Mamajuana Cafe

This place is great. It might appear to be a bit more upscale based on the prices on the menu, but in reality it is a great value. The dishes are huge! More importantly, the quality of the food compares very favorably to most similarly priced restaurants downtown. The dishes are carefully seasoned and service is very attentive. It is a real gem for the Washington Heights/ Inwood areas. Pros: Food, ambience, service Cons: none more

This place is great. It might appear to be a bit more upscale based on the prices on the menu, but in reality it is a great value. The dishes are huge! More importantly, the quality of the food compares very favorably to most similarly priced restaurants downtown. The dishes are carefully seasoned and service is very attentive. It is a real gem for the Washington Heights/ Inwood areas. Pros: Food, ambience, service more

I have to tell you im one of those people that never make it that far uptown. I live in Harlem if you havent heard all that one needs is happening in Harlem right now... BUT WAIT!!!! I was invited to Mamajuana and my first thought was im not going to Dykman to eat. Not Happening. What a miss that would have been. Ill make it short because all you really care about is the food, the service, and the experience. Well I had the special of the evening (A rissoto and lobster dish) OMG delicious!!!! And for service-- FABULOUS. The place is beautifully decorated. Im definitely going back! Pros: Ambience, Parking, Service, Quality. more

I have to tell you im one of those people that never make it that far uptown. I live in Harlem if you havent heard all that one needs is happening in Harlem right now... BUT WAIT!!!! I was invited to Mamajuana and my first thought was im not going to Dykman to eat. Not Happening. What a miss that would have been. Ill make it short because all you really care about is the food, the service, and the experience. Well I had the special of the evening (A rissoto and lobster dish) OMG delicious!!!! And for service-- FABULOUS. The place is beautifully decorated. Im definitely going back! Pros: Ambience, Parking, Service, Quality. more

I started my 22nd birthday celebration with dinner at this restaurant - and IT WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. I don't know many places that are able to accommodate 24 people while also providing superb service. For starters the decor is unmatched in this developing neighborhood. After getting of the train, I wasn?t sure where to walk, but then I saw the medieval-style doors ? which instantly set Mamajuanas apart from everything else on the street. They really spared no expense when it came to creating a luxury dining experience (trust me - even walk into the bathroom and you will see). In regards to food and drink - my mouth is watering just thinking about it! Our sangria glasses never went dry - I think we had about 15 pitchers (oops!). It was toooo good. My favorite at the restaurant is the paella. I'm usually weary of ordering seafood at restaurants because usually you get cheated; you know, an order of shrimp scampi includes like 5 pieces of shrimp, so you?re left picking from the plates of your dinner mates. I was pleasantly surprised at Mamajuanas when my paella was SO plentiful that clams, mussels, lobster, and shrimp were falling off the plate. In fact, I ended up sharing with a friend and still felt full! Well - not full enough to not pick from the pernil, chicken, and lobster risotto others had ordered. I think it's best to enjoy Mamajuanas family style because everything is so savory and delicious you should try everything! It's hard - but try to save room for dessert because the flan is worth it!! I was so happy with my experience at Mamajuana that I have since returned. I recently had dinner with some friends outside on the comfy white sofa under the beautiful umbrellas. Forget Washington Heights - I thought I was in Miami! more

I started my 22nd birthday celebration with dinner at this restaurant - and IT WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. I don't know many places that are able to accommodate 24 people while also providing superb service. For starters the decor is unmatched in this developing neighborhood. After getting of the train, I wasn?t sure where to walk, but then I saw the medieval-style doors ? which instantly set Mamajuanas apart from everything else on the street. They really spared no expense when it came to creating a luxury dining experience (trust me - even walk into the bathroom and you will see). In regards to food and drink - my mouth is watering just thinking about it! Our sangria glasses never went dry - I think we had about 15 pitchers (oops!). It was toooo good. My favorite at the restaurant is the paella. I'm usually weary of ordering seafood at restaurants because usually you get cheated; you know, an order of shrimp scampi includes like 5 pieces of shrimp, so you?re left picking from the plates of your dinner mates. I was pleasantly surprised at Mamajuanas when my paella was SO plentiful that clams, mussels, lobster, and shrimp were falling off the plate. In fact, I ended up sharing with a friend and still felt full! Well - not full enough to not pick from the pernil, chicken, and lobster risotto others had ordered. I think it's best to enjoy Mamajuanas family style because everything is so savory and delicious you should try everything! It's hard - but try to save room for dessert because the flan is worth it!! more

I gathered a few co-workers and we all went to the great place. The food, drinks and desserts were great. The portions were plentiful. We ate on the huge side walk. I loved the fact that the sidewalk seating area was very far away from the street. Unlike other side walk eating area's we did not have to smell the exhaust from the cars parking in the street. I never liked eating outside until I came to this place, I was always afraid that someone passing by would sneezing in my food. But, Not here there's enough space for people to EAT, walk and park. Thank goodness because I was able to enjoy the tasty food. The staff was friendly. Bring your appetite. Pros: Great food, drinks,Space, decor, staff, unlike the rest in the area more

I gathered a few co-workers and we all went to the great place. The food, drinks and desserts were great. The portions were plentiful. We ate on the huge side walk. I loved the fact that the sidewalk seating area was very far away from the street. Unlike other side walk eating area's we did not have to smell the exhaust from the cars parking in the street. I never liked eating outside until I came to this place, I was always afraid that someone passing by would sneezing in my food. But, Not here there's enough space for people to EAT, walk and park. Thank goodness because I was able to enjoy the tasty food. The staff was friendly. Bring your appetite. Pros: Great food, drinks,Space, decor, staff, unlike the rest in the area Cons: None more

I had a similar first reaction to Mamajuana as did Jayrnyc (1st review). I really liked the style and I still do. I have been to their brunch which I thought was generous in terms of food. I think the place is beautiful and I really like the sidewalk cafe scene. But the prices are manhattan-high and I wish the whole experience could match the prices. The brunch food was tasty but at 3:00 in the afternoon it wasn?t really hot (this was during colder weather). During a visit in early June, on a very busy Sunday, my friend and I were seated next to a bathroom. The table just really sucked and they should just recognize that no customer is going to be happy there. On top of the bad location, a big puddle began to form right outside the bathroom entrance. It wasn?t clear where the water was coming from, but the staff pulled up a bucket and just had to stand there mopping it. It was only after my friend declared it was impossible to eat in that spot that the hostess finally broke down and moved us to an outdoor table, two minutes after telling me earnestly that it would be minimally a one hour wait for an outside table. And while we were sitting and enjoying the late Sunday afternoon outdoor scene, eating delicious gourmet empanadas, we also observed three other tables outside that were empty. New restaurants have to be good to their customers if they want to build loyal followings. And there are so many reviewing options these days. Pros: excellent wait staff, all staff were polite, Cons: staff should focus on accomodating customers more

I had a similar first reaction to Mamajuana as did Jayrnyc (1st review). I really liked the style and I still do. I have been to their brunch which I thought was generous in terms of food. I think the place is beautiful and I really like the sidewalk cafe scene. But the prices are manhattan-high and I wish the whole experience could match the prices. The brunch food was tasty but at 3:00 in the afternoon it wasn?t really hot (this was during colder weather). During a visit in early June, on a very busy Sunday, my friend and I were seated next to a bathroom. The table just really sucked and they should just recognize that no customer is going to be happy there. On top of the bad location, a big puddle began to form right outside the bathroom entrance. It wasn?t clear where the water was coming from, but the staff pulled up a bucket and just had to stand there mopping it. It was only after my friend declared it was impossible to eat in that spot that the hostess finally broke down and moved us to an outdoor table, two minutes after telling me earnestly that it would be minimally a one hour wait for an outside table. And while we were sitting and enjoying the late Sunday afternoon outdoor scene, eating delicious gourmet empanadas, we also observed three other tables outside that were empty. New restaurants have to be good to their customers if they want to build loyal followings. And there are so many reviewing options these days. Pros: excellent wait staff, all staff were polite, Cons: staff should focus on accomodating customers more

This restaurant came out of no where! They are way ahead of their time for this developing area. First off, the decor and attention to detail of the space is unbelievable. So beautiful and inviting. Not stuffy at all. You can also eat and drink like a king but get a bill fit for a pauper. I normally would not go all the way uptown just for a restaurant but the drinks and atmosphere make the trip well worth it. Many of my friends had recommended the place which is why I went there with my husband for a nice romantic evening and then recently brought a whole bunch of co-workers to lounge and eat on their outside seating. So much fun, and good food without the attitude. BTW, the wine list is unbelievable. They really know their wine and food and cocktails! I would definitely recommend reservations so that you don't have to wait. Pros: inexpensive, attentive & friendly staff, great food & cocktails Cons: far uptown, can get loud at times more

This restaurant came out of no where! They are way ahead of their time for this developing area. First off, the decor and attention to detail of the space is unbelievable. So beautiful and inviting. Not stuffy at all. You can also eat and drink like a king but get a bill fit for a pauper. I normally would not go all the way uptown just for a restaurant but the drinks and atmosphere make the trip well worth it. Many of my friends had recommended the place which is why I went there with my husband for a nice romantic evening and then recently brought a whole bunch of co-workers to lounge and eat on their outside seating. So much fun, and good food without the attitude. BTW, the wine list is unbelievable. They really know their wine and food and cocktails! I would definitely recommend reservations so that you don't have to wait. Pros: inexpensive, attentive & friendly staff, great food & cocktails Cons: far uptown, can get loud at times more

I live in the area and decided to stop by for a few drinks afterwork and wow the place inside is fabulous!!! You definitely feel like your in a different world as soon as you step inside. As for the drinks they ARE FAB! Nice and strong and sweet for the ladies. What intrigued me about this place was the Live Band I saw as I walked by...they mentioned sundaybrunch ... I will def take them up on it cause the food is great and lots of it,,,I would DEF Recommend this hot spot!! Pros: Live Music and Sweet Looking PLace more

I live in the area and decided to stop by for a few drinks afterwork and wow the place inside is fabulous!!! You definitely feel like your in a different world as soon as you step inside. As for the drinks they ARE FAB! Nice and strong and sweet for the ladies. What intrigued me about this place was the Live Band I saw as I walked by...they mentioned sundaybrunch ... I will def take them up on it cause the food is great and lots of it,,,I would DEF Recommend this hot spot!! Pros: Live Music and Sweet Looking PLace more