Frita Batidos Opens New Cuban Burger Restaurant in NYC | Eater NY

"A Michigan-born restaurant brings Cuban burgers and tropical milkshakes to Williamsburg, opening Wednesday, October 29 at 334 Kent Avenue (at South Fourth Street). Chef and founder Eve Aronoff Fernandez, who launched the original in Ann Arbor in 2010 and later expanded to Detroit, ties the New York move to her Brooklyn roots and the chance to welcome University of Michigan alumni. The menu goes all-in on fritas—Cuban burgers with shoestring fries on soft buns—offering spiced patties like chorizo, black bean, and ground fluke (singles and doubles). Batidos include flavors such as coconut cream, hibiscus, passionfruit, chocolate, and cajeta, plus a mango “Lighter Batido” with an optional dark-rum shot for a $2.50 add-on. Sides and snacks span plantains (solo or loaded with beans) and the Best Snack Ever: layers of coconut-ginger rice, black beans, melted Muenster, and cilantro-lime salsa; desserts include churros and cinnamon-sugar plantains. Juices lead the drink list alongside cocktails like margaritas, coladas, and a pisco hibiscus lemonade. The 70-seat counter- and table-service space, designed by architect Neal Robinson (who also worked on the Ann Arbor and Detroit locations), features communal picnic tables and a mural by graffiti artist FEL3000ft, with aims for a 20-seat outdoor area and a paleta cart after opening." - Nadia Chaudhury