Frita Batidos Brooklyn
Restaurant · Williamsburg ·
Cuban burgers, tropical shakes, bold flavors, heartfelt hospitality
Cuban burgers, tropical shakes, bold flavors, heartfelt hospitality
"College students at the University of Michigan have crowned this 15-year-old spot the best burgers in Ann Arbor for many years, and the restaurant’s third outpost (after Detroit) opened in Williamsburg in October, bringing beloved fritas—French fry–loaded Cuban burgers—to New York, the hometown of chef and owner Eve Aronoff Fernandez. I start with a chorizo frita slicked with sweet chile mayo; the shoestring fries aren’t as crispy as Miami’s El Rey De Las Fritas, but they’re satisfying and make a single patty plenty filling. A thin, spicy, tomato-based sauce on the table begs to be applied (just don’t confuse it for ketchup). Any burger can be made “loco,” a glorious mess with a fried egg, cilantro-lime salsa, Muenster, and mango-accented tropical slaw—ignore the provided fork and knife at your peril. Twice-fried plantains aren’t necessary to fill out a meal, but they pleasantly surprise with a smoky, spicy sauce. Don’t skip a batido; these tropical shakes (think coconut cream and hibiscus) remain cold and cohesive (rather than separating) as I carve through my frita, and the cajeta, like a caramelized vanilla shake, is a sleeper. The menu runs from spiced chorizo (fritas are traditionally made with beef, pork, or both) to a vegetarian black bean, all paired with those batidos. Families, couples, and friends share white-washed picnic tables while a long, thin counter wraps around massive windows, and the glaringly white lights make the restaurant feel like an island in the night. Colorful sets of dominos and Biñho (a flick soccer game) sit on various tables—just be sure to wipe your hands well before playing." - Nick Mancall-Bitel
"The Domino Park arrival of the Michigan-born Cuban street food brand dishes signature fritas (burgers topped with shoestring fries), batidos in tropical flavors like passion fruit and hibiscus, and sides from fried plantains to black beans; the chain dates to 2010, with roots in Ann Arbor and Detroit." - Tierney Plumb
"Frita Batidos has been serving runny egg-topped Cuban burgers and milkshakes (aka batidos) to the people of Ann Arbor, Michigan, since 2010. And like a lot of things (or people) that spent a lot of time in Ann Arbor, their first expansion outside the state is to New York, in a giant space near Domino Park with a big patch of grass on their roof." - Will Hartman
"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
"A Michigan-based Cuban burger and milkshake spot is opening in Williamsburg at 320 Kent Avenue at South First Street in the spring, marking the brand's first New York location. The Cuban street-food menu centers on the namesake fritas (burgers made with chorizo) and batidos (tropical milkshakes) and also includes dishes like a fish frita made with local fish. The concept was started by celebrity chef Eve Aronoff in Ann Arbor in 2010 and expanded into Detroit in 2019." - Nadia Chaudhury
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