Our flip flops are still in the closet. Heck, we haven’t even put our coats away. But that doesn’t mean we can’t start making plans to prepare for the long days of sunshine ahead. Whether you’re looking for a secluded garden, a funky terrace, or a relaxing patio, here’s a list of al fresco options to keep top of mind when you’re in the mood for a Latin food fix.
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MANHATTAN
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145 Ave. C, at 9th St.
212-505-6559
With its turquoise walls and lively atmosphere, this popular brunch spot will transport you to a rustic, seaside tavern in Buzios. During the day, you’ll find predictable lunch fare like sandwiches and omelets, but at night, a meaty Brazilian feijoada, plantain-crusted goat cheese and taquitos de pescado with mango and spicy sour cream make it to the menu.
Citrus
320 Amsterdam Ave., New York, NY 10023
212-595-0500
This upbeat neighborhood restaurant offers prime people-watching real estate in the Upper West Side. Its “Latin fare with an Asian flair” includes unexpected combinations like shrimp dumplings in a jalapeño ponzu sauce or sushi rolls rolled with poblano peppers and mango.
El Cocotero
228 W. 18th St., nr. Seventh Ave.
(212) 206-8930
Bright and friendly, this little restaurant is a go-to spot for Venezuelans in the city. It offers fresh home cooking from Venezuela, including a selection of mouth-watering corn arepas, as well as other local specialties like cheese-stuffed fried tequeños, stick-to-your-ribs asado negro, and hallacas made from scratch. Don’t forget the drinks and try the passion fruit juice or a sweet glass of thick cerelac or milky cocada.
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…y más…
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| Café con Leche 424 Amsterdam Ave., nr. 80th St. agozar! The Coffee Shop Berimbau Cafe Ronda Estancia 460 Industria Argentina Buenos Aires Crudo by Don Pedro’s Ricardo Steak House Sombrero Agave Benny’s Burritos |
Centrico 211 West Broadway, nr. Franklin St. Choza Taqueria Crema Restaurante Gabriela’s Restaurante y Tequila Bar La Palapa Maz Mezcal Ofrenda Pampano Panchito’s Mexican Restaurant y Cantina Rocking Horse Cafe Salsa y Salsa Panca Café Español |
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BROOKLYN
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557 Driggs Ave., nr. 7th St.
(718) 218-7284
This very popular brunch and dinner spot serves a diverse Latin American menu with dishes from South America and Spain, but also pays special attention to Argentine favorites like empanadas, skirt steak, and milanesas. The dishes are fresh and full of flavor, with unique items like avocado fries and seared rib eye ceviche. All of them are served in a rustic and romantic space, which extends into an outdoor porch illuminated with strings of light.
Rachel’s Taqueria
408 Fifth Ave., nr. 7th St.
718-788-1137
Elaborate murals and colorful lights in this outdoor patio define the laid-back vibe of this Tex-Mex spot in Park Slope, known for its huge portions of creatively-stuffed burritos, like the San Joaquin with chile relleno and the Burger Burrito from Hell with beef and french fries.
Chimu
482 Union Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-349-1208
Attracting Peruvians and Williamsburg locals alike to its rustic outdoor garden, this small neighborhood restaurant (pictured above) specializes in the cuisine of the Peruvian coast, focusing on classic seafood dishes like ceviche and chupe de camarones, as well as Peruvian home-style dishes like papas a la huancaina, anticuchos and rotisserie chicken.
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…y más…
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| Miss Favela 57 S. 5th St., at Wythe St. Palo Santo Luz Elora’s Habana Outpost Pequeña Alma Barrio Burrito Bar and Kitchen Casa Pepe |
Castro’s 511 Myrtle Ave., at Grand St. Fast & Fresh Burrito Deli Lobo Mezcal’s Pacífico Papacitos Pedro’s Taquería D.F. Yola’s Cafe |
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QUEENS
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33-18 28th Ave., Queens, NY 11103
(718) 545-8250
This warm, rustic space decorated with colorful Afro-Brazilian murals, has all the makings of a Brazilian steak house or churrascaria, serving up different cuts of meat that have been rolled, breaded, grilled and braised. All of them served with rice and beans and roasted farofa (yucca flour). For those less inclined, there’s a selection of salgados (Brazilian pastries) and a coconut-spiked Moqueca de peixe fish stew.
La Vuelta
10-43 44th Dr., Queens, NY 11101
(718) 361-1858
Offering a culinary refuge in the industrial landscape of LIC, this warm brick space featuring local artwork opens up to a backyard patio. Here you’ll find all your favorite Latin American dishes under one roof: Dominican fried chicken chicharrones, Argentinian skirt steak, and Spanish paella.
Rockaway Taco
95-19 Rockaway Beach Blvd., Queens, NY 11693
(347) 213-746
According to its Web site, there’s still 23 days left until opening day. Yet this tiny shack located a block away from Rockaway Beach (pictured above) is the definition of summer. Serving up fresh easy food like fish tacos with guacamole, and daily juice specials, it will fuel you up after a well-deserved day at the beach.
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…y más…
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| Empanadas Café 56-27 Van Doren St., at 108th St. |
Fatty’s Cafe 25-01 Ditmars Blvd. |