Categories: City Page

10 Underrated Restaurants in The Bronx

As someone from the Bronx, I can say that we have the most diversified cuisines compared to the other boroughs. the Bronx has always been highly criticized for everything, from food to drinks. Home to authentic Italian and Latin-American foods, here are ten underrated restaurants in the Bronx to try:

1. Howl at The Moon

Nearby the heart of the real Little Italy, Howl at The Moon is a dive bar and restaurant known to Bronx locals and Fordham university students. The owners, Bobby and Liz Howl, created the restaurant as a place that customers can let their hair down and “have a howling good time”. The menu includes “Howl’s Main Attraction Buffalo Wings”, “The Moe, Larry, and Curly Fries” and the “I Don’t Know” burger.

Howl at The Moon is located at 585 E 189th St, and they’re open from 11am to 2am Monday through Wednesday; 11am to 4am Thursday through Saturday and 11am to Midnight on Sundays

2. JP’s City Island

JP’s City Island is a three-star seafood restaurant in City Island. The seafood is fresh and served with affection. The serving sizes are great if you love to eat a lot of food. The most popular items to try from the menu are the Premium Jumbo King Crab Legs for 2 and Chef Franco’s Magnificent Feast for 2. Although it is expensive, it is worth the money.

JP’s City Island is located at 703 Minnieford Ave. The restaurant is open from 11am to 1am Sunday through Thursday and 11am to 2am Friday and Saturday.

3. Enzo’s

Inside Little Italy, Enzo’s attracts customers of all races and ethnicities. It has been open for over 15 years, and the cuisines never changed. The restaurant is known for its amazing spaghetti and chicken parmigiana.

Enzo’s is located at 2339 Arthur Ave. it is open from 11:30am-10pm Monday through Saturday and 12pm to 9pm on Sunday.

4. 3 Way

3 Way is a few blocks away from Fordham University. This is the place you want to visit if you’re craving authentic Latino food. Customers can enjoy platters from places like Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and Mexico. Some of their most popular items include mofongo, maduros, and papas rellenas.

3 Way is located at 384 E 188th St and is open from 8am to 11:30ppm all days of the week.

5. Jake’s Steakhouse

Jake’s Steakhouse was seen on News12 The Bronx. It is a steakhouse right across the street from Van Cortlandt Park. It is open daily to those who are interested in eating steak and shrimp cocktails while sipping the best wine.

It is located at 6031 Broadway. The restaurant is opened from 11:45am-10pm Sunday through Thursday and 12pm to 10:30pm Friday and Saturday.

6. Jimmy’s Grand Cafe

Jimmy’s Grand Café is a Dominican restaurant in Soundview. Known for the casual atmosphere and weekly events, this restaurant is a go-to for partygoers and foodies in the Bronx. They cater to events and serve brunch items if you’re more interested in eating a good breakfast. Their brunch menu includes complimentary mimosas, Bellini, or sangria along with fruits. Some items from the menu include Spanish Paella, “The Grand Jumbo Shrimp”, and “Jimmy’s Grand Burger”.

It is located at 1001 Castle Hill Ave. it is open from 7am to 1am Sunday through Thursday and 7am to 2am Friday and Saturday

7. Clinton Hall

Clinton Hall is another dive bar and restaurant popular amongst college students and Bronx locals. It’s in the same area as Howl at The Moon (across the street to be exact). The place hosts weekly events such as free Trivia Nights every Tuesdays. Once you see the colorful bricks and subtly artistic storefront, you’ll know that it’s Clinton Hall. Not only you can get your beers and burgers, but they also serve foods like the “Fondue Burger”, the “Holy Crab!”, and the “Red Velvet WTF Waffle”. Everyone loves Happy Hour. Clinton Hall’s Happy Hour starts as soon as the opening hour and ends at 7pm.

You can visit Clinton Hall on 601 E 189th St. It’s open from 4pm to midnight Sunday through Wednesday; 4pm to 2am Thursday and Friday; 12pm to 2am on Saturday and 12pm to midnight.

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8. Step In

Right at the center of Parkchester, Step In attracts customers with their variations of American comfort food. The restaurant was established in 1974 and has been open since. Step In also cater events at fair prices for amazing food. Some of their items include pancakes, omelets, mimosas, chicken wraps, and burgers.

You can visit Step In at1309 Metropolitan Ave. It is open on Friday & Saturday from 11AM to 4AM; Sunday through Wednesday from 11AM–2AM; Thursday from 11AM to 3AM

9. Ohana Japanese Hibachi Seafood & Steakhouse

Ohana Japanese Hibachi Seafood & Steakhouse is one of the few Japanese hibachi restaurants in the Bronx. Serving fresh seafood and authentic Japanese food for 14 years, the chefs and owners wanted customers to feel like family—hence the term ohana. We all watched Lilo & Stitch. Ohana, just like other City Island restaurants, cares for its customers by providing fresh food and great service. They have a vegetarian and “Jap a Rican” menu if you’re not really into seafood. Their popular items are solely based on Japanese and Latino favorites like sushi and maduros.

Ohana Japanese Hibachi Seafood & Steakhouse can be found on 500 City Island Ave. You can enjoy their delicious food on Friday & Saturday from 1PM to 1AM; Sunday from 1 to 11PM and Monday through Thursday from 12pm to 11PM

10. Crosstown Diner

Crosstown Diner is close to the Bruckner Expressway. The diner is fast-paced and ready to serve its customers with a variety of foods. They serve cuisines from cultures like American, Italian, Greek, and Latino. There are orders for people who are vegetarian or just want to eat healthily. Everyone is welcomed at Crosstown Diner. You can order wraps, guacamole, salads, paninis, and burgers from their menu.

Crosstown Diner can be seen at 2880 Bruckner Blvd. The diner is open on Friday, Saturday & Sunday at all hours of the day, Monday through Wednesday from 7AM to 2AM, and Thursday from 7AM to 12AM.