A popular New York restaurant is facing legal action for alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and local human rights laws. Ricardo Velasquez filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on January 2, 2026, against Antojitos Del Mangu 3rd Ave Restaurant Corp. and Jefferson/3531 LLC. The lawsuit accuses these entities of failing to provide accessible facilities for individuals with disabilities.
The case revolves around allegations that the defendants have not made necessary modifications to their property located at 3531 Third Avenue, Bronx, New York, to accommodate people with disabilities as required by law. Velasquez, who is paraplegic and uses a wheelchair, claims he was denied full access to the restaurant’s facilities due to architectural barriers. “The Plaintiff has been unable to enjoy full and equal safe access,” states the complaint, emphasizing his frequent visits to the area due to his work as a Hip-Hop/Rap recording artist and videographer.
According to the filing, Velasquez attempted to visit Antojitos Del Mangu but was met with obstacles such as an inaccessible entrance without an ADA-compliant ramp or lift. Other cited issues include inaccessible sales counters and dining areas, high shelves for merchandise out of reach for wheelchair users, and inadequate signage for disabled patrons. These conditions allegedly violate Title III of the ADA, which mandates public accommodations be accessible to individuals with disabilities.
The plaintiff argues that these violations extend beyond federal law into breaches of both New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL) and New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL). The complaint highlights that these laws prohibit discrimination based on disability in places of public accommodation. “Defendants have discriminated against Plaintiff by denying full and equal access,” it asserts.
Velasquez seeks several forms of relief from the court: injunctive relief requiring alterations to make the facility ADA-compliant; compensatory damages amounting to $1,500 under local human rights laws; punitive damages; attorney’s fees; and costs associated with bringing this suit forward. He emphasizes his intention to return once modifications are completed.
Represented by B. Bradley Weitz from The Weitz Law Firm P.A., Velasquez’s case underscores ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing public spaces despite longstanding legal requirements for accessibility. The case ID is 1:26-cv-00022.
Source: 126cv00022_Ricardo_Velasquez_v_Antojitos_del_Mangu_Complaint_Southern_District_of_New_York.pdf
