Camaradas El Barrio

A small sampling of graphic artwork promoting one of the greatest Puerto Rican restaurants in New York City history. The small pub became the best example of arts and local economic development the City had seen in decades.

A contingent of dozens proudly marched in the National Puerto Rican Day Parade several years in a row representing the restaurant, and its managing owner, Orlando Plaza, made our community super proud by being one of the television hosts of the parade.

Camaradas was a classic Spanish Harlem institution, welcoming a giant roster of musicians, bands, DJs, artists, and social activists that called the place their “church”, and second home.

The food is very much a part of the legend, including Orlando’s mom’s alcapurrias, the insanely delicious jibaro sandwiches, the El Barrio Burgers, and the killer sangria.

Most of all, Camaradas was a place of community — “a workers public house”, as Orlando and the other owners officially described it. It became a rare and beautiful jewel in the great cultural tapestry of New York City.

The logo went through many versions for more than a month. Legend goes, the clock dial is from a Russian MIG fighter that was stolen and repatriated into the Ukraine air forces. The story is partially true. Beyond that, the clock in general represented a unifying symbol for the working people. It tells us when we clock in to work, when we break for lunch, and when we clock out and return home — after quick detour to Camaradas first, of course.

The Camaradas mission was to continue the legacy of the Nuyorican Poets Café and Sery Colón’s Agüeybaná Bookstore, within the framework of an Irish pub serving Puerto Rican tapas-style food, local microbrew beer, insanely great live music, cutting-edge DJs, and exceptional art exhibitions from local artists. The hands of the clock were removed because it was the workers’ time for relaxation, camaraderie, and community. The Camaradas font is from the Copperplate Gothic family, reflecting signage from the early days of the Industrial Revolution.

I would’ve gone a different direction today (designers say that sometimes), It did the job, though. The real attraction was the people, and Marthalicia Matarrita‘s awesome Puerto Rican icon placards she painted.

I made a few of these when DJ G-Bo The Pro first started his legendary parties on Wednesdays (The Schaefer Beer can below is another). But then he took over and created an insanely beautiful portfolio of his own.