Exploring Latino Culture in Sunset Park, Brooklyn
Published 08/18/2021
When exploring Sunset Park, a large Brooklyn neighborhood south of Park Slope and Gowanus, and running west to the waterfront, you’ll pick up on the strong sense of family. One of the warmest aspects of visiting the area is seeing all of the families as you stroll around. It goes deeper than that: many of the shops and restaurants are family-run, which will make you feel right at home.
Sunset Park is a combination of many smaller communities. In addition to having a strong Chinese and Italian presence, the neighborhood is home to a vibrant Latino community. For those residents, 5th Avenue, one of Sunset’s most liveliest strips, is at the center of it all.
You’ll find displays of various Latino cultures and many options to taste the wide range of Latin American cuisine, from Mexican to Puerto Rican to Salvadoran. A walk along the avenue can feel like visiting multiple Latin American countries at once—with no passport necessary.
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Sunset Park
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Bet. 41st and 44th Streets and 5th and 7th Avenues
The community nature of Sunset Park is showcased in the park that gives the neighborhood its name. This is best spot to sit, people-watch and get a feel for the neighborhood. The top of the hill that slopes up from 5th Avenue will give you incredible views of Manhattan’s skyline, the harbor and even the Statue of Liberty. This is a must-visit for anyone trying to get the true Sunset Park experience.
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Our Lady of Perpetual Help
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526 59th St.
Religion and spirituality are core to Latin American culture. One of the most beautiful churches in Brooklyn is located in Sunset on 5th Avenue between 59th and 60th streets, Our Lady of Perpetual Help. This massive church is not only architecturally stunning, with stained glass windows and painted ceilings, but it also serves as the center of the Latino community in the neighborhood. Beyond being the place where many Latinos in the neighborhood practice their faith, the church also acts as a community center—this is where some of their kids go to school, where adults vote for political office and where many Spanish-speaking residents learn English.
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Tacos El Bronco
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5th Avenue (at 37th St.)
You can’t talk about tacos in Sunset Park without talking about the street cart Tacos El Bronco. Mexican-born residents in the neighborhood will tell you the tacos here are 100 percent authentic. Tacos El Bronco has a restaurant over on 4th Avenue, but the taco cart (usually on 5th, near 37th Street, though it moves from time to time) will give you a more representative experience. Order the tacos al pastor or spicy tacos de chorizo. They come standard with onions and cilantro; top with green hot sauce (less spicy) or red hot sauce (more spicy) for an extra kick.
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Tacos Matamoros
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4508 Fifth Ave.
For a sit-down taco feast, Tacos Matamoros provides a great taste of real Mexican fare. Aside from sampling the tacos, try their delicious enchiladas with a classic Mexican soda: Jarritos, Sidral or (nonalcoholic) Sangria Senorial. This restaurant can get busy, but that’s part of the allure; it’s a clear neighborhood favorite.
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Maria’s Bistro Mexican
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886 5th Ave.
For a cozy and intimate Mexican restaurant experience, visit Maria’s Bistro Mexican. You can’t go wrong with their flautas or burritos. The bar also has a wide variety of tequilas that complement any meal.
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Zona Sur Bar Bistro
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4314 4th Ave.
Zona Sur Bar Bistro, which does a modern fusion take on Mexican cuisine, is a must-try. It’s the perfect spot for brunch or a night out. Try one of Zona’s delicious cocktails, such as the mezcal margarita, which mixes in Cointreau and cinnamon.
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Don Paco Lopez Panaderia
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4703 4th Ave.
The famed Don Paco Lopez Panaderia is a family-owned Mexican bakery that has been in business for decades. Their recipes are straight from Puebla, Mexico, and the Mexican bread is reason alone to travel to Sunset Park. Though their bread makes the perfect dessert after any meal, you should consider coming very early in the morning: the earlier you arrive, the warmer and fresher the bread will be.
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La Isla
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4920 5th Ave.
Though there are mostly Mexican-owned eateries in Sunset Park, many other great Latin American restaurants call the neighborhood home. La Isla is one of those, where you can get a taste of Puerto Rican cuisine in dishes such as pernil or chicharron. Just make sure to come hungry—though the menu items are priced affordably, the portions are huge.
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Castillo de Yaque
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4606 5th Ave.
For a taste of the Dominican Republic, Castillo de Yaque is a prime Sunset destination. Their dishes taste like they are straight from the Caribbean country. You can’t go wrong with any of the meat entrées such as bistec (steak), pernil (pork) and chuleta (pork chop), served over their rice and beans. Portions are also large and moderately priced.
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Usuluteco
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4017 5th Ave.
A meal at Usuluteco is an authentic and delicious Salvadoran experience. It’s easy to find on the street—just look for the Salvadoran flag decorations. Inside, it’s intimate and a bit romantic, and the disco ball in the center of the restaurant adds to the atmosphere. You could start with empanadas or quesadillas, but leave room for their platters; it’s hard to go wrong with any of them.
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Castillo
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4020 5th Ave.
Castillo, not to be confused with Castillo de Yaque, is your go-to for Ecuadorian cuisine. The selection includes delicious seafood, found in ceviche and dishes such as paella and camarones (shrimp) with rice.
