Just a stone’s throw away from Washington Square Park rests Classic Arepas, a Venezuelan restaurant offering bright decor and bright flavours. As I stepped in, I was immediately struck by the uplifting sunlight and the kind staff. The energy of the restaurant matched the energy of the May weather outside– warm and welcoming!
I hadn’t had arepas before, so I wasn’t quite sure what to order. Jose helped me decide what to get, offering me a wide array of options from the menu. As a drink, I got the maracuya (passion fruit) juice. I am a lifelong fan of all things passionfruit! When I got my drink, I wasn’t disappointed in the slightest. It was ice cold, a perfect contrast for hot spring weather, and sweet without being overwhelming.
Maracuya juice!
For food, I started with the cheese empanada. I have to say… This was, without a doubt, one of the best empanadas I’ve ever had! It was fresh and warm without burning my tongue. I loved the way the inside filling and the outside layers merged together, complementing the flavour of the other. It paired well with the maracuya juice, with the tartness cutting the softer nature of the cheese perfectly.
Afterwards, I got to try two arepas! I had the Classic Reina (shredded chicken and avocado) and a custom with shredded beef, plantains, cheese, and black beans. They were amazing! While they had different flavour profiles, they were both delicious. The Classic Reina was milder, with the chicken blending with the avocado nicely. I liked how it allowed the dough to shine alongside its fillings! The shredded beef packed a more flavourful punch and worked really well with the sweetness of the plantains. I happen to be a lover of plantains, having grown up eating them, so I really enjoyed the way they stood out to my tastebuds. Just like the empanada, the arepas paired perfectly with the maracuya juice!
Overall, I had a great time at Classic Arepas! The staff was kind, the food was fresh and tasty, and the energy of the space was comforting. It’s only been a few hours, but I’m already craving more! Needless to say, I’ll certainly be heading back. If you would also like to try some of their arepas, bring the coupon below and your student ID for 15% off.
By: Ehani Schneiderman
Ehani Schneiderman is a senior studying literature and anthropology at The New School. She hopes to connect with others through writing, poetry, and cultural exchange. When she isn’t nose deep in a book or word document, you can find her paddle boarding in a bay or scuba diving out at sea.
For over 20 years, the Campus Clipper has been offering awesome student discounts in NYC, from the East Side to Greenwich Village. Along with inspiration, the company offers students a special coupon booklet and the Official Student Guide, which encourages them to discover new places in the city and save money on food, clothing, and services. At the Campus Clipper, not only do we help our interns learn new skills, make money, and create wonderful e-books, we give them a platform to teach others. Check our website for more student savings and watch our YouTube video showing off some of New York City’s finest students during the Welcome Week of 2015.