Favorite Latin American place in the Heights. It's no frills, cafeteria-style dining, so don't expect white tablecloths and trendy music. It's a good get-in, get-out spot. Pollo asado w yellow rice is great, as are the steak and pork options. Empanadas, when fresh, are exemplary.

This Latin restaurant is one of my brother's and I best. Haven't been there in a while but cannot wait to go back for some Pernil, Potato balls and empanadas. Very affordable and the women and staff are so friendly. They make you feel right at home. This restaurant was in Hoboken NJ many years ago. Really wish they can reopen in Hoboken. Not far from Hoboken. If you haven't tried this place yet. Try i and believe me you won't be disappointed.

I can't believe I've never tried this place after living in the Heights almost my entire life! I always pass it but never tried it until today. The ambience is homey, warm and welcoming. I don't speak very good Spanish but the daily specials are on display so it's easy to pick what you want. I got the Carne Guisado (beef stew) with yellow rice and beans. There are two portions, a lunch special small portion for $7 and a large portion. I got the small one with an empanada and grabbed a drink to meet the $10 card minimum. It was super tasty and affordable, as most Latin restaurants in the area are. The stew wasn't as flavourful as I expected, but I heard it's known for its pernil so I will definitely have to come back and try it!

I grew up a few blocks away from this place. Back in my day (ok Boomer) we didn't have $8 latte coffee spots popping up, and we didn't put cute jackets on the dog when taking it out for a walk. The Heights has always kept it real, and places like this are a welcome reminder of the no-nonsense attitude that defines the neighborhood. Location: smack in the middle of the Heights' main thoroughfare, near such classics as Gino's pizza (yay!) and the JC Parking Authority office (ugh). Style: Little more than a lunch counter and a few tables, so don't expect Michelin star treatment. Instead, peruse their daily specials (usually various types of chicken, beef, rice, beans - and don't forget the empanadas!). The food is continuously prepared throughout the day (but if you show up too late in the afternoon, your favorite dish may be sold out for the day). Food: Yum! Home cooked meal goodness. This is not fusion bistro style food. This is authentic Latin cuisine, and pretty much everything I've sampled there is a winner. Value: The dishes come in two sizes. The inappropriately named "Lunch Special" (which is available at all times, not just lunch) is my go-to; it's tough to find many places around that can fill you for just $6 (!!) for a dish of rice beans and chicken. If you're a bit hungrier (or would like to share), the next size up is only a couple of bucks more. Verdict: Easily up there with Pizzamasters as my favorite classic JC Heights eatery. It won't be featured in the NY Times anytime soon (at least I hope not - I wouldn't be able to deal with...nice people waiting on line for 45 mins to get in). But what it lacks in publicity and glamour, it more than makes up for with quick service, tasty food, and superb value.

One of my favorite Hispanic food in JC. Generous, affordable comfort food served here. Also, come here if you like getting called "mi amor" by the sweet ladies running the place. You can order from their menu or point to the many dishes on display at their glass counter. We got the pernil and beef stew over rice. Pernil: tender and the skin was crispy Beef stew: served with potatoes. We got this to-go and the sauce got soaked up by the rice so it ended up being a little dry. Will try something else next time

Amazing food! Good authentic Hispanic food We ate the pernil and the bbq chicken it was sooooooo good! Everything looks so good! And the owner is so nice and so sweet!!