We had a chance to talk to John Friia, the publicist for Playa Betty’s Cali-Baja style restaurant in NYC. We wanted to know just what’s making Playa Betty’s the talk of the town. Here’s what we learned:
FE: Tell us a little bit about Playa Betty’s.
John Friia: The 3,000 square foot oasis offers many choices. If you’re looking for a quick bite, you can turn right and head for the yellow neon sign encouraging you to Eat Tacos.’ This quick-service area offers classic tacos, Beachfire Chicken, other menu items, clever cocktails, standing tables and communal dining that holds around 75 patrons. We encourage our customers to have fun and snap a selfie while enjoying cocktails. The mesmerizing collage of beach-themed movie posters that covers one whole wall is the perfect spot for this.
FE: What about the food?
John Friia: The food, served on Fiestaware, is reminiscent of a road trip down the California coastline. The menu pulls from Mendocino County food trucks, to Los Angeles’ health trends and the best of Baja. We serve it up real, wholesome, and fast with lots of “summer of love” good vibrations. South of the Border is well represented as well with “have it your way” Guacamole, Mexican Corn, and addictive chicharrones cleverly titled “Don’t You Die On Me Chico,” topped with butter, bacon, and house-made yellow cheese powder. Queso comes in four varieties and Tostadas are topped with ceviche or black beans and rajas con crema. Tacos are divided into categories, including Traditional: Al Pastor, Baja Fish and Mexican Coke Marinated Short-rib; and Non-traditional: The Marley, Jamaican-Style Jerk Chicken, The Taco-Fella, Breaded Fried Oysters with wilted spinach and the Trailer Park with pimento cheese fritters and collards. We also take our figures very seriously at Playa Betty’s, offering a selection of Dharma Bowls; choose between white quinoa and brown rice, kale or mixed greens, black or pinto beans and finally a protein: grilled steak, roasted chicken, grilled tofu, or Veracruz snapper. It all goes back to that Beachfire Chicken, marinated, fire-roasted and served with grilled limes, scallions, tortillas and Mexican corn.
FE: What is your most popular dish?
John Friia: Everyone loves our signature tacos, but the Churro Ice Cream Sandwich is a popular dessert. It is made with fresh-out-of-the-fryer churro ‘swirls’ sandwiching Dulce Amore’s Tahitian Vanilla Gelato and dusted with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar.
Playa Betty’s is located at 320 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY (212) 712-0777
[mappress mapid=”199″]Nearest Landmarks: Beacon Theatre, Riverside Memorial Chapel, and 16 Handles
Hours of Operation: Monday – Sunday Lunch/Brunch 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Monday – Sunday Dinner 4:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Dress Code: Casual
Price Range: $11-$30
Payment Options: Cash & all major credit cards
Have you been there? Leave a review and check to see if there are Playa Betty’s coupons for your next visit.