Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Food
Still Got It: Cafecito In Alphabet City
By
Nell Casey
Published Feb 27, 2015
Modified Feb 27, 2015
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Nell Casey
Published Feb 27, 2015
Modified Feb 27, 2015
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
During my NYU days, I frequently visited Avenue C's Cafecito, whether for a special dinner or to grab a Cubano to go. One time, I even went during a blizzard. Such was my devotion to their excellent Cuban cuisine—not to mention sangria—and I was thrilled (and relieved!) during a recent visit to find they were still cooking up some incredible, hearty fare after 12 years in the business.
If they were to be judged on their Cubano ($11) alone, they'd get a 10 out of 10, especially for the succulent roasted pork enveloped in a loving embrace of Swiss cheese and spicy mustard. Pro tip: order the quartered Cuban as your appetizer to split with the table so you can save room for one of their equally delicious entrees.
Ropa Vieja (Yelp)
In my less culinarily enlightened days, I'd get the Pollo Cafecito ($17.50), a simple but flavorful grilled chicken breast pounded thin. On the last visit, it was the Vaca Frita ($20), shredded flank steak in mojo fried on a flattop until it's crisp and browned. Their Ropa Vieja ($21) is also excellent. All entrees are served with some kind of rice, a cup of brothy beans and plantains, either sweet maduros or savory tostones. Both are delicious, but the creamy garlic sauce accompanying the tostones is so good you'll want to slather it over everything on your plate.
The space is divided into a cozy dining room on one side and a lively, more modern bar on the other. I've always been partial to their sangrias, available in red during the winter and white in the summer. The fruit inside is fresh and potent after soaking up all the delicious booze. Their mojitos are also great, offsetting the rich, stick-to-your-ribs fare with lots of bright lime and fresh mint. On temperate evenings, the doors and windows are flung open, allowing a cool breeze to waft through off the Loisaida.
185 Avenue C, (212) 253-9966; website
Tagged
alphabet city
cafecito
cuban
east village
still got it
original
Nell Casey
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE food
Why NYC restaurants are playing coy about sustainability
Though it has multiple benefits, the practice remains popular for one basic reason: it saves money.
By
Samantha Dady
Published Oct 26, 2026
Where are the cheapest drinks in NYC? A new report details the city's average prices.
The median price of a cocktail in the city is now $16, and $9 for a draft beer.
By
Hannah Frishberg
Food
Where are the cheapest drinks in NYC? A new report details the city's average prices.
The median price of a cocktail in the city is now $16, and $9 for a draft beer.
By
Hannah Frishberg
North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.
By
Robert Sietsema
10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City
By
Robert Sietsema
Frozen yogurt is back in New York City. So are the super long lines.
By
Sonia Rao
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .