La Bonita Restaurante Bar

- 394 Lexington Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011

For New Jersey residents seeking a true culinary and cultural experience that transcends the typical local dining scene, La Bonita Restaurante Bar stands out as a vibrant, multi-faceted destination in Clifton. Officially classified as a combination Restaurant, Bar, Colombian restaurant, Latin American restaurant, and Peruvian restaurant, La Bonita delivers a rich fusion of flavors and an atmosphere that buzzes with energy. This establishment, proudly Latino-owned, caters to a diverse clientele looking for authenticity, quality, and a lively social setting.

Located on Lexington Avenue, La Bonita is much more than just a place to eat; it's a social hub. The atmosphere is described as Casual, Cozy, and Trendy, with a vibrant energy that makes it a perfect spot to spend an evening. Patrons frequently highlight the “good vibes” and lively music, indicating that the restaurant successfully blends dining with entertainment. Whether visiting for a midday meal or a late-night gathering, the promise of Fast service and a full Bar onsite with a Great beer selection and Great cocktails ensures a satisfying experience.

The menu is a celebration of South American gastronomy, featuring extensive Colombian and Peruvian dishes alongside shared plates designed for enjoying with friends. From the hearty SUPER BANDEJA PAISA to fresh Ceviche and classic LOMO SALTADO, the offerings represent genuine Latin American Comfort food while also providing options for Small plates and Quick bites. The restaurant is a key choice for both Lunch and Dinner, and crucially, provides Late-night food, a valuable amenity for the New Jersey night scene. Furthermore, the commitment to accessibility is evident through its provision of a Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating, ensuring an inclusive experience for all local users.

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Location and Accessibility

La Bonita Restaurante Bar is strategically located in Clifton, providing a central and easily accessible venue for patrons across Passaic County and beyond. The address places it within a vibrant community, making it a convenient destination for local gatherings and diners.

Address: 394 Lexington Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011, USA

The restaurant has prioritized making its space inclusive and convenient for all members of the New Jersey community. Accessibility features include a certified Wheelchair accessible entrance and a Wheelchair accessible parking lot, which greatly enhances the ease of visiting. Inside, the inclusion continues with Wheelchair accessible seating and a Wheelchair accessible restroom.

Parking options further emphasize customer convenience, offering both a Free parking lot and the added luxury of Valet parking. This dual approach ensures that even during peak hours, visitors can easily find a place to park and access the restaurant quickly. The location on Lexington Avenue is recognized as a spot that delivers "good vibes" and is easily found by Groups, Locals, and Tourists alike.

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Services Offered

La Bonita Restaurante Bar operates with a comprehensive service model designed to cater to various dining preferences, from a quick solo meal to a late-night social event.

• Flexible Service Options: Patrons can choose to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with Dine-in and Table service (or Counter service), opt for quick Takeout, or utilize Delivery (including No-contact delivery) for maximum convenience.
• Full Day and Late-Night Dining: The restaurant serves both Lunch and Dinner, and notably offers Late-night food, appealing to those seeking food and entertainment outside of typical restaurant hours.
• Full Bar and Beverage Service: They feature a dedicated Bar onsite and offer a complete selection of Alcohol, including a Great beer selection, expertly mixed Cocktails, Hard liquor, and Wine. They also serve Coffee to round out the beverage menu.
• Diverse Latin Menu: The menu specializes in authentic Colombian restaurant and Peruvian restaurant dishes, alongside a broader Latin American restaurant category, offering a deep dive into regional comfort food.
• Shared and Small Plate Options: The menu includes extensive PA PICAR (For Snacking) options, such as the various Picada platters and appetizers like EMPANADAS and CALAMARES, perfect for Groups and Small plates sharing.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: Despite the bar atmosphere, the restaurant is Good for kids, offering a dedicated Kids' menu (NIÑOS) and High chairs.
• Reservations and Payment: La Bonita Accepts reservations, a useful tool for planning group outings, and accepts modern payments including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

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Features / Highlights

La Bonita Restaurante Bar distinguishes itself in the North Jersey market by successfully merging authentic Latin cuisine with a highly social, vibrant atmosphere.

• Authentic Dual Cuisine Focus: The primary highlight is the focus on two rich Latin American culinary traditions: Colombian (featuring SUPER BANDEJA PAISA and SANCOCHO DE CARNE) and Peruvian (showcasing LOMO SALTADO and Ceviche). This dual-country specialty offers a broader, more authentic experience than single-focus Latin restaurants.
• Vibrant Social Atmosphere: The environment is a major draw, described as Trendy and lively, with music and a great volume that encourages a social atmosphere. It is lauded as a perfect spot to go with Groups to "dance, chat, and grab a drink."
• Exceptional Drink Program: The bar is a strong feature, highlighted by its Great beer selection and excellent Great cocktails, ensuring high-quality beverages to match the lively scene and late-night food service.
• Solo and Quick Dining Reliability: Despite the group atmosphere, the restaurant is Popular for Solo dining and provides Quick bite options with noted Fast service, making it efficient for individuals during Lunch or Dinner.
• Community and Ownership: Identifying as a Latino-owned business adds a layer of community connection and authenticity that resonates strongly with the local New Jersey crowd.
• Late-Night Service: The availability of Late-night food combined with the bar makes it a standout option for evening entertainment and dining, a feature highly valued in the local area.

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Contact Information

For local New Jersey residents planning a visit to La Bonita Restaurante Bar, making a reservation, or placing an order for Delivery or Takeout, the contact information is readily available.

Address: 394 Lexington Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011, USA

Phone Number (Primary): (973) 500-4479

Mobile Phone: +1 973-500-4479

Customers are encouraged to call ahead, especially during weekend nights, to inquire about availability or to utilize the reservation service due to the lively, crowded atmosphere often described in reviews.

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What is Worth Choosing

For New Jersey diners at La Bonita, the most worthwhile experience lies in exploring the restaurant’s authentic specialties and its unique, social environment.

1. Peruvian Ceviche and Seafood Dishes: Customer reviews specifically praise the Ceviche, noting that it is "great, fresh, and tastes good." Exploring the PERUVIAN DISHES/COMIDA PERUANA section, particularly the seafood options like CHICHARRÓN DE PESCADO or the CLASICO DE JALEA CON CEVICHE, offers a taste of the fresh, vibrant coastal flavors the restaurant is celebrated for.

2. The Colombian Staple: Bandeja Paisa: A cornerstone of the menu is the SUPER BANDEJA PAISA. For those seeking deep, authentic Colombian restaurant comfort, this massive, traditional platter is a must-try and provides excellent value and a full cultural experience.

3. The Social Platter (PA PICAR): If visiting with a Group—which is highly recommended given the lively atmosphere—ordering one of the large PICADA platters (such as the PICADA PARA 2 PERSONAS or PICADA PARA 4 PERSONAS) is the perfect choice. These communal dishes, featuring items like CHICHARRÓN and CHORIZO, are designed for sharing and enhancing the vibrant social setting.

4. The Cocktail Experience: Given the bar’s reputation for Great cocktails and the lively, Trendy atmosphere, choosing one of their specialty drinks is essential to the full La Bonita experience. The bar service complements the Late-night food offerings, making it ideal for a full evening out in Clifton, NJ. The combination of well-made drinks and an attentive, friendly staff (as noted in customer reviews) creates a memorable night out that is highly recommended for weekend visits.

La Bonita Restaurante Bar

394 Lexington Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011, USA