El Cocotero

Average User Rating

6.5

Exceptional

About El Cocotero

El Cocotero is a Venezuelan restaurant located in the Downtown neighborhood at 228 West 18th Street in New York, NY . El Cocotero has been described as an Exceptional Venezuelan restaurant and has received an average rating of 6.5 by our members.

Quick Facts

Cuisine: Venezuelan
Accepts Credit Card: Yes
Parking: N/A

Atmosphere: N/A
Take Reservations: Yes
Serves Alcohol: N/A
Smoking Allowed:No

User Reviews for El Cocotero

food		“...I have gone to Cocotero. I was warned the very first time I was taken there that sometimes the service was not the greatest but the food made up for it... “...When my friend suggested this restaurant and I looked up the menu online, I expected heavy, greasy arepas with cheese (like the ones you get at The Fair), and a bright, tacky decor... “...Wifey and I tearing it up at our favorite Venezuelan restaurant. We are def coming back again... “...I love El Cocotero!! Their food is delicious and very authentic. I moved to nyc from caracas about 15 years ago and I go here every time I feel homesic... “...Very cozy place serving up the best empanadas I've had in the northern hemisphere. I am shocked it hasn't made it onto Zagat's radar yet...
ambiance		“...We all had patacones. They were dee-licious... “... Other yummy treats are. The ambiance and the service is not only great but warm and very inviting! Lucho, the owner, is always around to share a laugh... “...The decor is cute, and comforting what turned me off was the fact that the waitress was RUDE. I am soft spoken didn't hear what I had ordered so turns ...
service		“... I think anyone who said the service was lousy probably went in there with a pissy attitude to begin with, 'cause we thought this place was a DELIGHT and can't wait to go back!... “...Let me start by saying that I love this restaurant. It recently because my tradition to go there every time I'm in New York...
value		“...I was very happy to find this spot in between quiet Chelsea avenues on a very frigid day. A quick glance at the Venezuelan flag waving proudly outside ... “...My husband and I go there pretty often. I love the Sangrias here yummy yummy...
arepas		“... We were upset that we hadn't gone sooner because it was GREAT. the arepas and entrees are delicious... “... I'm a big fan of Latin American restaurants, especially for the arepas and even more for Cachapas. It's really small, crowded, and the tables are ver... “... I moved to nyc from caracas about 15 years ago and I go here every time I feel ho. Their arepas are delicious, authentic but at the same time original... “... A small "locals" sort of place with simply-prepared but delicious South American specialities such as empanadas and arepas, along with several larger entrees...
restaurant		“...Five members of the Thrifty Gourmets Meetup Group and I field-tested this restaurant on Tuesday, July 8th, at 7:45 PM. There was no host on duty, but t... “...I "discovered" this Venezuelan restaurant during my last stay in NY. Sympathetic restaurant with an atmosphere, great food, friendly waiter... “...Went at 9pm on a Sat night, and I think we took the last open seats in this small, attractive restaurant. Service was very friendly, although it was a ...
arepa		“...I always get a cheese empanada, an arepa (my preference carne mechada) and an avocado salad. I accompany it with a pitcher of sangria for the table... “... We ordered a pitcher of Sangria from our friendly wait. The Atun arepa was so good and fresh, marinated in citrus with tomato and onion like a ceviche... “... He was flamboyant and funny, and we basically let him order for us! We split an arepa as an appetizer, shrimp and ropa vieja for our entrees, and a large jug of margaritas on ice... “... I was happy to not be overwhelmed by the chopped red. Although the Pabellon arepa may not have been the best choice for a dinner date it was delicious...

All Reviews for El Cocotero

Ashley
November 30, 2009

Food

7

Decor

7

Service

5

I was super hungry after walking the highline and stumbled upon this place. I am so happy I did. You can always tell if a place is good if people from the same country are eating there and there was a table full of Venezuelas stuffing themselves. I had the arepa de lechon. HELLOOOO! The arepa was tasty and crunch, the lechon was succulent and accented with some nice peppers. The food came with hot sauce that I swear was Frank's red hot, I would have preferred a salsa verde, but whatever. My server was a little flaky, forgot a couple of items, but this was not a big deal, the place is small enough that I was able to get her attention easily. Can't wait to go back and try their patacon sandwiches.

I Ate:
- Lechon Arepa: Delicious ($7)
- Beef Pastel: flaky and hot ($4)
- Guarapita: great ($7)
Overall Rating

6.5

"Exceptional"