Rayuela

We had very high hopes for this place. Really nice inside, cool crowd, great decor. The limited food we ate had was also good. The civiche was excellent, some of the best I've ever had. The empanadas were so-so. The problem was that we never got past the first course. When we ordered our drinks it took about 15 minutes to get them. We then waited 45 minutes from the time our appetizer was taken away to the time we just got up and left due to hunger. We spent 2 hours there eating one course! The worst part was not a single waiter came over and asked if they could buy us a drink while we were waiting. Service gets an F. If your thinking of this place I would give them a couple weeks to figure out their kitchen. I have a feeling it may be too small for the dining room. Pros: Nice decor Cons: Service more

I went to Rayuela with my friends from Madrid on their first trip to New York City. We were all very impressed with the cocktails! My Spanish friends were interesed in seeing how much of Spain is actually represented in a New York Latin restaurant - they were impressed with all of the Spanish cheeses on the menu as well as the wine list. Overall, we had a fun time - my Spanish friends were upset they did not have enough time to go back for brunch before they went back to Spain. I will be checking it out soon though! more

I went to Rayuela with my friends from Madrid on their first trip to New York City. We were all very impressed with the cocktails! My Spanish friends were interesed in seeing how much of Spain is actually represented in a New York Latin restaurant - they were impressed with all of the Spanish cheeses on the menu as well as the wine list. Overall, we had a fun time - my Spanish friends were upset they did not have enough time to go back for brunch before they went back to Spain. I will be checking it out soon though! more

I went to Rayuela last weekend with a few of my friends, one girl had been there before and hadn?t stopped talking about it since. I was skeptical that she?d hyped it up too much and it would be a let down, but I was wrong. Not only is the place beautiful, but the food and drinks were just as pretty and tasted great. We all shared a few ceviches and some guacamole, which were delicious. I ordered the Ribeye entree, and I didn?t even need to use a knife it was so tender. The whole night was great and I can?t wait to go back with my boyfriend. more

I went to Rayuela last weekend with a few of my friends, one girl had been there before and hadn?t stopped talking about it since. I was skeptical that she?d hyped it up too much and it would be a let down, but I was wrong. Not only is the place beautiful, but the food and drinks were just as pretty and tasted great. We all shared a few ceviches and some guacamole, which were delicious. I ordered the Ribeye entree, and I didn?t even need to use a knife it was so tender. The whole night was great and I can?t wait to go back with my boyfriend. more

I went here with my boyfriend for dinner one night and had dinner in the lounge. They have a great Spanish wine selection and I recommend the Albarino by the glass. The camarones con chorizo is a great spicy sharing dish. The churrasco is out of this world yummy. The biggest surprise was the basil ice cream which made my palate very happy at the end. The overall environment was relaxed and it wound up being a romantic and fun experience. more

I went here with my boyfriend for dinner one night and had dinner in the lounge. They have a great Spanish wine selection and I recommend the Albarino by the glass. The camarones con chorizo is a great spicy sharing dish. The churrasco is out of this world yummy. The biggest surprise was the basil ice cream which made my palate very happy at the end. The overall environment was relaxed and it wound up being a romantic and fun experience. more

For some time now, this Miami native has been searching for a true authentic Latin Restaurant "South of Houston". And I finally did, the flavors both chefs (food and dessert) blends together are Euphoric! The waiter was extremely knowledgeable and the entire wait staff was attentive. Our top appetizer/entree choices are listed in order of preference: "Churrasco con Cangrejo" (Brazilian style with a twist!), "Jalea" (OMG!), "Camarones con Chorizo" (tasty) and the "Siete Potencia"(Huge fan of this "ceviche" plate). We ended the night with 3 sets of dessert but the "Limon al Estilo Libre" made our forks never touch the table (for a break!). The cream on top of the lemon tart took me back to my childhood days in "Little Havana". Drink items that topped our list: "Watermelon-Lemongrass Mojito: and "Pina Partida". The entire experience was the best I have had in a long time that is until the next time I return back! more

I know, I know, it may sound like an exaggeration, but I tell you, (and for your own good you should try to prove me wrong) I felt like I was in a dream (now that I think about it, it might have been that delicious roses cocktail I had :). At first I was a little hesitant to go all the way down there, but once I arrived, I was thoroughly impressed (I suppose its the magic of low expectations and a long cab ride after work). From the way it has been designed (the picture above is only the beginning), to the fantastic service (had friendly, sweet waiters and bartenders), to the food (it left me speechless, the apps the entrees the desserts!!)... I went with a couple of friends, and since, we've all become regulars (and I live in UWS)... The way the tables are set up makes this restaurant perfect for an intimate dinner... Oh! and I almost forgot... The music selection was simply delightful. Definitely added to the experience, as it was the perfect balance between upbeat and lounge music. My boyfriend, who is a connoisseur, couldn't stop raving about the wine list. I will be completely frank, as a Latin woman who considers herself a good cook (and judge of it, shall I add), I dare say, this is the BEST Latin restaurant in the city (and trust me, I've tried them all!!)... But in reciprocity for this informative review ;), please don't go too much, I like my favorite restaurants to not be overcrowded... Oh and if you get a chance, inquire about the big table they have in a BEAUTIFUL little terrace sourrounded by trees (secluded, with a view of the second floor of the restaurant), its adorable! I suppose that if I had to boil it down to one reason this place is great is originality. And in a city of a million and one restaurants, that alone is worth its weight in gold :) Enjoy! Pros: FOOD, decor, Service, music Cons: highly addictive, cocktails are too good ;) more

I know, I know, it may sound like an exaggeration, but I tell you, (and for your own good you should try to prove me wrong) I felt like I was in a dream (now that I think about it, it might have been that delicious roses cocktail I had :). At first I was a little hesitant to go all the way down there, but once I arrived, I was thoroughly impressed (I suppose its the magic of low expectations and a long cab ride after work). From the way it has been designed (the picture above is only the beginning), to the fantastic service (had friendly, sweet waiters and bartenders), to the food (it left me speechless, the apps the entrees the desserts!!)... I went with a couple of friends, and since, we've all become regulars (and I live in UWS)... The way the tables are set up makes this restaurant perfect for an intimate dinner... Oh! and I almost forgot... The music selection was simply delightful. Definitely added to the experience, as it was the perfect balance between upbeat and lounge music. My boyfriend, who is a connoisseur, couldn't stop raving about the wine list. I will be completely frank, as a Latin woman who considers herself a good cook (and judge of it, shall I add), I dare say, this is the BEST Latin restaurant in the city (and trust me, I've tried them all!!)... But in reciprocity for this informative review ;), please don't go too much, I like my favorite restaurants to not be overcrowded... Oh and if you get a chance, inquire about the big table they have in a BEAUTIFUL little terrace sourrounded by trees (secluded, with a view of the second floor of the restaurant), its adorable! I suppose that if I had to boil it down to one reason this place is great is originality. And in a city of a million and one restaurants, that alone is worth its weight in gold :) Pros: FOOD, decor, Service, music Cons: highly addictive, cocktails are too good ;) more

I was here for drinks a few weeks ago on a weeknight. I did not try food off the menu but it looked amazing. The specialty drinks were absolutely fantastic and the waitress was very nice. We chatted with one of the managers/owners (?) who was a good guy so I look forward to going back and trying their food. Pros: great drinks, good looking decor Cons: location on Allen St...not the choicest...but worth seeking out! more

I was here for drinks a few weeks ago on a weeknight. I did not try food off the menu but it looked amazing. The specialty drinks were absolutely fantastic and the waitress was very nice. We chatted with one of the managers/owners (?) who was a good guy so I look forward to going back and trying their food. Pros: great drinks, good looking decor Cons: location on Allen St...not the choicest...but worth seeking out! more

Based on the menu, I had high expectations, which were surpassed when I went to visit for an early Sunday dinner. Absolutely wonderful. Each dish was flavorful yet not heavy. Yummy drinks, good service and atmosphere. I will definitely be back. Pros: Food. Yum! Cons: None. more

Based on the menu, I had high expectations, which were surpassed when I went to visit for an early Sunday dinner. Absolutely wonderful. Each dish was flavorful yet not heavy. Yummy drinks, good service and atmosphere. I will definitely be back. Pros: Food. Yum! Cons: None. more

I recenly organized a friends birthday dinner with 14 people at this gem of a restaurant. The place is chic and lively, yet warm and inviting. no attitudes anywhere. The food is outstanding we tried just about every appetizer and entree on the menu. By the second bite everybody was swapping forks. The drinks are bar none the best of any restaurant in ny. I go to all the top places and i never had drinks like these, though they take awhile to get to you... but, worth the wait. the service was fast and knowledgable. Go eat now before it's impossible to get a table. more

Great decor, modern, sleek, but warm. Friendly manager and staff. Great vibe. Not too loud music. And, most importantly, tasty food at a good price! The cocktails are great, too. We went two times already, and loved it. The only con, the service is a little slow, but we still had a great time. Highly recommended! Pros: Fridendly staff, great decor, great food and cocktails, good price Cons: Service is a little slow more

Great decor, modern, sleek, but warm. Pros: Fridendly staff, great decor, great food and cocktails, good price Cons: Service is a little slow more

We went out to Rayuela last night - they've been open about a week so we weren't sure what to expect. It was a great experience! The decor is SPECTACULAR, the service was spot on, and the food was delicious. Very inventive and creative cuisine, and they give huge portions! Don't miss the extensive cocktail menu...again, very creative and we loved everything we tried (especially the watermelon mojito). Pros: Service, ambiance, food & drink menu more

We went out to Rayuela last night - they've been open about a week so we weren't sure what to expect. It was a great experience! The decor is SPECTACULAR, the service was spot on, and the food was delicious. Very inventive and creative cuisine, and they give huge portions! Don't miss the extensive cocktail menu...again, very creative and we loved everything we tried (especially the watermelon mojito). Pros: Service, ambiance, food & drink menu more

My friend and I went to Rayuela a week after it opened and it was truly the best food, ambiance, and service I've experienced in so long! We ordered and split the red thai curry shrimp ceveche, ?stuffed tuna? (sliced tuna sashimi layed over avocado and crab meat (amazing!), and churrasco con congrego ? steak with chimichurri (with crab) and wild mushrooms and potatoes! Everything was so fresh and the different tastes were combined so artfully that they all melted together so beautifully in your mouth. All the portions were surprisingly a good-size.The cocktails were also amazing. I got the Passionfruit Kumquat Mojito which was the perfect amount of sweet and had such an interesting taste (and was very muddled, which is the key to a good mojito!) Our server, Allison, was so excited about the restaurant and everything on the menu. She was very warm, as was the whole place. The ambiance was very homey, yet still very chic and cool. We are planning on bring all of our friends back. Seems like it would be a great place for a small gathering. Pros: Beautifully tasting and looking food, amazing ambiance, warm and friendly service Cons: Nothing! (except maybe the bread, but who needs to fill up on that when the food is so amazing!) more