Caracas Arepa Bar (summer only) — Restaurant in New York

Location, location, location... This place is really close to the beach and two blocks away from the B105th Street Train Station. They've got a corner on the Arepa Market, which is fine. They've got lots of protein options for the filling of the arepa, including vegetarian choices. They've got a few side options (rice, beans, plantain chips and guacamole etc.) as well. Juxtaposed to the arepa point of sale is a drink stand with beer, frozen sangria, etc. It's all potentially convenient if you went to the beach on a whim and forgot your snacks... potentially.

The problem with this place is that it isn't efficient as far as the food goes. There's only one cashier at the point of sale. The line for food is ALWAYS long and at least a thirty (30) minute wait just to place an order. The last time I went, not only did I have to contend with that, but the young woman handing out the orders and checking receipts had the audacity to be curt and rude, though she tried to cover herself with a fake smile (I've noticed that this is almost an art form for some people). If your order is large (because of course you want to provide for your peeps), good luck finding a way to carry the whole order down the beach. They don't have any larger trays or cartons to help you out. On one hand I get that they don't want to increase the chance of stuff getting left on the beach but on the other hand if carrying large orders is such an issue (and it is) there are plenty of biodegradable options that they can look into.

Plot twist: Arguably the best part of this place, if not the food, is the live music at the end of the day. It's probably only on the weekends but usually the bands sound awesome! There was a Latin band the last time I visited and they played a FLAWLESS rendition of El Gran Combo's - "Ojos Chinos." A small dance floor opened in front of the band. I was truly impressed.

So look, the food is good but the service might test your patience. The band is fuego! And if you need a lighter snack visit the coffee shop at the corner of the same building (Their service is FAST and FRIENDLY). Try it out, then come back and tell me what...

I was there today, so I have a fresh memory!! I understand that being the only place in the middle of the desert makes you slack on some things, cut some corners, --hell, where are people going to get food elsewhere considering that the next place is 1 mile away. With that being said, my suggestion to you--take food from home, or buy something on your way to the beach.

My Wife and I got some sanduich-type food, that the bun was made fresh, true it was super, actually too fresh and undercooked, the sauce had turned it into a mash-potato texture. I threw more than half of it!!! The fries were overcooked, almost burned! Being in the customer service business, I do whatever it takes to be nice and polite. So, I kindly asked one of the girls working there may I have some Mayo please? -- she doesn't even look me in the eye and answered--we do have Mayo here, you have your ketchup in the bottom. I found that very unprofessional, the way she answered, it felt like I was being a jerk because I asked Mayo and they had already given me my ketchup-- what could expect more? Next, I asked for some paper napkins as she had not put any on the tray, the same lady tells me I had napkins in front of me. The tissue tied to a wire, was very simillar to the ones you use in the toilet....! Really?! I paid $ 20 for two finger sandwiches, left a tip and I don't deserve napkins?! Probably not!! -but hear one thing, I will starve my intestines before coming back to...

I have been not just the biggest fan of Caracas Arepa Bar in all it's branches, but as many know, I have always been a big promoter since day one. The dedication to share our Venezuelan taste and our wonderful way to eat healthy and practical has been the main goal of Caracas always. I worked in Caracas Arepa Bar for years and recognized the authenticity and care that is put in every single arepa or meal that is served.

The care and love that’s deposit in everyday’s performance, - from the daily arepa making to the smiles, the friendly service, the food, the music and the environment - always fulfills my entire day and night of wonderful experiences!

It hurts me deeply (and I bet that it hurts many many more) when I read aggressions in reviews of people, who obviously have no New York culture, clearly just got to the area, and are more full of resentments than their reviews.

Let’s be more responsible reviewing places instead of letting any immature, impulsive of resentment, unfairly...