I highly recommend this restaurant! I ate here for the first time a couple weeks ago and liked my meal so much that I've returned for another go. The wait staff are first rate, the atmosphere authentic Caribbean. You can't go wrong choosing Area 337! Last time I had the Pabellon (Venezuelan), this time the Ropa Viejo (Cuban). Both were fantastic! read more

Area 337 - Puerto Rican Near Me - Lake Charles, Louisiana

I don't write many reviews, mainly because I rarely visit a new place that either miraculously exceeds or disastrously disappoints my expectations. Area 337 did the former; I haven't had such an overall A+ experience at a restaurant outside of my regular favorites in a very long time. We started with Tostones Rellenos with Carne, which--unlike a photo in another review--came as three small pastry/plantain cups filled with super-flavorful shredded beef. They arrived with a couple of side sauces, a kind of ranch-ish white sauce and a tangy sauce similar to the yum yum sauce in Japanese places. Our waitress also offered to bring out their spicy sauce, which turned out to be only slightly spicy, but easily the best of the three, a green sauce with ingredients so well-balanced that we couldn't identify which peppers it might contain. I followed up with a bowl of the beef soup, which checked every comfort-food box--a light, simple-but-flavorful broth with carrots, potatoes and big pieces of what may have been oxtail. My girlfriend had the most amazing Cuban sandwich either of us had ever tasted, due in part to the generous amount of really delicious roast pork it contained, but mainly to the baked-in-house bun, which was soft and slightly sweet. We also shared a couple of mojitos (one pineapple, one coconut), which were magnificent. On top of the flawless food, the service was outstanding. The owner took our order, and seemed genuinely interested in helping us pick something we'd like from the expansive menu, which has lots Colombian, Cuban and Guatemalan dishes we'd never encountered. He came off as a nice guy who's passionate about what he's offering, and his passion is certainly justified. Very highly recommend! read more

What a great place to have in Lake Charles. The food was all fresh and so good. The staff was very nice and helped recommend delicious options for us. We highly recommend and will definitely be repeat customers. read more

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What a gem in Lake Charles! If you like Authentic Latin American food - you must visit. read more

Food, service and atmosphere were all excellent. I don't know why the length of the review counts.

Terrible acoustics. Despite restaurant being empty, they sat us next in side room soon to be occupied by raucous large party. When we complained, the manager and waitress apologized but did NOITHING, not even asking party to quiet down. Food was okay at best- most things were heavily over salted. Fried cheese had weird dense consistency-like tofu. Fried planatins not so good. Nachos had slimy sauce on bananas- not appealing. Best appetizer was empanadas. Main courses were also oversalted- fried beef and fried pork. Arrepas had oversalted shredded chicken. Unfortunately, the only spice employed by kitchen was salt, and too much of it. Margaritas were total rip off- $18- with almost no alcohol. When I complained, they brought shot of tequila for $10 on top of 18. While Lake Charles needs more restaurants, this is looser. read more

The fried cheese is served with as sweet sauce for the perfect in between of sweetness 45 to savory 55.

The atmosphere is just a vibe I love the food and the staff are simply amazing! Great place to enjoy some Latino Caribbean foods !

Amazing Latin food. Appetizers, entrees, and desserts. I haven't been disappointed by anything we've ordered.

Great Service and the food choices are Puerto Rican, Cuban, and South American. They give you enough to fill you up and have leftovers. The food is seasoned well but not so spicy that you can't enjoy it. They have a bar there, my wife on occasion will order a cocktail she has always enjoyed it. It's a small place but the atmosphere is inviting and relaxing. We always enjoy going there and try a different dish every time we go. Except we always get the fried plantains. Some of the best I have had. The servers are polite and friendly and will always answer any question you have and explain a menu item if you don't understand it. Definitely a place to go check out. read more

Everyone was so nice and had great timing with refills. Both plates of food were delicious. Also, they were both cooked on the spot. This is great quality food. I will be back! Today was our first time here and we were NOT disappointed with anything. read more

Area 337 - a plate of food on a table - Puerto Rican Near Me - Lake Charles, Louisiana

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Awesome food !! Recommend to my friends! Love it!! Que Bueno!! Delicioso!! Y Mojito excellent!! read more

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This place is an amazing addition to the Lake area. Today I tried the plaintains with cheese and chicharron fried pork belly with arepas appetizer. Both were delicious. Anyone who is a fan of cracklins will love the generous pork serving. The special was seafood paella and it was incredible---tender shrimp, octopus, mussels, bell peppers and rice with a garlic butter sauce, and two beautifully cooked lobster tails. My mom and I brought home most of it for later--it was enough to generously feed three or four. It was spectacular, with maybe the most perfectly cooked octopus I've ever had. For dessert we tried the tres leches cake, and it came with a wonderful meringue on top and was unquestionably the best tres leches cake I've ever had. All of the staff was friendly and helpful. A great place with delicious and unique food. read more

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We are eating all the traditional food! This place is awesome! Ask about the specials - what's not on the menu? They are making it happen! Wow - what a place and the owner is hand on! read more

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Wow, what an explosion of flavor in your mouth... This is the place to be. I just asked Gus The passionfruit cheesecake is amazing.

The ox tails are my favorite. It has a savory taste. You are given a few options for sides with the oxtails. My favorite sides are the vegetables and the sweet plantains! The service is well within a timely manner! read more

Can't believe how long I've been sleeping on this place! DELICIOUS we stuffed ourselves, can't wait to return and try other dishes.

I can't say enough good things about this place, it's just perfect at every level!!! From the passion fruit mojito, the food, the atmosphere, and especially the server. My wife is dominican and I've been a sous chef at a Peruvian restaurant, this place is the real deal! My wife and I were blown away. This'll be our weekly date night spot from now on. read more

Area 337 - Delicious passion fruit mojito. Had to stop myself from drinking it like water! - Puerto Rican Near Me - Lake Charles, Louisiana

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Always does a great job delivering great food and service. Makes you feel like family.

Best restaurant in all of Lake Charles! The owner Gus was very welcoming. We got chicken and beef empanadas for an appetizer, they were amazing! For an entree we shared the Picada 337. Best steak, fried pork belly and plantain we've ever had!! We were so stuffed after that plate but we decided to get shredded Chicken and Beef Arepas to take home. Both of the Arepas were delicious! 10/10 would recommend to anyone visiting Lake Charles or living there! read more

Area 337 - Picada 337 - Puerto Rican Near Me - Lake Charles, Louisiana

The food is delicious! Every time we come to town we always stop by for some authentic Puerto Rican food! My husband had the churrasco steak (skirt steak) with mofongo & I had the carne asada steak (thin steak) with rice and red beans and tostones (fried green banana) the steaks were cooked perfectly! We tried the yuca ball it was amazing it's stuffed with meat! You have to try it, and the fried cheese was very good! The owner is really nice he always comes over and says hello to us. Great environment, place is very clean! And the staff is very friendly. read more

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You can feel the energy and passion that Gus and his team put in to not just the food but the experience. They do a wonderful job of showcasing their culture with colorful and bold flavors. Food is delicious. Highly recommend. read more

This place is AMAZING! We met the owner at the Rum Revival event. He served amazing authentic Caribbean cuisine. We ate here for Mother's Day (a special menu) and everything was divine. Today was my first time there for the regular menu and I can promise it won't be my last. Again the owner is walking around talking to the tables...very personable. The only other time I've ever had a whole fried fish was in Honduras and this definitely took me back. Skin was crisp and flavor and the rice was perfect. Now this Tres Leches cake is on a whole other level. The best I ever had (insert chefs kiss). Will 100% be coming back and recommending to all my friends! read more

Area 337 - Tres leches - Puerto Rican Near Me - Lake Charles, Louisiana

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I stopped in here for lunch on a Saturday with a friend. I ordered the Fried Pork Belly for an appetizer. It was just okay. The skin was a tad on the tough side. It was basically like whole cracklins. I ordered the Kan Kan Pork Chop for my main. It was the largest pork chop I've ever seen. It was okay. I wish I would've realized that it was going to be so similar to my appetizer. I would have ordered the Empanadas for my appetizer instead. It came with a side salad, black beans and a side. I chose Tostones. The salad was not appetizing looking, the beans were very good, the Tostones were very plain. I mean I don't think they even salted them, but at least they came with a wonderful dipping sauce. My friend ordered the Pabellon main with Shredded Beef and rice and an Apple soda. The shredded beef and the drink were very tasty. We both loved it. We thought the beef would be good in a tortilla. I would go back and try the Empanadas which we saw served at the table next to us and when I asked the waitress she said they are good. I would also want to try the tortillas since they are homemade. read more

Area 337 - Kan Kan Pork Chop with side salad, tostones and black beans - Puerto Rican Near Me - Lake Charles, Louisiana

The best food in Lake Charles! The service is hands-on. Every meal I had was delicious. They pay attention to detail with what you want and that makes them stand out! read more

I've never actually taken the time to write a review on Yelp, but this place deserves it! 10/10 amazing food, staff, and all around dining experience. The owner/manager was so accommodating and explained the menu to us in detail while giving fantastic recommendations. One recommendation included the best mojito I've ever had! If you are ever in the lake charles area, check this place out! read more

Area 337 - Great mojito ! - Puerto Rican Near Me - Lake Charles, Louisiana

Deliciosa comida, las empanadas, los tostines von carne desmechada, la sopa de res, la chuleta de cerdo, la bandeja paisa..me faltan muchos platos por probar, pero el el sabor de los que he comido son muy buenos. y excelente atención y servicio;) read more

Two wonderful plates of food ! Across the table is fried pork belly and fried plantains and on this side is fried chunks of pork (can't remember the name ) with fried yuca. Both plates included beans and rice and salad. Everything was so flavorful and seasoned really well! The meat was very, very tender. My drink is their delicious rum punch. Not two sweet and a definite kick! Like taking a trip to the Caribbean! read more

Area 337 - Puerto Rican Near Me - Lake Charles, Louisiana

The best Latin food and juice's!!! Drinks are great!!! Recommend Anyone looking for authentic Latin food!!

Amazing authentic latin food with great atmosphere. The owner is an awesome guy and an artist when it comes to cousin. Food is the best I have had here in Lake Charles. HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT! If you ever come to Lake Charles do not miss the opportunity to stop at Area337. read more

Delicious!! Very authentic and flavorful dishes. Quality ingredients and friendly staff.

Today was my first time enjoying a meal at 337 and I must say I was just beyond delighted! First of all the service was amazing! As soon as we walked in before we even sat down we were greeted with beautiful smilingly faces! And the ladies were so nice and welcoming the entire time we were there! The gentleman that brought our delicious meals was just as jovial and friendly as he could be as if he knew us! I enjoyed my red snapper and black beans! It was TOO much to eat in one sitting but of course I brought my leftovers home! The music was great the atmosphere was awesome and I can't wait to go back again very soon! I'm so happy we finally went for lunch and I can't wait to return for paella!! My friend had a dish with fried pork belly I think and chorizo! It looked fantastic! I'd love to try that too and there was even a soft cooked egg on top of her rice it looked perfectly cooked!! I will definitely be going back! I don't drink alcohol but there is an open bar for those who do like to indulge!! The fried plantain was perfect, your choice of sweet or not! Every single thing was perfect and cooked just right! Thank you everyone at 337 we really enjoyed our stay! It will definitely be a pleasure to dine in your establishment again soon!! God Bless you all!! read more