Barra Payan: Authentic Dominican Eats in Washington Heights, NYC

Barra Payan Introduce

Welcome to Barra Payan, a true cornerstone of authentic Dominican cuisine located in the heart of Washington Heights, New York City. This popular local spot has earned a reputation for serving up classic, flavorful dishes that capture the essence of Dominican home cooking. From satisfying sandwiches to their famous fried chicken, Barra Payan offers a casual and inviting atmosphere that makes it a favorite among residents and visitors alike. Whether you're a longtime local or just passing through, this eatery provides a delicious and genuine taste of the Caribbean right here in NYC. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a quick, hearty meal that feels both comforting and completely authentic.

### Location and Accessibility

Barra Payan is conveniently situated at 1370 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10033. Located on a busy intersection in Washington Heights, this spot is easily accessible whether you're traveling by car or public transportation. The restaurant is nestled among towering high-rise apartment buildings, and while the area is known for its constant activity and traffic, its prime location makes it a great stop for anyone in the neighborhood. While parking can be a bit of a challenge due to the busy urban environment, the lively energy of the street adds to the overall experience of visiting a true New York City local establishment. The bustling corner location makes it a highly visible and well-known part of the community, drawing a steady stream of customers looking for a delicious and quick meal.

### Services Offered

Barra Payan provides a range of convenient services to suit any dining preference, whether you're on the go or prefer to sit down and enjoy your meal. The goal is to make it as easy as possible for everyone to enjoy their flavorful dishes.

Delivery: For those who can't make it to the restaurant, Barra Payan offers delivery services, bringing their tasty food right to your doorstep. This is an ideal option for a night in or a busy workday lunch.
Takeout: If you're in a hurry but want to pick up your food directly, their takeout service is fast and efficient. You can call ahead to place your order and have it ready for a quick pickup.
Dine-in: The casual, laid-back atmosphere of the restaurant is perfect for a relaxed dining experience. You can grab a table, enjoy your food, and soak in the vibrant, local ambiance.
Breakfast and Lunch: The menu is primarily focused on breakfast and lunch options, making it the perfect spot for a morning bite or a midday meal that will keep you satisfied.
Payment Options: The restaurant accepts both credit and debit cards, providing a hassle-free payment process for all customers.

### Features and Highlights

What makes Barra Payan stand out in the bustling New York City food scene? It's all about the quality of the food and the authentic experience they provide. Here are some of the key features that make this place a local favorite.

Comfort Food at its Best: The menu is filled with classic comfort food dishes. From their hearty sandwiches to the famous fried chicken, every item is designed to be satisfying and flavorful. It’s the kind of food that feels like a warm hug.
Authentic Pica Pollo: Many customers rave about the pica pollo (fried chicken), often describing it as some of the best they've had. It's praised for being super flavorful and perfectly cooked, making it a must-try dish.
Delicious Sandwiches: Barra Payan offers a wide variety of sandwiches, including the classic Cubano, the Completo de Pollo y Pierna (Complete Sandwich Chicken & Pork), and the popular Salami Huevo Y Queso (Salami Egg And Cheese Sandwich). These are perfect for a quick, filling meal.
Fresh Natural Juices: Quench your thirst with their selection of fresh, natural juices and smoothies (Jugos Naturales/Batidas). Choices like Guanabana (Soursop), Mango, and Passion Fruit offer a refreshing and authentic taste of the Caribbean.
Casual and Friendly Atmosphere: The restaurant has a relaxed, casual atmosphere that makes everyone feel welcome. It's a no-frills, straightforward spot where the focus is entirely on the food and the friendly service.
Quick Bites and Small Plates: The menu is perfect for those looking for a quick bite or a variety of small plates to share. Items like Tostones (Fried Plantains) and various tostadas are great for snacking.

### Contact Information

For any inquiries, to place an order, or just to get in touch, here’s how you can reach Barra Payan:

Address: 1370 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10033, USA

Phone: (646) 398-9913

You can call ahead to check on wait times or place a takeout order, ensuring your food is ready when you arrive. The friendly staff is always ready to assist you.

### What is worth choosing

Barra Payan stands out for several reasons, making it a truly worthwhile choice for anyone looking for a great meal in Washington Heights. First and foremost, the authenticity of the food is a huge draw. This isn't just another fast-food joint; it's a place where you can experience genuine Dominican flavors and culinary traditions. The pica pollo is a prime example—it's not just fried chicken, it’s a perfectly seasoned and cooked dish that leaves a lasting impression. The variety of sandwiches, from the classic Cubano to their unique combination sandwiches, provides a diverse range of options for every palate.

Beyond the food, the friendly and fast service is a major plus. Despite the sometimes busy and crowded environment, the staff works efficiently to get your food out hot and fresh. This is especially appreciated in a bustling city like New York, where time is often of the essence. The casual atmosphere also makes it a non-intimidating and comfortable place to dine, whether you're grabbing a solo meal or catching up with a friend.

While the setting is simple and no-frills, the focus on delicious, high-quality food is what truly matters. The menu offers great value for the price, with generous portions that ensure you leave feeling satisfied. If you're looking for a place that serves up hearty, flavorful, and authentic Dominican comfort food, Barra Payan is an excellent choice. It’s a local gem that provides a true taste of the community and is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a quick, satisfying meal any time of day.

Barra Payan Food & drink

Acompanantes (Sides)
Papas Fritas (French Fries) $3.75
Tostones (Fried Plantains) $5.00

Tostadas
Egg Tostada $2.60
Ham, Cheese, And Egg Tostada $5.20
Salami And Cheese Tostada $3.90
Ham Tostada $2.60
Butter Tostada $1.30
Ham And Cheese Tostada $3.90
Cheese Tostada $2.60
Garlic Tostada $2.49

Otras Bebidas/Other Beverages
Starbucks $5.00
Made with the signature espresso coffee.
Snapple $2.50
Arizona $2.50
Agua De Coco/Coconut Water $3.25
Malta $3.75
Soda 2 Litros/ 2 Litter Soda $5.00
Country Club $2.50
Red Bull $3.25
Sodas De Lata/Can Soda $1.90
Botella De Agua/Water Bottle $1.50

Postres
Tres Leches $8.75
Bizcocho $4.50

Sandwiches
Tostada Con Ajo (Garlic Toast) $2.50
Garlic toast is a bread toasted with garlic butter. Tostada con ajo es un pan tostado con mantequilla de ajo.
Salami (Salami Sandwich) $6.25
Salami Sandwich comes with salami tomatoes and mayonnaise. Sandwich de Salami en pan de agua tostado con salami tomate y mayonesa.
Salami Huevo Y Queso (Salami Egg And Cheese Sandwich) $10.00
Salami Egg and Cheese sandwich comes in a toasted bread with salami egg cheese tomatoes and mayonnaise. Salami Huevo y queso sandwich en pan de agua tostado con salami huevo y queso tomates y mayonesa.
Payan Pierna Club (Payan Pork Club) (Pernil) $18.75
Payan Pork Club comes with shredded pork (pernil) ham 2 type of cheeses tomatoes and mayonnaise toasted in sliced bread cut into 4 pieces with fries. Payan Pierna Club un club sandwich con pierna (pernil) Jamon 2 tipos de quesos tomates y mayonesa tostado en pan de slice cortado en 4 pedazos con papas fritas.
Derretido 4 Quesos (4 Cheese Sandwich) $11.25
4 Cheese Sandwich comes with 4 types of cheese tomatoes and mayonnaise. Derretido 4 Quesos en pan de agua tostado tomates y mayonesa.
Derretido 2 Quesos (2 Cheese Sandwich) $8.75
2 Cheese Sandwich comes with 2 type of cheese tomatoes and mayonnaise. Derretido 2 Queso en pan de agua tostado con 2 tipos de quesos tomates y mayonesa.
Derretido 3 Quesos (3 Cheese Sandwich) $10.00
3 Cheese Sandwich comes with 3 types of cheese tomatoes and mayonnaise. Derretido de 3 Quesos en pan de agua tostado con tomates y mayonesa.
Derretido De Queso (Cheese Sandwich) $7.50
Cheese Sandwich comes toasted cheese tomatoes and mayonnaise. Nuestro Derretido De Queso el pan es tostado con queso tomates y mayonesa.
Jamon Y Queso (Ham And Cheese Sandwich) $8.75
Ham and cheese Sandwich comes with Ham and Cheese tomate and mayonnaise toasted. Sandwich de Jamón y queso viene con jamón queso tomate y mayonesa tostado.
Jamon De Pavo (Turkey Ham Sandwich) $8.75
Turkey Ham Sandwich comes with tomatoes and mayonnaise. Jamon de Pavo sandwich en pan de agua tostado con tomates y mayonesa.
Salami Y Queso (Salami And Cheese Sandwich) $7.50
Salami and Cheese Sandwich made in a toasted bread comes with salami cheese tomatoes and mayonnaise. Sandwich de salami y queso el pan es tostado con salami queso tomates y mayonesa.
Pierna Y Queso (Pernil) (Pork And Cheese Sandwich) $12.50
Pork and Cheese Sandwich comes in a toasted bread with shredded pork cheese tomatoes and mayonnaise. Pierna y Queso en pan de agua tostado con pierna (pernil) queso tomates y mayonesa.
Payan Pollo Club (Payan Chicken Club) $17.50
Payan Chicken Club is a Club Sandwich that comes with shredded chicken ham cheese tomatoes and mayonnaise toasted in sliced bread cut into 4 pieces and French fries. Payan Pollo Club un club sandwich con pollo desmenuzado jamón queso tomates y mayonesa cortado en pan de slice 4 pedazos con papas fritas.
Pollo Y Queso (Chicken And Cheese Sandwich) $11.25
Chicken and Cheese Sandwich comes in a toasted bread with chicken cheese tomatoes and mayonnaise. Sandwich de Pollo y Queso tostado en pan de agua con pollo desmenuzado queso tomates y mayonesa.
Completo De Pollo Y Pierna (Complete Sandwich Chicken & Pork) $18.75
Complete Sandwich Chicken & Pork comes with shredded chicken and pork with ham cheese tomatoes and mayonnaise. Completo de Pollo y Pierna tostado en pan de agua con pollo y pierna desmenuzada jamon queso tomates y mayonesa.
Sandwich De Jamon (Ham Sandwich) $7.50
Ham Sandwich comes with ham tomatoes and mayonnaise. Sandwich de Jamon pan tostado con Jamon tomates y mayonesa.
Jamon De Pavo Y Queso (Turkey Ham & Cheese Sandwich) $10.00
Turkey Ham & cheese sandwich comes with tomatoes and mayonnaise. Jamon de Pavo y Queso en pan de agua tostado con tomates y mayonesa.
Queso Y Huevo (Cheese & Egg Sandwich) $8.75
Cheese and Egg sandwich comes with tomatoes and mayonnaise. Queso y Huevo sandwich en pan de agua tostado con tomates y mayonesa.
Completo De Pollo (Chicken Complete Sandwich) $13.75
Chicken Complete Sandwich comes with shredded chicken ham cheese tomatoes and mayonnaise toasted in a bread. Completo de Pollo pan de agua tostado con pollo desmenuzado jamón queso tomates y mayonesa.
Cubano (Cuban Sandwich) $16.25
Cuban Sandwich comes with shredded pork ham Swiss cheese and pickles in bread toasted. Sandwich cubano con pernil jamón queso suizo y pepinillos en pan tostado.
Pollo (Chicken Sandwich) $10.00
Chicken Sandwich comes with shredded chicken tomatoes and mayonnaise . Sandwich de Pollo tostado en pan de agua con pollo desmenuzado tomates y mayonesa.
Pierna (Pork Sandwich) $11.25
Pork Sandwich comes with shredded pork tomatoes mayonnaise. Sandwich de Pierna tostado en pan de agua con pierna (pernil) tomates y mayonesa.
Completo De Pierna (Pernil) (Pork Complete Sandwich) $17.50
Pork Complete Sandwich comes with shredded pork (pernil) ham cheese tomatoes and mayonnaise in a bread toasted. Completo De Pierna pan tostado con pierna(pernil) jamón queso tomates mayonesa en pan tostado.
Jamon Queso Y Huevo (Ham Cheese & Egg Sandwich) $10.00
Ham Egg and Cheese comes with ham egg and cheese tomatoes and mayonnaise toasted. Jamon Huevo y queso sandwich en pan de agua tostado con jamón huevo queso tomates y mayonesa.

Jugos Naturales/Batidas (Juices/Smoothies)
Guanabana (Soursop) $8.75
Chinola (Passion Fruit) $8.75
Lechosa (Papaya) $8.75
Mango $8.75
Limon (Lemon) $8.75
Guineo (Banana) $8.75
Tamarindo (Tamarind) $8.75
Zapote $8.75
Fresa (Strawberry) $8.75
Cereza (Cherry) $8.75
Pina (Pineapple) $8.75

Chofan
Chofan M $15.00
Fried Rice with Pork Chops, Chicken, Ham, Carrots and Green Onions. Chofan con Chuleta ahumada, Pollo, Jamon, Zanahoria y Puerro.
Chofan S $8.75
Fried Rice with Pork Chops, Chicken, Ham, Carrots and Green Onions. Chofan con Chuleta ahumada, Pollo, Jamon, Zanahoria y Puerro.
Chofan L $21.25
Fried Rice with Pork Chops, Chicken, Ham, Carrots and Green Onions. Chofan con Chuleta ahumada, Pollo, Jamon, Zanahoria y Puerro.

Pica Pollo (Fried Chicken)
6 Piezas (6 Pieces) $26.25
6 Pieces Fried Chicken with French fries or Fried Plantains. 6 Piezas de Pollo Frito acompañado de papas fritas o tostones.
7 Piezas (7 Pieces) $30.00
7 Pieces Fried Chicken with French fries or Fried Plantains. 7 Piezas de Pollo Frito acompañado de papas fritas o tostones.
2 Piezas (2 Pieces) $7.50
2 Pieces Fried Chicken with French fries or Fried Plantains. 2 Piezas de Pollo Frito acompañado de papas fritas o tostones.
3 Piezas (3 Pieces) $12.50
3 Pieces Fried Chicken with French fries or Fried Plantains. 3 Piezas de Pollo Frito acompañado de papas fritas o tostones.
4 Piezas (4 Pieces) $16.25
4 Pieces Fried Chicken with French fries or Fried Plantains. 4 Piezas de Pollo Frito acompañado de papas fritas o tostones.
5 Piezas (5 Pieces) $21.25
5 Pieces Fried Chicken with French fries or Fried Plantains. 5 Piezas de Pollo Frito acompañado de papas fritas o tostones.

Barra Payan Details

Service options
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining

Offerings
Comfort food
Quick bite
Small plates

Dining options
Breakfast
Lunch

Atmosphere
Casual

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards

Parking
Parking

Barra Payan Photos

No photos available at the moment.

Barra Payan Location

Barra Payan

New York New York County New York Saint Nicholas Avenue

1370 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10033, USA

Barra Payan Reviews

An average rating of ★2.7 from 187 user reviews.

sandwichpricefruit juicecashierfried chickenORGANIZATIONchinolatostoneshousetaste

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I stopped by this latest addition to the strip of newer businesses going up around St. Nicholas Avenue, just to see what was available inside and why? For one, it has a very good straightforward menu catering to a very popular Dominican style fried chicken which for this part of Washington Heights is completely complementary. Of course who doesn’t love fried chicken! The restaurant itself, is located on an extremely busy intersection nestled on a corner between the towering high-rise apartment buildings overlooking the George Washington freeway to and from New Jersey. However the traffic and drive-in lined lanes never ceases here. Weekends are increasingly popular especially with drivers constantly laying on their horns blaring whenever double-parked at all hours of the day and all night long [relentlessly] for whatever reason they do it ... so odd nonetheless. Since it seems pretty lame for foreign born locals with cars up the block to drive up the noise-making pollution while double-parking their cars. Yet never fails to impress us with those innocuous blares aimlessly to the other general Hispanic residents who do patronize this place for faster food service along with the long wait times (seen oftentimes from being parked inside their vehicles outside on the street), also parked waiting for food to arrive from someone with them. Hungry for fried chicken! Strange and just weird!Nevertheless the locals generally always love crowded places like this, but then again, no liquor served or anything more delightful than what’s served. Just another local fast food chicken joint, not much else. Primarily for anyone working round-the-clock for that after-work pick me up temptation. Very convenient and easy!
May 24 · Sir Bernard Mendes France
Maybe for locals, Barra Payan is just another spot. But for us, visiting from out of state, it was a true Dominican community experience on St. Nicholas Ave. We tried “pica pollo” for the first time, and it was honestly some of the best fried chicken we’ve had in a long time—super flavorful and perfectly cooked. The service was friendly and fast, and the food came out hot. The place isn’t the cleanest, and there’s no restroom to wash your hands before eating. Also, the fries were a bit too greasy. Still, the overall flavor made it worth the visit, and we’d come back for more next time we’re in New York.
May 18 · Heysel Requena
The Name is confused. I pass by to get a picapollo but the name said Barra Payan. For those like me looking for fast food and authentic Dominican flavors this place brings the essence of Dominican cuisine to the heart of The Heights, offering a menu that delights both locals and visitors. The food was nice, the pollo was crispy, the waiting time was ok.
March 12 · Svalen Fajas
I was very disappointed with the customer service. This tostada looked nothing like the Payan I used to enjoy in the Dominican Republic. The bread was cold, and the cheese wasn’t even melted.
March 14 · Mejia Vince
Avoid this place at all costs. I feel like I lost 5 years of my lifespan after eating this food. Came here because every single time I walked by the restaurant, there were always so many people, so that gave me the impression that this place was bussin' right? I was wrong. Firstly, we walk up in there and wait on a line where no one knew where the end was, for 10 minutes. The menu isn't anywhere to be seen other than on a pamphlet, where it's all in English but none of the staff even speak English. By the time we ordered, we had to wait on another line that we found by asking like 3 customers, also confused, for about 15-20 minutes. We had to give our receipt to the worker once we reached the front, which confused me because shouldn't there already be a system in place so that orders are all ready for pick up by the time you move up along the line? The thing that did not make any sense was that when you pay for your order first and then take your receipt to give to the worker to prepare your order, you get to the front only to realize that what you ordered is no longer available and then you have to wait 10 to 20 minutes for a new batch of tostones or arroz. I ordered the fried chicken, arroz chaufan, tostones, 2 pastelitos de pollo, and some drinks. When I got to the front, they ran out of tostones and rice. When I told them to give me the French fries instead and refund me the rice, they didn't know how to give me a refund, so they just gave me a $10 bill back. The girl taking care of my order had some sort of attitude and rolled her eyes each time I told her she was missing my pastelitos or my drink or other drink. THEN, by the time I got home (almost a whole hour later), I get a notification from my credit card that I spent $109 for my order and my receipt said $90 for everything. I marched right back and asked them what the hell was the meaning of the price discrepancy. They fed me some weird excuse that the credit card fee was why it went from $90 to $109. They don't give you a copy of the receipt when you leave the place, so I had to ask for the copy so I can call my bank once the payment gets posted. I think the worst part of this experience is that when I got home, the 2 pastelitos de pollo were not even chicken... they were cheese! And they were hard as a rock. I ended up giving both of them to my dog because they had the texture of a heavy-duty dog toy. After getting a copy of my receipt, I also told them about the 3 day old pastelitos they gave me, the cashier rolled his eyes at the woman who took care of my order earlier because I think he knew she was messing up and apologized, gave me 2 new pastelitos to help correct the mistake made earlier.... they were still the wrong pastelitos I didn't order. You can't make this stuff up. I ended up just giving my dog the other pastelitos. He was feasting better than me tonight. The fried chicken didn't even taste that good, most definitely not worth the price paid for. Definitely feel scammed after the service, disorganization, and getting the wrong order after swiping my card. The biggest price I paid was putting my own health at risk for eating this junk. This place needs to be tried for crimes against humanity. Never again.
October 12 · Sally Cab