Seemor
La Caridad 72B+Worth Trying
130 W 72nd St, New York, NY 10023
· Restaurant, Chinese restaurant, Cuban restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (435 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Beloved Chinese-Cuban revival serving big portions, fast friendly service, and wallet-friendly lunch specials, with some inconsistency and occasional bland or salty plates reported.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
La Caridad 72 earns its grade through strong food quality featuring signature dishes like crackling chicken and oxtail, paired with warm, attentive service and exceptional speed. However, quality variation across visits—occasional bland or salty plates—prevents grade A territory, and the modest neighborhood setting lacks destination appeal. For families and UWS regulars seeking reliable comfort food with excellent value, it delivers; for those seeking culinary distinction, it falls short.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling, a throwback revived on 72nd Street where servers greet you with smiles and bread appears if you ask. Diners talk about plates landing fast and hot; one put it simply: "We were seated quickly and the food came right out." Nostalgia runs deep, but the mood is more neighborhood casual than time capsule. Cooking leans Chino-Latino comfort: crisp crackling chicken, tender oxtails, fluffy combo fried rice, and sesame chicken that several guests call a cut above takeout. Flavors are familiar and hearty rather than flashy; most plates come with white or yellow rice and beans or sweet plantains. It is a share-and-sample place where value shows in portion size, though a minority report occasional bland or salty plates and a few misses. Families do well here: fried rice, egg rolls, crispy chicken, and sweet plantains are kid-approved basics. Lunch specials bundle mains with rice and beans for predictable costs, and big servings make sharing easy. There is no kids menu noted, but the accessible dishes and speedy service keep younger diners happy.
At a Glance
- Big, shareable portions and fast kitchen
- Friendly, welcoming servers with repeat-customer vibe
- Lunch specials are strong value for the UWS
- Some inconsistency; a few bland, salty, or overcooked reports
- Occasional service lapses and one pest complaint contrasted with many clean notes
What Sets It Apart
- Chinese-Cuban heritage revived
- Fast kitchen with big shareable plates
- Excellent transit-accessible location
What People Love
- Crispy crackling chicken and sesame chicken
- Oxtail that is tender and rich
- Fluffy, pork-and-shrimp fried rice
- Warm, efficient service that feels neighborly
- Prices that punch above value at lunch
Points of Concern
- Quality swings: some diners find dishes bland or too salty on off nights
- A few service oversights like forgotten items or uneven attention
- Isolated roach sighting contrasted by multiple cleanliness mentions; monitor if sensitive
- Not everyone finds the Cuban side as pronounced; expect Chinese-forward flavors with Latin sides
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$30-42 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Leverage lunch specials ($13.50-$15.50) with included sides for best value
- Vegetarians: steamed broccoli or string beans in brown sauce with white rice
- Upgrade to combo fried rice for a heartier plate
Perfect For
- Casual group dinners with shareable plates
- Quick weeknight comfort-food cravings
- Nostalgia trips for Chino-Latino classics
- Budget-friendly UWS lunch specials
Location Insights
Area: Upper West Side corridor near 72 St transit; neighborhood mix of families, long-time locals, and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe, busy thoroughfare with steady foot traffic and lighting.
Nearby: Steps from 72 St subway and bus lines; surrounded by casual eateries, shops, and residential buildings.
Upper West SideThe Upper West Side boasts a diverse dining scene ranging from classic New York delis and casual eateries to high-end restaurants. The atmosphere is generally relaxed and family-friendly, with a strong emphasis on community and cultural sophistication.
Lincoln SquareLincoln Square is known for its proximity to Lincoln Center, attracting patrons interested in performing arts alongside a variety of dining establishments that cater to both pre-show dinners and casual meals.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–22:00
Tuesday11:30–22:00
Wednesday11:30–22:00
Thursday11:30–22:00
Friday11:30–22:00
Saturday11:30–22:00
Sunday12:00–22:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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