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Is it too bold to say that New York has some of the best Latin food right now? For a long time, our city was often rivaled by our West Coast sister, and we often relented. But New York's far-ranging scene has something to say, as each of our boroughs shares slices of culture and cuisine from across the world, from top tacos in Mexico to Peruvian ceviches and arepas from Colombia. Hungry for such specialties? We tapped some of New York's finest Latin chefs on where they like to eat, grab a drink and kick back on their day off.
Your shift just ended. Where do you like to go out to eat in New York?
José Luis Chávez, Mission Ceviche: After a long shift, I love somewhere casual where the food speaks for itself. Great NY Noodletown in Chinatown is one of those places for me. No complications, just comforting, flavorful food, especially late at night.
José Luis Flores, Masa Madre: There’s a very small place in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, that I think is one of the best Japanese restaurants around; it’s called IWAK. The chef-owner is there most of the time. The food is always fresh and delicious.
Alejandro Osorio, Arepa Lady: We usually close late; luckily we have a lot of options in the neighborhood. Top two is tacos Birria-Landia up the block or Latino Bites for Colombian burgers on Northern Blvd.
Ruben Santana, Bark Barbecue: If it's breakfast, I like going to Nurish—it's a cafe on Washington Ave in Prospect Heights. For dinner, I really like the burger at Au Cheval.
Do you have a favorite bar?
Chávez: I love Employees Only. It’s one of those classic New York spots that always has great energy and hospitality. My go-to drink is usually a Negroni—simple, balanced, and timeless.
Flores: I love going to Lowery Bar and Kitchen in Sunnyside, Queens; I like red wine, especially if it’s from Spain.
Santana: I'm not a big drinker, but I do like the Dead Rabbit. I think they have really well-balanced drinks. Their Old Fashioned is my go-to.
Osorio: Sweet Afton in Astoria, The Afton Punch.
Is there a new restaurant that opened in New York this year that has already become one of your favorites?
Chávez: I always tell people to spend more time eating in Queens. Some of the best food in New York is there. You can travel through so many cultures in just a few blocks, and there are incredible family-run restaurants that deserve much more attention.
Flores: Vato on 7th Avenue in NYC.
Osorio: Mayahuel is fairly new and is one of our favorites.
Santana: I'm not great at keeping up with openings, but Tacos Domingo in the East Village was really good! The carne asada is on homemade tortillas.
Do you know of any underrated spots you’d like to tell us about?
Chavez: I always tell people to spend more time eating in Queens. Some of the best food in New York is there. You can travel through so many cultures in just a few blocks, and there are incredible family-run restaurants that deserve much more attention.
Flores: De Mole [Sunnyside].
Osorio: Super underrated for Colombian food: Cali Aji in Corona.
What’s your favorite place in the city to buy sweets?
Chávez: ChocNYC in Inwood. It’s one of those neighborhood spots I really enjoy and definitely a place I think deserves more attention.
Flores: Jacques Torres.
Osorio: Favorite sweet spot, Creperie on Ludlow. They are open all night, and we are night owls.
Santana: Spot Dessert Bar in the East Village. Their Golden Toast is addictive.