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Category: Latin American [Edit]
Neighborhood: East Village1st Ave-14th St (L)
Astor Place (6)
2nd Ave-Houston St (F, V)
Mon-Sun. 12:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
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OMG - this place was AWESOME. There is a wait to get a table because the place is small, but SO worth the wait. We had a cozy table and all of the servers somehow took care of us and were wonderful. We ordered the guac, which was zesty and delicious. Next we ordered an assortment of arepas, and I was blown away. SO simple but so tasty. There is a bottle of hot sauce on the side, which I recommend. The organic bottle of wine was really nice and reasonably priced. We had a full bottle of wine and ordered a ton of food and the bill was around $90. I will go back again and again.
PLUS they are opening a new, larger location in W'burg, they told me.
Go!
I love this little arepa joint. It was my first stop in my homecoming visit to NYC and could not have been a more delicious way to start the weekend. We arrived JUST minutes before the lunch crowd started flooding in around 1pm. Thank goodness --- the line was out the door, half-way around the block by the time our orders came out!
De Pabellon, la surena, de pernil.... all were awesome. Their guac and chips (not just any chips, taro and plantain chips!) was one of the best I've had.
Definitely calls for a revisit next time I'm in town. I'd like to try the BK location as well.
MEH is right! Look the food is good, but you guys have been hyping it up way to high!
The service was flat out bad : the hostess was really rude and the waitress wasn't that helpful when we asked her for suggestions...I need a server with some enthusiasm about the food and she didnt seem too psyched.
The food was definitely good, but the chicken/avocado arepa that I fell in love with at first site on the caracas website was bland and boring.
The passionfruit salad and the pork arepa were incredibly yummy, but I can incredibly yummy at so many other places in the neighborhood where the vibe is more pleasant.
My friend told me to go check out the to-go restaurant next door and that you can actually sit there and that it's more laid back - if I do go back, which I doubt, I'll try that. (sorry I am a snob)
Out of this world deliciosity. I had a beef one with orange cheese and the chicken-guac type one. WOW. AMAZING. Juicy, creamy, salty, sweet and I love the arepa shell itself.
If we weren't on a marathon food-tasting mission at the time, I would have had another (though one itself is actually very filling). Will absolutely go again, and I recommend you do that same. Now I just have to find an Arepas spot in LA...
Excelled arepas.. the sauce is awesome!
There are 3 vegetarian options: plantains, eggplant, and plain cheese. The plantain arepa is excellent, eggplant arepa is ok, but tastes much better with the sauce. Didn't try the plain cheese one.
Also, I think the food has a bit too much cheese; not a big fan of that. It tastes just as good without it.
Oh, yum, yum yum yum. Based on an awesome recommendation from a friend, I made it a point to check out Caracas on a recent visit to New York. I have had arepas before, but no arepa compares to these arepas. YAY for a huge group of delicious and varied vegetarian options! YAY for that huge bottle of house hot sauce on the table- I want to bathe in you! The three-pack of arepas is perfect to share with a friend for a light dinner. The food comes out quickly and we had good service.
The restaurant is very small and cramped- we sat at a two-person side table that felt like it was in the aisle, and my purse got kicked a few times by waiters- eek! But I didn't have anywhere to put it. I'm also an impatient jerk who hates waiting in lines, so Caracas loses some points for that, but truly- the food is totally worth it, and once you get in, you'll get served quickly.
I've only eaten here once so far but I have many times already thought about my meal and wanted to come back. That's always a good sign.
Came here with two friends and tried a bunch of different things. I'm not going to lie, I was very nervous cause I felt like I was going to have to eat at least 5 arepas to be even semi-full. What can I say? I'm a chow down kind of girl.
Anyway, between the three of us, we got 4 arepas and the Tostones Mochimeros (fried plantains topped with mojito mayo and cheese... effin delicious. The texture of the plantain was perfect). And now for the arepas:
- la guasacaca (guac and cheese) - this was probably my least favorite but it was also the one i tried last after all the other flavorfull arepas. there was just too much guac oozing everwhere. i know that sounds like it can't be bad and it wasn't, but it just wasn't great.
- la de pernil (roasted pork) - SO GOOD. juicy delicious pork.
- la surena - (grilled chicken, chorizo, avo, chimicurri) - tons of stuff in it. so good.
- da pabellon (shredded beef) - soft tender beef. good good good!
My complaint about this place is that the space is SO SO TINY! i felt like I was sitting on everyone's lap at some point.
Fun atmosphere overall. Good for little get togethers or just some fun dinnerz.
I am IN LOVE with this place! IN LOVE! I ordered a bottle of the Panuelo Grenache Graciano ($32)- a juicy, layered, bursting red and perfect with my lunch. The butternut squash soup was incredible.. the best I've ever had. I wanted to lick the bowl, which is sad.. but very insightful into the degree of luscious insanity it provoked. My favorite arepa was La Surena: crisp, buttery, fragrant arepa filled with grilled chicken, delightful chorizo and a generous amount of avocado. And note: the SPICY CHIMI CHURRI SAUCE is not to be missed.. It brings the entire thing together.
My cousin, gf and I ordered the food and it was absolutely yummy. The pollo was good as well as the beef and cheese. Very good. Thanks for takin me here cuz.... Something I never expected and was delightfully pleased as my tummy was full.
Caracas Arepa Bar is one of my favorite places to eat in the East Village. The lunch special is one of the best deals in the hood. With the lunch special, you get the arepa of your choice and a house salad (ensalada mixta) made of mixed greens, tomatoes, carrots, artichoke hearts, avocado, and a delicious house vinaigrette for under $10. The salad is lip-smacking good. I could eat that alone and be happy.
Lunch time is the best time to visit Caracas because there is usually no wait for a table. Dinner time is always busy.
I highly recommend the guasacaca and chips, which is the Venezuelan version of guacamole and chips. The chips are a mix of tortilla and plantain chips. Having the guacamole and chips with a beer (I usually have the Pacifico) is a great way to start a meal at Caracas.
From the arepa list, I recommend the La del Gato arepa (A10), made of cheese, sweet plantains, and avocado slices; and the La Playera arepa (A17), made with shredded white fish, peppers, onions, and herbs. Be sure to drown any arepa you chose in the delicious house sauce, which is kind of barbecue-y.
I'm confused by the reviews that call Caracas "tiny" because it's pretty large compared to most East Village restaurants. There are 20 or so tables. To me, tiny is one table or no tables at all. I'm equally confused by the charges that the food is overpriced. Sure, arepas may be cheap food from a cart in the Southern Hemisphere, but in the East Village, somebody has to pay East Village rent and a staff. I think the food is priced fairly.
Yelp! I've been AREPA'd!
By Colombians at Carcasas Arepa!
Qué es una Arepa?
A pocket of baked cornmeal stuffed with surprises.
As small as my hand, they don't come in many sizes.
I LOVE the chunky chicken with avocado mix salad.
I find it rich, creamy, and refreshingly spicy to the palate.
Not crazy about the shredded beef with black beans, salty cheese & plantain.
The honey sweetness of the BBQ sauce is my only complaint.
If you do decide to drink their red wine,
Stick with the Spanish Panuelo Grenache Graciano and you'll be fine.
If you are a fruity light wine fan,
Try the Trapiche Malbec from Argentina...It tastes like Welch's jam.
Seating is limited and the space is narrowly tight,
So sit-down dining is suitable if you're only here for a quick bite.
Service is generally better if you sit at the bar in the back,
Attentive servers are what the front area definitely lacks.
We arrived to a line out the door - but put our name on the list. The host was really sweet despite being consistently pestered by people asking for their place in line. 40 minutes later we were seated between two parties of four.
The menu is extensive. We ordered the plantains and guac which were delicious. Each table has its own house-sauce too, which was a nice addition for the chips.
We ordered 3 arepas. All were incredibly fresh and filling. I love that they have extensive veggie options too. Wonderful!
Negatives: long wait and we ordered a coke that was never served. Either way, incredibly positive experience.
Tiny place so there's a bit of a wait. We usually call arepas "nothing" because they really do taste like nothing but that is not the case at Caracas. You can pick and choose what you like or get a combo platter. We also enjoyed the guacamole app, empanadas, and Pacifico beer.
While waiting in line, a man and a woman tried to cut everyone in line by explaining to the host (in Spanish) that the woman had come all the way from Venezuela and needed to check this place out. Ummm, no.
I finally understand the hype around these arepas. They are scrumptious, delicious, and spectacular and all the wonderful words in the dictionary can easily describe these. Believe the hype!
If I was King Midas, I would have everything I touch turn into arepas. Ah, but a girl can only dream...right?
Trust me. These are so worth waiting for. Fortunately, I came here on Halloween night with the rain and only had to wait a total of 5 minutes. Boo ya! The restaurant is tiny so there is a limited amount of seating. Parties for 2 are probably the quickest way to get a table here.
Sidenote: Once I got the menu, I immediately went to Yelp application on my Blackberry and looked up what other Yelper's favorite arepas were. For real. You guys are so handy. I LOVE YELP! Back to the restaurant review...
I ordered the De Pabellon (with shredded beef, black beans, white cheese and sweet plantains) and the La De Pernil (with roasted pork shoulder, tomato slices and spicy mango sauce).
Holy Jesus. The De Pabellon was perfect. It was absolutely perfect. It didn't even need the additional garlic sauce that is given at the table. The juices from the arepa dripped down my hands and onto my wrists. I happily took my fork to pick at the pieces of plantains and beef that fell onto my little plastic bowl during consummation. Oh yeaaaaa. This is what I'm talking about. I only have pure unrequited love for these arepas and I made sure nothing went to waste here.
Both the La De Pernil (pork arepa) and the Tinto De Verano (a sparkling wine-based cocktail--resembling a sweet alcholic version of kool-aid, but not as good) were too sweet for my liking. The pork was so moist and the mango sauce was a nice accompaniment, but a little too sweet in something so savory.
I think 2 arepas were the perfect amount for a meal, but I left the restaurant with a full stomach. Depending on your appetite, 3 arepas would be pushing it. Upon serious contemplation, I've decided I need to adopt a Venezuelan grandmother or charm one of the Caracas chefs to make these for me everyday. If this doesn't happen soon, I will have to come back to try more.
As a native Venezuelan, I know a good arepa. These def hit the spot. They have managed to combine real Venezuelan ingredients and recipes to bring your mouth a zesty South American party!
The only reason I do not give this place the full 5 stars is because it is super duper small, the wait was long for the food (it's only fried cornmeal, it should NOT take that long) and it's $6 per arepa (that's a total rip off). But business is good, the food is good, the server was super nice so I would def go back.
I even contemplated taking my parents there, but once I told my mom each arepa was $6 she laughed at the fact that I would ever pay that much for poor people food.
FYI you must have the A-8 for the REAL Venezuelan experience, it really is the typical meal.
Shall I add to the chorus of positive reviews? I shall.
The ceviche is delicious. The Venezuelan milkshake a delight. Arepas? Chicken and caramelized onion, vegetarian, beef... any of the specials... really, anything on the menu. I douse it all pretty heavily in their special sauce anyway, which I believe is made with the joyful tears of angels who've just finished watching 'It's A Wonderful Life' whilst perched atop a cotton-candy-flavored cloud in Heaven. Speaking of which, the nearly-transubstantiating sauce goes fabulously on their homemade chips, the sweet spiciness perfectly balanced by the creamy guasacaca.
And if you really want to be gluttonous -and if our Wall Street friends have taught us anything it's that gluttony pays- head on down to the Doughnut Plant at 379 Grand Street for dessert. That's dessert with two delicious S's, because you move slowly through dessert but quickly through a desert.
Speaking of deserts, and gluttony, if you do Caracas and then the Doughnut Plant you'll probably die of a coronary! But at least you'll avoid the coming environmental apocalypse triggered by a six degree global temperature increase that I read about in the Independent this morning. Apparently, the British Isles will survive the northward march of the Sahara, so after stuffing your face with arepas and doughnuts, and if you survive the subsequent wave of arterial distress, start looking for real estate across the pond.
I seen this place on Food Network and I wanted to see what all the hubbub is about !! See, Im from LA, so when it comes to all this walking and subway taking this place better be pretty damn good!!
As we approached the small place, the view outside peered into the large porch front window, which diplayed colorful artwork and trinkits on the wall, it seemed inviting and culturally intruiging.
I was pleased as I looked over the small yet brag worthy menu, filled with all sorts or wonderments for the curious eater.. I made my choice the grilled chicken with chimichurri and avocado !! and wow !! talk about knock your socks off, slap your mama good !! They were so good I had to order another...
Finally after loosening those conflicting buttons on my pants, and chuggin the last of our "michelado" we received our bill and (gasp) to our surprise the bill was about 26 bucks for 4 arepas, and one "michelado"... at about 6.25-6.99 an arepa, they are definently good eats on a small budget..
Cramped? Dark? Little Seating? Yes, yes and well... Yes. There is one more, this is.... DELICIOUS! We ordered the A-8 with beans, beef, plantains and a friend of mine ordered a dish with Chicken and guacamole.
Each dish was well made, it held together well probably thanks to the amazing arepa cooked perfectly. The fillings were also of good quality.
Our orders took about 15-20 minutes to cook, but it was well worth the wait. I can't wait to visit this place again.
Make sure you have enough time to spare and don't go with a huge crowd. They have two store fronts with another restaurant in the middle, one is for togo orders and the other for seating and fining.
I had heard so many great things about this place that I was so excited to have stumbled by the place on an empty stomach.
Unfortunately, I didn't think this place lived up to the hype. A meal here consists of 2 arepas which is about $15. For a $15 meal of 2 small arepas, I expect a pretty good meal, but it was underwhelming at best.
I ordered the A17 and A20, and despite the wonderfully tasty descriptions in the menu, the food tasted a bit bland. In fact, it didn't taste all that much different from the food at the NYU dining halls if you discount the heat lights that cafeteria food uses.
While my review seems a bit harsh, I'm not saying Caracas Arepas Bar is a terrible restaurant. It just failed to live up to the hype.
I don't know if the food is authentic Venezuelan, but it is tasty enough that I don't care.
I've eaten at both the East Village and the Williamsburg outposts of this South American chop shop, and I'm rather impressed. The arepas are just the right amount of food for me to sample one or two and be full, and just one is a good lamp post in the middle of a night of drinking. The variety of fillings for the arepas makes each visit a new experience. I cannot remember the names of any of them, but if you read the description and it sounds tasty, it very likely is.
The 3-packs are a pretty good deal, as you and a friend can each sample three different arepas. Also, the fried plantains are a good appetizer.
The prices are just a tiny bit more expensive than I want them to be, with the average arepa coming in around $7.50, but the quality of the food is rather good.
The atmosphere in the Manhattan location is cramped, but the staff does an adequate job of managing the flow of traffic so as to keep from feeling overcrowded. The hostess and servers were all friendly and accommodating. Remember, if you don't want to be squished into the tiny restaurant, there's always Caracas To Go two doors down from the sit-down place.
Well it lived up to the hype, even though it kind of sucked to wait in the cold.
Drinks are simple - Pacifico is the way to go here, pairs with the food amazingly.
I had the La Surena - awesome chicken/avocado/chorizo one. Will definitely get it when I come back. Was hot and fresh, totally in love with the aprea dough, ten times better than a tortilla. Reminds me of Navajo flatbread.
The second one I had was the shredded beef with plantains and black beans. Didn't love it as much so I take a star off. The beef tasted too much like it was BBQ, which didn't jive with the other flavors (yes I just used the word jive).
My boyfriend was also a little taken aback by how spicy the spicy cheese is. They are not kidding around folks. Do not get this if you're not into spicy things.
This is a spot for a date or small groups - even 4 is pushing it. We were thoroughly amused by the two NYU freshmen on a date in the big city - too cute but nice to see people actually dating. Way to go kids.
WIll def be back, although most likely in the summer. It will be fun to wait outside with a cold pacifico in a brown bag while I wait it out. As for this winter, probably not, but it's a wonderful little spot to check out.
I'm really into eating shark. Is that crazy? I don't know, I think it kind of is, because it's not even about taste. It's really a power thing. I think I get off on the fact that I'm eating an animal that would gladly eat me if my back was turned. I'm not vegetarian or anything, but dammit if sharks don't deserve it.
Then again, I'm not even sure what kind of sharks go into the shark I got at Caracas. It could be a super friendly shark that visits elderly sharks during the holidays so they won't be lonely. That's probably not true. Anyway it tasted really good. No wonder this place always has a big crowd of jerks mulling around on the sidewalk outside waiting to get in.
I thought I would LOVE LOVE LOVE this place, but maybe I ordered the wrong things?
The national dish (with Tilapia) was surprisingly good - even though I don't particularly care for Tilapia! The flavors were great.
We ordered the shark meat empanada, which was good but I would probably stick to chicken or something else next time. It wasn't bad - but it wasn't amazing either.
I also wasn't overly impressed with the Arepas. I ordered A-6 and my friend ordered A-20...both chicken with guac...though A-20 was chicken with chimichurri sauce, so it was spicy. I liked mine better.
I like that they prepare everything for you handmade.
I'd go back to try out some different things on the menu...but this wouldn't be my go-to spot.
Believe the hype. I didn't even mind the crowded tables and having to move every time a patron wanted a soda/beer. My only regret was not going back for a second one because I was too lazy to climb over the table next to me.
The roasted pork and shredded beef were both delicious in their own ways - did the beef remind anyone else of an American taco? Could've sworn there was some taco seasoning on there. The yoyos were pretty awesome too. And the house sauce?! I don't know what's in that thing but every bite I took, I had to have that sauce slathered on it. SO GOOD. Damn, I wish they had a place like this out in LA!
This is a fantastic place - I went here with a bunch of veggies, and expected to feel disappointed seeing as we were sharing everything, but was pleasantly surprised by how fantastic everything was, even though we intentionally avoided all the meat. A classic indicator of a good restaurant - - when you eat something that you wouldn't normally order and it blows you away.
SOMEONE FINALLY TOOK MY PESKY AREPA V CARD. Thank you, Caracas.
His name was De Pabellon and he will be my first and certainly not my last. Shredded beef, black beans, white cheese and plaintain sandwiched between perfectly cooked corn flour rounds.
We did the deed at the Caracas To-Go. I love that Caracas gives you the option of dining in or "To-GOing" it-- carrying out or just grabbing one of the casual dining tables at the restaurant with no server.
Quick and delicious. Isn't that how every first time is?
So I was telling myself.. Really... A 45 min wait? After moving away from LA, City of Angels and/or real long lines, I decided never to wait in a line for anything..
Well.. It was nite 1 of our NYC culinary adventures, so I decided to stick it out..
Damn.. Worth it... I was hungry and I was thirsty, and I wanted some delicious, hearty, savory food.. 3 for 3..
Its not that there was food I never tasted before, but everything from the pork arepas, to the shredded beef and to the drinks... yumm.. and they had this house sauce.. two words: liquid crack....
Worth a visit....or 2.. or 3..
Lisa Q. and I stumbled upon this place, and happily stumbled out.
Absurdly astounding arepas abound at Caracas.
Arrive early to score a seat: Caracas is popular and usually crowded, with eager folks waiting outside. Leave calm and quiet behind, as convivial meals are the norm. If bringing friends, know Caracas is small, and has a five-to-a-party limit.
We ordered and didn't wait long for our arepas. I had the La de Pernil (A18; $7), filled with tender chunks of roasted pork shoulder, tomato slices, and a spicy mango sauce. Crunchy and piping hot, it was easily the best arepa I've had in a long while. When Lisa bit into hers, her eyes rolled. (Her arepa was a treat indeed: I went back the next day to try it!)
Sample their piquant, unnamed sauce - find bottles at each table.
Parched? Caracas offers wine, PBR (!), and several house drinks. We enjoyed mimosas and I got an Argentinian Misterio Rose ($8), while Lisa put down a tropical passion fruit drink.
Service was perfect. After the meal, our server (Jennifer) even surprised us with complimentary caramel desserts - literal icing on the cake.
We thoroughly enjoyed our foray into Venezuelan food, leaving dizzy with delight for a much-needed siesta.
I am from Venezuela, born and bred, and I must say that this restaurant does our national dishes justice.....
The arepas are to die for, and the selection of fresh ingredients that they use is amazing...
The location itself is quite small, yet quaint and comfortable, although the prices are a bit jacked up...
P.S. My mother, by far, STILL makes the BEST arepas in the world...Try them and see.....lol
Very very yummy. I tried the cocada, a coconut milkshake with cinnamon, and it was very fresh and just creamy enough. Surprisingly flavorful compared to most other milkshakes. If you're looking for a super thick milkshake, this is not it.
I tried the Los Muchachos - grilled chorizo, spicy white cheese with jalapeños and sauteed peppers (thank you menu pages). There's this yellow sauce they have available on the tables, and it adds a little bit of spice to it.
Space is limited and the chairs are right next to each other, so it makes it feel very cramped. (Someone with a little interior decorating added a giant mirror in the corner to reflect the rest of the room. Visually, the place doesn't seem small) There wasn't much of a line when I went in the late afternoon, but I'm sure this place gets crowded.
I've been never disappointed with yelp reviews and my yelp friend aka Renee C's recommendation. She mentioned that I must try this place so I did.
Came at a good timing. only wait for about 10 minutes. average wait was about 30 to an hour. the place is quiet small but interesting decor. I ordered this beef ( couldn't recall the name) it was fantastic. my date's food was amazing too. I absolutely love the randomness of this place.
As we walked out and we realized they have a small takeout place next door. if you ever want take out or don't want to wait.. just go next door! they have another location in williamsburg too !!
There is an arepa for any mood. It is my go-to East Village comfort food.
I usually go at odd times to avoid the crowds. It's best eaten fresh so the corn shell doesn't get soggy. La del Gato and Reina Pepiada are my usual orders. Fun to eat with friends - you'll definitely hear moans with my group.
Caracas Arepa Bar makes absolutely the most amazingly scrumptious arepas on the face of this earth. I've seen them on "Bobbly Flay's Throwdown" on the Food Network and I KNEW Bobby didn't have a chance against Caracas! I've been here only twice during this past summer and I thought it didn't have the ability to taste better than my first experience, but I was completely blown away even further on my second visit.
Some of the arepas I've tried are: the La Jardinera, this one fits my liking of tastes perfectly because I love a love for eggplant. The La De Pernil was unforgettable, as the spicy mango tasty juice sauces were spurting out of the arepas after every bite we took. I have also tried the De Pabellón with the beef and the La Sureñ and they are all TO DIE FOR. I've also tried the Yoyos as a side/appetizer and they are delightful! I enjoy eating plaintain a lot, and the balls of stuffed white cheese just made it twenty times the tastier. It felt like eighty different awesome orgasms in my mouth. Seriously.
The venue is small and quaint, and yes, although the wait for seats may take a little longer than you'd like on any day of the week, it's well worth it. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful if you have any questions about the food.
I'm definitely going to come back and devour the rest of the menu. Soon.
I came here once about 5 years ago and remember liking it. I came here again last night and honestly don't see what the fuss is about. Sure, the arepas are a pretty good value and quite filling, but I would not want to wait an hour for a table just so I can eat one in 5 minutes. We split a few last night and I thought that the filling was flavorful but the corn bread was a tad stale. The yoyos (fried plantain balls filled with cheese) were pretty good too.
Overall, I think this place is alright, but again, not worth the wait.
YUM! Didn't know what the heck was an arepa, but after eating so many of them, now I know and I'll definitely come back for more!
Here's what we ordered:
-Tostone Mochimeros: green plantains, liked this better than the Tajadas...I think because of the sprinkled cheese on top
-Tajadas: standard plantains
-La Popular
-La del Gato
-La Suerna
-pineapple juice mixed with something: refreshing, not too sweet
-Michelada: Pacifico beer with some mixture...I don't recommend it. It's needs an acquired taste and we all tried it and not one of us enjoyed it
The last 3 arepas were served on a plate so I don't know which one was which, but they were all great and even better if you add that sauce that's on the table to the food.
The service was friendly and informative and the place has a lot of character. The seats are pretty close together and it's quite a small place. They don't take reservations and your whole party needs to be present in order to sit. There's a take out right next door if you don't want to wait for your food.
I could eat the De Pabellon and the Reina Pepiada morning, noon and night. The wait is apparently out of control - I wouldn't know, as I've only had takeout. So if you're concerned, the food travels spectacularly well...and you can eat at your leisure.
Dear Caracas Arepa Bar,
Although I want to bathe in your garlic sauce and swim in your black beans - you're not *all* that. Granted, your doorman was perfectly nice and organized in regards to taking names and seating asses, but for such a tiny lil storefront type of restaurant, 1.5 hours is a lil long to be waiting on a Saturday night, don'tcha think?
Long wait aside, I really do want love you. The yo-yo sauce tastes like an amazing reduced balsamic vinegar, and the hot meat-filled arepas are deliciously stuffed to the brim in a crunchy pita-like fried shell.
And that amazing house-made garlic sauce that sits on every table, OMG! I want this in my mouf ALWAYS, and I don't care if no one talks to me afterward. This spicy/sweet/salty/chunky sauce is the end all and be all in condiments.
I love it so much, I want to take it home and use it as a seafood/meat marinade.
I want to mix it with olive oil into a salad dressing.
I want to take it behind the middle-school and get it pregnant.
Yours truly,
This hungry girl
P.S. - Your cold chicken and avocado arepa, however needs to be dragged 'round the barn and shot in the face with a sawed off shot-gun - that's how *bad* it is.
I tried an arepa from here and I was a bit disappointed. What is wrong with the corn cake? Why does it taste so stale? or why is it so chewy? or why does it taste like someone microwaved it? Now I am wondering if I know what an arepa should taste like b/c so many yelpers raved about this place. But seriously...the corn cake should not taste like this. I had arepa del gato with cheese, avocado and platanos. The filling was sooo good, but the corn cake ruined it ;-(
What saved this poor little arepa was the wonderful side sauce, yellow in colour, a bit sweet, a bit tangy and a bit spicy.
Please please please work on the corn cake. I will come back. I promise. Just give me a fresh corn cake.
After hearing and reading about the rave reviews, I was hoping for some Venezuelan transcendence. Unfortunately, my expectations were too high.
Like the other reviews, the guac and chips are awesome. There's also a squeeze bottle containing orange-ish sauce. Our waiter said that it was 'nameless' and could not divulge what the ingredients were. It was zesty, sweet and spicy. I would squirt that stuff on ice cream if I could.
I ended up getting several different arepas, most of the had chorizo in it. Visually, these things look delicious. Unfortunately, after biting into one, it was dry and somewhat bland. The flour and maize patty was just so bland. The orange sauce helped, but it just hopeless. Perhaps I have been exposed to too many tacos (never enough), but I think those fillings would have been amazing in a tortilla.
I would go back, but definitely no longer craving one.
This place puts heroin in everything they make. I have no other explanation for how amazing the empanadas are.
Someone told me that Bobby Flay had his ass handed to him here at one of his throw downs. I'm not surprised. I don't think I've tasted anything better.
The price is a little high for the amount of food, but it's worth it. AMAZING.
Neighborhood: East Village
Category: Beer, Wine & Spirits
Neighborhood: Williamsburg - South Side
Category: Latin American
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Category: Cuban
Neighborhood: East Village
Category: Latin American
Neighborhood: East Village
Category: Cuban
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the…
If you wanna impress and entertain your visiting…
This is where I take out of towners for a taste of…
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,…
New York Magazine and Time Out just came out with…
These are the places that have me making yummy…
'Cuz sometimes you're in the mood for a sumptuous…
The spots you should go if you live near 12th and…
