Carro Cafe New Jersey — Restaurant in Union City

Disappointing Experience for the Price

I was really looking forward to a special Valentine’s Day dinner with my boyfriend, but unfortunately, our experience was disappointing—especially for the $350 price tag. If you’re going to charge $350 for three cocktails and a pre-fixe menu for 2, You had better execute on all accounts to be able to charge people that. I don’t mind paying if everything is on point.

The first issue was the appetizer. It was supposed to be ceviche, but what we got was just boiled shrimp cut in half on top of a bite of lettuce with some lemon juice and onions. When I politely requested to switch it out, the manager—a woman with curly blonde hair and glasses—gave me a dirty look and questioned why I didn’t like it. I explained that I’ve been eating ceviche my whole life because I’m Peruvian, and this was the blandest version I’ve ever had. Instead of offering an alternative, she just walked away with the plate.

Fifteen minutes later, our server came by and asked if the manager had brought a replacement. When I told her no, she seemed surprised and immediately offered me an alternative, which I appreciated. The new appetizer—bacon with pineapple—was actually outstanding. However, just as I took my first bite, our entrées were served literally two seconds later. I didn’t get to enjoy my appetizer before my main course because they were brought out basically together, making the meal feel rushed and poorly timed.

The entrée—steak with mashed potatoes—was just okay. For the price, I expected something more flavorful and well-executed. To make things worse, the chimichurri sauce served with the steak was nothing like an actual chimichurri. It was just chopped-up parsley mixed with oil or butter—very weird and completely missing the flavors that make chimichurri what it is. Then, the final disappointment: the lava cake was fully cooked through, with no molten center at all.

That said, I do want to highlight that our waitress provided excellent service throughout the night. She was attentive, polite, and did her best to make our experience enjoyable despite the issues we encountered. We were seated at table 35, and while the atmosphere was beautiful with live music and great cocktails, good ambiance doesn’t make up for poor service from management.

As someone who has worked in the food industry for 10 years, I know that when a customer has an issue with their food, the proper response is to apologize, offer a replacement, and possibly comp an item as an act of good business. Instead, we were met with rudeness and indifference from management.

For $350, I expected an outstanding experience, but instead, I left feeling frustrated and disappointed. I wouldn’t return based on...

What a fun experience (despite thunderstorm just as we arrived - thankful for the plentiful private valet parking!). The entrance is beautiful, inviting, with the cache of a 1970s-80s exclusive discotheque. The entry foyer features a giant crystal chandelier and a retro chic '60s convertible car decoration. Mysterious yet functional guide-lighted stairs lead up to the restaurant - but there’s also an elevator for the faint of heart! The restaurant has been elegantly renovated with a giant dining room dotted with romantic individual table lights. The charming classic car theme peeks out throughout the restaurant, cleverly paired with popular modern ”glam/crystal” touches. A sparkling bar is situated at the rear, and a big suspended wrap-around video screen synchronizes with a selection of popular, Latin, and world dance music - just enough to provide a lively atmosphere while allowing for conversation. We sat in the slightly elevated "atrium" corridor for a little more privacy, and to enjoy the outdoor weather drama :). The service could not have been better, with courteous staff checking in on us throughout the dinner, making sure everything was perfect and bending over backwards to improve upon any concerns. The grilled pork chop, ordered "medium rare" was delectable and juicy, served over a bed of arugula & corn salad with delicious balsamic dressing. Sides of asparagus and grilled vegetables were outstanding, small whole red, orange and yellow peppers an unexpected delight! As for desserts...the Tres Leches was "to die for" but the Limoncello sorbet was a sight to behold - served in champagne glasses under a tall, narrow glass dome filled with a stunning, magical cloud of dry ice! The sorbet tasted as perfect as the presentation. As a long-time Union City resident, I hope this exciting new restaurant catches on fast, as it's a breath of fresh air, filling a void in its class with super convenience, late hours, and delectable...

Visiting this place feels like stepping into a space that doesn't quite know what it wants to be. The restaurant aims to offer a fine dining experience, but all it manages to do is make a statement of snobbery that isn't supported by the quality of its food or the authenticity of its ambiance. They seem to believe that by discriminating against people, they have already achieved high status.

From the moment you walk in, the place tries to impress with decor that aspires to be luxurious but ends up feeling pretentious. Every corner seems designed to showcase opulence rather than comfort.

The menu, unfortunately, follows the same pattern. The dishes are a collection of fine dining clichés that can be found in any other restaurant of its kind, but without the creativity or flavor to justify their high prices. The ingredients are fresh, yes, but the lack of originality in the preparations and combinations makes them indistinguishable from what you could find in a much more affordable spot. There are no standout dishes, and what is served seems more concerned with presentation than with delighting the palate.

In summary, it is a place that tries too hard to seem elegant without truly offering a culinary experience to back it up. If you're looking for a place where the food and ambiance speak for themselves, this isn't the right spot. Here, everything feels like an expensive facade trying to cover up a clear lack of identity. There are better options for those who value both their time and...