Esquina Latina
About This Spot
Stepping into Esquina Latina in the heart of New Brunswick, you immediately sense a welcoming buzz that balances between vibrant and intimate. It’s the kind of place where the rhythms of Latin America gently blend with the lively spirit of a neighborhood gathering spot, offering a relaxed yet upbeat atmosphere that invites you to linger and savor each moment.
The space feels effortlessly social, with the warmth of rich wooden tones and touches of colorful décor that reflect the culture beyond the kitchen. Whether it’s early evening chatter over cocktails or later when a DJ spins tracks that coax people onto the dance floor, the energy shifts naturally, never overwhelming but always inviting connection and joy.
At the heart of the scene, the kitchen pays homage to Latin American flavors, inviting guests to discover comforting classics and inventive dishes that speak of tradition and passion. The food is generous and thoughtfully crafted, carrying you through layers of familiar and unexpected tastes—from the comforting embrace of slow-cooked meats and vibrant ceviches to the playful crispness of tostones and the sweet finish of Cuban desserts. Each bite feels like a small celebration of community and culture.
Beyond the plates, there’s a genuine sense of care that weaves through the service—a place where staff check in, not just to take orders, but to make sure your evening unfolds smoothly. It’s clear that Esquina Latina is more than a dining destination; it’s a space where special moments happen, where locals and visitors alike come together to share in food, music, and a sense of belonging.
What’s Available Here
-
Identifies as women-owned
-
Outdoor seating
-
Kerbside pickup
-
No-contact delivery
-
Delivery
-
Takeaway
-
Dine-in
-
Fast service
-
Great beer selection
-
Great cocktails
-
Great coffee
-
Great dessert
-
Great wine list
-
Live music
-
Serves local specialty
-
Sport
-
Lunch
-
Dinner
-
Solo dining
-
Wheelchair-accessible car park
-
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
-
Wheelchair-accessible seating
-
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
-
Alcohol
-
Beer
-
Cocktails
-
Coffee
-
Comfort food
-
Happy-hour drinks
-
Happy-hour food
-
Healthy options
-
Late-night food
-
Quick bite
-
Salad bar
-
Small plates
-
Spirits
-
Vegetarian options
-
Wine
-
Breakfast
-
Brunch
-
Lunch
-
Dinner
-
Catering
-
Dessert
-
Seating
-
Table service
-
Bar on site
-
Toilet
-
Wi-Fi
-
Wi-Fi
-
Casual
-
Cosy
-
Romantic
-
Trendy
-
Upmarket
-
Family friendly
-
Groups
-
LGBTQ+ friendly
-
Locals
-
Tourists
-
Transgender safe space
-
University students
-
Brunch reservations recommended
-
Dinner reservations recommended
-
Accepts reservations
-
Credit cards
-
Debit cards
-
NFC mobile payments
-
Credit cards
-
Good for kids
-
High chairs
-
On-site parking
-
Paid parking lot
-
Parking
-
Dogs allowed outside
Location & Hours
| Monday | 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM - 11:00 PM | |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM - 11:00 PM | |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM - 12:00 AM | |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | 11:30 AM - 02:00 AM | |
| Saturday | 11:30 AM - 02:00 AM | |
| Sunday | 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM |
Klee Lightner 16 Dec 2025
Took my daughter here for her birthday and we had a great a time. The atmosphere, service, and food was great. I would definitely go back.
Mounia V 07 Dec 2025
This place is cute! Great music! A DJ comes later in the night which is cool. People get on the dance floor and enjoy themselves. This place is a vibe! Delicious food! (Snapper was fried to perfection!) Tostones are my favorites and they were crispy and lightly seasoned which is perfect. Food is Reasonably priced! Good service! Manager stops by to check on the customers. You can inside on either side, bar area or outside patio are. One thing is the parking lot at the entrance of the restaurant is small and there is a $10 fee. You can also park a block away in the parking garage which is $4 an hour. The walk from the garage is about 5 minutes. There is street parking but it’s slim to none. Stop in and enjoy yourself! I will return for another date night with my sweetie.
Joseph Barr 07 Dec 2025
Love, Love, LOVE the atmosphere here. Service at the bar was great. Ordered the tostones rellenos (con ropa vieja) y Bahía Salmon which was to die for. Only 2 very minor complaints: 1. They really should ask you how you want your salmon cooked. I forgot to tell them not to cook it through and as a result it was cooked through and drier than it could have been, although it was still delicious. 2. Beer selection was off. They really should carry Las Palmas, a Cuban lager. So I ordered the Blue Moon on tap. It was out. Then I ordered the Buenavesa Lager, it ran out after half a glass. I just had her top it off with something else (too embarrassed to say what). Bartender, una Puertorriqueña, was attentive and very knowledgeable about the food. I would come back just to try the rest of the menu items as there are quite a few appetizers and entrees that look good. Overall, it was a great experience with excellent food, service and ambiance.
Rafael Marcial 26 Nov 2025
Awesome Latin restaurant We flew here from Brazil, cause we heard so many good things about it Also here for the Pre-Wedding Dinner Party Diego did a great job coordinating everything Prices are reasonable for the quality of food served. We were also a Party of 25, so its impressive to see the coordination and accuracy of our orders, and patience as we had a table of 10 kids… Favorite entree was the Churrasco: Argentinisn Skirt Steak with a Broiled Lobster Tail Plus super clean bathrooms
Joe Gryniuk 21 Nov 2025
Was in town from the West Coast. Wanted to get together with some Veteran Buddies. They recommended this great place! As soon as you walk in the aroma has you hooked! Great food, Sangria and big portions. And exceptional service! Highly recommended! Can't wait to go back!
The truth comes out 17 Nov 2025
absolutely amazing spot. our server Diego was super attentive & so sweet. the food? to die for. couldn’t have been any better! booking a reservation for a family members birthday soon!
Great Person 17 Oct 2025
Appetizers of Tostones rellenos was Amazing. Juicy and flavorful. Churrasco was cooked perfect and the lobster tail was seasoned to perfection. I will definitely come back here. The only thing they lack is fresh juices like parcha, tamarindo, guava, etc. and no bottled water. horrible considering the water they serve in the glass tastes like toilet water. The pineapple juice they served us she said was fresh. When I sipped it and asked again if it was fresh from a fruit. She said yes but not from fruit. From a can. Not sure what she meant by fresh but they’re juice options are horrible too. Just stick to alcoholic drinks or a beer and your good to go. Like I said. Loved the food and servers weee very attentive and nice.