The Bronx is serving up more than just resilience—it’s serving up flavor. Despite having fewer participants than Staten Island, eight Bronx restaurants stepped up during New York City Restaurant Week, showcasing the borough’s vibrant culinary scene and cultural richness.
These eateries aren’t just offering prix-fixe menus; they’re serving a side of community.
- Barrio BX in Castle Hill blends Puerto Rican cuisine with a strong activist spirit.
- Mae Mae Café and Plant Shop in Mott Haven champions local, organic ingredients and community engagement.
- Maisonetta in Mott Haven offers a unique fusion of Mexican and French flavors, born from a family’s dream.
What makes the Bronx restaurant scene unique? It’s a reflection of the neighborhoods themselves—dishes evolving to meet the tastes and needs of the people who live there, according to owners and managers.
A Taste of Resistance: Barrio BX
Two years ago, Barrio BX moved to Castle Hill, marking a new chapter for the Puerto Rican restaurant and cultural hub. Originally launched in Throggs Neck, the business quickly outgrew its first location, prompting owners Tony Martinez and his partners to seek a larger space.
The Castle Hill location—conveniently located one block from the train and near the Cross Bronx and Bruckner expressways—has seen increased foot traffic and takeout orders from neighborhoods like Parkchester and Clason Point.
But Barrio BX isn’t just about the food. Stepping inside is like entering a living history lesson. Murals depict Puerto Rican independence leader Pedro Albizu Campos and members of the Young Lords, alongside powerful phrases like “Liberación” and “Pa’lante.”
“You can get rice and beans anywhere,” Martinez said. “We want to be known as a community hub to celebrate culture.”
The menu features classic Puerto Rican cuchifritos like pastelillos, alcapurrias, and sorullitos, alongside heartier dishes like pernil and bistec encebollado, all served with rice and beans.
Beyond the food, Barrio BX hosts open mic nights, sip-and-paint events, book clubs, and its signature Bomba Nights, fostering a space for community and activism. “This is our pub where like-minded people can come and chill, but at the same time, break bread and strategize,” Martinez explained.
Rooted in Community: Mae Mae Café and Plant Shop
Founded in 2021, Mae Mae Café and Plant Shop is a plant-based restaurant and community space created by Great Performances. CEO and founder Liz Neumark moved the hospitality group’s office and commissary to Mott Haven in 2019 after outgrowing its Manhattan location.
“We came to Mott Haven and I felt like I was home,” Neumark said. “I fell in love with the building. I fell in love with Mott Haven. I fell in love with the Bronx, and we put down roots.”
The café prioritizes fresh, high-quality ingredients, sourcing produce from the company’s 60-acre organic farm in Kinderhook, New York. While primarily plant-based, Mae Mae offers meat options for broader accessibility.
The menu includes grab-and-go options like turkey sandwiches, alongside globally inspired dishes such as mushroom mole with jollof rice and falafel bowls, served with coffee, teas, and a full bar.
A Family’s Vision: Maisonetta
Maisonetta originated from a family dream, according to General Manager Sonya Calixto. Her father, Victor, a custom furniture maker in Mott Haven for over 20 years, lacked a welcoming lunch spot.
“He was all covered in dust and he just felt that there was no place for working people to sit down and have a good meal,” Calixto said. “So that’s why he decided to get a place where everybody feels welcome, regardless of their economic background.”
Victor and his son, Victor Jr., opened Maisonetta just before the pandemic, blending Mexican flavors from Puebla with French cuisine. The restaurant initially drew crowds, but relied on family loans to survive COVID-19 restrictions.
Since then, Maisonetta has adjusted its menu to better serve the neighborhood, offering more affordable options while maintaining its unique fusion. Diners can enjoy traditional Mexican staples like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas alongside French classics like steak frites, and dishes like seasonal corn poblano chowder.
Today, Maisonetta serves a diverse clientele—construction workers, families, and young professionals—reflecting the inclusive vision of the Calixto family.
