I don't know what that rub/flavor is that they put on the pork at El Rancho Original but I vote this is the best pork on the Pork Highway. It is the last lechoneras on the street but if you are driving and making the stops make sure to leave room in your stomach for this one. Loved it a ton although I would have liked the band volume to be a little lower. Also we had other friendly customers jump in and help us when we messed up during our ordering. Then our line neighbors made sure we knew how to pick up our food when we were at the pick up station. Everyone here was so nice. Def come here! read more

See all

Went restaurant hopping in the area, and even though this is the most popular spot, it was literally the worst pernil we tried. The vibes of the restaurant were fun and we had a great time, but very glad we weren't hungry after trying the other spots on the strip, because the pernil wasn't good AT ALL! Flavorless, and almost raw pernil, and more expensive than the places around. I wouldn't visit this place again. Go eat somewhere else, and come here for a drink and dancing. read more

El Rancho Original - Barbeque Near Me - Cayey, Puerto Rico

See all

The pork is amazing, half pound is perfect for 3 people; we got 1 pound which was plenty. We went here after eating at Los Pinos, down the road (1 min walk) -- this place is overall better, get the pork and BBQ ribs. It's more tender and flavorful. The BBQ ribs flavor is 10/10, it's a perfect balance of sweet and savory, different from typical bbq sauce in the states. Our order cost $25. They don't have pork sausage here, BUT Los Pinos does and it's AMAZING. Start at Los Pinos, get the sausage and since they also have free parking, then walk here. Cafeteria style! Just order and wait at the second stop in the line to pay once they have your food ready. It's a nice drive to reach here, but narrow roads. read more

El Rancho Original - Yellow rice (arroz), 1/2 pound bbq ribs, and 1 pound pork, potato ball - Barbeque Near Me - Cayey, Puerto Rico

It's one of the last lechoneras on the famous "ruta de lechón" in Guavate, but I'd say it's the best (save the best for last). Lechón is always on point, as is everything. Plenty of space. Live music. They have additional seating down by the creek. read more

See all

I've tried multiple lechoneras on the pork highway and this was the best one in my opinion. The food was the freshest and the atmosphere is awesome. read more

Wonderful. Wonderful. What a wonderful family friendly atmosphere. Was completely welcomed by the customers who was eager to help me. The lecheron was so tasty and crispy. I was even more excited to eat it the next day because it was good portions. Seeing the huge lecheron was also a plus! And the place was nice too with a hut/garden in the backyard and I heard there's live band options on certain days. What a gem. read more

El Rancho Original - Barbeque Near Me - Cayey, Puerto Rico

Food was great. Atmosphere is fun with live music. The chicken was very moist and the skin of the pig super crispy read more

See all

The food was fresh and the pork was flavorful. It lost a star because the skin was inedible. Other than that perfection. Service was good and fast and the woman understood my American Spanish. The ambiance was quiet because it was a Tuesday. DON'T GO ANYTIME AFTER OR NEAR 5pm, they are closed! read more

See all

El Rancho Original en Guavate, Puerto Rico. I have been coming to this place since I'm a little girl. It has changed and grown a lot, but the food is always great. The staff is friendly and helpful. The place is clean. Music playing. Lots of places to sit and enjoy your food and the yummy mojitos. You can also go down the steps and sit in one of their gazebos by the river. read more

See all

The most authentic Puerto Rican experience possible. Cooked pig and other meats right in front of you. All of the classics. A must stop experience, you shouldn't be allowed to come to PR without experiencing this. The little shops and the stray dogs gives you the real deal feel PR event. read more

See all

On vacation, I always try to go to Guavate and this trip was no exception as always it did not disappoint with great food and views especially on a rainy day no views like those where I come from. We had the Lechon a la vara with the pigeon peas rice and boiled bananas as well as the potato salad and all was delicious the island seasoning that I miss. there was a music band and dancing going on very happy atmosphere. Service was great as all the employees were very friendly and took care of you like family would. read more

See all

Delicious lechon asado, arroz con gandules and yucca! Service was fast and there is a nice eating area. read more

El Rancho Original - Lechon asado, arroz con gandules a d yucca! Excellent 10/10!!! - Barbeque Near Me - Cayey, Puerto Rico

The best lechón and arroz con gandules. Gandules are fresh not canned. They look so nice in color when cooked. The lechón was seasoned to perfection. The morcilla to die for. We sat in the Bohío in the back and enjoyed the water stream. It's totally worth the trip while in PR. FYI this is an entire strip of pig roast businesses but this one had the best review. read more

El Rancho Original - Arroz con gandules y pernil. - Barbeque Near Me - Cayey, Puerto Rico

Alright food here. Lechon asada was decent but I thought meat was a little dry. Good one time eat but would probably not return if at Pork Highway. read more

El Rancho Original - Lechon asada - Barbeque Near Me - Cayey, Puerto Rico

Stopped by the famous El Rancho in Guvate. Beautiful location with old time vibes. They are famous for the lechon. You order when you get to the line and they have a variety of other delicacies if you're not in the mood for Lechon. Food was very good and it definitely lives up to the hype. read more

See all

It was a long drive from San Juan but worth every kilometer! The best lechon I ever had! Thanks!

we arrived as they were getting to close and they made alcaparria that was delish... it was with the drive to go Customer seriven is A+. They were quick and happy to service. We will return. read more

El Rancho Original - Barbeque Near Me - Cayey, Puerto Rico

This lechonera was recommended to us and glad we came early, the lines were winding by 1pm. The lechon was good, some may find it a bit salty, I did not have a problem with that at all, but if you are sensitive to salt, choose the accompaniment well, something plain. The bohio seating areas in the back with stream views just enhanced the experience. read more

See all

I made it a point to visit because my Uber driver told me it was his favorite. Once I arrived I realized I'd seen the restaurant on the Food Channel when Andrew Zimmern visited. The dining is in covered outdoor dining areas. There are dogs roaming around the dining area. They were well behaved and only stared at you while you were eating. I had the roaster pig which included a large piece of crispy skin. I enjoyed it. The roasted pork was juicy and flavorful. The house seasoning blend was almost perfect. I prefer a little less salt but that's just me. The yellow rice and peas was a little dry for my taste. I also had a pastelas de masa with pork. The pork was overcooked and tough. The last thing I tried was cuajito guisado. It was a unique flavor and I only ate a small portion of my serving. It was fresh and I would try it again. I recommend this place but I would probably try one of the similar places if I find myself back in Puerto Rico just as a comparison. read more

See all

Fantastic!! Worth the trip!! Chicharron, arroz and gandules, morcilla, and pasteles!! Definitely coming back!!

Food was good! Turkey was amazing, but the Lechon was a little dry. Fun place to hangout in the afternoon that has live music. read more

El Rancho Original - Turkey, rice, beans and yucca - Barbeque Near Me - Cayey, Puerto Rico

Given all the positive google reviews, I was severely disappointed after eating the traditional pork platter. The ribs were significantly better and I loved the maduros. Be sure to watch the dancers and live music and take a walk along the creek while here. The vibe can't be beat and you're sure to have a great time! I also highly recommend grabbing a Pina Colado from one of the vendors - they are so TASTY read more

See all

We came here last year during the week. Very quiet. Peaceful. Beautiful ambiance. The trees and the birds are just serene. Hubby is a pork aficionado and absolutely loved the pork. We just went back on a Sunday and it's the complete opposite and now we understand why this place is so big. It was packed full of people. There are little kiosk busy with people buying souvenirs. And get ready for the DJ playing Spanish music. Definitely two different worlds when going on the weekend vs weekday. Take your pick! read more

After a thrilling and winding drive up the mountain. We arrived the the establishment, empty but we did arrive early. The already cooked whole pork looked beautiful and inviting. We were so excited. The PORK was amazing and flavorful. Moist meat and crunchy pork skin. Should have been the only thing to order because the rest was just OK. The oiña colada was spot on and despite me barely tasting any alcohol, it had the taste of a homemade piña colada, not too sweet and creamy. I can only imagine how fun and entertaining this place is during peak hours. Will be back for sure. read more

El Rancho Original - Barbeque Near Me - Cayey, Puerto Rico

See all

A great experience! The place is very local, which was nice. You can see the pig roasting and slowly cooking when you enter the restaurant. Place vibe: The layout is more food court type, where you stand in a line to order, pick up your food and then go find a spot to sit and eat. Food: the pork was obviously delicious and very tender! I got yucca, fried plantain, sweet potatoes and a pork tamale as sides, along with some beans and rice. I absolutely looooved the sweet potatoes, everything else was good, and I would probably skip the tamales next time. Overall, a nice experience! Would recommend this place more for the experience than the food. read more

El Rancho Original - Pork with sides - sweet Potato, fried plantain, tamales - Barbeque Near Me - Cayey, Puerto Rico

See all

What can i say it's the original. There is no other, and every other lechon spot in the country no were near compares. Long drive away from major towns sure but you'll be glad you made the trip. Must stop when in PR read more

I don't speak any Spanish but managed to point to what I thought looked good and was not disappointed. They also have a sidebar where they make drinks and sell sweets. The place is massive but very limited parking, it's a bit of a drive to get here but worth the trip. read more

See all

On our last day in Puerto Rico we drove from Aguadilla to Guavate to visit the "Ruta de Lechon" (aka the pork highway). I figured it was a must see place and I was right! I did a lot of research before our trip and this spot is absolutely wild on weekends. Lots of music and dancing plus all the great food. We were there on a Monday late morning and it was super quiet and not many people. So we didnt get the full experience but we did get to explore the place and eat food without waiting and had plenty of places to sit. I have had lechon many many times. I lived in Puerto Rico for a couple years and had it at friends houses during the holidays and even here in Florida we eat it often but in Cuban cuisine. The pork I had here was fantastic. The skin was crispy and flavorful. The pork was seasoned very well and tasted great. The star was the habichuelas (red beans). They make it like a stew witch chunks of potato and other things in it. Get a large bowl of beans and some white rice and pour the beans over the rice and ENJOY! My wife and I shared a plate and we ordered a rellena de papa (fried potato ball stuffed with ground beef, Empanada, and a pastele stuffed with pork. Everything was so good. Thsi place has a bunch of covered seating scattered throughout their yard. Their is a creek that flows through the yard and its a very beautiful place. Its also a bit cooler up in the mountains so we enjoyed sitting outside and eating the delicious food. read more

See all

Lechon was so moist and not dry at all, but ate a little too salty. Skin was crispy but a little thick and tough to bite all the way through. The macaroni salad was a great pairing to the salty lechon. We wanted a guayaba frappe but they were out, sadly. Maybe we should come by during the lunch rush or at least earlier than 4pm. read more

El Rancho Original - lechon with macaroni salad - Barbeque Near Me - Cayey, Puerto Rico

Food is great but check your order I ordered an extra pound of lechon to treat myself It was a take out order as it had already been a long day I advised that I only see three containers but I was assured the order was all there After a long drive back to where I am staying more so because it was one hell of a drive thru the mountain They missed it It really ruined my day Thankfully I did not buy bread to make the lechon sandwich I was looking forward to the next day the next day All and all as I said the food is great but this was a disappointment read more

Crispy and tender. Ordered a small portion and octopus salad. read more

See all

Located adjacent to Lechonera Los Pinos, and seemingly more popular with locals than the spot Bourdain made a destination, El Rancho Original is a worthy additional stop along La Ruta del Lechón for those willing to take the 45 minute drive from San Juan. Easily differentiated from the other dozen-plus Restaurants on a winding road in Guavate, El Rancho Original's sheer size suggesting long lines and a jovial atmosphere pre-pandemic, it was shortly after 10am that staff was found happy to serve an even larger bevy of options than next door. Open air with interconnected buildings and an annex, the sort of place already designed for spreading out long before "social distancing," it was after watching an older man hack bits of Pork from the whole Hog with a machete that seats were taken, El Rancho's Lechon less seasoned than Los Pinos and a bit fattier which thus sees Skin break less briskly and instead eat like Chicharrón. Certainly more than just Lechon Asado, Rice with Pigeon Peas and sides including porky Pastel plus fried Alcapurria and Surullito performing well, fans of Morcilla will find El Racho's smoother with bolder aromatics than most while thick slabs of housemade flan are creamy with a faintly-bitter finish not dissimilar to traditional Crème Caramel. read more

See all

Amazing, live music , great food and good people. Puerto Ricans are good people, fun dancing and family friendly. Friendly read more

See all

This is it just a standard pig roasting place. This is probably the BEST pig roaster in the area. The title kind of leads i to that's it's the original ranch. The servings are generous. The flavor is beyond comprehension. The crunchy rind is to die for. The blood sausage is exceptional. The yuca al mojo is on point. The arroz con gandules is downright delicious and the beer was ice cold. Although there are many of these places in the area this one is a MUST go to. It's loud, friendly, great time eating and enjoying a local favorite meal. Service was quick and food was fresh. read more

El Rancho Original - Barbeque Near Me - Cayey, Puerto Rico

Such a fun experience and delicious food in a lovely setting. Lechón on the spit greets you before you order. Tender and delicious. Spot is a drive through the mountains and the restaurant is comprised of little pavilions spread across a mountain creek. Worth the out-of-the-way drive read more

See all

Came here during a visit to PR. Saw that Anthony Bordain had dined here and was super excited to try, but I was underwhelmed. The line took about 20 min, and they took my order while I was in line. The employee was kind enough to patiently go line by line and explain what things were in English. Thought the lechon (roast pork) was very dry, although the skin was tasty. Wasn't a fan of the blood sausage. read more

El Rancho Original - Barbeque Near Me - Cayey, Puerto Rico

I drove almost an hour away an up a winding road for "Okay" pork!! The line wasn't long at all so that was nice. I had tried to use my google translate to understand the menu as it's all in Spanish. All I really knew was to get the Lechon (pork). I asked the young lady taking my order if it came with sides? She said yes an mentioned the macaroni an potato salad. I asked her what she suggested am she said Macaroni. I went with those 2 options an a Coke. The best thing I ate was the pig skin! So crunchy. The salad lacked flavor an I thought the pork desperately needed BBQ sauce. I'm glad I tried the place an the parking was free. It was reasonably price at $9.75. read more

See all

We stopped here after our day trip to Ponce. We heard so much about the legendary "pork highway" we had to try it. To my disappointment, there were no non pork options at the time. My dining partner ordered a plate with rice and peas, Morcilla sausage, Lechon and banana for a whopping $30. When we got back to our hotel she soon regretted going here. The lechon was very dry and the sausage was very bland. seeing all these good reviews could it be they were just off their game this day? I dont know but I would likely go up the road for something else. read more

El Rancho Original - Barbeque Near Me - Cayey, Puerto Rico

See all

Definitely a great experience. Great food, affordable prices, free entertainment. Just get in line, order, pay when your food is ready and find a table to share. Lechon is great. Sides and flan were ok. read more

See all

Service was terrible. The girl who took the order had a bad attitude. Eventually I got my order taken and was given a paper with my items checked off to hand to the workers making the food. We ordered lechon, pigeon peas rice, blood sausage, sweet potato, yucca. They forgot the blood sausage and yucca, so check your orders!! The lechon was so disappointing. It LOOKED so good, but unfortunately it was so tough and rubbery, and inedible. The arroz con gandules was amazing, but it didn't make up for the yucky lechon or the missing food. But that didn't matter because we loved the experience! It was so fun being with the locals and seeing them have fun dancing and being with their families, and all the live music. The ambiance made up for the food in my opinion. read more