Review: PATACON PISAO on the LES for Delicious Authentic Venezuelan Food

We stopped by Patacon Pisao on the Lower East Side for a quick dinner and it was a real treat. This is a spot that totally lives up to its great reputation. Tucked away on Essex Street just north of Delancey, they serve authentic Venezuelan cuisine that includes delicious, creative versions of sandwiches, sides, desserts, and beverages all at a terrific price point. The restaurant has a vibrant, colorful décor and there's a nice seating area for dining in. Take-out and delivery is also available.

We enjoyed two of Patacon Pisao's house specialties. They are renowned for their traditional "Patacones" with meat between fried green plantain cakes. Their shredded beef patacones is remarkably tender garnished with ketchup, fried white cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and a special sauce. We also had their "Arepa" sandwich with white corn meal patties that can be either grilled or fried. The Arepa Cubana has a savory blend of pulled roasted pork, ham, cheese and a special sauce. And while there's a fine selection of meat dishes, there are also many vegetarian items that round out their menu. They also serve "Pepitos," Venezuelan style hero sandwiches and "Tacuchos," Venezuelan style wraps. You can accent your menu choice with one of the three house made sauces like their Rosado mayo.

Portions are generous and satisfying. But, if you have some room left, have one of the homemade desserts like their Three Milks Sponge Cake or the Caramel Cluster.

Their beverages include some of our favorites. Their Passion Fruit Juice has just the right amount of sweetness to complement the menu offerings. You can also have a refreshing Mixed Cherry Juice, Cold Sweet Rice Milkshake or Imported and Domestic sodas.

Patacon Pisao brings a taste of Venezuela to the New York Metro area. It's a restaurant you will definitely want to seek out. If you're not headed downtown, but would love to try Patacon Pisao, they have two other locations, one in Queens and one in Washington Heights. For more information, visit them at http://pataconpisaonyc.com/. Online ordering is available.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Patacon Pisao