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The roasted chicken is great..I knocked off a couple points on food because they skimp on the green sauce that comes with it (only give you 1-2 tiny containers). The main points I knocked off was for Service/Atmosphere because placing an order over the phone is like mission impossible..you're left thinking there is no way the person got the order correctly and you're ever going to get it. It's so loud on the other side of the line that you end up having to repeat yourself 10 times. They could improve their profit margins/revenues by doing something as simple as getting a $20 noise cancelling headset like the kind used in call centers.. Interestingly enough, their other branches are just equally as loud/unpleasant to place an order with.

I discovered El Malecon when I moved to Hudson Heights three and a half years ago. I used to call them regularly for a delicious meal of whole roasted chicken, maduros, yellow rice and red beans. Their prices are reasonable, the portions are generous and delivery is fast. I would brag to friends about this place all the time. At some point I realized that freshness is a crapshoot – at least for delivery orders – but when the food is fresh it is so tasty that I have continued to take my chances. Not any more. Last Thursday, my son was visiting from out of town for a few hours – just enough time for a leisurely dinner. I called El Malecon, placed my usual order and added steamed vegetables. I was disappointed. The chicken was so old that parts of it were hard around the edges and the breast portions were unbelievably dry. The fried sweet plantains were so stale it was difficult to stick a fork into some of the pieces. We both love fried sweet plantains but neither one of us could eat them. The rice was tasty, and the beans were good. The steamed vegetables were okay (although it’s damned near impossible to screw up steamed vegetables). Now I have decided I will not risk ordering from El Malecon again. Their claim to fame is delicious roasted chicken, so why would they deliver old, stale chicken to regular customers …or anyone? Too bad, because when it is good, it is divine.

Oye!! mira, i am cuban. and the best sandwich cubano I have ever eaten was in this place. Awesome!! my husband and my 4 y/o wanted it too, so I ended up eating 1/4 of it. Looking forward to go back and order the same for everybody this time.

The food and service are awsome. The price good for people like me who live on a budget. I enjoy the food from my sister Island Dominican Republic

Malecon is a great value and you get plenty of food. Dont miss their signature chicken. Went on a Sunday night recently at 10pm and the place was still packed. Its a lot better taste and value than many of the overpriced and mediocre restaurants moving into Washington Heights.

We have been twice to the uptown site and although the atmosphere is anything but restful, the food is good and plentiful. The service is at best indifferent. Food is served quickly and without much chit chat or interest however the price and size of portions is great.

I have a new comfort food restaurant, and I'm not even Dominican. I have frequent serious cravings for the Malecon-style whole chicken + maduros (yellow plantains) + rice & beans, and while their maduros have had a couple off-days, the chicken's been juicy every time. (To note, however, I wasn't impressed with Malecon No. 2's chicken down on the UWS -- it was a bit tough when I went there). And then, there's the added bonus of their piping hot bread basket when you go for sit down. Had dessert there for the first time couple nights ago, and their flan has a pumpkin pie-ish flavor (yum!); their rice pudding was alright. Also love their mofongo, fried chicken, cuban sandwich, and cafe con leche. One friend loves their stewed ribs. AND the beauty of it all -- it's super cheap, 24/7, and they even deliver (the fastest delivery I've ever had, in fact)! So, if you're in the Heights and craving Dominican, Malecon is a sure bet. Don't miss out.