Bar Chuzo — Restaurant in New York

Bar Cruzo anchors the corner of 3rd Avenue and 94th Street in Bay Ridge, serving up Ecuadorian cuisine that’s roughly half seafood—think ceviches, shellfish and daily whole-fish specials—alongside chicken, beef and pork dishes. Stepping inside, you’ll find a sleek, modern dining room bathed in warm light and furnished with clean lines. When we visited on a Monday at 1:30pm, the pace was unhurried—just a handful of tables occupied—while Merengue tunes poured through the speakers, keeping the energy lively even in a midday lull.

We slid in on a quiet Monday at 1:30pm—just enough Merengue to tap your foot without needing earplugs—and were promptly offered fizzy or flat water (fizzy, obviously). Enter Lindsey, our server and culinary tour guide, armed with a friendly smile and a QR code to unlock the menu.

To start, we couldn’t resist “Mama María’s” Shrimp Ceviche, served alongside crisp, house-made plantain chips. Imagine a citrus bomb—bright lime juice, fresh cilantro—dancing with the perfect pinch of salt, all balanced on those impossibly crunchy chips. If Bar Cruzo sold it by the gallon, we’d clear out their stock.

For mains, the Chuzo Combo is the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure: pick three skewers from chicken thigh, NY strip steak, marinated pork butt, spicy chorizo, or a veggie option. Each arrives drizzled with a tangy “magical” sauce and accompanied by golden yuca croquettes, buttery Andean corn, and a shot of house hot sauce guaranteed to wake your taste buds.

Our MVPs were the chicken and the strip steak—both meltingly tender, richly seasoned, and cooked medium-rare to perfection. The pork was solid, though next time I’d brine it for an extra punch; my dining partner swore the chorizo was a revelation of smoky spice.

Pro tip: those online photos downplay the portions. We happily packed up enough leftovers to fuel a small army. Lindsey tempted us with desserts—think velvet flan and zesty fruit parfaits—but we were so blissfully sated that the most decadent thing we could manage was dreaming about next time.

At $85 for an appetizer and two hearty entrees (before tip), Bar Cruzo feels like a steal—$42.50 per person for a ticket to Ecuador’s vibrant flavors, right in Bay Ridge. Whether you’re a seafood aficionado or a meat-and-potatoes loyalist, this spot has earned a permanent place on our list of neighborhood champions.

Next visit, we’re eyeing their whole fish special and swapping stories with the chef about that secret ceviche marinade—because once you’ve tasted Bar Cruzo, every other meal feels like just...

I could write an epic novel about Bar Chuzo—a new Bay Ridge gem where warmth, hospitality, and downright incredible flavors come together in perfect harmony. From the moment you step inside, you’ll feel like part of the family—because owners Ronny and Dana treat every guest as their old friend. Their genuine enthusiasm for top notch food, innovative and tasty drinks, and excellent company shines through in every detail, evident in the care poured into each plate or glass.

Ronny and Dana are two of the most genuine, passionate restaurateurs in the business. Their warmth sets the tone: this isn’t just a meal, it’s a celebration of community. Every dish at Bar Chuzo is a testament to bold flavors and top quality ingredients. I’ve never had a single miss. Hands down the best chicken wings I’ve ever had—crispy, juicy, perfectly spiced, and grilled to absolute perfection. The chuzo skewers are also not to be missed. Tender, marinated cuts of meat (or veggies!) grilled over open flame, each one savory and herbaceous. Also, the ceviche?! Imagine the freshest catch of the day, prepared in bright citrus – light, zesty, and impossibly refreshing – the ceviche alone is worth the price of admission. Finally, the cocktail program at Bar Chuzo is outstanding. I highly recommend Ronny’s version of a daquiri – nothing like any daquiri you’ve ever had before.

Bar Chuzo has quickly become one of Bay Ridge’s most beloved spots—and for good reason. It’s the place you bring friends who are visiting from out of town, the place you celebrate birthdays, and the place you pop into for a quick happy hour snack that turns into an hours long feast. Reservations are strongly encouraged—seats fill up fast. Beyond the stellar menu, what really sets Bar Chuzo apart is its heart. You’ll leave not only satiated, but smiling—thanks to the thoughtful service, lively ambiance, and the palpable pride the owners take in every detail. It’s more than a restaurant; it’s a gathering place, a party, a warm hug in restaurant form.

So do yourself a favor: call up your crew, snag a reservation, and discover Bay Ridge’s new gem -...

In a city where culinary innovation often overshadows tradition, Bar Chuzo arrives as a refreshing, soul-stirring reminder of the power of authenticity. More than just a restaurant, it is a love letter to Latin America—particularly to Ecuador—wrapped in the warmth of a communal table and the sizzle of a well-seasoned grill.

What sets Bar Chuzo apart is not just its menu, but its mission: to educate, to celebrate, and to unite. Every dish becomes a lesson in heritage, each bite layered with history and care. To know the heart of Ecuadorian cuisine is to taste it here—where ingredients are elevated, not reinvented; where flavor is honored, not diluted.

There is a palpable sense of belonging when you sit down at Bar Chuzo. It’s in the way the staff welcomes you like family, in the familiar aromas that drift from the kitchen, in the joy shared among patrons who’ve found something rare—food that feeds more than just hunger.

It’s hard not to feel a quiet pride knowing that this place now calls our neighborhood home. Bar Chuzo is more than a welcome addition—it is a culinary cornerstone. I implore anyone who values community, culture, and tremendously scrumptious food to experience it...