I was in Ithica for a day and found this place. Almost an hour drive. It better be good, I thought. It was a nice drive up. I found it and parking easily. I went in and ordered the fried chicken chunks, Chicaron de pollo. Nice dish. Allot of food. I don't know if they use chicken brest for the chunks. It would have been better, but it was still good. The rice and beans were also good. Except for my drive, I would come here again, next time I'm in town. I recommend. read more

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Jibarito sandwich was absolutely on point with a solid wepa sauce. The tostones were PERFECT! Rafael and his staff take their time to make a A+ meal so your patience will be rewarded and appreciated! I love how the place gave me La Perla vibes , you just know that the food is going to be amazing! Highly recommend read more

This restaurant was well worth the visit, we enjoyed absolutely authentic, grandmother-recipes, Puerto Rican cuisine, served by a fine chef and gracious host. Such a pre-Mothers Day treat for me, I'm sure all will be pleased! read more

The food is always AMAZING, never fails. The customer service was great. The ambiance makes me feel like I am in Puerto Rico amongst locals, which I love the most. read more

El Morro - Pull Pork Lunch Tostones Riced and Beans Goya Juices - Spanish Near Me - Geneva, New York

I've known about El Morro for a few years, simply by virtue of being a Puerto Rican in the Finger Lakes. Friends and family had visited in the past, but this was my first time and I made sure to come hungry. This was a joyful experience. The atmosphere felt so familiar and warm, and I was moved by the clear dedication to the space by the lovely owner Rafael. I felt very much at home. The food was simply wonderful -- thumbs up from the four Puerto Rican's at the table (2 island born, 2 diaspora). There was a bit of a wait, but only because it's being prepared hot and fresh. The mofongo was moist and the camarone (shrimp) sauce was perfection. The fried pork was outstanding too. At one point, the owner had to leave for an event and came into the dining area to give all the tables his well wishes. He left us in the capable and sweet hands of Fernando, who was working in the kitchen. Fernando kept things open for as long as folks were there, which was extremely kind of him. I hope to be back very, very soon. Words can't express how nice it is to have a piece of the island in our area. Gracias Rafa y Fernando. read more

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For a lot of us who grew up in the Hartford-Springfield area, Puerto Rican food is as common as Jamaican food (there are large communities in the area). El Morro is a nice outpost in the FLX. I probably should have asked if he lived over there or perhaps NYC/Bronx prior... Anyhow, the roast pork and arroz was very good with a side salad. Not much fuego in the pork...but the FLX is serious gringo land...so this shouldn't be a surprise. There are a few interesting authentic eateries in Geneva (including good Mexican..)...El Morro is def one of them. read more

This is a very small place and I only could find parking in the very front of a line up of businesses. Heavy Spanish accent. A few tables. It seemed like forever before he brought the food. Then the beverage. My foos was well cooked but not hot at all. Luck warm at most. Not much for spice. Hot sauce helped. Rice was a nice sticky rice. Pork was cook tender. A little to soft for me and no flavor. My friend had the fish and ate everything. I will not visit again sad to say it was not the best in the area. read more

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Found El Morro by Google search for "lunch in Geneva, NY". So delighted to find the place. I felt like I was in a place I had been to outside of San Juan. Empanadas, Octopus stew and Mofongo with chicken - all excellent and piping hot. Enjoyed talking to the owner and a gentleman at a table. We will definitely come back. Only 30 minutes from our home in Victor, NY! read more

We were blown away by our experience! It exceeded expectations. The cocktails were yummy and we loved our entrees. Staff were very careful to follow COVID protocol. We will most certainly be back! read more

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Went for lunch. Yelp and sign on the door said open at 11:00am. Nobody was there and the lights were out. We had heard great things and were disappointed that we couldn't have any lunch. We look forward to another chance. Please! Keeping your hours posted accurately on Yelp would be smart. read more

I got this hankering for some Spanish food, and while COVID has the world shut down, I found this gem. In fact with the Virus on the loose, I have found many gems, but this one stands alone. Signs warning people about the Virus were plastered to the windows, including 1 on the door with a string that says to "pull with 1 finger.". Inside the entire place is wrapped in shower curtains with window flaps, and even mannequin hands taped together on chains so we can still shake hands, like civilized people. But the place smelled as good as abuellas house. And my stomach spoke. My buddy got the Burro, which he said was delicious but wouldn't share. I asked Raphael to pick something on the menu. He chose Mofongo and Chicharones, like he knew chicharones are my favorite. If you don't know what Mofongo is, go find out, it was delicious. Maybe a little too much garlic, but I love the taste of plantains so I guess that's my problem. The chicharones were crispy and had HUGE chunks of pork attached to the skins, they were perfect. It was all drizzled with this creamy red mystery sauce that added a flavor I haven't seen since Bertos grandma cooked for me. It was all to go, and despite being taken by the fear, Raphael and minimal staff were helpful and friendly. I'll be back soon, and again when the beer spot next door is open for some dancing. read more

El Morro - Mofongo and Chicharones - Spanish Near Me - Geneva, New York

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OMG - i'm in Puerto Rican food heaven! my fiancé is half Puerto Rican and we've found THE spot. who would have thought it would be in the Finger Lakes tho?! ugh, we're sitting here, about to roll ourselves out of the restaurant and my mouth is still salivating over the chicharón de pollo! everything we had (the chicken empenada, the chuleta and chicharón de pollo) were flavor bombs. the fiancé said the flavors were as authentic as they get and i said, should we just hang out until dinner and order again?!! ugh, do yourself a favor and go experience it for yourself! also, the service was amazing! loved the whole experience! read more

We had the best beans and rice, garlic butter shrimp and Mofongo ( a cake made with plaintains and topped with garlic butter). Absolutely delicious food and great service. read more

Tried it today for the first time and was delighted. Friendly service, delicious pulled pork lunch special with perfect juicy flavor. Great tender rice and beans with some beef empanadas and homemade hot sauce topped off a great lunch!! Can't wait to return with more friends. read more

El Morro - Spanish Near Me - Geneva, New York

Ok, this place is amazing. When you walk in, you're hit with the authentic visual and aural aesthetics of Puerto Rico. That would have been enough for me. But when I sunk my teeth into their chicharón de pollo, I almost exploded. All the flavors that were present on my plate made me think of my grandma's cooking! I'm Puerto Rican/Dominican and take it from me, you need to get your butt in here and eat all the food. Do it. Do it now. read more

Mofongo was ok, chicharon de pollo was all flour, carne fritas was made with fried in old oil, chicken empanda was spicy and they didn't say so. Customer service was awful not like an authentic puertorrican services was rude and unpleasant. They didn't offer drink after the order the was placed or desserts. It was not a truly puertorrican experience at least in my opinion being born and raised in Puerto Rico. read more

Amazing food, great prices. Recommend calling in a to go order instead of going and ordering. Wait times can be a bit excessive, but definitely worth the wait if need be. Have had several items on the menu everything has been great. Highly recommend the chorizo tacos, empanadas, and plantain mufungo. read more

I have been a fan of El Morro (named for the fort in San Juan, PR) since it was originally located in the old Leaf location. The new location on Exchange Street across from the Hampton Inn is more intimate and easier to find. Rafael Diaz Diaz makes the kind of food you used to find in PR off the beaten track: beans and rice, empanadas, stews, and pollo a la plancha on skewers ('kebabs' for those reliant on generalizations). El Morro has vegetarian options...but this is not health food. There is fat and salt and carbs galore. Portions are reasonable and the prices are low. Expect to pay $2 for Empanadas and $8 for a cuban big enough for two. The pasta and lasagna on the menu is confusing...I expect that Diaz is trying to appeal to Geneva's Italian heritage....but the Italians will go to an Italian restaurant for that. I would rather see Dias expand his menu along the lines of other island countries with boliche, boniato con mojo. and cocido de garbanzos. read more

Love the beef empanadas and the rice. Chicken dinner was good, wish it was an actual salad not just a handful of iceberg lettuce and tomato slice with Italian dressing thrown on top. read more

When it is 19 degrees in early November, with snow on the ground, even native new Yorkers don't seem to want to venture out for a meal. Travelers, however, don't often have a choice when they are hungry. They just have to brave the elements. So we did. We entered an empty space. I asked the young lady if they were opened just for us. She smiled and said, "Probably. " Thus was the beginning of a truly lovely dinner. We chose simple and familiar to avoid overwhelming our bio system. Salmon dinner for me and taco plate for the other. Generous portions. So generous that leftovers left with us. The meats were savory, and the beans were DELlCIOUS! Service was warm and friendly on this chilly night, and the having the restaurant completely to ourselves made for a memorable experience. If we are in the area again, we will certainly try El Moro once more. read more

Food was good. Portions are big. They did a good job following Covid precautions. Have outdoors seating.

Beef Empanadas are the bomb! 10/10 will be back! They have so much to offer and they are always at fairs so I can get food almost anywhere!

Small place, but authentic PR food. Greatly appreciate the small variety this place brings to Geneva. Chicken stew was great, the hot sauce was slammin! Loved the portion sizes as well! Will definitely come back again when I'm back in town!!! read more

Really good food for cheap. Friendly staff. I got pulled pork lunch special for 6.95 and it came with beans, rice, and a salad. They even plated it real nicely. Awesome restaurant. Will definitely be back read more

Extremely unpleasant experience - aggressive owner We (3 students) went to El Morro's for some Puerto Rican food. After waiting 40 minutes for or food, which never came, we decided to leave hungry and disappointed. At the time, we were the only customers apart from a group of older men just drinking a beer. The waitress had told us the food would come any minute - that was a lie. When we walked up to the counter and tried to pay for our drinks and leave, the owner came out and talked extremely aggressively to us, lamenting that he was the sole cook and basically we were an ungrateful bunch. First of all, it is not our problem nobody wants to work in his kitchen - maybe they would if he wasn't such an aggressive, condescending person. And second, we did not feel valued at all at this place. We don't know if it's just because we're students, but our dollars are worth just as much as anyone else's. Anyway, we spent our money at a different food place and got served good food within 15 minutes. I'd rather support businesses that actually care. read more

Rafael is as wonderful a person as he is a business owner. Lunch special and empanadas are my go to when I want a delicious inexpensive meal that far outweighs its price tag. read more

Very authentic food here with wonderful hosts. I had the pork special which was fantastic. Live music outside was a great treat as well. I highly recommend this place for a fun night out. read more

If I could give this restaurant ZERO stars I would. We should have walked out when we saw the numerous spelling errors on the menus!!! If you have no taste buds, and have never had authentic Puerto Rican/ Spanish food... then this is the place for you!! Seriously the worst meal I've had in a restaurant ever! No seasonings, beans tasted like they came from a can.. and that rice? The rice was an abomination! Just say no to this place! Yuck! read more

Absolutely delicious food! Thank you Rafael! Try the yucca fries! We eat vegan and request more options please. But, we very much enjoyed the vegetable dinner with rice and beans. The plantains are perfect. I don't think you can get food like this anywhere else nearby... Gloria was sweet and helpful. Cute spot with great music. read more

The food here is ridiculously good- pure Puerto Rico. Rafael is an amazing cook and told me his secret for tostones that are not one bit greasy. Omg, this is our go-to restaurant in Geneva!! read more

Unfortunately I can't rate ZERO stars... Terrible customer service... We were a party of four, trying to find some good PuertoRican food, and the only acceptable things were the salad and the soda cans.... everything else was a punch in the face, mofongo was out of texture "like boiled, instead of fried", no pork skin, no garlicky, just SOSO.... Please avoid "chicharrones de pollo", it was just (one chicken drumstick divided in literally five OVERLY BREADED pieces), with NO FLAVOR and just a fried cracker texture.... "carne frita" was re-heated in still cool oil, after being overcooked (so you can imagine the texture and the flavor of that) totally GROSS.... sandwich was "a big disappointment" the bread itself was almost okay, and the meat taste was just NOT THERE, not even cheese (which is unacceptable for a sandwich) but that was it... and to finish the DISTASTEFUL experience, the "empanadas" were a fiasco of box mashed potatoes with some canned chicken flavor, the ground meat one, has a more okay flavor (still unacceptable) cheap product for the expectation at their price point "compared to better quality at better prices"... EVERYTHING WAS COVERED in mayo-ketchup-cilantro-oil (no options given) and we were told to "whenever you're done, take your trash with you to the can outside" not even a reaction for our thanks. The only reason this people still in business is because they charge upfront, otherwise they'll run out of business... NEVER AGAIN, worst "PuertoRican food" ever. read more

Found it by chance as I was unfamiliar with the town but happened to be staying across the street at the Hampton Inn. Well for once my laziness paid off- I had a great meal!! I just about fell out of my seat when I got the bill- under $15. I ate so much I worried if I was going to have to roll myself back across the street to my hotel. Reminded me very much of some of my favorite mom and pop stops in Puerto Rico. read more

Amazing food! El Morro was catered at an event that I attended in Geneva and it was delicious. The plaintains, rice and beans and roast pork were phenomenal. It was catered in trays and I had 2 helpings. I would've had more but it probably would've been a poor idea. If I'm ever in Geneva again, I would definitely eat here! read more

Had El Morro twice recently, both times at local festivals. Delicious! Such a good value, too! One giant serving of pork, beans, and rice could easily be shared. read more

My husband had the beef burrito and LOVED it. Portions are generous and food is fresh. We did take out. Delicious and inexpensive but certainly not cheap tasting food Enjoy! read more

We went to El Morro when they were at the Waterloo Outlets. Love the restaurant bus with those lights. The food was ridiculous!!!! The food was so flavorful. We had the pork sub, steak sub, empanada, and rice and beans. Everything was delicious. The rice and beans was literally the best I've ever had. I've had lots of PR food and this was top notch. If I lived in the area I would eat here often. Like, a lot. Just wow! read more

This spot was recommended to me by a local cider brewer who said it was totally underrated authentic Puerto Rican cuisine and he was 100% correct. El Morro is located on the edge of the "nice" part of town and it's not much to look at from the outside so I can see how it can be overlooked... but daaaaamn! We stopped for a late lunch and got empanadas to start, a Cuban sandwich, and the pulled pork (with rice, beans, and a side salad). Everything was made to order and came out piping hot! The pork was just amazing and so so tender. The rice and beans were perfectly cooked and everything came in gigantic portions (like way too much for one person, no complaints there amiright? ;)) The menu was pretty confusing to figure out so we just went by recommendation of the owner, which was definitely a good call. We saw a lot of people ordering takeout while we were eating, which I might opt for next time just because ambience-wise El Morro is a little lacking, but any lost points are totally made up for by the delicious food. Would love to return if I find my way back to Geneva some day! read more

Very legit homecooked homestyle food, our new favorite Geneva hideaway. Very casual and low key but exactly what we were looking for. Delicious, reasonably priced, served by the cook himself. I miss LA a little bit less now that we've found El Morro. Thanks for being closed in the middle of the day on a Saturday, fancy hipster restaurant that shall remain nameless, we went to El Morro instead and will absolutely be back. read more