Most likely the only restaurant locally of its kind, this McKinley Heights gem boasts authentic Nicaraguan cuisine; I think. Like their neighbors next door, this is a converted store-front property that's been converted into a restaurant space. Built several feet from the sidewalk, a nicely sized street level patio sits out front of the main entrance. If you're into listening to the relaxing sounds of a Jefferson Avenue coupled with the "melodic" tunes of passing by cars, by all means sit on the patio. As you enter the main dining space features several Hispanic paintings lining the walls that most likely would befit a restaurant of this origin; note there's also a large framed photo of the country Nicaragua as well. Playing on the two flat screens in nearly muted sound is Univision, I guess for flavor. Your server with a heavy accent takes your order along with drinks and then you anxiously await your meal. I ordered the "Rumtarindo" which is apparently the house special, thinking I was in store for some authentic Nicaraguan drink. I thought it was special until the waitress informed it was nothing more than lime juice and rum that you could also buy pre-made at stores; I enjoyed the heavy-handed drink nonetheless. "The National Dish" is my go-to of the four times I've gone, I did not deter and I'm happy to admit the quality is consistent. Tender Carne Asada served medium with your choice of numerous sides, I recommend the sweet plantains and the brown rice. Bring your appetite because it's more than enough food, if not they'll box it for you. She had a sautéed shrimp dish (Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo) which was horribly butchered when attempted to repeat, the meal however was worth the effort. I noticed decently sized shrimp in a lovely dish of butter also with two sides. I did hear rumblings across the table about too rich, but it was enjoyed. Only thing, the place seems packed which seems right considering there's only seven tables. The server works hard to cater to all the tables but maybe some additional help might be needed, regardless I highly recommend. read more

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Beautiful little place, wonderful and friendly service. We ordered carne asada and pollo chimmichurri, with two beans and rice sides, Maduros, and yuca frite as sides. Everything was delicious! Our appetizer was cheese-filled empanadas- the owner was kind and gave us instructions to break them in half, stuff them with the slaw they came with, and top with the sauces they brought to the table. Really tasty. Our kids (7-13) really enjoyed the food as well. read more

Four words: Tilapia a la Tipitapa! It's my favorite dish. It's the reason I keep coming back. Fish filets are for wussies. If you can't look a fish in the eye before you eat'em, how can you call yourself anything but "wussy"? Intense. I know. Only sorta kidding though. I love whole fish, especially fried and cooked down. *mouth watering* And that is how intense I feel about this Tilapia a la Tipitapa dish. Add some yuca frita to the sauce and it's a party. The staff is friendly and very accommodating. Even if the food wasn't so good...AND IT IS...I'd keep coming back for the service and the good vibes. I always forget to post a picture of my food because like to live in the moment (and get it while it's hot), but I promise next time I'm going to post a picture of my favorite dish from this place. Scouts honor. read more

This is a great place for real central american food in stl. We headed to fritanga for some yummy tamarindo with rum and some latin grub and were not disappointed. We started with some rontarindo thats Tamarin juice with rum sooo good! Then we ordered the guacamole nicaraguense that is served with plantain just yummy and paleo fyi. I had the churrasco nica that is a grilled skirt steak with rice and beans and fried plantain and my husband had the chancho asado ( grilled pork marinated in achiote sauce). Everything was wonderful if you like latin food then this is the place to go. Enjoy! read more

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The consistency and customer service here is deplorable. The food is USUALLY good, but the beef empanadas have been different all three times I've had them, from shredded to ground ....and they served me THIS as their fried cheese today. If you look at the other pictures, you will see what it SHOULD come out as, and how I've had it before. read more

Fritanga - Latin American Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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Fritanga is immediately one of my favorite restaurants in the city. All of the food is amazing, but I especially like the chimichurri chicken. The owners were very warm and welcoming, and the space itself was lovely to be in. read more

Friendly environment and Delish! I had the carne desmenuzada with red rice and beans and yuca! Highly recommended!

This place is amazing!! I had chicken with their specialty sauce, rice and beans and tortillas. Everything was scrumptious. I also tried carne asada from my friend and that meat was banging. Any dish there is delicious and won't disappoint. read more

Ate a Fritanga with a large group of people. It was nice because that enables you to taste a lot of different things. The empanadas are really delicious. The queso frito might be my favorite because the only thing that makes cheese better than it self is when you fry it. Although the gallo pinto (rice and beans) and the maduros (sweet plantain) are a close second to the cheese. Also tried the beef, pork, and chicken and everything was tender and flavorful. This is a really great restaurant. I highly recommend giving it a try. read more

Fritanga - Queso Frito, Gallo Pinto, y Maduros - Latin American Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Awesome food! Staff is amazing and very attentive. I come here at least twice a month. Best margaritas in town.

If you are in the mood for something other than Mexican but still want something of the Latin variety this is the place to go. Plantains are yummy and you won't be disappointed with anything on the menu. read more

Fritanga - Latin American Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

So this place was so yummy!! We went in for our Girls Night Out dinner and were very happy with our choice. To be totally honest I couldn't pronounce anything on the menu, but I was totally OK with that!! They had great explanations on everything and the food was spot on. Get anything with crispy plantains in it and thank me later. They serve everything with chimichurri sauce and this wonderfully spicy red sauce, on the side of course. I could have eaten a bowl of the chimichurri by itself. So good! And the service was beyond 5 stars! They were on it. And let us sample this wonderful juice that they use as a base for some if their drinks. It was fresh and wonderful. I know we'll be back! read more

Fritanga - Yummy cheese and crisp plantain - Latin American Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

My sister bought my birthday dinner from Fritanga this year. We got food for four and it was A FEAST!!! Empanadas, queso frito, fried plantains and yuca, carne asada, garlic shrimp, shredded pork, and more. It was delectable!!! Do not let this restaurant go under, friends and neighbors. I beg of you. It is a treasure for this city. read more

Orlando sure knows how to whip up great food! Gf recommended we eat here and it was just what we needed after the fast food after fast food this hit the spot read more

My BFF and I visited and the food was nothing short of wonderful. My favorite is their guacamole, which has eggs in it. I thought it was a little weird at first but my first bite lead to a 2nd, 3rd and 4th bite. It was definitely different but I enjoyed every bite!!! Thanks B read more

Never had we tried Nicaraguan food before and we were met with a pleasant surprise at Fritanga. B and I have been on numerous dates here, have celebrated my birthday and held group events as well. Its's hard to say what's better, the food or the service. FOOD: Two things we never fail to order are the guacamole and the plantains. The guacamole comes with boiled egg inside and I was a little doubtful at first, but it really works! I rarely venture out of my typical choice here (the platano loco with shredded beef) so Brian's picks are what really make up the food review. He's tried the carne asada, the fish, lomo saltado. He enjoyed all of them, but his favorite is the fish. We've also tried the pupusas and on one occasion, pupusas with squash in them! And the chimichurri sauce is fantastic! SERVICE: All the staff are friendly and accomodating. On one case in particular, we held a student group social with about 20 people and the service was still on point. Christian, who typically waits on us, is one of the nicest employees there. Brian would like me to add how cool Christian is-very cool. Orlando, the owner, is also very attentive and sweet. Overall, this place is a definite must in St. Louis and I would recommend anyone to go out of their comfort zone and try something new. Ana's rating:5 Brian's rating:5 read more

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So Good food latino tha best i feel home I like visit some restaurant and like eat a Good food read more

Got the chancho asado and it was amazing, real flavorful. Everything was amazing, hope to go back soon.

First time trying Nicaraguan food very delicious, can't wait to come back to stl to get more

Had a great experience at this restaurant. The staff were friendly and helpful. Food was very authentic and tasty. Sat outside on the patio. read more

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Good authentic food! I've been here a few times and I've never been disappointed. The people are always friendly

Amazing meal, everyone was very happy with what they got. The restaurant was clean. Our waitress was very organized and attentive. The owner or manager gave us a little grief for not calling ahead for our huge group of 9 people and he complained about the kitchen being small so we wouldn't get our food at the same time. But honestly we were seated right away and our food came out rather quick for it being a smaller restaurant. Would absolutely go again. read more

Delicious food. Made fresh to order so sit and chill with your cocktail while you wait because this kind of food cannot be rushed. It's home cooked Nicaraguan food. Think beans and rice , plantains, chimichuri . All delicious all fresh . Our table had a garlic shrimp dish with jicama, whole fried tilipia with tomatoes and onions (enough for two) and beans and rice with Slaw. Margaritas on point Patio was cute and perfect for watching Jefferson passerby Entrees about 15 a person . Definitely going back to eat my way down the menu read more

We popped in for a late lunch after visiting Meramec caverns. My husband had the steak and I had chicken pupusas with red beans and rice. It was one of our favorite meals of the trip! We loved each of the sauces but the chipotle was hand down our favorite! The staff was friendly and if we lived in the area we would definitely come back. There were several other dishes I'd love to try if we ever get back to St. Louis. read more

Fritanga - Chicken pupusas - seriously, these were so good with the chipotle sauce! - Latin American Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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I wish I was a fan, I really do. I've tried it now 4-5 times over the course of the last 5 years, each time going in with an open mind. But it's not you, Fritanga, it's me. We just don't have the same taste. St. Louisans, please keep coming to this joint. We need it, whether or not my non-plantain, non-beef loving self does. read more

Food is espectacular, steaks are marinated to perfection, flavors are authentic, we tried 4 different dishes and all of them were awesome.

Nicaraguan, in StL? Yes boys and girls this place is awesome! Food that makes you want to pack up and move there. The authentic flavors and lovely staff are reasons to go. Pollo Frito and pork shoulder in annato dry rub are two all time favorites. The boiled cassava root side with butter and garlic is like a potato, but not, and super delicious. I order it most of the time, but Gallo Pinto is a must have side. Go, explore and be happy. read more

Orlando and his team do a fantastic job creating an awesome Nicaraguan experience. All of the dishes are flavorful and unique. This is a great place to come with with a group and order a bottle of Flor De Cana rum and some Chicharron De Pollo for the table. read more

I was missing my mom's cooking today, and was REALLY craving rice, and beans, and meat, platanos maduros, and all things Puerto Rican. None of the locals that I spoke to throughout the day could really recommend a decent Latin American restaurant that wasn't Tex Mex, so naturally, I took to Yelp and found this place. My coworker and I set off to find this place and found that the restaurant itself is not in a very pretty part of town, but it does stand out with with its umbrellas and outdoor seating. There was plenty of street parking around the time my coworker and I arrived between 5-6pm. The decor inside the restaurant is not very aesthetically pleasing---random wine and beer bottles decorate the shelves around one side, but it does give it a sort of mom and pop feel. Our food was nicely presented. Portions were big, and the meats, rice, beans, and maduros were cooked well. I am used to the many combined flavors of Puerto Rican food, so although I didn't hate it, it still felt a little bland and lacking in seasoning to me. They provided us with three little saucers of sauces but didn't tell us what they were. One tasted like red chili sauce, one tasted like a salsa verde variation, and the other had a jalapeño and onion flavor to it. The red chili sauce and the salsa verde variation paired pretty nicely with the carne asada and chancho. The lime Nicaritas (Nicaraguan version of a margarita) was recommended by the host and I did enjoy it. Wasn't too sweet and came out in a big glass cup. Overall, I'd say it was a pleasant dining experience. The host and waitress were both incredibly friendly and we really appreciated their food recommendations. The food came out quickly. Also, my coworker and I were under the impression that they would not split our check (they have a sticker on the menu that says they do not split checks), but the waitress offered to split for us which was nice. Note: The restaurant does take Amex, though the window sticker at the door doesn't list it. read more

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Made it there right as soon as they opened, so I am not sure how busy it is normally. Judging by the food, it is probably hard to get a seat. I had the shredded beef empanadas and will have them again before I leave. The chimichurri sauce + empanadas = amazing. Chicken with chimichurri sauce was full of flavor. Rice and beans were good Cassava root with garlic was super good. Never had cassava before, but I'm really happy I chose it today. Service was also really good. As for the atmosphere, it felt authentic with the music and everyone speaking spanish. All in all, I found a lot of things and flavors I didnt know I liked. 5/5 read more

Small place, clean and super friendly!! And the food, oh my goodness, FANTASTIC!!! Definitely coming back!!!!!! read more

Fritanga - Latin American Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Went in to this meal with no idea what to expect other than some positive reddit reviews. I left thinking this was in the top 10 best meals I've ever had. The staff was friendly, the food was amazing, and its a low-key spot to go on a date night. The only complaint my partner had was she didn't like the rice. We were in St Louis on a 5 day trip and came here twice. Try everything on the menu. read more

I don't know how to express just how much I love Fritanga, other than to say "it got me to change out of pajama pants into real pants at 4 pm on a Saturday just so I could go eat plantains. Alone." That's a big deal. Real pants. This is the type of restaurant that would normally stress me out. Sparse street parking. No split checks. Cash preferred. Guy outside of liquor store barking at me like a dog as I walk back to my car. That part still stresses me out a little. But the food here is so good, I don't care about the minor inconveniences. This was the one place I've eaten in the last year or so that I wished I could go back to the very next day just to order the same meal again. It's that good. I'm a big fan of the ripe plantain with shredded chicken. I can't get it anywhere else, and I will gladly drive the 15-20 minutes and wait as long as I have to for it. (Service can be slow when they are busy. Everything is cooked to order in a small kitchen, so bring your patience. Or be a card carrying member of the Murder She Wrote fanclub like me and eat dinner at 4:30 pm to avoid the rush.) I also really appreciate the passion of the owner, who has come by to talk to me both times I've visited. The last time I was there, one of the patrons commented that it's like eating a meal with family, the way everyone shouts to each other back and forth and has a good time working together to get the food out. I'd agree with that, and say it's part of what I like most about Fritanga. This restaurant falls into the five star category for me because it offers something unique that's worth the trip, and because I'd genuinely miss it if were gone. read more

My friend Jason and I went to this quiet little spot. He knows the owners and his elephant ears or banana plants are actually outside around the patio. I have to admit, not having explored St. Louis and the different beautiful diversities and ethnic dishes in my hometown had me feeling like I was missing out. I was. Being use to the traditional St. Louis offerings of toasted raviolis, thin crust pizzas, burgers and other Italian and American foods... I was hesitant to try anything off of the menu. I was scared. I didn't know what a (I forget the name of the root) was. I've never in my life had plantains. They look like bananas on steroids, basically. But I told myself to try something new. Get out of the ordinary. So, Jason and I compromised so we could both get something we would enjoy and I try new things. I wanted shrimp. I had the shrimp in jalapeño cream sauce, red beans and rice, and root in garlic. Jason had the beef with herbs, plantains, and black bean and rice. We shared half of our plates together. Let me tell you... ignoring the fear of trying something new was the BEST THING TO EVER HAPPEN. It was DELICIOUS!!! The root was like a potato. Plantains were fried and had a sweetness to them. I ate them periodically to tame the heat because the shrimp was spicy and I had added extra sauce that came on the sauce dish to add extra flavor to my plate. I'll definitely have to return. :) If you're new to St. Louis, welcome. Please explore all the different areas of food that you can. It's fun and delicious. read more

Fritanga - Shrimp in jalapeño cream sauce, red beans and rice, root in garlic, coleslaw? - Latin American Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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We finally returned to Fritanga and finally were able to use our Hot Sauce certificate. Finally. Sigh. Our main takeaway from this visit was that Fritanga doesn't appear to like gift certificates or Groupon/Hot Sauce certificates. There was a big whiteboard in the middle of the restaurant saying that if you were using a certificate, you'd need to pay in cash and could use it for dinner only. And when we asked for our bill and handed over the Hot Sauce certificate, we got the sigh and eyeroll. We were lucky that we had $7 in cash on us to cover the less-than-$2 balance plus tip. Did they somehow get burned from the whole group-buying thing? Their limitations (which are ONLY known upon walking into Fritanga - they're not online or on the certificates themselves) make it seem like customers are in the wrong for going the restaurant with a certificate, but weren't they the ones who contracted with these companies and made them available? Didn't they realize that people would actually, you know, use them? I got my plantain chips and fried cheese again, and they were fine. Service was slow, though, and after looking at that whiteboard, we just couldn't shake the feeling that we were unwanted (or going to be, anyway). Now that we've used our certificate, we won't be going back, which is a shame. It's a place I really wanted to like (especially after going there FOUR times!) and might have enjoyed in a non-Groupon world. :( read more

As noted in my review of Bosna Gold, a group of my coworkers and I recently founded an International Lunch Club. Fritanga was our 2nd stop and we were all very pleased with it! We had a pretty big group (10 or so) and failed to call ahead, which was our mistake, so our service was a little slow but we learned our lesson and will call ahead next time! While it took a little while to get our food, the waiter was very entertaining...which always makes waiting a little more manageable. A coworker and I ordered two entrees to split, canoa de maduro and enchiladas. The canoa was by far the better dish...it was delicious beef cooked to a perfect tenderness mixed with sweet ripe plantains. The savory and sweet combination was to die for! It also came with a side of rice and coleslaw, so it's a filling lunch. The enchiladas were just ok, I wouldn't recommend them. They were a little on the dry side because they were not covered in sauce like their Mexican counterpart. I want to return to Fritanga because just writing this review is making me crave those sweet plantains...they can't be beat! read more

Headed out to Fritanga for Dining Out For Life on a Thursday night....and we're glad we picked this place. They now have a really cute patio out front which helps a lot with visibility from Jefferson. They were not used to being so busy, but as stressed as they were, everyone was so nice and we had no problems w/ our food. Tonight we tried the homemade tamales and YUM!!! We also ordered the empanadas ...(always a favorite) and the appetizer Chancho con Yuca (which is plenty of food). All is served with 3 different hot sauces to liven things up. To drink we tried the Passion Fruit Margarita and the Raspberry Nicarita (made w/ Rum instead of Tequila)....very potent let me tell ya. Give this place a try...you won't be sorry! read more

So good. Great service. The skirts steak with chimichurri is on point. So many yummy things on the menu but chimichurri is my fav and it was great. read more

Fritanga - Empanadas and skirt steak with chimichurri - Latin American Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Excellent authentic food! Small local place with a real feel. I tried the national asada. Highly recommend.

This is my favorite restaurant in the St Louis area. Being new to the area I was craving pupusas and found Fritanga with a quick online search & I am so glad I did! The food options are delicious, I've tried almost every plate here. Anytime I have visitors this is on the list to visit. They also have tasty drinks, alcoholic and non alcoholic. If you're on the fritz about trying this place, definitely make plans to visit and try something new. read more