Eli's Latin Kitchen

- 1020 Goffle Rd, Hawthorne, NJ 07506

When New Jersey locals are searching for authentic, soul-satisfying Latin Caribbean cuisine, one name consistently rises to the top: Eli's Latin Kitchen. Located right in Hawthorne, this vibrant, Latino-owned establishment has quickly become a local staple, celebrated for its commitment to traditional flavors, generous portions, and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. Eli's offers a diverse menu that captures the essence of Latin comfort food, making it the perfect destination for everything from a quick lunch to a complete family dinner, or even large-scale catering for your next event.

More than just a restaurant, Eli's Latin Kitchen acts as a culinary gateway to the rich, flavorful traditions of the Latin Caribbean. From the first bite of a crispy, savory empanada to the last tender shred of their famous rotisserie chicken, patrons are treated to dishes crafted with care and authentic family recipes. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Latin fare or simply looking for a new, exciting place to dine in the Hawthorne area, Eli's Latin Kitchen promises a memorable, high-quality meal every time.

The atmosphere is intentionally kept casual, focusing on the quality of the food and the comfort of the guests. It’s an ideal setting for individuals, families, and even solo diners who appreciate great food without the fuss. This dedication to authentic comfort food served in a relaxed, friendly setting is precisely why Eli's Latin Kitchen has earned a reputation as a must-try dining experience in Passaic County.

A cornerstone of Eli’s philosophy is providing hearty, satisfying meals at excellent value. Customer reviews frequently highlight the impressive portion sizes, ensuring that no one leaves hungry. This focus on abundance and flavor truly sets them apart as a premier Latin American food destination in Northern New Jersey.

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Location and Accessibility

Eli's Latin Kitchen is conveniently situated in the heart of Hawthorne, making it an easy stop for residents across Passaic and Bergen Counties. The establishment’s location at 1020 Goffle Rd provides straightforward access for both local traffic and those traveling from farther afield in New Jersey.

The restaurant prioritizes accessibility for all community members. Patrons will find a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring easy entry. Furthermore, the property features a dedicated wheelchair-accessible parking lot, as well as general free, on-site parking, which is a significant convenience in a busy area. The dining space itself includes wheelchair-accessible seating options, allowing everyone to enjoy the casual and family-friendly atmosphere. For those who visit with pets, the location also accommodates dogs in the outside areas, contributing to its community-centric, welcoming vibe.

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Services Offered

• Onsite Dining: Guests can enjoy lunch and dinner in a casual, comfortable setting with counter service and seating available.
• Takeout Service: Quick and easy pickup options for those on the go.
• Delivery: The full menu is available for convenient delivery, including a no-contact delivery option, ensuring maximum flexibility for customers.
• Full-Service Catering: Specializing as a Catering food and drink supplier, Eli's provides extensive menu options perfect for family gatherings, corporate events, and parties across the New Jersey area.
• Quick Bites: Ideal for local workers or shoppers needing a fast, delicious, and filling meal during the day.
• Online and Mobile Payments: The restaurant accepts modern payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, for a seamless transaction experience.

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Features / Highlights

• House-Made Empanadas: A major highlight and customer favorite, featuring a diverse array of fillings. Popular options include the savory Pollo Y Queso (Chicken & Cheese), Ternera (Angus Beef), and the unique Guayaba (Guava Indulgence) for dessert lovers. There are even morning options like the Salchicha Huevo Y Queso (Breakfast Empanada).
• Rotisserie and Fried Chicken Specialties: Celebrated for the family recipe rotisserie chicken (Pollo Asado), available in whole or half portions. The Whole Rotisserie Chicken Platter (El Combo de Eli) is a popular family meal, and the perfectly seasoned Whole Fried Chicken (Pollo Frito Entero) offers an equally compelling choice.
• Hearty Latin Entrees (Entradas): Serving authentic comfort food classics such as Carne Guisada (Stewed Beef), Pernil (Roasted Pork), Pollo Guisado (Chicken Stew), and Costilla de Cerdo Guisada (Pork Rib Stew), all traditionally served with rice and beans.
• Authentic Appetizers and Sides: Must-try items include the Chicharron Con Tostones (Crispy Pork Belly with Fried Green Plantain), crispy Tostones, sweet Maduros (fried plantain), and boiled or fried Yucca.
• Accommodating Menu Options: The menu offers multiple options for every preference, including small plates, vegetarian selections, and filling main courses perfect for lunch or dinner.
• Welcoming Atmosphere and Inclusivity: The establishment identifies as Latino-owned and fosters a community-friendly environment, described as welcoming to families, good for kids, and an LGBTQ+ friendly space.
• Convenient Family Options: Large combo platters are specifically designed to feed a family, offering great value and the choice of multiple sides like rice and beans, sweet plantains, or French fries.

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Contact Information

To place an order, inquire about catering services, or find out more about their menu, the contact details for Eli's Latin Kitchen are as follows:

• Address: 1020 Goffle Rd, Hawthorne, NJ 07506, USA
• Phone: (973) 427-5747

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What is Worth Choosing

For New Jersey residents looking for a reliable, authentic, and high-quality Latin American restaurant, Eli's Latin Kitchen offers several compelling reasons to visit. It is highly regarded as one of the best spots for empanadas and rotisserie chicken in the area, a testament to the dedication to preserving rich Latin Caribbean flavors. The customer experience is consistently praised, with patrons highlighting the exceptional food quality, cleanliness, and the personal pleasure of interacting with the staff, including Eli himself.

If you are new to the menu, you must start with the legendary house-made empanadas. With over a dozen varieties, they are the perfect introduction to the depth of flavor offered here. For a main course, the Pernil (Roasted Pork) is a slow-roasted masterpiece, praised by customers as a traditional favorite. The Carne Guisada, a rich stewed beef dish, is also a highly-rated, true comfort food option. Don't forget to pair your meal with sides like the crispy Tostones or the fried Yucca—these sides are crucial components of the authentic Latin dining experience and are fan favorites.

The value is another major draw. The large portion sizes for both the main entrees and the family-style chicken platters ensure that customers get an incredible amount of flavor and food for the price, often leaving with satisfying leftovers. This combination of affordability and quality makes Eli's Latin Kitchen a superior choice for budget-conscious families and those who simply love to eat well.

Finally, the restaurant's robust catering service—offering everything from empanada platters and Chicharrones & Tostones to large trays of Rotisserie Chicken and Stewed Ribs—makes it an indispensable resource for hosting in North Jersey. Eli's Latin Kitchen takes the stress out of feeding a crowd, delivering the same delicious, authentic food directly to your event. Whether you dine in for a quick, casual lunch, pick up a whole chicken dinner for the family, or rely on them for your next big party, Eli's Latin Kitchen is a true New Jersey culinary gem.

Eli's Latin Kitchen

1020 Goffle Rd, Hawthorne, NJ 07506, USA