Macario

- 463 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers constantly seeking authentic and transportive culinary experiences, Macario, located in the heart of Park Slope, Brooklyn, offers a unique and delightfully messy discovery. This specialized sandwich shop is dedicated to bringing a beloved staple of Guadalajara, Mexico—the Lonche Bañado—to the city's sandwich connoisseurs. A Lonche Bañado (or “bathed sandwich”) is a hearty, oversized sandwich so saucy it requires a spoon and a serious stack of napkins, yet its quality and flavor make the effort entirely worthwhile.

Macario distinguishes itself by focusing on quality over quantity, as evidenced by its concise menu centered around this authentic Mexican specialty, along with a few perfect side items like quesadillas and signature guacamole. The recipe for the star element—the warm, slightly spicy tomato-based sauce—is a closely guarded family secret, tracing its roots back 60 years in Guadalajara. This rich history and commitment to authenticity give the food an incredible depth of flavor that appeals to both spice enthusiasts and those with a milder palate.

More than just a quick stop, Macario is poised to become a true neighborhood gem. Customers have praised the incredibly clean, new casual spot, the humongous portion sizes, and the genuinely friendly staff. The owners’ passion for sharing this unique favorite food shines through in the service and the quality of the ingredients, from the custom-made Birote bread to the 24-hour marinated pulled meats. It's an establishment built on passion and poised for a long run as a Brooklyn favorite.

Location and Accessibility

Macario is conveniently situated at 463 4th Ave, right on the edge of the vibrant Park Slope and Gowanus neighborhoods in Brooklyn, NY 11215. This location on 4th Avenue, a major artery, makes it easily accessible for both foot traffic from the residential areas and those traveling from farther parts of the borough.

Located at the corner of 11th Street, the shop benefits from excellent public transportation links, which is crucial for New York City patrons. The address is within walking distance of several subway lines, offering convenient access from various parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan. For those utilizing local services, the strategic location ensures that delivery and pickup are efficient options. As a new spot, its clean and welcoming interior provides comfortable seating for those choosing to dine-in and tackle the famously messy Lonche Bañado in-house.

The business operates six days a week, providing consistent service hours for lunch and dinner crowds. The current hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, extending on Friday and Saturday until 9:00 PM, and closing slightly earlier on Sunday at 7:00 PM, with the shop closed on Mondays. This schedule ensures that Macario is available for most of your lunch and evening needs.

Services Offered

Macario offers a full array of services to accommodate the busy schedules of Brooklyn residents, ensuring their unique Mexican sandwiches and sides are always available, however the customer prefers to order. The options balance comfortable dining with rapid, modern convenience.

• Dine-in Service: Guests can enjoy the casual, friendly atmosphere and receive attentive service while tackling the famously saucy Lonche Bañado at a table.
• Takeout: Convenient service for those who wish to grab their order and enjoy it at home or elsewhere.
• Delivery: Provides a delivery option for customers within the service radius, bringing authentic Guadalajara flavors right to the doorstep.
• No-Contact Delivery: Offers an added layer of safety and convenience, allowing for seamless, low-interaction delivery of food.
• Artistic Atmosphere: The owner has plans to feature the works of local artists on the walls, creating a more engaging and community-focused environment for dine-in patrons.

Features / Highlights

Macario’s appeal lies in its authenticity, its specialization, and the quality of its homemade components. The highlights that set this sandwich shop apart as a destination spot in Brooklyn include:

• NYC’s First Dedicated Lonche Bañado Spot: Macario proudly serves a specialty sandwich that is traditionally unknown in the U.S., offering a truly unique culinary experience in New York City.
• Authentic Family Recipe Sauce: The signature, warm, slightly spicy tomato sauce is based on a 60-year-old family recipe from Guadalajara, ensuring an authentic and deeply flavorful product that customers rave about for its perfect balance of heat.
• The Birote Bread: The bread is a critical component—a unique, custom-made, slightly salty sourdough roll designed to be sturdy enough not to turn to mush when bathed in the warm Macario sauce.
• Quality Over Quantity Menu: The shop focuses on a limited menu of three sandwich types (Lonche Bañado, Lonche Prensado, and Lonche Clásico) and three fillings (pulled pork, pulled chicken, soft Mexican Panela cheese), ensuring every item is fresh and perfected.
• Exceptional Guacamole: Customers highly recommend the Guacamole con Totopos or the richer Guacamole con Chicharrones, noting it is some of the best in town.
• Generous Portions: Patrons frequently comment on the "humongous" portions, offering great value for a filling meal.
• Friendly and Helpful Staff: The customer service is noted for its kind energy and attentiveness, with staff members happy to guide first-time visitors through the traditional, messy eating process.

Contact Information

For authentic Guadalajara sandwiches in Park Slope, contact Macario at the following details:

Address: 463 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA

Phone: (716) 350-4051

What is worth choosing

When visiting Macario, choosing what to order should be centered around the star of the show, but the supporting players are equally deserving of attention. For a full, authentic, and satisfying experience, here is what is most worth choosing:

The Signature Dish: You absolutely must try the Lonche Bañado. This is the sandwich Macario was built on. The El Macario ($16.00), featuring the original pulled pork filling, is the definitive choice. It is a hearty experience where the pulled pork is piled high on the custom-made Birote bread and then generously "bathed" in the warm, family-recipe sauce. Be prepared to get messy—the staff is helpful in explaining the traditional three-finger, one-spoon technique. The Macario de Pollo (pulled chicken) and Macario de Panela (soft Mexican cheese) offer delicious variations on the theme.

The Pressed Perfection: If you prefer a less saucy but equally flavorful sandwich, opt for one of the Lonches Prensados ($16.00). These lonches are served with Macario sauce and melted Oaxaca cheese inside, then pressed on the Birote bread. The pressing melts the cheese and saturates the bread slightly, offering a crispy exterior and a savory, contained filling—a fantastic alternative to the saucy original.

Essential Sides: Do not skip the appetizers. The Guacamole con Chicharrones ($10.00) is a local favorite, pairing the excellent, lightly spiced Guadalajara-style guacamole with crispy pork rinds instead of traditional chips, providing a texture and flavor contrast that is highly satisfying. Additionally, the Macario's Mad Nachos ($12.00-$15.00), featuring Macario sauce and melted cheese over organic tortilla chips, offer a hearty, cheesy comfort food experience.

The Authentic Beverage: To complete the experience, choose one of the authentic Mexican sodas. A refreshing Jarritos (Mandarin or Guava) or a classic Mexican Coca-Cola pairs perfectly with the rich, bold flavors of the sandwiches. The quality of the house-made ingredients, from the 24-hour marinated meats to the generational sauce recipe, is why Macario is a destination spot in Brooklyn, providing an authentic taste of Mexico in a friendly, local setting.

Macario

463 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA