El Cafetal: Authentic Mexican & Latin American Food in Astoria, NY

El Cafetal Introduce

Astoria, Queens, is a vibrant neighborhood renowned for its incredible diversity and a culinary scene that truly reflects the global character of New York City. Among its many celebrated eateries, El Cafetal stands out as a genuine destination for those seeking authentic Mexican and Latin American flavors. This restaurant is a beloved local gem, known for its commitment to traditional recipes and fresh ingredients. It’s the kind of place that feels like a discovery, offering a taste of home to those familiar with the cuisine and an exciting new experience for those who are not.

El Cafetal is more than just a restaurant; it’s a cultural experience. The menu is a testament to the rich and diverse culinary traditions of Mexico and Latin America, with dishes that are prepared with care and an eye for authenticity. The atmosphere is unpretentious and focused on the food itself, making it an ideal spot for a quick, delicious meal. The dedication to genuine flavors is so strong that one reviewer remarked that the Mole Poblano tasted "just the way grandmother makes it," which is one of the highest compliments a restaurant can receive. This focus on tradition is what sets El Cafetal apart from more commercialized dining options.

This establishment has built its reputation on quality and reliability. It’s a place you can count on for a satisfying meal, whether it’s for a hearty breakfast to start your day, a quick lunch, or a late-night craving. The extensive menu ensures that there is always something new to try, from classic tacos and burritos to more elaborate platters and soups. The friendly staff and welcoming environment contribute to a pleasant experience, making it a go-to spot for many people in the Astoria area.

This article will provide a detailed overview of El Cafetal, helping you navigate its wide range of services and understand why it has earned such a loyal following. We will cover its convenient location, the types of food and drinks it offers, and highlight the key features that make it a standout choice. By the end, you will have all the information you need to plan your visit and discover why El Cafetal is a true gem in the Queens dining scene.

Location and Accessibility

El Cafetal is conveniently located at 30-19 Astoria Blvd, Astoria, NY 11102, USA. Its position on Astoria Boulevard makes it easily accessible for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant is situated in a busy and vibrant part of the neighborhood, within close proximity to various businesses and residential buildings. The location is well-served by public transportation, with a nearby subway station providing a quick and easy way to get there.

For those who live or work in the vicinity, El Cafetal is a perfect spot for a quick walk-in meal or an easy delivery order. The restaurant’s presence on a main thoroughfare means it’s simple to find, whether you’re coming from a long day at work or heading out for an evening. The focus on takeout and delivery services also adds to its accessibility, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite dishes from the comfort of their homes.

Services Offered

Takeout: El Cafetal offers efficient takeout service, making it an excellent option for those who want to grab a quick and delicious meal on the run.
Delivery: The restaurant is a popular delivery option, allowing customers to enjoy its authentic Mexican and Latin American cuisine without leaving their homes. This is a key service, especially for late-night food cravings.
Table Service: The restaurant provides table service for those who wish to sit down and enjoy their meal in a relaxed setting.
Late-Night Food: El Cafetal is known for its late-night food offerings, providing a much-needed option for New Yorkers with non-traditional schedules or those who simply crave a late meal.
Extensive All-Day Menu: The restaurant offers a wide range of dishes, from breakfast options like omelets and pancakes to a full menu of lunch and dinner plates, including soups, salads, and more.

Features and Highlights

Authentic Mexican and Latin American Cuisine: The food is known for its authentic flavors, with customer reviews highlighting the traditional and "on point" taste of dishes like Mole Poblano.
Wide Range of Offerings: The menu is incredibly diverse, covering everything from breakfast and light bites to hearty main courses, soups, and seafood. This variety ensures there is a dish for every taste and occasion.
Fresh Ingredients: A key highlight, as mentioned by a reviewer, is the freshness of their products, such as the "always fresh" orange juice. This commitment to fresh ingredients elevates the quality of the food.
Comfort Food: Many of the dishes, such as soups and traditional platters, are considered comfort food, providing a sense of warmth and satisfaction.
Late-Night Service: The availability of late-night food is a significant feature, catering to the needs of the city that never sleeps.
Good for Kids: The menu includes child-friendly options like Chicken Fingers and Cheeseburger Deluxe, making it a suitable dining spot for families.
Friendly Staff: The staff is described as "nice" by customers, contributing to a welcoming and positive dining experience.
Payment Options: The restaurant accepts credit cards, providing a convenient and modern payment method for customers.

Contact Information

Address: 30-19 Astoria Blvd, Astoria, NY 11102, USA
Phone: (718) 504-0790

What is Worth Choosing

When you visit El Cafetal, the sheer variety of the menu can be impressive. However, there are a few items that are particularly worth choosing, based on customer feedback and the restaurant's reputation. The Tacos de Lengua are a must-try, as one reviewer enthusiastically declared them "Awesome!" This traditional dish is a true test of a Mexican restaurant's authenticity and flavor, and El Cafetal clearly excels at it.

Another standout dish is the Mole Poblano. The high praise from a customer who said it tastes "just the way grandmother makes it" is a testament to its authentic and rich flavor profile. This complex and traditional dish is a signature of Mexican cuisine, and finding a place that prepares it so well is a rare treat.

For breakfast, the Mexican breakfast options are a fantastic choice, especially the Huevos Rancheros, which can be prepared in either a green or red sauce. The breakfast quesadillas and omelets also offer a hearty and flavorful start to the day. For a taste of Latin American comfort food, the soups are highly recommended. The Sopa de Pollo (Chicken Soup) and Sopa de Pancita are perfect for a cold day or a comforting meal.

Beyond the main dishes, don’t overlook the fresh beverages. A customer specifically praised the fresh orange juice, noting it is "always fresh." This attention to simple, high-quality ingredients shows a dedication to providing a great experience from top to bottom.

In summary, El Cafetal is a true local gem in Astoria. Its commitment to authentic flavors, a diverse and extensive menu, and fresh, high-quality ingredients make it a top choice for anyone craving Mexican and Latin American cuisine. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick meal, ordering late-night delivery, or sitting down for a family dinner, you can count on El Cafetal to provide a delicious and satisfying experience.

El Cafetal Services

Breakfast
Desayuno Regular $3.95
Huevos al gusto. Eggs any style. Servidos con papas caseros, pan tostado. Served with home fries and toast.
Huevos al Gusto con Una Carne $4.95
Jamon, tocino or salchicha. Eggs with choice of ham, bacon or sausage. Servidos con papas caseros, pan tostado. Served with home fries and toast.
Huevos con Espinacas Y Salchicha $6.95
Eggs with spinach and sausage. Servidos con papas caseros, pan tostado. Served with home fries and toast.
Desayuno Casero $8.95
Huevos, aguacate, queso y chorizo. Eggs with avocado, cheese and sausage. Servidos con papas caseros, pan tostado. Served with home fries and toast.

Omelettas
Western Omelette (Breakfast) $7.95
Jamon, pimientos y cebolla. Ham, peppers and onions. Servidas con papa casera, tostada. Served with home fries and toast.
Omelette con Vegetales, Aguacate Y Queso (Breakfast) $8.95
Omelette with vegetables, avocados and cheese. Servidas con papa casera, tostada. Served with home fries and toast.
Omelette con Hongos, Tocino Y Aguacate (Breakfast) $8.95
Omelette with mushrooms, bacon and avocado. Servidas con papa casera, tostada. Served with home fries and toast.

Sopes
Sopes Regulares $6.95
Three pieces. With salsa, beans, lettuce and cream.
Sopes Con Carne $9.95
Two pieces. With meat, salsa, beans, lettuce and cream.
Sopes Con Vegetales $7.95
With vegetables, salsa, beans, lettuce and cream.

Breakfast Sandwiches
Egg and Cheese Sandwich on a Roll $2.25
Bacon, Egg and Cheese Sandwich on a Roll $3.00
Grilled Cheese Sandwich $2.25

Mexican Breakfast
Huevos a La Mexicana $5.95
Scrambled eggs, onions, tomato and jalapeno. Served with rice, beans and tortilla.
Huevos con Chorizo $7.95
Eggs with Mexican sausage. Served with rice, beans and tortilla.
Huevos Rancheros en Salsa Verde $5.95
Eggs with green sauce. Served with rice, beans and tortilla.
Huevos Rancheros en Salsa Rajo $5.95
Eggs with red sauce. Served with rice, beans and tortilla.
Huevos con Nopales $6.95
Eggs with cactus. Served with rice, beans and tortilla.
Huevos con Vegetales, Aguacate Y Queso $8.95
Eggs with vegetables, avocados and cheese. Served with rice, beans and tortilla.

Breakfast Quesadilla
Quesadilla de Espinacas, Queso Y Huevos $5.95
Quesadilla with spinach, cheese and eggs.
Quesadilla de Hongos, Queso Y Huevos $5.95
Quesadilla with mushrooms, cheese and eggs.

Pancakes
Plain Pancake (Breakfast) $3.95
Pancakes Deluxe con Huevos Y Tocino $7.95
Pancakes with eggs and bacon.
Pancakes Deluxe con Huevos Y Jamon $7.95
Pancakes with eggs and ham.

Salads
Ensaladas.
Ensalada Regular $3.95
Regular salad.
Ensalada de Aguacate $6.95
Avocado salad.
Ensalada de Pollo $8.95
Chicken salad.
Ensalada de Camarones $10.95
Shrimp salad.

Sopas el Cafetal
Served with rice or tortillas.
Sopa de Pollo $8.95
Chicken soup.
Sopa de Mariscos $12.95
Seafood soup.
Sopa de Camaron $12.95
Shrimp soup.
Mole de Olla $10.95
Mole de Res Verde $10.95
Sopa de Pancita $10.95
Tripe soup.
Posole con Dos Tostadas $10.95

Platillos
Bistec a La Tampiquena $14.95
Bistec, two enchiladas, pico de gallo, guacamole. Steak, two enchiladas, salsa and guacamole. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Fajitas de Pollo $13.95
Chicken fajitas with sauteed peppers, onions and tomatoes. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Fajitas de Res $13.95
Beef fajitas with sauteed peppers, onions and tomatoes. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Bistec el Cafetal con Huevos, Nopal, Aguacate Y Jalapenos $14.95
House steak with eggs, cactus and avocados. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Lomito Salteado con Cebolla, Huevo Pimentos Y Aceitunas $13.95
Pork loin with onions, egg, peppers and olives. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Enchiladas Verdes $11.95
Stuffed tortillas with meat, any style and cheese in green. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Enchiladas Suizas $11.95
Stuffed tortillas with meat, any style and cheese. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Enchiladas Rojas $11.95
Stuffed tortillas with meat, any style and cheese in red sauce. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Enchiladas de Mole Poblano $11.95
Soft corn tortilla with choice of meat in mole sauce. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Mole Poblano con Pechuga $11.95
Chicken in mole sauce. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Pechuga Empanizada $11.95
Breaded chicken breast. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Bistec Ranchera $12.95
Seasoned steak with cactus in green sauce. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Pechuga Ranchera $12.95
Seasoned chicken breast with cactus in green sauce. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Bistec a La Mexicana $12.95
Steak with onions, tomatoes and jalapenos. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Pechuga a La Mexicana $12.95
Chicken breast with onions, tomatoes and jalapenos. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Bistec Veracruzana $12.95
Steak with tomato, peppers, onions and olives. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Pechuga Veracruzana $12.95
Chicken with tomato, peppers, onions and olives. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Bistec Casera con Nopal, Queso Y Aguacate $13.95
Steak with salad, cactus, cheese and avocado. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Pechuga Casera con Nopal, Queso Y Aguacate $13.95
Chicken breast with salad, cactus, cheese and avocado. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Bistec Asada con Nopales $11.95
Grilled steak with cactus. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Bistec Encebollada $9.95
Steak with onions. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Pechuga Encebollada $9.95
Chicken breast with onions. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Bistec Asada $8.85
Grilled steak. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Pechuga Asada $8.85
Grilled chicken breast. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Bistec con Mozzarella Y Guacamole $11.95
Steak with mozzarella and avocado. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Pechuga con Mozzarella Y Guacamole $11.95
Chicken breast with mozzarella and avocado. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Chuletas Guisadas $11.95
Pork chops in green or red sauce. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Costillas Guisadas $11.95
Ribs in green or red sauce. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Chuletas a La Mexicana $11.95
Pork chop Mexican style. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Chiles Rellenos en Salsa Verde $10.95
Stuffed peppers in green sauce. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Chiles Rellenos en Salsa Verde Roja $10.95
Stuffed peppers in red sauce. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Chiles Rellenos en Salsa Chipotle $10.95
Stuffed peppers in sauce. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Alambre de Bistec $13.95
Bistec, rojas de jalapeno, tocino, queso fundido y cebollo. Grilled steak with peppers, jalapenos, bacon, onions and melted cheese. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Alambre de Pollo $13.95
Pollo, rojas de jalapeno, tocino, queso fundido y cebollo. Grilled chicken breast with peppers, jalapenos, bacon, onions and melted cheese. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.

Seafood
Mariscos.
Camarones a La Mexicana $13.95
Shrimp Mexican style. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Camarones a La Diabla $13.95
Hot shrimp. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Camarones Empanizados $13.95
Breaded shrimp. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Mojarra Frita $13.95
Fried porgie. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Mojarra a La Mexicana $13.95
Porgie Mexican style. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Filete a La Mexicana $13.95
Fish fillet, Mexican style. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.
Filete Empanizado o Asado $13.95
Grilled or breaded fish fillet. Servidos con arroz, frijoles, ensalada y tortillas.

El Cafetal Specials
Chicken Fingers and Fries $5.99
Four pieces of chicken.
Fish Fillet and Fries $5.99
Cheeseburger Deluxe $5.99
Served with fries.
Chicken Wings and Fries $5.99
Six chicken wings.
Shrimp Basket $5.99
Served with fries.
Plato Especial el Cafetal $12.95
Nachos, rice, pico de gallo and guacamole.

Nachos
Regulares Nacho $6.95
Plain nachos.
Supremos con Guacamole Nacho $9.95
Supreme nachos.
Con Carne Nacho $9.95
Nachos with meat.
Con Vegetables Nacho $7.95
With vegetables.

Huaraches
Regular Huarache $6.95
Soft corn tortilla with beans, lettuce, sour cream and cheese.
Con Carne Huarache $9.95
With meat. Soft corn tortilla with beans, lettuce, sour cream and cheese.
Con Vegetables Huarache $7.95
With vegetables. Soft corn tortilla with beans, lettuce, sour cream and cheese.

Gorditas
Regulares Gordita $6.95
Plain. Three soft corn tortillas with beans, cheese and salad.
Con Carne Gordita $9.95
With meat. Three soft corn tortillas with beans, cheese and salad.
Con Vegetales Gordita $7.95
With vegetables. Three soft corn tortillas with beans, cheese and salad.

Tostadas
Regulares Tostada $3.00
No meat. Served with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and avocado.
Con Carne Tostada $4.00
With meat. Served with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and avocado.
Con Vegetales Tostada $3.50
With vegetables. Served with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and avocado.

Quesadilla
Regulares Quesadilla $6.95
No meat. Served with soft flour or corn tortilla, cheese, salad and sour cream.
Con Carne Quesadilla $9.95
With meat. Served with soft flour or corn tortilla, cheese, salad and sour cream.
Flor de Calabaza Quesadilla $10.95
Pumpkin flower. Served with soft flour or corn tortilla, cheese, salad and sour cream.
Con Vegetables Quesadilla $7.95
With vegetables. Served with soft flour or corn tortilla, cheese, salad and sour cream.
Calabaza Y Chicharron Quesadilla $9.95
Served with soft flour or corn tortilla, cheese, salad and sour cream.

Chilaquiles
Regulares Chilaquiles $6.95
No meat. Soft corn tortilla in green or red sauce, topped with sour cream and cheese.
Con Carne Chilaquiles $9.95
With meat. Soft corn tortilla in green or red sauce, topped with sour cream and cheese.

Flautas and Chimichangas
Con Carne $11.95
With meat, rice and beans.
Con Queso $9.95
With cheese.

Sincronizadas
Con Jamon Sincronizadas $8.95
Quesadilla with cheese, salad and sour cream. With ham.
Con Carne Sincronizadas $11.95
Quesadilla with cheese, salad and sour cream. With meat.
Con Vegetales Sincronizadas $7.95
Quesadilla with cheese, salad and sour cream. With vegetables.

Picaditas
Regulares Picaditas $6.95
Three pieces. Served with sour cream, cheese and sauce.
Con Carne Picaditas $9.95
With meat. Two pieces. Served with sour cream, cheese and sauce.
Con Vegetales Picaditas $7.95
With vegetables. Served with sour cream, cheese and sauce.

Burritos
Regulares Burrito $6.95
No meat.
Con Carne Burrito $9.95
With meat.
Con Vegetales Burrito $7.95
With vegetables.

Tacos
Tacos de Carne $10.95
Three tacos. Corn tortilla, choice of meat and topped with onions and cilantro.
Tacos de Vegetales $7.95
Three tacos. Corn tortilla with vegetables, topped with onions and cilantro.

Super Combos
Tacos con Arroz Y Frijoles Combo $10.95
Two tacos with rice and beans.
Tacos de Vegetales Combo $8.50
Two vegetable tacos.

Tortas
Tortas $6.75
Cubana Torta $8.50

Side Orders
Ordenes extras.
Guacamole $7.95
8 oz avocado sauce.
Crema $1.25
Sour cream.
Arroz Y Frijoles $4.95
Rice and beans.
Jalapenos $1.50
Hot peppers.
Queso $3.50
Cheese.
Aguacate $2.00
1/4 avocado.

Desserts
Postres.
Gelatina $2.95
Flan $3.95

Shakes
Batidos.
16 Oz Mango Shake $3.00
16 Oz Platano Shake $3.00
16 Oz Chocolate Shake $3.00
16 Oz Mamey Shake $3.00
16 Oz Fresa Shake $3.00
Strawberry.
16 Oz Papaya Shake $3.00

Natural Juices
Jugos naturales.
16 Oz Jugo Naranja $3.50
Orange juice.
16 Oz Jugo Manzana Betabel $3.50
Apple juice.
16 Oz Jugo Zanahoria $3.50
Carrot juice.
16 Oz Jugo Mixto $4.00
Mixed juice.

Hot Drinks
Bebidas calientes.
Cafe $1.25
Coffee.
Hot Chocolate
Te de Sabores $1.25
Te $1.25
Tea.
Sanka $1.25

El Cafetal Details

Service options
Delivery
Takeout

Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Late-night food
Small plates

Dining options
Dessert
Table service

Payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids

El Cafetal Photos

El Cafetal Location

El Cafetal

New York Queens County Astoria Astoria Boulevard

30-19 Astoria Blvd, Astoria, NY 11102, USA

El Cafetal Reviews

An average rating of ★4.1 from 78 user reviews.

tacospriceddeliverynachosjuicesteak

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Awesome Tacos de Lengua! I love this place, great atmosphere and the Mole Poblano is on point just the way grandmother makes it.
January 17 · Danny G-C
The staff is nice and food really authentic, I highly recommend it. I love the oranje juice there, always fresh!
August 10 · Michael C S
Have come to this restaurant for many years. The food is great, it has a home cook taste. The service is great too, Michell is the best.
February 08 · Bob Sej
The food is delicious! My boyfriend and I stumbled upon this restaurant a few years ago and we've been coming back every since. We've tried differently dishes and they are all AMAZING!!I wish they would have a faster "pick-up" or "to go" time. Whenever I order food to go, it takes more than 20 mins. It's worth the wait though!
October 09 · Gladys Rivera-Martinez
I've spent about a month in Mexico in the past year or two, and my GF is also from Mexico. Given that background, we both found the food here to be pretty authentic and generally very good, across all dishes and meals. It's never busy, which is mind boggling, hidden gem I guess, but definitely recommend!
July 28 · Jordan Terry