Orinoco

03/03/09

What a find!!

by caradoll76

I found Orinoco because a friend of mine lives a block away. We went there on a whim, and I was so thrilled to discover such a delicious and affordable place. We went mid-week, so there was no wait, but I've seen huge crowds on weekends.

They only use fresh ingredients and throw out everything at the end of each day and then starts the process again the next day. This gives every dish a homemade authenticity that has all the love of a great meal made by your favorite grandmother.

• Pros: Simply delicious
• Cons: Hard to find parking

01/21/09

Meh...

by jenniferkemp

I was a pretty disappointed after my recent dining experience at Orinoco. I had heard good things about the restaurant, and I was quite excited to give it a try. The atmosphere was really nice...neighborhood-like, lively scene, appropriate noise level, attractively decorated. The restaurant was cold...granted the temps outside were below zero, but one of those heavy drapes surrounding the front door would've made a world of a difference. The drinks were great. There was a nice, creative selection. The bartender recommended the caiprihna, which lived up to her recommendation. The food was very ok. The appetizers all tasted the same...fried. My entree was good - grilled steak topped w/ cold crab salad & a cilantro-flavored drizzle. (A heads up on the "cold" crab salad would've helped...at first I thought it hadn't gotten heated. Many of the interesting dishes were unavailable that night. The desserts were a let-down...flan and a molten chocolate cake....those were the only options. It almost seemed like they didn't want anyone to stay for dessert, so they could get another table turn.

Overall, everything was average. I wouldn't go back, nor would I recommend anyone to travel to get there. If you live down the street, then go for it.

• Pros: cool decor, creative drink selection
• Cons: food was not stellar

11/21/08

Delicious Venezuelan food, lively atmosphere, fun bartenders.

by drpenguin

Delicious arepas, cachapa (savory-sweet corn pancake with melted cheese), daily specials like grilled fish, fresh salads, and excellent grilled meats. Great Sunday brunch, lively dinner scene that's great for small groups, great place to take a date and sit in the corner at the bar. I keep going back again and again and again to this great Brookline find!