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Jalao, New York, NY

Jalao

4.2
4.2
391 Reviews
$31 to $50
Caribbean

Make a reservation

2 people
8:30 PM
Booked 5 times today
  • Lively
  • Good for groups
  • Great for live music
Welcome to Jalao! Escape from the streets of New York City to the brightly colored paradise of the Dominican Republic while dining at Jalao. Enjoy authentic Dominican food and vibrant cultural surroundings right in the heart of NYC’s Washington Heights Neighborhood.

Eat surrounded by the vibrant ambiance of Taíno, African, and Spanish influences that blend together in a flavorful splash of Dominican culture. In a courtyard built for live music and dancing, experience the timeless atmosphere of the historic Ciudad Colonial of Santo Domingo.

Located in the brand new Radio Hotel, join Manhattan’s Little Dominican Republic community as they experience a taste of home. Handcrafted Dominican furniture adorns the dining area, while the walls are splashed with brightly colored murals and authentic Carnival masks.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Caribbean
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Mon–Fri 7:00 am–11:00 am Happy Hour Mon–Fri 4:00 pm–7:00 pm Mon–Thu 10:00 pm–11:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (929) 688-4684
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Wilmer Chuquillanqui
  • Neighborhood
    Washington Heights
  • Cross street
    Amsterdam Ave & 181st St
  • Parking details
    None
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dancing, Delivery, Entertainment, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 391 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.2
4.2 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.2Service
  • 4.1Ambience
  • 4Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Jalao offers a vibrant atmosphere with standout "excellent flavor profiles" and "amazing" food, including delicious guacamole and seafood dishes. The drinks and decor are highly praised. While service can be slow and noise levels high, the restaurant's Dominican-inspired cuisine and ambiance provide a "wonderful" tropical experience.

391 Reviews
  1. Marlene

    New York City

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I went to celebrate my birthday with family and close friends. I had such a great time at Jalao. The food was great. The staff were so friendly and kind.

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  2. Juanys y franklin

    New York City

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    La camisa muy rica y el servicio super atentos todo su personal

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  3. HECTOR

    Baltimore

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Jalao continues to be on top of the line on Latin Kitchen influence, in New York City. However, many, too many of dishes on the menu are not available, which is frustrating

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  4. Darvin

    New York City

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 12, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 1
    I truly wish Dominican Restaurants would understand the level of noise , when you go to a establishment to eat and enjoy food and talk to your friend you don’t wanna be talking over then . Please consider this your food is good , your decor is amazing , your service it’s superb but the ambiance noise level it’s truly disconcerting, we left early Just for that reason.

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  5. Dawn

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 12, 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    We had guacamole to share. I ordered the Pecao Frito and my partner ordered the Jalao Pasta. I have zero complaints about the food taste. The drinks were also good. I had a Santo Dominicano which I didn’t like so much but not because of taste but because I don’t like Espresso Martinis (I was not paying attention when I read the description). I also had the Morir Sonando. I highly recommend it. Not sugary. Nice blend of flavors. Our server, Yelina was also great. She checked on us and even tried to redeem the one issue I had. Now to the issue. They brought out my partner’s food and I didn’t mind because I figured mine would be coming out shortly after. Wrong! I sat and waited. Finally someone came in our vicinity and I told them that I hadn’t gotten my main course yet. They were apologetic. I thought okay surely it will come out any moment now. Sometimes you get busy and forget. Wrong again! In total it took approx. 45 mins AFTER my partner got their meal before mine finally arrived. I know that’s no fault of our server and every bit on the kitchen. Not quite sure I would be back as I feel like I was forgotten about for way too long. At the same time, hopefully if I do come back the owner/manager/whoever would have had a serious talk with the kitchen by then.

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  6. Hugo

    Atlantic City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 21, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding service and staff was exquisite. I was licking my pork ribs Nona’s. Delicious food and highly recommend it to anyone. Great for birthday, weddings.

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  7. Sureli

    New York City

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 7, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 1
    Service and food were really good. Beautiful restaurant and decorated! However, the music was so loud and the restaurant was not full and it is not a disco 💃🏻 🕺🏻 we had to be yelling to hear each other and by the time the food entries came in we ready to go. It would have been better if the music was at level to enjoy the music. Too loud. Too much. Not sure we will go back; maybe lunch is better noise level than dinner. We did ask our server if the music was always loud and the possibility to lower it however we were told that’s the volume management prefers it.

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  8. Rosemary

    New York City

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 6, 2024

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 1
    It wasn't quite what we were expecting. The Instagram page is not updated, so we were looking for more of a lounge/restaurant experience as advertised. However, it was nothing like that. It has changed and is now just a restaurant with nothing special about it.

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  9. Sheila

    New York City

    7 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Went with a group and I was pleasantly surprised. The vibe is chill and our server was great. Food varied in satisfaction. For example the chicharrón to share was well cooked but lacked flavor. More other plates were good. Prices are too high so I’d have to think twice before returning but if asked I’d say, give it a try if your pockets allow.

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  10. Isamell

    New York City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 1, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was so good, a little bit expensive, but worth it

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FAQs

Jalao offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (929) 688-4684.

Jalao is rated 4.2 stars by 391 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
8:30 PM
Booked 5 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Jalao

2420 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10033-7327

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Amsterdam Ave & 181st St
  • Neighborhood
    Washington Heights
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Mon–Fri 7:00 am–11:00 am Happy Hour Mon–Fri 4:00 pm–7:00 pm Mon–Thu 10:00 pm–11:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Caribbean
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    None
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Wilmer Chuquillanqui
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dancing, Delivery, Entertainment, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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