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Carretica Restaurant ico

Carretica Restaurant
- 662 River St, Paterson, NJ 07524

Costa Rican restaurant, Family restaurant ★4.0 (40)·$10–20

662 River St, Paterson, NJ 07524, USA

4.0
Although I’m Latina all Latin food is NOT the same. This restaurant is Costa Rican and the food was delicious! It is cute, clean, & homey…like being in your friend’s kitchen. The young lady serving us was sweet and attentive.FOOD…fresh, tasty but not overly seasoned, and savory. I’m a soup girl and this soup made my top 3. Hubby LOVED his dish and we were amazed by their rice pudding dessert - LorenaSophia Rodriguez
Carretica Restaurant Overview Intro Food & drink Detail Photos Location Reviews
$10–20 per person Reported by 40 people$1–10$10–20$20–30$30–50$50–100

Carretica Restaurant Introduce

Introduction / Overview: Bringing the Warmth and Flavor of Costa Rica to New Jersey

For New Jersey residents looking to explore the vibrant, distinct flavors of Central America, Carretica Restaurant in Paterson offers an authentic culinary journey to Costa Rica. Identified proudly as a Latino-owned establishment, Carretica specializes in being a traditional Costa Rican restaurant, a welcoming Family restaurant, and a superb Latin American restaurant, with the critical convenience of being a dedicated Delivery Restaurant. This means the comforting, homey tastes of Costa Rica are readily available, whether you choose to dine-in or order a meal directly to your home in the Paterson area.

Carretica is celebrated for offering authentic dishes that are described by patrons as fresh, savory, and not overly seasoned, capturing the true essence of ‘Tico’ cooking. The atmosphere is consistently described as Casual and Cozy, akin to visiting a friend’s kitchen, making the Seating and Table service experience highly pleasant. They cater to all meal times—Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner—and are notably Family-friendly, with a dedicated Kids' menu available. The restaurant is flexible, accepting Reservations and modern payment methods including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Location and Accessibility: A Convenient Hub on River Street, Paterson

Carretica Restaurant is conveniently located at 662 River St, Paterson, NJ 07524, USA. This address places it in an easily accessible area of Paterson, a highly populated city in Passaic County, making it a valuable dining option for a large portion of Northern New Jersey. The restaurant's position on River Street provides good visibility and straightforward access for local traffic and community members.

As a local New Jersey business, accessibility is considered practical and straightforward. For patrons driving to the location, the availability of Free street parking is a major advantage in an urban setting like Paterson. While specific details on physical accessibility (like wheelchair access) were not provided, the ground-floor location on a major street aids in general convenience. The location facilitates all service options seamlessly, allowing for easy customer pick-up for Takeout orders and ensuring prompt service for local Delivery. The presence of Outdoor seating also offers a nice option for diners on pleasant New Jersey days.

Services Offered: Total Convenience for the New Jersey Diner

Carretica Restaurant prides itself on providing comprehensive services that allow New Jersey customers to enjoy authentic Costa Rican food with maximum convenience, catering to both special occasions and everyday meals.

  • Dine-in: Enjoy the cozy, casual atmosphere with full Table service and comfortable Seating, perfect for families and Solo dining.
  • Outdoor seating: A pleasant option for enjoying your meal outside when the weather is accommodating.
  • Takeout: Quick and easy pickup of orders for enjoying authentic Tico flavor at home or at the office.
  • Delivery: Reliable service that brings the full menu of Costa Rican comfort food directly to your location, solidifying its role as a key Delivery Restaurant.
  • Catering: Providing a unique Latin American flair to larger events, parties, and gatherings across the local New Jersey area.
  • Accepts Reservations: Allowing patrons, especially larger Crowds like families, to plan their visit easily and ensure a table is available.

Features / Highlights: Authenticity, Comfort, and a Diverse Menu

Carretica Restaurant stands out in the New Jersey culinary landscape by offering a rare and highly-appreciated focus on traditional Costa Rican cuisine, backed by an atmosphere of warmth and authenticity.

  • Authentic Costa Rican Cuisine: Specializing in the flavorful and unique dishes of Costa Rica, differentiating it from general Latin American fare, which is a major draw for food enthusiasts.
  • Signature Tico Dishes: The menu features traditional highlights such as the national dish, 'CASADO' (available with various meats like Grilled Steak or Beef Tongue), Gallo Pinto for breakfast, and appetizers like CHIFRIJO and TACOS Ticos.
  • Focus on Freshness: Customer reviews highlight the food as 'fresh' and 'tasty,' indicating a commitment to quality ingredients.
  • Extensive Beverage Selection: Offering a wide range of unique Fruit Shakes (with water or milk) in flavors like Soursop (Guanabana), Tamarindo, and Blackberries (Mora), along with traditional Aguadulce.
  • Homey and Cozy Atmosphere: The ambiance is often praised for being 'homey' and 'like being in your friend's kitchen,' ensuring a relaxing and inviting experience.
  • Latino-Owned Business: Operating as a proudly Latino-owned establishment, which speaks to its commitment to authentic cultural representation in its food.
  • Diverse Menu Needs: Offers Comfort food, Small plates, Quick bite options, and acknowledged Vegetarian options, ensuring suitability for most dietary preferences.

Contact Information: Connect with Carretica Restaurant

For New Jersey customers wishing to experience this authentic Costa Rican kitchen or to arrange a delivery, please use the following contact details:

Address: 662 River St, Paterson, NJ 07524, USA

Phone: (973) 782-5575

Mobile Phone (Direct): +1 973-782-5575

These contact points are the most effective way to place a delivery order, inquire about the day's special soups, or book a table for a family dinner.

What is Worth Choosing: Essential Costa Rican Dishes

For the New Jersey resident, Carretica Restaurant offers a unique opportunity to taste true Costa Rican cuisine. What is most worth choosing are the dishes that define this culinary tradition and that have been received positively by the local crowd.

Start your day with the authentic Gallo Pinto, available in combination with various meats like Grilled Chicken or Pork Chop, and always including traditional Costa Rican Sausage, Fried Cheese, and Sour Cream—it’s an essential Tico breakfast experience.

For lunch or dinner, the classic 'CASADO' meals are highly recommended. These are the traditional daily plates, offering a complete and satisfying meal with options such as Grilled Steak - Bistec Encebollado or Fried Pork Rinds - Chicharrones. The more adventurous diner should try the 'CARRETADA' (Picada) Mixed Platter for a generous sampling of flavors, or the authentic CHIFRIJO appetizer.

Seafood lovers should consider the fresh CEVICHE (Fish, Shrimp, or Mixed) or the full Fried Red Snapper - Paro Rojo Frito, which is a significant offering. For a luxurious treat, the Churrasco - Prime Grilled Skirt Steak is available both as a breakfast combination and a special dish. Finally, complete the experience with one of their unique Fruit Shakes, such as Soursop or Tamarindo, and the traditional Costa Rican dessert Churchill for a truly authentic finale. Carretica Restaurant provides a flavorful, cultural, and comforting dining experience right here in Paterson, NJ, with the added benefit of easy delivery and a cozy environment for groups and families.

Carretica Restaurant Food & drink

  • APPETIZERS

  • Empanadas - Costa Rican Style $2.50

    Fried Corn Dough Empanada - Choice: Beef, Chicken or Cheese | Empanadas de Maiz fritas de Carne, Pollo y Queso

  • Empanada + Extra | Arreglada (estilo Costa Rica) $4.50

    Fried Corn Dough Empanada - Choice:Beef, Chicken or Cheese.+ Extra Chopped Cabbage, Mayo & Ketchup | Empanadas Arregladas de Maiz fritas de Carne, Pollo y Queso

  • Sweet Plantain with melted Cheese & Sour Cream $4.95

    Plátano Maduro con Queso y Natilla (Crema)

  • Handmade Cheese Corn Tortilla $5.25

    Tortilla con Queso -Hecha a Mano-

  • Guacamole $5.75

    Tasty Avocado Dip, Lime and other fresh ingredients + Tortilla Chips side

  • Tamales (2) $7.00

    Seasoned Corn Meal with just a piece of Meat & tiny strips of Vegetables

  • TORTAS DE CARNE (2) $8.50

    Beef Patties over Tortillas and Cabbage Salad

  • TACOS Ticos Costa Rican Style (3) $8.50

    Fried Tortilla Rolls filled with shredded Beef or Chicken - Cabbage salad over

  • 'VIGORON' Traditional Costa Rican dish $11.95

    Includes Fried Pork Rinds, Cassava and Cabbage Salad

  • CEVICHE Fish - Pescado $11.95

    Includes Tortilla Chips

  • CHIFRIJO Traditional Costa Rican dish $11.95

    Includes Rice, Beans, Fried Pork Rinds & Pico de Gallo + Tortilla Chips side

  • CHIFRIJO MIXTO $12.95

    Includes Rice, Beans, Fried Pork Rinds, Fried Chicken & Pico de Gallo + Tortilla Chips side

  • CEVICHE Shrimp - Camarones $12.95

    Includes Tortilla Chips

  • CHIFRIJO Shrimps | Con Camarones $13.95

    Grilled Shrimps, Rice & Beans, & Pico de Gallo + Tortilla Chips side

  • CEVICHE MIXTO - Pescado y Camarón $13.95

    Mixed with Fish & Shrimp + Tortilla Chips side

  • 'CARRETADA' (Picada) Mixed Platter $20.95

    Includes Chicken Wings, Fried Pork Rinds, Shrimps, Salchichón (Costa Rican Sausage) Fries & Fried Cassava

  • SOUPS

  • Meatballs Soup - Costa Rican Style - Albondigas $11.95

    Homemade style soup includes Beef Meatballs & vegetables + Plain Rice side $11.95 Lg

  • Meat Soup - Sopa de Carne $11.95

    Homemade style soup includes Beef Meat pieces & vegetables. Served + Plain Rice side $11.95 Lg

  • Tripe Soup - Sopa de Mondongo $11.95

    Homemade style soup includes Meat pieces & vegetables + Plain Rice side $11.95 Lg

  • Chicken - Pollo $11.95

    Homemade style soup includes Chicken Meat pieces & vegetables + Plain Rice side $11.95 Lg

  • Black Soup - Sopa Negra (estilo Costa Rica) $11.95

    Homemade style Black Beans Broth soup includes broiled egg + Plain Rice side $11.95 Lg

  • Seafood Soup - Sopa de Mariscos $17.95

    Mixed Seafood + Plain Rice side

  • SALADS

  • Chicken Salad $9.95

    Lettuce & Tomatoes

  • Steak Salad $9.95

    Lettuce & Tomatoes

  • Grilled Fish Salad $9.95

    Lettuce & Tomatoes

  • BREAKFAST | All includes Costa Rican Sausage Style, Fried Cheese & Sour Cream

  • Gallo Pinto & Grilled Chicken $14.95
  • Gallo Pinto & Grill Steak $14.95
  • Gallo Pinto & Pork Chop $14.95
  • Gallo Pinto & Grill Liver $14.95
  • Gallo Pinto & Beef Stew $15.95
  • Gallo Pinto & Tongue on Tomato Sauce $15.95
  • Gallo Pinto & Churrasco - Prime Grilled Skirt Steak $34.95

    Mixed Rice & Beans. Includes Costa Rican Sausage Style, Fried Cheese & Sour Cream. Incluye salchichón tico, queso, y natilla.

  • SPECIAL RICE | All Rice dishes includes Fries & Salad choice: russian, cold tuna pasta or lettuce & tomatoes (green)

  • 'Arroz con Pollo' $13.95

    Mixed yellow rice w/ shredded chicken and mixed vegetables

  • Pork Rice - Arroz con Cerdo $13.95

    Rice mixed with fried pork & mixed vegetables

  • Shrimp Fried Rice - Arroz con Camarones $14.95

    Rice mixed with Fresh Shrimps & mixed vegetables

  • 'Arroz Cantones' $14.95

    Fried Rice asian style mixed fried meats pork, steak, ham, bacon, fried eggs & mixed vegetables

  • Carretica Rice $14.95

    Shredded Beef, chicken & peppers

  • Seafood Fried Rice - Arroz con Mariscos $15.95
  • 'CASADO' COSTA RICA traditional dishes

  • Grilled or Breaded Chicken $14.95

    Includes Rice, Black Beans, Fried Egg, Sweet Plantains & your choice of Salad: russian, cold tuna pasta or lettuce & tomatoes (green)

  • Grilled Steak - Bistec Encebollado $14.95

    Includes Rice, Black Beans, Fried Egg, Sweet Plantains & your choice of Salad: russian, cold tuna pasta or lettuce & tomatoes (green)

  • Chicken Fajitas - Pollo $14.95

    Includes Rice, Black Beans, Fried Egg, Sweet Plantains & your choice of Salad: russian, cold tuna pasta or lettuce & tomatoes (green)

  • Steak Fajitas - Bistec $14.95

    Includes Rice, Black Beans, Fried Egg, Sweet Plantains & your choice of Salad: russian, cold tuna pasta or lettuce & tomatoes (green)

  • Grilled or Breaded Fish Filet $14.95

    Includes Rice, Black Beans, Fried Egg, Sweet Plantains & your choice of Salad: russian, cold tuna pasta or lettuce & tomatoes (green)

  • Grilled Liver & Onions - Hígado encebollado $14.95

    Includes Rice, Black Beans, Fried Egg, Sweet Plantains & your choice of Salad: russian, cold tuna pasta or lettuce & tomatoes (green)

  • Fried Pork Rinds - Chicharrones $14.95

    Includes Rice, Black Beans, Fried Egg, Sweet Plantains & your choice of Salad: russian, cold tuna pasta or lettuce & tomatoes (green)

  • Beef Tongue on Tomato Sauce - Lengua en Salsa $15.95

    Includes Rice, Black Beans, Fried Egg, Sweet Plantains & your choice of Salad: russian, cold tuna pasta or lettuce & tomatoes (green)

  • Beef in Sauce - Carne en Salsa $15.95

    Includes Rice, Black Beans, Fried Egg, Sweet Plantains & your choice of Salad: russian, cold tuna pasta or lettuce & tomatoes (green)

  • Chicken Breast in Mushrooms Sauce - Pechuga con champiñones $15.95

    Includes Rice, Black Beans, Fried Egg, Sweet Plantains & your choice of Salad: russian, cold tuna pasta or lettuce & tomatoes (green)

  • Mixed Fajitas Chicken & Steak - Pollo y Carne $15.95

    Includes Rice, Black Beans, Fried Egg, Sweet Plantains & your choice of Salad: russian, cold tuna pasta or lettuce & tomatoes (green)

  • Chicken Francaise - Pollo estilo Francés $16.00

    Includes Rice, Black Beans, Fried Egg, Sweet Plantains & your choice of Salad: russian, cold tuna pasta or lettuce & tomatoes (green)

  • Grilled Salmon - Salmón a la Parrilla $18.00

    Includes Rice, Black Beans, Fried Egg, Sweet Plantains & your choice of Salad: russian, cold tuna pasta or lettuce & tomatoes (green)

  • Churrasco - Prime Grilled Skirt Steak - $34.95

    Includes Rice, Black Beans, Fried Egg, Sweet Plantains & your choice of Salad: russian, cold tuna pasta or lettuce & tomatoes (green)

  • SPECIAL DISHES

  • Pasta a la 'Tica' - Tuna or Meat $13.95
  • Chicken Francaise - Pollo estilo Francés $14.95

    Includes Tostones & Vegetables

  • Chicken Vodka over Pasta - Pechuga en salsa Vodka con Pasta $14.95

    Includes Toasted Bread

  • Primavera Pasta - Chicken or Beef $15.95

    Includes Toasted Bread

  • Shrimp Alfredo over Pasta - Camarones en salsa Alfedo con Pasta $15.95

    Includes Toasted Bread

  • Fried Tilapia Fish (whole) Tilapia Entera Frita $15.95

    Includes Tostones & Salad

  • Garlic Shrimps - Camarones al Ajillo $15.95

    Includes Tostones & Salad

  • Chop Suey $15.95

    Chow Mein Noodles - Includes Chicken, Steak & soy sauce Vegetables sauteed

  • Grilled Salmon $15.95

    Includes Tostones & Vegetables

  • Chop Suey Mix $17.95

    Chow Mein Noodles - Includes Chicken, Steak, Shrimps & soy sauce Vegetables sauteed

  • Fried Red Snapper - Paro Rojo Frito $24.95

    Includes vegetables & Salad

  • Churrasco - Grilled Churrasco Prime Skirt Steak $25.95

    Includes Fried Plantains & Vegetables

  • PANINI SANDWICH | All includes French Fries

  • Cuban Sandwich $9.95

    Includes Pork, Ham, Pickles & Mustard + Cheese

  • Cheese Steak $9.95

    Includes grilled steak, onions & peppers + Cheese

  • Grilled Chicken $9.95

    Includes Lettuce & Tomatoes + Cheese

  • FRUIT SHAKES - Your choice: Water or Milk

  • Mango $3.95
  • Papaya $3.95
  • Horchata $3.95
  • Pinneapple - Piña $3.95
  • Blackberries - Mora $3.95
  • Strawberries - Fresas $3.95
  • Soursop - Guanabana $3.95
  • Tamarindo on water $3.95
  • Banana $3.95

    Milkshake

  • Crema Flavor Milkshake $3.95

    Milk Cream

  • Flax Seeds - Linaza $3.95
  • HOT BEVERAGES

  • Coffee - Café $2.00
  • Chocolate $2.00
  • Tea - Té $2.00
  • Aguadulce - Costa Rican Hot Sweetwater - Lg or Sml $2.00

    Crane Sugar Sweetwater

  • KIDS MENU

  • Salchipapa $6.00

    Mixed Fries & chopped Wiener Sausages

  • Chicken Fingers & Fries $7.95
  • Cheeseburger Deluxe $8.95

    Includes American Cheese, Lettuce & Tomato

  • DESSERT | POSTRES

  • Arroz con Leche $3.00

    Costa Rican rice pudding homemade style

  • Jello - Gelatina $3.00
  • Creamy Caramel Flan $4.00
  • Tiramisu $4.00
  • Tres Leches Cake $4.00
  • Ice Cream - Helado $4.00
  • Churros $4.50
  • Cheesecake $5.00
  • Churchill - authentic Costa Rican $5.00

    Red Slush Unique Kola Syrup Cop, Condensed Milk & Ice Cream. | Granizado con cola roja, leche condensada y helado

Carretica Restaurant Details

  • From the business

  • Identifies as Latino-owned
  • Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Delivery
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • Popular for

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Offerings

  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Vegetarian options
  • Dining options

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Catering
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
  • Amenities

  • Restroom
  • Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Crowd

  • Family-friendly
  • Planning

  • Accepts reservations
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards
  • Children

  • Good for kids
  • Kids' menu
  • Parking

  • Free street parking

Carretica Restaurant Photos

Carretica Restaurant Picture 1Carretica Restaurant Picture 2Carretica Restaurant Picture 3Carretica Restaurant Picture 4Carretica Restaurant Picture 5Carretica Restaurant Picture 6Carretica Restaurant Picture 7Carretica Restaurant Picture 8Carretica Restaurant Picture 9Carretica Restaurant Picture 10

Carretica Restaurant Location

Carretica Restaurant

662 River St, Paterson, NJ 07524, USA

Carretica Restaurant Reviews

An average rating of ★4.4 from 145 user reviews.

attentionsoupempanadassteakshrimpdelivery

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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