Finding a place that actually tastes like home—or at least someone’s home—is surprisingly hard in South Florida. You’ve probably driven past a hundred strip malls in Boca Raton, each promising "authentic" flavors, only to be met with bland rice and dry chicken. Honestly, it’s frustrating. But then there’s Andy’s Latin Food of Boca.
If you haven’t been to Mission Bay Plaza recently, you might have missed the buzz around this place. It’s tucked away at 20401 State Road 7. It’s the kind of spot where the smell of frying plantains hits you before you even open the door. People talk about "hidden gems" so much it’s basically a cliché now, but this one actually fits the bill.
What’s the Deal with the Menu?
Most people walk in expecting a standard taco joint. They’re wrong. Andy’s is heavily influenced by Venezuelan comfort food, but it’s a bit of a continental mashup. You’ll find Brazilian coxinhas sitting right next to Colombian-style empanadas. It’s a lot.
The star, without a doubt, is the arepa. They don’t just serve one kind. They have a whole list of them, including the Pabellón Arepa, which is basically a full Venezuelan meal stuffed into a corn cake. You’ve got shredded beef, black beans, sweet plantains, and queso fresco. It’s heavy. It’s messy. It’s perfect.
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The "Queen" of the Kitchen
The Reina Pepiada (or "The Queen Arepa") is usually the litmus test for any Venezuelan spot. At Andy’s Latin Food of Boca, they do it with a massive amount of avocado-chicken salad. If the avocado isn't fresh, the whole thing falls apart. Here, it’s usually spot on.
They also do something called the Andy’s Pepito Sandwich. It’s pressed bread loaded with steak, chicken, potato sticks, and a mix of sauces. It’s the kind of thing you eat when you don't plan on doing anything productive for the next four hours.
Beyond the Arepas
It’s not just about the corn cakes. A lot of regulars swear by the Cachapa con Pollo. If you aren't familiar, a cachapa is a sweet corn pancake. It’s folded over savory fillings. That sweet and salty contrast? That’s the secret sauce.
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Then you have the burgers. They aren’t your typical "fast food" patties. The La Callejera is a Venezuelan street-style burger that has everything: ham, cheese, egg, bacon, and those signature potato sticks. It’s chaotic in the best way possible.
- Tequeños: These are the breaded cheese sticks you see everywhere, but these use real Venezuelan cheese.
- Mandocas: Deep-fried rings made of cornmeal and plantain. They’re sweet, salty, and weirdly addictive.
- Tostones: Green plantain patties. They serve them with cream and cheese.
The Reality of Eating at Andy’s
The atmosphere is "trendy but casual." That basically means you can show up in flip-flops and nobody cares, but the place still looks good enough for a photo. They have a picture menu. Seriously, more restaurants need to do this. It makes life so much easier when you're trying to figure out the difference between a Pelua and a Sifrina.
Service is usually friendly. You might even see Andy himself running around. He’s known for being pretty hands-on, which is probably why the quality stays consistent.
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But let’s be real: it’s not always perfect. During the lunch rush, the wait times can get a little annoying. And if you’re looking for a quiet, romantic candlelit dinner, this isn’t it. It’s loud, there’s music, and it’s meant for eating, not whispering.
Is It Still Open?
There’s been some confusion lately. If you look at some online listings for Andy's Latin Food of Boca, you might see "Permanently Closed" tags on certain delivery platforms or map sites. It’s a bit of a mess.
The truth is that the Boca location at Mission Bay Plaza has faced some shifts. While the brand has roots and other locations (like the one in Palm Beach Gardens), the Boca Raton spot has had fluctuating hours and status updates over the last year. Always check their official social media or call before you make the trek. Nothing ruins a craving like a locked door.
Making the Most of Your Visit
If you're going for the first time, don't overthink it. Order a sampler. The Appetizer Sampler usually comes with tequeños, empanadas, and coxinhas. It’s the best way to see which country's snacks you like best.
Also, don't skip the sauces. The green sauce (guasacaca) is legendary. Put it on everything. The arepas, the fries, the empanadas—doesn’t matter.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Call Ahead: Before driving out to the State Road 7 location, give them a quick ring at (561) 702-7489 to confirm their current hours.
- Try the Juice: Everyone talks about the food, but the Passion Fruit Juice is usually a 10/10. It cuts through the richness of the fried food perfectly.
- Go for Lunch: The "street food" vibe is best enjoyed during the day when the energy is high and the food is coming out fast.
- Download the App: If you’re planning on frequenting the spot, they often run specials through their online ordering portal that you won’t find if you just walk in.