El Coyote Restaurant
80-18 Northern Boulevard
Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Tel: 718-651-4874
Hours: Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Thursday and Sunday, 11 a.m. – midnight
Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. – 1 a.m.
Sunday Brunch
Catering
Full Bar
American Express, Visa, MasterCard accepted
Take Out
Free Delivery
A Sombrero above the rest
BY STEVE MOSCO
A trip down Northern Boulevard will make one fact glaringly obvious to anyone that’s paying attention: there is no shortage of Mexican cuisine in Jackson Heights.
There are so many “El’s” and “La’s” up and down the Boulevard that for a restaurant to truly stand out, it must offer unique food under eye-catching signage – and El Coyote is just such a restaurant.
Opening just over a year ago, El Coyote’s classic dishes, extensive drink menu and comfy décor has been luring patrons by the pack – and leaving them howling for more.
A lot of restaurants do guacamole, but not many offer it in the personalized manner that El Coyote does. The waiter doesn’t simply place a bowl of pre-made guac in front of you; instead they roll a whole guac station up to your table and commence preparing it to your specific liking. The avocados are cut and scooped in front of you, and it tastes as fresh as this process implies.
You get the requisite tortilla chips, but they also offer warm flour tortillas; an original twist that pairs wonderfully with the cool, silky guacamole.
For appetizing treats, try the Taquitos de Papa. These deep fried corn tortillas are stuffed with mashed potato and crumbled chorizo – the crunch of the tortilla gives way to the savory potato and sausage inside, hooking you instantly. The Camarones con Coco is another addictive starter on El Coyote’s menu; coconut dipped and lightly fried jumbo shrimp, served with a delicate mango sauce.
With your appetite in full frenzy, it’s time to order dinner. El Coyote’s entrée selections cover all bases, with extensive meats, seafood and traditional platters. Order the Bistec a la Pimienta for a grilled sirloin steak served in a cabernet wine sauce – cooked to order, this steak is juicy, succulent and everything that a steak should be.
If you’re in the mood for seafood, catch the Salmon El Coyote. This fresh, never frozen fish is thick and flavorful, topped with El Coyote’s signature chili sauce. The sauce doesn’t overwhelm the fish, but instead gives it a well-rounded flavor.
For a more traditional taste, be sure to try the Chiles Rellanos, Chimichangas or Enchiladas. The Chili Rellanos is a battered and fried pepper, stuffed with your choice of beef, chicken or cheese.
Take advantage of El Coyote’s free delivery service if you can’t make it to the restaurant. They also offer brunch and catering services as well, and keep a full bar with an original take on the classic margarita.
