Cafecito
185 Avenue C (between 11th and 12th Streets)
(212) 253-9966/2852

Where does one go to find flavorful food, delicious drinks, a cozy setting, and all the above for less than $25 per person? I chose to venture to the East Village to sample the offerings of a small Cuban restaurant named Cafecito.

The dining area has about 8 tables and is best for small groups due to the limited space. The décor is simple yet warm; exposed red brick walls with lit votives on each table, and a low noise level that allowed my companion and I to converse comfortably across our small table.

The menu is well-priced; the only items above $10 were the specials (shrimp in garlic sauce and the fish of the day, Chilean sea bass; $12 and $13 respectively) and the large servings of sangria ($20/pitcher; $12/half-carafe, $5/glass). I ordered a Mojito Cafecito ($7) to sip while I perused the rest of the menu. The mojito was potent but not overpowering and served with an abundance of mint. Cafecito also offers a small selection of beers.

We started with the Saborcito de Cuba ($6), a platter consisting of a papa rellena (a big ball of fried mashed potato with a ground beef and tomato filling), two croquetas de jamon (homemade ham croquettes), one empanada (a choice of beef and chicken), and three bollos (Cuban hushpuppies with black beans and roasted corn). The highlight of the platter was the croquetas, which were crispy and tasty. I would have preferred a crispier crust for the empanada and less potato in the papa rellena, but the beef fillings in both were very flavorful. The bollos were greasy and over-fried–stick with the croquetas.

We then split a classic Cubano pressed sandwich (ham, roast pork, swiss cheese, and fresh dill pickles on crusty Cuban bread—$6.25) and the churrasco (grilled skirt steak with Cuban chimichurri sauce and lime-cured onions—$9.75). The Cubano was split into two large sandwiches stuffed with meat, cheese, and a zesty garlic mayonnaise sauce. The skirt steak was tender and cooked medium-rare per our request. The chimichurri sauce was excellent (lots of scallions and garlic), while the onions gave the steak a nice kick. Entrées were served with rice, beans (needed more seasoning), and plantains (the garlic sauce with the tostones is amazing). Overall, we found the portions to be very generous and the food well-prepared. For vegetarians, there are 8 dishes on the menu that do not contain meat.

We shared a tres leches cake ($3) that was a bit dry, very sweet, and served with fresh whipped cream and diced pineapple—not great. Cafecito also offers a flan ($2.50) and chocolate cake ($3) that we will be sure to sample next time. We closed with a cup of café con leche ($1.75). The service is friendly and fairly efficient and the clientele is diverse and laid-back in attitude. Just be sure to bring cash as they don’t accept credit cards.