On a recent Friday night, dozens of people were gathered outside of an otherwise unnoticeable East 7th St. restaurant, Caracas. Why? They were lining up for the famous
arepas, grilled, baked, or fried cornmeal patties stuffed with goodies like cheese, meat, vegetables, and beans. This Latin-American comfort food is taking the town by storm, and no wonder: They're filling, cheap, and delicious. Like polenta, you can dress it up or dress it down. Could they be the new mac-n-cheese? Only time and lots of arepa sampling will tell.
Caracas Arepa Bar
93 1/2 E. 7th St. (@ 3rd Ave.)
East Village 212.529.2314
These guys know how to throw down a good arepa and proved so when they beat TV chef Bobby Flay in “Throwdown with Bobby Flay” in an arepa cooking challenge. There’s plenty of arepas to choose from, but come early, because the secret’s out about how good their food is, and the long lines prove it.
The Arepa Lady
Roosevelt Ave. (nr. 78th St.)
Jackson Heights (no phone)
Boy, does this Goddess of the arepa know her way around a cornmeal patty. Available Fridays and Saturdays from 10pm-5am at her corner cart, The Arepa Lady draws a long line of devoted (and mostly drunk) fans lining the block, waiting for one of her savory pastries from heaven.
At Vermilion
480 Lexington Ave. (@46th St.)
Midtown 212.871.6600
Recently opened, this posh new Indian-Latin restaurant brings a little arepa pizzazz to midtown. The food is tasty and the set-up pure eye candy, but be aware that a Midtown arepa is a lot pricier than an arepa from Queens.
Arepas Café
33-07 36th Ave. (@ 33rd St.)
Astoria 718.937.3835
This little Venezuelan hot spot is generating a lot of buzz out in Queens. They can be a bit short when it comes to cheese and meat in the arepa, but don’t be shy when asking them to pile in some extra – affordable prices make it that much better to swallow.
Shachis Arepas Restaurant
197 Havemeyer St. (@ S. 4th St.)
Williamsburg 718.388.8884
Despite its dire neighborhood surrounding, Shachis Arepas brings tons of color and some really great arepas to Williamsburg. The arepas are simple and straightforward. and the many specials to choose from turn an otherwise snack food into a full-blown meal.
Bogota Latin Bistro
141 5th Ave. (@ St. John's Pl.)
Park Slope 718.230.3805
There’s always a fiesta going on here, from the bright colored walls to the abundance of flavors that you’ll get to taste when you order up one of their savory arepas. The service is friendly and accommodating, and the prices are very affordable.
El Cocotero
228 W. 18th St. (7th & 8th Aves.)
Chelsea 212.206.8930
You’re really made to feel like you’re part of the restaurant’s family when you eat here. The arepas are put together exceptionally well, which, combined with the wonderful service, will most definitely have you leaving with a good taste in your mouth.
~Jeffrey Bausch
