TLDR
NYC's only spot for authentic Bolivian street food, specializing in legendary soup-filled salteñas and fiery fried chicken.
Reddit Sentiment for BOLIVIAN LLAMA PARTY(based on 44 Reddit opinions)
Instagram Posts References
Bolivian Llama Party is highlighted as the only Bolivian restaurant in New York City, owned by three brothers and operating since 2011. It's described as a small but fun brick-and-mortar window with sidewalk seating, known for hosting an annual salteña-eating contest. The author, having visited Bolivia, emphasizes the restaurant's success in bringing authentic Bolivian food to NYC, bridging its indigenous heritage with a New York vibe. Recommended dishes include salteñas, diablada chicken tenders, and mocochinchi, with a suggestion to try silpancho in its traditional form and to add llagua sauce to everything.
Bolivian Llama Party stands out as the sole Bolivian restaurant in New York City, proudly operated by brothers Alex, David, and Patrick. They are particularly acclaimed for their salteñas, a distinct culinary creation that combines elements of an empanada with the soupy nature of a soup dumpling. The preparation of these salteñas is noted as being very labor-intensive, consuming a significant portion of the restaurant's weekly budget. Beyond salteñas, the restaurant offers other traditional Bolivian favorites, including the hearty Trancapecho sandwich and fried chicken sandwiches that pay homage to "Broasters" in Bolivia. The restaurant aims to provide comforting, authentic Bolivian food.
Details
As the only Bolivian restaurant in New York City, this family-owned Sunnyside establishment serves as a unique cultural portal offering authentic, comforting street food [1], [2]. The menu is celebrated for its labor-intensive salteñas—a signature hybrid between empanadas and soup dumplings—and its spicy fried chicken sandwiches that pay homage to traditional Bolivian 'broasters' [1], [2], [3]. Recognized by Michelin for its quality, the spot is widely considered a must-visit destination for those exploring the Queens food scene [3], [4].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on traditional Bolivian staples, with the salteñas being the most consistently praised item, noted for their rich fillings and authentic pastry shells [1], [2], [3]. Other highly recommended options include the massive Trancapecho sandwich, Diablada chicken tenders, and refreshing drinks like the mocochinchi and guanabana slushie [1], [2]. While the fried chicken has received mixed reviews regarding its breading, it remains a popular choice for many, especially when paired with llagua sauce [2], [5].
Highlights / Recommended
"The salteñas are the definitive must-order item, often described as 'to die for,' along with the hearty Trancapecho sandwich and the spicy Diablada chicken tenders [1], [2], [5]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •saltenas(9)
- •salteñas(4)
- •fried chicken(3)
- •brisket sandwich(2)
- •fried chicken sandwich(2)
Customer Sentiment
Feedback for this establishment is overwhelmingly positive, with many diners describing the signature dishes as mind-blowing and well worth a visit [4]. While experiences with the fried chicken can be polarizing, the general consensus remains high, frequently earning the restaurant recommendations for repeat visits [2], [5].
Caveats
The restaurant operates as a takeout-focused window with limited outdoor seating, and it is located a considerable walk from nearby attractions like the Museum of the Moving Image [5].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About BOLIVIAN LLAMA PARTY
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Best Restaurant Takeout With Nonplastic Containers
"The commenter notes that based on photos from their Google Maps page, the restaurant appears to use compostable takeout containers."
PositiveFrom post: Michelin Guide Announces New Additions For New
"Reiterates that the saltenas are high quality."
PositiveFrom post: Michelin Guide Announces New Additions For New
"Suggests the place is a likely candidate for a Bib Gourmand."
PositiveFrom post: Michelin Guide Announces New Additions For New
"Great addition to the guide, specifically praising the saltenas."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Have Just One Dish From One
"Responding to a positive comment, the user agreed that the salteñas from Bolivian Llama Party were mind-blowing the first time they tried them."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Have Just One Dish From One
"The commenter shared an anecdote about a friend being blown away by the deliciousness of the salteñas from Bolivian Llama Party."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Have Just One Dish From One
"The commenter expressed their enjoyment of Bolivian Llama Party's salteñas and thanked another user for recommending Hill Mary as an alternative."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Have Just One Dish From One
"The mention of salteña from Bolivian Llama Party made the commenter look up apartments in Sunnyside."
NeutralFrom post: If You Could Have Just One Dish From One
"The commenter recommended the salteña from Bolivian Llama Party."
PositiveFrom post: Staying In Flushing Establishments With Stories
"This restaurant was listed as a recommendation."
NeutralFrom post: Where Can I Find Anything Guanabana Or Soursop
"This commenter mentioned that Bolivian Llama Party sells a guanabana slushie."
PositiveFrom post: Whats Your Favorite Singular Dish Or Entreeapp
"The commenter recommends the saltenas, sandwich, and fries from Bolivian Llama Party."
PositiveFrom post: Best Midpriced Vegfriendly Cuisinefocused
"Bolivian Llama Party was included in a list of recommended restaurants."
PositiveFrom post: Heading To Nyc And Dont Want To Leave With Regrets
"This commenter adds that anything from Bolivian Llama Party is a good option."
PositiveFrom post: Heading To Nyc And Dont Want To Leave With Regrets
"This commenter recommends trying Saltenas from Bolivian Llama Party."
PositiveFrom post: Where Would You Go As Your Last Meal In Nyc
"When leaving the city, the commenter had Bolivian Llama Party and a gyro from a Greek food truck for their last meals, paired with a visit to their favorite neighborhood bar."
PositiveFrom post: Where Would You Go As Your Last Meal In Nyc
"For a last meal in NYC, the commenter suggests starting with Bolivian Llama Party's saltenas in Queens."
PositiveFrom post: Which Hispanic Sandwiches Do You Recommend
"This user agreed that Bolivian Llama Party is amazing and recommended their sandwiches and salteñas."
PositiveFrom post: Which Hispanic Sandwiches Do You Recommend
"The user strongly recommended Bolivian Llama Party, also mentioning their salteñas."
PositiveFrom post: Recently Moved To Nyc From Houston So Far Im
"Bolivian Llama Party is a recommended spot in Brooklyn/Queens."
Positive