Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Cascalote Latin Bistro

    4.5 (423 reviews)
    Open 12:00 pm - 11:00 PM

    Order Cascalote Latin Bistro Takeout or Delivery

    Cascalote Latin Bistro Photos

    Business Info

    CASCALOTE LATIN BISTRO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Classy
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids

    You might also consider

    More like Cascalote Latin Bistro

    Recommended Reviews - Cascalote Latin Bistro

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Cascalote Burger
    Najwa G.

    Cascalote Latin Bistro is absolutely fantastic and I'm glad that it's doing well after it relocated. I went with my cousin here for brunch and we both loved what we got. We started off with margaritas (just have to for a Sunday brunch) and they did not disappoint- my favorite was the maracuya one. As for the mains, I had the Benedict crab cakes and my cousin had the enchiladas. We also shared an order of the Brazilian cheesy bread which was really tasty (carbs + cheese, what's not to love)? There was a generous amount of crab given in my main and my cousin's enchiladas had a really nice kick to it. The service here is also lovely- it is a true family business and I hope they'll stick around for generations to come.

    HOLLANDAISE SAUCE
    Vanessa G.

    I dislike leaving negative reviews, but I feel compelled to share my recent experience at Casalote Latin Bistro, where we rented the back area for a sisterhood event. Unfortunately, I left feeling disappointed and personally disrespected by a staff member who I later learned is the owner's daughter. As an Afro-Latina who presents as African American, I couldn't help but notice a shift in how I was treated compared to others in my group. I ordered the Costillitas Benedicto, which was described as slow-braised short rib, sweet corn arepa, poached eggs, hollandaise sauce, and maduros. What I received was not as described (see video below): * The eggs were fully cooked, not poached. * The meat resembled ropa vieja (shredded beef), not slow-braised rib with a bone. * The hollandaise sauce was an unexpected orange color and extremely spicy none of which was stated on the menu. Due to all of these issues, I sent the dish back. I was told I could order something else from our prix fixe menu, but I felt so uncomfortable and turned off by the experience that I didn't want to risk another poor or potentially tampered-with dish. Later, I was told I'd still be charged for the original meal I returned. Reluctantly, I agreed to the French toast but asked for the syrup on the side, as another guest had received hers pre-drenched and was unhappy about it. When I approached the waitress with this simple request, she didn't make eye contact, stared at her tablet, and responded curtly: "That's how it comes." I let her know that her tone felt unnecessary, and she replied, "Okay, if you feel like that, beloved." She continued in a passive-aggressive manner, repeating "that was your experience, beloved" without ever looking at me. I then overheard her speaking in Spanish to another guest, saying she would not serve me again. She proceeded to offer that guest a complimentary shot, thanking her for being "a good patron." This entire interaction felt unprofessional, dismissive, and frankly, targeted. The poor food quality, lack of transparency on the menu, and passive hostility from the waitress (especially toward a paying customer who did not present as Latinx) made me feel unwelcome and disrespected. I will not be returning to Casalote and recommend they re-evaluate not only how they present their dishes, but how they treat their guests especially those who don't "look" like the culture they serve.

    Olivia N.

    Overall rating: 4.8 I wish this place was in Brooklyn! It was so far from me. I saw this place pop-up on my for you page and was very excited to try it. It looks very local and the everyone was so friendly. It is a small place and my friend and I probably only got a place because we went on a gloomy Sunday. We actually got the last table around 1pm, so I felt very lucky. We started with the guacamole which oddly was just okay. It was missing some seasoning, but I loved my main meal. IT WAS SO GOOD. My friend got the birreria tacos and I got the Costillas Benedicto Benedict. The Slow braised shredded short ribs were phenomenal and paired with eggs, omg.

    Empanadas, Taco - Al Pastor, sweet corn arepa
    Peter K.

    Small, quaint, lots of character, good service, terrific food! We had empanadas, an al pastor taco, and sweet corn arepa, with a drink of mango juice. All were great. The al pastor taco had a lot of flavor. Empanadas were crisp and hot. The arepas were new to us and we'll look for it again. We took a chance going out of way to come here for a light lunch and were not disappointed. Would definitely come back the next time we're in NYC.

    a plate of mexican food
    Abbey R.

    I came here Saturday for brunch with reservation for 1pm when we arrived there we're available seats but is good to be safe. I noticed on my way in they have outdoor seating as well with heaters. It was my first time here first impression the place is small not sure how much people it holds but can't be more than 20. The Ambiance is cute and bright they were playing good music some throwbacks. To begin we got the guacamole and chips the guac was fresh and flavorful the only thing it wasn't spicy even tho we asked for spicy. We also got margaritas they were about $14-15 I got the tamarind and my friend got the Maracuya. My drink was flavorful but wayyy to sweet maybe cause tamarindo itself is sweet. I also tried my friends which was passion fruit and I did like that one better. For our next drinks my friend order the same one I went with Mango. The mango margarita with the tamarinn rims was yummy and less sweet compare to the tamarindo. However, we were two drinks in and personally the margaritas weren't as strong for my liking. For food I got the desayuno de rancho and my friend got steak tacos and it was yummy portions was a decent size but I was still hungry after so we got Brazilian cheese bread and that was pretty good. after eating we were not as lit as we wanted to be so we decided to do shots instead since we felt the drinks weren't as strong. We saw mango flights online and wanted to try them they come in 4 and 6 we got a total of 5 shots each! Flights were about $32- $48 although they were tasty I did not find them strong enough considering the price. So we finished off with a shot of 100 anos and it was good. We were somewhat tipsy but after all those shots/drinks I was expecting more. rating the place based on ambiance, music And service we had an overall great time I would probably visit again for happy hour and go straight for the regular shots not flavored to get my moneys worth.

    The entranceway
    Edward S.

    What an excellent lunch. Enough said, but I'll tell you more. They had burrito on the menu, but I didn't see a shrimp one, so I asked and she said no problem. Delicious. It contained fresh shrimp that had first been sautéed in a sauce, perhaps garlic based, then placed within a rice and avocado tortilla. Green sauce available, but I'm a lightweight. Served with homemade french fries, and wonderfully presented as you can see in the picture. It was just the perfect lunch for the right price as well. Washed down with a wonderfully concocted homemade lemonade. Prompt service, flavorful cooking, adorable atmosphere. Go there. You won't be disappointed.

    Angel S.

    Try everything! This Barrio staple has been here for close to 25 years! And it never disappoints. The food is traditionally creative and amazing succulent. The Benedicto was incredible. The pork was juicy the Spanish Hollandaise sauce is seriously finger licking! The hand crafted drinks are well balanced! Don't past this place up.... WOW!!

    Grilled Chorizo
    Fabu L.

    Wow! Excellent choice for brunch. A group of alumni from Connecticut College gathered for a holiday brunch and this was a perfect setting with beautiful artwork and awesome service. Be prepared for a small space so if you have a large group you will take up the entire restaurant but it is wi detail to feel as if the place is all yours. The orders were taken and the food was freshly prepared and quick. Everything was tasty and not one of our group of 12 had a complaint and instead raved about all their choices and pleased with the quantity of food. I had the Tres Leches pancakes and it was like heaven in my mouth. Wow!! When in NYC again, we will definitely have this place on our frequent frequently list!! Thank you for a wonderful setting for our annual brunch.

    Henny Punch & Coconut Mojito
    Alberto G.

    I had a good time coming here for the first time after visiting Museo del Barrio nearby. The service was great, Austin our server took great care of us, he was attentive, kind and 10/10 across the board even spoke a bit of Spanish. The restaurant was left all to ourselves due to the rainy weather, the staff made sure to dim the lights and bring out some table candles for a more intimate vibe. I def would recommend anyone come here and be sure to try the coconut mojito, honestly I thought the creaminess of coconut in a dream would be a night mare but it's by far the best drink I've had this year. I ordered the henny punch and it was ... punching! The food was amazing too, and very cultural, no crumbs were left. I especially love how the empanadas were packed with meat, the chef and team were not greedy like other companies are and the fact that when you took it a bite the empanada wasn't scorching hot, it was in between hot and warm. I ordered the birria taco which I'm surprised, the consomé was packed with FLAVOR, and the taco meat was generous! Honestly best birria taco I've had so far, I've always wondered why is this style taco has been popular since at other restaurants the consomé looks like oil and taste like nothing but this one is for the books! And for the arepa? Taste just like how my fam would make it, it's amazing and the pairing with pickled onions is *chef's kiss*... sweet but also a dash of acidic flavor. I would only give 3 stars on the basis of the menu is MUCH smaller now and this business should've updated that to reflect the present day, majority of the photos are from a larger menu. #2 There is a automatic high % gratitude, and I feel this takes away from genuinely being grateful, even if this place deserves to be tipper on the higher amount. I, myself have tipped past the rate but when it's automatic, it comes off like entitlement. I think it's definitely best lead in confidence in the work you put in. Will return nonetheless to their second spot to try their tres leches pancakes.

    Butterfly margarita
    Adrienne M.

    I visited with my cousins for a Saturday night dinner and it's definitely a VIBE! We made reservations ahead of time which is highly suggested since the inside is small and then they have outdoor seating too with heaters. Upon walking in, we were immediately greeted by the staff and seated. The menu is found on a scannable QR code. My cousin and I started off with a mango margarita as well as the butterfly margarita. Both were flavorful, but not strong enough so the next drink we ordered we made sure it had a punch to it. The waitress suggested the tamarind margarita which was a bit stronger so we were satisfied. For our entrees, my cousins ordered chicken and shrimp fajitas and I ordered the shrimp tacos, french fries and platanos. Everything was flavorful and a nice portion size. As an app, we ordered the guac and chips which was super fresh! One of my top favorite guacs for sure! One of the reasons why my cousin chose this place was for their mango shot flight which you can get 4 or 6. We ordered 4 which was $32. The shots were good but it didn't really taste like liquor, I tasted more of the tamarind. To end our night, we decided to order 2 shots of house tequila for $13 each. Casamigos shots would've been $17 each which is crazy but we're in NY so I expected it. After 3 shots and two drinks each, we didn't feel tipsy at all. Maybe because we have a high tolerance? Or the drinks weren't strong enough. All in all, it was still a good time. The music is great too! Love me my Bad Bunny! Would I be back? Yes! It's a nice spot for a celebrations for sure.

    Watermelon margarita
    Jackie C.

    JUST GO! In 2019 my bf&I were in search of a brunch spot around the area and decided to walk around. With little hope and energy left, we noticed this hidden gem and gave it a try. Best decision ever. We come here usually on the weekends for dinner and although they've been getting busier these days, they do their best to get you seated right away! For food, we order our usual which is "Mata cuatro and chuleta al pastor" with the delish tampiña mezcal drinks. I mean COME ON, TAMARINDO AND PINEAPPLE, to die for. They have a mix of music so it's always lit and their decor is super cute. Indoors the lights are dim and tables have flowers which also makes it romantic. I'll be coming here forever to support this family owned small business

    Always amazing food. Great service and chill vibe . Food is soooo delicious here and prepared on time so relax wait a little and enjoy

    Tecate
    Michelle Q.

    I've been here twice and Casalote has not disappointed!! I ordered steak tacos and needed extra pico de Gallo! I also had a Tecate with lime and i wanna say it was tamarindo sauce on too of the lime. Make sure you stop by and try some of their delicious food !

    Cascalote lunch menu

    See all

    18 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Najwa G.
    548
    1104
    2652

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Abbey R.
    3728
    492
    2478

    3 years ago

    Helpful 19
    Thanks 4
    Love this 17
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of S X.
    10
    118
    446

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 3

    2 years ago

    Excellent food good service. Delivery was on point they are very polite great ambiance

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of LaDoña F.
    1
    122
    135

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 3

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of R. C.
    4
    100
    237

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Cascalote L.

    Cascalote L.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joan S.
    393
    292
    1195

    8 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Cascalote L.

    Cascalote L.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 11

    Cascalote Latin Bistro Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Cascalote Latin Bistro

    You might also consider

    Cocotazo - Arroz con gandules peril maduros green salad and potato salad

    Cocotazo

    4.5(75 reviews)
    0.1 miEast Harlem

    Food was great, the service was also great ,the server was fantastic,she was very friendly knew her…read moremenus well explained dishes and specials well. The whole experience for since I was alone my husband could not attend was great ,I felt at home in the surroundings made a few friends ,atmosphere was cozy and family oriented.

    If you want authentic, homemade Puerto Rican food - this is the place to be! I felt like I was at…read moremy tia's house, waiting for food to be prepared. Some of the dishes are named after family members, which I thought was lovely, and there are family portraits all over the restaurant. It really felt like we were transported to someone's living room! I was chatting with a fellow diner at the table next to me, and we were raving about how comfortable and at home we felt. The chef Frances Roman also took the time to check in on each table and the people waiting outside the restaurant to see how they were enjoying the food and if they had any questions. The hospitality here is top tier! I ordered the bacalitos to start, which are cod fish fritters. They were nice and crispy. The sauce it came with really enhanced the flavor! I also ordered the guava and cheese pastelillos. Both pastelillos were also crisped to perfection. For my main dish, I had The Rican sandwich, which is a nice twist on the Cuban sandwich. The sandwich is made with pernil, Swiss, pickled onions, and the chef's own special garlic mayo sauce. It was absolutely delicious!! Cocotazo also has freshly, homemade juices. I recommend the Chi Chi Rodriguez, which is a mix of tamarind and passion fruit. It's not overly sweet. If you'd like to try the main dishes, I do recommend arriving hungry! The portions are super generous, and you will leave with happy and full bellies.

    Photos
    Cocotazo - Paintings for sale.

    Paintings for sale.

    Cocotazo - Rican Sandwich

    Rican Sandwich

    Cocotazo - View of Spanish Harlem

    See all

    View of Spanish Harlem

    El Patio de Fela - Grilled Chicken Breast Lunch Special

    El Patio de Fela

    4.4(17 reviews)
    0.7 miEast Harlem

    I was standing on the street, minding my own business, when the smell of roasted chicken came my…read moreway. I looked around and didn't even see a restaurant at first. When I finally saw where that smell was coming from, I was drawn inside and found some delicious looking food. To my surprise, they have oxtail today! The woman serving me behind the counter was really nice, didn't rush me, and I'll bet she was an owner. The oxtail was really, really good, and they have really good red beans. If you're on a strict diet, this place might not be the very best choice for you, but a for me, I'm looking to return next time I'm in this hood! The ambience here is great, with love plants galore, a patio... even a clean and functional bathroom! That lunch special was only like $16. Incredible.

    El Patio de Fela is, at first glance, unassuming from the outside, but definitely not unremarkable…read morein the sense that trying to find the inside confused me so much I started to feel anxious and want to bail. When I entered and saw the tiny space inside resemble a chinese american takeout place with a small hot food bar, I had already resigned to having the lowest expectations possible. However, after ordering the $11 lunch special I was motioned to an inconspicuous doorway bringing me to a connected greenhouse which I now can see is El Patio de Fela. I sat down to enjoy my plate of pernil and arroz con gandules and right when I took my first bite the staff turned on the christmas lights for me and it was magical. The pernil, rice, beans, and green sauce worked wonderfully together and was so filling for $11. There was beautiful latin american music playing and the best part of the meal was having crispy bits of fried pork skin stuck to my teeth that I can snack on throughout the rest of the day. For 3 whole years my allegiance towards Lechonera La Isla for puerto rican food has been pure and unblemished. Today, for the first time, the innocuous thought appeared: 'Would it hurt to have a taste elsewhere?' Well, I did, and El Patio de Fela has me regretting what I've been missing out on for so long.

    Photos
    El Patio de Fela - Pernil, arroz con gandules, beans

    Pernil, arroz con gandules, beans

    El Patio de Fela - Roasted Pork

    Roasted Pork

    El Patio de Fela

    See all

    La Isla Cuchifrito - Pernil and yellow rice

    La Isla Cuchifrito

    4.2(41 reviews)
    1.9 miMott Haven
    $

    BLAST-FROM-THY-PAST GANGSTER PARADISE*KITCHEN*CUCHIFRITOS…read moreTruth be told this flagship SAVOURY EATERY dating back into greater than fifty years will forever be pricelessly MISSED eternally! On many memorable cuisine days of the freshly specially CUCHIFRITOS menu dishes (using: Achiote Oil, Sofrito, Adobo, Aceite Oliva, Lard, Butter) truly having that unique Cuchifritos aroma fragrance, delicacy taste, unbelievable texture of Puerto Rican & Cuban hints of grandmas aboriginal TAINO secret recipe covert ingredients! Between the Mofongo marisco o puerco, Pollo or Steak with Rice and Cubano & Chicken-Steak Sandwiches, and warmth of Pollo stew, Sancocho, Sopon de Patidas de Cerdo, Fricassee de Pollo, Asopao de Camarones, Sopa Pollo de fideos, Chuleta de Jardinera, and the bizarre saucy marinated favorites of PIG'S ears, tongue, stomach, morsillas (blood pudding), Chicharrones, pasteles, yucca-plátanos con pescado! Yet didn't serve another two favorite El Jibarito o Tripleta? FRITURAS: Tostones, Alcapurria, Bacalaitos, Empanadillas, Pastelillos, Croqueta, relleno Papá, Pastellon, Pernil, Arepas de Coco, Ensalada de Bacalao & Pulpo o Ceviche, Bistec "beefsteak" encebollado and también los lo Potres de Flan, Tembleque, Flancocho, Queso, Arroz Dulce, Mallorca, pebidas de Coco, Guava con crema, tamarindo. People often came to this business regardless of the community deterioration of police statistics because of the reminiscent 1970-1970s blends of "comida" preparations hard to literally find that older no frills mixed combinations of methodology to "cosinando" dexterity not prevelant anymore as past Chefs either AGED or DIED with their extraordinary TAINO style Caribbean Island RITUALS like Caldo Santo (Holy Good Friday FISH Stew)! The older Misses working at this establishment had no choice but to be sarcastic strong Spanish women given the recidivism of Rift-Raft in this neighborhood of mix populace, especially a zip code of delinquents, criminals, and dastardly venomous attitudes of gypsy homeless, gang bangers, anger management loud-mouths entering the restaurant to cause arguments, disturbances, beggars pleading for tasty Latino Spanish's food of mamma's familiar morsels. These were the cheap eats of tasty MEALS of separated or divorce, and broken family authentic tasting home cuisine missed from mamma, wifey, side-Biscuit girlfriend,and death of homestyle cooker, and missed Holidays foods of those gone & remembered!

    It was a busy Thursday afternoon visiting an old favorite. We sat at the counter space and…read morepatiently waited for 1 of the women to serve us. It was very busy, but they can keep up well. Very pleasant we ordered from the variety of pre made food and one order from the kitchen only menu. We tried the roasted chicken with rice and red beans, 2 chicken Empanadas, and 1 order of fried pork chops with green plaintain (chuleta frita con tostones). Took about 10 minutes to come out, and it was very fresh and delicious. The chops were well seasoned and crispy. The tostones were freshly made and crispy. I put a ton of their homemade mojito (garlic) sauce all over everything, and my son proceeded to follow me with his meal. Their chicken was roasted perfectly. Moist and tender with flavors. They have a huge rotisserie pit behind the wall and out the way to save space. Genius. The Rice and beans were standard yet authentic. The Empanadas were a little dry, but I had to show my eldest about ketchu-mayo lol iykyk, then he liked it. He's a bit inexperienced in the cuchifrito area and almost got a brand drink. I had to cut him off and direct him to the fountain drinks because ,uh-uh, we drink from the house in a great cuchifrito spot son! I got him the passion fruit, and I got my usual sesame seed. He looked at me crazy y'all lmao I let him try my sesame drink, and he was somewhat impressed with it. But he loved his passion fruit already. The service was attentive, and I honestly don't know how the ladies balance it all. He was pleasantly surprised at the bill $32. 2 full large meals, 2 drinks, 2 Empanadas, and 1 alcapurria because I had to grab one when I saw the cook dump a fresh batch. I went home thinking damn I should have grabbed 3 more. They were loading fresh cuchifritos and I shouldn't have held back. Later always comes and left overs are always welcomed. Overall, we both loved it. Even taught him a few things in there. For the culture and the price point he loved it even more. I know for sure we will be back.

    Photos
    La Isla Cuchifrito - TYPICAL PUERTO RICAN CUBAN DISH

    TYPICAL PUERTO RICAN CUBAN DISH

    La Isla Cuchifrito - Chicken plate

    Chicken plate

    La Isla Cuchifrito

    See all

    La Fonda - Avocado Toast w/ Poached eggs, served on Tostones (Plantains - Great for Gluten Free Individuals).

    La Fonda

    3.2(371 reviews)
    0.2 miEast Harlem
    $$

    Alright. So this is my official review for La Fonda -- the restaurant I told y'all is connected to…read moreAbuelita's Desserts. Same location, same love, same culture. First of all, sometimes I don't even realize how Puerto Rican I am until it's time to eat. And then it hits me. Heavy. If you know, you know. My mom and I had been low-key grieving this old Chinito Spanish spot on 116th that we grew up on. That place was a staple. Birthdays, celebrations, random Sundays -- we were there. And the chuletas? Elite. The Spanish food was honestly better than the Chinese food, and it was that beautiful cultural fusion that only East Harlem really understands. Asian families who lived in Puerto Rico, speaking Spanish, cooking with that blend of spices -- it was magic. When it closed, it felt like we lost a piece of home. So ever since, we've been like... where are we getting our chuletas now? And let me explain something very clearly: when it comes to a Rican and her chuletas, we do not play games. Don't tell me you make a good pork chop and then serve me something dry or bland. No ma'am. I'm looking for: * That crisp but tender edge. * The smell that hits you before the plate even lands. * The cebolla on top. * The juices already doing what they need to do so I don't have to add a single thing. * That perfect bite when the rice and chuleta meet on the fork. So when we saw La Fonda attached to Abuelita's, we were curious. A guy inside was recommending dishes, saying he comes all the time for lunch. My mom spots "chuletas" on the menu and immediately says, "Let's try it." And I'm nervous. Because what if it's not right? What if it's breaded? I didn't want breaded. I just wanted it fried. Simple. Classic. Done correctly. Baby. When I tell you I was NOT disappointed? I have found my new chuleta spot. Perfectly fried. Flavorful. Juicy. That bite with the rice? Exactly what I've been missing. You can choose your rice. My mom got yellow rice with red beans. I asked for the rice of the day -- and listen, that rice of the day was a moment. Yellow rice mixed with little pieces of chicharrón, some plátano in there, beans -- just layered with flavor. That's the kind of rice you don't leave behind. My mom also ordered the corn fritters. Did I taste them? No. Because she tore them down before I could blink. And when my mom goes quiet and just wolfs her plate? I already know it's good. The ambiance? Beautiful. The bar area feels very Puerto Rican -- colorful, warm, nostalgic. On the other side, there's spacious seating if you want to dine in properly. It's quaint but roomy. Comfortable. It feels like somewhere you can celebrate something or just come in on a random Tuesday because you need good food. And the food? Delicious. Period. If you're looking for authentic Puerto Rican food in East Harlem that actually hits the way it's supposed to hit, go to La Fonda. Try it. Get the chuletas (trust me). And then come back and tell me what you think. Because these spots? They have my heart.

    Service is slow but the food is excellent. It took too long to just get drinks. They had one waiter…read morefor all the tables.

    Photos
    La Fonda - Our Mimosa Towers - flavors available and bottomless options.

    Our Mimosa Towers - flavors available and bottomless options.

    La Fonda - Shrimp Pinchos served with our serve passion-fruit sauce.

    Shrimp Pinchos served with our serve passion-fruit sauce.

    La Fonda - $10 virgins piña colada in plastic cups!!! This is unacceptable and should not be allowed

    See all

    $10 virgins piña colada in plastic cups!!! This is unacceptable and should not be allowed

    Oso - Guacamole

    Oso

    4.2(398 reviews)
    2.1 miHarlem
    $$

    Had a really nice dinner at Oso. The ambiance is perfect for a date night - dim lights, quiet music…read moreand beautiful ambiance. Drinks and food were great. I had the espresso and Kahlua cocktail but subbed vodka for the tequila. It was delicious. Ordered the chips and guacamole and Al pastor quesadillas. Everything was delicious. My only note is that the guacamole and black beans could have used a touch a salt - other than that food was really solid. I'll definitely be back.

    Armando, You're Great-But the Prices? Not So Much…read more We live in the neighborhood and have our go-to spots. Since Oso seemed to have changed hands or at least the vibe has shifted we decided to give this place another try. First, a shoutout to Armando you're great at your job! Friendly, attentive, and professional. Truly a standout. While the food was tasty, I couldn't help but feel the prices didn't align with the portion sizes or overall value. Let's be honest most ingredients in Mexican cuisine are relatively inexpensive (except maybe the avocado), so $16 for two tacos with barely a teaspoon of chicken or beef feels excessive. Just two blocks away on Broadway, there's another fantastic Mexican spot offering generous portions at a much more reasonable price point. Unfortunately, this felt like price gouging, and I won't be returning. Great service can't make up for what feels like taking advantage of customers.

    Photos
    Oso - Inside

    Inside

    Oso - Elote

    Elote

    Oso - Lemonade

    See all

    Lemonade

    Cascalote Latin Bistro - latin - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...