Five Latin Restaurants You Should Try in Westchester County
Latin cuisine in Westchester isn’t what it used to be – except when it is. Look around at all the eateries and dining spots serving dishes and drinks from the Caribbean, Mexico and South America, and you’ll find all the classics – pozole, arroz con pollo, tacos of all kinds and a hardy, tangy Cuban sandwich. You’ll also discover the chefs and restaurateurs who are innovating with traditional Latin American flavors in exciting ways to create Nuevo Latino flair.
This is a great time to look at five restaurants you may not have tried, but should. Hispanic Heritage Month may be over, but Latin culture feeds the body, mind and soul all year round.
¡Buen provecho!
● Donjito, 122 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck: (Pan Latin/Fusion)
Pan-Latin fusion is the draw here, where you can treat yourself to mofongo, tacos or a Cuban sandwich. The food is tasty, the staff is friendly, the bar is lively, and the décor shows that the spirit of fusion is not just on the menu. Check out the large, dramatic portraits along the brick wall, where Celia Cruz shares space with Bob Marley, Biggie Smalls and more.
● The Cube Inn, 22 Main St., Tarrytown. (Cuban)
The Cuban décor and authentic fare -- ropa vieja, ham croquettes and more – create the feeling of a trip to the Caribbean island nation and its unique blend of African, Spanish and Caribbean cultures. The vibe is fun and easy and the mojitos are a treat and come in several varieties with names such as The Flamingo, with strawberries, mint and jalapeño, and The Babalu, made with dark rum instead of white and including fresh pineapple and lime juice. Located directly across the street from the Tarrytown Music Hall, it’s a great place to grab a bite before a show. And sometimes there’s no need to leave; the performers from the historic music venue drop in at The Cube Inn to entertain the diners and staff. That definitely makes for a night to tell your friends about.
● Barquila Tapas & Cocktail Lounge, 308 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck. (Tapas) With a club-cocktail lounge vibe, this recently opened tapas locale is more for a party night than a quiet dining experience. Try Tequila Tuesday, with $5 shots and $3 tacos. The neon-laced décor includes pink flamingos and bright-colored script on the walls says “Wish you were here” and offers the advice “Never dream alone.” A prime spot for a birthday blowout – but get your reservations in early and get settled in before the party gets going with a thumping house vibe.
https://www.instagram.com/barquila.ny/?hl=en
● Casa Tequila Cocina & Bar, 465 Main St., Armonk (Mexican) If you’re looking for a margherita and guac, Casa Tequila is the place. But try the food, too. The restaurant calls itself a “boutique Mexican restaurant” that serves traditional Latin/Mexican fare on the gourmet end of the scale. Gems include tacos with mahi-mahi or birria (beef short ribs) and pozole. For fans of agave-based liquor, Casa Tequila features a collection of more than 100 Tequilas and Mezcal. And those margheritas? Tasty! And with a twist varieties such as strawberry and “La Pepinada,” made with cucumber puree, jalapeno, agave and fresh lime juice, are rimmed with chile-lime Tajin seasoning. A large patio area includes heat lamps to stay open in cooler weather.
https://www.casatequilany.com/
● Salsa Bembe, 811 McLean Ave., Yonkers (Puerto Rican): Three floors of fun, great food and super friendly service bring a festive, tropical vibe to Yonkers. The big, boisterous Puerto Rican fave pulses with an energy and scale that feels more like NYC. On the weekend, when a DJ spins or live music plays and you get the urge to show your dance moves, don’t hold back! It’s all decked out with Puerto Rican décor. And you have to love the piragua (flavored shaved ice) booth on the first floor. http://www.salsabembe.com/
