Ernesto's

- 259 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002

For discerning New Yorkers looking to explore the sophisticated and robust flavors of Northern Spain, Ernesto's on East Broadway offers an exceptional journey into Basque and Spanish cuisine right in the Lower East Side (LES). More than just a local eatery, Ernesto's has established itself as an upscale, trendy, and cozy destination, celebrated for its authentic pintxos, meticulously crafted main courses, and an extraordinary wine selection. It is a place where exceptional hospitality meets culinary artistry, creating a truly memorable dining experience whether you are visiting for a celebratory dinner or a casual lunch.

The restaurant’s concept is deeply inspired by the vibrant culinary culture of the Basque Country, particularly its renowned pintxos bars, blended with a distinct New York energy. The menu is structured to encourage sharing and discovery, featuring both small bites (Para Picar) and substantial traditional main courses (Platos Principales). Popular with both lunch and dinner crowds, and highly praised for its fantastic hospitality, Ernesto’s is a destination that consistently earns high marks from patrons for both its atmosphere and the quality of its food.

Customers consistently rave about the "delicious food, great vibe, and exceptional hospitality." Many highlight the staff's professionalism, noting how the beverage director can help select a lovely wine and how the attentive servers make for a "really, really fun dining experience." This combination of high-quality food, expert beverage service, and a genuinely warm environment makes Ernesto's a standout choice in the city’s vibrant Spanish restaurant scene.

Ernesto's is ideally situated at 259 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002, USA. This address places it in the lively and culture-rich Lower East Side, making it easily reachable from various points across Manhattan. The location is known for its blend of historic charm and modern energy, providing a perfect backdrop for a trendy, upscale restaurant.

A significant and important feature of Ernesto's is its commitment to accessibility, ensuring that all New York diners can enjoy their experience comfortably.

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: The premises feature an entrance designed to be accessible for guests using wheelchairs.
• Wheelchair Accessible Seating: Seating arrangements within the restaurant accommodate wheelchair users.
• Parking: The area offers both Free street parking and Paid street parking options nearby, which, while typical of NYC, provides some options for those driving.

Its location is also convenient for public transit, allowing easy access for those coming from other boroughs or parts of Manhattan. The surrounding neighborhood is safe and enjoyable for an after-dinner stroll.

Ernesto's offers a comprehensive suite of dining services designed to cater to a variety of occasions, from an elegant date night to a relaxed solo meal.

• Dine-in Service: Full table service is provided across all dining times, ensuring an attentive and comfortable experience.
• Outdoor Seating: The restaurant offers outdoor seating, a highly valued option for enjoying the New York weather while dining.
• Reservations Accepted: The venue Accepts reservations, with Dinner reservations recommended due to its immense popularity, especially for evening dining.
• All-Day Dining: Catering to various schedules, Ernesto's is open for Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert.
• Bar Onsite: A dedicated Bar onsite offers a full range of beverages, including Alcohol, Beer, Hard liquor, and is noted for its Great cocktails and Great wine list.
• Food Offerings: The menu includes Small plates (pintxos/tapas) perfect for sharing, as well as Late-night food and Coffee.
• Family Amenities: The restaurant is considered Good for kids and offers High chairs, making it suitable for families.
• Payment Options: Accepting Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments (like Apple Pay).
• Restroom Facilities: Includes both a standard Restroom and a Gender-neutral restroom.

Ernesto's shines by emphasizing both culinary excellence and a high-end, comfortable atmosphere that resonates with the New York crowd.

• Authentic Basque Pintxos and Tapas: The Para Picar section is a major draw, featuring classic items like Gildas, Croquetas de jamón, Tosta de gambas, and their highly recommended Nuestra tortilla (traditional Spanish omelet).
• Exceptional Wine Program: A significant highlight is the Great wine list, which is particularly strong on Spanish wines. The beverage director is on hand to assist with pairings, elevating the meal.
• Standout Main Courses: The menu goes beyond small plates with impressive main dishes, including the savory ARROZ MELOSO DE CONEJO (creamy rabbit rice), the seafood highlight RAPE A LA PARRILLA (grilled monkfish), and CORDERO ASADO (roasted lamb).
• Ambiance: The atmosphere is celebrated for being simultaneously Cozy, Romantic, Trendy, and Upscale, making it ideal for a special date night or an intimate celebration.
• Highly-Rated Desserts: Patrons particularly praise the Great dessert options, such as the classic CREME CARAMEL (flan) and the beloved TARTA DE QUESO (Basque cheesecake).
• Fast and Friendly Service: The combination of Fast service and exceptional hospitality, with staff who are often mentioned by name, ensures a delightful and unrushed dining pace.

Ernesto's encourages New York patrons to reach out for reservations, particularly during peak dining hours, to ensure seating in one of their distinct dining spaces (such as the main dining room or the chef's counter).

• Address: 259 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002, USA
• Phone: (646) 692-8300
• Mobile Phone: +1 646-692-8300

Given the restaurant’s upscale status and popularity, especially on weekend evenings, utilizing the reservation system is key to planning a successful visit.

Choosing Ernesto's means opting for a Spanish dining experience that is both authentic and refined, setting a high standard for Basque cuisine in New York City. The restaurant’s blend of an Upscale yet Cozy and Romantic setting makes it one of the top choices in the LES for a celebratory meal or a high-quality date night. The staff's focus on hospitality, which includes attentive service and expert beverage guidance, makes guests feel genuinely cared for and valued.

The food menu is where Ernesto's truly distinguishes itself. While the main courses like BACALAO EN SALSA VERDE (salt cod) and CORDERO ASADO (roasted lamb) are excellent, the greatest strength lies in the small plates. Diners can—and should—curate a full meal from the PARA PICAR and ENTRADAS sections. Customer reviews strongly recommend the traditional options to start, such as the creamy Croquetas de jamón, the savory Txistorra, and the classic Nuestra tortilla, which are celebrated as the best options for smaller bites and shared appetizers.

Furthermore, the drink program is a huge draw. If you are a wine lover, the opportunity to explore a very large and interesting list of Spanish wines, expertly guided by the beverage director, is unparalleled. Coupled with the highly-rated, unique Great cocktails, Ernesto's is an ideal spot for those who value the beverage component of their dining experience as much as the food. The availability of outdoor seating and accommodations for children and solo diners further broadens its appeal, making Ernesto's a versatile and reliable choice for a high-quality Spanish culinary adventure in New York.

Ernesto's

259 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002, USA