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Que Rico RestaurantB+Worth Trying
221 E 23rd St, New York, NY 10010
· Dominican restaurant
· 4.8/5 Google (125 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Comforting Dominican plates with generous portions, friendly counter service, and fair prices; a great neighborhood staple with occasional seasoning and consistency hiccups.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Que Rico delivers solid neighborhood Dominican dining with strong food quality anchored by standout pernil and pollo guisado, paired with exceptional service warmth that makes regulars feel at home. Generous portions at fair prices and quick execution support its loyal following, though limited seating and occasional consistency dips prevent higher distinction. A reliable choice for authentic Dominican comfort food in a casual, welcoming setting.
Restaurant Summary
A compact spot on 23rd Street where the aroma of stews and roast pork wafts from the counter, Que Rico feels warm and welcoming. Regulars praise the staff for offering tastes and guidance, and one diner summed it up: "They made me feel right at home." The small room is clean and unassuming with quick turnarounds, better for casual meals than lingering. The cooking leans traditional Dominican comfort: pernil with crackly skin, pollo guisado, creamy mangú, and hearty mofongo. Portions are generous and satisfying for the price, with lunch specials that draw students and locals. Most plates are well-seasoned, though a few diners reported off-days with saltiness or cooler temps—rare but worth noting. For families, this is a friendly choice with many kid-approachable items like rice and beans, roast chicken, fries, pancakes, waffles, and sweet plantains. There is no dedicated kids menu, but staff are happy to help tailor portions. Seating is limited, so arrive early if you are bringing little ones.
At a Glance
- Generous portions and fair prices, especially lunch specials
- Warm, helpful counter service with neighborhood vibe
- Standout pernil, pollo guisado, and mangú
- Limited seating; better for quick dine-in or takeout
- Occasional reports of salty or lukewarm food
What Sets It Apart
- generous_lunch_specials
- warm_owner_hospitality
- downtown_Dominican_comfort_food
What People Love
- Juicy pernil with crisp skin
- Creamy, comforting mangú breakfast
- Friendly owner and staff who offer samples
- Big plates that feel like home cooking
Points of Concern
- Limited seating means potential waits during lunch rush
- Isolated complaints about salty or cold plates suggest occasional inconsistency
- One negative note on greasy empanadas contrasts with mostly positive feedback
- Review patterns show normal enthusiasm with some marketing-style language but no systemic manipulation
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$24-36 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Build a classic plate: Pernil ($13) + rice and beans ($7 a la carte if needed) + tostones ($5) + flan ($5) for value and variety
- For breakfast: Mangú combo ($10-13) plus coffee; add sweet plantains ($6) if you like it sweeter
Perfect For
- A quick, hearty lunch near Gramercy/Kips Bay
- Affordable comfort-food dinner after work or class
- Takeout for a casual group meal
- A homesick fix for Dominican classics
Location Insights
Area: Busy 23rd Street corridor serving students, office workers, and locals; casual daytime energy.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked arterial street with steady foot traffic and lighting.
Nearby: Near SVA campus buildings, residential blocks, small shops, and services; close to bus routes and Park Ave South.
GramercyGramercy is a charming, somewhat quieter neighborhood compared to the rest of Midtown, known for its historic brownstones, upscale dining, and a mix of trendy restaurants and classic eateries. The dining scene caters to both locals and visitors seeking quality and ambiance in a relaxed yet sophisticated setting.
Gramercy Park AreaCentered around the private Gramercy Park, this micro-neighborhood is characterized by exclusivity and a refined atmosphere, with boutique restaurants and intimate dining experiences popular among residents and visitors alike.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday09:00–21:00
Tuesday09:00–21:00
Wednesday09:00–21:00
Thursday09:00–21:00
Friday09:00–21:00
Saturday10:00–21:00
Sunday
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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