BARRA PAYAN 207 PICA POLLO JOA

- 546 W 207th St, New York, NY 10034

Introduction / Overview

In the heart of Upper Manhattan, specifically on the border of the vibrant Washington Heights and Inwood neighborhoods, lies a culinary gem that brings the authentic flavors of the Dominican Republic right to New Yorkers: BARRA PAYAN 207 PICA POLLO JOA. This establishment is more than just a restaurant; it’s a staple for many locals seeking comfort food, offering a dynamic menu that perfectly blends two distinct, yet equally delicious, specialties: the legendary Dominican-style pressed sandwiches and the crispy, flavorful fried chicken known as Pica Pollo.

While the 'Barra Payan' name is famously associated with classic, hearty sandwiches that originated in Santo Domingo—a tradition even celebrated by late-night eaters and well-known food critics—the New York location, often paired with 'Pica Pollo Joa,' successfully carries on that tradition while also carving out a reputation for its excellent fried chicken. This combination makes it a unique and powerful culinary destination in the city, providing a satisfying option for nearly any craving, any time of the day.

Whether you are a New York native or a newcomer to the area, a visit here offers a taste of authentic Caribbean fast-casual dining, perfect for a quick, delicious bite. The atmosphere is generally friendly and focused on service, reflecting the community-centered spirit of Uptown Manhattan. The menu is extensive, ensuring that from simple cheese and ham options to elaborate "Completos" and generous portions of fried chicken, there is a dish to please everyone in the family, making it a reliable spot for lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack.

Location and Accessibility

BARRA PAYAN 207 PICA POLLO JOA is conveniently situated in the Uptown district of New York, a location that places it right in the middle of a bustling, residential, and highly accessible part of the city. The restaurant’s address is

546 W 207th St, New York, NY 10034, USA

The atmosphere of the neighborhood is characterized by its vibrant community life, and BARRA PAYAN 207 PICA POLLO JOA fits seamlessly into the local environment, offering a welcoming beacon for authentic food. Being a local restaurant, it relies heavily on the steady flow of neighborhood foot traffic, providing a quick and easy pickup or dine-in option for those who live and work nearby. For those utilizing delivery apps, the restaurant's location also ensures efficient service within its coverage area, bringing their popular meals directly to apartments and offices across the surrounding blocks.

Services Offered

The restaurant prides itself on offering a wide range of convenient services and flexible dining arrangements to cater to the diverse needs of the New York public. Their service model is designed for maximum ease and accessibility, whether you prefer to enjoy your meal on-site or take it to go.

• Curbside Pickup: Customers can easily order ahead and pick up their food without having to leave their vehicle, offering a fast and safe option.
• Delivery: For those who prefer to dine at home or the office, delivery services are available, bringing the full menu right to your door.
• Takeout: Standard takeout service is offered, perfect for a grab-and-go meal during a busy day in the city.
• Dine-in: Seating is available for customers who wish to enjoy their food in the restaurant's casual environment.
• Lunch and Dinner: The menu is robust enough to cover all major meals, making it a reliable choice from midday through the evening.
• Catering: The availability of catering services suggests the restaurant can handle larger orders, making it a great option for office parties, family gatherings, or events.
• Counter Service: Reflecting its roots as a classic sandwich spot, the counter service option ensures quick order placement and efficient pickup for fast-casual dining.
• Dessert: After your main course, you can cap off your meal with one of their dessert offerings.
• Good for Kids: The welcoming environment and crowd-pleasing menu items make it a great choice for families dining with children.

Features / Highlights

BARRA PAYAN 207 PICA POLLO JOA stands out in the competitive New York dining landscape by focusing on authentic, high-quality, and satisfying food. The dual focus on sandwiches and fried chicken provides unique menu depth, making it a standout feature. Their highlights truly speak to the heart of authentic Caribbean flavors and the practical needs of city diners.

• Dominican-Style Pressed Sandwiches: The core specialty of the 'Barra Payan' name. These hot, pressed sandwiches are known for their generous fillings, often featuring tender roasted pork leg (Pierna) and chicken (Pollo), combined with a selection of cheeses like Cheddar, Gouda, or Mozzarella, and served on soft bread. Popular items include the 'Payan Pierna Club' and the 'Sandwich Cubano.'
• Famous Pica Pollo: Under the 'Pica Pollo Joa' banner, the restaurant serves up Dominican-style fried chicken. This dish is celebrated for its crispy exterior and flavorful seasoning, often sold in various piece counts (from 2 to 7 pieces) and served with traditional sides like French fries or fried plantains (Tostones).
• Extensive Juice and Smoothie Menu (Jugos y Batidos): A true taste of the Caribbean is provided through their selection of fresh, natural fruit juices and batidos (smoothies). Options often include tropical favorites like Passion Fruit (Chinola), Papaya (Lechosa), Strawberry (Fresa), Mango, and Soursop (Guanabana).
• Completo Sandwiches: These are hearty, fully loaded sandwiches that often feature a combination of meats, such as chicken and pork leg, offering a complete and satisfying meal in a single press.
• Variety of Meats and Cheeses: Beyond the signature Pollo and Pierna, the menu also offers Ham (Jamón), Salami, and Turkey Ham (Jamón de Pavo), all available with various cheese pairings, including Danés (Danish cheese), Cheddar, Gouda, and Mozzarella, allowing for high customization.

Contact Information

To connect with BARRA PAYAN 207 PICA POLLO JOA for orders, inquiries, or catering needs, please use the following contact details:

Address: 546 W 207th St, New York, NY 10034, USA

Phone: (212) 544-2727

Mobile Phone: +1 212-544-2727

What is worth choosing

For any New Yorker seeking an authentic and deeply satisfying culinary experience, BARRA PAYAN 207 PICA POLLO JOA offers compelling reasons to visit or place an order. What makes this establishment particularly worth choosing is its ability to master two highly-demanded comfort foods—sandwiches and fried chicken—while infusing them with distinct Dominican flavor profiles. For first-time visitors, the absolute must-try is a sandwich from the Pierna (Pork Leg) section, such as the famous 'Payan Pierna Club,' known for its succulence and rich combination of flavors. The 'Completo Pollo' also provides an excellent example of their hearty sandwich craftsmanship, perfect for a full meal.

Beyond the sandwiches, their commitment to the 'Pica Pollo Joa' concept delivers a fried chicken that stands out from typical American-style fast food. The chicken, which can be ordered in various quantities, is a staple of Dominican street food—crispy, well-seasoned, and satisfying, especially when paired with a side of Tostones (fried plantains) or a serving of their flavorful fried rice (Chofan), which also comes in small, medium, and large sizes. It offers a perfect family meal option.

Equally important to the main dishes are the 'Jugos Y Batidos.' Choosing a fresh, natural juice like Chinola (Passion Fruit) or Lechosa (Papaya) is highly recommended. These refreshing drinks perfectly cut through the richness of the fried food and heavy sandwiches, creating a balanced and authentic Caribbean meal experience. The fact that the restaurant offers comprehensive service options—including delivery, curbside pickup, and a dine-in counter—means you can enjoy these high-quality, authentic meals on your terms, whether you are grabbing a quick lunch or feeding the family for dinner. It is a true Uptown New York food destination that promises quality, value, and taste.

BARRA PAYAN 207 PICA POLLO JOA

546 W 207th St, New York, NY 10034, USA