THE MEK PASTELES EN HOJA AREPA Y ALGO MAS

- 1607 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10040

Located in the heart of Washington Heights, a neighborhood celebrated for its vibrant Caribbean culture, THE MEK PASTELES EN HOJA AREPA Y ALGO MAS offers a taste of authentic Dominican home cooking that is both comforting and deeply rooted in tradition. This specialized establishment is more than just a local eatery; it is a culinary destination for those in New York City seeking the genuine flavors of the Dominican Republic, particularly the holiday classic now available year-round: the *Pasteles en Hoja*.

The name itself—THE MEK PASTELES EN HOJA AREPA Y ALGO MAS—highlights the restaurant’s core focus. It promises the celebrated *Pasteles en Hoja* (a dense, plantain-based savory dumpling, filled with seasoned meat and wrapped in a banana leaf), expertly prepared *Arepas*, and the promise of "Algo Mas" (something more), which typically translates to a curated menu of Dominican comfort food favorites and quick bites. The atmosphere is authentically Casual, reflecting the friendly, bustling nature of a true neighborhood spot. For New Yorkers in need of a quick, satisfying meal that tastes like it came from abuela’s kitchen, this is the essential stop on St Nicholas Avenue.

The demand for high-quality, convenient Dominican cuisine is immense in New York, and THE MEK PASTELES EN HOJA rises to meet it. It serves as an accessible anchor for the local community, catering to patrons looking for a satisfying Solo dining experience or families seeking to introduce their children (it is rated as Good for kids) to authentic, traditional Caribbean dishes. The focus is squarely on providing high-impact, flavorful Comfort food that serves as both a staple meal and a delicious Quick bite. The commitment to delivering these specialized dishes, known for their labor-intensive preparation, sets this restaurant apart in the crowded NYC dining scene.

THE MEK PASTELES EN HOJA AREPA Y ALGO MAS is conveniently situated at 1607 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10040, USA. This location places it perfectly within the Washington Heights area of Uptown Manhattan, an area well-served by public transportation and bustling with local life.

Accessibility is geared toward neighborhood convenience and practicality. While specific details on physical accessibility (like wheelchair access) are not explicitly stated, the location’s focus on diverse service options ensures accessibility for most local users. Being on a major Uptown avenue means it is easily reachable via the New York subway system, a crucial factor for Manhattan diners. For local residents, the availability of both Dine-in and comprehensive off-premise services means the restaurant is easily accessible regardless of a patron's schedule. The casual atmosphere reinforces a sense of ease, inviting New Yorkers to stop by spontaneously for a quick, delicious meal.

The service model at this Dominican restaurant prioritizes speed, convenience, and flexibility to meet the demands of the fast-paced New York lifestyle.

• On-Premise Dining: Offers a welcoming Dine-in experience in a Casual atmosphere, ideal for a comfortable meal.
• Off-Premise Convenience: Provides seamless Takeout options for patrons on the go.
• Delivery Services: Features comprehensive options including standard Delivery and the highly requested No-contact delivery for maximum safety and ease.
• Curbside Pickup: An added convenience, allowing patrons to collect their orders quickly without leaving their vehicle.
• Catering to All: Popular for Solo dining, yet also explicitly categorized as Good for kids, making it suitable for single patrons and small families alike.
• Core Offerings: Dedicated to Comfort food and specializing in items that serve as a perfect Quick bite, ensuring fast, satisfying service.

The restaurant's greatest strengths lie in its culinary focus and its commitment to providing an authentic, high-quality Dominican experience that contrasts with generic fast-food options.

• Specialization in *Pasteles en Hoja*: The restaurant's namesake dish is a major highlight. *Pasteles en Hoja*—a flavorful plantain or yuca-based masa filled with seasoned meat (often chicken, beef, or pork) and boiled in a banana leaf—is a labor-intensive Dominican and Puerto Rican holiday staple, making its year-round availability a significant draw for local food enthusiasts.
• Focus on *Arepas*: A dedicated mention of *Arepas* in the title indicates that the restaurant serves these versatile cornmeal cakes, which are often stuffed with various fillings, offering a quick, handheld, and customizable meal.
• Authentic Comfort Food Experience: The commitment to Dominican cuisine means patrons can expect other typical "Algo Mas" offerings, such as *Mangu* (mashed plantains, often served with 'los tres golpes': fried cheese, salami, and egg), hearty *Chicharrón* (fried pork or chicken chunks), savory *Empanadas*, and *Yaroa* (a Dominican take on loaded fries or nachos, often topped with meat and cheese), providing a wide array of classic tastes.
• Quick and Convenient: Positioning itself as a source for a Quick bite, the restaurant appeals to busy New Yorkers who demand fast service without compromising the deep, complex flavors of Caribbean cooking.
• Community Hub: Located in a heavily Dominican community, the restaurant is poised to be an authentic, trusted source for traditional flavors, catering to the cultural palate of its Washington Heights neighbors.

To place a takeout order, inquire about the daily menu, or arrange a delivery, please use the following contact details.

Address: 1607 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10040, USA

Phone: (856) 993-6098

Mobile Phone: +1 856-993-6098

When visiting THE MEK PASTELES EN HOJA AREPA Y ALGO MAS, the best choices are those items that represent the depth and heart of Dominican cooking, particularly the signature dishes mentioned in its name. New Yorkers should prioritize the unique offerings that are difficult to find made with such dedicated authenticity elsewhere.

The single most worth choosing item is the **Pastel en Hoja**. This is the restaurant’s namesake and likely its specialty. Choosing this item means experiencing the true, labor-intensive craft of Dominican cooking—a silky masa, often made from plantain, yuca, or a mix, filled with richly seasoned meat, olives, and spices, all steamed inside a banana leaf. It’s an incredibly satisfying, moist, and flavorful "hot pocket" of Caribbean culinary history, traditionally reserved for holidays but available here as a daily comfort food. You can expect various fillings like chicken, beef, or pork, with prices typically falling in the highly affordable range for a substantial Dominican specialty in the city (around $5-$6 per piece, based on similar NYC-area menus).

Secondly, customers should sample the **Arepa**. Depending on the local style, this might be a sweet, corn-based cake or a savory, grilled, stuffed bread. Either way, it offers a versatile, comforting texture and a different take on a staple handheld food. Paired with a specialty filling, the *Arepa* is the perfect Quick bite for someone rushing through St Nicholas Ave.

Finally, explore the **"Algo Mas"**—the Dominican Comfort food classics. If available, selecting a traditional side or appetizer elevates the experience. Look for savory fried meats (*Chicharrón de Pollo* or *Longaniza*) served with *Tostones* (fried green plantains). For a truly classic and hearty breakfast or late-day meal, a **3 Golpes con Mangu** (the iconic "three hits" of fried cheese, fried salami, and fried egg served with mashed plantains) is highly recommended. These additional items solidify the restaurant’s commitment to authentic, flavorful Dominican cuisine, providing New Yorkers with a full, satisfying, and culturally rich dining experience right in the heart of Washington Heights.

THE MEK PASTELES EN HOJA AREPA Y ALGO MAS

1607 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10040, USA