Chavella's
Brooklyn, NY 11238
Phone: (718) 622-3100
- Price:
- $
- Cross Street:
- Between Prospect Place and Park Place
- Directions:
- 2, 3 at Eastern Pkwy-Brooklyn Museum; 4, 5 at Franklin Av
- Hours:
- Tue-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 11am-9pm
Editorial Review for Chavella's – by Aaron Barker
The Scene
The sunny, tile-splashed facade of this nuevo cantina adds a good dose of color to the neighborhood and wouldn't look out of place in Los Angeles. A flotilla of delivery bicycles at the entrance signals a brisk takeout business, but the mosaic-tiled lanterns, candle sconces and Mexican folk rock soundtrack make eating-in appealing.
The Food
Choice starters on the authentic, multi-regional Mexican menu include chunky guacamole with pico de gallo that's served with mini corn tortillas, or the tlacoyos, masa cakes filled with black bean paste and smothered in queso fresco. Onions that might normally be diced raw with cilantro are instead grilled and folded into marinated steak tacos, making for a pleasant richness. Fiery tortilla soup, however, doesn't have nearly enough creme fraiche to balance its substantial spiciness. If you're too full for cinnamon-specked arroz con leche, swipe some eucalyptus-flavored gum from the jugs adorning each table.
Hits: A nice change for a neighborhood otherwise overfilled with Chinese and Caribbean take-out.
Misses: Those with sensitive taste buds might find the spicing a bit heavy handed.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
BrunchWeekend brunch features dishes like a jalapeno-heated eggs Benedict.
Know Before You GoWhile the liquor license is pending, head next door to the corner bodega that sells Negra Modelo (and ask for limes back at the restaurant).
The ExtrasChef-owner Arturo Leonar cut his teeth at the Upper West Side's trendy Latin restaurant, Calle Ocho.
User Reviews for Chavella's
02/15/2008 Posted by jryirish
This small neighborhood place is amazing. Maybe 7 or 8 2-person tables fill this small hole-in-the-wall and the 1 waitress bounces around with a smile making sure everyone is happy. And they are. Fantastic Mexican food for an unbeatable price. I grew up in San Diego and am always on the lookout for authentic Mexican and this is it. Everything is so fresh, you can practically see everything being made in the kitchen. Everyone on staff is exceptionally nice to customers and service is great, even delivery is served hot. Still BYOB so stock up on Negra Modelo at the neighboring bodegas before going inside. It won't be long before they need a bigger place. I can't wait!
Pros: Delicious & Authentic; Service; Value
Cons: Small, may be a wait
11/08/2007 Posted by akinyc
Great addition to the area. We need more places like this! Please support the Chavella's so that more small business owners consider Prospect Heights!!!
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