Pilar Cuban Eatery

The name of this family-run restaurant in Bedford-Stuyvesant comes from Ernest Hemingway’s boat, Pilar, which he used for fishing trips in Cuba. One peek at the menu reveals this eatery stays true to its Cuban roots. Start with chicken, spinach, cod or beef empanadas ($9 for two) or plantain chips stuffed with shrimp or skirt steak ($12). For entrees, there’s a classic pressed cubano sandwich ($14) served with more plantain chips, arroz con pollo ($15) or ropa vieja, skirt steak with tomatoes peppers and onions ($19). You might want to sample a side of yuca fries ($6) or some house-made chorizo ($5), too. Sip on cuban soft drinks like the pineapple-flavored Jupiña or the yerba mate–spiked Materva. If you need a caffeine fix, they’ve got you covered there too: the cafe con leche especial is a sweet combination of Cafe Bustelo espresso and condensed milk.