When You Gotta Have an Empanada: Division Café in Somerville

Division Cafe
Somerville
8 Division Street
908-450-7979

Open: Breakfast, lunch and dinner, Wed-Mon

Price: $ BYO

Style: Café serving a blend of Argentinian and Costa Rican dishes. Located on Somerville’s Division Street pedestrian plaza, the café has several outdoor tables and a small dining room with vivid red-orange walls decorated with Latin American art.

The Scoop: Chef/owner Maida Morales opened Division Cafe in 2013. A second location, opened in South Bound Brook in 2016, has since closed.

The Menu: Don’t miss the excellent house-made empanadas (pictured), with various fillings, including chicken; beef; chorizo and cheddar; beef chipotle and mozzarella; and spinach, corn and cheese. Gallo Pinto, a traditional Costa Rican breakfast of fried rice and beans is served with a fried egg, corn tortillas and a slice of fried farmer’s cheese. Taco Ticos, available in crispy chicken or beef, are deep fried, wrapped tacos topped with shredded cabbage, ketchup and mayo. Arroz con chorizo Argentino consists of diced Argentinian sausage with rice, peppers and onions. Bistec Encebollado (steak and onions) is flavorful and tender, and is served with white rice and beans. Other options include beef sliders, shrimp and mango ceviche, chicken or beef nachos, salads, sandwiches and wraps.

Heads Up: Division Street is closed to vehicular traffic, but there’s a public parking lot behind it, located off Union Street.