The Stern Opportunity

Owned by Cuban siblings Diana and Gerardo, this colorful tapas restaurant-bar on Bowery initially served the traditional Cuban home cooking the duo grew up on. Since the space first opened in 2002, however, the menu and atmosphere have evolved to what can be defined as a modern Nuevo-Cubano style.

This exciting Cuban bistro successfully blends influences from Spain (chorizo) and Mexico (quesadillas) with classics from the owners’ homeland like Cubaniche (mini Cuban pressed sandwiches). Whatever the nation of origin, the tapas are made with fresh ingredients and have a bold taste. Fried treats like the yuca fritas, croquetas filled with wild mushrooms and crispy calamari with spicy Dominican honey are perfect to share. As for entrées, Agozar! offers a tasty selection of Cuban classics like pernil (roasted pork), pollo al mojo Cubano (grilled half chicken in a lime marinade) and ropa vieha (shredded beef creole style), as well as several parrilla dishes (grilled meat, Argentinean style). The more elaborate platos fuertes like the delicious pollo Guantanamero (chicken breast stuffed with sweet plantains & cheese in a light white wine sauce with mushrooms and garlic) are also noteworthy and full of flavor.

To wash down the spicy food and forget the end-of-the-semester stress, go for Agozar!’s tasty mojitos, which come in different varieties – from the classic mint version to the sweeter strawberry or coconut options. Other house specialty cocktails include caipirinhas (not exactly Brazilian style), decent sangria and other rum-based recipes. The smiling staff will gladly serve these interesting concoctions by the glass or in large pitchers – perfect for large (and thirsty) groups.

The restaurant’s cozy dining rooms feature colorful tabletops and blue benches that, together with the Cuban beats in the background, give the place a vibrant and fun atmosphere (the mojitos probably help, too). Service is fast and friendly and makes the dining experience at Agozar! truly pleasant. Food prices are reasonable but the bill will be heavily influenced by the number of cocktails.

Agozar!

324 Bowery (near Bleecker St.)

212-677-6773

Info: Subways – 6 at Bleecker St. and F, V at Lower East Side-Second Ave.; Opening hours – Mon-Thu: 5pm-midnight, Fri-Sat: 5pm-1am, Sun: 5pm-10pm

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