When you visit Cuchifritos, expect a constant line and no air conditioning. The staff isn't super friendly, but they are highly efficient and keep the crowd moving quickly so you get your food fast. We ordered a lot to try. The arroz con gandules was a solid, well-seasoned base for the meal and came in a generous portion. We also grabbed a couple of pastelillos. The pastelillos con carne and the pastelillo con queso both had a great crunch and were packed with filling. The alcapurria was fried well with a solid exterior, and the inside was full of seasoned meat. To finish it off, we had the bacalaitos, which were huge, savory codfish fritters with crispy edges. It gets hot inside and you will have to wait, but the efficient service and excellent food make it a strong 4 star spot. read more

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Never go here. If you do end up visiting this less‑than‑stellar establishment, avoid the bistec encebollado at all costs. I'm not even sure what kind of meat they used, but it definitely wasn't cubed steak. The pork chops were fried far too hard, the rice started off promising but quickly fell flat, and the beans were just okay--they serve white beans, and I'm used to pink. The alcapurria was passable, but the masa was mediocre and the filling wasn't beef; it tasted more like chicken or turkey. Honestly, disregard this entire review and save yourself the trouble--don't even bother coming to the 116th St. cuchifritos. read more

Cuchifritos 168 E. 116th. St. New York, NY 10029 Coca Drink Alcapurria Pasteles En Hoja Blood Sausage My curiosity has led me to East Harlem to explore traditional Puerto Rican cuisine. The prices are very reasonable and the taste of the food was pretty decent. However, the attraction was lacking. Coca drink: The coconut beverage was cool and refreshing. It was definitely the next best thing to slurping from an actual coconut. Alcapurria: The Alcapurria had equal ratio of meat and fritter filling. Pasteles En Hoja: I have to admit that the artistic look of this meal was not eye catching. The pasteles reminded me of vomit, but tasted like a tamale. Blood Sausage: The blood sausage has a physical resemblance of feces. Identifying one of the meats as "blood" is not the best idea. In the end, it was a sausage link. Surprisingly, all the dishes still tasted decent. Whenever I come across plates that don't look attractive I'll always keep an open mind and will definitely try everything. #alcapurria #pasteles #bloodsausage #cuchifritos #cocodrink read more

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If you don't know how to make your own Puerto Rican food this spot will do you justice, however if you're familiar with the cuisine and you have enough time on your hands to make it at home my suggestion would be to just take the time to make it yourself. The ladies were sweet and helpful when I ordered. I spent about $75 and ordered one of everything. I took a few bites of each item and was much as I appreciated not having to cook and still enjoy such amazing menu items I also realized my cooking is far superior and I was thankful that I learned from one of the greatest Nuyorican chefs. read more

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Authentic food and prices are absolutely reasonable. Fast service and while it can get packed, the line moves fairly quickly. No tables are present so it's definitely a place where you order your food to go. Definitely recommend. read more

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Chuchifritos is one of those neighborhood institutions that will never go away. I've been going here since I was a kid. When I'm in the area, this is one of the places I have to stop at while visiting family in the area. You walk up and you start seeing all the good fried food at the window front of the of the restaurant. See all the chicken pastelitos, relleno de papas , alcapurrias, chicharron etc all goodness frituras they have to offer. Always always get the rice and beans you can not get anything without it it's a must, you can ask them to put some mojo de ajo (garlic sauce) on just about anything you want or on the side I promise you its succulent. My go to meal is always the rotisserie chicken-white rice and beans and always sided with some from fried alcapurrias or pastelitos. They also have fish, pork chops, blood sausage, tostones, yuca & passionfruit drinks. The place is clean and the service is friendly this is a more to go spot so pull up and take out and make sure you tip the girls maybe they'll put a little more Mojo sauce on your Chicharons This place is east of Harlem on 116th street if you're coming by train take the 6 line stop to 116 either way north or south bound. read more

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The staff here is absolutely excellent!!! I came here at 10:30 (honestly it's a lunch place) and asked for fresh alcapurrias and she made it especially for me. And the jugo de coco (coconut juice)..... is to die for!!! I got a gallon to take home. there is no other Puerto Rican restaurant that can compete. This is a no frills, takeout place but worth the trip to Harlem. read more

This place is historic for thier food. I've been coming to this place since the early 60's. I happy that thier food has not changed. The food is typical puertorican dishes and they are exceptional. The service is excellent and the price depends on what you choose from thier extensive menu. They also have 6 fountain drink machines dispensing a variety of tropical fruit drinks. I highly recommend this place. The parking is challenging but not bad at all. I.was able to park across the street from the place. read more

The restaurant is clean but locked have to press buzzer, casual outfits, Staff was friendly and attentive.Spoke English.Prices was reasonable $9.00 Service was timely. You get a table number. Staff brings your order to your table. Food was delicious and filling. Recommend this place for a quick bite in Harlem. read more

Cuchifritos - Near by street. - Puerto Rican Near Me - New York, New York

Hi, my family & I have been coming here for over 30yrs. I really wanted some of their food today so I took a drive. The food & smells hit you right when you walk in the door but here comes the problem. I ordered Cuerito, rice, beans, alcapurria and bacalaitos. Everything was BLAND! I was so disappointed! The beans had no taste. There was no sofrito in there at all & they were too watery! The bacalaito's were mostly flour (no salt fish) and same for the alcappuria (not flavorful & a super small amount of meat). The Cuerito had no taste, a little burnt & dry. I know things are changing BUT this is why people go there, for good Puerto Rucan food! If you're not going to give it 100% especially the flavor then why bother! Please cook w/more seasoning & love! Disappointed! read more

Oh my God!! The food was horrible!! I had a small piece of each and threw away the rest!! Ordered: Morcilla, alcapurria, Bacalaito, and papa rellena. What a waste of money!! read more

I dropped in on Cuchi Fritos on an early Sunday evening and all was normal. The line was forming up and locals are lining up their dinner spread for that evening. This has been going on here countless times over the years and for good reason: it's a great value and you can feed your family. Indeed, the line featured mothers with their children, parents with their children, of couples and soloists like me. They have the neighborhood crazies and drunks too nearby and some try to come in. All in a day's work, par for the course in the City. This venerable takeout spot is part of the neighborhood and when you come here, enjoy this for all it has been worth to countless people over the decades. Today, I was in the mood only for the whole rotisserie chicken and the chuletas, the pork chops to try for the first time. Two pork chops and a chicken for nineteen bucks. Can you repeat after me: v a l u e? You can get the platters and packages, but I was in the mood for protein only today. The chicken is always solid here, not the best, but still quite tasty. The pork chops were the surprise: very good, served with grilled onions and peppers. The chuletas were seasoned, but not too salty. Wow, who knew? I'll order the chuletas as well as the pollo entero every time from now on ... There are not too many places where you can find a whole chicken and two pork chops for nineteen bucks. This is why the line will always form here and one thing I noticed differently was they are taking credit cards. Perhaps they always did and I never noticed, but I noticed this Sunday evening. Cuchifritos consistently delivers and the value proposition keeps'em coming. 3.5 stars! read more

This Cuchifritos place has changed a lot. It has been over 15 yrs I been here. The quality of food and service has gone down. I ordered a number of items to take out and after tasting it was not very good at all Potato con carne was greasy and not much meat and very little taste. See pictures below of the other orders. The food very greasy and not much meat. I will not return. Was really looking forward today but like everything else, food does change and its quality. That is why I give it a 1 read more

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The Spanish food here has consistently been excellent since my childhood. This family-run establishment is incredibly welcoming and supportive of the neighborhood. On September 7, 2024, I visited with my cousin, who hadn't been back to Harlem since 2000. We had a wonderful time together, enjoying delicious food and spending quality time with our aunt at her home for dinner and a movie. It was a memorable and enjoyable experience. read more

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This restaurant became my favorite immediately. Each requirement was fulfilled without delay. The food preparation is reliable and they serve sensible amounts. Tasty food arrived with a smile. The restaurant will please your group. read more

Chicken tastes like water. Service great but food not the best. Bruh idk why I would eat something named cuchi

The best fried delicacy of our island Puerto Rico always fresh and clean too. I will always go to this spot whenever I go into The city. read more

Looking for quick, yummy, well priced Puerto Rican food in Harlem? Cuchifritos should be your go to then. This spot is located right off 116st and 3rd ave. You can order at the window or go inside; they used to have seats to eat in but now it's straight to go. Classic PR food here; frituras, soups including sancocho, meats, rices, beans, traditional fruits juices that they offer up to gallon sizes. Prices are awesome; $2.25 - $2.75 for frituras, $1 - $4 for juices, $8 and up for meals. They also have lunch specials and meal specials. They charge 4% if you pay by card. This trip I went with the alcapurrias, meat, chicken, and cheese patelillos, papa rellena and parcha juice. Pastelillos are large sized with a medium size serving of the meat or cheese, very crunchy. Alcapurrias, delicious, crunchy, potaoe-y meaty goodness. Thumbs up with the parcha juice and papa rellena. All frituras are a good size and were $2.25 each. They packaged them in separate plastic bags, then placed in a large brown bag and into another plastic bag. Heads up, their frituras are fried so naturally are greasy foods. I've had their rice, beans and pernil previously and good tasting food as well. Would recommend for anyone looking for good ol' Puerto Rican food in the area. read more

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Passed by this place full of fried goodies while walking to get chopped cheese and returned here to find out it was Puerto Rican...just the type of snacks I want to find! Morcilla (blood sausage) - skin had a nice bite to it and there's stuff/peas(?) inside that makes it interesting. I would get it again. Alcapurria (meat in mashed taro) - nicely fried and the meat savory; not super sweet which is just how I like it. I like this a lot, better than the piñoño. Would get this again. Piñoño (meat in mashed plantain) - great first bite. This is good but just a little too sweet for me. Those who like sweet + savory will like this. I am coming back for the pasteillas ...once my tongue is de-inflamed read more

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Food may be good service is terrible these people that work there are so nasty and rude . Especially the young lady who works there. These people will tell you they don't have something and it's be right behind them where you can see.. I never been to a restaurant where you spend money and they give you what they want. And then if you don't order in Spanish they're very prejudice. This guy order a chicken and got 5 sauces and Hand full of lemons. I order 3 complex meals and asked for lemons on the side and I get told to go to the grocery store to buy them. Is that how you talk to your customers? It's sick and the owner should really know about this behavior! It's so crazy to say but if you don't speak Spanish this place will not treat you fairly spending money doesn't matter to these prejudice people !! It's sad read more

The food is very good, especially the service. The ladies there are wonderful. Very attentive. Only dislike that I have is all the homeless people standing in front of the business, almost blocking the entrance. They also don't have any seating at all. We ordered 1/2 lb chicharron, 4 alcapurrias, 1 empanada, and 1 papa rellena and 2 fruity drinks all came to $22. Pretty good price. read more

Cuchifritos - Alcapurria - Puerto Rican Near Me - New York, New York

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I went to cuchifritos a week ago, and I loved the mofongo made with roasted pork with beef sauce on the side to pour over the Mofongo, it came with a salad, more roasted pork on the side, plantain chips. It was a great portion , and it was delicious, must try it's ,better than cocotazo restaurant that's one block alway from them en la maqueta , portion ,prices and tastes. Friendly staff, and clean. Go there you won't regret it. read more

This is my second time eating at this place, and it's amazing. The pernil is juicy and tender and beyond flavorful. The rice and beans blow my mind. I know basic but, I don't EVEN like beans, but I love these. The meat Pastelitos are delish, could have a tiny more filling but really good. And lastly the maduros are soft and sweet, flavored really well. Top notch and order #3 and #4 are definitley on the horizon. read more

Cuchifritos - 2. Pernil Combo Arroz Blanco con Habichuelas Maduros Pasteles Criollos de Carne - Puerto Rican Near Me - New York, New York

First let me say that I've only ever ordered delivery from this restaurant. It's been through DoorDash and not by their own delivery people. The reason for such a low rating is because of their service. The last time I ordered from here was on 02/17/2023 at 3:56 pm. I will attach a photo of what I ordered. As you can see, I only received 2/3 of the items I ordered; the beans was never ordered. The main items I was looking forward to weren't in the bag. The juice spill, I'm guessing, was the dasher's fault. Ok, so I had a huge issue with DoorDash because they didn't want to send anyone else, didn't want to refund me (they did in the end after I had to basically threaten to sue) and basically wrote me off! And yes, I am one of those people who will sue ts out of your establishment! Why would I pay for mediocrity? Please, take that to someone else. Anyway, I called the restaurant multiple times. The last call, a man answers and I'm asking about my order. At this point I'm ready to just go pick it up, but I ask again if someone can deliver it. When I had called prior, they said, the food is here. Never apologized for not putting my food in the bag or the inconvenience. The man calls to a lady in Spanish and tells her to come get the phone that he's tired of me calling and for her to tell me something, anything. They thought I couldn't understand or speak Spanish. Lmao. So she answers back very rude and annoyed as if I didn't support her business. She then gets on the phone exasperated to tell me the food is there, they can't send anyone to give me my food even if I tip, and that it's basically my loss. I honestly got dressed to go drag her out the restaurant. But then I started walking and ended up on 78th st? I went to Shake Shack and ate well. DO NOT GET ME WRONG! The food is good; however, the pastellitos/empanadas are more disc that filling and very greasy. Overall, I don't think I'll ever order from here again. I wouldn't deter anyone else from eating here, maybe their service in-store is better, but yeah. read more

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As a man from Oklahoma who married a Puerto Rican woman from the Bronx and who has traveled to Puerto Rico, I approve of this place. My wife rated the Morcilla 10/10. I wasn't a fan of the bacalaitos (my wife loved it) but we both agreed that the Alcapurias were A+. We bought Relleno de Papas but I'm too full to enjoy. The Mango tropical drink was pretty good too! I'm no pro so I can't leave any pro tips but I hear this is a great breakfast option as well. read more

Cuchifritos - Inside - Puerto Rican Near Me - New York, New York

Very rude and racist.... the act like they speak English to avoid you. And they speak English very well.

Walked in was friendly but the lady with the bun behind the counter needs to learn customer service. I asked her in Spanish, what kind of meats do you have and she proceed to be smug and make hand gestures and say "all of this" " all of this." Like I can decipher what everything is. Smh. I should have walked out but since I was with my small kids I ordered. Throughout the whole exchange she wasn't a all close to pleasant and in the end I left her the tip she couldn't even look at me in the eyes when she said thank you, as for the food the carne de res had no seasoning no salt and was dry so disappointed. Food overall was lacking flavor, the only thing okay was the actual cuchifritos. I will not be returning bc of the lack of customer service. read more

5 is good, and all fried stuff is a bit oily, but it tastes ok except cod fish. It's weird and smelled so fishy. The potions are big enough for share. I got some stew beef as well taste good but nothing impress. read more

I was walking in the area with my friend, and passed this spot. On my way back we went in. Mofongo split between two of us, and a Bacaladito. Piña drink and we were transported to the island. Ay, Bendito! The Bacalaito was a little dry in spots and greasy in others, not the best I've eaten. The Mofongo was perfect. Made in a Pilón, it maintains its shape, full of Pork Chicharrones. It comes with Plantain Chips, Salad, Pork Chicharrón & a bowl of "gravy". The gravy looks more like a soup. You pour some over the Mofongo to moist the Plantain. All the eating is done at counter level, either facing the servers or against the wall. Service was nice and friendly. read more

Cuchifritos - Mofongo - Puerto Rican Near Me - New York, New York

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Excellent and authentic! I have been coming here for many, many, years, and it's the family go to place for the best Cuchifritos!

English: Cuchifritos, once celebrated for its authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, has lost its essence under new management. The Dominican influence has diluted flavors, resulting in a disappointing departure from the original taste. The broth lacks depth, menu items are old and stale, and the overall experience falls short. Regrettably, it no longer delivers the genuine Puerto Rican experience it was known for. Espanol: Cuchifritos, antes aclamado por su auténtica cocina puertorriqueña, ha perdido su esencia bajo una nueva administración. La influencia dominicana ha diluido los sabores, resultando en una decepcionante desviación del sabor original. El caldo carece de profundidad, los platos del menú están viejos y rancios, y la experiencia en general deja mucho que desear. Lamentablemente, ya no ofrece la auténtica experiencia puertorriqueña por la que era conocido. read more

Legit even to the bad service. As expected from a typical Latin spot, food is on point but the service needs a complete overhaul. While some of us following the stand in line protocol, the servers were taking care of people from a window and not the ones making the line. What is the point of the line? Ordered the pernil mofongo and it was good, I mean really good. Then ordered alcapurrias, bacalaito "cod tasting fried batter" and Canoa"a yellow plantain filled with meat". All legit and great tasting, cheap and fresh. Food is legit and cheap but the bad service leaves a bad taste. I don't get why it's like this. read more

Food is always great, but last night one of the server short changed me by $5.00. So make sure u count your change before leaving the restaurant. read more

Went to this place to try the alcapurras and bacalaitos ! Really affordable but the bacalito was full of grease ! I really did not like this but, I was so hungry I ate it ! read more

Stopped here for some food while on a long bicycle ride. We shared an order of mofongo with chichiron as well as a pastry filled with potato and meat. The mofongo was delicious and a huge portion. We split it and we were both full. A single order is good for 2-3 meals depending on your appetite. Service is quick and they've got a nice display upfront showcasing their food. read more

Clean with attentive and friendly staff but it definitely has a Dominican flare. I ordered the alcapurias they were delish bur made of yucca instead of green bananas - no biggie. As for the mofongo, it was made to order but it needed a little more salt and bacon it came with a side salad and platnutres/chifles but those tasted stale and the mofongo tasted as if the oil needed to be replaced prior to frying the platanos. I read more

It's my personal taste obviously, because the place is always busy, but the fried food is fried too hard! I love bacalaitos, but theirs are so hard and oily I can't eat them. The rice and beans are excellent, however. I won't return, but if you don't mind hard fried food you'll probably enjoy it. read more

I usually stop by for a small bite to eat in the evening. The latest I've been here would probably be 11-11:30pm & each time I can honestly say the food has been hot & fresh tasting. I almost always get an "Alcapurria" (fritter made of green plantains & other Spanish ingredients stuffed with ground meat) or "Relleno de Papa" which is potato stuffed with meat. Both are good however the alcapurrias don't really taste like what I'm used to eating. Either way they're still good. I've also tried their Mofogo which I didn't really like. The pieces of meat were really hard and it just made it impossible for me to eat. The customer service here is okay & the place is clean. Not a place I would recommend to stay and eat because there aren't many seats and it's HOT in there which is why I always take my food to go. The pina colada is a must to try, it's delicious! read more

Although the food is delicious, and I ordered a little bit of everything to sample it out. The Pasteles and the morcilla were not fresh they tasted old. The pernil was good the alcapurrias were the best part of the meal. They were crunchy and delicious no seating. Just take out. The service is rude and rushed. Also, they charge you whatever they like. It's not worth the commute for me. read more

I was born and raised on 100 & Lex. this Cuchifrito stand used to be amazing. I noticed that the taste and quality started going downhill years ago but every time I go home ( I live in DC now) I pick up a bag of Cuchifritos for my mom. I think I go back more for nostalgia than taste. But let me tell you something....I went there 2 weeks ago (July'23). I bought 10 alcapurrias, 2 rellenos de papa and 3 pieces of morcilla. So, I secured the bag and headed back to DC. My first stop was my mom's house so I could drop off her cuchifritos. We heated up the alcapurrias and Relleno in the air fryer so they could recrisp since they got soggy on the ride home. Me and mom were so excited to take the first bite...what a disappointment. The alcapurria filling was so nasty and there was very little of it. I'm not sure what type of mystery meat they use but it's not beef/picadillo. It was beige in color and so gross. The filling in the relleno was just as bad, no flavor and not even 1 olive in either ball. They have also skimped on the quality of the masa, any Puerto Rican knows, Alcapurrias are made with platanos verdes and yautia. These people are not using yautia at all and they are blending the platano with corn meal which is an absolute sacrilege. The morcilla was absolutely flavorless and lacked the spice that it used to have. It tasted like cat food, (if I can imagine what cat food would taste like) Morcilla is supposed to be spicy! If you want decent cuchifritos, go to the Bronx (Grand Concourse & 188 st) or better yet, make them yourself, I learned how and they taste amazing. read more