Sandy Restaurant: Authentic Spanish and Dominican Cuisine in East Harlem

Sandy Restaurant Introduce

When you're craving the soul-soothing flavors of home-cooked Latin American food,

Sandy Restaurant

in East Harlem is a name that comes to mind for many local New Yorkers. Located in a neighborhood rich with cultural history and incredible food, this

Spanish restaurant

and

Dominican restaurant

has established itself as a go-to spot for those who appreciate hearty portions, authentic flavors, and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a place that feels like a family kitchen, offering a wide array of dishes that reflect the vibrant culinary traditions of the Caribbean and Latin America.

The moment you walk into Sandy Restaurant, you're met with a

casual

and

cozy

environment that immediately makes you feel at ease. The restaurant is celebrated for its commitment to serving local specialty dishes that are both flavorful and honest. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite or a full, sit-down meal, Sandy Restaurant provides a comfortable setting and a menu that’s sure to satisfy. While some customer experiences may vary, the overwhelming sentiment from regulars highlights the kindness of the staff and the consistent quality of the cooking. This is a place where every dish tells a story, and every visit feels like coming back to a familiar place.

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Location and Accessibility

Sandy Restaurant is situated at

2261 2nd Ave

, New York, NY 10035, in the bustling heart of East Harlem. Its location on 2nd Avenue makes it easily accessible to residents and visitors alike. The area is well-served by various public transportation options, and for those driving, both

free street parking

and

paid street parking

are available nearby, a valuable amenity in this part of the city.

The establishment is committed to accessibility, featuring a

wheelchair accessible entrance

and

wheelchair accessible seating

, ensuring that all patrons can enjoy the dining experience. The neighborhood vibe adds to the overall appeal, making it a genuine local gem where a diverse crowd, including

families

and

groups

, can feel at home.

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Services Offered

Dine-in and Table Service:
For those who want to savor their meal in a relaxed setting, Sandy Restaurant offers comfortable seating and attentive table service. It's a great spot for lunch or dinner with family and friends.
Takeout and Delivery:
Recognizing the fast-paced nature of New York City, Sandy Restaurant provides efficient takeout and
delivery
services, including a
no-contact delivery
option. This ensures you can enjoy their delicious food from the comfort of your own home or office.
Catering:
Sandy Restaurant extends its authentic flavors to larger groups with its
catering
services, perfect for corporate events, family celebrations, or any gathering where you want to impress with hearty, flavorful food.
Full-Service Dining:
The restaurant serves meals throughout the day, including
breakfast
,
lunch
, and
dinner
, with
late-night food
options available for evening cravings.

---

Features and Highlights

Extensive Menu:
The menu is a highlight in itself, offering a vast selection of traditional
Spanish
,
Dominican
, and
Latin American
dishes. From a variety of
soups
and
salads
to an extensive list of
meats
and
seafood
, there is something to suit every palate.
Authentic "Home-Style" Cooking:
Known for its honest cooking and rich, savory flavors, the food at Sandy Restaurant tastes like a meal made by a family member. Popular dishes like the
Stewed Beef
,
Roasted Pork
, and the various
Soupy Rices
are prepared with traditional spices and techniques.
Diverse Beverage and Dessert Options:
Beyond the food, the restaurant offers a selection of
juices
,
shakes
, and alcoholic beverages, including
beer
,
cocktails
, and
wine
. The
desserts
, such as the classic
Caramel Custard
and
3 Milk Cake
, are the perfect ending to a hearty meal.
Latin-Owned Business:
As an identified
Latino-owned
business, Sandy Restaurant offers an authentic cultural experience and a strong connection to its community.
Family-Friendly and Welcoming:
The atmosphere is described as being
family-friendly
and a
Transgender safespace
, highlighting a commitment to a welcoming and inclusive environment for all patrons.

---

Contact Information

Address:

2261 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10035, USA

Phone:

(212) 348-8654

---

What is Worth Choosing?

When you visit Sandy Restaurant, the sheer variety can be a bit daunting, but there are several standout dishes that are highly recommended by regulars. The

Mofongo

is a must-try, particularly the versions with pork chunks or shrimp. This traditional dish of fried, mashed plantains is a staple of Dominican and Puerto Rican cuisine and is expertly prepared here.

For meat lovers, the

Stewed Beef

and

Roasted Pork

are classic choices that are consistently praised for their rich flavor and tenderness. The

Onion Steak

is another popular option that showcases the restaurant's ability to create simple yet deeply flavorful dishes. If you're looking for something with a Caribbean twist, the

Fried Chicken Chunks

are also a flavorful and satisfying choice.

The seafood options, like the

Shrimp in Garlic Sauce

and the

Spanish Seafood Rice

, are also worth exploring. For a lighter but equally flavorful meal, the

Soups

, especially the

Dominican Soup

or the

Beef Tripe Soup

, provide a perfect dose of comfort.

While the service has received mixed reviews, many customers praise the genuine kindness of the staff and the "real kindness" they show. The true value of Sandy Restaurant lies in its "honest cooking" and the authentic, comforting meals it provides. The generous portions and reasonable prices, combined with a menu that feels like a culinary journey through Latin America, make it a worthy choice for anyone in New York looking for an authentic and satisfying dining experience.

Sandy Restaurant Menu

Soups
Beef Tripe Soup
Chicken Soup
Dominican Soup
Beef Soup
Fish Soup

Soupy Rices
Chicken Soupy
Shrimp Soupy Rice
Soupy Lobster
Seafood Soup

Salads
Octopus Salad
Codfish Salad $8.00
Mixed Salad $4.00
Lettuce and Tomatos Salad $3.00
Ensalada De Camarones $14.00
Grilled Chicken $10.00
Avocado $5.00
Avocado. lettuce, tomato

Meats
May be served with any side including rice, beans, green or sweet plantains, salad, cassava, green banana, mashed potatoes, french fries, etc.
Stewed Beef $10.50
Roasted Pork $10.50
Rotisserie Chicken $9.50
Steak in Sauce $13.00
Onion Steak $13.00
Breaded Steak $13.00
Grilled Steak $13.00
BBQ Ribs $11.00
Fried Chicken $11.50
Sandy Style Steak $13.00
Fried Pork Chops $13.00
Fried Chicken Chunks $12.00
Boneless Fried Chicken Chunks $13.00
Pork Chops in Sauce $13.00
Grilled Pork Chops $9.50
Fried Pork Meat $13.00
Fried Beef Meat $13.00
Chicken Brest in Garlic Sauce $12.00
Chicken Breast w. Vegetables $12.00
Chicken Breast Sauteed $12.00
Breaded Chicken Breast $12.00
Chicken Breast w. Lemon Sauce $12.00
Grilled Chicken Breast $12.00
Chicken Breast Milanesa $17.00
Chicken Cordon Blue $14.00
Chicken Breast Stuffed w. Shrimp $22.00
Chicken Breast Stuffed w. Seafood $22.00
Chicken Parmigiana $14.00

Seafood
Shrimp in Garlic Sauce $14.00
Fried Shrimp $14.00
Shrimps Scampi $14.00
Sea Style Shrimps $19.95
Grilled Shrimps $14.00
Shrimps in Hot Sauce $14.00
Mashed Plantain with Shrimps $15.00
Sea Style Lobster $22.95
Lobster in Garlic Sauce $19.50
Grilled Lobster $19.50
Spanish Seafood Rice $23.95
Fried Fish $17.00
Fesh Stewed $18.00
Red Fish in Sauce $18.00
Red Grilled Fish $17.00
Grilled Fish $8.50
Slice Grilled Fish $9.00
Slice Fish Stewed $9.50
Pork Chop Pound $7.50
Whole Chicken $7.00
BBQ Ribs $7.00
Skirt Steak $19.50
T-Bone Steak $18.50
Sirlon Steak $18.50

Fritters
Morcilla $2.00
Relleno de Papa $1.50
Beef Pastelito $1.50
Aicapurria $1.50
Pasteles en Hoja $2.50
Shrimp Empanada $2.00

Mofongo
Mashed Plantain with Pork Chunck $7.00
Mashed Plantain de Pernill $9.00
Mashed Plantain with Chicken $9.00
Mashed Plantain w. Cheese $8.00
Mashed Plantain with shrimp $17.00
Mashed Plantain w. Seafood $27.00

Rices
Rice with Pigeon Peas $4.00
Rice with Beans $5.25
Rice with Pigeon Peas and Beans $5.25
Rice with Chicken $12.00
Rice with Shrimps $17.00
Rice with Calamary $13.00
Rice with Lobster $27.00
Rice w. Shrimp $17.00
Rice w. Sausage $13.00
Chofan $14.00

Sandwich
Lettuce & tomato .50 extra
Cuban Style $6.50
Rotisserie Chicken $6.00
Ham and Cheese $3.50
Pork $6.00
Steak $7.50
Pork Chops $7.00
BLT $3.50
Breaded Chicken $6.00
Breaded Steak $7.50
Grilled Chicken Breast $8.00

Juices
Coconut
Ajionjoli
Pineapple
Lemon
Tamarindo
Fruit Punch
Passionfruit

Shakes
Mango $4.00
Guanabana $4.00
Mamey $4.00
Papaya $4.00
Banana $4.00

Desserts
Caramel Custard $3.00
Cheesecake $3.00
3 Milk Cake $3.00

Beverages
Corona - Bottle $4.00
Heinken -- Bottle $4.00
Budweiser - Bottle $4.00
Coors Light
Modelo

Combo
Combo 1 $17.95
Whole rotisserie chicken, rice and beans, green plantains or salad and three cans of soda of your choice.
Combo 2 $18.95
1LB roast pork rice and beans, green plantains or salad and three cans of soda of your choice.
Combo 3 $18.95
fried pork chops (3 Slices) rice and beans, green plantains or salad and three cans of soda of your choice.
Combo 4 $21.95
Onion Steak (2 PCS) rice and beans, green plantains or salad and three cans of soda of your choice.
Combo 5 $21.95
Large boneless chicken chunks rice and beans, green plantains or salad and three cans of soda of your choice.
Combo 6 $26.96
White snapper (2 Slices) rice and beans, green plantains or salad and three cans of soda of your choice.
Combo 7 $21.95
Pepper steak rice and beans, green plantains or salad and three cans of soda of your choice.
Combo 8 $20.95
Chicken stew rice and beans, green plantains or salad and three cans of soda of your choice.
Combo 9 $21.95
Sautéed chicken breast rice and beans, green plantains or salad and three cans of soda of your choice.
Family Combo 1 $24.95
1 whole chicken, fried pork chops (2pcs), LG rice and beans, green plantains and salad and three cans of soda of your choice.
Family Combo 2 $24.95
Fried pork chops (2pcs), steak w. onions, 2 MD rices, beans, green plantains and salad and three cans of soda of your choice.
Family Combo 3 $24.95
2 Steak w. onions, 2 MD rices,beans, green plantains and salad and three cans of soda of your choice.

Pastas
Eggplant Parmagiana $10.50
With any side of your choice.
Chicken Parmagiana $14.00
Spagetti w. Shrimp $15.00
Shrimp Parmagiana $16.00

Seafood
With any side of your choice
Shrimp As You Like $16.00
Lobster Tail $32.00
May be in garlic sauce, red sauce, or grilled.
Lobster Tail Stuffed w. Seafood $40.00
Seafood Paella
Paella Valenciana
Red Snapper As You Like $19.00
In garlic sauce, grilled, red sauce, fried etc.
Fish Fillet As You Like $12.00
Fish Fillet Stuffed w. Shrimp $29.00
Salmon As You Like $14.00

Picadera
BEEF, PORK, CHICKEN & PLANTAINS
SALAMI, CHEESE, SAUSAGE & PLANTAINS

Burgers
Burger Deluxe $7.50
With french fries
Cheeseburger Deluxe $7.50
With french fries

American Breakfast
Served with home fries, toast, and coffee.
2 eggs with bacon or pork sausage $6.00
2 eggs with turkey or beef sausage $7.00
2 eggs with ham $6.00

Omelettes
Served with home fries or toast Only american or swiss cheese Cheese .50 extra
Ham & Cheese $6.50
Vegetables $6.50
Bacon and cheese $6.50
Sausage and cheese $6.50
Turkey and ham $6.50
Spanish $6.50
Western $6.50

Spanish Breakfast
Extra salami, cheese, eggs, sausage .50 a piece.
Mangu w. salami, egg, and cheese $7.00
Mangu w. cheese, salami, sausage $7.00
Any sausage of your choice
Mangu w. cheese, sausage, salami and eggs $9.00

Pancakes
Each order brings 3pcs
Plain $3.00
2 eggs w. beef or turkey sausage $6.00
2 eggs w. bacon or pork sausage $5.00
2 eggs w. bacon and sausage $7.00

Sandy Restaurant Details

From the business
Identifies as Latino-owned

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Serves local specialty

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible seating
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Hard liquor
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Wine

Dining options
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safespace

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids

Parking
Free street parking
Paid street parking
Parking

Sandy Restaurant Photos

Sandy Restaurant Location

Sandy Restaurant

New York New York County New York 2nd Avenue

2261 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10035, USA

Sandy Restaurant Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 1123 user reviews.

deliverycolddominican foodplantainshealth and safetychicharrontostonesrice and beansmofongorice and peas

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Terrible experience at this restaurant. The service was completely unacceptable. The staff seemed more interested in chatting with each other than attending to customers. When I tried to order, the guy in front of me was basically ignored me and helped the person behind me instead. I had to ask him for assistance, and even then, he barely acknowledged me. When I finally got his attention, instead of helping me himself, he just pointed at another staff member and told me to go talk to them. It was like I was invisible. The attitude was awful, and it felt like I was bothering him by even being there.
August 07 · Jenny Lynx
We believe Sandy Restaurant stands among the best options locally. The extra dishes tasted excellent, containing spices I don't usually try. Where you find Sandy Restaurant adds value to the experience. Every staff member shows real kindness. This spot offers honest cooking.
August 14 · Uggg Ghbv
My order3 beef empanadas3 chicken empanadas!Came in for a quick bite after my examination malfunctioned (lost internet service). It was extremely busy when I walked in. But I was immediately greeted by the staff behind the counter. I definitely recommend stopping by this restaurant. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner! The food behind the glass (hot bar) looks extremely fresh. The staff works together and are very consistent when it comes to catering to their patrons. Family friendly, date worthy place. Please support this business for those days and nights you don’t want to cook! They also have delivery as well. Plus I just tried JUGO DE COCO for the first time…i 100% recommend!!! This is a local staple for Harlem.Please support the locals!!!
September 27 · Andrew Augustus
My girlfriend was craving mangú and we found it! Very good all around!
May 25 · Marc Starvaggi
My mouth was in heaven! Every employee was naturally personable. Their meals demonstrated cooking skill. The value here is obvious. The spot won my complete approval.
July 07 · do bui