Pupusa Loca of Paterson Introduce
## Introduction / Overview
For New Jersey residents seeking a flavorful journey into the heart of Latin American cuisine, Pupusa Loca of Paterson offers an authentic and expansive dining experience right on Market Street. Classified as a dedicated Salvadoran restaurant and broader Central American restaurant, this local establishment is a culinary cornerstone for those who appreciate traditional, vibrant dishes prepared with passion.
While the name prominently features the pupusa—El Salvador’s national dish—the menu at Pupusa Loca extends far beyond this signature item. Patrons can explore a rich tapestry of Central American specialties, ranging from hearty Desayunos (Breakfasts) served all day to robust Carnes (Meat) and fresh Mariscos (Seafood) entrees. This comprehensive offering solidifies its reputation as a go-to spot for Lunch, Dinner, or even a memorable Brunch.
The atmosphere is a delightful blend of Casual, Cozy, and notably Trendy, making it an appealing destination for a diverse Crowd that includes College students, local Groups, and even Tourists exploring the Paterson area. The venue is fully equipped with a Bar onsite and is celebrated for its beverage program, which includes a Great beer selection and Great cocktails, transforming a simple meal into a festive social outing.
Pupusa Loca embraces a commitment to full-service dining, providing options like Dine-in, efficient Takeout, and reliable Delivery, including No-contact delivery for peace of mind. The variety of Offerings ensures there is something for everyone, whether you are seeking Comfort food, Healthy options, Vegan options, or Vegetarian options. It truly is a full-spectrum Latin American eatery designed to cater to the diverse New Jersey palate.
---## Location and Accessibility
Pupusa Loca of Paterson is conveniently situated at 197 Market St Apartment 1, Paterson, NJ 07505, USA. This central location in Paterson makes it easily accessible for customers driving from different parts of New Jersey or utilizing local public transportation.
The restaurant makes a point of being inclusive and accommodating, featuring necessary Accessibility amenities. This includes a Wheelchair accessible entrance and Wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring that all guests can comfortably enjoy the dining experience.
For guests arriving by car, the establishment relies on Free street parking. While this is a highly appreciated amenity, it is important for New Jersey locals familiar with city parking to note that finding a spot can sometimes be a challenge, as mentioned in customer feedback. Planning a visit outside of peak dining hours might ensure an easier parking experience.
Once inside, guests are set up for a pleasant dining experience with plenty of Seating and professional Table service. Furthermore, the inclusion of a Bar onsite provides a comfortable space for patrons to enjoy a wide variety of Alcohol, Beer, Wine, and Hard liquor with their meal or during Happy hour drinks and Happy hour food.
---## Services Offered
Pupusa Loca provides a comprehensive suite of dining and convenience services tailored for its community in New Jersey.
- Versatile Dining Schedule: Open seven days a week, with operating hours being Monday to Thursday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, and extended hours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, accommodating all meal times.
- Full-Service Options: Offering comfortable Dine-in service, quick and easy Takeout, and standard Delivery, with the added safety measure of No-contact delivery.
- Catering and Planning: The restaurant is equipped for Catering larger events and Accepts reservations for groups, special occasions, or simply ensuring a table during busy times.
- Dietary and Meal Variety: The menu is rich in options, including Healthy options, Vegan options, Vegetarian options, Comfort food, and Small plates for a Quick bite.
- Family-Friendly Amenities: Highly rated as Good for kids, featuring a dedicated Kids' menu (like Kids Tiritas De Pollo) and providing High chairs.
- Beverage Program: Full bar service is available, specializing in Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard liquor, and Wine, alongside a Great coffee and Great tea selection.
## Features / Highlights
Pupusa Loca’s success in the New Jersey dining scene is driven by several key highlights that appeal to local patrons.
- The Pupusa Specialty: As a Salvadoran restaurant, its core highlight is the wide variety of Pupusas—thick, handmade corn or rice tortillas stuffed with fillings like Pupusas Loroco, Pupusas Mixtas, and Pupusas Queso Y Camaron, offering the true taste of El Salvador’s national dish.
- Extensive Central American Menu: The restaurant is renowned for serving far more than just pupusas, including authentic national breakfasts like Desayuno Chapin (Guatemalan) and Desayuno Catracho (Honduran), alongside specialty dishes like Plato Tipico and Bandeja Paisa.
- Premium Steak and Seafood Options: The menu features high-end meat cuts such as Churrasco ($31.25) and T-Bone Steak ($22.00), as well as whole fish dishes like Pargo Frito Fried Red Snapper ($18.95), proving the menu can satisfy a variety of palates and budgets.
- Exceptional Beverage Program: Customers specifically praise the quality of the drinks, noting that the Great cocktails and alcoholic beverages are well-mixed ("you can actually taste the alcohol"), making it a popular destination for those seeking quality refreshments.
- Fast Service and Consistency: The establishment is highlighted for its Fast service, appealing to diners looking for quick yet high-quality meals, particularly during the busy Lunch and Dinner rush.
- Authentic Latin American Refreshments: Beyond the bar, the restaurant offers authentic Central American Batidos (shakes) like Guanabana Shake and natural Refrescos like Horchata, providing a delicious and authentic pairing for any meal.
## Contact Information
For reservations, takeout orders, or delivery from Pupusa Loca of Paterson, please use the following contact details:
Address: 197 Market St Apartment 1, Paterson, NJ 07505, USA
Primary Phone: (973) 742-6711
Mobile Phone: +1 973-742-6711
Operating Hours:
- Monday - Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday - Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
## What is Worth Choosing
Pupusa Loca of Paterson is a valuable choice for New Jersey diners for several compelling reasons, primarily centered on its dedication to authentic Central American cuisine and its vibrant, full-service environment.
The restaurant's greatest strength lies in its expansive menu. While the name draws you in for the pupusas, the real treat is the ability to explore a wide range of Latin American flavors, from large, traditional Sopas like Sopa De Res Grande to premium Mar Y Tierra platters. It serves as an accessible introduction to the cuisine of El Salvador and neighboring countries, making it a Serves local specialty destination for residents.
Beyond the food, the overall experience is highly rated. The establishment is consistently described as clean and offering nice service, creating a welcoming atmosphere that some customers deem "worth it" despite the notorious Paterson parking situation. The inclusion of a full bar and a variety of delicious, natural Batidos and Refrescos ensures that patrons have a full range of pairing options, appealing to those looking for a complete dining and social experience.
In choosing Pupusa Loca, you are selecting a lively, authentic, and versatile dining spot that capably handles everything from a quick, delicious Sandwich De Pollo to a celebratory Churrasco dinner. It's a taste of Central America served with friendly service and quality beverages, right in the heart of Paterson, NJ.
Pupusa Loca of Paterson Food & drink
Desayuno
- Desayuno Chapin $12.50
Chapin breakfast. Huevos rancheros, frijoles, aguacate, crema, queso y tortilla. Fried eggs topped with tomato sauce, fried beans, avocado, sour cream, cheese and tortilla.
- Desayuno Catracho $13.00
Catracho breakfast. Huevos revueltos, frijoles, platanos, aguacate, crema, queso, chorizo y tortilla. Scrambled eggs, fried beans, sweet plantains, avocado, sour cream, cheese, sausage and tortilla.
- Desayuno Guanaco $12.50
Guanaco breakfast. Huevos revueltos, frijoles, aguacate, crema, queso, chorizo y tortilla. Scrambled eggs, fried beans, avocado, sour cream, sausage, cheese and tortilla.
- Sopa Res Peq $7.00
Aperitivos
- Calamares Fritos $15.00
Fried calamari with french fries.
- Calamares Pupusa Loca $15.99
Fried calamari with shredded lettuce, tomato and homemade sweet chili sauce served with fried green plantains.
- Ceviche De Camarones $16.00
Shrimp ceviche.
- Coctel De Camarones $13.00
Shrimp cocktail.
- Ceviche Pupusa Loca $17.00
Shrimp, octupus, calamari, crab and mussels ceviche with tortilla chips.
- Alitas De Pollo $15.00
Chicken wings with french fries.
- Quesadillas $15.00
Pollo y carne. Chicken or beef quesadilla.
- Nachos Con Guacamole $12.75
Nachos with guacamole.
- Yuca Con Chicharron $15.50
Fried cassava with pork crackling.
- Mini Picada $13.00
Sausage, pork and fried cassava.
- Conchas Al Ajillo $17.00
12. Clams in garlic.
- Conchas Al Vino Blanco $16.00
12. Clams in white wine sauce. 12.
- Conchas Frescas
Fresh clams on half shell.
- Chicharon $12.00
Con tostones
Sopas
- Sopa De Res Grande $13.25
Beef soup with vegetables.
- Sopa De Gallina
Chicken soup with vegetables.
- Sopa De Mondongo
Tripe soup with vegetables.
- Sopa De Mariscos Especial $32.00
Seafood special soup crema o caldo. Cream or broth.
Ensaladas
- Ensalada Tropical $11.00
Tropical fruits salad with mango, strawberry, lettuce and spring mix with homemade dressing.
- Ensalada Mixta $9.00
Mixed salad with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cucumber, shredded carrots, spring mix and avocado.
- Ensalada De Pollo $12.50
Grilled chicken strips salad with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cucumber, shredded carrots, spring mix and avocado.
- Ensalada De Carne $13.00
Grilled steak strips salad with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cucumber, shredded carrots, spring mix and avocado.
- Ensalada De Camarones $14.50
Sauteed shrimp salad with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cucumber, shredded carrots, spring mix and avocado.
- Ensalada Pupusa Loca $16.25
Grilled chicken, steak and shrimp salad with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cucumber, shredded carrots, spring mix and avocado.
- Ensalada Mar Y Tierra $16.95
Skirt steak and shrimp salad with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cucumber, shredded carrots, spring mix and avocado.
- Ensalada De Mar $16.25
Calamares and camarones. Fried calamari and shrimp salad with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cucumber, shredded carrots, spring mix and avocado.
Sandwiches
- Sandwich De Pollo $12.25
Chicken sandwich with french fries, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and mayo. Add cheese for an additional charge.
- Sandwich De Carne $13.00
Steak sandwich with french fries, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and mayo. Add cheese for an additional charge.
- Sandwich De Jamon Y Queso $11.25
Ham and cheese sandwich with french fries, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and mayo.
- Sandwich De Pechuga Parmesana $13.50
Chicken Parmesan sandwich with french fries.
Pollo
- 1/2 Pollo Asado $16.00
1/2 grilled chicken.
- 1/2 Pollo Encebollado $16.95
1/2 chicken with sautéed grilled onions, tomato and peppers.
- Pechuga Empanizada $16.50
Breaded chicken breast.
- Pechuga Al Vino Blanco $17.00
Grilled chicken breast in a white wine sauce.
- Pechuga En Salsa De Hongos $17.50
Grilled chicken breast in a mushroom sauce.
- Pechuga A La Plancha $15.50
Grilled chicken breast.
- Pechuga Salteada $15.75
Sauteed grilled chicken strips with onions, peppers and tomatoes.
- Pechuga Rellena En Salsa De Hongos $17.50
Stuffed chicken breast with ham and cheese, topped with mushrooms sauce.
- Arroz Con Pollo $15.25
Sauteed rice with chicken.
- Pechuga Parmesana $17.50
Chicken Parmesan.
- Gallina Asada Y Sopa $17.50
Viene con arroz y ensalada
Carnes
- Carne Asada $16.95
Grilled steak.
- Bistec Encebollado $17.00
Grilled steak with sauteed onions.
- Bistec Salteado $16.00
Sauteed grilled steak strips.
- Churrasco $31.25
Grilled skirt steak.
- Bistec Relleno En Salsa De Hongos $17.25
Stuffed steak with ham and cheese topped with mushrooms sauce.
- T-Bone Steak $22.00
- Steak Guanaco $23.00
T-bone steak with grilled onions, tomato, white rice, sweet plantains, peppers, mushrooms and avocado.
- Steak Chapin $23.00
T-bone steak with sauteed grilled onions, tomato, peppers, mushrooms, chimol, avocado and casamiento rice and beans mixed.
- Steak Catracho $23.00
T-bone steak with mushrooms, tomato sauce, chimol, casamiento rice and beans mixed and avocado.
- Lomo Con Salsa De Hongos $16.00
Pork loin topped with mushrooms cream sauce.
- Lomo De Cerdo Asado $13.00
Grilled pork loin.
- Lomo Empanizado $14.00
Breaded pork loin.
- Chuleta $16.00
Grilled or fried pork loin with sauteed onions, peppers, and tomatoes.
- Parrillada De Carne $26.00
Grilled steak, chicken breast, sausage, pork loin, served with fried green plantains and white rice.
- Bandeja Paisa $25.00
Grilled steak, sausage, pork loin, sweet plantain, white rice, avocado and beans.
Platos Tipicos
- Pupusas $3.75
Queso, frijol, chicharron o revueltas. Cheese, beans, pork or mixed pupusas. puro chicharron puro frijol puro queso revueltas = queso y chicharron mixed pupusas= frijol. chicharron y queso
- Pupusas Loroco $3.75
- Pupusas De Arroz $3.75
Queso, frijol, chicharron o revueltas .cheese, beans, pork or mixed rice pupusas. puro queso puro chicharron revueltas= queso y chichharron mixtas = frijol, chicharrón y queso
- Pupusas Mixtas $3.75
frijol, chicharron, y queso
- Plato Tipico $17.25
Pupusa, tamal de pollo, enchilada and taco frito. Popular platter with pupusa, tamal, enchilada and fried taco.
- Burrito Grande De Carne $13.25
Steak , rice, beans, topped with tomato sauce, cheese and cilantro.
- Burrito Grande De Pollo $13.25
Chicken, rice, beans, topped with tomato sauce, cheese and cilantro.
- Baleada $7.25
Tortilla with fried beans, scrambled eggs, sour cream, steak strips and avocado.
- Tamales $3.75
Chicken or pork tamales.
- Tamal De Elote Con Crema $3.75
Sweet corn tamal with sour cream.
- Platano Maduro Con Crema $6.00
Sweet plantains with sour cream.
- Platano Maduro Con Frijol Y Crema $7.00
Sweet plantains with freid beans and sour cream.
- Enchiladas $4.00
Chicken or beef on fried tortilla, topping with cabbage, cheese and boiled egg.
- 2 Tacos Fritos $5.95
Fried chicken or beef tacos.
- 3 Tacos Suaves $14.00
Soft chicken or beef tacos.
- 2 Pasteles $6.00
2 chicken or pork patties.
- Empanada De Platano $6.00
- Pupusa Con Todo $3.75
Frijol, queso, y chicarron
- Pupusa Ayote $3.75
- Pupusa Queso Y Frijol $3.50
- Revueltas $3.50
Chicharon con queso
- Pupusa Queso Y Jalapeño $3.75
- Pupusa Pollo Con Queso $3.75
- Pupusa Queso Y Camaron $4.00
Mariscos
- Salmon $17.50
Salmon grilled or in garlic sauce with vegetables.
- Pargo Frito Fried Red Snapper $18.95
- Mojarra $17.95
Frita o encebollada. Fried mojarra or sauteed with grilled onions, tomato and peppers.
- Filete $15.25
Empanizado o al ajillo. Fish fillet breaded or in garlic sauce.
- Filete Empanizado En Salsa De Hongos $16.50
Breaded fish fillet topped with mushroom cream sauce.
- Camarones Empanizados $15.95
Breaded shrimp.
- Camarones $16.50
Al vino blanco o al ajillo. Shrimp in garlic sauce or in white wine sauce.
- Camarones Enchilados $16.25
Sauteed shrimp in tomato sauce,
- Camarones Parmesana $16.95
Shrimp Parmesan.
- Filete Con Camarones Empanizados $17.50
Breaded fish fillet and breaded shrimp.
- Arroz Con Camarones $16.50
Sauteed rice with shrimp.
Platos Especiales
- Combinado $26.00
Grilled skirt, grilled chicken bread, garlic shrimp, served with fried green plantains and rice.
- Picada Loca Grande
Grilled steak and chicken strips, sausage, pork crackling, fried cassava, fried green plantains, tomato, lettuce and cucumbers.
- Pechuga Con Camarones $18.00
Al ajillo o al vino blanco. Chicken breast and shrimp (in white wine sauce or in garlic sauce).
- Mar Y Tierra $32.00
Grilled skirt steak and shrimp on hot plate.
- 1/2 Gallina Asada Con Sopa $18.25
1/2 grilled hen and soup.
- Pescado Envuelto $14.00
Con Arroz y ensalada
- Especial Del Dia $12.00
- Langosta Rellena $75.00
En ajo con camarones
Menu De Ninos
- Kids Tiritas De Pollo $11.00
Chicken fingers.
- Kids Salchipapas $9.25
Fried hot dogs bits with french fries.
- Kids Tiritas De Carne $11.00
Grilled steak strips and french fries.
Acompanantes
- Arroz Blanco $4.00
White rice.
- Arroz Amarillo $4.50
Yellow rice.
- Casamiento $5.00
Rice and beans mixed.
- Habichuelas $4.00
Red beans.
- Frijol Frito $4.00
Fried beans.
- Platanos Maduros $4.00
Sweet plantains.
- Tostones $4.00
Fried green plantains.
- Yuca Frita $4.00
Fried cassava.
- Papas Fritas $5.00
French fries.
- Ensalada Pequena $5.00
Side salad.
- Aguacate $3.95
Avocado.
- Vegetales $5.00
Vegetables.
- Tortillas $1.00
- Extra Curtido $3.00
- Curtido Grande $6.00
- Queso Para Sandwich $1.00
Postres
- Tres Leches $7.00
- Flan $7.00
- Tiramisu $7.00
- Postres Grandes $8.00
- Galletas $1.00
- Chips $3.00
- Nuegados $8.00
Con chilate
- Torrejas $7.50
Batidos
- Fresa Shake $7.25
Strawberry.
- Mango Shake $7.25
Mango.
- Papaya Shake $7.25
Papaya.
- Banano Shake $7.25
Banana.
- Pina Shake $7.25
Pineapple.
- Maracuya Shake $7.50
Passion fruit.
- Guanabana Shake $7.25
Soursop.
- Combinado Shake $8.00
Mixed.
- Morir Sonando $7.25
Orange juice and milk.
- Limonada $7.50
Lemonade.
Refrescos
- Horchata
- Maranon
- Tamarindo
- Cebada
- Horchata Grande $8.99
- Maraño Grande $8.00
Sodas
- Coca Cola $3.00
- Sprite $3.00
- Ginger Ale $3.00
- Diet Coke $3.00
- Sunkist $2.75
- Grape $2.75
- Cola Champagne $3.50
- Snapple $3.50
Bebidas Calientes
- Coffee With Milk $2.75
- Capuchino $3.25
Cappuccino.
- Chocolate Caliente $3.00
Hot chocolate.
- Espresso $1.50
- Atol De Elote
Bebidas de Ninos
- Kids Nesquik $2.25
Fresa or chocolate.
- Kids Tropicana Jugo De Naranja O Manzana $2.75
Tropicana orange juice or apple juice .
Pupusa Loca of Paterson Details
Service options
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Serves local specialty
- Sports
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free street parking
- Parking
Pupusa Loca of Paterson Photos










Pupusa Loca of Paterson Location
Pupusa Loca of Paterson
197 Market St Apartment 1, Paterson, NJ 07505, USA
Pupusa Loca of Paterson Reviews
pricessoupsteakthe environmentmusicparkingcateringfootchocolate cakefried tacos
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I paid $40+ in pupusas, for starters the pupusas themselves were very hard and dry, I ordered beans and cheese and chicken with beans and cheese and they legit had no cheese whatsoever! And they barely added any chicken in the chicken ones! Not to mention the tomato sauce tasted like it was just canned tomatoes 🥫!! I wouldn’t recommend this spot to be completely honest unless you are willing to eat unauthentic pupusas. This is just my personal opinion.To clarify my order was never changed or refunded.
July 29 · Angie CardosoThis place is excellent always clean nice service and the food is amazing. The drinks are good and you can actually taste the alcohol. Yes I know it's paterson but it is worth it. Only issue is finding parking but definitely worth it.
September 26 · Leticia MerleThis place is amazing. It is clean, the staff and owners are friendly, and most importantly the food is absolutely delicious! I have eaten here and also ordered catering and have gotten so many compliments from my guests. I highly recommend you try the pernil, it's so good! 😊
August 04 · Nedda&Josh GorskyIf you're craving authentic Salvadoran cuisine, this restaurant is a must-visit. From the moment you walk in, the warm, welcoming atmosphere sets the tone for a fantastic meal. The pupusas are the star of the show—crispy on the outside, stuffed with delicious fillings like cheese, beans, and pork, and served with tangy curtido and salsa. The sopa de res (beef soup) is hearty and comforting, with tender meat and rich flavors that make you feel right at home. Every dish is made with fresh ingredients and a lot of care. The service is friendly, and the flavors are spot-on, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a taste of El Salvador.
March 21 · Camila GarciaThe prices are affordable. Lunch specials are great. The pupusas are made fresh on the spot, worth the wait. The staff is very friendly. I was there for lunch during the week and it was not crowded. I sat right away. I'm not sure how busy it is at night or weekends.
October 20 · Felippe Mora
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