El Born

Thank you to my friend for getting me a gift card for my birthday! We live in different states now so each year we give each other a gift card to somewhere we wish we could dine at together. Really cute tapas restaurant conveniently located in a busy shopping and dining area not far from the subway.Party of 4 on a Thursday night, reserved in advance. We each really enjoyed our food and cocktails. Get the prix fixe "Chef's Menu" served family style! SO worth the money, such great portions! We went for the tapas-only option (instead of tapas and paella). The staff asks for dietary restrictions and if there are any dishes on the menu that you ABSOLUTELY would like to be included in the chef's selection. (We requested the oxtail dish). The food just kept coming and it was a great portion for 4 people! And each dish was delicious. The staff was helpful and attentive and we loved the food choices sent to us. Would def come back!

TLDR: El Born is a Spanish spot in Greenpoint with tapas, rices, etc. It is nice to have an option that's not all the way in Manhattan and something other than Boqueria. Gambas and Montadito were our favorites.We tried this on a Friday. It's a cozy little place and very dimly lit, nice for a date night or an intimate conversation. There's the usual run of Spanish tapas but a few twists on things.Our two favorite items were the Gambas and Montadito. The shrimp is de-shelled, the oil is chock full of garlic slices and overall the flavor was solid. The shrimp itself was cooked well and plenty of bounce to the bite. The Montadito was a crostini basically with a beef carpaccio, manchego and artichoke. Classically Spanish and what's not to like.The Bravas potatoes were interesting. They were served on top of each other, more crispy smashed style and a dollop of aioli on top. Enjoyable but I personally prefer the smaller dice and the traditional way.The squid ink paella wasn't bad and at $50 for a pan for 2, very fairly priced. There was a good amount of seafood in it, my only gripe is it was a bit wetter than I'd have liked. I like that socarrat fried hard on the bottom, I want to struggle to hold the pan steady as I scrape that goodness off the steel.Nonetheless, a decent meal and a good option if you want some vino and small bites.

Had the privilege of experiencing El Born's bottomless brunch. Not only did I get a lovely selection of food, but some strong mimosas to boot. I particularly loved the eggs Benedict and French toast as the eggs were cooked to perfection and the French toast came with a heaping of fruits. With an attentive staff and laidback ambiance, I had a wonderful brunch experience.

El born is charming little Spanish tapas joint that is particularly well-suited for a weekday evening gathering to take advantage of their deals. If I recall, we sat at the bar -- tended by a lovely woman overflowing with wisdom -- and demolished several tapas dishes and a MASSIVE pour of vermouth. Is there anything better than leaving a place feeling like you got a great meal on a bargain? Me says no.

What a great Spanish restaurant! Not only were the staff incredibly accommodating, friendly and extra attentive, but the food was nothing short of wonderful. After studying abroad in Barcelona, I've been dying for authentic tapas and this place certainly impressed.The Iberico Ham and Picos (pictured) were a wonderful appetizer but the Dàtils Amb Bacó Fumat was my favorite. The paella came hot and was a huge portion, with all dishes perfect for sharing. Amazing cocktails as well. We sat inside but the outdoor back patio was super cute looking and I imagine perfect for summer brunches or group dinners. Would definitely recommend checking out if you're in the area!

This place was amazing! We ordered a pitcher of sangria which for a party of 2 was about 4 glasses each. The iberico ham and picos were fresh and crunchy, the pica pica felt healthy and light, and the patatas bravas was rich and creamy! They were some of the best appetizers I have ever had. The braised oxtail was very solid (very rich in bechamel sauce) and the grilled octopus was rich in all the infused herbs and spices. The only knock I would give in this experience is the many mosquitoes if you sit patio, but there isn't much that can be done, and they try combating it with repellant candles. This was a great experience and can't wait to come back here.

Service was great and the food was DELISH. Everything we got was good I cannot complain. It was dark but decent amount of seating and we got a bottle of white wine that was delicious as well. Would definitely come again.

Came for brunch and got a quite good deal - one paella + four appetizers + bottomless mimosa/sangria for less than $40 per personPatatas Bravas is above the average levelBrussels sprouts is my favorite!! The addition of raisins is quite an big plus to the texture and a balance of the taste Croquettes of the day is the mushroom one - align with expectation Dates and bacon - personally don't like the cheese taste in itPaella - align with expectation

4 stars for the service and ambiance. The food was a solid 3, however we only ordered 3 tapas plates. Patatas bravas could have been crispier but presentation was great. Grilled octopus was a little tough and too charred for my preference. The shrimp was fresh and delicious but the sauce was on the spicy side for my taste. I would return if I were in the neighborhood to try the paella and other tapas. A big fan of the warm and cozy ambiance with candlelit tables, as well as the outdoor garden area in the back. One note is to clean the menus .. they were super grubby and sticky.

One of my favorite restaurants in New York. I love tapas Tuesday with the two for one gin cocktails. Everything is delicious, the vibes are good, and I never leave disappointed.