El Manaba

- 3-41 St Nicholas Ave, Ridgewood, NY 11385

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking a vibrant and authentic taste of South America, **El Manaba** offers a distinct and extensive menu of Ecuadorian cuisine right in the heart of Ridgewood, Queens. Categorized as both an **Ecuadorian Restaurant** and a reliable **Delivery Restaurant**, El Manaba positions itself as a destination for both a complete sit-down dining experience and convenient takeout. Its name, "El Manaba," refers to a person from the Manabí Province of Ecuador, hinting at a culinary focus rich in coastal and traditional Ecuadorian specialties.

The menu is a deep dive into genuine Ecuadorian gastronomy, featuring regional favorites like hearty **Encebollados** (fish soup often considered a national dish) and a variety of fresh **Ceviches**. Beyond seafood, the restaurant offers traditional **Desayunos (Breakfast)**, grilled meats (**Asados**), and numerous **Ecuadorian Typical Plates** like *Seco De Chivo* and *Guatita*. El Manaba’s commitment to providing an authentic experience extends beyond the plate, boasting features like **live music** and an atmosphere that can be described as casual, cozy, romantic, and trendy, making it a versatile spot for various occasions from a quick lunch to a festive group dinner.

Location and Accessibility

El Manaba is conveniently situated at **3-41 St Nicholas Ave, Ridgewood, NY 11385, USA**. This address places it in a prime, highly accessible area of Ridgewood, serving not only the immediate Queens community but also nearby Brooklyn residents. Its location makes it easy for patrons to utilize its **Delivery** and **Takeout** services.

Crucially for an urban restaurant, El Manaba emphasizes extensive physical accessibility. It provides multiple features to ensure a comfortable visit for all New Yorkers, including those with mobility needs:

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
• Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot (often a valued feature in NYC)
• Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
• Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Furthermore, the availability of **Free street parking** is a significant amenity that New York drivers often seek out. For payment convenience, the restaurant accepts **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**, ensuring quick and modern transactions.

Services Offered

El Manaba provides a comprehensive range of dining and accessibility services to cater to every kind of New York customer, from those seeking a quick meal to large groups planning a celebratory dinner.

• Full Dining Options: Offers **Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Catering, and Dessert** with full **Table service** and dedicated **Seating**.
• Takeout and Delivery: Provides convenient **Takeout** and efficient **Delivery** options for home or office dining.
• Reservations: **Accepts reservations**, with **Dinner reservations recommended**, ideal for planning ahead, especially on nights with live music or for large groups.
• Full Bar Service: Features a **Bar onsite** with **Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard liquor, and Wine**, including **Happy hour food** specials.
• Family Friendly: **Good for kids** and provides **High chairs** and a dedicated **Kids' menu**.

Features / Highlights

The unique strengths of El Manaba lie in its authentic menu and its lively, accommodating atmosphere, which creates a memorable destination.

• Authentic Ecuadorian Specialties: The menu is a major highlight, centered around classic Ecuadorian dishes. Must-try items include the various **Ceviches** (like *Ceviche Mixto* or *Ceviche De Camaron*), the comforting **Encebollados** (available in regular, triple, and quadruple portions), and signature **Ecuadorian Typical Plates** such as *Bandera* and *Churrasco Ecuatoriano*.
• Diverse Beverage Program: Boasts a **Great beer selection**, **Great cocktails**, and a **Great wine list**, catering to adult diners seeking a pairing for their meal or a social atmosphere.
• Live Entertainment: Features **Live music**, transforming the space into a lively and exciting venue, perfect for a night out.
• Extensive Menu Options: Offers **Comfort food**, **Healthy options**, **Late-night food**, **Quick bites**, and **Small plates**, ensuring options for all dietary needs and dining timelines.
• High Praised Service: Acknowledged by many patrons for **Fast service** and exceptional individual server attention, which enhances the overall dining experience.
• Accommodating for All: Caters to a wide **Crowd**, including **Groups** and **Tourists**, while providing excellent **Accessibility** features.
• Full Meal Service: Provides the rare New York feature of a full **Breakfast** and **Brunch** menu, including items like *Bolon De Queso* and *Mote Pillo*.

Contact Information

For reservations, catering inquiries, or to place a delivery/takeout order, El Manaba can be reached at their Ridgewood location.

Address: 3-41 St Nicholas Ave, Ridgewood, NY 11385, USA

Phone: (718) 638-7000

What is Worth Choosing

El Manaba is worth choosing for any New Yorker looking to experience the rich, authentic flavors of Ecuador in a lively, full-service setting. Its greatest strength lies in its **culinary authenticity**, offering dishes like the *Encebollado* and a variety of unique *Ceviches* that are hard to find elsewhere in the city. When you choose El Manaba, you're not just choosing a meal; you're choosing a cultural experience.

For a special occasion or a fun night out, the combination of **live music**, a **great cocktail/wine list**, and the option for **reservations** makes it an ideal destination. The restaurant's proven ability to handle large parties effectively, with service described as "attentive, friendly, patient," makes it an excellent choice for groups. While some past reviews suggest areas for interior maintenance, the consistent praise for the food being "delicious" and "excellent," coupled with the comprehensive accessibility features, solidifies its value as a genuine and accommodating Ecuadorian eatery in Queens. Whether you dine in or opt for convenient delivery, El Manaba is the local spot for an unparalleled South American flavor journey.

El Manaba

3-41 St Nicholas Ave, Ridgewood, NY 11385, USA