Vina Del Mar

This place is wonderful.
It’s not fancy. It’s not exotic. It’s simple food, friendly service and locals only. I’ve been here twice so far, and every time leave stuffed, with food left on my plate, a sense of calm, and happiness. I’ve been coming here on my breaks from Jury Duty over the past two weeks, and I cannot believe no one else from the courts frequents this place.
Mostly, I’ve had chicken, always with a tamarin drink. The first time, I tried the basic grilled chicken, which was simple, but juicy and perfectly cooked. It comes with basic salad and rice, and the lady gave me a side of tomato sauce (not Marinara, but a salsa-​like fresh tomato sauce). Nothing itself screams at you, but it’s just well prepared, and hearty.
My second time, I tried the stewed chicken, which was amazing. A-​maz-​ing. It’s a slow cooked chicken, with a bit of sauce, and falls off the bone. So tender! Oh my god. Mix it in with your rice, and this is heaven. Again, simple, home style cooking, which just hits the spot.
This time I had a friend, and we split an order of Papusas, which came recommended. They were good, and I had not had them before. Sort of a heavy pancake, with meat and cheese in the middle. My friend has had better in Brooklyn, but said these were more authentic than most, and good. Already stuffed with stewed chicken, I only had a few bites, for fear of exploding. I’ll have to try them again.
Their homemade tamarin drink is slightly sweeter than I normally like, but the thickness of it actually balanced out the sweet, and I couldn’t stop drinking it. It’s not too sweet, unlike fast food chains in the area. Try it, for sure.
All in all, I highly recommend this place for a low key, delicious alternative to some of the less stellar places a black away, in front of the Court House. It hasn’t been packed during jury lunch breaks, and just hits the spot. Friendly service, simple, comforting.

never had pupusa’s before so my elsalvadorian friend insisted i try them and im soooo glad i did. this place is great,
beyond tiny and cramped, not fancy at all but worth it for the amazing food!
ive been here several times and the owner heidi is a charm!
ive tried pupusa’s at other spots and must admit they dont compare. this place is amazing and all food is made fresh on the spot to order!

Tiny place but warm pupusa that hit your appetite just right. Great for a taste of traditional Salvadoran food. The best places or sometimes the small wonders.