La Churreria — Restaurant in Union City

I grew up in this restaurant. I'll always remember a billion mirrors lining every inch of the place. It's unique in that aspect because I don't recall going to any other location with that setup. That's what stood out to me as a kid. My father always brought my family there for dinners & I'd make funny faces into the mirror until someone would smack me.

Regardless, this was always my go to restaurant once I became an adult. My brother & I would casually mention it & immediately think, yep! We barely even had to discuss it. As soon as the thought came up, we were there. That's how insanely good the food was. Just the idea had us salivating for Churrasco. No, not the baby ones either, we were full throttle, give us everything you got!

So this was our spot. Whether it was a quick steak sandwich, espressos during lunch time, or a full on churrasco extravaganza, we never passed up the opportunity. We even mentioned this restaurant to friends as being the best, not just in Union City, but all of the tri-state area! I even had one friend of Puerto Rican decent who described it as the most authentic Cuban food you can find.

My friend expanded on his appreciation. He explained that truly authentic Cuban food doesn't rely on fancy décor or chic waiters. A genuine Cuban restaurant is essentially an extension of the owner. It's essentially a mom & pop. You go there for the food & you leave having experienced it for all that it is.

It was no surprise to me that my younger sister wanted to go there. She explained to my mother that La Churreria was her preference as she too loved the restaurant & that she'd be happy to spend her birthday there. We made sure to bring my entire family. We had a lot of first timers!

Unfortunately, things started to look bad from the start. The mirrors were still there, my nephew had a blast with the weird faces. Yet, no one was paying attention to him to warrant a smack because the restaurant was almost entirely empty. To expand on that, as empty as it was, it took about 15 minutes to use a restroom.

In their defense, it's a smaller restaurant. So you can't fault someone taking their time in the bathroom. I just found it very odd that a waitress came over to knock on the bathroom to rush the person out. It appeared to me that the older gentleman was bathing in the sink. I guess you do what you have to do but that isn't something you look for in a restaurant experience. When he exited the bathroom he continued to linger & comb his beard outside. He said with an accent I couldn't pick up, "You go ahead, it's free." No thanks.

Afterwards, the food came out. Unfortunately, the food was nothing like I remembered it. I sat there with my family simply going through the motions. Not a single one of us had that look of enjoyment you'd expect to see at your favorite spot. Something changed in this restaurant & it was obvious.

I would give 3 stars if it were just for the fact that the staff was friendly. I can't though, because during the middle of our full course meal, they started cleaning the two bathrooms. One man had plastic gloves on & I could see him pouring detergent/bleach. They kept the door open & it got to the point that my elderly grandma called the waitress over to politely berate how inappropriate as well as unhygienic this whole ordeal was. She demanded that they at least close the door, which they did, but she just shook her head in disappointment.

My grandma & mother explained that they knew the owners. It's my understanding that the husband passed away & for that I give my condolences. I was told that the wife is now solely in charge & at her age it's clear that she may be struggling. So it's truly unfortunate that a place like La Churreria could experience such a drastic drop in both quality & professionalism. I came back there expecting brilliance & left embarrassed after speaking so highly of it. I will always remember that wonderful place that was like a wall of mirrors, but it seems like all good things must...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at La Churreria, and it was an extraordinary experience from start to finish. This Cuban gem perfectly blends authentic flavors, warm ambiance, and excellent service, making it a must-visit for anyone craving a taste of Cuba.

The moment you step into La Churreria, you're greeted by a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The decor is a charming mix of traditional Cuban elements and modern touches, creating a welcoming space that feels both vibrant and comfortable. Whether you're there for a casual meal or a special occasion, the setting is perfect.

The menu at La Churreria is a true celebration of Cuban cuisine. Every dish we tried was bursting with authentic flavors and expertly prepared. The Ropa Vieja was tender and flavorful, and the Arroz con Pollo was perfectly seasoned. The Cuban sandwiches were a highlight—crispy on the outside and packed with delicious fillings. And of course, the churros were divine: light, crispy, and served with a rich dipping sauce that was simply irresistible.

The service at La Churreria is top-notch. The staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. They made excellent recommendations and ensured that our dining experience was seamless and enjoyable. It's clear that they take pride in providing great customer service.

For the quality of food and service, the prices at La Churreria are very reasonable. The portions are generous, and the flavors are worth every penny. It's a great spot for both casual dining and special occasions without breaking the bank.

La Churreria in Union City is a true standout when it comes to Cuban cuisine. Whether you're a local or just passing through, it's a dining experience that shouldn't be missed. From the delicious food to the inviting atmosphere and exceptional service, everything about this restaurant is top-tier. I can't wait to return and explore more of their menu!

If you're looking for an authentic Cuban dining experience in Union City, La Churreria is the place to go. Highly...

How disappointed. Loved this place in the past. Now whoever is there are a bunch of thieves. They up charged us for everything from the water because they said it was bottled water even though we never asked for. My husband asked for a something on the Monday to Friday special we get the bill and they charged 12.95 for something on the menu at 8.95. When we questioned this the waiter tells us “we’ll I didn’t give him the special. We challenge the bill and a different waitress now comes over and tells us that he’s new and they would fix the bill. We he comes out with the revised bill it was only lowered by .25 cents not the 4. Dollar over charge Again we explain we will not pay the difference and he tries to tell us that that’s the price with tax. I pointed out that the was a charge for tax at the bottom of the bill and once again he goes back to well I didn’t give him the special and he ate it so we had to pay. I understand it was only 4. Dollars but it was much more. Starting with the 5.00 dollars we were charged for our waters to being charged.50 for our leftovers then the 4. For my husband’s meal. It’s about them CHEATING us or trying to. I truly hope the owner of this restaurant reaches out to me. This was shameful thievery. I would tell the owner that I grew up in Union City. Moved about an hour away and started bringing our neighbors. We alone brought 3 families my son now grown takes a trip there too. Well you have now lost that business....