El Artesano
This place has been in business for so long, it is something of a local legend. The secret to El Artesano's success is undoubtedly the food. Cuban sandwiches, spicy pork, rice and beans are all on the menu, offering an authentic taste of Havana's finest. For lunch, we particularly recommend the tasty pan con bistec sandwich. If you reserve online, you will receive a glass of sangria free with your meal.
El Artesano
4101 Bergenline Avenue
Union City, NJ 07087-4921
(201) 867-7341
www.elartesanorestaurant.com
Mi Bandera
Locals claim that Mi Bandera serves up the best Churrasco in town---a tall claim indeed, considering how many Cuban restaurants there are in the area, but one that may ring true. The plantain baskets, which come stuffed with your choice of garlic shrimp or ground beef, are delicious, as is the black bean soup. Mi Bandera is testimony that you don't have to go all the way to Miami to find tasty Cuban cuisine in this country.
Mi Bandera
518 32nd Street
Union City, NJ 07087-3911
(201) 348-2828
http://www.mibanderanj.com/
Latin American Restaurant
Located in the heart of Union City's "Little Havana" district, which is rife with Cuban-owned businesses, Latin American Restaurant is a great place to try Cuban sandwiches. Here, the sandwiches are stuffed with real lechon asado (a special Cuban pork roast marinated in olive oil, spices, sour orange, onions, and a ton of garlic.) You can choose to take your meal in the formal dining room, where you will be waited on by a friendly staff, or at the walk-up lunch counter. If you are at a loss as to what to order, go for the Picadillo. This is a sort of hash or sloppy joe, featuring shredded beef with tomato, green olives, green pepper, tomato, and garlic, served with rice and black beans. For some reason, the Latin American Restaurant is closed on Wednesdays.
Latin American Restaurant
4317 Bergenline Ave.
Union City, NJ 07087
(201) 863-9280
No website.
