More than a restaurant -- a cultural experience!
Despite the increasing popularity of flamenco music, flamenco restaurants seem to have lives measure in months. Not this one! El Cid has been at its present location for over forty years.

The restaurant's world-class performers offer a highly varied program, encompassing the major flamenco forms. If that were not enough, the restaurant occupies a historical site. Complementary brochures, supplemented by informative articles posted in the lobby, provide a unique insight into early Hollywood.    [13 Jan 2003 19:15:09]

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Recommended Dishes: paella, El Cid

     ­Anonymous   Rad_Vlad at msn dot com

Don't go for the food!
While the flamenco show at El Cid is adequate (I would never call it spectacular, and I do have some expertise as my sister dances flamenco), I was very disappointed by the food. It was a Saturday night, certainly not an "off" night, and we ordered the paella and a couple of other dishes. The lamb (cordero catalan) was passable, but the paella was horrible. Not a hint of saffron, and the rice tasted cheap and overcooked. The seafood consisted almost entirely of rubbery scallops. This was especially disappointing since the paella was touted as the specialty of the house. For almost $30 a person, I expect a lot better. I was truly embarrassed that a friend who was with us was trying Spanish food for the first time, because she came away with a terrible impression. If anyone from El Cid comes across this review, please, work on the quality of your food! The ambience cannot make up for a dreadful meal.    [05 May 2003 01:18:42]

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     ­Anonymous   

There's really no other restaurant like El Cid! It gives you a taste of Spain's culture, with its authentic Spanish dishes, their spectacular show and the decor of the restaurant. Also the service is friendly and good. As a aspiring flamenco musician I felt like I was at home! I was really amazed by the performers especially Gino's, the flamenco guitarist. I could tell he felt every note he played. I would really love to get lessons from Gino but I don't know how to personally contact him. Whoever gets this could you e-mail me a number to reach him at.

thank you!    [12 Jan 2004 23:02:20]

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Recommended Dishes: paella

     ­Anonymous   

Food is Terrible, Show's Very Entertaining
I'm glad I got my tickets for half price through Goldstar. We went on a Wednesday night, and ordered the jumbo shrimp and red rice dish. It was extremely salty and the rice tasted cheap and was too wet. The Goya rice in a box was better than this. I give a thumbs up to the dancers though, who were all extraordinary and very talented. They worked really hard at what they were doing and I feel that they gave us our monies' worth. The ambiance of the restaurant was very cool, but there were more people outside on the awesome patio than were inside watching the show. I'd recommend eating elsewhere and coming just for the show.    [13 Jul 2006 13:03:48]

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     ­Anonymous   

Great show on Monday night
El Cid is really cool and I don't see what all the complaining about the food is about in the other reviews. I guess maybe I only had tapas but I thought everything was really good. I had some fruit infused tequila that was really good too. Also, I've been to a bunch of shows at El Cid. They have really good taste in what they pick to be on their stage. I went to El Cid on Monday night and saw GarageComedy.com the Show. It was the most unique comedy show I've seen in a while.    [31 Aug 2006 07:37:59]

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Recommended Dishes: Chicken Empanadas, Marinated Skirt Steak

     ­beth   

Fabulous Sunday Jazz
I loved the Jerry Thill Group, and the service on the patio was outstanding. Food is okay, but the the music and Jerry's personality made it a wonderful afternoon. I will be back.    [27 Aug 2007 11:43:50]

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     ­Bee