El Encanto Centro Americano

- 149-12 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY 11435

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking a true taste of Central America, El Encanto Centro Americano offers an authentic and extensive culinary journey right in the heart of Jamaica, Queens. This restaurant is a local gem specializing in the rich and comforting flavors of Central American cuisine, with a particular focus on traditional Salvadoran dishes. It serves as a casual and cozy hub where locals and visitors alike can gather for a flavorful, hearty meal at any time of the day.

The menu at El Encanto is remarkable for its depth, covering everything from traditional Desayunos (Breakfast) platters to an impressive array of Platos Centro Americanos (Traditional Food) and Mariscos (Seafood). Diners can explore popular dishes such as the traditional Tamales Pizques and Tamales de Chipilin, or savor robust entrées like Grilled Skirt Steak and Sauteed Beef. The offerings are geared toward providing a fulfilling experience, often featuring sides like Casamiento (a mix of rice and beans), plantains, and fresh cheese and cream. The commitment to providing diverse comfort food and a satisfying dining experience has made it a familiar and popular choice for both quick bites and full family meals in the Jamaica community.

Beyond the food, El Encanto Centro Americano cultivates a casual and cozy atmosphere that makes it ideal for a variety of gatherings, from solo dining to groups and even welcoming tourists to the area. The restaurant also provides the convenience of a full bar, offering Beer, Hard Liquor, and traditional Central American drinks like Horchata and Tamarindo, enhancing its appeal as a relaxing spot to dine.

Location and Accessibility

El Encanto Centro Americano is conveniently situated on one of Queens' most recognizable and bustling arteries, making it easily reachable for residents across the borough.

Address: 149-12 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY 11435, USA

The location on Jamaica Avenue places the restaurant in a vibrant, high-traffic commercial area. This makes it highly accessible via public transportation, as Jamaica Avenue is serviced by multiple bus routes and is within reasonable proximity to subway stations (likely the F train or the E/J/Z trains, though not specified in data). For customers utilizing the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), the restaurant is a short ride or walk from the Jamaica transportation hub.

A key advantage for all New Yorkers is the restaurant’s commitment to accessibility. El Encanto Centro Americano features a Wheelchair accessible entrance and a Wheelchair accessible restroom, demonstrating an effort to accommodate all diners comfortably.

Services Offered

El Encanto Centro Americano is structured to offer flexible and convenient service options to meet the needs of the dynamic Jamaica, Queens customer base:

• Dine-in: Enjoy the casual and cozy atmosphere with full Table service for lunch, dinner, and dessert.
• Takeout: Conveniently place your order to pick up and enjoy at home or work.
• Delivery: Have their authentic Central American specialties delivered right to your door.
• Accepts Reservations: Easily plan for groups or special occasions by booking a table in advance.
• Kids’ Menu: A dedicated menu with popular options like Hamburger and Grilled Steak is available for children, making it Good for kids and families.

Features / Highlights

The restaurant's appeal is rooted in several notable features that distinguish the dining experience:

• Authentic Central American Cuisine: A massive menu centered around traditional Central American and Salvadoran recipes, ensuring a genuine taste experience with dishes like Mariscada a Lo Salvadoreno and Salpicon.
• Extensive All-Day Menu: Catering to all appetites with dedicated sections for Breakfast (available all day), Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert, including numerous savory soups and appetizers.
• Fast Service: Recognized for its efficient and quick service, ideal for lunch breaks or busy evenings when a satisfying meal is needed promptly.
• Beverage Selection: Offers a full range of drinks, including Alcohol, Beer (Heineke, Corona, Modelo Especial, etc.), Hard Liquor, and a diverse selection of traditional fruit-based drinks (Horchata, Tamarindo, Maranon, etc.).
• Comfortable Atmosphere: The atmosphere is described as Casual and Cozy, offering a relaxed setting perfect for Groups and solo dining.
• Sports-Friendly: A recognized spot for patrons looking to enjoy a meal or a drink while catching a sports game.
• Convenient Payment: Accepts all major Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Contact Information

To place an order, make a reservation, or inquire about the menu, you can contact El Encanto Centro Americano using the information below:

Address: 149-12 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY 11435, USA

Phone: (718) 262-9799

Mobile Phone: +1 718-262-9799

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing El Encanto Centro Americano is choosing an immersive culinary experience that goes beyond typical Latin American fare. It's a true neighborhood establishment that deserves consideration for several compelling reasons, starting with its unparalleled menu depth in Central American cuisine.

The sheer variety of Platos Tipicos Salvadorenos and other regional specialties is a major draw. Where many restaurants might offer only a few token dishes, El Encanto provides a comprehensive selection that allows diners to genuinely explore the culinary traditions of the region. Whether it’s starting the day with a hearty Salvadoran breakfast like Eggs w/ Casamiento, Plantain, Cheese & Cream, indulging in appetizers like Regular Baleadas or Shrimp Ceviche, or opting for a substantial main course such as Steak Con Camarones Al Moja De Ajo, the menu caters to every appetite and mealtime. The commitment to these authentic flavors, especially the range of Tamales and the various Soups like Seafood Soup and Hen Soup, offers a delicious culinary education for New York diners.

Furthermore, the restaurant offers excellent value for a full dining experience. Most of the main courses are designed as complete platters, often served with a combination of rice, salad, and tortillas, ensuring a very filling and satisfying meal for the price. The atmosphere is both casual and cozy, making it an unfussy yet comfortable spot for a quick lunch, a solo dinner, or a relaxed family gathering on the weekend—a sentiment echoed by a customer review that praises the "Good food" and notes that they "come here with the family on weekends." The availability of a Kids' Menu and Quick bite options further highlights its versatility for different types of visits.

The convenience of the location on Jamaica Avenue, combined with full accessibility features (wheelchair accessible entrance and restroom), adds to the practicality of choosing El Encanto. While some customer feedback has unfortunately pointed to serious concerns regarding service inconsistency and cleanliness, the core appeal remains the food itself—traditional, flavorful, and generously portioned. For those in the Queens area specifically seeking an authentic, robust menu of Central American favorites, El Encanto Centro Americano provides a compelling and distinct option, backed by multiple amenities designed to make dining easy and enjoyable.

El Encanto Centro Americano

149-12 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY 11435, USA