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Arepa Arepa - CLOSED
Category: Restaurants Latin American Latin American [Edit]
160 Havemeyer St(between 2nd St & 3rd St)
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Neighborhood: Williamsburg - South Side
(718) 388-5797
- Nearest Transit:
-
Marcy Av (J, M, Z)
Metropolitan Av (G)
Hewes St (J, M)
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
32 reviews for Arepa Arepa
Review Highlights
32 reviews in English
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Review from Doreen M.
Brooklyn, NY
4/17/2011
AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! is it closed?
they had the best soups and arepas. and they were always so nice.
this makes me sooo sad :(
i will miss you -
Review from Emma C.
12/6/2010 1 Check-in Here
Unexpectedly delicious black bean soup and utterly delicious arepas in a very unassuming location. Walk by and you may have missed it, but definitely stop in for an affordable, filling lunch or dinner option!
I had the Vegetarian Arepa, filled with avocados, fried plaintains, black beans and melted queso in a crispy baked arepa (corn tortilla - it's gluten free too for those of you with allergies) with a side of their creamy black bean soup all for under $10. Seriously, it's such a great deal and the waitstaff and owners are super friendly and adorable. The vibe is low-key and inviting, so stop by and support your neighborhood eateries!
For those that swear by Caracas, I'd say that Arepa Arepa is definitely less greasy and lighter than Caracas' (probably less fattening too)- also there is never a wait time so come and check it out! -
Review from Rebecca A.
Brooklyn, NY
12/12/2010
Wonderful!!!
I loveeee it here. I wish I lived closer to it! I came to Arepa Arepa after reading reviews and it was PERFECT for my tiny birthday party. I had a lunch with 6 people. It was pretty empty (other than our loud little group) and we received royal treatment from Giovanni, the owner with the best hair ever (seriously, as a source of extra income, he should be a hair model, lol).
The space is cute - shabby chic sorta vibe with small white tables. It seats around 20.
Food is a definite high point - everyone loved their arepas. I had the steak arepa, which had a great spice to it and was a perfect texture. We also had a bunch of other things - empanadas (delicious); salad, the rice and beans; the platanos with honey - everything was good. And super cheap. Arepas are 6 bucks a pop!
I guess I can sum up my experience like this: we spent 3.5 hours sitting in arepa arepa, chilling, drinking (our BYO mimosas), eating wonderful, inexpensive food, and just enjoying. It's a great place for a long, restful afternoon lunch -
Review from Helena F.
Brooklyn, NY
3/25/2009
Friendliest staff - oh my god I love this place. Super cozy - oh my god I love it here.
The food is great and cheap. And the fresh juices are soooo delicious.
$10 lunch special = soup/salad + arepa + fresh juice
OH MY GOD I LOVE THIS PLACEListed in: Best Meal Under $10
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Review from Angel S.
Brooklyn, NY
3/15/2009
It's a new spot. The synopsis: Priced right, the atmosphere is casual and sweet (they have a drumkit and other stuff for anyone who wants to play), a long list of all types of arepas and yummy fresh fruit drinks (melon was YUMS).
Though I have only been there once, the intial impressions is that the arepas aren't as good as Caracas but they're cheaper, so that balances things out a bit. I think once they get into the groove of things, they will only get better. -
Review from Jess T.
Brooklyn, NY
1/10/2010
Boooo.
I'm always excited to try a new arepa place, they're one of my favorite foods. I order the same arepa at each new place so that i can compare them.
Arepa Arepa does not compare to Caracas Arepa Bar or to the amazing Arepas Cafe in Astoria.
The arepa i received from this place was way too small &overcooked, the black beans CAME FROM A CAN, and the plantains were improperly cooked. I wanted to try the empanadas, but they were out that day.
I was surprised to see so many good reviews. Arepas are an exciting food to me, perhaps other reviewers got swept up? Maybe i've only eaten here on "off" days? Maybe i'm just incredibly spoiled by superior arepas? I don't know, but with better options for arepas in this city, i won't be running to Arepa Arepa. -
Review from Daniel P.
10/10/2009
This meal justified my presence in Williamsburg tonight.
The black bean soup -
Earthy, steaming and perfectly salty--made up for the guy who might've been a girl and the girl who might've been a guy, both dressed in fluorescent, eye-bleeding Am.App. unitards even though it was ass-biting cold out.
The platanos -
Sexually-caramelized with erotic scorch marks, with smooth and tangy queso fresco and a gluttonous drizzle of honey--made up for the dude sitting next to me on the L over here who smelled like cheese and a shower drain.
The melon and lime agua fresca -
Not good enough to blur the memory of the weird little shit in a flannel who asked me and my friend awkwardly where we were going and if he could come with us, but not bad, either.
The pescado arepa -
You're like a properly suited English gentleman dancing in a royal palace with a tall, sumptuous Argentine woman. Your English-muffiny, crusty bread pocket filled with tender, delicate, flaky tilapia and topped with bits of onions and tomato and cilantro and a constant dripping of commingled flavor juices running down my hand just make this neighborhood good and decent. You make up for friends prone to Fette Sau meat sweats.
The manager-
Stand-up fellow. Come eat here and keep them in business until I return, por favor. -
Review from Julian N.
Brooklyn, NY
12/29/2009
Straight up amazing on all levels.
The interior is cozy and exceedingly adorable.
The owner is probably amongst the top ten of nicest dudes on the planet.
The food is lovingly handcrafted and it shows.
We had a few soups and the chicken/avocado and steak arepas. Everything was pitch perfect.
Will be eating here again soon and often. -
Review from Debie K.
New York, NY
12/2/2009 2 photos
I dubbed our 3-in-1 waiter/manager/delivery boy: "He with the calming spirit and hot plates."
My friend and I dined here one weekend night and were the only patrons in the entire restaurant. This was at prime dinnertime so we were pretty surprised no one else was around. Don't let this cute place close down, it's too cheap and adorable to lose!
The manager (who played every role in the restaurant except chef) was so incredibly friendly and made our dining experience really great. He just oozed a chill, calming essence and made us feel comfortable despite being the only diners at the place.
The food is simple and delicious and incredibly wallet friendly. My friend and I split an order of plantains which came out nicely caramelized. They were topped with a sprinkle of cotija cheese and a honey syrup, which was delish but covered up any discernible flavor from the cheese.
I had the pescado arepa and later split the Italo-Venezolana with my friend (after we realized one arepa each was not enough to satiate our appetites.) Both were super fresh and delicious-- my pescado arepa was jam-packed with nicely seasoned tilapia and fresh veggies. The Italo-Venezolana was also a great mish mash of cultural flavors.
Arepa Arepa has a cute, home-y decor and is probably a good (and a little lighter) alternative if Caracas has a wait. It's a little out of the way but nothing this Manhattanite couldn't handle. Definitely worth checking out-- if anything to support a local biz and say hi to "He with the calming spirit and hot plates." I wonder what kind of Arepas he eats? -
Review from Amanda M.
Huntsville, AL
9/27/2010
The absolute best. The atmosphere is quiet, relaxed, and makes you feel tucked away, even though the window at the front of the restaurant is open in warm weather.
This is the best meal I ever had. EVER. - Pescado arepa, plantains, and a pineapple cilantro lime smoothie.
The price is absolutely reasonable, and their ingredients are all natural. No ice, just chilled water in a funky vase.
Makes my mouth water just thinking about it. -
Review from Nicole M.
Brooklyn, NY
3/22/2009
Located near the bridge in the South Side of Williamsburg. This new Arepa spot is very intimate (maybe 10-15 tables) and it feels like you're having dinner in someone's kitchen (and I mean that in a good way) the owners serve and they are incredibly friendly and warm.
The arepas themselves were a little different than the ones I had at Sachi and Sachi - they were more of a crisp flour wrap as opposed to a sweeter corn cake (I perfered Sachi's) however the variety at Arepa was much better.
There is a BYOB policy which is always an A plus with me. -
Review from David B.
8/26/2009
Fantastic little spot! I've been digging on Arepas in general for a long while now and was very excited to see that Caracas was now in my 'hood.
Hands down, the Arepas are tastier at this new spot. More filling (you'll only need one & an appetizer), and for the time being it is BYOB.
The space is small, good for a date. -
Review from Zach S.
12/7/2009
This is good little joint to grab an arepa or two.
I've had a few different ones off the menu along with the veggie empenada and they've all been quite good.
In general tho, arepa places over charge. They are usually priced at $6+ and one is never enough.
The food is good and the guy who runs the place is nice.
Go check it out. -
Review from Christina F.
New York, NY
1/12/2010
AMAZINGLY FRESH AREPAS! I went here on a cold winters' evening... and it totally hit the spot. A bit out of the way, but totally worth it for extremely reasonably priced, tasty arepas. Go now!
Agree that the owner/manager was really awesome! -
Review from John W.
Philadelphia, PA
7/21/2010
Alright, I admittedly had no clue what an Arepa even was until I went here so my arepa judgments are based solely on this experience.
If this is what an arepa is supposed to taste like, it's good. A little bit small to fill my appetite, but well priced.
Now forget the arepa since I don't really know what I'm talking about. Moving on to the Plantains. YUM. Who would ever think to put cheese on top of a sweet plantain? It was delicious.
I was curious as to what the set up for musical instruments was used for. Kind of wish I was there for that. They had a guitar and drums and all sorts of percussive instruments ready to be played, I just don't know by whom. What a tease. -
Review from Jason S.
Brooklyn, NY
4/27/2009
The place is cute and very friendly, but they still need to find their groove. It's a great place to grab a little lunch, but the menu, consisting almost entirely of sandwiches, is a little lacking when it comes to dinner.
I will certainly be checking back in to see how things evolve. -
Review from Erin L.
Brooklyn, NY
12/6/2009
This is my new fave spot! After 2 great experiences recently I'm definitely hooked. Although Carachas has a special place in my heart, I fully appreciate the lightness, freshness and super relaxed ambiance of Arepa Arepa. It's not the biggest space but it's open and feels very comfortable. The owner was the only person I saw working but he was very friendly and managed to be surprisingly efficient.
Also, the side dishes are quite extraordinary. My fave being the Plantanos, sweet plantains that are fried to a crisp finish, drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cheese. Contrasting salty sweet to perfection. I also tried the Platto of rice, black beans, plantains and avocado (we devoured it before realizing we didn't take a picture!). This dish has some of the same plantains served with black beans which I thought were okay, but the rice that came with this dish was absolutely amazing! I'm not quite sure what was in it but it was bursting with flavor (garlic was the only definite we could determine).
As for the arepas we tried the corn bread was thinner and crisper than Carachas providing for a much lighter feeling dining experience. Another significant difference is that Arepa Arepa offers fish options. I had the Pescado which is Tilapia, Tomatoes, Onions and Parsley. The flavors really complemented each other and the fish was delicate and moist. My companions had the Caroatas and the Champinones which they assure me were equally delicious. We also were given a salsa accompaniment that added an extra burst of goodness to every bite! We asked for more but could have asked for thirds...it's just that good!
I also tried the tres leches, it was decent but not my fave, next time I think I'd rather try the flan.
With Arepas mostly between $5-6 and sides for $3-4, this makes for a definite affordable meal. 3 girls eating to our hearts content ran us only about $30. Although a bit off the beaten path, I'll definitely make my way back to South B.Burg soon.
Bonus: Just went back and it's BYOB! Picked up a nice Argentinian Merlot down the street. -
Review from Victor S.
12/6/2010 1 Check-in Here
What an awesome place. My GF had a small little lunch party here with some of her closest friends...and me of course. BYOB and well, we may have gotten quite festive as a result. The rice and beans was great -- a nice seasoning in the beans and the rice was made just how I like it -- fried with a bit of onions. My arepa was also quite tasty -- carne mechada. Our server, Giovanni was also very friendly. He even let one of my GF's friends play the guitar there, so she serenaded us for a bit. I loved the vibe of this place. It wasnt very full and overall, I think it's an excellent, affordable weekend lunch option in Wburg.
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Review from Stephen S.
Los Angeles, CA
4/8/2009
very good arepas, good empenadas, super enthusiastic service. The best So American in an oddly-congested-w-So--American area. My Mom was in form out of town and instead of being a snob, he explained everything slowly and kindly. Nice to Momz in the hood = repeat customer.
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Review from Alex M.
Portland, OR
2/14/2011
It was around 10pm, and I had been bedridden all day with a flu of sorts, not having much of an appetite all day long. But by 10, I was feeling a bit better and also a bit peckish, so I called up Arepa Arepa.
Though they closed at 11, the woman who answered the phone was kind enough to squeeze in one more order. My being bedridden naturally leaves me unable to comment on the atmosphere of the place itself, but I will say that from the clues I had (food and service), I will posit that it is warm and inviting.
The phone was given to a man next, who, when I asked if he had any recommendations for meal-building, was more than helpful. He described what an Arepa actually was, and gave suggestions on what to have it with, depending on the varying levels of protein each different dish contained, and other unorthodoxy helpful tips. I decided on two different Arepas - one with beef, another with fish - and waited for the buzzer.
Within maybe ten minutes it rang, and i buzzed in a man who was to be the kindest and most pleasant delivery man I'd ever come across. He was surprised when I met him half way down the stairs, and we had a good laugh. I paid, said good night and went back up.
Initially, the Arepas themselves were smaller than I had expected, although they were only about $5-6 a pop. The side salad promised was even smaller, consisting of only many 10-15 leafs. But when it came to actually eat the food, the portions turned out to be fine: the Arepa was filling and dense, packed full of ingredients and the leaf collection was a nice compliment. This was my first experience with Arepas, so I'm not sure if this is standard, but they did seem a little heavy with grease on the outside. As it turns out, this was the only downside. The flavors were robust, yet didn't struggle for prominence; the portions were satisfying; and the prices were cheap. Arepa Arepa is a solid spot. -
Review from nadia w.
Brooklyn, NY
Updated - 6/5/2009
Do not get delivery from here yet... they haven't worked out the kinks.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/9/2009
I have been to all the Arepa place around this area and this one is the biggest bang for your buck,… Read more »
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Review from J Y.
New York, NY
7/7/2009
I was already a fan of Caracas on Grand Street, but I think I actually like these arepas even better. There was one person taking orders and I think cooking everything as well, so it's a small but impressive operation. It's BYOB, and the guy was super friendly and happy to accomodate our bringing.
Among four of us, we had the camerones, pescado, ceviche, and one other that I forget, as well as the plantanos, and all were delicious. Priced right: $5-6 for an arepa, which is enough for a meal when paired with a side.
I'm so glad we live around the corner from this place. We'll definitely be back. -
Review from Olivia W.
Brooklyn, NY
1/15/2011
Sooooo delicious!
I've been here about twice and both times, it was pretty empty. And I don't know why. The food is delicious. Both times I got the carne mechada and both times seasoned very well and great. I always have to order the plantains which has a drizzle of honey and cheese. Service was friendly and attentive. If you want good food and unpretentious place to eat it, go here for your arepas, plantains, and empanadas! -
Review from Banana B.
NY
11/29/2009
I really like this little spot. It's sweet, calm, unpretentious, and tasty! I've been twice, tasted 3 different arepas, an empanada, and two soups. Oh dear, that makes me sound like a SIF. But I promise these were all shared. All were pretty tasty and fresh. The prices are appropriate. And the guys running the place are nice.
Please do NOT begin making mango licuados. Otherwise, the SIF will become a reality. -
Review from Linda T.
Brooklyn, NY
11/11/2010
my first time having arepas and it was amazing! super fresh, not greasy and many tasty filling combinations on the menu. all come with a side of mixed greens tossed in a simple lemon juice dressing. no beer or wine is the only drawback for me but everything else is great along with the ambiance.
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Review from Matt L.
Washington, DC
3/21/2009
I've reviewed Caracas in Manhattan before, and I've eaten at the Caracas in Williamsburg... I think the arepas there are pretty good but there is consistently mediocre service. By contrast, this new place is staffed by people who actually seem happy about their lives (or at least their work). I actually think the arepas are better too. They are crisper (although a little smaller) and the ingredients are a little more inventive. Caracas arepas always seem a little soggy and difficult to manage. As noted by other reviewers, this place is also very reasonably priced. I had the braised beef arepa and it was outstanding. Definitely recommend.
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Review from Suzette F.
New York, NY
12/7/2009
The place is very small and cozy. The guy who's the waiter/busboy/host is SOOOOO nice! The food was very flavorful! The best items, so far, were the plantains and the desserts. They had a tres leche and a coconut flan that were amazing! We had ordered 3 rounds of them, enough said. Out of all the arepas we had tried, I enjoyed the chorizzo very, very much. Their beef empanadas were also very, very good. The spicy dipping sauce made all the dishes even more amazing. Also, the best part is that this place is BYOB and really inexpensive.
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Review from Ulla S.
Atlanta, GA
10/7/2009
Really really good arepas and nice ambiance. Fresh ingredients and delicious. Also has good service.The waiter was so nice and friendly.
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Review from Tom N.
Salt Lake City, UT
1/20/2011
Normally I detest plaintains. They tend to be lacking in flavor and cooked poorly. This is the one place that has turned me around. Try the lantains
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Review from George K.
Brooklyn, NY
6/19/2009
Great new place in the neighborhood. Delicious Arepas with fresh ingredients, including both classic and more innovative Arepas. Decor is simple but well-executed. Space is comfy, and food is really affordable (an Arepa will run you 4-6.50; two of us each had two and split a salad and were plenty full). I had the camarones (filled with fresh and large shrimp!) and the Italo-Venezolana (my favorite, overflowing with delicious guayanes cheese and punctuated with tasty sweet plantains). BYO is a plus, and the owner/server was incredibly friendly and accommodating, even asking us at the end if there was anything he could do to improve the arepas (and said we could always customize them in the future, too!).
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Review from Phil V.
New York, NY
6/27/2009
Incredibly good arepas (made with the freshest ingredients), very friendly staff, BYOB and a nice atmosphere. The empanadas were also very good. With dinner for two for $20 all together, it is easily one of the best values in New York.
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Review from diana p.
Brooklyn, NY
9/13/2009
So yummy. The guy on the phone was also very courteous and the food upon delivery was suprisingly hot and the food is delicious. A great addition to the neighborhood.
