Arguably, El Arepazo makes the best Venezuelan food in the city. Their empanadas, seafood plates, and large salads deliciously represent what this type of cuisine is all about: bright, fresh flavors.
There are currently two El Arepazo locations in the city – one downtown at 47 North Pearl Street that primarily serves lunch, and in Gahanna at 93 North High Street – and this summer, a third location will open in the Brewery District.
Arepazo Kitchen will launch at 515 South High Street, former site of BW3 and Zydeco on High, later this summer. The primarily tapas restaurant will feature small plates, craft beer, and Spanish wines.
It was three years ago that El Arepazo owner, Carlos Gutierrez, began looking for a site for his latest eatery. He settled on the Brewery District when everything came together: cost, consumer, and traffic.
“We wanted to find a place to settle, a place where we could take our time and work in our budget,” shares Gutierrez on the location. “We’re not trying to impress everyone, just trying to do our jobs, and do it right.”
Arepazo Kitchen’s tapas menu will include dishes like Pastellitos, Mofongo, Ceviche, Tostones, Kabobs, and, of course, Empanadas, which will come in a variety of flavors, including Black Bean & Cheese and Barbecue.
Empanadas, served in both the Chilean and Venezuelan styles, will cost $2.50 to $3 each, and most other small plates will run between $3-$6. There will also be 6-7 larger plates on the menu which will cost between $13-$16.
A full bar stocked with craft and imported beers, Spanish wines, and specially-designed cocktails will also be on hand at Arepazo Kitchen. Items on this menu will cost between $6-$8.
The 5,782 square foot restaurant space will seat 120 guests, with an additional 40 seats on the South High Street patio. Panoramic windows that open out onto the patio and 4-5 strategically placed televisions will round out the ambiance.
There will also be 12-15 evening parking spots available on site, lots of metered parking along High Street and its adjacent streets, and access to the bus route for those utilizing the CBUS line.
Arepazo Kitchen hopes to open at the end of July. Their hours of operation will be Monday-Thursday, 11am – 10pm, and Friday-Saturday, 11am – 11pm. Sunday brunch will be added in the future.
For more on the El Arepazo brand, visit www.elarepazolatingrill.com.
