South American restaurants in North America
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A
Caracas Arepa Bar
Cram into this tiny joint and order a crispy, hot arepa (corn tortilla stuffed with veggies and meat) such as the Pepi Queen (chicken and avocado) or La Pelua (beef and cheddar). You can choose from 17 types of arepa (plus empanadas and daily specials like oxtail soup), served in baskets with a side of nata (sour cream) and fried plantains.
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B
Dixie Kitchen & Bait Shop
After marching through the gothic hallows of the University of Chicago, the hodge-podge of rusting gas station signs and oddball Southern memorabilia at this Dixie eatery is an unassuming, homey delight – even if it feels a bit misplaced at the edge of an aging strip mall. Despite the name, there’s no fish food here, but service for humans starts with complimentary biscuits and mini loaves of cornbread. Start things on the right foot with fried green tomatoes, crawfish and cornbread fritters, or a cup of gumbo. For more quality southern fare, try an oyster po’boy or reliable country fried steak.
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C
Empanada Mama
With its cheery red entrance, long green banquettes down a narrow brick wall, succulent empanadas and great prices, what's not to love about Empanada Mama? The service, unfortunately: it's a little slow and diffident, but these meat-stuffed pastry treats are too addictive to walk away from. You can get wheat, corn and oven-baked empanadas filled with tasty beef or chicken (veggie options too), or arepas (stuffed corn patties), or a big plate of arroz con pollo (chicken with rice), or shredded beef, or many other South American favorites.
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D
El Majahual
Even if papusa isn't part of your dining vocabulary, it'll become your new favorite word after you try El Majahual's Salvadoran pocket of fried dough stuffed with ground pork, green chili, and queso (cheese) loaded with pickled cabbage and salsa - yep, that's an around US$3 meal.
The Colombian side of the menu is pricier and a little lackluster compared to the Salvadoran papusas and tamales, but the fried yucca and plantains, passionfruit juice, and zesty sancocho de gallina (Colombian hen soup) are definite crowd-pleasers.
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E
Inka's
Mission diners jaded by giant burritos and convoluted Californian dishes have another thing or two coming at this Peruvian restaurant, namely: tangy purple corn juice; marinated, skewered beef hearts (not nearly as twisted as it sounds, and oh-so tender); zesty, chunky ceviche; and chewy and not overly sweet pumpkin donuts. Grilled seafood and meats served with saffron rice are bland by comparison, but then so are most foods.
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F
Balompie Café
Loyal taco lovers, prepare to be tempted by papusas, Salvadoran pockets of corn masa (aka taco dough) filled with cheese and beans or meat and topped with ’slaw and hot sauce. Papusas run $2.50 to $3.50 if you eat them here (minimum order of two per person) or $1.99 if you get them to go for a Dolores Park picnic.
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G
Barbossa
A breezy, wide-open front window and low-level bossa nova in the background give this café a sultry and jazzy feel that's complemented by a light, tropical cuisine, heavy on salads (mango and peanut and avocado are favorite toppings), delicious soups and a few hearty mains.
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H
El Cochinito
This 12-table hole-in-the-wall ‘little pig' is family run, neighborhood adored and serves traditional ‘pre-Castro' Cuban at its finest. The tostones are thin and crispy and the roasted pork is melt-in-your-mouth tender, but really, you can't order wrong.
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I
Guayacan
Nicaraguan meals served by friendly folks in a pleasantly homey atmosphere is what it’s all about. Don’t get us started on the roast pork – oh, alright, it’s divine. All specials come loaded with sides: salad, rice and beans, plantains, french fries, corn tortillas and bread.
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J
Destino
Your taste buds will think tectonic plates have shifted at this Peru-meets-California bistro, starring ahi ceviche with organic mango and achiote oil, duck breast with bacon-plantain cakes and passion-fruit Pisco sour cocktails.
reviewed
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K
Cafe Poca Cosa
At this award-winning nuevo-Mexican bistro a Spanish-English blackboard menu circulates between tables because dishes change twice daily. It's all freshly prepared, innovative and beautifully presented. The undecided can't go wrong by ordering the Plato Poca Cosa and letting chef Suzana D'avila decide. Great margaritas, too.
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L
Entre Vero
This is a nice plaza-side spot that is known for its grilled meats, served Uruguayan-style. Nonmeat options include tuna steaks, a grilled vegetable platter and thin-crust pizzas.
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M
Andina
A modern take on traditional Peruvian food produces delicious entrees like filet mignon topped with king oyster mushroom salsa and black beer sauce. Then there's the quinoa with beets, or mushrooms with truffle oil. If you're looking for lighter fare, hit the bar for tapas, great cocktails and live music.
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N
Barrio Sur
This spacious alfresco dining retreat is gorgeously lit at night, and the international latin cuisine served up by the hunky chef - coupled with the cool world music - might make a friendly date turn passionate. The menu reinvents several standard South American dishes, adding a touch of Euro-Asiatic influences here and there.
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