar salad was fine, too many croutons - but this is a personal food picadillo, I prefer less a higher ratio of leafy greens (romaine) to croutons. The croutons should be a accent, not a center piece of the dish. The service and ambience were perfect and reflected the character of and Old City. Lovely location, also. And the servers were exceptional and totally appreciated the fine craft of hospitality.
   

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2. M

   Michelle

   Tampa

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on 19 December 2024

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 5

   Food was excellent, atmosphere was terrific… But the service is extremely slow.
   

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3. T

   Thom

   New Mexico

   29 reviews

   5.0

   29 reviews

   Dined on 17 December 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Rustic interior complements the deliciously fresh dishes—especially seafood inspired by local catch. We dined at 5pm on a quiet Tuesday in port and felt pampered by wait and bar staff at every moment. Try any of the grilled fish offerings with Creole style rice and beans or ask to have any of the pasta dishes tailored to the sauce of your choosing! Deliciousness!
   

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4. G

   Gricelle

   Caribbean

   7 reviews

   5.0

   7 reviews

   Dined on 12 December 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Incredibly we managed to make a reservation for the same day, almost impossible for 5 people. It was our first time visiting El Asador. The place is cozy. Our table was in a room with a balcony facing the alley that made us feel welcome. Natalia was the person who attended to us and was full of attention to us. The exquisite food, Shrimp in Garlic Sauce, Ceviche, Churrasco, Lobster Risotto, Coconut Mojito among many delights. The cook is very friendly and can even sing while cooking. Highly recommended. Make your reservation in time so you don't miss the experience.
   

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5. M

   Maritza

   VIP

   Caribbean

   25 reviews

   3.0

   25 reviews

   Dined on 8 December 2024

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Place is so beautiful and has so much potential but food was not good. The menu is so simple and really expensive for what they are offering. Mofongo which is an incredible puertorrican food is made with plantains but they only have cassava ones which is not good. Sides are what you would do at your house nothing special. They should change the menu, also they should have a cocktail menu. Service was good, waiter was really attentive and place is so beautiful. I wish they could improve their menu.
   

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6. M

   MERIDA

   Alabama

   4 reviews

   2.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on 7 December 2024

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   We came across this restaurant on a walking tour in Old San Juan, and the music and atmosphere seemed quite pleasant. Unfortunately, the food was bland (risotto), the wooden bench seats were very uncomfortable and the jazz (the most enjoyable aspect) was stopped around 9:00 pm. More annoying were the two people at a table near us who shouted their entire conversation -- I don't blame El Asador for that. But the extremely slow service and loud talkers just added to the overall disappointment.
   

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7. C

   Chiara

   New York City

   5 reviews

   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on 29 November 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   We had our Thanksgiving dinner at El Asador; the food was good and the ambiance was relaxing and nice. We really enjoyed the soft jazz music!
   

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8. C

   Chris

   Washington DC

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on 28 November 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Ambiance and food were excellent, recommend the Churrasco, ajillo shrimp, and mojitos!
   

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9. A

   Alyson

   VIP

   Greater Boston

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 26 November 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Josephine was the absolute kindest server! We had mojitos which were absolutely fantastic followed by the mahi mahi and penne vodka sauce with shrimp. The meal was very very good and I’m excited to come here again when I’m back!
   

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10. T

    Tom

    Chicago

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 22 November 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 1

    Food was decent. Something was up with this place as it was Friday night at 6pm and we were the only people in the place. Walked around old San Juan after dinner and most of the restaurants were packed.
    

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