Caracas Brooklyn & Caracas Roneria

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Arepas are commonly confused with greasy corn and mozzarella cakes ubiquitously served at summer street fairs. Those are American arepas, people! And while they’re pretty damn tasty on their own, they’re not the Venezuelan street-cart staple served at this Brooklyn branch of the popular East Village cafe. Back in 2002, Maribel Araujo introduced her version to the world—grilled cornmeal cakes stuffed with a variety of savory fillings, from guacamole and creamy cheese to shredded beef and pork shoulder. Combination plates of three arepas run around $20, with a range of empanadas and traditional entrees served. But go for the arepas, wisely garnished with a burst of Araujo’s secret (life-changing) sauce.

Or go for the booze: The bar area specializes in rum—it's actually called a roneria—pouring 30 different kinds and featuring inventive rummy drinks (concocted by Apothéke mixologist Orson Salicetti), like a Manhattan made with aged rum, sweet vermouth, bitters, bay leaves, blueberries and orange zest, and a mojito made with rum and absinthe. Which, needless to say, go nicely with those melty-delicious arepas.

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