Cortaditos — Restaurant in North Bergen

Cortaditos At 7700 bergenline Ave

I really enjoy the quality and taste of the breakfast at this neighborhood coffee shop (77th cross Bergenline) . Most of the staff treat customers warmly and politely. However, there is one young lady who showed me a mad face for the second time when I ordered breakfast last week. I don’t know her name yet, but the other two ladies, who always greet customers with a smile, have a much better attitude than she does.

I clearly remember that after placing my order, I wanted to verify the total amount. In response, she rolled her eyes at me and rudely flipped the payment machine toward me. It made me wonder: does she treat every customer of a different race this way, or does she simply not want me spending my money there?

I truly believe in the saying: “One rotten apple spoils the barrel.” This young lady (the shortest one) really needs some serious training in customer service. (And don’t worry—I will find out your name later)

Hi owner, after reading your feedback, here is my comment:

Thank you for your response, but I must express my strong disagreement with the feedback you provided.

First, suggesting that I may not have written a positive review in the past completely misses the core issue here. My current feedback is not about an isolated or occasional misstep—it’s about a pattern of underlying service issues that I believe you have not fully acknowledged. Instead of deflecting by questioning whether I praised you before, I would have expected a more focused and constructive engagement with the concerns I raised.

Second, customers are not obligated to offer praise in order for their criticism to be valid. While positive feedback is valuable, it’s not a prerequisite for raising concerns. In previous review, I first praised your food indeed and then raised my issue. When someone takes the time to point out a problem—especially when it’s clear, specific, and given with the intent of improvement—it should be received with openness, not with defensiveness or conditions. What definition of the “fair” you are talking about?

Finally, framing the feedback as simply “a negative experience” downplays its seriousness. This wasn’t about a bad mood or high expectations—it was about a fundamental lapse in service that undermined the experience as a whole. If feedback is only welcomed when it’s flattering, then you’re not truly open to improvement.

If you genuinely take pride in your service, then listening carefully—especially when something goes wrong—is where that pride...

I've been here a few times and today was the last. My car is in the shop, so I decided to walk up the hill originally destined for Las Chicas. It was slightly drizzling and I noticed a few people in this place, which is why I decided to cut my walk short and go in, even though Las Chicas is on the opposite corner. It was nice to see some people in here. i was hoping this place would take a hold, which would be good for the neighborhood.

The ordering process was painful. The girl behind the counter greeted me in Spanish, which I responded to in English. I was excited that I saw they had a Mochaccino Chocolate. She asked what size I'd like, small or large. Because the menu board showed Ideal or Grande, my response was ideal. She didn't understand, so I specified 12oz., also written on the board. She still had trouble understanding, but we were finally able to agree.

I originally embarked on my journey seeking a breakfast sandwich. Their menu here was a little all over the place, but finally I spotted Juevo con Spinaca (Egg and Spinach) pastelo. I was so excited, especially cause I've been on veggie kick lately. Again, she didn't understand me. I pointed at the menu board and told her what I wanted. She told me she didn't have that! How disappointing. I settled for the Guava y Queso (Guava and Cheese) empanada. Again, she didn't know what I was asking for until I pointed to the menu board!

Finally it was time to pay. $2.75 for the coffee, $1.50 for the empanada, and $0.28 NJ Sales tax (which I found out Christie reduced while getting rid of the estate tax and raising the gas tax) all totaled $5.17. If you do the math, you'll find out that the math was wrong. She handed me my Mochaccino and I sat down to wait for my empanada. By this time, the place was empty and one of the girls was playing around with the cook. Then they were talking together behind the counter. After a while, I thought, how long could it take to make an empanada? I'm assuming they weren't making it from scratch. So I went to the counter and asked. Clearly she was embarrassed and ran to the kitchen to look for the ticket, which she found, while the other girl decided to go to the empanada case and take out my Guava and Cheese empanada.

The coffee was not hot and the empanada was barely above room temperature. The moral of the story, take the extra few steps and go to Las Chicas across the street. Better atmosphere and the girls there know what they're doing which is probably why they're busy all...

Aqui, BEEF empanadas are worth trying (MADE WITH ROPA VIEJA ( "Old Clothes" - SHREDDED BEEF ) and so is all else I have tried here.

The people behind counter greet you by name when they remember it if you frequent this place.

#jenny #cortaditos #cortaditosjenny provides AWESOME service and receiving a GREET from her ME ANIMA (MOTIVATES ME) and makes my day every time she does, and I believe makes others feel same way. Her SMILE enough to warm your heart have you consider to stay and eat and drink while taking in the positive vibes and enjoy viewing the simple decor (hip) that invites people in. LARGE Windows make a bar style sitting area that are opened in this #CUBAN place, when weather permits.

Try a CORTADITO DOBLE con una azucar morena (double espresso with some milk with one brown sugar - ask for one, it comes with three if you do not), waking you up and not too sweet.

Say " #ANGELTHEREALTOR suggested I visit " to learn if experience has them provide you the level of service you expect.

#DALE

Gracias #JENNY@CORTADITOS

@CORTADITOS GRACIAS

CORRECTION from my review on CORTADITOS elsewhere I to correct. Being a CUBAN, I did not know PAN CON BISTEC (STEAK SANDWICH - BREAD WITH STEAK) came with mayonnaise and recently learned this. I provided less than a FIVE STAR review because of it. If not liked, need to remember to request ...