I was a bit disappointed with Kokí. We came on a Thursday for lunch because the empanadas looked so good in the post, but they were out of almost every flavor except for cheese and a mushrooms one or something like that. If we would have had more time, we would have left and went somewhere else. My fiancé and I actually saw two groups (7 people total) leave the restaurant after speaking with the people at the register. We ended up getting the Señor Iglesias Chicken Sandwich, which was good but very messy. The chicken isn't a patty and the bun isn't solid enough to hold the sandwich together so the tomato and chicken strips were constantly falling out. The Spanglish Cuban was very meaty and good as well. Not my type of sandwich but that's what I got from the bite I did have and my fiancé loved it. The pinto beans and steamed white rice were good. I probably won't return out of fear that I might waste time going there because if you don't have the empanadas during your lunch rush, when would you have it. read more

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Found Koki on TGTG and decided to try it out! For ~$6, I got two bowls filled with pulled chicken, black beans, salad mix, and white rice. Nothing mind blowing, but it was still a great deal. Service was fast (took about 10 minutes after arrival) and friendly. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Ambiance was nice, casual.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] There's nearby parking in City of Durham garages after 7pm or on weekends. 9/10 would recommend, at least through TGTG! read more

kokí - Pulled chicken bowls - Puerto Rican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

For such a small eatery, they pack a lot of flavor and love into their dishes. Vegetarians and omnivores alike were able to find something on the menu to satiate each person's hunger. The food came fast for most of us, and it was, for the most part, hot and fresh. I haven't stopped talking about the fried cheese with guava sauce for almost a week now. It's a must on the menu. The yuca brava was also fried to perfection and was well-seasoned... loved the brava sauce. The vegetarian picadillo was overly salty and the guava pastry was way too old to be served. Coming from South Florida, we had very high standards. There were no jugos when we got there and the person before us got the last flan. I guess that could be a sign that it's popular! The staff was really nice and knowledgeable and [[HIGHLIGHT]]the ambience was conducive to a fun night out with friends.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Two Puerto Ricans walk into this restaurant to see if it's legit Puerto Rican food and I am sooo happy to report, IT IS!! [[HIGHLIGHT]]We walked in to salsa playing in the background and a huge wall with this beautiful mural of the flag and the Taino coqui.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I noticed in the glass refrigerator on the side they had Malta and Kola Champgane. YES! Winning! The refrigerator was broken, but we got a cup with ice and voila. Our first time here so we picked up the menu and sat down to take a look at what we wanted to order. You do have to order and pay at the register. On the menu I noticed some Cuban dishes as well. We both decided to try the 'Mofongo'. This is how you truly know. She ordered the one with pernil. I ordered the one with shrimp, because we had to savor both. I asked to see if they can make it with the tri-fongo instead and for a bit of an up charge they were able to do it. My friend asked for the bi-fongo and again for a bit of an up charge they were able to do it. So worth it. It was DELICIOUS!!!! Every bit of it and I'm so happy. This will be my go to Puerto Rican place from now on. Now, parking in the area, is not fun. If you are lucky enough there are some paid parking on the street. I was not so lucky and had to pay for parking in a lot within walking distance. Not too far at all. Just happy there was parking. Keep this in consideration and come and taste some yummy food. I will definitely be back. read more

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Really enjoyed the Cuban sandwich! I also ordered one of the pastries, wouldn't do that again, it barely had any filling. Other than that it was an enjoyable meal! read more

kokí - Cuban sandwich - Puerto Rican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Pluses: -The two empanadas I tried were delicious (Abuela's recipe and the Philly cheesesteak one). -Crispy pork belly in the RDU to San Juan was dusted with just the right amount of seasoning and not greasy (though pretty fatty and thus heavy; probably wouldn't order this again as my main meal, but would happily steal a piece or two off someone else's plate). -Steak tips were flavorful and cooked nicely. Maduros and sweet potato tots also delicious. -Generously portioned plates in general, including a huge pile of French fries as a "side" for the kids menu. We took home lots of leftovers -[[HIGHLIGHT]]Fun music (but not too loud) and colorful vibe[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Minuses: -In-store menu doesn't list any prices. -Menu also feels overwhelming. I wish they'd add photos and not try to cram everything on one side of a piece of paper. -Found not one but two hairs in our food I'd eat here again in hopes that the hair thing was just a one-off oops. The food is super tasty! [[HIGHLIGHT]]For folks with kids, they have one high chair. It seems like they do more carry-out than dine-in business, so one may be plenty.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

kokí - Pair of empanadas - Puerto Rican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Food was really good and authentic. Gambled with the opportunity and doubled down. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great service and quaint atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

kokí - Queso Frito, Crispy Pork Belly w/guava sauce, avocado and lime. - Puerto Rican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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This is the best mainland Puerto Rican food you will find outside Florida (insert heart emoji). I ate at the Durhan l9cation but there is a second one in Morrisville. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Its a casual location but intimate enough for a date.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Its very clean as well.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Yes, three quarters of the menu is fried but if you love empanadas then you know baked wont cut it. Everything was bursting with flavor and nothinv was spicy. My favotite item, and literally EVERYTHING was delicious, was the fried cheese. Its next level goodness a mozerrella stick could only hope to attain. The maple sauce is mind blowing and compliments it very well. Beef and plaintain empanadas wete flavorful. The only item that was an 8/10 vs a 10/10 was the pork belly as it was hard and chewy. I highly reccomend this resturant and will frequent again. read more

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I ate and experienced food poisoning. I was with a group attending a southern foreign convention, and I ate the food Mar y Tierra. My stomach was burning as soon as I left. read more

The yucca fries and chicken empanadas were delicious!! The workers were also very friendly and the food came out pretty quick. I definitely want to come back and try their other menu items out soon! read more

kokí - Puerto Rican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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We came here for my Birthday Dinner before a show at the Carolina Theater. Lemme tell you. Come here now. It was delicious. The restaurant has a lot of charm. Wasn't busy at all. You order from a touch screen at the counter. Food came out quick. I'm talking 10 minutes or less. ( at least it felt like it) wait staff was friendly. The empanadas were packed full of flavor. The Queso Frito was fried to perfection. Old Havana Steamed white rice, pink beans, ropa vieja, maduros, fresh sliced avocado The ropa vieja was so flavorful and tender. Best I've had in a while, The RDU to SJU White rice, pink beans, pork belly confit, maduros, fresh sliced avocado, guava maple sauce So delicious. We shared plates so we took a bunch home, huge portions. Can't wait for the leftovers! Seriously can't wait to go back and try the rest of the menu. Come here now. Give them your business if your want some delicious Puerto Rican food read more

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Food is so flavorful! Love the rice and beans. The sweet empanadas are so delicious too.

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Casual spot, love the artwork inside but the ambiance was really quiet, traditional Puerto Rican music would elevate the space.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I wonder if it was just the timing. I tried the mofongo and slow roasted pull pork as well as the Spanglish Cuban. It's a twist to the original Cuban media noche when it comes to flavor. I have a tiny pet peeve, the food wasn't as hot which gave me the impression it may have been premade hours in advance and not warmed up enough before serving it. There was a missed opportunity with the MK sauce, being that's a simple mix it was mainly mayo. I'm definitely coming back to try other things on the menu because I have a feeling the time of day plays a role. read more

kokí - Puerto Rican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Food was flavorful and nice portions. The eggplant on the dish we had was perfectly cooked. Good and friendly service.

Arlene was the best! Great customer service, sweet and kind. Right away she knew it was our first time in. Being from out of state, it's hard to find a good place to eat. She took some time to tell us what items were the most popular and gave some great suggestions. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The interior is cozy and inviting.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food was amazing! Our food came out quick and it was better than I expected. [[HIGHLIGHT]]If you're looking for a quick stop with yummy food and great atmosphere, this is it.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Pork u pine empanada was top tier 18 wheeler was delish. read more

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.. This is the Chipotle version of supposedly "Puerto Rican" cuisine. Very rarely have I gone to a restaurant with such high expectations, only to experience such terrible disappointment. I would never go here again. As a proud member of the Puerto Rican delegation, we do not claim this restaurant as a reflection of our culture, our cuisine or our people. I don't know what this food is, but it is the farthest thing from comida criolla. read more

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Food and coffees are very flavorful. It didn't take long to receive our order and the staff is friendly.

My nephew brought me here when I was in town and I enjoyed the food (had the Buenos Aires). The steak tips were cooked to perfection and the 'pink' beans and rice were also quite tasty. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Don't understand why they weren't busier, but they were doing several take out orders.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Would definitely recommend. read more

Not sure what vibe this place is going for. When we came in for lunch there was only one employee coming back and forth from the kitchen who wasn't very helpful. The menu is overwhelming with so many different options and it would have been great to have someone to walk us through it. We got the ropa vieja which was delicious and a vegetarian sandwich which was too rich to finish. We also ordered a coffee which we did not get until the end of our meal. There was no music so the whole meal was very quiet as well. Not sure if I would return but the ropa vieja really was solid read more

Oh yeah! These guys get it right! Good to see some honest-to-goodness Puerto Rican food out in the community! This place does not disappoint. I got the seared ahi (Ahí Está) bowl and it was delicious! The mango salsa, rice, beans and tostones were all on point. The icing on the cake, which I got super-excited about, was that they have mallorcas! They're basically Spanish brioche rolls that typically get dusted with powdered sugar and sliced in half to use for breakfast sandos. They're a pain to make at home, so it's nice to have them made for me! Bonus points for the sofrito they serve with yuca! It takes almost exactly like the sofrito I make at home, so it proves to me this place is the real deal! read more

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I came here after seeing the queso frito (fried cheese) posted all over NC food pages and it did not disappoint! For starters, the place is so cute inside with plenty of different kinds of seating and even booths along the wall with pillows and cushions. Parking is along the street and you have to pay for it, it's around $1.50 an hour which isn't bad. The staff was very friendly too. The quesito was sooooo good that I got another one to go after eating the first one. Unlike most pastries that just give a little bit of filling and mostly crust, this whole pastry was filled with cream cheese and warm and delicious. I got my side of queso frito and the portion was big for just a side. It was amazing and came with a sweet dipping sauce that went surprisingly well with it. Just the inside of this place and these two items were enough to sell me on this place so I will definitely be back to try some empanadas and bigger plates and update this review! read more

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I came for a late lunch and there were only a few people dining in. I love that they have a pick 2 option. I got the spanglish cuban sandwich and abuela's chicken empanada. I asked for a water but never got it. I also got some flan to go. The slow roasted pork in the cuban sandwich was good. I also liked the sobao bread which I've never had before. The empanada was pretty good - a nice comfort food. It came with 2 sauces - creamy chimichurri and I think a chipotle aioli. I preferred the creamy chimichurri. It also came out extremely hot so you know they are fried up fresh when you order. The flan was thicker and more dense than I was expecting which is not my preference so I probably wouldn't order that again. There's only street parking and not many spots available on the street that it's on. read more

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We really liked Spanglish! The star of the show were the empanadas that we ordered. They were cheesy, crispy and came with two delicious sauces! We ended up asking for extra sauce to go with our bowls. The bowl and salad were both pretty good but the meat was a little dry. Overall very good experience read more

kokí - Puerto Rican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Driving through Durham and had to stop for breakfast when I saw there a Puerto Rican spot in town! Breakfast was absolutely delicious!! We got the maduros Benedict (a Puerto Rican twist on eggs Benedict served with a side of sweet plantains) and the island French toast (French toast made with pan sobao and served with guava sauce). Both were so tasty but I loved the French toast made with fresh, soft pan sobao that tasted straight from a panadería. The inside is industrial-chic with cool Puerto Rican inspired murals. They have plenty of indoor seating and it's a self service counter. They also serve lunch/dinner and have coffees and desserts. They open pretty early on weekends (8 am) which is great! read more

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Yay for $2 empanadas on Thursdays! We ordered curbside pickup on a Thursday evening. Online ordering and curbside pickup was quick and easy. Our meal was accurate and delicious! Ordered: Buenos Aires ($11.99): large portion, good flavor La Revolución - Jackfruit Cuban ($9.49): I've had other jackfruit dishes in the past so I was excited to try this item. Unfortunately we did not like the flavor or texture of this sandwich. Flancocho ($4.99): as expected, good flavor Tres Leches Cake - Coquito ($3.99): good flavor S'mores Empanada ($2.00): very good, tastes just like a s'more! Yucas Bravas ($3.99): cooked perfectly, crunchy, flavorful Beef Maduros Empanada ($2.00): least favorite Abuela's Chicken Empanada ($2.00): good flavor Buffalo Chicken Empanada ($2.00): good flavor Overall, we enjoyed our meal and would recommend this restaurant to others! read more

kokí - Puerto Rican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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We love the food and the flavors. We will definitely be back again. Our friends loved it as well. read more

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Yum! This was our first time here so we tried a bit of everything. I got the chicken sandwich which was the most boring. Would not get that again. We got three empanadas - cheese pizza, Buffalo and pinky and the bean. All were good. Pinky and the bean was the best. I am not a fan of beans typically and I would have eaten the whole thing but my son did. My husband got the Don Jacinto. It was really good. There was so much that we took half home. read more

As someone who comes from a Puerto Rican family, this was honestly some of the best food (up there with Abuelita's cooking). Everything tried was just great and reminded me like I was back home in NY or over in PR. Service was pretty solid, nothing too out of the ordinary you order in the front and they serve to you at your table. If I had to say a negative it would be that our table was a little sticky like it was brand new stained wood. As well some of the prices were a little high for certain items such as the empanadas. While they were amazing and would get again, the price point for one or two of them you can get a large appetizer/side to share for the table. Will be taking my family here though when they come and visit. read more

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Yum!!!!! I ordered from Spanglish online for curbside pickup - I got a dirty dancing bowl and bean empanadas. The food was warm and ready as soon as I got there, and smelled so delicious that my stomach was rumbling on the drive back home! The dirty dancing bowl was much larger than I expected it to be, so I couldn't finish it in one sitting. But that just means leftovers for dinner! Everything was so tasty, especially the fried eggplant. And the empanadas!!!!!! I barely have words to describe how good they were. I'm already dreaming of the next time I can buy Spanglish's empanadas. Highly recommend! read more

kokí - bean empanadas - Puerto Rican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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The food and ambience was great! The service could use some improvement. We had to find our way around the shop (drinks and utensils) as the cashier was juggling multiple tasks at once, but we first timers we were lost. We couldn't track her down to clean the tables. She was friendly though! We ordered the ropa vieja grilled cheese with maduros, the Spanglish Cuban with fries, and a s'mores empanada to split. The sandwiches were so flavorful and filling and that empanada, my goodness, delicious! I could've ate 3 of those! They have plenty to choose from the menu and looking at Yelp pictures first help. The prices are not bad for what you receive either. I would return or doordash to try something else. It's in the heart of downtown, so if you don't find a place to park on the street, there's a small lot behind the restaurant. read more

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Koki in Durham!! So yummy. Best bean i have ever eaten so flavorful. Empanadas is puffy and crispy but can use alittle more authentic flavor!! Dipping sauce is ok and Need some improvement!! Price is not bad $15 with fountain drink. Restaurant is nice and clean. read more

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Good food, good service, and the ambiance, fit the Puerto Rico flavor Like the decor like the spot but the parking is lacking read more

Seattle coffee shop vibe, calm and collected. The bread is really nice in both dishes, very quality. read more

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Splanglish is one of Durham's best kept secret. I stopped by on Thursday night for the $2 empanadas and there was only one another person eating there. Where's everyone else? It's easy to miss the restaurant so keep an eye out. I walk through here all the time and never noticed that it existed. My first thought -- 'What a beautiful restaurant!" The decor and look/feel is IG worthy and out of this world. It's a mix of everything! I was sold on the industrial look! You can easily take a photo here and look like someone on IG with 1 million followers. The menu was very nice! Loved how it was laid out. I went with... Pork Belly Bowl: When I saw how this was plated, I was blown away! It was beautiful! As the only customer dining at the time, hats off to the cook for making sure that this came out fresh! Everything was made to order -- I knew because it took at good 10-12 minutes. The pork belly was fried to perfection and paired with a sweet guava sauce. The salty and sweet combination of the two was awesome. The slices of fresh avocado + rice + beans was fantastic as well! Not done yet...the fried plantains had nice crisp to it and was delicious! This plate for $10 was enough for 2-3 people. Empanadas: I had to get one! Wow! It was so crispy and flaky. It was a really good size too for $2! What a steal! 3 of these would've made me happy. I got the buffalo chicken one and it came with 2 amazing sauce! It was a great combo! Overall, I hope that people continue to support Splangish. I really feel like they have something special going on here. More people need to know about places like this. I had a brief conversation with one of the customers there. He mentioned that he wished they had an all day breakfast menu because he really enjoyed it. I'll be back for breakfast soon. read more

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YUMMY, FUN DECOR, GREAT VIBE. Staff is friendly and will give you great recs. Delicious Puerto Rican cuisine in Durham, a must-visit. This cozy and welcoming spot serves up some great empanadas The menu is a perfect blend of traditional Latin American and Southern flavors, with plenty of options to choose from. The empanadas are fairly inexpensive and a must-try - they're crispy and savory, with a range of delicious fillings. But it's not just the food that's great here - the atmosphere is cozy, colorful, and inviting, with plenty of seating and friendly service. Nice drinks menu too. Great spot and pretty unique vibe! read more

kokí - Puerto Rican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Authentic Puerto Rican food right here in Durham? Yes, pweeese! They are determined to bring us the most authentic Puerto Rican food. They drive all the way down to Florida just to get the empanada shells so you know their commitment is real! Spanglish has so many delicious food, I don't even know where to begin!! Let's start with bowls, I love their bowls period. If I had to pick a favorite, I'd pick Old Havana or maybe Dirty Dancing! But El Coqui and El Capitan are really good too LOL Their empanadas are so good! Go in on a Thursday for their $2 empanadas special! You can get as many as you want and that's your perfect opportunity to try out all of their flavors! My personal favorites are pork-u-pineapple and s'mores. read more

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Used to be Spanglish but they had to change the name due to a trademark. Everything here is amazing. I love the empanadas and the cuban sandwich. If you're feeling like a dessert empanada the s'mores one is freaking amazing! read more

The BEST PR food in the Triangle, especially the empanadas--the sauces really bring it together. My favorite is the green, but the orange is a close second. The employees are always so kind. I notice that they set your meals and cutlery down so intentionally and gently, with a care that is unexpected but makes me love it even more. read more

The La Diaspora salad was recommended to me by someone at the Durham Visitors Center, and I am definitely glad I checked it out! While this was not a health conscious salad, it sure was delicious. The mix of fried cheese curds, 2 types of plantains, and tomatoes was so creative and indulgent. Highly recommended! read more

kokí - La Diáspora salad - Puerto Rican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Delicious Puerto Rican food in a cute-yet-industrial setting with lots of exposed pipe and brick. We loved the flavors in our Buenos Aires and Stuffed Avocado entrees for lunch, especially the chimichurri that came with each. The chicken wasn't really stuffed inside the avocado; it was piled on top. I would have liked to see some of the avocado scooped out and mixed with the chicken, as it would have been easier to eat. It was still very good, and so big I took some home. The tostones were crisp and tasty, and we liked the rice and beans, too. Service, though not particularly friendly, was fast and efficient. They give you a buzzer, and when your meal is ready you have to go to a window on the side of the restaurant. Plates and bowls are disposable, but bio-degradable. We stayed for a while after we finished (they weren't crowded on the weekend) and just looked at the architecture and paintings. I would love to know more about the history of the building. Very cool! read more

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