El Kallejon Introduce
In the heart of El Barrio, also known as East Harlem, lies a true culinary and cultural haven: El Kallejon. More than just a Mexican restaurant, it’s a vibrant and welcoming space that embodies the essence of creativity and authenticity. From the moment you step through our doors, you’ll be transported to a place where every detail is thoughtfully curated, from the incredible flavors on your plate to the lively vibe in the air. El Kallejon is a place where classic Mexican cuisine gets a modern twist, blending traditional recipes with unique influences to create a dining experience that is both familiar and exciting. As a Latino-owned business, we are committed to sharing the rich heritage and artistry of our culture through our food, drinks, and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night or a festive gathering with friends, our restaurant, bar, and cocktail bar provide the perfect backdrop for any occasion.
El Kallejon is conveniently situated at 209 E 117th St, New York, NY 10035, USA. Our location in East Harlem makes us an accessible and cherished spot for residents and those exploring one of New York City’s most historic and culturally rich neighborhoods. While there is no dedicated parking, the surrounding area offers various public transportation options, and the festive street life adds to the authentic East Harlem experience. We are proud to be a part of this community, and our accessible amenities, including a gender-neutral restroom, are a reflection of our commitment to being an inclusive and safe space for everyone. Our cozy and trendy atmosphere makes us a perfect destination for both local patrons and tourists seeking an authentic taste of New York's diverse culinary landscape.
El Kallejon prides itself on offering a wide range of services to enhance your dining experience. Whether you're in a hurry or want to settle in for the evening, we have options to suit your needs. We offer traditional dine-in service with comfortable seating and table service, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in our unique atmosphere. For those on the go, our takeout and delivery services are available, ensuring you can enjoy our delicious food and drinks from the comfort of your own home. We also understand the importance of convenience, which is why we accept reservations, making it easy to plan your visit, especially for groups or special occasions. Our services are tailored to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience, no matter how you choose to dine with us. We accept credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, ensuring a smooth transaction every time.
What sets El Kallejon apart is the distinct character and exceptional offerings that make it a hidden gem in East Harlem. We are a small plates and tapas restaurant, which allows you to sample a variety of dishes and embark on a culinary tour of flavors. Our menu is a testament to our creativity, featuring unique items you won’t find at every Mexican restaurant. We also have a dedicated focus on beverages, functioning as a full-fledged cocktail bar and wine bar with a great wine list. Our signature cocktails, such as “La 117 de Harlem” and “Suave Rico,” are crafted with a personal touch and creative flair that has earned us a reputation for great cocktails. Live music is a significant highlight, adding to the vibrant and festive atmosphere, making every visit feel like a special event. We are proud to identify as a Latino-owned business and a transgender safe space, fostering an inclusive environment for all guests. Our focus on organic dishes and vegetarian options ensures that there is something for every palate. The atmosphere is casual, cozy, and trendy, making it popular for lunch, dinner, and even late-night food and drinks.
- Artisanal and Creative Cocktails: A unique list of signature drinks that go beyond the usual.
- Live Music: Enhances the festive and lively atmosphere for an unforgettable night.
- Small Plates and Tapas: Perfect for sharing and trying a variety of delicious dishes.
- Latino-Owned and Inclusive: A welcoming space that celebrates culture and diversity.
- Unique Menu Items: Features like "Caracoles al Mezcal y Pasilla" and "Tostaditas de Tiburón" offer adventurous new flavors.
- Cozy and Quaint Atmosphere: The decor and setting create a warm, intimate vibe.
For more information, to place an order, or to make a reservation, you can contact El Kallejon directly. Our address is 209 E 117th St, New York, NY 10035, USA. To speak with our friendly staff or to secure a table, please call us at (646) 649-4795. Our team is always ready to assist you and ensure your visit is as pleasant and memorable as possible. We look forward to sharing our passion for authentic Mexican food and drinks with you in the near future.
There are countless reasons why El Kallejon is worth choosing for your next night out in New York City. The food and drinks are a clear highlight, offering a creative and delicious departure from standard Mexican fare. The "artisanal" approach to our cocktails and the uniqueness of our signature dishes, as noted by enthusiastic customers, create a truly exceptional culinary journey. But it's not just the menu; it’s the overall experience. The service, often described as attentive and personal, makes you feel cared for, even on a busy night. Our intimate and beautifully decorated space provides a cozy and festive atmosphere that makes you want to linger and enjoy every moment. Whether you are coming for a quick bite or a long evening of dinner and drinks, the relaxed and inviting vibe, described as "island time" by one customer, is a refreshing change of pace for New Yorkers. El Kallejon is a place that feels like a discovery, a hidden gem where every visit promises a new adventure in flavor and a chance to feel like a cherished guest. We are confident that our authentic food, creative cocktails, and warm hospitality will make you a loyal customer.
El Kallejon Menu
ARTISANAL COCKTAILS Y MAS (Signature Cocktails)
- El Kallejon $13.00
Tequila, fresh lime, artesian tamarind chili cascabel marmalade, and pineapple chili candy.
- Dulce Kamila $13.00
Tequila, orange liqueur, hibiscus flower, rose petals infusion, and fresh lime.
- Chelada burron $10.00
Chela beer, muddled fresh lime, cucumber, valentina, mexican spices, chamoy, and chili salted rim.
- Mango Mambo $13.00
Tequila, agave, tropical flavors, passion mango, cilantro, and jalapeño.
- La Frida $13.00
Cava, crème de cassis, jamaica, rose petal infused, and berries.
- Clásica del barrio $13.00
Traditional tequila, orange, liqueur, and fresh lime.
- Suave Rico $13.00
Tequila, charanda, muddled berries, lemongrass, mint fresh lime, habanero, and cilantro.
- La 117 de Harlem $13.00
Tequila, agave, fresh cucumber, pineapple, and herbs of the day.
- Charanga & Jarana $13.00
Charanda, muddled, lime, mint, orchids, fruit of the season, and elder flower.
- Karakola $14.00
Mezcal, fresh lime, mint, muddled orange, grapefruit, pineapple, chili and salt.
Ceviche
- Tiradito de Salmon $15.00
Salmon, cucumber, ginger, soy sauce, citrus, yuzu, and chile de árbol.
- Vuelve a la Vida $16.00
Shrimp, octopus, fish of the day, and fresh lime juice.
ENSALADAS (Salads)
- Ensalada del Océano $17.00
Octopus, shrimp, mixed greens, pasilla chili, and citrus vinaigrette.
- Ensalada de Primavera $13.00
Mixed greens, avocado, lemon, pasilla vinaigrette, onions, and tomatoes.
FUNDIDOS Y MAS (Mexico-style fondue served with warm tortillas)
- Harlem Style $15.00
Melted 3 cheese, chorizo, shrimp, chicharron, and chipotle.
- Naked Mini Albondigas $15.00
Mini meatballs, homemade chipotle Lola sauce, cheese, and quail egg
LAS COCAS DEL KALLEJON (Flatbreads)
- Maria Sabina $16.00
Wild mushrooms, goat cheese, huitlacoche, shiitake mushrooms, and truffle oil.
- Diablita $15.00
Chorizo, melted cheese, and spicy pico de gallo.
- La Chabela $15.00
Zucchini flower, zucchini, roasted corn, chimichurri, 3 cheeses, and epazote herbs.
LAS SANGRIAS DEL KALLEJON (Sangrias)
- El Kallejon $12.00
Cilantro, jalapeño, and house blend.
- Blanca $12.00
White wine, and a special tropical blend.
- Roja $12.00
Red wine, and Kallejon special blend.
- Sake $12.00
White wine, and Kallejon special blend.
Únicos del Kallejon (Signature dish)
- Caracoles al Mezcal y Pasilla $16.00
Escargot, homemade mezcal, and pasilla sauce.
- Crispy Flautas de Pensamientos $15.00
Brains, salsa verde, mixed greens, and tobiko.
- Tostaditas de Tiburón $15.00
Baby shark, chipotle aioli, cheese, kalbi sauce, and pickled jalapeño.
- Tostaditas de tuna al Pibil $15.00
Yellowfin tuna al pibil, beans, pickled onions, avocado, and Habanero.
- Tostaditas de Huitlacoche $14.00
Mushrooms, goat cheese, epazote, and salsa verde.
“Omakase” Chef’s tasting menu. Tour of flavors, colors, and sazónes. Ask for it!
- Guacamole Kallejon MP
Fresh pomegranates, shrimp, Hikari crab, and guacamole.
- Tabla de Queso y Jamón Serrano MP
Chef’s selection of cheeses and Serrano ham.
Tacos del Barrio (3 mini tacos Mexico City-style)
- Fish Tacos $15.00
Crispy fish, cabbage, and refried beans.
- Vegetarian of the Day $14.00
Ask for the vegetarian of the day! Always new. Always fresh.
- Special tacos MP
Ask for the tacos of the day! Always new. Always fresh.
- Crispy Atun Tacos $16.00
Yellowfin tuna, greens, avocado sauce, and crema.
Quesadillas (Mexico City-style)
- Camarón, Cangrejo y 3 Quesos $16.00
Shrimp, crab, 3 cheeses, tobiko, artisanal salsa, and greens.
- Veggies of the Day $14.00
Ask for the veggies of the day! Always new. Always fresh.
Huipil de Maiz (Soft corn tortilla, 4 cheeses, mild tomatillo sauce, greens, crema.)
- Huitlacoche y Shiitake Mushrooms $24.00
- Protein of the Day MP
Ask for the protein of the day.
El Kallejon Details
From the business
- Identifies as Latino-owned
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great cocktails
- Great wine list
- Live music
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Organic dishes
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
El Kallejon Photos










El Kallejon Location
El Kallejon Reviews
cocktailstapasgemcevichemezcalsangriaflatbreadculturecutedecor
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Hidden gem! Excellent all around. Fun for a date night or a chill evening after work.Food - delicious and creative. Good mix of safe bets and exotic adventures.Drinks - fantastic and creative cocktailsService - slow for NYC if you are in a rush to get in and out, but perfect if you want to take the experience all in and enjoy the evening. Think island time, but worth it for the attention to care in the food and beverages. The owner, chef, bar tender, waiter may all be the same person at times (Nestor). Loved it!Atmosphere - It wraps it all up beautifully. It's quaint and festive. Loots to look at on the walls. Everything appears to be a personal work of art or decor. The small chairs and wood tables are fitting for the food, space, and overall vibe.I highly recommend it. I look forward to visiting again next time I'm in NYC.
May 08 · Sal Casanas✨ El Kallejón – East Harlem Gem ✨El Kallejón is an absolute must in El Barrio for authentic food and artisanal drinks. Every detail is so thoughtfully curated—from the incredible menu to the welcoming atmosphere and lively vibe. We were lucky enough to enjoy a live band and be seated in their gorgeous backyard, which made the night feel extra special. The amazing owner personally attended to us, and the staff made us feel so cared for the entire evening. Every dish and drink was absolutely delicious, and the experience as a whole was unforgettable. We can’t wait to come back! 🌟
August 18 · Jennifer Reyes-BolivarEvery time we dine at El Kallejon we are delighted with exquisite botanas from Mexico. The cocktails are great and the desserts too. The ambience is very cozy and decorated with art and colors from different places of Mexico. You can enjoy dinner with your friends and family. My son enjoys eating shrimp tacos, chilaquiles and churros. I enjoyed as well every signature dish and every artisan craft cocktail from El Kallejon. Also, El Kallejon hosts every year a Day of the Death Event where you can celebrate this tradition with music and folk dance. El Kallejon is a piece of Mexico in East Harlem. Nestor, chef, and owner is friendly and humorous. He describes his passion for his culture, food, music and traditions. Visit el Kallejon in East Harlem.
July 14 · Leticia AbadIt's not often that I give a restaurant all five across the board but if anybody deserves it it's this place. This non-traditional but super authentic Mexican restaurant is probably the best Mexican food I've ever had in my life. Every single dish was delicious. The chef comes out and talks to you and is willing to make dishes to your liking. This place is so cute and fun and the atmosphere is so cozy you might never want to leave. If you go to one restaurant in 2024 this should be it.
March 11 · Zakeenah SmithWow, what an amazing place! 10 out of 10. I had the omakase style dinner with friends. Not only were the food and drinks delicious, but the atmosphere was so warm and cozy. The people were very welcoming. I’ve never felt more at home in an NYC restaurant. Go here, you won’t be disappointed. A true one of a kind gem!
February 21 · Shannon Henderson
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