Caracas Arepa - Rockaway Park

Great location on the Rockaway beach board walk with a vibrant clientele with lots of beach goers, families and their very cute dogs. The entry is a bit awkward but the atmosphere is very festive with several people bouncing into the vibes of power pop Latin fusion music and the staff was really nice and very efficient at service and keeping the area clean and safe. Bikes aren't allowed because of the crowded space (especially on a holiday weekend) and I didn't bring by a lock so I parked my bike close to the entrance, placed my order quickly and ordered the Vegan arepa, rice beans. It would have been better to order a fresh plain arepa with black beans or an empanada The combo of vinegary jackfruit spiced with whole clove, sweet plantain, salty beans and a slightly stale arepa was a bit disappointing. Bouncing along with a couple and their cute baby while sipping on a tropical citrus seltzer helped though. Definitely has potential with more plant based love though!

Delicious vegan food at a sea side stand version of the Williamsburg arepa spot. Get the jackfruit empanada !!!

I come here every time I go to the beach. I get the Gato no cheese. They also have a vegan Arepa, rice and beans and a jackfruit empanada! Yes please. This location arepas are better than the location in the city)

One note: bikes aren’t allowed in this crowded area, especially on weekends, and since I didn’t bring a lock, I had to park mine a bit away. I quickly placed my order for a vegan arepa with black beans. In hindsight, I probably should have chosen a fresh arepa or an empanada instead. The combination of jackfruit seasoned with vinegar, sweet plantains, salty beans, and a slightly stale arepa was somewhat disappointing. However, chatting with a couple and their adorable baby while enjoying the tropical ambiance definitely lifted my spirits. With a bit more creativity in the plant-based offerings, this place could really shine!

The vegan food at this seaside stand, which is a version of the Williamsburg arepa spot, is absolutely delicious! Be sure to try the jackfruit empanada!