Patacon Pisao

"Patacon Pisao is a counter-service Venezuelan spot on Grand Avenue, and much of the menu involves sandwiches made from unsweetened, smashed fried green plantains. Order the patacon de pabellón, which has shredded beef, sour cream, black beans, a few soft sweet plantains, and a fried, white squeaky cheese inside. All of their signature sandwiches cost about $10, have about seven wonderful crunchy and soft textures happening at once, and will keep you full for the better part of the day." - will hartman, bryan kim, hannah albertine, neha talreja, willa moore

"This Venezuelan sandwich shop that traces its roots to the city of Maracaibo originated as a food truck in Upper Manhattan. The Elmhurst storefront serves a broad array of daily specials, though the menu is still centered on grilled or fried arepa sandwiches, cachapas (corn crepes), tacuchos (Venezuelan burritos), and patacones (sandwiches substituting crunchy plantain slabs for bread). Plenty here for vegetarians, too." - Eater Staff

"If you’ve never ordered from Patacon Pisao, take this opportunity to do so. This place specializes in patacones (sandwiches made with fried plantains), and their cubano version is a pork-filled masterpiece. The Elmhurst and Inwood locations are both offering delivery and pick up right now, and if you’re looking for something other than a patacon, there are also arepas and cachapas available." - team infatuation

"Patacon Pisao now has locations in Elmhurst and the Lower East Side, but it all started at this food truck on 202nd Street. Like the other locations of this casual Venezuelan spot, the focus here is on the patacon - a sandwich that swaps bread for plantains filled with beans, fried cheese, special sauce, and your choice of meat. Our favorite is the one with grilled steak and chorizo, but no matter which one you order, you’ll get a lot of very enjoyable food for about $10." - Matt Tervooren

"There are a few Patacon Pisao locations around the city, but the original is on Grand Avenue in Elmhurst. Many of the dishes at this Venezuelan counter-service spot involve sandwiches made from unsweetened, fried green plantains. Order the patacon de pabellón, which has shredded beef, sour cream, a fried, white squeaky cheese, black beans, and a few soft sweet plantains inside. All of their signature sandwiches have about seven wonderful crunchy and soft textures happening at once, cost around $10, and will keep you full for the better part of the day." - Hannah Albertine