I grew up a few blocks away from this place. Back in my day (ok Boomer) we didn't have $8 latte coffee spots popping up, and we didn't put cute jackets on the dog when taking it out for a walk. The Heights has always kept it real, and places like this are a welcome reminder of the no-nonsense attitude that defines the neighborhood. Location: smack in the middle of the Heights' main thoroughfare, near such classics as Gino's pizza (yay!) and the JC Parking Authority office (ugh). Style: Little more than a lunch counter and a few tables, so don't expect Michelin star treatment. Instead, peruse their daily specials (usually various types of chicken, beef, rice, beans - and don't forget the empanadas!). The food is continuously prepared throughout the day (but if you show up too late in the afternoon, your favorite dish may be sold out for the day). Food: Yum! Home cooked meal goodness. This is not fusion bistro style food. This is authentic Latin cuisine, and pretty much everything I've sampled there is a winner. Value: The dishes come in two sizes. The inappropriately named "Lunch Special" (which is available at all times, not just lunch) is my go-to; it's tough to find many places around that can fill you for just $6 (!!) for a dish of rice beans and chicken. If you're a bit hungrier (or would like to share), the next size up is only a couple of bucks more. Verdict: Easily up there with Pizzamasters as my favorite classic JC Heights eatery. It won't be featured in the NY Times anytime soon (at least I hope not - I wouldn't be able to deal with...nice people waiting on line for 45 mins to get in). But what it lacks in publicity and glamour, it more than makes up for with quick service, tasty food, and superb value. read more

They put my food in a microwave in front of me. And the food was disgusting. I took 1 bite and left

One of my favorite Hispanic food in JC. Generous, affordable comfort food served here. Also, come here if you like getting called "mi amor" by the sweet ladies running the place. You can order from their menu or point to the many dishes on display at their glass counter. We got the pernil and beef stew over rice. Pernil: tender and the skin was crispy Beef stew: served with potatoes. We got this to-go and the sauce got soaked up by the rice so it ended up being a little dry. Will try something else next time read more

GNR's La Concha - Pernil and beef stew - Latin American Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

See all

I found this place on yelp they didn't have the bad reviews so I said let me give it a try because sometimes the reviews look bad, but then I go in the food is good or OK. I had pepper steak and rice, yellow and white mixed together with beans The portion size was OK. The price was the issue $11.75 which would be at normal Spanish restaurants a $8 or $9 platter. But overall it wasn't good it was very bland and taste like water for the most part. No Spanish flavors at all. I gave 3 stars because they had good customer service very nice. read more

The food isn't the best. We when to have lunch and the food was cold. In addition we asked for juice without ice and we got half the container. I asked the manager and he responded that because I asked the juice without ice they just serve half the glass read more

Favorite Latin American place in the Heights. It's no frills, cafeteria-style dining, so don't expect white tablecloths and trendy music. It's a good get-in, get-out spot. Pollo asado w yellow rice is great, as are the steak and pork options. Empanadas, when fresh, are exemplary. read more

This Latin restaurant is one of my brother's and I best. Haven't been there in a while but cannot wait to go back for some Pernil, Potato balls and empanadas. Very affordable and the women and staff are so friendly. They make you feel right at home. This restaurant was in Hoboken NJ many years ago. Really wish they can reopen in Hoboken. Not far from Hoboken. If you haven't tried this place yet. Try i and believe me you won't be disappointed. read more

One of my favorite Hispanic eateries in Central ave in JC Heights! It's a more up-scale Dominican cuchifrito (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Cuchifritos) but it's still darn good! Muy bueno! The main lady running the place is the absolute sweetest using terms of endearment, "mi Amor" this and "mi amor" that. So cute. Get the white rice, beans, and roasted pork. Ask for crispy skin (cuero). You're welcome. read more

I'd give La Concha five stars but my experience with Latin American cuisine is very limited. Having said that, one of my born-and-bred Jersey City friends is a regular at La Concha and claims it is the best Dominican restaurant in the Jersey City area. I've been there twice and thoroughly enjoyed both experiences. Very friendly service, homestyle cooking, generous portions, and reasonable prices. I usually get the slow-roasted pork (very tender, flavorful, a bit fatty, with a nice side of crisp skin), a mix of white rice and rice with beans (tender and fluffy), and my favorite friend plantains (barely sweet, nicely caramelized, goes brilliantly with the pork and the rice) It is a lot of food, typically served on two or three plates. Usually just under $10 for the meal. A variety of other main courses are offered, including roast chickens, different cuts of beef, and seafoods. read more

See all

They stole my money and deceived me. I have never experienced or had the need to write a negative review until this place. I preordered food from them for a local event: Turkey and roast beef (pernil). First red flag right off the bat was they did a disclaimer to me I would be their first client that they did Turkey for. Charged me close to 100 for the order. The day of the event. The lady calls me j In the morning asking me if I wanted the Turkey chopped and I thought that was a nice gesture. But when I get to the place the restaurant gave my order to someone else claiming that gave the permission when she spoke to me In the morning. Which was a lie! If they couldn't do it they should of just told instead of stealing my money and lie to me. Such a disappointment never coming here again. read more

I can't believe I've never tried this place after living in the Heights almost my entire life! I always pass it but never tried it until today. The ambience is homey, warm and welcoming. I don't speak very good Spanish but the daily specials are on display so it's easy to pick what you want. I got the Carne Guisado (beef stew) with yellow rice and beans. There are two portions, a lunch special small portion for $7 and a large portion. I got the small one with an empanada and grabbed a drink to meet the $10 card minimum. It was super tasty and affordable, as most Latin restaurants in the area are. The stew wasn't as flavourful as I expected, but I heard it's known for its pernil so I will definitely have to come back and try it! read more

GNR's La Concha - Carne guisado - Latin American Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

food is great but the trying to reach them is like jumping through hoops. I call they never answer it's 7:00 and they still have 1 hour before closing and I've called 15 times. the phone rings 3 times and goes straight to vm BUT THEY ARE OPEN. My family is here from Florida na they were looking forward to the food. But now they are disappointed AND HUNGRY! this is not the first time. not to mention that it's Friday night and they are the ONLY spanish restaurant that closes at 8PM!! that's unheard of. 8pm? what restaurant closes at 8PM ON A FRIDAY AND SATURDAY? so disappoin. it makes me not want to order from here anymore just bc of the hassle every time I call after 6:45. SO FRUSTRATED BC I COULDNT GIVE MY GUESTS WHAT THEY WAITED 6 MONTHS FOR. I would have called earlier but they drove here and we didn't know what time they would arrive bc of traffic. they got here at 6:50 and I called at 7:00 and they were already not answering the phones! i guess we gotta find another place that wants to serve their customers until closing time and not ignore them 1 HOUR prior to scheduled closing time. consistent BUSINESS hours are the MOST IMPORTANT PART OF OWNING A BUSINESS CUSTOMERS EXPECT THEM TO BE OPEN UNTIL THE TIME OF CLOSING AND PEOPLE LOOK FORWARD TO A GOOD MEAL BUT THRN COME HOME AND CANT GET THROUGH? BAD BUSINESS ETHICS. THE FOOD IS GREAT IFBU CAN GET PAST THF INCONSISTENT BUSINESS HOURS. read more

Amazing food! Good authentic Hispanic food We ate the pernil and the bbq chicken it was sooooooo good! Everything looks so good! And the owner is so nice and so sweet!! read more

My sister and I were visiting family in the heights area and wanted Spanish food. Food that taste like Tia Maria made with authentic Spanish flavor. ..not the Americanized Spanish food you find in strip malls. We always turn to Yelp for food suggestions especially in areas we aren't familiar with and found GNR's Concha. There weren't many reviews and the pictures posted of the place were taken a few years ago but it had high ratings. We decided to give it a try. It took us a while to find parking which was frustrating. (Sidenote- we're live in the suburbs and are used to running in and out of the store without the hassle of finding parking so excuse me if sound bougie LOL). We got to the restaurant with about 45 mins left to closing and we were greeted by two elderly women behind the counter speaking in Spanish. I don't speak spanish well but certainly understand enough to know that she said 'welcome. Sit wherever you want' It didn't take long to reciew the menu since we both knew what we wanted. I originally wanted ox tails but of course being so late in the night they ran out. I opted for the onion steak instead. My sister ordered the churrasco. While waiting for our meal, there were few customers picking up their orders. By their conversations it seemed like they were regulars. The women behind the counter refered to them as 'mi amor' or 'mi vida' ...so sweet! It didn't take long for our food to be prepared. The steaks came out piping hot! The plates were piled with arroz con gandules. One of the women gave us a side tostones, even if we didn't order it. She said 'might as well!' We didn't mind... we like tostones and were hungry anyways. The food was delicious!! It had that flavor exactly what I was looking for... authentic Spanish flavor from Tia's kitchen!! read more

See all

From the first bite to the last, it felt like you were eating at somebody's home. As I sat at the counter listening to the lady (the very very nice lady) talk about the different dishes and how she prepared them, I had the feeling that it was all a feast prepared just for me. I had yellow rice and maduros along with chicken cooked in a garlic sauce with roast pork. All that plus a soda and dessert for $13. Not only was the food was really good but the portions were supersized as well. Definitely my favorite joint in Jersey Heights. read more

See all

Delicious Hispanic food in the heart of the Heights. This food tastes homemade and you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Cheap, tasty, and soooo filling. Staff is sweet and attentive. read more

Ate here plenty of times in the past and never reviewed, well here it finally is! ...awesome spot for some great Spanish food!...prices are decent and they give a good amount of food...it's located on central Ave, only problem is the Ave is always lacking parking because of the many many many MANY people fighting for parking it's like musical chairs...you could find yourself double parking to get food to go...wide variety, stool counter seating as well as table side....I wanted to stuff myself so I went with my go too Spanish meal which is pernil, yellow rice , and beans ...came out to 11$ with a can of soda...I tell you I inhaled that food boy I inhaled it like a vacuum! Lol... read more

GNR's La Concha - Pernil and rice - Latin American Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

See all

I was in the area and decided to try this place since it had good reviews and OMG its soooo disgusting. The worse pernil in the whole world &Terrible rice. Tasted like day before left over and heated up. I will describe it in 1 word "Gross". read more

La concha is a very good caterer. I've ordered from here for years and they never disappoint. Good service also.

While La Concha looks like a run-of-the-mill Latin American restaurant in an area heavily populated with seeming competitors, it is anything but ordinary. It is easily the best food of its kind I have ever had. It is such delicious perfection that when I lived on the West Coast and would fly home for a visit, I would stop to pick up some food before I even made it to my parents. While my mother was rarely amused by that particular quirk of mine, all was soon forgiven as long as I picked up some extra pepper steak. La Concha is a family owned restaurant run by a matriarch who always gives you the warm feeling of home - as long as your home was run by a worrisome mother who always fears that you haven't been eating enough. The portions at La Concha are in keeping with this vibe. The ambiance may leave much to be desired, but that's quite alright. You are better off taking your food to go as there will always be enough for at least a second meal. Despite scoring As in four years of high school Spanish, my ability to communicate in the language leaves much to be desired. The food here is laid out behind the counter in a deli-reminiscent buffet setup, allowing me to point out what I'd like and saving me the humiliation of pronouncing pollo as po-lo. Mama La Concha (you'd think after all this time, I'd know her name) cooks everything up herself, with nary a cooking slipup on her resume, so even if a dish looks entirely foreign to my eyes, I can count on enjoying it later. If I'm not feeling completely adventurous, I stick with my old standbys- the roast chicken or the pepper steak. The servings come in sizes that would be a bargain at twice the price, complete with rice and your choice of black or pinto beans. Add in an order of empanadas and you'll want to make sure there's something good on tv later. You won't want to go anywhere. Oh, and little known fact? La Concha delivers. I should probably lose the phone number though or I am going to need to find a local crane to airlift me out of my house. There must be a Yelp section for that. read more

Good price, good quality, good service. We've got a winner. I've driven past here no less than 1000 times since I've lived in the heights, not knowing what treasures were inside. All of the daily specials looked amazing, but I settled on the roasted pork (pernil) with arroz con gandules and red beans. Also snagged two empanadas for good measure. It was an enormous amount of food. I put 1/4 of what was in the tin on my plate, and only ate 1/2 of that before satisfied. Every bite was perfect though; this is hearty satisfying Spanish soul food. Ditto what James C.said about the lady at the counter. She's so sweet and lovely, and when I told her I found her though the glowing Yelp reviews, she giggled. read more

The empanadas, rotisserie chicken, rice and beans are outstanding! Small family owned deliciously prepared foods. The bathroom needs to be upgraded. Portions are very large. Parking can be a challenge in the area. Nice staff. read more

Aww man I wrote a tip and not a review Anyways their food finger licking good Good customer service They make you feel right at home I love them and we will be back Best restaurant in jersey so far read more

I've been coming here for years they have the BEST pernil in the area. I have been using there whole roasted pernil for Thanksgiving and Noche Buena for many years. They are very sweet and very attentive. I've made pernil myself plenty of times but always come back to have many of there tasty dishes. A great place to eat quickly and enjoy a latin home cooked meal. Try it for yourself you will be back!!!! read more

I really have to try this place again especially after reading all the five star reviews. . I haven't been there in awhile but it wasn't anything I needed to run back. My wife and picked up the daily chicken and beef specials. We are frequent diners of small spanish restaurants in the Heights and there are soooo many of them to choose from. The hot platters meals are kept in are in the front window facing the Sun. Just didn't look right. In the end, the meals weren't very good. And there are a lot of places within walking distance. But after reading all these reviews, we have to try it again. I will update my review if need be. Have Fun read more

What a little gem in the Heights! I've been here a few times over the years and I can't believe I HAVE NOT reviewed this place. While the decor and vibe may be lacking, it doesn't really matter as soon as you're greeted by a warm "hola mama" from the lovely women behind the counter. This place serves up large portions, so be prepared to pace yourself. The roasted pork was seasoned SO WELL that there was silence at our table as we started eating. Super juicy, not too salty and heaven in your mouth. We went for the red beans which were seasoned nicely as well. The one thing I did not love, were the friend sweet plantains. They weren't fresh and were a little dry from sitting out. read more

Best Spanish place in Central Avenue. Affordable price, generous portions and warm super friendly service! It's like the Spanish version of Cheers! All the dishes are made fresh everyday and they have daily specials too. They take card and you can call in your order and pick it up. It seats about 30. They also cater! read more

See all

I ordered some chickens and ribs here for a gathering at home and my guests gobbled it all up - they said it was delicious. I came here once and got I believe shredded chicken...it was very tasty. Next time I'd cater a bigger order here. read more

Some of the best spanish home cooking this part of JC! There are many to choose from but I love this spot because not only is the food delish but the hospitality is warm and welcoming like walking into your mom's kitchen:). I usually do take-out but have dined in as well. The take-out is thoughtfully packaged!...thoughtfully packaged? What, as in a warm note packed along or curled ribbon around your cutlery? Ha! Nope! They take careful consideration in placing your food in not only in a brown paper bag but they place that bag in a clear plastic bag so as to contain any spillage from sauces nor gravies. Yea, yea, and every take-out, places their containers in plastic shopping bags. This is merely added assurance;) Ok the food! My favorites begging with the roasted pork that so tasty and the cuero (pork rind) is always so perfect! The guineo(small boiled bananas) and yuca (boiled cassava) are the best seasoned I've ever had:) the Saldana is yuuuummm! Empanadas?! Beef, chicken, cheese w/guava oh so good! Their menu is ample and always satisfying! Catering?! They never disappoint! read more

Good tasting food. Lots of different choices! About $8 for a meal but I don't think it's huge portions. They have everything from fish/shrimp to steak. 3 types of rice. Few types of salads. Will like to try again. read more

GNR's La Concha - Latin American Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

Authentic and delicious . Arros condelos pernil and friend chicken was very flavorful . People very friendly and accommodating . Nice place to sit down casually . Great price point read more

GNR's La Concha - Simply authentically delicious - Latin American Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

Everybody makes such a hype over sabrosas.. However I just personally prefer la concha. First of all the family that runs are probably some of the nicest people you'll ever meet in your life. The food is on the money. I always go with the garlic shrimp over white rice. 2 reasons I take away 1 star is because it gets so hot in this place it's almost unbearable to the point were I have to step out for a few.. And not much dining area and a bit uncomfortable to Eat in as everyone is on top of each other. read more

That was a fast delivery! Only 25 min love the food and everything smells great ! so cheap too!

I love everything about this place! The women behind the counter are super sweet and I swear they remind me of my aunts - trying to feed me and making sure I'm content in doing so. They just make it feel really home-like. The food though? I would move to The Heights for this place ALONE! They give you such large portions I can never finish. But I'll never complain about bringing home left over pernil. I love this place. Never leave me. -Jocelyn read more

Such a great place to pickup an authentic Dominican meal, arroz y gandules , empanadas& relleno de papa all delicious , great service and quick read more

The owners/workers will make you feel like family . They are the sweetest people you will ever meet ! They will make sure you leave happy . I love their pernil it is so juicy and flavorful ! I honestly do not get it anywhere else . They are located right on central also next to my other favorite restaurant called Gino's . Whether I want Italian or Spanish food they are conveniently located almost next door to each other ! If you want some yummy Spanish food for a reasonable price I suggest you stop what you are doing and check it out !! read more

GNR's La Concha - Pernil, rice And Beans , maduros , And potato salad. This is amazing and the food tastes like it was cooked with love ! - Latin American Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

OK so let me start off where I ordered a pork for Christmas Eve and macaroni salad when I got it I was so disgusted first of all the pork wasn't even seasoned right she's like playing up me and it wasn't even broken up for me for the price I paid so I had to break it up myself and the macaroni salad I had some good ass Spanish macaroni salad and when I got this it was noodles carrots and mayonnaise it was disgusting I would never ever recommend this place for Spanish Food it's horrible And then when I told him I wanted onions with my pork they told me no even after I said I would pay extra they still said no so I see why the place a couple of blocks down gets more business than they do and even when I went there first they told me they were sold out I see why read more

First visited LaConcha around winter 2000 when I lived in The Heights. Excellent food and good prices, from my very first visit these women treat you like family. Always clean and very friendly service. They carry a great chicken soup and also a very good potato salad.Their yellow rice and chicken is the best. My go to place for Spanish food read more

Ordered the baked chicken with rice and beans, it was fantastic. The people who work here are always nice. Kind service, excellent food and fast delivery. What more could you ask for? read more

I was very dis appointed in the food. The chicken was burned and dry almost to the bone. I guess since it was the end of the day I got what was left of old food. The Rica and beans was ok and pit salad. But I paid 15.00 for a meal that was not to my satisfaction. Don't depend on getting a fresh cooked meal at the end of the day delivered to your home. You should mention this when you place your order that you want fresh food not left overs. I am looking at the pic on the website and in no way does it look like the chicken that I received. And there's no price for the potatoe salad. With tip my meal cost me 17 dollars. I won't be offering over the phone ever again. read more