El Ensueno

- 235 E 16th St, Paterson, NJ 07524

For New Jersey residents seeking a true taste of the Caribbean, **El Ensueno** stands out as a premier **Latin American restaurant** right in the heart of Paterson. Located at 235 E 16th St, this established local favorite is renowned for serving up generous portions of authentic Dominican and Latin American comfort food. The name, which translates roughly to "The Dream," reflects the satisfying, soulful experience it offers to every diner, whether a local patron or a curious **Tourist**.

El Ensueno has firmly positioned itself as a culinary destination popular for all three main meals: **Breakfast**, **Lunch**, and **Dinner**. The establishment is highly regarded for being great for **Solo dining** as well as accommodating **Groups**, thanks to its inviting and functional setup. The overall **Atmosphere** is described as **Casual** and **Cozy**, providing a comfortable backdrop for enjoying the rich, vibrant flavors that define its extensive menu. Patrons consistently praise the "delicious" food, a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality and authenticity.

Beyond the everyday menu, El Ensueno excels with its rotating **Especial Diario** (Daily Specials) that highlight different beloved stews and hearty meats throughout the week, ensuring repeat visitors always find something new and exciting. The restaurant successfully merges the convenience of modern **Service options** like **Delivery** and **Takeout** with traditional **Table service**, making it a versatile choice for any dining need in Passaic County. The offerings are wide-ranging, covering everything from powerful **Coffee** to filling **Comfort food** and tasty **Small plates** for a **Quick bite**, even providing **Late-night food** options for those craving Caribbean flavors after hours.

El Ensueno is conveniently located at **235 E 16th St, Paterson, NJ 07524, USA**. This location in Paterson places it directly in a vibrant cultural hub of New Jersey, easily accessible for residents across Passaic County and beyond. The restaurant’s hours often extend late, catering to a diverse clientele throughout the day and evening.

A significant feature of El Ensueno is its commitment to accessibility. The venue offers **Wheelchair accessible seating**, ensuring that it is a welcoming space for all members of the community. Essential **Amenities**, including a clean **Restroom**, are provided for customer comfort. Furthermore, the restaurant is designed to be **Good for kids**, making it a perfect spot for family dining. The ability to make **reservations** provides planning convenience, a helpful feature for larger **Groups** looking to secure a table during peak lunch or dinner hours.

For modern diners, the restaurant facilitates easy transactions by accepting various forms of **Payments**, including **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**, streamlining the checkout process after a satisfying meal.

El Ensueno provides a comprehensive set of services designed to meet the diverse dining habits of New Jersey users, ranging from quick meals to large catered events.

• **Flexible Dining Options**: Available for **Brunch**, **Lunch**, and **Dinner**, with traditional **Table service** provided.
• **Convenient Takeout and Delivery**: Full **Delivery** and **Takeout** options make it easy to enjoy authentic Latin American food at home or work.
• **Daily and Weekly Specials**: A rotating menu of **Especial Diario** for Monday through Saturday, featuring unique stews and plates like **Rabo Guisado** (Stewed Oxtail), **Chivo Guisado** (Stewed Goat), and **Sancocho** (Dominican Soup).
• **Catering Services**: Offers **Catering** to bring the authentic flavors of El Ensueno to large events and gatherings.
• **Extensive Beverage Menu**: Serves rich **Coffee**, **Natural Juices** (like Chinola, Tamarindo, and Morisonando Jugo), and **Fruit Smoothies** (**Batidas De Frutas**), along with standard **Bebidas**.
• **Full Dessert Menu**: Features classic Latin desserts such as **Tres Leche**, **Flan**, **Arroz Con Leche**, and **Habichuela Con Dulce**.
• **Late-Night Service**: Known to offer **Late-night food** options, catering to those who dine late or require a substantial meal after a long shift.

The exceptional features of El Ensueno highlight its dedication to authentic cuisine and customer satisfaction, making it a favorite among Paterson and New Jersey diners:

• **Authentic Dominican Comfort Food**: Specializing in hearty, traditional dishes that provide a genuine taste of the Caribbean, including popular items like **Mofongos** (plain, or with chicken, beef, or pork rind), **Bistec Encebollado** (Onion Steak), and an array of classic stews.
• **Dedicated Breakfast/Brunch Menu**: Offers traditional Latin American breakfast items like **Mangu** (mashed green plantains) served with **Queso Frito** (Fried Cheese), **Salami**, and **Jamón**.
• **Daily Rotating Specials**: The extensive list of daily specials (**Martes, Miercoles, Jueves, Viernes, Sabado Especial Diario**) ensures a dynamic and fresh selection of meat and fish options, preventing menu monotony for regular customers.
• **Fresh Juices and Smoothies**: The restaurant's variety of natural, freshly prepared **Jugos Naturales** and **Batidas De Frutas** (such as Fresa, Piña, and Zapote) are a refreshing highlight, complementing the rich food.
• **Cozy and Group-Friendly Vibe**: The **Casual** and **Cozy** **Atmosphere** is ideal for large **Groups** and families, while the "Good for kids" policy solidifies its status as a family-friendly venue.
• **Generous Portions and Value**: Although pricing is not the sole factor, the range of affordable sides (**Acompanantes**) and main courses, which often come in substantial portions, represents excellent value for money in the Paterson area.

Connect with El Ensueno for orders, reservations, or inquiries:

• **Address**: 235 E 16th St, Paterson, NJ 07524, USA
• **Phone (Primary)**: (973) 278-5528
• **Mobile Phone (Secondary)**: +1 973-278-5528

For residents across New Jersey looking for an unforgettable, flavorful, and filling dining experience, choosing El Ensueno in Paterson is a decision well made. What sets this restaurant apart is its unwavering dedication to delivering authentic, soulful Latin American cuisine—particularly the highly regarded Dominican staples.

It is worth choosing El Ensueno for the sheer variety and quality of its traditional dishes. Where else can you find a full menu of **Mofongos**, an array of delicious fried sides (like **Tostones** and **Maduros**), and a daily rotating selection of comforting stews, all under one roof? The breakfast menu is a powerful draw for early risers craving traditional Latin American fuel. While a single customer review noted inconsistency regarding special requests for less salt/garlic in their mofongo—a point the restaurant should monitor—the overwhelming consensus is that the food is simply "delicious" and worth returning for, a sentiment echoed by the fact that many patrons become regulars despite moving away.

The restaurant's accessibility features, ability to accept reservations, and robust service options (**Delivery**, **Takeout**, **Table service**) make it an extremely convenient choice for both planned family dinners and spontaneous solo meals. The combination of a **Cozy, Casual** ambiance and the richly flavored **Comfort food** makes El Ensueno a standout culinary gem and a must-visit in the vibrant Paterson food scene.

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El Ensueno

235 E 16th St, Paterson, NJ 07524, USA