Looks can be deceiving. If I hadn't somehow randomly clicked on this restaurant and randomly…read morefinding out what kind of food they served, I would never have tried it even though I drive past this unassuming place when I'm in Syracuse. The guys and ladies working there are super helpful (and honestly, patient without making me feel bad since it's my first time). Totally recommend the soup they have on Saturdays. I think they try to nudge people to get the large, since a small is $13 and a large that is twice the size is $15. Glad I was nudged though! Great whether by itself or eaten with rice. What I would say be careful of is the fish. It's super, super salty and I had to bring it back to cook it with other things to mild things out. But the beef and pork were nicely spiced and seasoned. Would get those again!

There's a large parking lot in the back. Yi ou order at the counter. It seems the vast majority of…read moretheir business is take out. I chose to dine in. While it's no frills it was very clean and pleasant, and there was a good amount of seating. Had the garlic shrimp mofongo, the first time I had it since I was in Puerto Rico. It didn't seem to be fried, but it was very tasty and absorbed the sauce from the shrimp. It seemed healthier. The service was extremely friendly. Will have to go back and try some of their other dishes.

Great food- roasted chicken juicy and seasoned perfectly. Awesome price too. Came with rice and a…read moreside of beans. Shrimp Mofongo was delicious. Also had a side of plantains. Cute mom and pop shop. Friendly and my food was ready for pickup when I arrived. Lots of baseball memorabilia on the walks. Cute place.

First time in... my son and I ordered the chicken and rice for lunch .... WOW... that has to be the…read morebest Chicken rice and beans I've ever had... great spices ... its mild but you can add the spice to it... yes that hot sauce on the table and it HOT ! But very tasty ... loved it ... we'll be back !!!

The only thing more beautiful than the owner is the FOOD. But seriously, she's gorgeous…read more Do yourself a flavor and go eat lunch or dinner at this " hiding in plain sight " spot on Genesee Street. I've been dreaming about the guava juice since visiting and will return.

This review is for early November…read more I totally would have given it 5 stars but knocked it down because they charged me more than what was on the menu. The red snapper was a set price on the menu but I was charged more than that and I didn't notice until I read the receipt at home. The restaurant is very pretty and homey. The waitress and I'm guessing is the owner is so lovely and attending! Now let's talk about food. I was alone at the restaurant at about 5 pm on a weekday and when I left there was another party dining in and another party taking out. I ordered a red snapper with rice and habichuelas and I freaking loved it! The meal reminded of the meals I ate as a child. The meal here felt so home made! The habichuelas was magnificent and the red snapper was tasty and scrumptious. I really wish I placed a second order of my entire meal to go. I am definitely coming back when I'm in the area. The hospitality, decor and food is an A!

Mayra and Dyari are amazing hair stylists. They are super fast too. I am in and out in an hour and…read morea half and that's with the deep conditioner. They get pretty busy on weekends but they have a great system going with the two ladies. The location is great and has parking spaces. It's well lit and they take walk-ins. The place itself is pretty clean and well managed. They ONLY TAKE CASH and I'm not sure when they will change that policy. I'm overall pleased with the service I receive every time I go there. The place is also a barber shop ran by Domingo.

SUCH good food. Got the Caribbean shrimp with sweet plantains, DELICIOUS! Will be coming here every…read moretime I'm in Utica. Get the plantains!!!

The food was excellent. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because it took so long for…read morethe order to come out. I understand that sometimes for good food you have to wait. My advice would be to not have any other plans when you go to dinner there.

El Barajo has long been on my list of restaurants to try in the Utica area. We finally ordered…read morelunch from there via UberEats and were very pleased with our meal. We ordered the pollo guisado, camaronfongo, and a vegetable empanada. All three were delicious, but I especially enjoyed the pollo guisado. The chicken--all dark meat, which I prefer--was melt-off-the-bone tender and very well-seasoned. We opted for yellow rice and black beans as sides, which were excellent accompaniments. My kids also loved this dish. I really loved the flavors of the camaronfongo (basically mofongo with shrimp), but only wish that there was more broth to pair with the mofongo. The mofongo was a bit dry, and I needed some more sauce or broth to moisten it and cut through the density. The fried vegetable empanada was crispy and delicious. The portions were generous; our order was enough for two adults and two toddlers, with leftovers enough for an adult's full meal.

The food was cooked fresh and they provided great service. They make Empanadillas with your choice…read moreof filling so it's always fresh. A little bit of a wait but definitely worth it.

Was in the area saw this place stopped in got 2 empanadas very reasonable price and absolutely…read moredelicious! Crispy and both beef and chicken were outstanding!!

Breakfast sandwiches are perfect. And their chicken empanadas are really good. Service is always…read moregood as well.

The food is to die for, the service is great, the atmosphere is also great. Employee's and the…read moreowners are great and professional people, they make you feel welcome. The customer service is great. They make everything fresh. They have a lot of drink options. And the place looks very clean. OH and their sauces (ketchup mayo and Garlic sauce) to die for !!!

Very very insanely greasy chopped cheese...the beef was like a sloppy joe with sad wilted lettuce…read morethat appeared chopped and cooked into the sloppy Joe beef then slathered this odd concoction onto the greasiest bun this side of the Erie..shoot so inedible that even though im starving, I'd rather go hungry

A great quick stop restaurant with high quality food and service. The food was excellent! I got the…read morechicken and lamb combo it was so good, the hot sauce packed in the heat, I had it on the side. I would definitely come back again! The menu has so many options anyone could find something they would like.