El Pequeno Coffee Shop

So disappointed with my Camaron order for more than $17.00. It was take-out and surprised that I got 5 small fried coated shrimps on top and SO MANY French fries. Maybe they thought I’m ordering French Fries? Why bother adding Camaron/shrimp on the menu if you’re getting a plate full of fries? What a waste of money. The ads outside the restaurant is so different on what i got. This is the first time I tried this restaurant and I don’t think I’ll be going back. I love trying different cultures’ food but this is the first time I’m not impressed.

I’ve given this place many chances but it’s just not doing it for me. Last week (8/13/23) I went with my gf to get some food because she wanted encebollado. First, the wait was long after ordering despite not being so crowded. Then our food arrived, encebollado was ok but my order, shrimp chaulafan (Chaulafan con camarones) was bland at best. Complete tasteless if it wasn’t for some peas on the rice there wouldn’t have been any flavor, then as I had my first bite I see the rice doesn’t have anything of the ingredients that a chaulafan would. Their chaulafan has 3 options I believe (house chaulafan, shrimp chaulafan and jumbo shrimp chaulafan) and the server explained that the only difference is the shrimp. So I get the Shrimp chaulafan and when I get it and had the first bite I realized it was more like a Seafood rice. I call the server because I think they confused my order and she affirms that that’s what I ordered, so I tell her I won’t pay for it because I won’t be eating it (not what I ordered-doesn’t even taste good to let it slide) and she tell me she has to charge me because it’s on the table already and offers to call the manager so we can solve it. The manager comes to our table and I explained to her that my plate was not the one I ordered. The manager proceeds to try and convince me that that’s a chaulafan and I quote “that’s how we make it here” and then she adds “the house chaulafan is the regular one but the others are different”Ok so if you only serve one chaulafan and the other plates are not chaulafan just label them as they are Seafood rice!Chaulafan has egg, scallions, peas, bell peppers (red&green) chicken, salchicha, pork, beef, shrimp, all mixed with soy sauce and spices.I know what a chaulafan is don’t try to sell me something that it’s not.

The place looks a little run down for the prices but the portions are large and the food is okay. There are many better Ecuadorian spots in queens. The batidos are good both mango and mora. The food was all salty and nothing too extraordinary. The bandera was all mixed together no separation with parts of it being not good and some parts good. The place really upset me towards the end. I was going in for a small bite since we had eaten a little beforehand. The waitress lied to me repeatedly telling me dishes were small so I over ordered, she tried to hustle me for bottled water, there were many shady people walking in trying to sell you things and the cherry on the top was the cc fees charged and service fee added with then tip suggested separately. The place was very clean despite it being run down and the service was quick but I won’t be returning.

Good is not good. Salty.They also charge you if pay with credit or debit card, which the business is supposed to take care of

Delicious food, excellent treatment, plerfect place to explore and expend your night.