Santa Salsa

- 234 Starr St, Brooklyn, NY 11237

In a city known for its diverse culinary scene, some of the most authentic and exciting flavors are found where you least expect them. Santa Salsa, a Venezuelan restaurant and bar nestled in Brooklyn's Bushwick neighborhood, is a prime example of this. It’s more than just a place to grab a bite; it’s a cultural experience, a late-night love letter to the vibrant street food of Venezuela. With its distinctive "gritty, joyful, and a little chaotic" atmosphere, as one reviewer put it, Santa Salsa captures the true spirit of Bushwick. The establishment is a unique blend of a hamburger restaurant, a cocktail bar, and even an art gallery, creating a space that is both trendy and comfortably casual. This article will provide you with a comprehensive overview of Santa Salsa, from its location and offerings to the specific menu items that make it a local favorite.

Santa Salsa has earned a reputation for being an unpretentious and authentic spot. As one reviewer noted, it "doesn’t try to be cool, it just is." The bar’s ambiance is a key part of its appeal, with music spilling out onto Starr Street and a neon glow that feels earned rather than curated. The staff, as exemplified by a server named Paula, are praised for being "friendly without the performative charm" and "knowledgeable without the ego," creating a welcoming environment where you feel like a regular from your very first visit. While there have been a few isolated negative customer experiences regarding staff, these are not representative of the overall positive sentiment towards the owner and the atmosphere he has built over many years. Santa Salsa has been a neighborhood staple, known for its ability to bring people together and serve as a casual, fun gathering place for college students, families, and groups. It is a place where you can feel the warmth of Venezuelan culture and the lively spirit of New York's late-night scene.

Santa Salsa is located at 234 Starr St in Brooklyn, New York. Its position in the heart of the Bushwick arts district makes it a convenient and lively destination. This neighborhood is known for its vibrant street art, music venues, and diverse community, and Santa Salsa fits right in. The location is easily accessible for both locals and tourists exploring the area. Starr Street offers a more relaxed and local feel compared to the busier avenues, making it a perfect spot for outdoor seating and a casual dinner.

For those driving, free street parking is available, which is a welcome feature in a city where parking can be a challenge. The restaurant is also equipped with a wheelchair-accessible restroom and seating, which ensures that it is an inclusive and comfortable space for all patrons. The combination of a prime location and thoughtful accessibility features makes Santa Salsa a highly convenient and welcoming spot to visit, whether you're coming for a quick bite or a full evening out with friends.

Services Offered

• Outdoor Seating: The restaurant offers outdoor seating, allowing customers to enjoy their food and drinks while taking in the vibrant atmosphere of Starr Street.
• Delivery and Takeout: For ultimate convenience, Santa Salsa provides both delivery and takeout services, so you can enjoy their delicious food from the comfort of your home.
• Dine-in: The venue offers a casual and trendy dine-in experience with comfortable seating.
• Late-Night Food: As a true "late-night love letter," Santa Salsa is open until 2 am, making it a perfect spot for a post-midnight craving.
• Family-Friendly: The restaurant is noted as being good for kids and offers high chairs and a kids' menu, making it a great option for families.

Features / Highlights

• Authentic Venezuelan Street Food: The menu is a highlight, featuring traditional Venezuelan comfort food like hot dogs, pepitos, and parrillas.
• Bar and Cocktails: Santa Salsa is also a full-service bar with a great beer selection, happy hour drinks, and unique cocktails like the Mango Muerto and Muerte Y Vida.
• Unique Atmosphere: The bar’s vibe is described as a "dive bar meets Venezuelan street party," with a "casual" and "trendy" feel that is truly unique to Bushwick.
• Art Gallery: The location doubles as an art gallery, adding to its creative and immersive atmosphere.
• Fast Service: Customers have noted the fast service, which ensures you can get your food and drinks quickly, whether you're in a hurry or settling in for a long evening.
• Diverse Crowd: The crowd is a mix of college students, families, groups, and tourists, reflecting the inclusive nature of the establishment.

Contact Information

Address: 234 Starr St, Brooklyn, NY 11237, USA

Phone: (347) 365-2710

What is worth choosing

When navigating the menu at Santa Salsa, there are a few items that consistently stand out as worth choosing for a truly authentic and satisfying experience. The Tostones Carne, for example, received an unequivocal "no notes" from a discerning reviewer, who praised its perfect "crisp / chew ratio" and the way the ingredients "all play nice, no one overpowering." This dish, with its tender steak and perfect balance of flavors, is a must-try and a clear highlight of the menu. Another essential choice, if you're feeling adventurous, is the hot dog. While one reviewer called it a "beautiful disaster" due to the bun, they also celebrated the "unapologetically maximalist" toppings and the "triumph" of the sauces, highlighting the unique and flavorful Venezuelan street food style. The "Perro Con Todo" is a popular option, and the "Vegan Santa" shows a commitment to offering options for all diets.

Beyond the food, the drink menu is also worth exploring. The beer selection is praised as "great," and the cocktail list features a range of exciting options. Whether you're in the mood for a classic Margarita or a more adventurous Mango Muerto, the bar has something to suit every taste. The happy hour is a great opportunity to sample the drinks at a lower price point.

Ultimately, what is truly worth choosing about Santa Salsa is the combination of its unique, flavorful food and its one-of-a-kind atmosphere. It’s a place that offers a genuine taste of Venezuelan street culture in a setting that feels like a true Brooklyn institution. Choosing Santa Salsa is choosing an experience that is lively, authentic, and filled with delicious comfort food that will leave you with a "renewed sense of purpose," as one customer eloquently stated.

Santa Salsa

234 Starr St, Brooklyn, NY 11237, USA