El Puerto Seafood

Saw this place on social media and came with a friend because I was finally in the area. The food is made to order so be prepared to wait. I ordered a steamed blue snapper. The food looks good but they got my order wrong and fried it. He circled it on the menu and everything! The person taking orders also got my friend’s order wrong and did not add her rice. The crab and salmon mixed empanadas were good. I ordered more to go. Make sure you communicate what you want before they put your order in because I was upset. I don’t like re-ordering food because I don’t know what they will do to it. I know some establishments funny. Plus, I have to drive all the way back to Jersey and didn’t feel like waiting any longer than I already have.

Well let's start with line... maybe 10 min wait if your aggressive. The food area is clean and replenished when needed. Then you put your food up for either steam or fry. That takes about 20 min. Then wallah. Great food !!

My First Time Visiting This Harlem Seafood Spot I stopped by this seafood spot after attending an event nearby in Harlem. I ordered a large lobster tail for $39, plus five shrimp, broccoli, and corn, bringing my total to $46. They steamed everything to order, and I added Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, and melted butter at the table. The lobster was delicious—tender and flavorful—and next time I’m definitely going to try it fried for that extra crunch. As for the atmosphere, it does get pretty crowded. It’s located right across from the projects, but I felt completely safe. The vibe was laid-back, and everyone—from the staff to the other customers—was chill and respectful. If you’re in Harlem and love seafood, this spot is worth a try. They stay open late, which is an added bonus.

Do not, i repeat, DO NOT HAND THEM YOUR CREDIT/DEBIT CARD, I pay my order with my debit card late st night, the next day there were 5 random transactions from my card. they will steal your card information & take your money from your account.

Friendly staff and quick. You can choose your fish cuts and they can steam or grill your fish. They usually have steam vegetables as a side or fried plantain.

If you’re craving seafood this is the place to be. Wide range of fresh seafood and veggies cooked the way you like. Guaranteed to satisfy your appetite. Don’t forget to add the butter baby

They have great seafood. This is the best seafood in uptown. The food test was excellent. I will go again there. Thank you for this kind of food. If anyone like seafood or fresh seafood they can try there. They will cooked in front of you.

Food is very good. Worth the long wait time. Lol. Keep in kind its no parking so double park and keep someone in the car lol. Hands down best seafood. I traveled from Jersey

Food is absolutely delicious! Very convenient location stay busy add your own seasoning and butter definitely recommend

24/7 seafood that's fresh how could you ever go wrong. Came here recently at 3am for the steamed salmon and vegetables and the meal didn't come to disappoint. The salmon and vegetables were steam to perfection.

The food is amazing! You walk in there is a room where you pick your fresh seafood and sides in a metal bowl. Once you done you get it weighed. Then you leave the cold room where the seafood is and get it freshly steamed however you want it! Once done they have all the butter, hot sauce and seasonings they let you put all over your food before it is neatly wrapped up for you. NEATLY! This is not a big place at all so be prepared for no personal space as you are getting your food together. You have to wait outside so keep that in mind on cold days and extremely hott days. The wait is longggggg but worth it. I'd say prepare to be here 30 mins to an hour to have your food steamed up. I went very very early in the morning, maybe 2am and it was packed, but it's always packed. A must try if you have a craving you won't regret it!

Ordered: Chef's Special #54 (~$30): red snapper (grilled), 5 shrimp (fried), with mixed rice, and all vegetables (+$3) Salmon Empanada (~$3) Diet Coke can (~$1) Aya's take: I've been meaning to try this place and read tons of reviews to know what to expect. Despite that, I felt a bit unprepared so I'm going to explain it clearly for those who haven't gone yet. When you walk in, right in front of you is another door where they have all the raw fish/seafood and individually packaged vegetables. If you know exactly what you want, you can go in there, choose your fish/seafood/vegetables and put them into this bowl they give you. You'll then bring it to the counter and tell them how you want it cooked (grilled, fried, in cajun sauce, etc.) and if you want sides (rice, fries, tostones, etc.). I think this is the best way to order here so you get exactly what you ask for. Now on the other hand, they do have a set menu which you can order from; that is pretty self-explanatory but this is the kind of place that will ask what you want rather than necessarily what's listed on the menu. Once your order is ready and before they seal it, you can add any sauces or seasonings that are on the counter. Now onto the food! My food took about 25 minutes total (longer than what I was told). The fried shrimp was lightly fried and their tartar sauce is delicious! The red snapper was a bit dry and overcooked. It had good flavor but slightly disappointing. The mixed vegetables included potato, broccoli, carrots, zucchini, Brussels sprouts, corn, and green peppers & onions cooked under the red snapper. Great assortment but again, overcooked which made them way too soft so the texture was a bit off. The rice was delicious! They also have this garlic dressing that people were asking for so I got some too. This is a must with any grilled fish/seafood - definitely ask for it! The Salmon Empanada (recommended by one of the workers) was super dry and had a slightly fishy taste. Not my favorite but the empanada shell itself was flaky and nicely made. All in all, I would come back here and order it more how I want next time. It was a good try and worth a stop if you're in Harlem!

I was so hungry I forgot to take pictures of my food. But if you've ever heard of El Puerto it was for good reason! Their food is slamming. Whether steamed or fried you are going to have a good meal! Just go pick your food from the seafood section to be freshly prepared. Or order from the menu and they got you!

This The Truest Review I Ever Wrote: If Your Uptown, 125th St, On The West Side, Driving Around Looking For A Spot To Get Your Eat On.., This Is The Place. ' You May Pull Up Looking For A Parking Spot There Ain't None. Most Likely, You Gonna Have To Double Park Or Leave Some One In The Car. The Crowd Outside May Look Like A Club, But It's Not. Pan-Handlers Stay Out Front Too. Ain't No Seats - The Few They Had Been Taken Out Years Ago. There Maybe A Madd Crowd Inside The Spot..,As Lil As It Is, So You Maybe Squeezing Past Bodies To Get In, Get Your Fish, To Order, Pay And To Get Your Order. And, When Your Done Eye-Balling All The Other Platters Going Out And You Start Thinking Of Jacking Someone For Their Plate/Platter - Finally Your Numbers Called And You Tip The Cooks And Get Outta There. Now Either You Find A Spot Or Take Yo'Azz Home To Sit Down And Eat You Gonna Get Hit With The Ittiz Hard Body!!! Facts!!!

Delicious seafood fried to perfection. Everything was fresh!! No smell in the establishment, great customer service. A must-go after the club!!

Amazing!!! You get to pick your seafood and they boil or fry it for you with your choice of seasoning

I really Can't wait to sit down and eat this food!! This food was a TikTok find! Can't wait to go back

I've heard about El Puerto, but never really got the chance to make it over here, but I'm happy I finally did! First things first when you walk in it doesn't smell like fish, which it should NEVER! For those familiar with Queens, if you've ever been by Sutphin Blvd, the moment you hit Sutphin before even walking into a fish market, it smells like fish. Now they are several fish markets over there, but they all are terrible in my opinion, but anywho, I was very pleased with it not smelling like fish. If it would've, I would've left. I had salmon, a few shrimp, mussels, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, corn & potatoes. I also tried their salmon & crab empanadas & ohhhh babyyyyyy lol it was delicious! Salmon is my favorite fish & that was good, but the star was the crab empanada. It's worth taking a trip for just that! I also tried their seafood soup, which was ok. I probably wouldn't get it again, but that's ok, there's other goodness to get! Being 24hrs is a jewel & my friend told me during the weekend after hours it's completely packed due to people coming here after partying, which I would never come during that time, however it's worth the trip another time. I wish it was closer, but I shall return! 8)

I love this place!!!!!! I have been going here for the past 10 years. it's always sooo good! You can get food to cook at home or have them make it for you. They have the best yellow rice in Harlem, NYC! The service is always good and they are quick! They give silver pans to take the food to go! It is always soooo much food! I always get potatoes, corn, broccoli, mussels, shrimp and snow crabs; sometimes I add lobster . The empanadas are also tasty!!! If you haven't gone before you have to try. The ambiance isn't the great, it has been like this for some time. It's small and always extremely crowded , the floor in the market section is usually wet.

I recently had a HORRIBLE experience here and don't recommend anyone (especially black people) to contribute to this business' income statement any longer. Entered the location with my girlfriend, we immediately went to pick our vegetables and seafood. Once picked, we headed to the counter to pay and this is where everything took a turn. First off, the establishment is full of men who apparently do not speak English. We were ignored when asked the different options for having the seafood cooked, overcharged for the food, ridiculed in their language and the worse was yet to come. They have a "ticket system" where once you pay for your order, you're given a ticket with a number and that number is called by an employee once the order is ready. After noticing we'd been waiting for a while, an employee approached my girl and I asking for our tickets -- I handed him two blue tickets. After approx 5 minutes, the same employee approached me with ONE platter and said he only received one ticket from me. We argued with the employee for approx 5 minutes because he refused to give us both orders. He eventually talked to a "manager" about it and sat the 2 orders on the counter -- he didn't pack the food to go and there was no apology, not even from the "manager". I don't know what type of customers they're used to here but I'm definitely not one of them, definitely think the guys running this place are racist, and definitely won't be returning after this experience. Not to mention, the quality of the food wasn't worth the price at all. DEAR BLACK PEOPLE: I know we can never agree on anything but STOP SPENDING YOUR MONEY HERE!!!! Why put money in the pockets of a group of people who don't like you and treat you and your business like s***?

No surprise theres a line out the door! Great quality seafood at a fantastic price. You get to pick out your seafood and customize your flavors. They do take some time so prepare to wait for your food

Sauce was saucing crab was bussing if you ever looking for something to excite your taste buds this the place to go ... they take EBT

The food is 10/10 best platter I've ever had. I always get the snapper with colossal shrimp and rice. Chefs kiss

Why ask why give it a try Busy fresh cooked to order takeout only spot.Staff friendly and informative .Prices very reasonable. Pick your fish,put in a bowl hand it to the counter workers get a ticket they tell you how long then move your car because NYPD is outside bothering people for Double Parking Come back pick up your food and split (seasoning on the counter) Enjoy

24/7 FRESH SEAFOOD. I love this place. Don't get confused, this is how it works. First, pick out your selection in the fresh seafood area. Get a big silver bowl and grab whichever piece of fish or shrimp you'd like. Go ahead, any amount and weight. There's also crab legs in the fridge and mussels in the far back. In the back corner, against the fridge, there's packs of vegetables, potatoes, corn, beans, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, okra, onions etc. for you to add on. Second, Hand the bowl over to the staff member working by the scale in the back of the seafood area. He will weigh the seafood, bag it and mark the price. Then, head over to the counter to have your seafood steamed, fried, broiled etc. You may add on any additional sides such as calamari, mashed potatoes, rice etc. They will charge you then hand you a ticket to wait for your meal. There's no waiting area so you can stand around or wait outside. It's a small place so it can get crowded at times. Finally, your meal will be ready. You may add any spices you'd like to your food. There's a good variety of salt, pepper, hot sauce, garlic, old bay seasoning etc. Hand the tray back to them and they'll bag it up for you. Enjoy your delicious platter elsewhere because there's no actual seating area in there. I usually only get the seafood steamed. & by default, they steam it for 20 minutes. I do not like my food dry and well done. I prefer 10-12 minutes every time.

This is exactly why NY is THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS. You have a taste for seafood at anytime on any day in any weather, it doesn't matter you are guaranteed to get it here. A 24hour, to-go seafood spot. The best part is that it's FRESH, GOOD & you pick it out yourself. Now after you pick out your seafood, veggies, seasoning, have it weighed, then go to pay and add your sides your total will be upwards of $25/$30 or more but you will have a ton of food. Plus if it's a late night craving you came prepared to treat yourself anyway. Let's face it you are worth it anyway so enjoy it because it's gonna be good. ;) However if it's prime time hours meaning a nice summer night or weekends after the club you have to also be prepared for a wait because they do get crowded. What do you expect you are not the only one in NY craving seafood at 3am after a night of clubbing. Lol Enjoy!

This place was absolutely positively DELISH We bought a pan of salmon,shrimp,broccoli,corn, and rice. We couldn't even finish it,it was so much food. Very happy with our choice on dinner. Definitely getting what you paid for and more.

This was my first time in New York from Texas for my birthday and I wasn't disappointed when yelp suggested this spot for my birthday seafood craving for the night!! I promise you won't be disappointed, I can't wait to return!!

Service is friendly, helpful staff & consistent & very good food at a fair price. Been coming here for over a decade & though I miss the stools, tables & original staff the food still delivers to satisfaction. The Seafood Paella was my favorite but lately been going harder on the steam seafood & shrimp pastelitos Don't sleep on the broiled salmon, rice & fried snapper which is always fresh & tasty.

Fried food here is wasn't all that , didn't have seasoning came at around 1am it was Jam packed ain't gonna lie the service was kinda quick... i saw a couple ppl stream food it was dry no seasoning on it, not sure if they had to add their own seasoning or they didn't want anything on it .. but what do ya order that ya love this place so much? I'm willing to give it a second try thanks

Overpriced I wouldn't shop there again! This tiny thing with 3 literal legs was TWENTY FIVE DOLLARS... Im so shocked here was no meat at the top just shell

Ehhh didn't live up to the hype. The shrimp empanada was wack. Shrimp tasted old. I also looked to the faucet and I saw bags of frozen shrimp like they sell in Costco lol. I won't be coming back. The people who work there are amazing though! Oh and the rice was really good!

My friends and I had a craving for steamed seafood and this place didn't disappoint. I've been to a place similar to El Puerto where they steam fresh seafood for you but the organization and process at El Puerto was a bit different. You start by entering a small room where they store fresh seafood. They have big metal bowls where you choose the seafood you want, along with vegetables. Once you've picked out what you want it is brought to back where its weighted and priced. Each package of vegetables is $1.50. The bowl is brought to the register, they ring you up and give you a ticket. You can choose to have your seafood fried, broiled, or steamed. We visited El Puerto at around 9PM on a Monday, it was pretty busy and waited 15-20 minutes for our food. They have a several different seasonings, lemon juice and butter that you can add once its done. Also, we ordered their yellow rice and their crab empanadas which was really good. This place is 24 hours and Oh and it doesn't smell like a fish market in there.

Delicious Fresh Seafood . You go in one room pick out your seafood in metal bowl it gets weighed and steamed or fried . You get a raffle ticket to wait for your order . They took long before but now since covid the wait is almost an hour wait to get your steamed seafood ! And thats not counting the wait on line! They are 24/7 soo weekend nights the line is almost down the block ... Best time to go are early weekdays to avoid lines . When you get your food you can add your own seasoning ,lemon juice and butter. Even without lines they still are a little slow to steam . The place is very small they should invest in a larger place or some more steamers. They also accept food stamps. You have to wait outside for your order to be steamed . Its right across from the projects lol soo yeah... Great food but lonnnng wait .

The red snapper is really good! The price is fair, and the fact that they're open 24 hours is great. I think they offer good prices, especially if you're not planning to prepare it at home, since they steam it for the same price for takeout.

This is a frequent late night visit for me now I like to be honest this isn't the safest neighborhood but it might be worth the food I never been to this place before midnight so I wouldn't know the standard conditions for that time period but at night time this place is pretty live with a lot of cars double parked police sirens constantly trying to move traffic loud music being played from cars but exactly how Harlem should feel at 2 3 in the morning now onto the food it's probably not the best quality seafood you can find but at these hours that I go it definitely is, you basically go into a fridge and pick all your favorite seafood throw it on a tray give it to the chefs and tell them how you want it done well at least that's how I order here would def recommend a great vibe mixed with great food can't lose oh yeah they close like at 5 am

OMG!!!! I never in my life would have EVER gone in here if I didn't see the reviews. I am not from New York, but I moved here less than a year ago. I am always yelping to find new places to try. I cannot express how happy and excited I was to go here. My boyfriend and I traveled not to far from home to pick up fresh seafood. -DAMN YOU RED LOBSTER COMMERCIALS!!! When we walked in we weren't sure what to do because obviously we aren't from here, but a man outside was very helpful. You get a bowl or go to the register and pick from the menu. We decided to get the bowl and put in whatever seafood we wanted from the walk in fridge. We got large shrimp, small shrimp, potatoes, corn, snow crab, king crab, and lobster tails. All for $80!!! Once we gathered it all a guy in the fridge bags it up for you and then you wait in line to have them steam it. They also can fry things for you. It takes about 20 -30 minutes depending on how long the line is. We did not get anything fried, but next time we go we will probably try fried. Now there is a small counter to eat your food there, but I don't recommend it. It's way to crowded and most people just take their food home. Once they finish steaming it they have 4 different seasonings you can add on top. We added butter and old bay. It was delicious and still hot when I got home. TIP: Get more potatoes. I WILL BE BACK REAL SOON!

Fucking Love this place ... anytime of day I'll take that ride Cross the bridge for th

Whenever I'm in New York City this is my go to spot. The line is always crazy and long, but it's worth the wait. That just means the food is extra good. I can't help but overdo myself every time just for the butter.

I would say there's a reason it's a ghetto hot spot and it has nothing to do with the food. I paid almost $30 for shrimp, broccoli and corn plus rice and a side of tostones. The corn and tostones were the only saving grace of this meal. The rice was salty and horrible. For a Spanish joint you would think they could come up with some decent rice but it's just rice with too many Sazon packets. The broccoli was overcooked and so was the shrimp- hard and rubbery pellets, honestly that's the one thing I'm paying top dollar for and they screwed it up. So no, I would never eat there again and did I mention I had to wait almost an hour for my food? Yes, feel free to patronize if you want to lean against the garbage as you wait for horrible food- NEVER AGAIN

This place is always packed and you wait awhile for your food,but it is so worth it,every time we go there,we spend so much money because first all we're greedy and the food is so good we get ours broiled..we get so much food it takes us three days to eat it..I recommend this place if you're looking for some good seafood,just be prepared for the crowded small place,but you will definitely be satisfied with the food,we're from Brooklyn and we drive to Harlem for our seafood

A must taste in Harlem. Truly unrivaled. For the people. Those are words I'd use to describe El Puerto Seafood. If you are looking for a seafood option that is both affordable and delicious, this is where you need to be fr. You can order off the menu or you can go pick your own fish and pay by the pound. You can then ask to have it steamed free or fried at additional charge. The sides are beat too; French fries, tostones, yam. Be warned tho, this isn't really a sit down place. The best part is it's open late if you have the nighttime munchies. I came here many times while going to school nearby. Great for after a party. They also take ebt if u got that. 10/10

This place is amazing. If you're ever craving something in the middle of the night, this is one of the best places to go. The food was so good that we took a trip all the way from CT just to enjoy this talked about meal. From picking your own food to your own seasoning and how to prepare it this place will leave you're mouth watering and wanting more. The price is well worth it and you will not regret this choice.

This place is run by bullies and thieves. Guy tried to overcharge me. When I called him out on it, pointing to the menu, he got annoyed and didn't prepare my food while taking and completing other's people's orders. But I had already paid so couldn't just leave either. Was waiting there for 30 minutes, and every time I asked they just said it's not ready yet and laughed. And when I finally got my food it was the worst seafood I had in recent memory. There are so many better seafood restaurants in NYC - this place just takes cheap seafood and cooks it all up with bland sauce. Save your time and eat elsewhere.

Healthy food reasonably priced for a great amount of food all in one plate. A number of wonderful selections of seafood done your way and how you would like it to be seasoned in any form or fashion. The service was fast friendly and very helpful. And the ambiance would've sparked if the place was bigger and had like a seating section.

Better then going to a seafood boil. Everything is mor fresh and a lot more satisfying, then going to a restaurant. Plus you pick everything you want.

Been here plenty of times. Good that its 24 hrs....but GHETTTTTO is not the word. They already have all of Harlem coming thru there but wats worst is that its sooo tight in there so if you step on somebodys feet or bump into someone by mistake you never know what can happen. Everytime Im in there I dont know why I feel like any minute shots can fire (inside or outside this establishment) But yes, hands down the food is great. So I guess thats why ppl deal with the ghettoness & unwelcoming staff. Just get your food & be out quick....but I will be back lololol

I swear you gotta love NYC. Where else can you find fresh tasty seafood at 3 am? After you leave the club, no need for Mckie Ds, head on over to El Puerto. (Ok that sounded like some strange TV advertisement lolololols) Anyway you get my point this place is awesome. However the wait can be pretty long, but once you get your food it's sooo worth it. They do accept debit, however there is a minimum

My cousin was giving me a walking tour and pointed out that El Puerto was the seafood spot that Swizz Beats frequents & once paid for everyone's meal before. I saw a lot of reviews talking about the "hood spots" that have the best food and that you're better off getting the fresh seafood opposed to the combos I'd been craving seafood & knew Red Lobster was in the opposite direction but I can get that back home. I went during the afternoon & when I walked up, there was a line so I waited outside until people came out. I watched others get their stuff so I wouldn't look like the rookie lol I grabbed my bowl, got some large shrimp, crab legs, 2 broccoli & potatoes. All prices are clearly marked & I saw the seasonings by the weigh area so I made sure I grabbed some Old Bay. The wait was expected as they had multiple orders so I sat at the counter w my tickets They make sure you check your orders before you leave. EVERYTHING was steamed to perfection OMG.

El Puerto Seafood never disappoints me in the food category. I once ordered from the numbered menu and never again! The food tastes totally different from the fresh seafood that you can pick on your own to be cooked and seasoned. I highly suggest that you pick your own seafood. It's a little more expensive but it's worth it every time! The place is very small...take-out only. It can get over crowded but that's only because the food is that great. They are open 24 hours but I've never been there in the daytime......only in the wee hours of the morning, and it still can be crazy crowded. Once you pick your seafood and let the guy weigh it, you take it to the counter to pay and tell them how you want it to be cooked. I usually pick three pieces of the fried whiting, crab legs with old bay seasoning, and corn on the cob. You get your ticket then wait for your food. The spot is nothing fancy and not in the greatest location, but the food is amazing and has been for years. I love it!

Always love this place, especially when it's not packed. My aunt wanted steamed crab legs for her birthday. So we drove down from Westchester county...I'm sure there's a closer place, but you go where you know it's good. Sunday dinner consisted of steamed shrimp with corn, broccoli, onions and yellow rice. My aunt got her 4 bags of steamed crab legs with broccoli and corn. FYI, get a cup of lemonade while you wait for your food to be steamed. You won't be disappointed.

Don't do it! Reconsider! Read some literature on the subject- you sure? ---- it. The fried whiting fish sandwich was reminiscent of a Gordon's fish stick. It was so bad I will use that as the yardstick for bad fish sandwiches for the rest of my life. Whiting sandwich: 0 However, the red snapper was a masterpiece, and the mashed potatoes were a standout. It's hard to explain, everything was just seasoned well, cooked properly, and in abundant portions. These get a strong 5. But I'm still salty I paid for a fish sandwich that will sadden me whenever I remember it, so the overall score has to be a 2. If I lived in the neighborhood I would take the time to explore the menu, just be ready for the duds!

Honestly, I thought the food was overpriced and the experience overrated. Though I did enjoy picking my own seafood, everything was rushed. They didn't ask me how I wanted it cooked so they steamed all of the food and jipped me out of the bottle of water I paid for. I didn't realize until I got back to the car and I was double parked so I left. It wasn't amazing to me, just regular seafood I could've boiled myself. All of the condiments were overly salty, won't be visiting again.

In MY opinion, this place is incredibly overrated. There's no real structure of how to order the food here. My three star rating is solely due to the fact that this place is open 24hrs. I arrived at around 1:30AM there was a flux of people in and out. PACKED. So much that I actually got blocked in by all the inconsiderate people that double parked. I told the security in there and that resolved the issue. I agree with what the other helpers stated about getting the fresh fish from that room versus the combo menu. I ended up getting scallops, crab legs, and shrimps with mashed potatoes. Also they sold reallyyyyy tiny packs of vegetables that cost $1.50 each. REALLLYYYYYYY TINY. Anywho I spent $30 on my food was disappointed in the way it came out...no seasoning AT ALL. I thought it was a given when you cook food to season it beforehand so that the flavor gets to soak in a bit deeper but I digress. Maybe if I lived in Harlem I'd be certain to return. But since I live in Queens, I'd come back ONLY if I was having serious craving for seafood...I can make this food wayyyy better at home.

I was looking for a healthy food and see this market. So, why not givin' my self a treat and give it a try. And yeeeesssss, my expectation is way more wild bc the seafood is freshly made and you are the one who'll be choosin what meat you want and veggie and seasonings too. I never expect that this market made a legit seafood--healthy food that you gonna make for your own. Aside of steaming the foods! Yaaayyyyyy! I'm one of the happy customer!

Don't let the one and twozies scare you, this place is fantastic. Now mind you, I've been ordering the same thing here for 10+ years. Every once in awhile I'll get a bad result, maybe 1 out of 10 times. But that's the 1 time, other than that this place is a staple of west Harlem. This place is almost constantly packed, be prepared to wait awhile for your food. I've been coming to this place for a decade for a reason, it's worth it.

This was my first and last visit here. I was starving so I stopped in on the way back up to the Bronx, cause the reviews & the pics were pulling me in! I had a hankering for some delicious fried seafood goodness, but the spot I go to in the Bronx was a ways away. So here I was at around 4pm. Firstly, there's no where to park, good thing I wasn't alone, so I double parked & ran in. Second, its like a hole in the wall spot which I dont mind, but there was no one there when I came in, bad sign. Just the guys behind the counter who dont look happy to be there. I ordered a shrimp & scallop combo with fried plantains, & a crabstick and whiting combo with fries. They started frying the food right in front of me, it took about 15ish minutes for my order. While I was waiting, other people came in and ordered the broiled seafood they serve in aluminum trays. My order was about $25. I opened my orders to put on the sauces they have on the counter, tartar/ketchup/hot sauce/melted butter. When I realized how small their portion size is. I wish I could've taken pics but I didn't have my phone. The shrimps and scallops are small! The whiting was thin small filets that were over fried, dry and didn't taste fresh. The fries weren't good either, they're the thin type of fries you get at McDonald's but without the crunch. The food was pretty salty & got soggy sitting in the foam trays. I dont understand why people like this place? Maybe the broiled options are better? I don't know. What I do know is, I won't be going through the trouble to eat here again when there are some really good seafood spots around. Happy Yelping!