TLDR
An iconic Chino Latino spot serving crispy chicharron de pollo & flavorful shrimp dishes [1]. Reopened w/ classic hits & a new shine.
Willa Moore revisits La Caridad 72, the beloved Upper West Side Chino Latino spot that reopened after a pandemic closure. Discover if the fried pork chops and other classics still hit the spot.
Details
La Caridad 72, a beloved Upper West Side Chino Latino institution, has reopened after a pandemic closure, bringing back its classic dishes with a fresh, albeit less old-school, charm [1]. The menu features highly anticipated items like the crispy chicharron de pollo and flavorful shrimp in a sticky-sweet devil sauce, alongside comforting stewy beans [1]. Despite the modern renovation, the restaurant remains a popular spot for walk-ins seeking familiar, satisfying flavors [1].
Food Overview
La Caridad 72 offers a popular blend of Cuban and Chinese cuisine, often referred to as Chino Latino. Signature dishes include the highly praised fried pork chop and crispy chicharron de pollo [1]. The boneless chicken crackling and fried rice combo is a generously portioned, splittable meal [2]. Other recommended items include chicken and oxtail [3].
Caveats
While the new location retains beloved dishes, some feel it may have lost some of its original old-school charm due to renovations [1]. The restaurant is noted as being great if waiter service is acceptable and the establishment is not crowded, with a significant portion of its business appearing to be delivery [2].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About LA CARIDAD 72
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Dinner Spots For Taking Out Visiting Parents In
"La Caridad is suggested for the UWS."
PositiveFrom post: Delish Lunch Upper West Side Dining Solo
"La Caridad 72 is mentioned as an inexpensive option within the user's area, known for its fried chicken lunch special."
PositiveFrom post: Quick Bite Between Met Opera And Levain Bakery On
"La Caridad 72 is great if waiter service is acceptable and the restaurant is not crowded, with most business seeming to be delivery."
PositiveFrom post: Quick Bite Between Met Opera And Levain Bakery On
"Caridad 72 was recommended as an amazing chino Latino place near Levain Bakery."
PositiveFrom post: Best But Unique Ethnic Cuisine Spots
"La Caridad is mentioned as one of the old-school Chino Latino places on the Upper West Side."
NeutralFrom post: Solo Date Spot Near Beacon Theatre
"La Caridad 72 is listed among several restaurant recommendations."
PositiveFrom post: Old School Asian Manhattan Restaurant With Soup
"La Caridad 72 is praised for its massive portions and great mix of food, with the commenter currently enjoying leftovers."
PositiveFrom post: Best Midtown Chinese Delivery
"La Caridad 72 is recommended."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Only Pick One Restaurant In Nyc What
"The user notes that the restaurant is now called La Caridad 72."
NeutralFrom post: If You Could Only Pick One Restaurant In Nyc What
"The user notes that La Caridad 78 is now called La Caridad 72."
NeutralFrom post: If You Could Only Pick One Restaurant In Nyc What
"The user recommends La Caridad 78."
PositiveFrom post: Im Staying At The Arthouse In The Uws Im
"La Cardad, described as Cuban/Chinese, is located on 72nd street."
NeutralFrom post: Is Chinese Mexican Food Still A Thing
"Responding to a comment that La Caridad is not Mexican, this user clarified that it is Chinese-Cuban."
NeutralFrom post: Is Chinese Mexican Food Still A Thing
"This commenter visited La Caridad 72 and confirmed the food is the same as the previous location (La Caridad 78), also noting a good lunch deal."
PositiveFrom post: Is Chinese Mexican Food Still A Thing
"This commenter stated that La Caridad is Cuban Chinese, clarifying its cuisine type."
NeutralFrom post: Is Chinese Mexican Food Still A Thing
"This commenter identified 'La Caridad' as a Chinese-Cuban establishment and mentioned it as a past go-to spot that remains solid even after reopening and relocating."
PositiveFrom post: Is Chinese Mexican Food Still A Thing
"This commenter stated that 'La Caridad 72' replaced 'La Caridad 78' and provided a YouTube link related to it."
NeutralFrom post: Where To Eat After Going To The American Museum
"The commenter reminisces about La Caridad 72 and UNO's Pizzeria being their old go-to spots after museum visits."
NeutralFrom post: Uws Musttry Quick Bites
"For Le Caridad 72, chicken and oxtail were mentioned as recommended dishes. The user also mentioned always getting the fried chicken lunch special."
PositiveFrom post: Uws Musttry Quick Bites
"A user asked for a comparison between La Dinastia and Le Caridad 72, and for recommendations on what to order at Le Caridad 72."
Neutral