Visited for the first time after walking by it numerous times. This local neighborhood spot is a go-to for authentic Puerto Rican food. Both the service and food were great, plus the atmosphere was cozy. I will be returning and recommend others to visit. read more

La Bomba - Front display - Puerto Rican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The food was amazing and very flavorful. It just could have been a little hotter. There was one server for the whole back of the restaurant. He had about six tables, but he was still very attentive. The ambience is amazing the artwork, the music, the tables, a lot to see read more

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Classic Puerto Rican restaurant as in don't expect fast service or food but they will be friendly and the food will be delicious. My only warning is that the hot sauce can have repercussions so be cautious. Great rice and beans and the best bacalaos! Also being BYOB is a nice bonus. Would definitely come back again. read more

Visited this place several times, and the food is always amazing. We tried several appetizers along with a plantain-based sandwich for the main course. The service was excellent, and the ambience was very warm and welcoming--especially with the Christmas music playing. If you're looking to experience a different culture and want more than just a quick fried treat, I definitely recommend dining in and enjoying the full experience. read more

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I had the worst experience today from being my favorite restaurant is unbelievable. The service was horrible mind you we got there at 1:30 and it was 2:40 and they bring my food out and my husband was still waiting for his so I basically ate alone looking at him not being able to eat with me was just wrong so once his food comes out mind you I had my food 20 mins ago his food was cold how was it cold when it just came out ... He was so pissed he walked out upset his Father's Day dinner was ruined to being my favorite restaurant I don't think we will come back after this .... read more

Literally the best jibarito I have ever had. So many places dry out the plantain. This place nails it with really great PR rice on the side as well read more

Excellent service and delicious food and the quality and quantity was outstanding! Highly recommended. The service was excellent our server was amazing sweet and very attentive! read more

La Bomba - Jibarita de pork with arroz Pollo Encebollado con Arroz Blanco y Habichuelas o Ensalada! - Puerto Rican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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La Bomba did not disappoint. My friends and I had a craving for Puerto Rican food and stopped here on our way home to get takeout. It was a little busy, but not too bad as far as wait time. We had good service and they let us use the bathroom while we waited. When you first walk in, there is a long counter where you can place your take-out order. If you're dining in, you walk right past that area and can enjoy your meal in a cozy, authentic-looking back restaurant. I decided to order a sampler of a bunch of à la cart items along with traditional Puerto Rican rice. Unfortunately, they did not have morcija. I'm not sure if they ran out or if they don't serve it. I ordered: Puerto Rican rice - very good and authentic relleno de Papa- very good and my favorite out of everything bacalaitos - this was only OK, but better than most restaurants. Hardly any cod. It's hard to get a good bacalaito!! Lol alcapurria- very good and fresh alcapurria de yuca - good, but I prefer the original Check out the video I shared. It's the food display at the takeout counter. It makes me so hungry when I watch this video! Lol read more

La Bomba - Cute dining room artwork with steel drums - Puerto Rican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

10/10!!! I wen a few years ago and it was trash so I was debating on going yesterday because of my last experience but they changed my mind! Definitely upgraded their food flavor read more

La Bomba - Fireeeee - Puerto Rican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

La Bomba gets 5 stars for the absolutely authentic delicious Puerto Rican food! The friendly down to earth service is what keeps the rating at 5 stars. The owner/manager walks around and engages tables with the waiter like you're a friend from the neighborhood. It also seems he may bring a small sample of items from the kitchen on a nice white rectangular dish. LOL, not sure if this is standard practice or because we chatted him up so much, but he did the same to another table...so don't be shy about being a friendly customer. Although we ordered the banana appetizer, he suddenly appeared table side with some lechon, blood sausage, a sweet fried corn item with cheese inside and few other small items...all DELICIOUS! The seating area is intimate but this is truly a Humboldt Park neighborhood restaurant and it has that island restaurant feel. It's not overly fancy on the order of downtown Streeteville, but it's not trying to be. It's casual come as you will. I love the unique tables taking me back to a seaside restaurant in P.R. To get food better than La Bomba, you'd have to be in P.R. itself! I had the breaded steak with red salsa sauce and arros con gandules that came with a flavorful broth containing a few beans. The star of my meal was the cook on the steak. The breading was well seasoned and cooked to a nice crust, but the meat inside was tender and moist...a testament to the excellent cook! The steak could be totally enjoyed just like that on its own! BUT...when you marry the succulent green/red pepper and onion red salsa like gravy sauce (served in a cup on the side)...OMG!!! The dish really comes alive. I chose to cut a piece of breaded steak and then spoon some sauce on top, but eat it as you like. Gordon Ramsey says you should never plate and present a beautifully cooked crusted/crispy item with the sauce already on top. You can even put the red sauce on the rice...it makes everything even better! My dining partner chose the un-breaded pork chops with the same red sauce and poured the sauce directly on the chops which were also moist and properly seasoned. For dessert we chose the flan which was really good. This is my second time at La Bomba and it reminds me that it's still as good as the first time when I had a fabulous jibarito sandwich! Great tasting food, down home friendly neighborhood service at truly exceptional prices! What more could anyone ask for??? I really can't wait to take some new people there! read more

La Bomba - Breaded Steak with red salsa sauce & arroz con gandules. - Puerto Rican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Birthday vibes, Boricua style! Wepa! Had to celebrate by going back to my roots in Humboldt Park and hitting up La Bomba for some AMAZING Puerto Rican food. Jibarito con bistec, arroz con gandules, pastellillos & a few cans of Kola Champagne... SO good I forgot to take pics before devouring it all. The music, the flavors, the memories of salsa, merengue & bachata competitions - my Boricua heart was full! Who else loves a birthday with a taste of home? read more

Came here with my cousins to have some yummy rican food while I'm in Chicago. We ordered some Jibarito sandwiches (they are huge) and mofongo de camarones (shrimp) and have to order me some Malta (yum!). Everything is cook to order so be patient and you will get a flavorful meal that will fill you. The ambience is like a family party with good music flowing through the place and cool art to look at. At the front of the restaurant they had a person selling their 3D art and jewelry. Got some of those too. Really cute. i definitely recommend this spot. Love to see the staff enjoy their job and they're dancing and singing and are chill. They have live performances as well. read more

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What usually I would order to go at La Bamba but this is the first time dining in it looks like they change owners because the Rellno's de papa tastes different but not in a bad way. Anyways my usual is a Rellenos de papa and I ordered 3. Guilty pleasures explained trying to maintain weight. Next to the bread and whip butter that they give complimentary at the restaurant. I ended up getting the jibarrito sandwich with Puerto Rican rice. It was good or delicious. In regards to the ambience I feel it's a bit dated but the service was good. Price wise for what you get it's not bad quality but it's not the best of all the Puerto Rican restaurants. Compared to ponce and some other places. If you can overcome the ambience of the being a dark restaurant despite the new TV and it's quality of food which is good but not the best but price point if you're in a budget for Puerto Rican food this is good. read more

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Absolute flavortown. Le Chon is out of this world. They give you a ton of food and the flavor is off the charts.

I ordered pollo guisado they won't let me post a picture and what they gave me was two pieces of chicken and two pieces of potato no carrots no olives nothing they were no longer get my business​​​​ read more

La Bomba - Puerto Rican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I really like this place a lot. I come all the way from Milwaukee and I love eating here. But man the last time I was there the girl that took my order. She must've been slow like as in not being coherent in understanding basic instructions or something, she wrote and crossed out my order a good 4/5 times. Like whattttttt??? Then when I get my order it's all messed up. Like HOW? Did you manage to mess my order up after u wrote it and re wrote it all them times. Lol I'm laughing cus it's wild to me I don't get it. In all I guess til next time. Maybe I'll get to actually eat and enjoy my food and Ill change the review. read more

My husband and I have ordered from here a few times, with me usually getting Mofongo con camarones en salsa (shrimp Mofongo) so this time I decided to try the Mofongo con carne fritta (fried pork). Not sure what I was thinking because I don't even like fried pork! The pieces were fried hard and not appealing to me at all. I know some people like it but it was terrible hard fried pieces of pork that I did not like or eat. Luckily hubby ordered a pound of roast pork (and the arroz con granules) and shared with me. That tender, tasty pork, along with the Mofongo, both covered with the tasty sauce was much better. Will stick with what I know! They have a nice dining room and we would like to dine in one day. read more

La Bomba - the entrance to a restaurant - Puerto Rican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Well, it could have been bad if I had not asked about the chicken. I say this because I ordered fried chicken and received baked chicken. It is not ok to give a customer what you think they want rather than what was ordered. If you don't have the item that was ordered just say we don't have that item available at this time. What you don't do is give a customer what you think they want. Luckily, I asked about the chicken and the lady was honest and said, we gave you baked Chicken because we had no fried chicken. Uhmmmm, no. I didn't want baked chicken. I told her this and she said, what would you like? I ordered the fried pork chops and was very happy. She also gave me the order of baked chicken. Well, I would think so since I paid for it. All in all the food was really good no complaints about that. I gave them four stars because the food was good. Service was ok! read more

I watched as they piled lechon on a plate til the top almost wouldn't close. But this is what was put on two plates served to me. Is it because I have a darker complexion? Is it because I don't speak Spanish? I didn't want to make a scene, but the difference in these plates and the plates I saw piled high with meat........ How would I not question it? Paid same price, got different service. Beef tender but dry and has absolutely no seasoning. Like boiled in water then served. The puertorican rice is barely ok.Beans is all water. Not even a fourth of the cup is actual beans. $40 on garbage. A friend took me here 15+ yrs ago and it was the bomb. Service received today was a straight dud. Not likely to make that trek again. Really disappointed. read more

La Bomba - Beef stew with beans (separate container) puertorican rice. - Puerto Rican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Such great hosipitality and food! I've never had peurto rican food before. I ordered the jibarito and it was so good. They also introduced to me some of their other foods as well. Definitely, will bring my family back for this one! read more

So this place is a give star rated place, let me tell you why... 1. Hospitality Puerto Rican style- if you don't know then you will. Its warm inviting and feels like coming home. 2. Atmosphere- warm fun and musical. The amazing mural on the wall will transform you to an island wonderland. 3. Food - the recipes are as authentic as the hospitality and atmosphere. Worth the trip to this place. See my pictures for an invitation to their fine menu. My lunch: Alcapurra de yuca, cafe con leche y pollo guisado. Buen provecho mi gente... read more

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We came here to pick up some Jibaritos to take home and this place was poppin. They had a lot of orders ready for pick up and there were people constantly in and out of this place. Unfortunately for me, they had ran out of maduros and arroz as well. I actually made them scrape off whatever they had left of their rice onto my plate. It was honestly more than enough. The Jibaritos here are very delicious and I highly recommend you try one of these if you haven't. A steak sandwich, but instead of bread they use flattened fried plantains. It came with lettuce, tomorrow and mayonnaise and you can add American cheese for a small additional cost. The steak was cooked and seasoned perfectly. Tou can add rice for an additional $2. The rice was also delicious. And by far the best Puerto Rican rice I've had. My fellow boricuas always rave about Puerto Rican rice and how it's so good, though I haven't tried anything worth raving about until now. The service here was great despite them being very busy. They unfortunately ran out of some stuff that I wanted, but I'm glad they're busy as hell during these hard times. read more

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Now this place is no joke , the food here taste just like you would expect at a family event. It's delicious , fresh and flavorful. The service is a little different as the inside is kind of tight so they move as fast as they can but with great efforts. The ambiance is upbeat and relaxing as the music goes with your food and reflects the culture. Enjoy some Puerto Rican food that leaves you wanting more. read more

Was recommended the Jibarito Sandwich from this restaurant, so I came by to try it when visiting Chicago this past weekend. TBH I wasn't super impressed - the plantain didn't add much to it at all (bland flavor), and the meat was pretty dry. The portion size was nice, but I'd go elsewhere for a sandwich. Service was perfectly fine - was a bit loud when it became busy, and we had to flag someone down several times for a to-go box and the check. No major complaints otherwise! read more

La Bomba - La El Jibarito Sandwich - Puerto Rican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

HORRIBLE customer service We called to order for delivery and got a "sigh and a what do you want " from the rude person who answered the phone So I proceeded to give my order and the got "hung up" on Tried calling back and no answer Your food isn't that good anyway but we figured we'd give it another try As a small business owner if I had employees like you I'd find new ones. If you are the owner that answered the phone then you deserve bad business reviews read more

The best I've ever had they are so underrated and it's Insane. I will forever get my catering from them read more

Wrong order was sent. Undercooked chicken and smoosh rice. Not even close to what I ordered. The rice looked so gooy I just thru it right in the trash. Disappointed since I'm trying to stay loyal. But mofonguito does way better job. Presentation of the meal, works wonders even if it's to go. Or in this case delivery. read more

La Bomba - Gooy arroz con shrimp... basura plegosta de euw. - Puerto Rican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This has been our go to Puerto Rican spot for the last few years. Seems like a Venezuelan spot now. First time going back since the remodel. Employees drinking beer at the front door. Smaller portions. All the food was off. They didn't have half the things we asked for. Hope they get it together. read more

I've been wanting to visit Puerto Rico for some time now - it's so convenient, you don't even need a passport. But with the hurricane and infrastructure that needs to be rebuilt, I guess I'll have to wait a year or two. So how Can I satisfy my craving for Puerto Rican food?!? I would say La Bomba is a great option amongst many in Chicago. Kind service, byob, authentic neighborhood, welcoming interior with flatscreens for football and really good jibarito sandwiches - what more can one ask for!?! Just a little background, a Jibaro is someone that works the land and in the old days, they needed a way to serve hot food to the Jibaros (workers). So they decided to flatten plantains and deep fry them onsite and that's how the jibarito sandwich was born. Similarly, Empanadas were also created because it was easier to eat while doing your outdoor work - but we'll save that for a different review. So LaBomba has perhaps the best or second best jibarito that I've had. The plantain is very crisp and with the steak, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo with garlic on top combination - wow, that is one incredible bite!!! They also have an appetizer (a plantain with beef and cheese on top), that is so so good. The other deep fried items are just fine with hot sauce. Finally, I can hardly wait to have a jibarito in San Juan so I can compare and contrast. read more

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One of my Puerto Rican co-workers says this is one of his favorite restaurants, especially for jibarritos. So one day at work I ordered a bunch of stuff on grubhub, and to my disappointment I have a different feelings then my co worker. First the Steak jibarrito, it came with plenty of meat although a little too dry for my taste but not bad. It kind of goes down hill from there. The texture and flavor of the tamale wand Alcapurria (banana dumpling) creeped me out. The meat pie and relleno de papa was underseasoned. The guava puff pastry tasted old. But for me the biggest disappointment was the maduros. The plantain was not cooked all the way through so it was hard and very bitter. Maybe I got the wrong things here, or maybe takeout is a not the same as dining in. But for me La Bomba was a let down, sorry Nelson. read more

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Good food but poor customer service. Thank goodness there are other good Puerto Rican restaurants in Chicago.

Yum yum in my tum tum! I love the authentic vibe and the foods were just too good!!! Service was good read more

La Bomba - Cola Champagne - Puerto Rican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

La Bomba is near the corner street and only have (what I can tell) street parking. The inside is a nice dim sum restaurant with art covering the walls. They have food ready in the hot case when you walk in or you can go to the back seating area to eat in. The breaded shrimp with tostones - fried plantain were good and so was the sauce that comes along with. The bread and butter that is brought to the table is a large amount and I would suggest serving a smaller portion. I was stuffed after the bread serving. Nonetheless, I like it here, no real complaints and suggest anyone tries La bomba out. read more

La Bomba - Camarones Empanizadas con Tostones - Puerto Rican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Chicago's Best Puerto Rican Restaurant Food Taste is Outstanding Original Seasons Delicious Flavors, Spices and Herbs 100% Authentic Puerto Rican Food! read more

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Bomb ass food it's very well worth the drive from the south side of Chicago. I got my food to go but can't wait to dine in and explore more dishes read more

I went to eat there today. I was very disappointed with the food. Ordered mofongo and chicharrones de pollo. Meat was flavorless, caldo was cold. We also ordered alcapurria de yuca, that was good, relleno de papa it also needed flavor. I was visiting from out of town. I would not recommend or plan on returning there. Bathroom needed toilet paper and hand soap. Trash can was full of paper. I told one of the employees about the bathroom, said she would take care of it, but didn't since she was the only waitress working there. At the time to pay, we told the manager and he gave us a discount. read more

La Bomba - Mofongo con chicharrónes de pollo y ensalada - Puerto Rican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Really solid Puerto Rican food that makes my belly smile. I finally tried La Bomba this week after seeing it for quite awhile. I walked in to place a carryout order and the place was poppin'. It's def a neighborhood favorite packed full of locals dining eat & picking things up to go. I placed my order and 20 minutes later rolled out with my grub. The sweet smell instantly seeped into my nostrils and my mouth started watering in anticipation. The banana dumpling is $1.50 and comes packed with said fruit and other goodness. What that other goodness is I don't know but it was tasty and very filling. I had a side order of fried plantains for $1.50. Nomnomnomz. I just love plantains and this was a good portion for such a cheap price. I also dined on the breaded steak sandwich for $4.95 and was surprised it came on plantain 'buns' instead of actual bread. This was amazing for this trying-to-stay-carb-free-gal but was a bit of a plantain overload at that point. Ahhhh, who am I kidding?! I love those mutated (savory, cooked) bananas. The smells were what really got me at La Bomba. So appetizing and truly saliva inducing in my boca. Loved the food, I'll be back, plus bonus points for them being on Spring Rewards. read more

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If I could give if 0 stars, I would!!! Horrible experience. I will never go there again!! First of all, it took forever for out waitress to take our order. There were 2 tables that arrived after us the had water, bread & has their orders taken before us! I had to ask someone else just for bread. Then when we placed our order, the waitress tells me they ran out of the item I asked for. So, I ordered something else. When the appetizers arrived they were barely luke warm & I had to remind her again about the water. As we are sitting there eating, I hear the waiter bring food to the table behind us & they ordered the SAME thing the waitress told me they were out of. That was pretty upsetting. We had a party of 5, so instead of troubling the waitress to separate the checks, I paid the whole thing & my friends were going to pay me their portion. I asked for an itemized check. The total was $101. I decided that, despite the horrible service & barely warm food, I would at least tip $9. Once I got home- (I live over an hour away mind you) I looked at the receipt & she completely cheated us!!! The waitress said therewas a party of 6 & added gratuity for $15!!!!!!! I am beyond livid. She literally got a $24 because she lied!!! I WILL NEVER GO HERE AGAIN. Bad service, mediocre food & the staff obviously lacks integrity!!! read more

This was disappointing to open Usually there is a banana leaf or the paper so they dont stick like these did, shoot for the price you guys charged i expected better. I guess i have to find another restaurant that does them right read more

La Bomba - Pasteles wrapped in just foil - Puerto Rican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have a love/hate relationship with this place. #1 Food is amazing! Love the food #2 Service sucks #3 Understaffed Best PR food in the city in my opinion, but the waitresses here think they have the best memories in the world and never write down your order, no matter how large it is and almost always forget something. On numerous occasions, there was only 1 waitress tending the restaurant and bussing the tables. This obviously robbed us of our server's attention to tending to our needs. The wife, kids and I drive from an hour away to dine here about every 3 months or so, and the last time, which was 2 weeks ago, the place was closed and windows covered in brown paper as if permanently closed or undergoing remodeling. Either way, there was nothing on their business website or on the internet about their closure. Their hours were normal operating hours on the internet and their website. I've been frequenting this place faithfully for years and I'm done with them at this point, even if they were to open back up. The silver lining in all this was that we discovered Ponce Restaurant on this failed trip to La Bomba and they will be getting my business from here on out. read more