Today marked my second visit to La Kueva Restaurant on Hertel Avenue. It’s a small operation that is warm and welcoming, with sparse traditional art and a hut-like ordering station. While there is an order station, La Kueva still offers full service, which is nice because it gives the customer more time to ask about the menu options. I’m a fan of the traditional parcha (fruit drink), which I sip while looking over the menu. I’m also a fan of the complimentary cup of Puerto Rican sausage soup that they put out for customers. It’s a nice touch. So is the ethnic music that plays from a small radio behind the counter.
A telltale sign that the food at La Kueva is good is the clientele. The majority of customers are Latino, and certainly seek this place out for the authenticity. The first time that I ate at La Kueva, my buddy and I tried a couple of the sandwiches. I went for the chicken (pollo) and he opted for the Cubano. Both lunchtime meals were huge successes – scrumptious and filling. Even after dousing with hotsauce, the tang of the dressing (on the chicken) still shined through. The bread is thin, airy and fresh, making it easy to eat considering the size of the sandwich.
The beef and cheese pastelillo is also something that everyone must try, as is the rice and beans. Altogether, the sandwiches and sides are sensational, making La Kueva one of my new favorite go-tos in Buffalo. From what I can tell, the food is consistent, and served up pretty quick for those who are in a time crunch.
This is the type of place that one might assume would be found on the city’s West Side, not in North Buffalo. But honestly, I make the trip across town to eat there. There’s nothing fancy – and the food speaks for itself. Also, it’s one of the most affordable eateries in Buffalo.
It’s been three years since La Kueva opened its doors, and since that time business has been getting progressively better. One of the owners told me that, surprisingly, people gravitate more to the restaurant in the wintertime. I can see that. When I stopped in over the holidays I found the warmth of the place equal to the warmth of the food. My second visit was no different.
Unfortunately I have not tried much of the menu, mainly because I don’t want to miss out on the sandwiches. The good thing is that there are plenty of items that go well with the sandwiches such as mofongo (plantain balls), sweet corn sticks, tostones (fried plantain slices), plantains, and alcapurrias (fritters). When I have a hankering for something that is deep down delicious, perfectly prepared, and completely out of the ordinary, I head to La Kueva for a food fix. There’s even a kid’s menu for families that are looking to try something new and different. This place is a welcome addition to Hertel, which is steadily growing into a culinary melting pot of cuisines.
La Kueva | 1260 Hertel Avenue | Buffalo, New York | (716) 936-4933 | Facebook | Lunch and Dinner