El Carretero

- 5514 Bergenline Ave, West New York, NJ 07093

For residents of New Jersey looking to start their day with a truly flavorful and substantial meal, or simply seeking an authentic cultural culinary experience, a visit to El Carretero in West New York is a must. Situated right on the bustling Bergenline Avenue, this establishment has cemented its reputation as a premier destination for both Colombian cuisine and a phenomenal breakfast.

El Carretero is more than just a “breakfast restaurant”; it’s a vibrant hub that perfectly captures the heart and soul of Latin American flavor. Specializing in Colombian fare, the menu offers rich, comforting dishes that speak to the heritage of the region, from steaming-hot coffee to hearty plates designed to fuel your day. While breakfast is a major draw, the restaurant serves delicious, high-quality food throughout the day, ensuring locals have access to great comfort food from morning until night. It is a welcoming and casual spot that manages to feel both cozy and lively, ideal for a quick bite alone or a relaxed meal with the whole family.

Whether you are a longtime lover of Latin American food or looking to try authentic Colombian flavors for the first time, El Carretero provides a fantastic, dependable option right in the heart of West New York. The restaurant excels at combining traditional recipes with excellent service, creating an inviting atmosphere that keeps the local community coming back. The variety and quality of the food, especially the breakfast and local specialty offerings, truly make it a standout on Bergenline Avenue.

Location and Accessibility

El Carretero is strategically located at 5514 Bergenline Ave, West New York, NJ 07093, USA. Bergenline Avenue is one of the most vibrant commercial corridors in New Jersey, making this restaurant highly accessible for residents of West New York, Union City, Guttenberg, and North Bergen. This central location means it is easily reachable via public transportation, which is often the preferred mode of travel in this densely populated area. The constant activity on Bergenline Avenue ensures a lively environment surrounding the dining experience.

While the address itself is highly convenient for foot traffic, those driving should note that street parking in the Bergenline area can be limited, a common characteristic of busy urban centers in Hudson County. Despite this, the restaurant’s strong local presence and accessibility via bus routes make it a favored spot for a diverse crowd, including local families, groups, and tourists exploring the area. The neighborhood setting contributes to the restaurant's authentic, community-focused feel.

Services Offered at El Carretero

El Carretero offers a wide range of services and amenities designed to cater to a modern and diverse customer base. From quick, convenient options to full, relaxed dining experiences, they ensure every customer's needs are met with efficiency and warmth.

• Dining Options: The restaurant offers a full spectrum of dining services, including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with comfortable seating and dedicated table service.
• Takeout and Delivery: For customers on the go or those who prefer to dine at home, the restaurant provides both traditional takeout and convenient delivery services, including a no-contact delivery option.
• Beverage Service: An array of drinks are available, including alcoholic beverages and wine, alongside their much-praised great coffee.
• Family and Group Amenities: The location is welcoming to all ages, being good for kids and offering high chairs. They also accept reservations, making it a suitable choice for planning group gatherings.
• Menu Variety: Offerings include comfort food, healthy options, and small plates, ensuring there is something to satisfy every craving, whether you need a quick bite or a full, satisfying meal.
• Payment Methods: The restaurant accepts both credit cards and debit cards for payment flexibility.
• Specialty Cuisines: While primarily a Colombian restaurant, they also feature Mexican specialty dishes, expanding their culinary appeal.

Features and Highlights

The features of El Carretero go beyond the standard restaurant experience, emphasizing quality, speed, and atmosphere. These highlights contribute significantly to its popularity among local patrons in the North Jersey region.

• Exceptional Coffee: The coffee at El Carretero is noted as a highlight, ensuring a perfect start to any day and complementing the authentic breakfast offerings.
• Fast Service: Customers appreciate the fast service, making it an excellent choice for a quick lunch or morning meal without compromising on food quality.
• Authentic Specialties: The restaurant serves local specialties, allowing diners to experience genuine Colombian and Latin American flavors right here in New Jersey.
• Comfortable and Engaging Atmosphere: The ambiance is described as casual, cozy, quiet, and trendy, providing a relaxing yet engaging backdrop for any meal.
• Great Desserts: Known for its great desserts, the restaurant provides a sweet end to any lunch or dinner.
• High Customer Approval: Real customer reviews praise the excellent service, good food and drinks, and the very clean atmosphere, with special mention of the lunch specials as being tasty and having very good service.
• All-Day Appeal: It’s popular for all dining periods—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—and is also favored by solo diners.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries, or to place a takeout order, local New Jersey customers can easily reach El Carretero using the following information:

• Address: 5514 Bergenline Ave, West New York, NJ 07093, USA
• Phone: (201) 867-8220 (Also listed as +1 201-867-8220)

What is Worth Choosing: A Taste of Colombian and Mexican Delights

For new and returning patrons alike, the menu at El Carretero offers a delicious journey through Latin American comfort food. While the full breakfast menu is extensive—including beloved options like various combinations of Calentado (refried beans and rice) with meats, eggs, or pork cracklings, and traditional egg preparations like Huevos Pericos (scrambled eggs with onions and tomato) served with arepa or rice—the specialties are particularly worth exploring for a complete culinary experience.

The strength of the menu lies in its combination of both Colombian and Mexican staples, providing a wider selection than most specialized restaurants. For a taste of the house specialties, consider the following selections, which represent the deep, traditional flavors the kitchen masterfully prepares:

• Colombian Breakfast Stars (Desayunos): Look for the Calentado con Carne (Refried beans with roast beef and rice), Desayuno con Huevos Pericos (Scrambled eggs with onions and tomato), and the Arepa con Todo (Colombian Corn Cake with Cheese, and Scrambled Eggs). These are the hearty, authentic meals that define the Colombian morning.
• Especialidad De La Casa: The Adobo De Puerco ($10.00) and Mole Poblano De Pollo ($10.00) are excellent choices for lunch or dinner, both served with Mexican rice, beans, and homemade tortillas. These dishes showcase the restaurant’s ability to execute complex, flavorful sauces with authentic ingredients.
• Mexican Favorites: The variety of Mexican items provides a quick and satisfying meal. The Carnitas Quesadilla ($8.00) and Carne Asada Quesadilla ($8.00) are popular. For a handheld option, the traditional Tacos are a great choice, such as the savory Lenglia Taco ($9.00) or Carnitas Taco ($8.00), served with homemade tortillas and your choice of red or green sauce.
• Appetizers and Small Bites: Don't overlook the bakery and small plates. Customers often enjoy the Pandebono (soft, cheesy Colombian bread) and crispy Chicharrón (pork cracklings).

Choosing El Carretero means opting for a restaurant that delivers on its promise of great food, great coffee, and great service in a welcoming, family-friendly setting. The fact that it is highly recommended for solo dining and offers comfort food with healthy options ensures it fits seamlessly into the busy, diverse lives of New Jersey residents. Make El Carretero your next destination for a quality Latin American meal that feels authentic, delicious, and deeply satisfying.

El Carretero

5514 Bergenline Ave, West New York, NJ 07093, USA