Sunday, September 4, 2011

Louise's Restaurant Picks - Cafecito

My ninth featured Restaurant Pick is Cafecito:

185 Avenue C
(Between 11th and 12th Streets)
New York, NY 10009
Cuisine: Cuban


Cafecito was introduced to me by Daisy and was the first of our Restaurant of the Month adventures. Cafecito might be my favorite restaurant. I say "might" because there is always another restaurant that could be better than the one you love. But it's been six years and Cafecito is still my number one.

EVERYTHING on their menu is Mmmmm! From their appetizer menu I have had: Papa Rellena - lightly breaded mashed potato with a beef picadillo filling; Croquettas De Jamon - golden brown ham croquettes; Bollos - roasted corn and black beans fritters; Chicken and beef empanadas.

From their entree menu I have had: Bistec De Palomilla - sirloin marinated in garlic and extra virgin olive oil, topped with sauteed onions served with white rice, black beans and tostones; Churrasco - char grilled skirt steak with cuban chimichurri sauce and lime cured onions served with yellow rice, black beans and tostones; Vaca Frita - crispy mojo drenched flank steak served with white rice, black beans and tostones; Ropa Vieja - cuban style beef stew made with pulled flank steak, fresh peppers, onions, plum tomatoes and freshly ground cumin served with white rice, black beans and tostones; Camarones Al Ajillo - shrimp with garlic, citrus and butter served with yellow rice and sweet plantains.

Cafecito's 1/2 off happy hour (at the bar), is Monday - Friday from 4pm - 7pm and only includes drinks.


Cafecito makes me feel all warm inside when I think about it. Just the name of the restaurant itself invokes warmth and comfort. The atmosphere is very quaint and cozy and the low playing Latin music adds to the ambiance. Although the space is 'almost perfect', they could definitely benefit by renting a larger restaurant space as they are filled to the max on the weekends. But hey, they've been in the same spot for so many years and it works. If it aint broke, don't fix it.


Important things to know before dining at this restaurant are: you will not be seated until your entire party has arrived and they ONLY TAKE CASH. Muy importante, as we live in an age where no one really carries cash on them.

I'm overdue for a visit to Cafecito so I will be going there soon!! You should too!

They don't have a website so visit menu pages for more of their menu options:

Enjoy and until next time, happy eating!

~Louise C.
"Like" me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CazleyLouise
Photos from NY Restaurant Guide

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