Sofrito

Critics' Pick

400 E. 57th St., New York, NY 10022 40.75826 -73.962899
nr. First Ave. See Map | Subway Directions Hopstop Popup
work212-754-5999 Send to Phone

Cuisine: Caribbean, Latin American
Price Range:
$$$
Key to Prices and ratings
Upscale

Almost Perfect

Exceptional

Generally Excellent

Very Good

Good

Cheap Eats

Best in Category

Excellent

Delicious

Very Good

Noteworthy
Very Expensive

Expensive

Moderate

Cheap
Reader Rating:
8.1 out of 10
|
17 Reviews | Write a Review

Photo by Shanna Ravindra

Map Rate & Review

Official Website

sofritony.com

Hours

Mon-Wed, 4:30pm-1am; Thu, 5pm-2am; Fri-Sat, 5pm-4am; Sun, 4pm-1am

Nearby Subway Stops

4, 5, 6 at 59th St.

Prices

$13-$23

Payment Methods

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Special Features

Bar Scene
Late-Night Dining
Lunch
Take-Out

Alcohol

Full Bar

Reservations

Recommended

Profile

Superficially, Sofrito resembles a meatpacking-district club: Ambient hip-hop pulses while the 100-foot bar is backlit by blue windows. But there’s a definite barrio vibe here, too. White colonnades are painted with the aphorisms of Spanish Harlem artist James de la Vega, and casual multigenerational groups mix with sleekly dressed couples. Everyone, from abuelas to niños comes for the knockout Puerto Rican menu which features several dishes dashingly presented, and others simply massive: Mofongo al pilon de bistec (savory shredded beef over mashed green plantains), and pernil con arroz y gandules (roasted pork shoulder with pigeon peas and rice) are both big enough to split three ways. Heck, sharing’s not a bad idea, given the tasty dessert empanaditas guyabas—delicate dumplings filled with guava paste-filled and well worth loosening your belt for. — Sarah Gold

Kitchen Hours

The kitchen shuts down one hour before closing time Sun.— Thu. and two hours before Fri.—Sat.

Recommended Dishes

Pernil con arroz y gandules, $19; mofongo al pilon, $14; tostones montaditos, $12; empanaditas guyabas, $6

Food:	7

Service:	4

Décor:	4

Value:	5

I have been to Sofrito's on a number of occasions and I have to say this time was my last. Each time I went the service was worse, and worse. The music is too loud in the dining room and the constant singing of Happy Birthday is obnoxious. I started to wonder if I was at Chucky Cheese or some other Birthday Mill!! The bathroom needs some serious attention! You'd think they would ensure it's neatness and cleanliness, but alas, they do not. Service is slow and yet, they sort of rush you to finish dinner. It's too bad, because the food is still good and the sangria is to die for. I will have to find another place to eat pernil and mofongo because I'm just not giving them my business anymore!!!

Sofrito

Upscale Puerto Rican

vcmeremaid from 11217 | Posted on 11/10/09

Overall Rating: 107 (Recommended)


Food:	8
Service:	7

Décor:	7

Value:	7

I did not expect such snazzy decor when I walked into Sofrito, nor the attentive and well-trained service from the bar and waitstaff. The pina colada was spiced with something I couldn't point my finger on, so I will have to go back for more....as it was fantastic. I usually avoid sweet drinks but this is worth the concession. I can't speak to authenticity but I can speak to flavor. Enormous portions of well prepared seafood paella and pork shoulder were seasoned nicely. Plantanos not too heavy. While I could have done without four, I swear, birthday serenades in an hour and a half - I really enjoyed myself. Great for a date.

Read All 17 Reviews >>