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Last night we enjoyed a fabulous Latin inspired meal at Calle Ocho. As soon as we entered this warm, beautifully decorated space our spirits were lifted to party mode! Before we even glanced at the menu we were sipping coconut mojitos and munching on Calle's complimentary warm corn biscuits and black bean spread. All that was just a prelude for the palate pleasing dinner that was to follow. For appetizers we had Calle's version of fried calamari - lightly battered and flash fried drizzled with a sweet sauce and topped with a crunchy cabbage and sprout salad. The consistency of the two together was a party in my mouth! We also had a green salad which in reality was so much more! Beautiful ruby red and golden yellow beets over greens with a dollop of creamy goat cheese and toast. The heirloom tomatoes topped by a goat cheese fritter surrounded by a trio of sauces was as much a treat for the eyes as it was to eat. For dinner, many of us chose the evening's special - a moist chicken breast marinated in a balsamic reduction tinged with cumin, along with glazed brussel sprouts served over a mound of fluffy mashed potatoes. Sea bass was the other choice which cooked to moist perfection and complemented by garlic sauteed spinach, tomato and bacon all atop creamy risotto. All of our entrees were complemented by a great bottle of Ontañón Crianza 2007 wine. The subtle fruit and silky finish of this Spanish gem from the Rioja region put this meal over the top!

The service was so weird here. Our waiter didnt know which apps to recommend when we asked him, and then proceeded to try to upsell us on the biggest priced items. Also he kept walking away from the table when we were talking to him. People kept taking drink orders and never bringing the drinks. The food was totally average. Killer rolls though.

Food was good but nothing special; Large portions & all well prepared. Service was terrible - we were virtually ignored the whole time we were there, and they were not that busy. Loud and cramped. Probably will not go back. I am sure there is better Latin fusion food to be had in NYC.

Came for early-ish dinner, as a party if five, and turns out rez was mistakenly made for night before! But host(maybe manager) was so nice and quickly pulled a last minute great table together for us. Service like that will make me a loyal customer and recommender of Calle Ocho from now on. Plus, service is fast, food is good, and you can't go wrong with unlimited sangria brunch!

Heard so much about Calle Ocho and I wasnt disappointed. Eight different sangrias during brunch all free. Oh yes the food is also outstanding and service great.

Calla Ocho, man oh man did I make the right decision this time. As soon as you walk in the place, you’re greeted and seated. No waiting around, just right to the business. I don’t know maybe they saw the hungry in my eyes, but when they put that menu in front of me, I didn’t know what to choose. I mean Steak, burritos, rice, sangrias of eight different flavors. Then I was told they have a sangrias self serve bar! You had me at “bar”. The music was great and soothing, the environment was fun, and the food was delicious. Now keep in mind I wasn’t in the best mood, before getting to the restaurant. Man I walked out that restaurant with a smile that could be seen all the way down 81st. Calle Ocho is a great place to choose if you want amazing food, great service and good music to listen to. Try it out; it just might turn your day around.

Went for brunch yesterday (Sunday) and loved it! I've heard you need a reservation, but we got lucky and were seated right away without one. The dining area has a fun atmosphere, great music, and was so big and open for New York where restaurants can feel so cramped. Our waiter was friendly and attentive. After our first basket of sweet breads, he asked if we wanted more, and which breads were our favorites so he could bring us a custom basket. Our entrees were great. My friend and I got the burger and the pollo ranchero and split both dishes. The burger was a huge portion and the fries that came with it were delicious! And I haven't even mentioned the best part: the unlimited self-serve sangria! 8 different kinds! It's included with any entree. I tried 4 kinds and liked them all. I can't wait to go back.