Inside Coppelia, A New 24-Hour Cuban-Influenced Luncheonette

Named after a popular Havana ice cream shop, Coppelia is a 24-hour, NY-style luncheonette featuring a Cuban-inspired menu from Julian Medina, the chef/owner of Toloache, Yerba Buena, and Toloache Taqueria. As you can see, it's a cheery little spot that seats about 70. There is a large marble bar with spinning stools for counter-service seating, or you can get fresh in one of the booths meant to evoke the backseat of a 1950s Chevy. Weather permitting, an additional 25 diners can be accommodated in the garden.

Breakfast is served all day at Coppelia, with seven varieties of Huevos (eggs) and an "extensive" Cuban coffee service. The lunch and dinner menus ranges from small plates like Yucca Rellena, yucca croquettes filled with beef picadillo to sandwiches such as Pan con Lechon, roasted pork chicharron, red pickled onion, mojo. Entrees include options like Camarones Enchilados, dark rum glazed shrimp, tomato salsa, white rice, tostones; and Pescado Encendido, potato crusted tilapia, tomato salsa, fufu.

They don't have a liquor license yet, but they're compensating with dessert, which comes from consulting pastry chef Pichet Ong, a talented man known for his sweet and savory flavor combos. His menu features "traditional American favorites accented with a variety of Latin flavors, like tamarind, avocado, cajeta, cinnamon and chipotle." Click through to peruse the photos and dessert menu in full.

207 West 14th, (212) 858-5001