El Quetzal

- 108 S Essex Ave, City of Orange, NJ 07050

For New Jersey diners seeking a truly unique and authentic Latin American culinary experience, El Quetzal in the City of Orange is a premier destination. This family-owned restaurant is a vibrant hub for the distinct and savory flavors of Central America, primarily specializing in Guatemalan and Mexican cuisine. It is a place where traditional recipes, often passed down through generations, are served with a welcoming spirit, making every guest feel like part of the family.

El Quetzal operates as a full-service Family restaurant, dedicated to serving quality meals throughout the day. It is highly Popular for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, providing delicious options from morning to evening. The ambiance is described as both Casual and Cozy, creating a relaxed and inviting setting that is perfect for both Groups and Solo dining. Importantly, the restaurant is explicitly Family-friendly and Good for kids, solidifying its role as a neighborhood gathering place.

The menu is rich with authentic choices, ranging from small, flavorful appetizers (Antojitos) to hearty main courses (Comida para Preparar). Customers can find classic Comfort food alongside Quick bite and Small plates options. The authentic experience is further enhanced by their offering of unique traditional hot and cold beverages (Bebidas Calientes and Bebidas Frias). As one satisfied patron noted, the food is "Amazing... all types of varieties from Guatemala," promising a delicious exploration of Central American flavor right here in New Jersey.

## Location and Accessibility

El Quetzal is strategically located in the heart of Essex County, making it a key culinary spot for residents throughout the area. The restaurant’s precise location is:

108 S Essex Ave, City of Orange, NJ 07050

The City of Orange, NJ, is a well-connected community, ensuring the restaurant is highly accessible. Situated on South Essex Avenue, the location provides easy access for traffic coming from nearby towns such as East Orange, West Orange, and Newark. Its placement within the 07050 zip code signifies its deep roots in the local community.

For New Jersey visitors, a significant point of accessibility is the proximity to other local attractions. As one reviewer mentioned, it is within "Walking distance from Four City Brewing," suggesting a prime spot in a developing commercial area. While not explicitly stated, street parking is common in this area, but customers should always allow time for finding a spot, particularly during peak Dinner hours. The restaurant’s strong presence on a major street corner means it is easy to find, whether driving or using local public transit routes.

## Services Offered

El Quetzal is designed to accommodate various dining preferences and schedules, offering a comprehensive suite of services:

• Dine-in with Table Service: Offering traditional Table service, the restaurant ensures a relaxing and attentive experience in its Cozy atmosphere, perfect for a long Dinner or a pleasant Lunch.
• Delivery: For the ultimate convenience, Delivery service is provided, allowing customers to enjoy authentic Guatemalan and Mexican meals in the comfort of their homes or offices.
• Takeout: Customers can utilize the Takeout option for a fast and reliable way to pick up their food, ideal for those seeking a Quick bite on the go.
• All-Day Dining: The restaurant is open for and Popular for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, providing flexibility for customers' schedules.
• Reservations Accepted: The option to Accepts reservations is available, which is highly recommended for Groups or during weekend special events, ensuring a confirmed table without a wait.
• Menu Variety for All Tastes: The offerings include hot Coffee for morning diners, Comfort food for hearty meals, and Small plates (Antojitos) for light snacking or appetizers.
• Restroom Amenity: A clean Restroom is available on the premises for dine-in guests, adding to the overall comfort of the visit.

## Features / Highlights

The distinct highlights of El Quetzal are rooted in its dedication to bringing a genuine taste of Central America to the City of Orange, NJ:

• Authentic Guatemalan Cuisine: The menu goes beyond standard Mexican fare to offer specific Guatemalan specialties. Items like CHUCHITOS (small corn tamales), TAMALES (likely the traditional leaf-wrapped version), and unique hot beverages such as ARROZ EN LECHE (rice with milk) and INCAPARINA highlight its cultural authenticity.
• Sunday/Weekend Specials: The restaurant features special menu items, including SOPA DE MARISCOS (Seafood Soup) on Saturday and Sunday, and POLLO CAMPERO (a type of fried chicken popular in the region) on Sunday. These rotating specials create an exciting reason for loyal customers to return weekly.
• Mole and Traditional Flavor: A customer review specifically praises the "tender and flavorful" Mole, indicating a high standard for complex, traditional sauces and slow-cooked dishes, which are the essence of Comfort food in this cuisine.
• Diverse Appetizer Selection (Antojitos): The ANTOJITOS section, featuring TOSTADAS, TACOS DORADOS (rolled, fried tacos), and CHILE RELLENOS, offers a perfect introduction to regional small bites and snacks.
• Full Dining Spectrum: The ability to offer quality meals across all three major dining periods—Breakfast (with options like DESAYUNO TIPICO), Lunch, and Dinner (with main courses like CARNE ASADA and MOJARRA FRITA)—makes it a versatile and reliable choice for any time of day.
• Cozy, Family-Focused Atmosphere: The designation as a Family restaurant with a Cozy and Casual atmosphere ensures a welcoming, non-intimidating experience for everyone, from first-time visitors to dedicated Locals.

## Contact Information

For New Jersey customers looking to inquire about the menu, place an order, or make a reservation, here is the direct contact information for El Quetzal:

Address: 108 S Essex Ave, City of Orange, NJ 07050

Phone: (973) 666-3735

Mobile Phone: +1 973-666-3735

The dual phone numbers ensure customers have multiple ways to reach the restaurant for their Delivery, Takeout, or Reservation needs.

## What is Worth Choosing

Choosing El Quetzal means opting for an authentic culinary journey right here in the City of Orange, NJ. It is worth choosing for its unique and dedicated focus on genuine Guatemalan and Mexican cuisine, which sets it apart from more conventional Latin American spots. This is a place where diners can experience true Central American Comfort food, whether that means a hearty Mole or one of the traditional weekend-only specials like SOPA DE MARISCOS.

The restaurant’s flexibility is another strong reason to visit. You can start your day with an authentic Breakfast, stop in for a Quick bite of ANTOJITOS at Lunch, or settle in for a Dinner with Table service in a Cozy setting. The ability to Accepts reservations is a convenient feature for planning family gatherings or dining with Groups.

Ultimately, by selecting El Quetzal, you are supporting a dedicated Family restaurant that has become a favorite among Locals due to its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to preparing genuinely amazing, flavorful food. For a unique, authentic, and satisfying dining experience in Essex County, El Quetzal is the clear choice.

El Quetzal

108 S Essex Ave, City of Orange, NJ 07050, USA