Mar y tierra Introduce
Introduction / Overview: More Than Just a Coffee Shop, It’s a Culinary Voyage
In the heart of Washington Heights, New Yorkers have discovered Mar y Tierra, an establishment that defies simple categorization. While it maintains the friendly, casual vibe of a local coffee shop—priding itself on serving a "Great coffee" and providing a "Quick bite"—it truly shines as a comprehensive Latin American culinary destination. Located at 657 W 179th St, New York, NY 10033, Mar y Tierra (Spanish for "Sea and Land") lives up to its name by offering an extensive menu that expertly balances high-quality seafood and hearty steak and land-based dishes, with strong influences from Mexican and Honduran traditions.
This establishment serves as an essential fixture for the local community, functioning both as a welcoming spot for a morning caffeine fix and a full-service restaurant for lunch and dinner. Its dual identity makes it uniquely appealing: patrons can drop in for a quick, expertly brewed cup of coffee or settle in for a substantial, flavorful meal. The atmosphere is consistently described as "Casual," ensuring a relaxed environment that is also noted as "Good for kids," making it a perfect, no-fuss choice for families and solo diners alike in the Upper Manhattan area.
From the moment you step inside, Mar y Tierra promises an authentic taste of Latin American comfort. The commitment to fresh ingredients and traditional preparation techniques is evident in the popular dishes, which range from vibrant street food appetizers like Pastelitos and Super Nachos, to robust main courses like the signature Bistec Encebollado and Pollo Con Tajada. Whether you are craving the deep, rich flavors of the sea or the satisfying warmth of grilled meat, Mar y Tierra has curated a menu that captures the best of both worlds, setting it far apart from a typical neighborhood coffee shop.
Location and Accessibility: A Convenient Corner in Washington Heights
Mar y Tierra is strategically situated at 657 W 179th St, New York, NY 10033, placing it in a highly accessible and convenient location for residents and visitors of Washington Heights. Its address in the 10033 zip code ensures it is well-connected to major transit routes, making it an easy destination to reach for anyone in the New York region.
While the provided data focuses on the core offerings, the atmosphere and service options emphasize a comfortable experience. The primary service model is "Dine-in," encouraging patrons to take a break and enjoy their food and coffee in a relaxed, casual setting. This emphasis on on-site dining, combined with the "Good for kids" designation, positions Mar y Tierra as a welcoming community space.
Though specific accessibility information like wheelchair ramps is not detailed, the establishment's status as a neighborhood anchor suggests a dedication to serving all community members. Patrons visiting the area will find that the location’s proximity to residential and commercial areas simplifies a quick stop for that "Great coffee" or a planned meal with the family.
Services Offered: A Comprehensive Menu from Coffee to Cuisine
Mar y Tierra’s service offerings extend well beyond the basic "Coffee" and "Quick bite" and include a full, diverse menu of Latin American specialties, ensuring a rich dining experience at any time of the day.
- Full Restaurant Service: The core service is full Dine-in, operating as a full-service casual restaurant.
- Coffee and Quick Bites: Serving a "Great coffee" selection, alongside fast, small options like Pastelitos De Harina Pollo O Carne Molida ($3.25) or Empanada De Plátano ($3.25) for those needing a quick energizer.
- Breakfast Staples: Hearty morning meals are available, such as the popular Desayuno Especial (Special Breakfast) ($13.99), which is a fantastic way to start the day.
- Appetizers and Small Plates: A strong selection of starters ideal for sharing or a light meal. Options include Super Nachos ($9.99), Camarones Empanizados ($12.99), and Tostones Con Camaron ($8.99).
- Signature Mar and Tierra Combinations: Highlighting the name, these platters combine land and sea:
- Costilla Y Camaron (Ribs and Shrimp) ($19.99)
- Carne Con Camaron (Steak and Shrimp) ($17.99)
- Carne, Pollo Y Camarón (Steak, Chicken, and Shrimp) ($22.99)
- Seafood and Fish Focus (Mar): An extensive selection of ocean specialties, including Mojarra Hondureña ($19.99), Pargo Rojo ($18.99), and Salmón a La Plancha ($19.99).
- Meats and Poultry (Tierra): Robust main courses featuring New York Steak ($23.99), Rib-eye ($22.99), Bistec Encebollado ($15.99), and Pollo Frito (Fried Chicken) ($14.99).
- Latin American Specialties: Traditional dishes like Pollo Con Tajada ($17.99) and various Tacos, Enchiladas, and Quesadillas for an authentic experience.
Features / Highlights: Authenticity and Quality from Land to Sea
Mar y Tierra’s success in Washington Heights is built on several key features that appeal directly to the needs and tastes of the local New York community:
- Truly Great Coffee: Confirmed as a highlight, the quality of the coffee provides an excellent incentive for morning patrons and a perfect finish to any meal.
- Themed Menu Excellence: The 'Sea and Land' theme ensures a uniquely diverse, high-quality offering. Few local spots can match the commitment to both fresh seafood (like Mojarras and Pargo) and premium cuts of meat (like Rib-eye and New York Steak).
- Authentic Regional Cuisine: Specializing in the distinctive flavors of Mexican and Honduran cooking (evidenced by items like Tacos Dorados, Shuchi Catracho, and Baleadas), Mar y Tierra delivers an essential and authentic cultural experience.
- Value for Full Meals: Items like the Lunch Specials, offering dishes such as Enchiladas, Quesadillas, or Burritos for $10.99, provide exceptional value for a quick, substantial midday meal in Manhattan.
- Versatile Dining Atmosphere: The "Casual" atmosphere, paired with the "Good for kids" designation, makes it an ideal spot for any occasion, from a solo break to a large family dinner.
- Popularity and Community Endorsement: The menu items frequently receive high ratings and are clearly popular with the local community, such as the Desayuno Especial and Pollo Con Tajada, indicating consistent quality and flavor.
Contact Information: Mar y Tierra, Washington Heights
For New Yorkers looking to enjoy a high-quality coffee or an authentic Latin American meal, please use the following contact information:
Address: 657 W 179th St, New York, NY 10033, USA
Phone: (Please note: A publicly listed phone number for this specific address was not available in the provided data. Please check local search engines for the current phone number.)
What is Worth Choosing: The Best of Both Worlds
For New Yorkers, Mar y Tierra is worth choosing because it provides the best of two worlds in a single, convenient location: the speed and essential quality of a dedicated coffee shop, merged seamlessly with the depth and authenticity of a true Latin American restaurant.
If you visit in the morning, starting your day with their "Great coffee" and a quick bite, such as an Empanada De Plátano, is highly recommended. For a more substantial experience, New Yorkers should absolutely try a signature dish from the Honduran/Mexican menu. Options like the Pollo Con Tajada, or one of the full platters like the Bistec Encebollado, offer a profoundly satisfying, authentic meal.
Ultimately, choosing Mar y Tierra means choosing versatility, quality, and community comfort. It’s the ideal local spot where you can grab your essential daily coffee or sit down with friends and family to enjoy a fulfilling, traditional feast of the sea and the land, all within a casual and welcoming Washington Heights environment.
Mar y tierra Details
Service options
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great coffee
Offerings
- Coffee
- Quick bite
Atmosphere
- Casual
Children
- Good for kids
Mar y tierra Photos
Mar y tierra Location
Mar y tierra Reviews
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