Salsa Cafe Restaurant

- 169 Palisade Ave, Garfield, NJ 07026

Introduction / Overview

For New Jersey locals seeking an authentic taste of the Caribbean, Salsa Cafe Restaurant in Garfield stands out as a vibrant culinary destination. Identifiable as a proud women-owned establishment, Salsa Cafe brings the heart and soul of Dominican cuisine to North Jersey, offering a menu rich with traditional flavors and hearty portions. More than just a place to eat, it cultivates a cozy, lively atmosphere that has been compared to a welcoming lounge or living room, making it popular for everything from a quick morning coffee to a late-night feast.

The menu is an extensive celebration of Dominican and broader Latin American gastronomy, covering all meal periods from breakfast to dinner, and even offering options for late-night cravings. Diners can explore staples like Mofongo with various fillings, generous servings of Carne (meat) and Marisco (seafood) platters, and a tempting array of Daily Specials that rotate through classic Dominican stews and baked meats. Known for its strong cultural identity and welcoming environment, Salsa Cafe is a must-try for New Jersey residents craving genuine Caribbean comfort food.

With a commitment to service that includes outdoor seating, delivery, and catering, Salsa Cafe works hard to be a flexible and accessible dining option for the surrounding Bergen County community. Whether you're a family looking for a friendly dinner spot, a group celebrating a special occasion, or a solo diner needing a quick, quality meal, this restaurant offers a warm, casual, and trendy setting.

Location and Accessibility

Salsa Cafe Restaurant is conveniently located on a main avenue in Garfield, New Jersey, making it easily accessible for customers throughout the North Jersey area. Its prime position on Palisade Avenue ensures high visibility and ease of travel.

The exact location is:

169 Palisade Ave, Garfield, NJ 07026, USA

As a local establishment, the restaurant aims to be a comfortable space for all members of the community. In terms of accessibility and community focus, the venue is known to be:

• Family-friendly and Good for kids, complete with High chairs.
• A welcoming space for Groups and Solo dining.
• Open to those planning ahead, as it Accepts reservations.
• Modern in payment options, accepting Debit cards and NFC mobile payments.
• Committed to being an inclusive environment, noted as being LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safespace.

While specific details on physical accessibility features like wheelchair ramps are not provided, the central location on a major street in Garfield places it conveniently for local foot and vehicle traffic.

Services Offered

Salsa Cafe Restaurant provides a wide range of services designed for maximum customer convenience, catering to all times of the day and various social needs. They seamlessly blend traditional table service with modern takeout and delivery options.

• Dine-in and Seating: Offering a casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere with full table service, perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal or a social gathering. Outdoor seating is also available.
• Takeout and Delivery: Providing both standard and No-contact delivery options, allowing customers to enjoy authentic Dominican cuisine at home.
• Catering and Party Trays: Specializing in large format orders, including Bandejas De Fiestas (Party Trays) with popular combinations like Chicharron De Pollo or Puerco, Salami, and Longaniza, catering to parties of 5 to 10 people or more.
• All-Day Dining: Serving a full menu for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, with offerings that include Late-night food and quick bites.
• Beverage Service: Featuring Great coffee, fresh fruit Batidas (smoothies) like Banana, Papaya, and Fresa, as well as classic Dominican drinks like Morir Soñando.
• Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, making it a reliable choice for groups and planned dining events.
• Special Menu Offerings: Providing a variety of choices including Healthy options, Small plates, and Vegetarian options to accommodate diverse dietary preferences.

Features / Highlights

Salsa Cafe's appeal stems from several key highlights, primarily focusing on its commitment to authentic flavors, a vibrant menu, and a uniquely welcoming social setting.

• Authentic Dominican Cuisine: The menu is a comprehensive tour of Dominican cooking, featuring classics like Mofongo (with options like Longaniza, Camarones, or Chicharrones de Cerdo), Asopao (traditional stews), and Pica Pollo (fried chicken). The focus is on robust flavor and satisfying, home-style Comfort food.
• Diverse Daily Specials: A strong rotation of Especiales Diarios ensures fresh, seasonal variety, with popular dishes scheduled throughout the week, such as Chivo (Goat) on Saturdays and Sundays, Rabo (Oxtail) on multiple days, and Sancocho (Hearty Stew) on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
• Exceptional Beverages and Coffee: Praised by customers for its high-quality coffee and refreshing, flavorful Batidas (smoothies). The popular Papaya smoothie is a standout item, alongside the Dominican classic Morir Soñando (a milk and orange juice blend).
• Gourmet Sandwiches: Offering a variety of satisfying sandwiches, including the Cuban, Bistec, and the signature Chimichurri Res and Chimichurri Pollo sandwiches, available as combo meals for great value.
• Lively Atmosphere: The ambiance is a notable highlight—described as a trendy, cozy lounge-like setting that works well for social gatherings, making it a great venue for watching Sports and enjoying a relaxed evening.
• Inclusive Community Space: A welcoming environment for all, actively promoting itself as LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safespace, fostering a sense of belonging for the local community.

Contact Information

To place an order, make a reservation, or inquire about catering services, New Jersey customers can easily reach Salsa Cafe Restaurant using the following information:

Address: 169 Palisade Ave, Garfield, NJ 07026, USA

Phone: (973) 928-1717

What is Worth Choosing

Salsa Cafe Restaurant is an easy choice for New Jersey locals who prioritize authentic, flavorful Dominican cooking and a lively community setting. What makes it truly worth choosing is the combination of its specialty menu and unique atmosphere.

For lunch or dinner, the Mofongo is a must-have—a signature Caribbean dish that is executed to perfection here, especially the version with Camarones (shrimp). Another highly recommended item is the Cubano Sandwich, praised by patrons for its flawless toasting and generous combination of ingredients, offering substantial bang for your buck. Visitors also rave about the freshness and quality of the beverages; grabbing a smooth, flavorful Papaya smoothie alongside your meal is an absolute necessity.

If you are planning for a weekend meal, keep an eye on the Daily Specials for authentic comfort foods like Rabo Guisado (Oxtail Stew) or Chivo Guisado (Goat Stew), which represent the best of traditional home-style cooking. The atmosphere is ideal for a group outing or watching a game, offering a trendy and cozy backdrop for a social meal. Choosing Salsa Cafe means opting for a place where great food, excellent coffee, and a genuinely inclusive environment converge, right here in Garfield, NJ.

Salsa Cafe Restaurant

169 Palisade Ave, Garfield, NJ 07026, USA