Caramba Bar & Grill Introduce
In the vibrant and dynamic tapestry of New York City’s dining scene, a place that offers a memorable experience often extends beyond just the food on the plate. Caramba Bar & Grill, nestled on the corner of St. Nicholas Avenue and W 163rd Street in Washington Heights, is a prime example of this. More than just a restaurant, it’s a local hub that prides itself on creating a welcoming and lively atmosphere. The name "Caramba" suggests a spirited and energetic vibe, and the establishment lives up to this promise with a setting that is both casual and trendy. It's the kind of place where locals gather to unwind after a long day, enjoy a drink with friends, or grab a quick, flavorful meal. The focus on a social and engaging experience, with a bar that features a great selection of beers and cocktails, makes it a go-to spot for those looking for a complete night out. While the menu offers a variety of familiar dishes, the true highlights of Caramba Bar & Grill are its fast service and the convivial atmosphere that makes every visit feel like a special occasion.
The essence of Caramba Bar & Grill is its dual identity as both a bar and a dining spot. The menu, while not as extensive as some larger restaurants, is curated to offer a selection of comforting and approachable options. Patrons can find classic appetizers like Chicken Wings and Fried Calamari, as well as more unique items like Quipes and Tequeños, providing a taste of something different. The main entrees, such as the "Salmón A La Plancha" and "Churrasco," suggest a commitment to classic flavors and hearty portions. The availability of "Picaderas," or snack platters, also makes it an excellent choice for groups looking to share and socialize. However, the true strength of the establishment, as highlighted by a customer review, lies in its drinks. The bar offers a wide range of beverages, from great cocktails and hard liquor to an impressive beer and wine selection. The presence of happy hour drinks further enhances its appeal as a social destination. This focus on providing a fun and energetic environment, complemented by a solid drink menu, is what makes Caramba Bar & Grill a standout in the local scene. It's a place where you can grab a quick bite and a drink, and feel part of a lively, local crowd.
The atmosphere at Caramba Bar & Grill is designed to be a key part of the experience. It is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, a combination that creates a comfortable yet stylish setting. The friendly and welcoming staff, as noted in a customer review, contribute significantly to this positive vibe, with some patrons praising their attentive and caring service. The bar on-site is a central feature, encouraging a social environment perfect for groups and locals. This sense of community and good cheer is a major reason why many people choose to visit. While some reviews mention that the food "needs work," they often follow up by saying that the excellent service, welcoming atmosphere, and delicious drinks "made me overlook that and enjoyed the night." This shows that the restaurant’s strengths lie in its hospitality and its ability to provide a complete and enjoyable experience, even if the food isn’t always perfect. The fact that it is popular for solo dining also speaks to its welcoming nature, as it provides a comfortable space for individuals to grab a drink and a bite without feeling out of place. This commitment to a positive and vibrant atmosphere is a defining characteristic of Caramba Bar & Grill.
Caramba Bar & Grill is located at 1051 St. Nicholas Ave, on the corner of W 163rd St, in the vibrant Washington Heights neighborhood of New York. Its corner location provides excellent visibility and accessibility for both local residents and visitors. The restaurant is well-served by public transportation, making it an easy destination to reach. The A, C, and 1 subway lines are all within walking distance, providing convenient access from various parts of Manhattan and beyond. For those who drive, the restaurant's location on St. Nicholas Avenue offers paid street parking options, which, while sometimes a challenge in New York, are a standard part of navigating the city. The establishment also demonstrates a commitment to accessibility with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that all customers can easily enter and enjoy the space. The location itself, at a busy intersection in a bustling neighborhood, adds to the lively energy of the restaurant, making it a natural fit for the area. The fact that it's a neighborhood spot for locals further emphasizes its role as a key part of the community.
Services Offered:
- Delivery and takeout for convenient dining at home.
- Dine-in with table service for a full restaurant experience.
- Bar on-site with a wide selection of beer, wine, cocktails, and hard liquor.
- Happy hour drinks and food.
Features / Highlights:
- Known for fast service.
- Great beer and cocktail selection.
- Casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere.
- Popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining.
- Wheelchair accessible entrance.
- Offers comfort food and quick bites.
- Accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
Contact Information:
- Address: 1051 St Nicholas Ave, corner of, W 163rd St, New York, NY 10032, USA
What is worth choosing Caramba Bar & Grill? The answer lies in its strengths as a complete social experience rather than just a culinary one. While the food may not be the main draw for all customers, the restaurant’s core highlights—its fast service, great drinks, and welcoming atmosphere—make it a valuable and enjoyable destination. For New Yorkers looking for a casual spot to meet up with friends, grab a quick drink after work, or enjoy a lively happy hour, Caramba is a solid choice. The bar's excellent selection of beer and cocktails, along with happy hour specials, provides a compelling reason to visit. The atmosphere is praised by patrons as friendly and welcoming, a significant factor in a city where comfort and a sense of community are highly valued. The fact that it's a spot where you can grab a quick bite or a small plate also makes it a practical option for various occasions. While one customer review expresses discomfort with the social dynamic, this may not be a universal experience. Overall, Caramba Bar & Grill’s true value is its ability to provide a great night out, with a focus on good vibes and exceptional drinks, making it a go-to spot for those who prioritize atmosphere and service. It’s a place where you can "overlook" minor issues and simply "enjoy the night," which is a testament to its success as a local bar and grill.
Caramba Bar & Grill Vibe
Sides
- Yuca Frista $5.00
- Tostones $5.00
- French Fries $5.00
Pal' Comienzo / Appetizers
- Quesadilla $13.00
- Cheeseburgers $15.00
Carne de res , queso , tomate lechuga cebolla mayonesa y ketchup
- Fried Calamari $12.00
- Tequeño (Dedito) $8.00
- Alitas / Chicken Wings $12.00
Búfalo, teriyaki o BBQ. / Buffalo, teriyaki or BBQ.
- Quipes $15.00
3 pieces. / 3 piezas.
- Tacos $16.00
Res, pollo, cerdo o camarones / Beef, chicken, pork or shrimp.
- Chicken Salad $12.00
- Pastelitos / Patty $11.00
3 pieces. Queso, pollo, res o camarones / 3 piezas. Cheese, chicken, beef or shrimp.
- Guacamole + Chips $8.00
Mofonguitos
- Queso / Cheese $10.00
Main entrees
- Salmón A La Plancha $24.00
- Churrasco $28.00
- Pechuga Salsa Blanca $18.00
Picaderas / Snack Platters
- Alta Gama $45.00
Camarones, calamares, pollo y res. / Shrimp, squid, chicken and beef.
Caramba Bar & Grill Details
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Locals
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Paid street parking
Caramba Bar & Grill Photos










Caramba Bar & Grill Location
Caramba Bar & Grill
1051 St Nicholas Ave, corner of, W 163rd St, New York, NY 10032, USA
Caramba Bar & Grill Reviews
happy hourtacosmusicpricesmofonguitoscoldbeerbartenderappetizer
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Went here on a Saturday evening after leaving a meeting in the city. The atmosphere was friendly and welcoming. The staff were attentive caring. The service was excellent, however the food needs work. Had the calamari as an appetizer, it tasted similar to the frozen microwaveable you get in a supermarket. For the main course I had the shrimp mofongo. There was hardly any shrimp and the plantains were hard and overcooked. Then they drowned the whole thing in a plate of sauce. The food needs a great deal of work. The drinks and the other hand were on point. All in all I was disappointed in the food, but the service and the whole atmosphere made me overlook that and enjoyed the night. I would like to try this place again to see how they evolve.
March 08 · Steven HowardNot solo traveler friendly. I could’ve sworn there were women my age working there (in their 20’s or so) pimped out to way older men. Very unsettling and not comfortable at all being alone. Was looking for a shot and a beer, A shot of vodka (ketel one) was 15 dollars! the beer however was $5 which was fine. However, the feeling of these girls cuddling with this man in their 60’s made me extremely uncomfortable. Sad. Not coming back.
August 24 · Miah DiazThe place was empty when i went i was expecting to partake in the happy hour that is advertised in on of the pictures but that was not the case . They no longer participate in happy hour. Also didnt tell us it was cash only until after we finished eating. Then tried to persuade us to use their atm which had a 4.50 fee but other than that The food was great also had great prices.
November 07 · UserThe happy hour prices are great and the drinks are pretty strong. Ordered the garlic wings and they were very good. The tacos & hangover platter were okay, but the wings made up for it. The vibe here is fun, local, & welcoming.
March 10 · TJThis spot is so good, drinks are great! Our waitress was so good her name started with a J (totally forgot). She was so attentive & made great suggestions!The food was good, not amazing! The flavor was great but it wasn’t WOW. The hookah was good & overall I would come here again!Chicken mofonguitos were bomb!
August 04 · Jackie Brea
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