La Zona Guayaca

- 5502 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220

Introduction / Overview

La Zona Guayaca is a neighborhood restaurant in Brooklyn that brings the rich, comforting flavors of Latin America to the heart of Sunset Park. The establishment proudly specializes in Typical Ecuadorian food, providing New York diners with an authentic taste of coastal South American cuisine. However, the menu's reach extends further, also featuring a dedicated section for Comida Hondureña (Honduran Food), making it a significant culinary hub for Central and South American specialties in the area.

This local eatery aims to offer not just a meal, but a vibrant and enjoyable experience, often described as a place for "the best fun in one place" alongside typical food. The menu is robust and centered on hearty, traditional dishes known as Platos Tipicos. Diners can explore a wide variety of offerings, from rich, flavorful soups (Sopas) to substantial rice plates with protein (Carnes) and beloved regional favorites. Staples like Ceviche, the famous Ecuadorian fish and seafood soup Encebollado, and various preparations of plantain like Bolon de Verde are mainstays on the menu.

While many customers express happiness at its operation, particularly noting the quality of the daily specials which "are always good and come with a refreshing drink," the restaurant has also received very negative feedback. A highly critical review raised serious concerns about cleanliness, service speed, and food safety, claiming "everything was dirty," tables were cleaned with "BARE HANDS," and the food was excessively "oily" and caused illness. This indicates a significant inconsistency in customer experience and operational standards. Potential patrons should be aware of this contrasting feedback and may want to inquire directly about the current dining conditions.

Location and Accessibility

La Zona Guayaca is conveniently located at 5502 3rd Ave in the bustling Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY 11220. This placement on 3rd Avenue is advantageous for local customers, as it is a major commercial street with heavy foot traffic.

For New Yorkers relying on public transportation, the location is highly accessible. The restaurant is situated in close proximity to the R train subway line, with the 59th Street and 53rd Street stations serving the nearby corridor. Furthermore, numerous MTA bus lines service 3rd Avenue and the surrounding streets, making it an easy destination for residents throughout Brooklyn. The area itself is characterized by a strong Latin American presence, making La Zona Guayaca a natural and authentic culinary fixture in the community.

Services Offered

La Zona Guayaca is designed to serve the community with a focus on traditional Latin hospitality and convenient dining options.

• Dine-in Service: The restaurant welcomes patrons for seated meals at their 3rd Avenue location, offering a space to enjoy the typical Ecuadorian atmosphere.
• Takeout Service: Customers can place orders for pickup, providing a convenient option for local residents on the go.
• Delivery Service: The restaurant offers delivery through platforms like Grubhub and Postmates, making their cuisine accessible to a wider area of Brooklyn.
• Daily Specials: A valued service noted by customers is the availability of daily specials, which often include a refreshing beverage, providing variety and value.
• Diverse Meal Offerings: The menu spans categories including soups, typical main dishes, meats, and special appetizers.
• Catering to Various Cravings: Beyond main meals, the "Especiales" section includes items like Empanadas ($3.00), Salchipapa ($12.00), and Alitas de Pollo (Chicken Wings, $15.00), suitable for quick bites or shared appetizers.

Features / Highlights

The standout features of La Zona Guayaca are rooted in its authentic menu and cultural offerings, providing a distinct dining experience in the Sunset Park area.

• Authentic Ecuadorian Cuisine: The restaurant is a true specialist in Typical Ecuadorian food, offering regional dishes that can be difficult to find elsewhere in NYC, such as Seco de Chivo (Goat Stew, $20.00) and various preparations of Bolon de Verde (Plantain Dumplings).
• Hearty Soup Selection: The Sopas section is a major feature, offering comforting and substantial meals like Caldo de Pata (Cow's Foot Soup, $18.00) and Caldo de Gallina (Chicken Soup, $16.00).
• Honduran Food Corner: The inclusion of Comida Hondureña is a unique highlight, featuring traditional Central American favorites such as Baleadas (Order of 2, $9.00) and the Desayuno Catracho (Catracho Breakfast, $14.00).
• Plates with Rice and Menestra: The Carnes section highlights classic Ecuadorian meat and rice dishes, such as Arroz con Menestra y Carne (Rice with Lentil Stew and Meat, $25.00), offering a complete, filling meal.
• Fresh Batidos (Smoothies): The beverage menu features freshly prepared Batidos in popular tropical flavors like Mora (Blackberry), Maracuya (Passion Fruit), Fresa (Strawberry), and Mango ($6.00), providing an authentic Latin American accompaniment to the meal.

Contact Information

For New Yorkers looking to call about the menu, check the daily specials, or place an order, here is the direct contact information for La Zona Guayaca.

Address: 5502 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220, USA

Phone: (929) 681-9018

What is Worth Choosing

For a New York diner seeking an authentic and robust Latin American meal, La Zona Guayaca is worth choosing for its specialization in regional Ecuadorian and Honduran cuisine. This is an opportunity to explore dishes that go beyond the typical Latin restaurant offerings in the city.

If you are visiting for the first time, one of the Platos Tipicos is highly recommended, such as the Seco de Chivo or the seafood favorite, Encebollado ($18.00). These are hallmark dishes of Ecuadorian cooking and provide a truly unique and flavorful experience. For those with a love of plantains, sampling one of the Bolon de Verde options, such as the mixed variety with meat and cheese, is a must-try.

The value proposition is strong, particularly for a complete and traditional meal. The generous plates of Arroz con Menestra y... offer a fulfilling, protein-rich dinner experience. Furthermore, the reported existence of daily specials that include a refreshing drink is a great way for budget-conscious New Yorkers to enjoy a varied and high-quality meal.

However, due diligence is strongly advised. The contrasting customer reviews—one praising the specials, the other detailing serious issues with cleanliness, service time (40-minute wait), and food quality/safety—make a strong case for calling the restaurant ahead of time. While the menu is authentically appealing, patrons should verify that current health and operational standards meet their expectations before committing to a dine-in experience. If the establishment has addressed the reported cleanliness concerns, the authenticity and variety of the Ecuadorian and Honduran dishes make it a highly desirable culinary choice in Brooklyn.

La Zona Guayaca

5502 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220, USA