Yerba Buena
- Neighborhood: East Village
- 23 Avenue A
- New York, NY 10009
- 212-529-2919
- Price range: $$$ ($16-$25)
Former East Village Brazilian spot Samba Le has cha-cha’d its way out to make way for this pan-Latin restaurant with a touch of Havana cool and swath of savory bites. Lechon, paella and ropa vieja anchor a menu that showcases “more traditional Latin cuisine using different techniques and ingredients,” according to co-owner Giovanny Campos. Rabbit meatballs with Manchego cheese? Yep, not something that pops up at your regular cantina. Neither are the prices—between $19 and $27 for entrees, so bring the dinero. The restaurant’s name refers to an all-purpose minty herb used in everything from health remedies to cocktails—which works just fine for PDT vet Artemio Vasquez, whose infuses it into house’s signature drink (Bacardi 8, demerara syrup, fresh lime). Because, of course, usually your remedy is a cocktail.
Getting There
- Cross Streets:
- Between First and Second Aves.
- Public Transportation:
- F, V to 2nd Ave.
The Basics
- Hours:
-
Sun.-Thu. 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m.
Fri.-Sat. 5:30 p.m.-12 a.m.
- Cuisine:
- Latin American
- Meals Served:
- Dinner
- Price Range:
- $$$ ($16-$25)
