About Colada Shop
A trio of José Andrés alums is behind these mood-lifting Cuban/Caribbean cafes. In the morning, we swing by for pastelitos—tender pastries filled with guava or cream cheese that pair beautifully with a cafe con leche. When lunchtime rolls around, it’s all about the media noche—a pressed sandwich of ham, pork, Swiss, pickles, and mustard on a sweet roll. After work, quickie snacks include expertly fried croquetas and chicken-filled empanadas. If you’re at the 14th Street corridor location, you can choose from a raft of fabulous cocktails such as the Hotel Nacional (gold rum, apricot liqueur and purée, and pineapple juice), all for $8. Bar whiz Juan Coronado used to be the brains behind the cocktails at Andrés’s Barmini. Also good: Picadillo-filled pastelito; pina colada.
