Laurel's New Spanish Eatery

For those who knew 143 Bowie Road as the go-to place for crabs and seafood, things have changed, in a major way.

Meet Paraiso, the new go-to place for Spanish food. At least that’s what Yong Kim, the new owner, is hoping.

Paraiso’s only been open a few weeks, but there’s no sign it was ever a legendary seafood eatery. Kim said he’s still trying to get acclimated to his business, ordering new take-out menus, creating a website and fine-tuning what his customers want.

The menu is totally Spanish food, written in Spanish. Kim, who is Korean and does not speak Spanish, said he has a superb chef who knows how to please a hungry clientele, especially lovers of pupusa, a popular Spanish-style dish. It’s basically cheese and pork stuffed in tortilla.

Kim said twice weekly he has live music and a disc jockey as well as karaoke.

“I think people want good food, but they also enjoy music, dancing and having a great experience. Karaoke can bring people together,” Kim said.

The restaurant is more than 3,500 square feet, with a room-length bar, a huge dining area with plenty of seating for different party sizes, lots of wall TVs, game tables and low lighting. The menu offering includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and appetizers.

Paraiso Bar & Grill

143 Bowie Road

Laurel, MD 20707

240-793-3566

Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m. – midnight

Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.