New York can be charming, classy, and unpretentious all at the same time --if you know where to go. El Quijote in Chelsea has been operating since 1930, as it proudly states on their menu and their matchboxes. Serving some of the best lobster dishes in the city, the restaurant has seen it all, untouched by time the restaurant sticks to authentic Spanish cuisine.

The old world look and feel lingers around every table, every booth, and every stool along the old, dark wood bar. There's character here that is understated because it’s real and not re-created from last centuries interior designs.

Generous portions of seafood and fish dominate the menu, leaving you spoiled with options. The lobster varieties alone include: broiled lobster tails, lobster stuffed with crabmeat, whole lobster in brandy sauce, and many more. The Ensalada Quijote, with lobster and shrimp can be an exceptionally filling lunch, and the shrimp, scallops, squid and mussel hot dishes are a seafood symphony.

The freshness of the seafood is undeniable and this sort of quality is surely one of the reasons that this place has stayed in business for such a long time. In fact, for those whose families are born and raised New Yorkers, this place may have hosted your parents and grandparents feasting on traditional paella, which comes in four varieties; or succulent meat and poulrty dishes and washing it all down by the deliciously and quickly intoxicating sangira. 

Prices are exceptionally reasonable, and the service and attentiveness of the waiters, who will even tie your lobster bib, is virtually flawless.

El Quijote is a great place to impress your family or to just try recipes that have stood the test, and tastes, of time.