Pat A.

I've gone twice now and this may become a go to lunch spot in downtown. It's a small shop situated downtown with a cute patio to dine outside. The first time i visited, I tried the veggie arepa (black beans, plantains, aguacate and queso fresco) which was very tasty and filling. Then my most recent visit I had the pabellón which is shredded beef, plantains, black beans and queso fresco. Also very delicious. Their sides are ones best shared with a friend. Yuca Fries were garnished with chimichurri. Then they had the cheese wrapped in breading with a dipping sauce. I can't remember the actual title and don't see it on the menu but they were great. All in all a sweet visit. I will go back just just for the refreshing beverages alone and friendly service alone. Staff is very friendly and family run and can't wait to keep going back to support this small business.

C L.

Gluten Free options with Aprepas! This is a local small business in downtown Albuquerque. It is off of 4th and Central and a great option if you are in the area. We ordered pineapple smoothie and chica (think thicker horchata) to drink and they were both delicious. The food is flavorful, prepared quickly, and there are a variety of options. Seating is limited, so be prepared to wait or take your food to go. We will definitely be back!

I had the pericos and queso arepa and enjoyed every bite! Also enjoyed a pernil empanada that was arguably the best empanada I have ever eaten. My son had an entre of shredded beef, rice, potato salad and soup. And we could not get over how delicious everything was. The rice tasted like my mom's home-cooked rice and the soup reminded me of the caldo my mom made of Saturdays. This meal was not only delicious, it transported me in time to the delicious food of my youth. Highly recommend this Albuquerque gem !

Destiny L.

There is one thing I will say about Downtown and that is it absolutely needs more open after lunch food spots. We have so many great spots that are popular for lunch during the week but it feels much more limited once the workday is over. I stopped in Arepas el Pana on a whim because I was super hungry and well I love a good arepa. They had just opened and were still very much getting things figured out but the staff was very friendly and the space is cute. I grabbed one of my favorite arepa options, the pabellon which contains beautifully seasoned meats and plantains plus beans and cheese. The arepa came alone without sides which is my only thought considering other similar places serve yucca fries or such in addition to the arepa for that price point but I won't fault them for that.

Nestor O.

Absolutely amazing! The Pernil is vey tender and moist. The empanadas were great. Generous size and most importantly very tasty. Personally I don't like the empanadas that are very doughy, and these did not have a lot of dough. But the chicken and ground beef inside were very well seasoned. Definitely will return next time I visit Albuquerque! Wish they'd open something similar in L.A.

Alexandria G.

Made my way downtown to check out Arepas El Pana... a small cute little Venezuelan restaurant with delicious food. I've been wanting to try this place for months and I'm so mad at myself that it's taken this long! Their yuca fries were the best I've ever had! And I will definitely go back again for the arepa and empanada with carne desmechada! They make their cilantro sauce in house and it went perfect with everything! And I really appreciated the great customer service. Carlos helped me figure out what to try, which I really appreciated. Him and his entire team were so friendly!

LaLa G.

Was definitely feeling the love at Arepas el Pana, a tasty lil spot downtown serving Venezuelan food. I enjoyed a Pernil Arepa with this delicious homemade cilantro sauce and a spicy side of green chile. Mmmm! I also had the sweet fried plantains, and to drink, a papelon con limon. The hospitality was overflowing and I was offered a complimentary cappuccino while I wait... why thank you! Everything was delish! Service was friendly & prompt! Head downtown and support this local business. #yelpelitesquad #SYOY

Emily Y.

I've never had an arepa before so this was a treat! It was crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and stuffed with chicken, avocado, and cheese. I was surprised they gave me a little bottle of sauce but that cilantro sauce was 10/10 and I added it to every bite.

Maria M.

Such an adorable arepa cafe! There's small tables inside and more seating outside. It was a beautiful day so we opted for outside; the owner even came out and opened the umbrella for us. The food is on point. I had the reina pepiada along with black beans and plantains. All fantastic, specifically the beans. You can tell they're made in house. My partner had the pabellon which was bursting with fillings and was so incredible he got another one to-go for later! Cappuccinos were also very nice.

Atalanta P.

I stopped in here for lunch today and got an iced caramel latte and a pabellon (black beans, beef, queso fresco and plantain) arepa. Service was friendly and I didn't have to wait long for my stuffed to overflowing arepa, hot and fresh, and sweet creamy drink. I could try to wax poetic about how flavorful and substantial it was but really, look at the pictures of what they have and understand that you want this in your face. They're in a pretty convenient part of downtown so I am sure I will be visiting again.

Gregory J.

This fun little eclectic spot is perfect if you would like to try something new or a familiar favorite! I know the owners and they are very passionate about their cuisine and coffee! The latte was *chefs kiss* the food I mean come on! I had the arepa carne desmechada and it was amazing. I had never tried Venezuelan cuisine before but I will be back asap!

Sarah H.

We had the vegetarian arepa and a black bean and cheese empanada. Both were soooo delicious. The individual sized green sauce they provide you for each meal is out of this world, so garlicky and heavenly! Also appreciated the small outdoor dining area. Big enough for me to bring my pup along. Excited to go back, still thinking of that green sauce...

Adric M.

Ive now tried them out twice, yum yum, from the areapas to the pastrlitos, all.were amazing, gave us a sample of the cane juice, that and their sauces were amazlzing too. I love Venisuelian food. And this was some of the best ive had around.