In just one year, Cuban restaurant El Carreton De Ernesto has become a popular neighborhood institution at 1002 76th St. in North Bergen. Students from the high school just around the corner descend for sandwiches at lunch, and local residents make it a regular dinner stop.

Mayor Nicholas Sacco stopped by to offer his congratulations on March 27, the first anniversary of the restaurant’s ribbon cutting, along with Freeholder Anthony Vainieri, Commissioner Allen Pascual, Health Department Director Janet Castro, and other local officials and residents.

Owner Ernesto Valdes, a North Bergen resident for more than 30 years, was born in Cuba, where his family owned and operated restaurants. He and his wife Irena opened El Carreton De Ernesto to offer authentic Cuban recipes at affordable prices. Starting a year ago with just four employees, they are currently up to a staff of 10, after updating and improving their menu.

Everything is made fresh daily on the premises, from main courses to delectable desserts. The restaurant is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

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