El Fogon

- 475 Union Ave, Paterson, NJ 07522

For New Jersey residents seeking a truly authentic, lively, and flavorful dining experience, **El Fogon** in Paterson stands out as a premier destination. Located centrally on Union Avenue, this vibrant establishment is more than just a Latin American restaurant; it’s a cultural hub offering a taste of the Caribbean and Central America right here in the Garden State. Known for its rich flavors, generous portions, and welcoming atmosphere, El Fogon has quickly become a local favorite for any time of day or night.

The name "El Fogon," which translates to "the stove" or "the hearth," perfectly captures the restaurant's commitment to hearty, home-style cooking. The menu is a spectacular journey through **Latin American cuisine**, heavily featuring beloved staples and specialties from the **Dominican Republic**, which is known for its bold flavors and comforting dishes. Whether you are craving a traditional breakfast, a quick and satisfying lunch, or a full dinner experience complete with a full-service bar, El Fogon delivers.

Locals appreciate that this restaurant is popular for all three main meals—**Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner**—making it a dependable choice for any schedule. Start your day with a classic, affordable item like Tostada / Toast or a more substantial Latin breakfast plate featuring savory pork sausage (Longaniza) or ham and eggs. For lunch and dinner, the menu expands to include celebrated dishes such as succulent **Camarones A La Plancha / Grilled Shrimp**, which represents their dedication to fresh seafood (Mariscos). A must-try is their Dominican specialty, Mofongo, made from mashed fried plantains and often mixed with pork crackling or shrimp. Their traditional fritura dishes—a term for various Latin fried foods—are consistently praised for being "hot, fresh and tasty," perfect for sharing as an appetizer or enjoying as a full meal.

In addition to the extensive list of entrees and traditional stews like **Stewed Beef** (Carne De Res Guisada) and **Stewed Chicken** (Pollo Guisada), the menu offers familiar comfort foods, including different styles of tacos like the 4-Piece Soft Beef Or Chicken Tacos, and Steak Sandwiches. This blend of recognizable and authentic Latin dishes ensures there is always something new and delicious to try for every New Jersey diner, from the adventurous foodie to the one simply seeking classic Comfort food.

El Fogon is conveniently located in Paterson, a city renowned for its rich cultural diversity, making it a central and easy-to-reach spot for many New Jersey communities. The exact address is:

475 Union Ave, Paterson, NJ 07522

This location on Union Avenue is a known community area, providing a bustling and authentic backdrop to your dining experience. The restaurant is committed to making its delicious food and vibrant atmosphere accessible to as many people as possible. While specific features like wheelchair ramps or accessible restrooms were not explicitly listed in the detailed information, the business is dedicated to providing comprehensive dining options and welcomes all patrons.

The atmosphere at El Fogon is described as **Casual, Cozy, and Trendy**, making it suitable for a variety of occasions, whether you're grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a long dinner with friends. The inclusion of **Table service** and comfortable **Seating** reinforces the welcoming environment they've created.

El Fogon ensures maximum convenience for its New Jersey customers by offering several service options tailored to modern dining needs.

• **Dine-in:** Enjoy the full experience in their lively, comfortable atmosphere, complete with **Table service**.
• **Takeout:** Conveniently place an order and pick up your meal at the counter, ideal for busy locals.
• **Delivery:** The restaurant offers robust delivery services, ensuring that your food arrives "hot, fresh and tasty," right to your doorstep, a feature highly valued by customers.
• **Onsite Services:** This includes the full bar experience and table service provided within the restaurant.
• **Reservations:** The restaurant **Accepts reservations**, which is highly recommended for **Groups** or during peak hours like weekend dinner service, allowing patrons to plan their visit with ease.
• **Dining Options:** They serve **Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner,** and **Dessert**, offering a full spectrum of dining times.

This comprehensive service model, from on-the-spot dining to seamless delivery, positions El Fogon as a highly functional and customer-focused establishment in the Paterson area.

El Fogon distinguishes itself from other Latin American restaurants in New Jersey through a set of unique and highly appealing features:

• **Full Bar Onsite and Drink Selection:** The restaurant boasts a dedicated **Bar onsite** and offers a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including **Beer, Cocktails, Hard liquor, and Wine**, alongside non-alcoholic options like **Coffee**. They are known for their **Great beer selection**, making it a fantastic spot for a night out.
• **Late-Night Food:** As an establishment that offers **Late-night food**, El Fogon is an essential spot for evening dining, particularly on weekends when they operate later, catering to a diverse local crowd.
• **Fast Service:** A key highlight is their reputation for **Fast service**, ensuring that patrons looking for a **Quick bite** or managing a tight schedule can still enjoy a high-quality, freshly prepared meal without unnecessary delays.
• **Serves Local Specialty:** The restaurant actively serves **local specialty** dishes, meaning their menu is authentic and representative of the regional Latin American cuisine popular in the area, such as traditional Dominican dishes like Mofongo and hearty stews.
• **Small Plates and Appetizers:** The availability of **Small plates** and a dedicated Appetizer section, including the 2-Piece Honduran Enchilada, makes it easy to sample a variety of dishes or grab a light meal.
• **Sports Environment:** The mention of **Sports** as a highlight suggests a venue that is great for watching games, adding an exciting, communal vibe, especially with the **Bar onsite** and **Groups** welcome.
• **Children's Amenities:** They provide **High chairs**, demonstrating an effort to accommodate families dining with small children.

These highlights combine to create an experience that is energetic, authentic, and perfectly tailored for a great night out or a satisfying, quick meal.

New Jersey diners interested in visiting El Fogon, placing a takeout order, or making a reservation can use the following contact details:

Address:

475 Union Ave, Paterson, NJ 07522

Phone:

(973) 720-0100

Mobile Phone:

+1 973-720-0100

For residents across the New Jersey area, choosing El Fogon means opting for a guaranteed authentic culinary journey combined with a vibrant social setting. What makes El Fogon particularly worth choosing is its ability to seamlessly blend authentic, high-quality Latin American and Dominican cuisine with the welcoming atmosphere of a local sports bar.

The food itself is the main draw. Customers consistently report that the food, particularly the fried specialties (fritura), is "amazing, hot, fresh and tasty." This adherence to quality and freshness, even through delivery, speaks volumes about the kitchen's dedication. The menu’s depth, offering everything from classic Dominican breakfast items to substantial **Seafood** platters and **Tacos**, ensures that repeat visits always offer a new and exciting flavor to explore. Whether you’re looking for the simple delight of a Quick bite or the richness of **Comfort food**, El Fogon has perfected its recipes to cater to all tastes.

Beyond the plate, the restaurant’s features cater to a wide demographic. The combination of a **Great beer selection** and a full bar with cocktails and hard liquor makes it an ideal spot for adults and groups looking to relax. Being a highlight for **Sports** adds an element of communal entertainment, providing a lively backdrop for dinner. Furthermore, the availability of **Late-night food** is a massive convenience for anyone looking for a quality meal well after traditional restaurant hours.

While one customer noted an isolated issue regarding a watered-down sauce, the overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding the food's flavor, freshness, and the restaurant's overall atmosphere proves that El Fogon’s core offering remains top-tier. Their commitment to **Fast service** and welcoming atmosphere for **Solo dining** as well as **Groups** ensures a pleasant and efficient visit every time. For New Jersey locals, El Fogon represents the best of Latin American culture—delicious food, warm hospitality, and a place to gather and enjoy life.

El Fogon

475 Union Ave, Paterson, NJ 07522, USA