El Sabroso New York
Ecuadorian lunch counter
Working class restaurants in Manhattan have evolved since the 1920s from lunch counters like Lexington Candy Shop and S&P Luncheonette to secretive 'back alley' spots like El Sabroso, in the garment district.
Such counters occupied storefronts in strategic locations and big windows to lure customers—those storefronts became more valuable, rents increased, and no amount of daytime foot traffic could provide enough to cover that rent.
What to do? Close the doors, as most did, or find an even more strategic location, which meant moving off the street. What remains is hard to find.
One such is El Sabroso in a loading dock on 37th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues. Doors bang, hand trucks squeeze by, but none of this detracts from El Sabroso’s distinct calm and quiet vibe, where Irma and her two children, Evelyn and Tony operate the business founded by Irma’s husband long ago.
Street side, an easily missed blue sign hangs above pedestrian traffic darting between sidewalk sheds, passing within inches of men unloading trucks, is a seeker’s only waypoint.
Military grey steel doors are propped open to reveal a busy loading dock in a far corner of which a few meeting tables and enough folding chairs offset the kitchen where Tony prepares Ecuadorian lunches of stew chicken (Pollo Guisado), roasted pork (Pernil), roast chicken, goat (Chivo) and oxtail (Rabo), Pork chops (Chuleta al Horno) and fried fish (Pescado Frito).
It’s a satisfying wayback experience rewarded with good-tasting food, lovingly prepared.
Find your way with 304 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
Queens Bakehouse
New York Style patisserie
"Queens Bakehouse" in NYC was an instant hit with me. Their inventive twists on classics are what really stole my heart - the croissant loaf, for example.
by
Paula
Ryszkiewicz
Rainey Park
Western Queens oasis
When you step into "Rainey Park" in New York City, it feels like you have been welcomed into the shared backyard of Astoria residents. Compact & sunny!
by
Paula
Ryszkiewicz
Malachy's Donegal Inn
Pint-sized Irish bar, UWS
"Malachy's Donegal Inn" is an Irish bar in New York city that's a survivor. There's an ingrained (or ingrown) sense of comfort, 'cares abandoned'...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Utopia
Old-fashioned breakfast
"Utopia" is my neighborhood go-to breakfast joint. It's a real old-school kind of place; I go with my newspaper and am always served well and fast.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Central Park Benches
Poignant inscriptions
"Central Park Benches" in NYC (apart from their comfort) are known for their commemorative plaques. One of them is dedicated by the citizens of Liverpool...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
BANKSY locations New York
Contemporary street art
You can find "BANKSY in New York" in the Upper West Side. 'Boy With a Hammer' is the only one of his pieces that hasn't been 'repurposed'...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Silvana
Live music, café, boutique
"Silvana" is a large cafe, boutique, shawarma and falafel bar in NYC that also offers live music performances on their downstairs stage. Great acts!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Mo's Famous Burgers
Hamburger Food Truck
The menu is simple: hamburgers, French fries & toppings. No over-the-top ingredients, no superfluous adjectives, and high-value food at rock-bottom prices.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Elizabeth Street Garden
Sculpture garden NoLita
"Elizabeth Street Garden" New York: formerly the site of a large, important school house, it was reclaimed in the '90s and turned into a sculpture garden.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
UWS Phone Booth
Last payphone booth
One block away from a 21st century LinkNYC WiFi tower on Broadway sits one of three West End Avenue working telephone 'booths', the last in NYC...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Anthony & Son
Old-school sandwich shop
After, "Anthony & Son" Panini Shoppe's Italian-style super-sandwiches, no regular New York sandwich will ever taste as good again...
by
Nick
Papa
Dutch Kills
Upholding cocktail culture in Queens
"Dutch Kills" in New York isn't hiding it's one of the best bars in the city, but it isn't publicizing the fact, either. No password to enter, however!
by
Nick
Papa
Heading to New York?
304 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to New York?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 304 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite New York
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
