Café Riazor

- 245 W 16th St, New York, NY 10011

For New Yorkers seeking a piece of authentic Spanish culinary tradition, particularly in the bustling Chelsea neighborhood, look no further than **Café Riazor**. This establishment is more than just a Spanish restaurant; it is a long-standing, family-owned institution that has been serving the community since 1974. Named for the beach in the Galician city of A Coruña, Café Riazor offers a warm, cozy, and distinctly old-school New York dining experience, transporting guests with its authentic food, inviting atmosphere, and rich heritage. It began as a small, nine-table business and, while it doubled its capacity in 1989, it has retained its charming, welcoming feel, making it a true neighborhood favorite for decades.

The core appeal of Café Riazor lies in its dedication to traditional, high-quality Spanish cuisine, specializing in the rich and comforting flavors of Spain, particularly its Galician roots. As a full-service restaurant, bar, seafood restaurant, small plates restaurant, tapas bar, and tapas restaurant, it caters to a wide variety of dining preferences, whether you're looking for a quick, flavorful bite or a long, leisurely meal. The atmosphere is consistently described as casual and cozy, creating a perfect backdrop for a meal with family, friends, or even a comfortable solo dining experience, with its welcoming ambiance often referred to by long-time patrons as a "second home."

Located in the heart of the Chelsea neighborhood in Manhattan, Café Riazor is situated at **245 W 16th St, New York, NY 10011, USA**. This address places it conveniently in an area once historically known as 'Little Spain.' The restaurant's entrance involves descending a few steps, contributing to its intimate, hidden-gem feel. Its central location in Chelsea provides excellent accessibility for local residents and visitors alike. For those driving, both **Free street parking** and **Paid parking garage** options are available nearby, a considerable convenience in this part of Manhattan. The proximity to major subway lines and bus routes also makes it easily reachable via public transportation. Furthermore, the establishment is mindful of all patrons, featuring **Wheelchair accessible seating** to ensure a comfortable experience for everyone.

Café Riazor prides itself on a wide range of services designed to accommodate the modern New York lifestyle. Beyond the traditional dine-in experience with table service, the restaurant provides several convenient options:

• **Dine-in:** Enjoying the full, cozy atmosphere and table service for a complete experience.
• **Accepts reservations:** Recommended for securing a table, especially during peak dining hours.
• **Delivery:** Convenient service bringing authentic Spanish flavors directly to your home or office.
• **Takeout:** Perfect for quickly picking up your order to enjoy elsewhere.
• **Curbside pickup:** A quick and easy option for collecting your food without leaving your car.

The establishment's features and highlights showcase its commitment to both its food and the overall customer experience. Known for its genuine atmosphere and professional approach, the following elements stand out:

• **Authentic Spanish Cuisine:** Specializing in traditional dishes and tapas with a particular nod to Galician recipes, like the highly-praised *Caldo Gallego* (Galician Broth), which is known to be rich with kale, potatoes, chorizo, and pork.
• **Exceptional Seafood:** The seafood focus is strong, with signature dishes like *House Paella* (*Paella de La Casa*) and *Pulpo Frio* (Cold Octopus Salad) being long-time customer favorites. Other celebrated seafood offerings include *Camarones al Ajillo* (Shrimp in Garlic Sauce) and various clams and mussels preparations.
• **Timeless Ambiance:** Described as having a great retro or "old-school New York" feel, the interior is cozy and welcoming, adorned with traditional Spanish decor that enhances the transportive experience.
• **Fast Service:** Despite the traditional atmosphere, the service is often highlighted for being prompt and efficient.
• **Great Coffee:** Patrons note the quality of the coffee, making it a great spot for a post-meal digestif or a quick bite.
• **Full Bar & Diverse Offerings:** The bar offers a selection of **Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard liquor, and Wine**, with the homemade sangria being particularly recommended. The menu also caters to diverse dietary needs, offering **Vegetarian options** and classic **Comfort food** in addition to **Small plates** and quick bites.
• **Family-Friendly Amenities:** The restaurant is **Good for kids** and provides **High chairs** and a **Has changing table(s)**, making it a convenient choice for families.
• **Welcoming Crowd:** Known to be **Family-friendly** and **LGBTQ+ friendly**, the atmosphere is inclusive and comfortable for all groups.

For local users in New York, the ability to easily contact and locate this neighborhood staple is crucial. Café Riazor's contact details are as follows:

Address: 245 W 16th St, New York, NY 10011, USA

Phone: (212) 727-2132

Mobile Phone: +1 212-727-2132

Whether for a leisurely lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a quick tapas break, Café Riazor offers a complete dining solution for residents and workers in the area. The menu is structured to offer options for every occasion, including dedicated Lunch, Dinner, and Tapas selections. Popular dishes like the *House Paella* (with chicken, sausage, mussels, clams, shrimp, and lobster piece) and appetizers such as *Almejas* (clams) and the classic *Aceitunas* (olives) are essential starting points for any first-time visitor.

What truly makes **Café Riazor** worth choosing for a Spanish dining experience in New York is its rare combination of longevity, authenticity, and unwavering dedication to quality. The restaurant offers a genuine slice of old-world charm that is increasingly hard to find in a rapidly changing city. It has been cherished by patrons for over five decades—a powerful testament to its consistent excellence and warm hospitality, with some customers visiting faithfully for over fifty years. The family-owned and operated nature of the business ensures a personal touch and a sense of history that mass-market chains simply cannot replicate. Guests are not just dining out; they are stepping into a cherished piece of New York’s cultural and culinary past, all while enjoying spectacular and authentic Spanish food and the friendly smiles of a dedicated staff.

Café Riazor

245 W 16th St, New York, NY 10011, USA