Sofrito Restaurant

One of my foodie best friends, Willie and I decided to go to dinner. We eat out three or four times a month. This week, he suggested Sofrito.

Located on the 57 street near First Avenue. The restaurant is billed as authentic Puerto Rican food but it's more Caribbean Latin food.

Arrived about 7:20 PM. We didn't have a reservation and there was a forty Minute wait. The lounge area, consisting of a private booth in the front and bench seating across from the bar are a was packed. The decor is very lounge-esq and reminds me of an 50's Miami supper club.

The bar and lounge was filled with a nice looking crowded but well staffed. There a murals on the columns with interesting sayings. The area behind the bar has neon lights that change intermittently and several flat screens which stretched to the back restaurant seating area. The area is tight and if you prefer not to wait for a table, you can also order appetizers and entrees at the bar. I had a pina colada and Willie had a specialty drink. I'm not a big drinker but even I thought my drink was "weak". I definitely didn't want to order an addition cocktail. Other folks seemed to be happy with their drinks, maybe I ordered the wrong thing??

After about 45 minutes, we were assigned a table. We were seated next to a group of ladies celebrating a birthday who were lots of fun. As soon as we sat down we were greeted and given menus. We we're brought water, but one thing I found odd is we were never given bread throughout our meal.

After looking over the menu, we order apps. I ordered the BBQ Ribs and Willie ordered the fired pork. When our apps arrived at the table, they portions were huge. They were so big, Willie questions what I ordered and thought I mistakenly ordered an entree. There were 5 bones on my ribs and were paired with a GiNormus mound of potato salad. the sauce was amazing and the ribs fell off the bone. They were finger lickin' good. Willlie's fried pork was juicy and tender and perfect without the dipping sauce.

After devouring our apps and waiting for our entrees we commented on the size of the portions of the meals people at adjacent tables ordered. One of the ladies at the table next to us, ordered the pernil, it was the size of new born child.

For entree's Willie ordered the Red Snapper and I order the Turf an Surf special. The snapper was whole and overflowing with rice. It firm without being overcooked or dry. My lobster and Filet had my mouth watering, however, looks can be deceiving. I ordered my meal with no beans and my meat medium rare. When brought out to the table, the meal came with beans and my Filet was well done. I sent it back and a few minutes later my meal "as ordered" arrived, and the meat was perfect. The lobster was sweet, the rice nice and firm and my Filet tender. After eating about a third of our entrees, neither of us could finish. The sizes are huge. We were asked if we wanted desert. We just looked at one another and laughed as we were stuffed.

The next day I had my leftovers for lunch. Willie more than a half of fish to eat days later.

It's important to note that Sofrito is the "go to place" for birthday celebrations. While were were there, there were 17 birthday celebrations. Willie commented, that the celebrations gave the place a "ChuckEcheese" feel. If I hear "Feliz Cumpleanos" one more time, I'm going to go postal!

Overall I think Sofrito is a great place to start an evening, have a group meal or an non significant celebration. The prices are very reasonable for the location and the size per portion. The place is lively, but the music is a bit loud, and the tables are close. This is not a place I would recommend for a date as the music is so loud, you have to yell across the table and0or repeat almost everything you say.

Sofrito, is trying to market itself as an mid-scale/upper mid-scale restaurant but the staff is needs some refinement. The wait staff was friendly, but I think if you're going to be hired as front line staff you should completely master English. A restaurant owner should make sure your patrons are offered basic items like bread. The small things go a long way.

Sofrito

400 Eeast 57 Street

New York, NY 10022
(212) 754-5999
www.sofritony.com