Eli’s Latin Kitchen

- 1020 Goffle Rd, Hawthorne, NJ 07506

Welcome to the Garden State's vibrant culinary scene, where a hidden gem in Hawthorne is celebrated for bringing the rich, comforting flavors of Latin America right to your neighborhood. For New Jersey residents searching for authentic, high-quality Latin food, look no further than Eli’s Latin Kitchen. This beloved spot has earned a reputation as the best place in New Jersey for two signature items: their delectable, house-made empanadas and their mouth-watering, family-recipe rotisserie chicken.

More than just a restaurant, Eli’s Latin Kitchen is a true celebration of culinary heritage, offering a diverse menu that captures the essence of Latin Caribbean cuisine with a modern twist. From hearty stews to satisfying quick bites and an extensive catering menu, Eli's provides a comfortable and cozy spot for locals to enjoy a flavorful meal at any time of day. Whether you're craving a quick, satisfying lunch, a family dinner, or need to cater a large event, Eli’s Latin Kitchen promises a warm atmosphere and memorable food prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

The focus here is on authentic flavors, generous portions, and food that truly delivers on the promise of comfort. The establishment proudly identifies as Latino-owned, pouring cultural pride and passion into every dish served. New Jersey locals who appreciate fresh, homemade food and a friendly, family-oriented environment will find Eli's Latin Kitchen to be a welcoming and reliable choice.

The diverse menu goes beyond the famed chicken and empanadas. Diners can explore traditional Latin entrees, known as Entradas, like the rich Carne Guisada (Beef Stewed) and the tender Pernil (Roasted Pork), each traditionally served with rice and beans. The menu is structured to cater to different dining needs, offering small appetizers, satisfying soups, and popular meal categories like the Taco Fiesta Bar and Quesadilla Twist. For those with a sweet tooth, classic Latin desserts like Tres Leches Cake provide the perfect finishing touch.

Location and Accessibility

Eli’s Latin Kitchen is conveniently situated in North Jersey, making it an easy stop for many residents in the area.

The address is: 1020 Goffle Rd, Hawthorne, NJ 07506, USA.

The location on Goffle Road ensures straightforward accessibility for both in-town residents and those traveling from neighboring communities. The restaurant understands the needs of its community, providing a Free parking lot for all patrons, eliminating the stress of finding street parking.

In terms of accessibility, the restaurant is designed to be inclusive, offering:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot
• Wheelchair accessible seating

This commitment to accessibility ensures that everyone in the New Jersey community can comfortably visit and enjoy their authentic Latin cuisine.

Services Offered by Eli’s Latin Kitchen

Eli's is dedicated to providing maximum convenience, offering a variety of ways for customers to enjoy their food, whether on-site or at home.

• Dine-in: Enjoy your meal in a casual, cozy, and quiet atmosphere, which is family-friendly and welcoming to all, including being an LGBTQ+ friendly and Transgender safespace.
• Takeout & Curbside Pickup: For those on the go, simply order ahead for quick pickup at the counter or convenient curbside service.
• Delivery: Have your Latin comfort food delivered right to your door, making weeknight dinners easy and stress-free.
• Catering: A full-service catering menu is available for all events, whether a small family gathering or a large party. The catering menu includes party-sized portions of popular dishes like Rotisserie Chicken, Empanadas, and Taco Bar setups, ensuring your guests can savor authentic Latin flavors.
• Dining All Day: The restaurant offers options for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for easy transactions.

Features and Highlights of the Menu

Eli’s Latin Kitchen stands out in the New Jersey dining landscape due to its dedication to flavorful, traditional food, with several key menu items that keep locals coming back time and again.

• The Legendary Empanadas: Often cited by customers as a reason to visit, Eli's offers a wide variety of house-made empanadas. These savory and sweet pockets are substantial, often with 4oz of filling, making them a satisfying meal or snack. Popular choices include Angus Beef, Chicken & Cheese, Rotisserie BBQ Chicken, and the unique sweet treat, Guava Indulgence (guava puree with cream cheese). They even feature a hearty Breakfast Empanada with sausage, egg, and cheese.
• Family Recipe Rotisserie Chicken: This is a must-try. The Pollo Entero (Whole Rotisserie Chicken) is celebrated for its tender, succulent texture and deep, savory seasoning. It is available as a stand-alone dish or in combo platters, like El Combo de Eli, which includes the whole chicken and a choice of two sides, such as sweet plantains or rice and beans.
• Authentic Latin Entrees (Entradas): For a taste of classic Latin comfort, the menu features slow-cooked favorites such as Pork Rib Stew (Costilla de Cerdo Guisada), Chicken Stew (Pollo Guisado), and the aforementioned Carne Guisada. These dishes embody the rich, home-style cooking that defines Latin cuisine.
• Delicious Sides and Small Plates: Complement any meal with essential Latin sides like crispy Tostones (Green Plantains), sweet Maduros (Sweet Plantains), Yucca (Fried or Boiled), and the perfect pairing of Rice and Beans. For an appetizer, try the Chicharron con Tostones (Crispy pork belly with fried green plantain) or Eli’s Wings (Double-fried honey chili glazed wings).
• Menu Versatility: Eli's caters to a wide array of preferences, offering comfort food, quick bites, small plates, as well as distinct Healthy options and several dedicated Vegetarian options.

Contact Information

Ready to experience the best Latin Caribbean flavors in North Jersey? Here is the essential contact information for Eli’s Latin Kitchen:

Address: 1020 Goffle Rd, Hawthorne, NJ 07506, USA

Phone: (973) 427-5747

Operating Hours:

• Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Saturday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Why Eli's Latin Kitchen is Worth Choosing for New Jersey Foodies

For New Jersey residents, choosing a restaurant often comes down to a balance of quality, value, and atmosphere. Eli's Latin Kitchen excels in all three. The dedication to authentic, home-style Latin American food, focusing particularly on Latin Caribbean flavors, provides a much-needed taste of tradition in the Hawthorne area.

The consistent praise for their quality—with customers noting the food is "fresh, tender and delicious"—highlights a commitment to excellence. The owner’s dedication to their craft, with one review noting the owner has been there for over a decade, reinforces the reliability of the dining experience. When a New Jersey local is looking for a satisfying, flavorful meal, Eli's delivers. You receive an excellent value for the price, with generous portions of well-prepared dishes, from the affordable empanadas to the hearty stewed entrees.

In a market with many dining choices, Eli’s Latin Kitchen stands out by mastering its specialties: the empanadas and rotisserie chicken. Many customers have called it their "new favorite empanada shop," with high marks across the board. The atmosphere is an added benefit—casual, cozy, and welcoming to everyone, making it perfect for solo dining, a quick lunch, or a family outing. For authentic Latin cuisine that feels both gourmet and comforting, Eli's Latin Kitchen in Hawthorne is a top-tier destination that you simply must try.

Eli’s Latin Kitchen

1020 Goffle Rd, Hawthorne, NJ 07506, USA