Caracas is why you moved to New York--it's unusual, effortlessly hip, and undeniably affordable. If you've never had arepas--corn meal shells filled with a variety of meat, cheese, and vegetable combinations--try their rotating specials or the time-tested staples: you can't go wrong. Wash it down with a cold agua fresca.
Ever since it got written up in New York magazine, there's a line every night, but it's manageable unless you go on a Friday or Saturday. Like lots of small, busy places, the last seating changes from night to night, so get there before 10:15 to make sure you don't go hungry (despite a posted closing time of "around 11").
more