Pampano
| Address: | 209 E 49th St, New York, NY 10017, USA |
| Phone: | +1 212-751-4545 |
| Site: | richardsandoval.com |
| Rating: | 4.2 |
| Working: | 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–3PM 11:30AM–3PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 10
QI
Qichen Zhang
Think Taco Bell, but add fancier plates, a booze selection, and a piece of property in Midtown that costs more than sending three kids to private school. Okay, maybe that was a little harsh, but the food was not particularly impressive nor innovative (a lot of gratuitous adjectives in a restaurants menu doesnt make the place more luxury-oriented or, more importantly, tastier). The pork dish I ordered was very dry and the sides of rice cake and stringy greens was a pretty floppy culinary attempt at "upscale Mexican," which is how this place advertises itself. I will say that their drinks menu was very well done. This was my first time trying a tequila flight, basically a beer sampler but with the obvious replacement and a lot... faster-acting, if you will? In all seriousness, they had a diverse tequila and wine selection, and the waiters were all very friendly when you asked them about the menu. The décor also created a warm and tropical ambience, with banana-leaf inspired fans that rotated slowly on axels stretching across the ceiling and a separate bar area on the floor below the main restaurant. But the whole time as I was eating my entrée, I couldnt help but think... "Man, I could get so many orders of cheesy fiesta potatoes for half of what Im paying for this dressed-up pork chop."
AN
Andy A
We randomly chose this restaurant while in NYC last week. Yelp pulled in a few restaurants in the vicinity and this sounded exotic. Being a sucker for mexican/LATM food I convinced others to go with me here. It was pricier than other restaurants in the area, so I was a little nervous. While entering the restaurant, the Zagat rating on the window made me feel more comfortable about the choice. Later I found out that it is a chain by Richard Sandoval. I landed up ordering "CHURRASCO PAMPANO" with a side of "YUCCA FRITA" with "DE TAMARINDO". The Margarita had chili in it, and on the rim, so was little spicy though it was decent. But the food was out of this world, especially the molle sauce. I am glad we went there. Not only this is on top of my list when I go back to NYC but I have to check out other Sandoval restaurants when I am traveling to other places. Worth your time & money!!! BTW, if you land up splitting the bill the suggested gratuity is based on the original tab not on your specific split. My co-worker tipped them over 35% without realizing this. Hence they lost a star, though they are 5 star for food and service.
LA
Lady Ace
I came here for brunch with two friends. We were seated outside on the "patio" which is nice especially during the warmer months. While, they do have an brunch special of unlimited small plates and drinks for $39 per a person, we ordered a la carte. We had an order of guacamole and chips for the table which standard, nothing special. My friend got the Pampano Benedict which she liked and was very filling. My other friend got the three assorted tacos [pork, chicken and shrimp]. She thought they were very small not very filling and not worth the price. I had the spicy shrimp with grits and it wasnt what I expecting [it was too small in my opinion for the price]. It was tasty but I was still hungry and ended up eating some of my friends Benedict. The drinks were pretty solid and tasty. I got a couple of margaritas on the rocks which were good while the Bloody Maria was just okay and mango peach sangria was really sweet. The servers were quick and attentive nor did they rush us when we finished eating and was just talking over drinks. I would probably eat here again if I was in the neighborhood.
AM
Amanda Thalmann
This was my second time here for Sunday, Bottomless Brunch. The food comes as small plates, and its bottomless, so you are able to try a little bit of everything! My favorites are the sea bass, chicken tacos and the chicken and waffles. As for the cocktails, you have a choice of white, red or sparkling sangria, bloody "maria" or margaritas. I chose the mango white sangria. it is delish! I prefer the sparkling sangria but they ran out of it. They also have outside dining, but it was way too hot in this area. Be aware, you have 2 hour limit but if you sit down at 2 PM, they kind of rush you at 3 PM, it was last call, and cannot order anymore food! And also they constantly came to the table to try to take away our food that we were still eating! Still, I would go back and make a earlier reservation.
MI
Michael Nunez
We had our wedding reception there. 30 people attended. First off Loredana was amazing to work with. She was always available, she worked with my ideas and offering her own and worked to accommodate a dj and cake. The food was spot on. The guests raved several days after the event about how good and plentiful the food was. The wait staff was very attentive and nice and kept the food flowing out. The bartender made everyone feel welcome and special and his drinks were made perfectly. And the price was very reasonable for the amount of food and liquor consumed. I couldnt have picked a better place. Everyone was very pleased!
SA
Sara Bridge
Greeted by a polite hostess who kindly offered to stash my roller blades in the closet (no snobbery); charmed by a small staircase that took me to what felt like a cozy eatery in Barcelona; impressed with the speedy delivery of the octopus & chickpea appetizer and even more pleased with the quality of the sauvigon blanc. Im usually not one for a frozen margarita - but for the margarita pampano - the signature hibiscus cocktail, Ill make an exception... The red snapper & sea bass - delicious; asking myself... when is another occasion to go back?
LU
Lucy Dee
GREAT CEVICHE! That smoked swordfish dip is also something to go for. Great chips too, a true mark of deliciousness. We got the tasting of four ceviches to start for 6 people. Shrimp, Tuna, Halibut, and Mahi Mahi. All 6 of us (minus the vegetarian) could have eaten the entire platter it was so delicious. It actually inspired us to have our own little ceviche party after. The entrees were pretty good as well, but the ceviche and the dip is what I would go back for. Pretty pricey, but a good splurge.
AN
Andrew Baisch
The food was okay quality, but the portions were tiny. I ordered the steak tacos with a side of beans and rice for my dinner. The side was about 5 times larger than the miniscule tacos I was served. The tacos were about the size of the top of a sofa can. My wife and her friend both ordered the lobster tacos and risotto and the portions were identical. Dinner for 3 people and only 3 drinks, was $290. There are better, less expensive options in the immediate area. We wont return.
ME
Melisa Dias
I am a huge fan of Richard Sandoval. I usually eat at one of his other restaurants for my anniversary but for my birthday I wanted to try something different. I am glad I spent it here. The atmosphere, the staff and the food was delightful! The view is beautiful as well. I cant express how wonderful the ambiance was. Definitely a great way to spend a Saturday Brunch.
HO
Howard Freeman
"Lunch: good business meeting spot. Service was prompt and polite, and appropriately unobtrusive (unlike a place, say, like 44 & X). The fluke was nicely browned but the ""truffled boniato puree"" was tasteless. Not bad; just didnt add much. The roasted corn vinaigrette had a bit more flavor, and the crispy jalapeño had a delicate coating and was fun to eat."
