5 Hidden Gems That'll Take Your Taste Buds on a Trip Around the World (Without Ever Leaving the Bronx)

For those New Yorkers who don't travel uptown all that often (and there are plenty who don't), Manhattan and Brooklyn aren't the only boroughs with under the radar, hidden food gems.

There are several underrated establishments throughout Queens, Staten Island, and especially deep within my hometown of the Bronx.

Most recently, acclaimed chef and TV personality Anthony Bourdain traveled uptown to the Bronx in his CNN series, Parts Unknown, to uncover some truly authentic Boogie Down spots.

Surprisingly, the places that were on his culinary hit list didn't include the names and locations that are oftentimes synonymous with the Bronx:

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Arthur Avenue for everything and anything Italian, Louie & Ernie's for what's arguably the best sausage slice in this entire city, and several old-school Italian delis.

But that's the beauty of my borough. We're a cultural melting pot, a foodie's paradise (and yes, without all of the hipsters).

Growing up in the Bronx, I was able to try dishes from literally all around the world; whether it was my Puerto Rican friend's mom cooking up a storm or some Caribbean restaurant in the heart of my borough, it was literally all right at my fingertips.

So the next time you head uptown and you're feeling a lil' hungry, be sure to try one of these 5 hidden gems (which range from Mexican to West African) that the Bronx has to offer.


1. El Economico Restaurant (5589 Broadway)

[via Chris Crowley/NY Serious Eats]
[via Chris Crowley/NY Serious Eats]

If you're a fan of real Latin-American food, you definitely need to get over to this gem, which is open seven days a week.

Since I was 10 years old, I would walk here for ChicharrĂ³n alongside perfectly cooked rice and amazing red beans; only until I was older did I realize, I was tasting some of the most authentic in the entire borough.

You name it, they have it: pernil, maduros, and pepper steak, and all for great prices. Not only that, they also have an open bar for those who enjoy a Corona (or two) with your arroz con pollo.

Talk about coming through in the clutch, right?


2. Metate Authentic (3515 Johnson Avenue) 

[via Ershad Z./Yelp]
[via Ershad Z./Yelp]

About two years ago, I stumbled upon this small, hidden gem by complete accident-- but fate has a funny way of working sometimes, right?

When you walk in, you'll be overwhelmed by the aromas of some of the most amazing Mexican food your nostrils will ever had the pleasure of encountering.

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You literally can't go wrong with ordering anything on their menu, but definitely try the enchiladas verdes. You won't regret it.


3. Liebman's Kosher Delicatessen (552 West 235th Street)

[via TastyLadiesNY P./Yelp]
[via TastyLadiesNY P./Yelp]

Now what's New York without a good old-fashioned Jewish deli, right?

Located in the quaint neighborhood of Riverdale, Liebman's is the most authentic spot in the borough for traditional Jewish deli food around-- but without the steep prices of some of those other, more famous Manhattan tourist traps.

The pastrami here is like Jewish gold, and most Bronxites prefer this place before heading downtown, any day of the week.

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4. Sam's Pizza (232 West 231st Street) 

[via Mike D./Yelp]
[via Mike D./Yelp]

When it comes to New York City food, pizza is definitely the most widely debated topic. Every New Yorker has their own favorite spot, and every New Yorker thinks that their borough undoubtedly has the best pizza in the city.

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This hole-in-the-wall pizzeria is the Kingsbridge section of the Bronx, and the Albanian owners are very proud of it. Make your way uptown on the 1 train, ask anybody in this neighborhood where to get a slice of pizza, and they're guaranteed to all point you in the direction of Sam's.

This establishment is run by the friendliest family around, and their pizza is simply out of this world. (Inside tip: you'll oftentimes catch Tracy Morgan there on the regular, so you know this place is legit.)


5. Patina (823 East 169th Street)

[via Facebook]
[via Facebook]

In my opinion, this is probably the best establishment on the list. Ask anyone in the heart of the Bronx about the best West African food around, and they'll all send you to East 169th Street.

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The second you walk in, you're hit with the most amazingly delicious aromas that I can't begin to describe.

The must-try on their menu is the efo riro. If you don't know what that is, it really doesn't matter-- order it anyways. (Besides, isn't that what Google is for?)

If you enjoyed this article, check out Under the Radar: 9 Most Underrated Restaurants in NYC!

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