I'm from Charlotte and my friend was in the southeast visiting so we met up in Durham. ChatGPT suggested Boricua Soul as a part of our girls day. First stop. We never made it anywhere else lol! I'm so excited to write this review!! We chose it because when I reviewed the Yelp reviews they were stellar. But mostly I was super intrigued by the sweet potato cheesecake empanada and y'all it was everything I hoped it would be. It's small, you can maybe get 4 or 5 bites. The filling is sweet but not overpowering, good balance. The crust, crunchy and delicious. Came with a side of whipped cream. Drizzled in caramel sauce. I had the restraint to save it for last. We opted to split the shrimp sandwich and house made chips because we weren't too hungry and wanted to save room for the empanadas. Perfect plan. The sandwich can be ordered with a garlic, jerk or buffalo sauce. We were given a sample of the jerk to determine spicyness. Super spicy (which I loved) but my friend doesn't so we went with buffalo which wasn't spicy at all. The shrimp were a nice size, coated and seasoned well. The restaurant itself is small with about five tables but there is an abundance of outdoor seating shared with other businesses. We knew we planned to relax and catch up so we opted to eat outside. Despite the 90 degree weather, the entire area was shaded with a little wind so perfect. We got a number and our food and drinks were served to us. (Peach passion froze----yum!) Now. Boricua Soul is a great example of why I love seeking out and patroning local restaurants. The founders, Serena and Tori Fredericks, were both present, Serena managing the front, Tori managing the kitchen and both in and out of the restaurant serving people outside as well as inside. They were all over! Very welcoming. We were there for four hours and Serena's smile never left her face. She personally checked on us throughout. It felt like hanging out at your family's for the day. When we came in just a few people there, no line. Serena was at the register. I told her I came from Charlotte and she graciously gave us samples of the mac and cheese and collard greens as she described the menu. Both by the way, amazing! I don't think I've ever been able to find delicious perfectly seasoned greens with no meat. Before we knew it the line was to the door. By then I had the chance to experience her love for what she does and her heart for the community. Clean restaurant, beautiful and personable decor. Clean gender neutral private bathrooms. I took pics of the article on the wall about them, well worth the read. You too will drive miles to experience this Caribbean and Southern inspired restaurant! Im coming back and bringing people. There's so much more for me to try. read more

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We visited for lunch on a beautiful spring weekday. The place was hopping, both inside and out. The music was great, the ambience was fast-casual. I love how they had a lot of drink options, including fountain drinks, and special lemonades. We got here on the late side for lunch, and found there to be several different options for ordering. You could wait in line and order with a cashier, you could do a self service kiosk, or you could order from a QR code at a table. We ended up grabbing a table and opting to do it with a QR code. Everything was very clear, and I like that they showed what was popular immediately. I opted for a Boricua Soul Bowl, which I'd sampled during a food tour a few years back- then I tried it with chicken, so today I opted for shrimp. I feel like you really should go with pork since that's the default, and a mainstay of Puerto Rican cuisine and soul food, but alas I have an aversion to pork so I can't. I was also intrigued by the jackfruit option- there's something for everyone! My husband went for a platter with pork, which he said was delicious and rich. The Mac and cheese was amazing, and the collards were to DIE FOR! They have four house made sauces, which were a very fun way to add different flavors (I doused mine in Guava!). Since I've now been, I understand that there are many different methods of ordering, but I'm not sure I understand if there's a benefit or staff preference to one over another. I think one thing I might do in the future is order online (if you're using Toast Tab anyway, might as well order in advance) and then sit outside after I arrive. It took about 30 minutes to get our food, which probably means everything is made to order and fresh (as opposed to sitting around) so that's great, but I was STARVING by the time we got our food. Will definitely be back! read more

Boricua Soul - Boricua Soul Bowl and a platter with pork - Soul Food Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Y'all, Boricua Soul is top notch. I've been here several times now, and each time, I bring someone new so I can "show off this great local spot." It impresses every dang time. The interior of the space is simple but perfect -- there are flyers on the walls for local shows and concerts, which I always love to see in a local place. The staff are friendly and attentive, and the owner is often around to chat and make recommendations. But the real standout is the food. My god. Every bite of food that I've had at Boricua Soul has been a delight. Really, I don't think you can go wrong with anything on the menu, but if you aren't trying the sweet potato cheesecake empanadas, you aren't living. Those perfectly sweet and savory fried treasures brightened my entire outlook on the world because they're just that good. 10000/10 points. You gotta go. read more

I have been in the Durham area for a year since moving from Miami, so was really interested in trying Boricua Soul. I had the platter, so that I could sample everything. The food is good, but not some of the best I've had. Reminds me of a "clean" soul food restaurant versus Caribbean. The service was slow, but vibe is friendly and chill so the wait wasn't a burden. It was fairly crowded the day I went. read more

100 out of 10! Soul Bowl again was the hit. First tried this plc 2-3 yrs ago. Just as good or better as then. The French fries were the bomb!. Best french fries I've had in a long time. The dessert empanada was delish as well. Great, welcoming service. Thank you Boricua for not disappointing as I brought 3 friends after bragging so much abt this place. They loved the food as well. I didnt snap a new picture. Same good food though! This time GREAT!! read more

Boricua Soul - Soul bowl! (Minus the plantains...we didn't get those) - Soul Food Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Felt the need to update and fortunately for yall the food is just as good as it was 5 years ago when I first tried them out! I ordered the bbq, chicken, and beef empanadas w a side of Mac -- umm umm good! Service was just as great! Both the owners were there and they are so personable--great people! Def check out if you're in the area, 100/10 recommend. read more

What I recommend: The rice, chicharrones (fried chicken), mac and cheese, and maduros As a proud Dominican from Florida, I've been looking for real Caribbean food in Durham, and Boricua Soul is one of the few places that gets it right. The food is authentic and blends soul food with Caribbean flavor perfectly. The rice is seasoned well, the chicharrones are crispy, the mac and cheese is rich, and the maduros are spot on. The only downside is the price. Paying around $25 for a plate might sting a little, but the portions are generous and the flavor is always on point. Wait times can be a bit long, but you can grab a drink and enjoy the park while you wait as the ambience is always great. Overall, Boricua Soul is a must if you're craving a real taste of the Caribbean in Durham. read more

Boricua Soul - Maduros, The Platter Arroz Con Gandules Collards Greens (Vegan) - Soul Food Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Wow! What can I say about this place?? Not only was the food fantastic, the owners were two of the nicest people we've met on our travels. It doesn't hurt that they also love the band that we're currently following around the south I got the boricua soul bowl and my husband got a couple of empanadas. The bowl was to die for! The greens were perfect, the rice was *chef's kiss* and the Mac & cheese was literally the best I've ever had! I wish I lived within 100 miles of this place because I'd be here weekly. They also, very kindly, gave us the sweet potato cheesecake empanada and it was perfection. Not too sweet, just delicious. Get here if you can! I'm already looking for a reason to go back to Durham. read more

Boricua Soul - Boricua soul bowl and empanadas with mac & cheese side. - Soul Food Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Let's get this out the way, 5/5 stars. Boricua Soul felt like going to a family member's house to eat. The owner's niece was working the front when we came in and she immediately welcomed us and pointed us to the menus. We got the orders in and took in the restaurant. A beautiful space. The owner came in right around the same time her niece brought over our food. What I noticed immediately was the engagement between the staff and the customers. No one was treated like a stranger. The menu/story was explained to multiple. Returning customers were greeted like family who just got back from a trip. It was something special to witness. The food. Man, the food. I'm 2 minutes from a nap after scarfing down my Soul Bowl. The food honestly tastes like home. The greens, the mac n cheese, the rice, the chicken, and the maduros were all amazing. Perfectly seasoned, perfectly cooked. The watermelon was the sweet fix I was looking for without venturing into sugar bomb territory. It was great to see so many guest come in because this place deserves all of the success. It was a pleasure talking to Serena and seeing Chef Toriano throw down in the kitchen. This place is a mandatory visit if you're coming through Durham. read more

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Amazing place the owner is very cool and hard working. Even tho we had a long wait, on Juneteenth the owner constantly check on us and apologized. The food was really good read more

My wife and I went here for lunch on a nice Friday spring day. The ordering is a little confusing since you can order at the counter or order by QR code and there doesn't seem to be a preference from the staff. We placed our orders and there was a bit of a wait before we got our food. 30 minutes, which is a little lengthy for a lunch order at a fast casual location. There's seating outside and inside. We both ordered the Boricua soul bowls for a sampling of multiple things. I got the pork and my wife got the garlic shrimp. We both ordered maduros and the Mac and cheese. The pork was amazing. Along with the Mac and cheese. A bit heavy but incredibly good. The shrimp were ok, but left my wife wishing she had tried the chicken instead. There's a good deal of food in the soul bowls for the price. read more

Boricua Soul - Boricua soul bowls with Garlic shrimp and pork. - Soul Food Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Rating based on: consistency, cleanliness, quality, taste, and presentation Haha, alright, listen up, you beautiful weirdos aka foodies - it's your boy here, feeling like I just stumbled out of a smoke session with that purple haze and into the best Puerto Rican food coma of my life at this spot called Boriqua soul Man, this place is straight banging, and I'm not even exaggerating Unlike. Some of THOSE so-called Puerto Rican joints in the neighborhood that are just... mid? Like, they're glazing themselves as the real deal, but out of respect, I'm not dropping names - let's just say they don't even come close to this vibe. This is the authentic Puerto Rican spot in NC that's giving major based energy. If you know, you know, bro - it's like finding that perfect strain of weed, that hits just right without the paranoia. I drove 10 miles for this, passing up some cheugy franchise knockoff two miles away, because why simp for processed crap when you can have passion on a plate? You feel me? The RICE AND BEANS? Homemade fire - fluffy rice that's bussin' with pink beans, chopped onions, cilantro, and all those Puerto Rican seasonings that scream "we actually care." It's not that gaslighting franchise slop; this is rad, home-cooked realness that ate and left no crumbs. The CHICKEN? Delicious, juicy vibes - I'm a wing connoisseur (haha, yeah, I said that with a straight face), and these baked ones were dope, but man, I wish they had fried chicken wings to let it cook even more. Could be wrong, maybe they do and I just vibe checked the menu wrong, but either way, solid. But the star of the show? Those EMPANADAS, dude. I smashed the beef one, and it was like my mouth was throwing a party - crunchy pastry dough on the outside, creamy, scrumptious beef inside that had me like, "Whoa, is this what heaven tastes like?" Don't even get me started on the drinks - that WATERMELON JUICE is like Kool-Aid on steroids, 10 levels up, refreshing AF. And the STRAWBERRY LEMON FLAVOR? Delicious and magnificent, straight extraordinary. Criticism? Eh, not really - keep doing your thing, fam. The place is clean, people are friendly as hell, but if I had one tiny wish, it'd be adding alcapurria or more Cucci fritos to the menu, you know? That Spanish dish energy would be the ultimate flex. I tried - the TOSTONES (fried plantains)? You could tell they're homemade, magnificent and fresh like a new pair of Air Force Ones straight out the box! Prices are reasonable too, oh also wish the sides were bigger but I guess with inflation and all it's expected.. Overall, this is my go-to spot now - it's giving impeccable Puerto Rican passion without the cringe. Pull up, eat like a king or Queen , and thank me later... or don't, I'm probably just gonna laugh about it anyway. Haha, peace! read more

Boricua Soul - Soft and chewy impeccable rice dish - Soul Food Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Great food and good prices for the large portions you receive. Parking can be tricky if you do not know the area. But there is a convenient parking garage right near the restaurant. read more

Boricua Soul - Parking garage - Soul Food Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

The food was delicious!! The service though was beyond slow. We came an at least an hour early before a show to be able to enjoy the food but it took 45 plus minutes for us to get our food so we couldn't actually eat anything before the show. We had to take it to go and eat it after the show. read more

Boricua Soul - Boricua Soul Bowl - Soul Food Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I went here when they were like a week freshly open and the staff was nice, gave us a lemonade sample ! I only tried the empanadas but I must say, that crust is amazing. The filling wasn't bad. But overall one of my favorite empanadas I've tried read more

The place is a little bit tricky to find but the street signage does what it can to try and navigate you to the establishment. Inside is a cozy vibe with nice murals and enough seating to enjoy dining in. I tried The Platter (Chicharonnes de Pollo and Pernil) and empanadas. The collard greens were spicy which I liked, plantains were cooked to perfection, and the beef empanadas were delicious, crispy, and not too greasy. The Chicharonnes de Pollo and Pernil lacked some seasoning in my opinion but weren't terrible. The service was great and didn't take long. I'd come back to try the sweet potato empanada since they were sold out the night I visited. 7/10 overall. read more

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We were up here for a cycling event. The food and atmosphere was great. My food was ready in a timely manner. The staff was attentive and knowledgeable of the menu. read more

I've been to Boricua Soul many times. I love that is black owned and that the food is Afro Latina. The food is consistently good. It's also very convenient when there are events that happen at American Tobacco. I even enjoy their drinks like the frozé too! My main issue with this restaurant is the service. They lack the skills to give good service even when it's busy. It seems as though they get overwhelmed easily. I've been quoted wait times of 20 min only for the food to come out after 70 min without any sort of apology or concession. After multiple times of that happening I decided the food wasn't worth the hassle and excessive wait time. read more

Boricua Soul - Boricua Sampler - Soul Food Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Heaven in a bowl! An Afro-Caribbean culinary experience that makes you feel at home with its warm atmosphere. The food alone is delicious but finding your favorite Guava Sauce takes you exactly where you want to be. My favorite was the Guava Barbecue sauce! read more

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Absolutely great staff! The place was clean and the decor really captured the food's flavors. Cubano was great, the fries were some of the best we have ever had. The wings were a bit dry- but overall a good pre- theatre dinner spot. read more

Boricua Soul - Cubano Sandwich with pork rinds - Soul Food Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

The food is so good here! I love to get a bowl. I usually get fried jackfruit or chicken . The rice is good! The Mac and cheese is good! The collards are good! The staff is kind and the owners are so sweet! It's a nice place to hang with friends or to get some work done on your lunch break! 10/10 read more

Checked them out for their Friday fried wings special and I can't wait to go back! The wings and greens were perfectly seasoned, so I have no doubt everything there is a winner. The honey biscuit was one of the best I ever had. The strawberry lemonade was good too and have heard good things about their watermelon lemonade. Their location is in the perfect spot (American tobacco campus) for a summertime lunch. I highly recommend ordering online because they can sell out quick (on Fridays at least). read more

Boricua Soul - Friday special: Pepe fried wings and a biscuit. Collard greens (vegan) were an add on - Soul Food Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Yummy wings, greens, Mac n cheese, maduros and empanadas. Quick and easy ordering with more seating outside than in. Nice place to grab a bite near DPAC or the ballpark. read more

Borica Soul is killing it with their Puerto Rican BBQ pork sandwiches. The garlic fries were cooked to perfection! Staff is friendly and will answer any questions about their menu. Plenty of space inside and covered outdoor seating in the heart of Tobacco Campus. read more

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It was good! Not super great, not average but it was good. The beef empanada was good, crunchy, had a good taste to it. But the pork in the Pernil sandwich was perfect. Made everything better! The flavor, texture was so perfect! The maduros were sweet and fresh very good. They gave us a side of chicharrones and they were also very good. All the sauces are worth trying as well. read more

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Dined here recently with my wife, daughter, son in-law and grandkids. My wife and I had a six pack of empanadas, which were honestly OK. Honestly, my wife and I had never had empanadas before, and will probably never order them again. We are just not fans of empanadas. The sauces that were served with the empanadas were good. My daughter and her husband each ordered Cuban sandwich which they enjoyed. My grandchildren had mac & cheese and chicken fingers, respectively, which they also enjoyed. Someone dining next to us had ordered what the restaurant calls "best of both worlds", which is a meat protein served over a bit of macaroni and cheese. If we ever dine at Boricua Soul again, that's probably what my wife and I would order. It's a small restaurant with limited dining inside, and tables outside, which would be great if the weather had been better on the day that we dined. read more

Back again and YUM! This place is such a hit for me. I love this spot and its food is delicious. Came through on the weekend and definitely saw it fill up! Ordering ahead may be the way to go if you don't want to wait a bit. Overall - amazing! New items I tried - wings with jerk, would order again! - beef empanada, yum!! I think the chicken reigns supreme for me though. Great food and vibes! Can't wait to come back AGAIN. read more

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Overall this place is super cute and we got our food quick! Service was easy as you can just order from the screen or pull up to the counter. I wouldn't t necessarily say this is your abuela's pernil but it's solid. Hearty portions. The empanadas were golden and crispy! read more

Boricua Soul - Pernil, fried chicken and empanadas - Soul Food Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Ok - the food, the food, the food. Had lunch at Boricua Soul and it is *awesome*- give it a try and you won't be disappointed. The service was super fast & friendly. It's fast-casual where you place your order at the register and they bring the food out to you. Soul food from Puerto Rico - amazing. The ambiance is new(er) and hip, right in the American Tobacco development. They also do catering; I saw a few catered orders go out. I think you'll be a hero for ordering this for work or a party. A bit different, and cooler than many options. read more

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Experience - Everyone was really nice & willing to answer questions! Upon walking in there's a kiosk to the left that reads "For to-go orders only which can be a little misleading " . After asking an employee, I learned that we had to order on the kiosk and the food would be delivered to us. The whole process felt like covid standards- which I do not mind at all. My food came out first! The Mac & cheese was a little over room temp & the greens offered the same temperature. The star of the show was in fact the empanadas! They were hot, crispy, flaky & good! I did find myself liking the veggie option best! I would give this restaurant another try for sure! read more

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Food at Boricua Soul is CONSISTENTLY good. I had their fried chicken and sides platter. Fried chicken was very flavorful and so were the sides. Love that the collard greens are vegan. Service is always good and they have one of the best pound cakes I've ever had. read more

Boricua Soul - Pepe's fried 5 Chicken Pepe's Southern Fried Jerk Wings (5) and Side Platter - Soul Food Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

The pork is amazing. Chicken is good too. Mac and cheese and collards are amazing. Fries are solid as well. Service is good, friendly and helpful staff. Great place to grab a bite before a show. Convenient walk to DPAC. read more

Boricua Soul - Soul bowl with pork, chicken, pork, and fries - Soul Food Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Walking around the Tobacco Road area and stop by here to get some dessert. Got the Sweet potatoe cheesecake empanadas that is served with whipped cream! So yummy! Order on a kiosk and the food came out quickly. Good weather and service. There's a lot of seating area outside. So if you're in the area, stop by and give it a try's read more

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The jerk wings are 10000/10!!!! The garlic fries are awesome! The staff is great, too! Highly recommended if you are in the American Tobacco area. read more

Love the food, especially the Mac and cheese. Boricua Soul is full of flavor. Food is 10 out of 10!!!

10s across the board!!! Jerk wings: 10. Soul bowl with fried chicken: 100 out of 10. Maduros: 10. Can't wait to be back in the area to eat here again! read more

I visited on a Thursday afternoon. I was immediately greeted when we walked in. While looking at the menu, I asked the cashier for some in inside, and I felt that his opinions were honest. I chose to get the Boricua soul bowl and it was delicious. The macaroni and cheese was well seasoned, the collard greens were perfect, and the pernil was very tender. My only complaint was that the Tostones were completely overcooked. They were crunchy and hard to bite into. Otherwise I enjoyed my meal. I will definitely be returning once I'm in the area. read more

Boricua Soul - Outdoor sign - Soul Food Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Food was amazing! Macaroni and cheese were perfect. The collards great as well. The service was great! Met the owner and he was very nice and let us sample a few items before our purchase. The ambiance was nice. They have outdoor seating. read more

We really like Boricua Soul but the organization is kind of loosey-goosey.Best Cuban sandwich since Copa closed, but luck of the draw whether you'll get one -- sometimes they just take it off the menu, and last night told my husband he got the last one. Also last night: no French fries (really?). Menu has options and is flexible for all diets, and the collards and mac & cheese are delicious. I do wish they'd expand the choice of sides as right now there are mostly starches. Place is always busy and they seem to do a good takeout business. Worth a visit. read more

Food was absolutely amazing. The people working there were very polite. I was visiting from Florida and it was the best food I had all trip