El Autentico

- 47-20 Broadway, Long Island City, NY 11103

In the bustling landscape of New York's fast-food scene, El Autentico stands out as a true gem, offering a genuine taste of Latin America that goes far beyond the typical quick-service fare. Located in Long Island City, this "hole-in-the-wall" spot is a beloved destination for locals seeking an authentic and delicious meal. El Autentico is a unique fusion of Colombian, Ecuadorian, Mexican, and Peruvian cuisines, providing a rich and diverse menu that caters to a wide range of tastes. From hearty breakfast plates to comforting daily specials and massive, flavorful empanadas, every dish is prepared with the kind of care and authenticity that makes you feel like you're eating a home-cooked meal. The restaurant's cozy and casual atmosphere, combined with the aroma of delicious food, creates a welcoming environment that is popular for lunch and dinner. Whether you're a long-time resident of Queens or a tourist looking to experience genuine local food, El Autentico promises a quick, affordable, and incredibly satisfying culinary experience that will keep you coming back for more.

El Autentico is situated at 47-20 Broadway, Long Island City, NY 11103, USA, a convenient location within this vibrant and diverse Queens neighborhood. As a "small hole in the wall," it has a very intimate feel that draws in local clientele. However, as noted by a customer review, finding the restaurant can be a bit of a challenge as they have a new brown awning, so keeping an eye out for the address is key. For those driving, it's important to be aware that there is "absolutely no parking" available, which is a common reality in many parts of the city. This makes it a perfect destination for those walking, taking public transportation, or using a ride-share service. The restaurant's focus on takeout and dine-in services means that its small size is a benefit rather than a drawback, providing a cozy and warm place to eat. Its prime location in Long Island City also makes it an easy stop for a quick and delicious meal before or after running errands in the area.

• Takeout: El Autentico excels as a takeout restaurant, offering a fast and convenient way to grab a delicious meal to go. This service is perfect for people on a tight schedule or those who prefer to eat in the comfort of their own home.
• Dine-in: For a more relaxed experience, the restaurant provides a cozy and casual dine-in atmosphere. Despite its small size, it's a welcoming space where you can sit and enjoy your food hot and fresh.
• Table service: The restaurant provides table service, allowing you to have a pleasant, sit-down meal with attentive staff.

• Great food and value: El Autentico is celebrated for its inexpensive yet delicious food. A customer review raved about the "huge" and "tastiest" chicken empanadas, noting they are "inexpensive" at just $1.50 for a massive size. This focus on value without compromising on flavor is a major highlight.
• Fast service: As a fast-food restaurant, El Autentico lives up to its name with quick and efficient service. Customers have praised the staff for being "really nice" and for providing "great" service, making the experience enjoyable from start to finish.
• Offerings: The menu is a delightful mix of Latin American comfort food. Beyond the daily specials, you can find a variety of small plates, hearty sandwiches like the "Bistec Sandwich," and delicious side salads. The restaurant also offers coffee, perfect for a quick pick-me-up.
• Atmosphere: The restaurant is described as "warm and cozy with delicious smells," creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. It's a no-frills, unpretentious spot that focuses on what's most important: the food and the customer experience.
• Crowd: El Autentico has a strong local following. It's the kind of place that residents return to regularly, and this strong base of local customers speaks to the quality and consistency of the food.
• Good for kids: The menu, with its familiar comfort food items, is great for kids, making it a family-friendly choice for a quick lunch or dinner.
• Payment options: The restaurant accepts credit cards and debit cards, offering convenience for patrons who may not be carrying cash.

For any questions, to place a takeout order, or just to learn more about their daily specials, you can easily get in touch with the friendly staff at El Autentico. Here is the direct contact information for the Long Island City location:

• Address: 47-20 Broadway, Long Island City, NY 11103, USA
• Phone: (718) 777-0333

What makes El Autentico truly worth choosing is its ability to deliver an authentic, high-quality dining experience at a fast-food pace. As one customer aptly put it, the service is "great," and the food is equally "good." The restaurant's biggest draw is undoubtedly its food. The empanadas, in particular, have a cult following. A reviewer noted, "Their empanadas are HUGE! The chicken empanada was the tastiest I have ever had and inexpensive," even providing a visual reference to its size. This kind of value is hard to find in New York City and is a major reason why locals are so loyal. Beyond the empanadas, the menu is a treasure trove of authentic Latin flavors, with daily specials like "Pechuga Empanizada" and "Bistec Encebollado" that are served with generous portions of rice, beans, and salad or sweet plantains. The availability of fresh juices, as mentioned in a review, adds another layer of authenticity and deliciousness to the experience. While the restaurant might be small and has limited parking, these factors are overshadowed by the warmth of the space and the quality of the food. It's a place where you can get a quick bite that tastes like it was made with love and care, not mass-produced. The positive feedback about the "warm and cozy" shop and the "delicious smells" tells a story of a place that feels like a home away from home. For New Yorkers in search of genuine, affordable, and incredibly flavorful Latin American comfort food, El Autentico is a top choice that lives up to its name.

El Autentico

47-20 Broadway, Long Island City, NY 11103, USA