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Yerba Buena

23 Avenue A
New York, NY 10019
Phone: (212) 529-2919
Yerba Buena
Price:
$$
Cross Street:
Between Houston & 2nd St
Directions:
F, V to 2nd Ave; F at Delancey; J, M, Z at Essex
Hours:
Mon-Fri 5pm-12am, Sat-Sun 11:30am-4pm, 5pm-12am

Message from Yerba Buena

Yerba Buena

A unique combination of Innovative Latin Cuisine and Classic Cocktails

  • Innovative Latin Cuisine
  • Inspired by Old-Time Havana
  • Extensive Latin Wine List

This newly-opened East Village Cocina Latina presents an innovative take on Latin cuisine. Executive Chef Julian Medina works his magic preparing fresh Latin flavors of Cuba, Peru, Chile, Mexico, & Argentina in an open kitchen, completely visible from the dining room. Backlit with aqua, green and blue textured mirrors under a seafoam colored ceiling whirling with old style Cuba ceiling fans, the Cockteleria Clasica [classic cocktail bar], boasts a menu of carefully-researched classics prepared by mixologist Artemio Vasquez, and an extensive Latin American wine list by Wine Director Giovanny Campos (including reds, whites, rosés and dessert wines).

Paid advertisement by Yerba Buena.

Editorial Review for Yerba Buena – by Jessica Allen

Quieter and more restrained than Toloache, Julian Medina's Mexican restaurant in midtown, or the now-defunct Patria, where Lenis Gonzales worked as a sous chef, Yerba Buena features small plates filled with a few good, basic ingredients. Choclo a la plancha tops Peruvian corn (fatter than its North American cousin) with cheese and spices; guacamole blends avocado, cheese, chipotle and onions. Larger dishes para la mesa include costilla (short ribs) and lechon (suckling pig). Muted lime green walls trimmed with dark brown and decorated with large framed photographs of Havana keep the focus on the food.

High Marks
"
The bartender was quick, pleasant and most importantly, mixed excellent concoctions (try the desert rose or pisco guava)." (cceemm37, Citysearch user)

"From the guacamole to the emanadas, every dish was full of flavor, each ingredient fresher than the next." (kjes, Citysearch user)

"The staff was not only attentive, but well informed and friendly. It truly felt like they wanted us to have a great experience." (mcd1966, Citysearch user)

Low Marks
"One small note, the climate control seems to be a little off and some corners of the place are very warm." (noords, Citysearch user)

"A bit quiet, but not unexpected on a NYC summer weekend..." (BlueCorner, Citysearch user)

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.

Insider Tips

What to Drink

The bartender's so good, his name, Artemio Vasquez, appears at the end of the cocktail list. Try his Desert Rose, rose-infused gin mixed with prickly pear puree and lemon juice, or the Hemingway, flor de cana rum and maraschino liqueur with lime and grapefruit juices.

Where to Sit

The kitchen at the back of the small dining room has Venetian blinds, allowing you to glimpse, peek-a-boo-style, chefs at work. Banana trees with plentiful leaves shield you from street noise and foot traffic.

User Reviews for Yerba Buena

2 Star Rating: Below Average

12/10/2008 Posted by jemen

I've had better chicken and rice at El Sombrero or one of those mexican places on the LES, or Boston Market for that matter. Mojitos were $12 plus tax, which I guess is the norm for a mojito, but they came with a giant massive ice cube in the glass that took up 2/3 of the glass. Felt a bit ripped off. The hostess was pretty hot though.

Pros: Hot hostress

Cons: Over priced and not worth it.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

12/05/2008 Posted by fattyfoody

If you haven't been to Yerba Buena you are really missing out on not only a fabulous cocktail menu but great atmosphere and awesome food. I've been many times and have never had a bad experience. To name a few great dishes- fish tacos, arguably the best around, the arepa's always crispy on the outside and perfectly seasoned pork on the inside, arroz con pollo a must have. The staff is always beyond friendly and makes a point to make you feel welcome. Can't forget the cocktails always made to perfection. Pisco Sour is my FAVE! I highly recommend for you to check out this spot!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

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Editor's Review

This pan-Latin American restaurant, spearheaded by veterans of the Nuevo Latino scene, creates simple small plates with Cuban flair.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

What to Drink

The bartender's so good, his name, Artemio Vasquez, appears at the end of the cocktail list. Try his Desert Rose, rose-infused gin mixed with prickly pear puree and lemon juice, or the Hemingway, flor de cana rum and maraschino liqueur with lime and grapefruit juices.

More Insider Tips

Restaurant Information for Yerba Buena

Notable Chef

  • Julian Medina

Parking

  • Street

Hours

  • Mon-Fri 5pm-12am
  • Sat-Sun 11:30am-4pm
  • 5pm-12am

Dress Code

  • Casual

Cuisines

  • Latin American
  • Cuban

Payment Types

  • MasterCard
  • Visa

Meal Price

  • $$

Amenities

  • Online Reservations
  • Late Night Dining
  • Date Spot
  • Open 7 Days
  • Notable Chef

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