Profile

Chef/owner Aarón Sanchez is the son of Zarela Martinez, and with Paladar he’s done for Lower East Side foodies what his mother did for their older, uptown counterparts: created a colorful, lively circus of a restaurant that’s equal parts serious cooking and serious partying. Seafood is the standout on Sanchez’s bold pan-Latino menu. Even the freebies—white and blue tortilla chips with a lightly creamy black-bean sauce—reflect the kitchen’s attention to detail. The bar in front is always packed, and with good reason: the house specialty drinks, like a tangy mojito, are killer. — Jenifer Van Vleck

Sat.—Sun., noon—4 p.m.

Note
Paladar only accepts reservations for parties of 6 or more.

Translation
For the record, "paladar" means "palate" in Spanish.

Pan roasted market fish, $18; grilled steak, $19