13 Places that Prove NYC has a Latino Heartbeat
New York City is packed with SABOR. Dominicans, Cubans, Boricuas, Colombians, Peruvians, Mexicans – you name it, we’re there – coexisting from the tip of Harlem to the last grain of sand on the Rockaway Beach. NYC’s heart beats to the rhythm of salsa, merengue, bachata and punta. These 13 spots prove NYC is, indeed, the Latino capital of the world.
Lucky 7 Tapas Bar
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Dominicans like it loud. Anyone who is not Latino will complain he can’t even talk over the bumpin’ beat. Dominicans will say you just gotta scream your conversation.
1455 St Nicholas Ave, Manhattan, NY 10033
Casa Adela
Photo Credit: @casaadelarestaurant/Instagram
For Boricuas, Casa Adela is home. Those who swear by Adela’s food call her mofongo the best anywhere – including Puerto Rico. Don’t tell your abuelita on the island about that.
66 Ave C, New York, NY 10009
READ: Mexican Restaurants in New York that Will Blow Your Mind
Camaradas El Barrio
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If you don’t get the urge to break out those dance moves, you may have to check your Latino chromosomes. Salsa lovers find a spot filled with personality and culture in this East Harlem hole in the wall.
2241 1st Ave, New York, NY 10029
La Sirena Mexican Folk Art
This jam-packed store in the East Village is as Mexican as a nopal. La Sirena carries arts and crafts from all over Mexico. You can fin altars of the Virgencita de Guadalupe, rosaries, hand-painted glasses, Frida Khalo portraits and Dia de los Muertos figurines.
27 E 3rd St, New York, NY 10003
Café D’Antigua
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Yelp hasn’t caught up with this place just yet but Colombianos know it’s the place for delicious perros calientes (hot dogs). A Colombian que se respete knows a real perro caliente MUST have crushed potato chips, shredded cheese, ham and pineapple sauce. Add a hard boiled quail egg and you’ll have a life-long customer. They also sell the best arepas de choclo in the five boroughs.
84-16 Northern Blvd, Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Bonus: D’Antigua Bar
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Music fans can dive next door from el café to D’Antigua Bar for drinks and some good ol’ rock en Español. Listen to classics from acts like Soda Stereo, Fabulosos Cadillacs and Fito Paez.
READ: Pupusas, Empanadas and Churasco: There’s More Than Just Mexican Food in L.A.
La Casa Azul Bookstore
#Gallery – Come view the incredible talent of Katie Yamasaki, one of our favorite artists! Work up until July 12! pic.twitter.com/4pt7gDW3wu
— LaCasaAzul Bookstore (@LaCasaAzulBooks) May 12, 2015
Photo Credit: @lacasaazulbooks/Twitter
It’s not just books. This East Harlem spot celebrates and embraces Hispanic cultural diversity. La Casa Azul hosts writing workshops, illustration exhibits and live music.
143 E 103rd St, New York, NY 10029
Jackson Heights, aka Little Colombia
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No, the name isn’t official. Yes, it should be. Jackson Heights is the Chinatown for Colombians. Ride the 7 train to 82 St – Jackson Heights and indulge in baked goods, restaurants, shops and Aguila beer.
Roosevelt Ave.
When you’re yearning to be in Mexico, or California, there’s a whole avenue filled with food trucks and restaurants selling delicious tacos that will satisfy your wanderlust. 100% Mexican approved!
Bembe
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Bembe nightclub feels like a night trip to the Caribbean – even in the winter. Forget about sitting down, staying dry or having any kind of a meaningful conversation. Bembe is three things: great music, booty shaking and drinks!
81 S 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Tabaré
Chivito, king of the sandwiches:) pic.twitter.com/VneKuvUIEA
— Tabare Restaurant (@TabareNYC) January 30, 2015
Photo Credit: @TabareNYC/Twitter
From both owners’ taste for classic rock en Español, to the mouth-watering chivito sandwiches, everything about this hip South Williamsburg gem will give you a taste of Uruguay.
221 S 1st St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Caracas Arepa Bar
Photo Credit: @caracasarepasbar/Instagram
With locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn and a summer-only spot in Rockaway Beach, this gourmet restaurant is famous for its traditional Venezuelan stuffed arepas. Sweet plantains, beef, beans and cheese stuffing are merely the start; the possibilities are endless.
93 1/2 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009 and 291 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Havana Alma de Cuba
Their ropa vieja, plátanos and flan never disappoint. This place has two rooms and they’re always blasting great sounds. Prepare to scream over the music, Cuban style!
94 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014
La Cabaña Salvadoreña
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Your search for an authentic Salvadorian meal in NYC will end here. It’s not all pupusas, though. Fried yuca, fried pork bites, tamal de elote and beef tripe soup are among the most popular dishes at this Hudson Heights spot.
4384 Broadway, New York, NY 10040
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