BLAST-FROM-THY-PAST GANGSTER PARADISE*KITCHEN*CUCHIFRITOS Truth be told this flagship SAVOURY EATERY dating back into greater than fifty years will forever be pricelessly MISSED eternally! On many memorable cuisine days of the freshly specially CUCHIFRITOS menu dishes (using: Achiote Oil, Sofrito, Adobo, Aceite Oliva, Lard, Butter) truly having that unique Cuchifritos aroma fragrance, delicacy taste, unbelievable texture of Puerto Rican & Cuban hints of grandmas aboriginal TAINO secret recipe covert ingredients! Between the Mofongo marisco o puerco, Pollo or Steak with Rice and Cubano & Chicken-Steak Sandwiches, and warmth of Pollo stew, Sancocho, Sopon de Patidas de Cerdo, Fricassee de Pollo, Asopao de Camarones, Sopa Pollo de fideos, Chuleta de Jardinera, and the bizarre saucy marinated favorites of PIG'S ears, tongue, stomach, morsillas (blood pudding), Chicharrones, pasteles, yucca-plátanos con pescado! Yet didn't serve another two favorite El Jibarito o Tripleta? FRITURAS: Tostones, Alcapurria, Bacalaitos, Empanadillas, Pastelillos, Croqueta, relleno Papá, Pastellon, Pernil, Arepas de Coco, Ensalada de Bacalao & Pulpo o Ceviche, Bistec "beefsteak" encebollado and también los lo Potres de Flan, Tembleque, Flancocho, Queso, Arroz Dulce, Mallorca, pebidas de Coco, Guava con crema, tamarindo. People often came to this business regardless of the community deterioration of police statistics because of the reminiscent 1970-1970s blends of "comida" preparations hard to literally find that older no frills mixed combinations of methodology to "cosinando" dexterity not prevelant anymore as past Chefs either AGED or DIED with their extraordinary TAINO style Caribbean Island RITUALS like Caldo Santo (Holy Good Friday FISH Stew)! The older Misses working at this establishment had no choice but to be sarcastic strong Spanish women given the recidivism of Rift-Raft in this neighborhood of mix populace, especially a zip code of delinquents, criminals, and dastardly venomous attitudes of gypsy homeless, gang bangers, anger management loud-mouths entering the restaurant to cause arguments, disturbances, beggars pleading for tasty Latino Spanish's food of mamma's familiar morsels. These were the cheap eats of tasty MEALS of separated or divorce, and broken family authentic tasting home cuisine missed from mamma, wifey, side-Biscuit girlfriend,and death of homestyle cooker, and missed Holidays foods of those gone & remembered! read more

It was a busy Thursday afternoon visiting an old favorite. We sat at the counter space and patiently waited for 1 of the women to serve us. It was very busy, but they can keep up well. Very pleasant we ordered from the variety of pre made food and one order from the kitchen only menu. We tried the roasted chicken with rice and red beans, 2 chicken Empanadas, and 1 order of fried pork chops with green plaintain (chuleta frita con tostones). Took about 10 minutes to come out, and it was very fresh and delicious. The chops were well seasoned and crispy. The tostones were freshly made and crispy. I put a ton of their homemade mojito (garlic) sauce all over everything, and my son proceeded to follow me with his meal. Their chicken was roasted perfectly. Moist and tender with flavors. They have a huge rotisserie pit behind the wall and out the way to save space. Genius. The Rice and beans were standard yet authentic. The Empanadas were a little dry, but I had to show my eldest about ketchu-mayo lol iykyk, then he liked it. He's a bit inexperienced in the cuchifrito area and almost got a brand drink. I had to cut him off and direct him to the fountain drinks because ,uh-uh, we drink from the house in a great cuchifrito spot son! I got him the passion fruit, and I got my usual sesame seed. He looked at me crazy y'all lmao I let him try my sesame drink, and he was somewhat impressed with it. But he loved his passion fruit already. The service was attentive, and I honestly don't know how the ladies balance it all. He was pleasantly surprised at the bill $32. 2 full large meals, 2 drinks, 2 Empanadas, and 1 alcapurria because I had to grab one when I saw the cook dump a fresh batch. I went home thinking damn I should have grabbed 3 more. They were loading fresh cuchifritos and I shouldn't have held back. Later always comes and left overs are always welcomed. Overall, we both loved it. Even taught him a few things in there. For the culture and the price point he loved it even more. I know for sure we will be back. read more

I've been going to La Isla on 149th for years. Luvv the Pork Chops and the Chicken. The staff is always very helpful and I forgot the chiccarones which I luv with the crispy skin read more

All I remember is getting off the Subway and wandering for a bit and my brother in law and his wife doing a quick search to stumble on "puerto rican eats". I mean it was a MUST seeing my bff is puerto rican and I've had the blessings of the tasting the cuisine made by old skool boricua....MUST! My BIL and SIL left it up to me to order because they were not familiar. Told them you can go wrong with chicken, arroz con gandules and some habichuelas guisadas. Honestly the aroma from the meats and goodies lure you before you even see the restaurant. So welcoming when you are familiar. Then you stumble upon it and in the store front is a glass window with a buffet of their carnes, sausage and groumet pastellilos well lit by heating lamps hanging from above. It's a small place so plan on taking your food to-go unless you are lucky enough to snag a bar stool at the counter. So while my BIL and SIL ordered their roasted chicken, rice and beans...my attention was diverted to the carne frita and the platanos maduros. When I had my SIL try the carne frita she added a small order a la carte. Then you have your choice of sauces to top your "bowl" with and I chose the mojo and I was NOT disappointed. I know that typically the mojo are for tostones but on that carne frito was fire to say the least. Honestly, one bowl can feed two people. I can't pay enough praises to the women that were behind the counter. They were attentive and allowed me to taste several things before deciding on what I wanted and I wasn't given attitude for it. I had to use the restroom at the McDonalds across the street and left my husband to finish ordering and pay and he said an older lady was willing to give up her seat at the counter because she knew he was not from there. If that isn't hospitality at it's finest I don't know what is. Hard not to fall in love with a place that welcomes you and makes you feel at home. If this is what Jenny from the Block was eating whilst growing up here, I can see where that booty came from. Thank you Bronx for sharing your home with me and leaving a lasting impression. read more

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Puerto Rican takeout counter. I had the cuchifrito con todos. The cashier confirmed that I knew what cuchifrito included before proceeding with the order. My favorite part was the tongue followed by the blood sausage. Pricing was very reasonable at around $10 per plate. read more

Got the chicken with red rice. Decent for $8. Fast service. Should've asked for dark meat. They give you massive amounts of rice and beans. read more

La Isla Cuchifrito - Chicken plate - Puerto Rican Near Me - Bronx, New York

Fire as usual. Woman behind the counter went heavy handed with me. Lit. Been coming here for years and still do although I live in Harlem read more

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Classic Latin food generous portions, and at affordable prices. My go to places when, I was a home style meal.

The "lonche" (lunch special) of pernil/pork, rice and beans was a large serving but bleh. The cuchifrito is NASTY. I got frituras (fried Puerto Rican comfort food). The empanadas were skinny, the beef was NASTY and tasted of vinegar and the alcapurias were all "dough", not made with the traditional ingredients and the meat was the same nasty vinegar tasting "beef". The rotisserie chicken looked good, but based on everything else there is no way I will try it. I recommend you stay away. read more

This place aroma is amazing. We figured it must be good if this is the only place on the block that has a line that wraps around. For $8, you get a meat with rice and beans. Amazing prices and delicious choices. The chuchifritos are $2 each. We ordered the permit with rice and beans. Definitely a hefty amount but the only thing was pernil was a bit dry. The chicharron is sooooooo crunchy, savory, and delicious. I was totally in love with that dish. read more

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24 hour Puerto Rican fast food in the Bronx! Found this super genuine hole in the wall (literally) Puerto Rican hot spot. This place is on and popping and they have fresh food coming out at all times. Small little spot, gets packed, order to go or stay in and dine on the little bar area (sits like 8 people). The food was good (for fast-food-ish), staff was so nice and accommodating. My only concern is not sure how up to health code this place is. Don't mean to bash it because the ladies that work here really stole my heart they're such nice people. However, I don't want to know what happens behind the scenes since the place is very questionable. Like I said, food is delicious and very very cheap. We ordered enough food for two people and drink for only $10! This included rice, beans, sweet plantains, tostones and passion fruit medium size drink. Everything was delicious. This little spot is right by the hospital so this food is definitely worth it if you feel like eating like home away from home. Open 24 hours. Alcapurrias, mofongo, mondongo, arroz con habichuelas and much more! read more

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Delicious assortment of Puerto Rican classics. The papa relleno and alcapurrias were delicious. Ordered rabo and morcilla for my dad and he loved it (although the morcilla was a tad too spicy in his opinion). I would definitely go back. read more

I've been coming here since I was a kid. Is divey but ohh how I love me a good authentic divey home in the wall yummy spot. My all time picks Are always frin the fritura section old the menu. In this order of favorites Morcilla (blood sausage) Relleno de Papa = potato ball with a yummy center filled with ground beef (but if you want to step this up a bit be sure of ask for beef gravy) you can thank me later. Alcapurrias are yummy made of yucca w/ meat center And of course a nice crunchy piece of Chicharron with limes too squeeze directly on top right before every bite full. read more

La Isla Cuchifrito - Alcapurria - Puerto Rican Near Me - Bronx, New York

Decent in a pinch, late night was hungry , ate. Next day while I didn't find it overly impressive, or memorable , or clean the only thing going through my mind was ..... did you die though? Thankfully I didn't so Three stars it is. read more

La Isla Cuchifrito - Outside storefront at night - Puerto Rican Near Me - Bronx, New York

I guess the best restaurant beside Lincoln Hospital. This is a columbian restaurant which is cheap and great food. I always order the pernil with rice and beans ($5). And a drink called acolcolin (not sure of the spelling) but it is a sesame seed drink. The cuban sandwich is also to die for. Roasted chickend and blood sausage is a must as well! The restaurant sometimes could get busy with minimal seating, you have to be patient. For some reason, it is always hot inside the restau, so I'd rather take out my order. Otherwise really good food. read more

The best Puerto Rican food in NYC, delicious and excellent prices! The pernil sandwich was $6!! They have a lunch special (beans, rice and chicken $4). People who work there are very nice, I recommend the pernil sandwich, roast sandwich and empanadaas!! read more

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My husband and I were trying to go back to La Morada for Sunday lunch, but sadly, they were closed. As we walked up 3rd Ave., my husband, armed with his yelp app, looked for a Plan B. He asked what I was in the mood for, and my only criteria was "something legit." He stumbled upon La Isla Cuchifrito, with its photos of stews, beans, and rice, and we were off. La Isla Cuchifrito is a semi-hole in the wall Puerto Rican restaurant on the main drag of East 149th St., and a quick walk from the 2/4/5 subway stop. When we walked in, there was a small bunch of locals ordering plates to go, but we chose to eat at the diner counter. The 2 servers were busy, brusque, and I spoke only Spanish. They have a menu of stewed meats with sides, rotisserie chickens glistening in the window, savory pastries, and sandwiches. I, being an unapologetic bread hound, asked for a pernil (pork shoulder) sandwich. Our server asked what else I'd like on it, and after fumbling around in bad Spanish, she loaded me up with a Cuban-type sandwich composed of pernil, ham, tomato, lettuce, provolone, and BUTTER... hold the mustard. My sandwich came out, and I was so excited. This was a SANDWICH. A gut bomb. A meaty two meal's worth extravaganza. As I tasted the juicy stewed pernil, the powerful flavor of garlic hit my tongue. I love garlic, and the pernil was just so garlicky! I wolfed down half of the sandwich, and somehow good judgment kicked in, and I wrapped the other half up to go. My husband ordered a straight pernil plate with beans and rice. This was great too, as the beans had a great depth of flavor, and the server gave him a big hunk of crispy pork skin. My generous husband let me have a bite of the pork skin, and it was awesome. I was pretty satisfied with our lunch here. It's not the most user-friendly spot for a gringuita such as myself, but the food was really great. read more

La Isla Cuchifrito - Pernil Sandwich - Puerto Rican Near Me - Bronx, New York

Didn't expect it but, La Isla Cuchifrito was certainly fabulous. La Isla Cuchifrito has an overall outstanding vibe and a cool crowd that hangs there. Every thing I've tried up until now has been delicious. The service was friendly and prompt; and the staff were very courteous and helpful. Thank you! Will be back soon! read more

Very good food for a very reasonable price. The place is small and has a tendency of becoming crowded. However, the wait in line is well worth it. While waiting in line, we met many nice old school customers who have been eating here for more than 20 years. That in itself speaks volumes. We look forward to returning there again whenever we are in the neighborhood. read more

We stopped here to get food before the Yankees game. It's about a 10 minute Uber from the stadium. It was amazing and extremely cheap. Don't let the low cost fool you it was highly delicious and would recommend this if you like Puerto Rican food. Tostones take about 8 minutes to make, so keep that in mind. read more

Don't expect fine dinning, but do expect awesome Cuchifrito that will bring you back to the good 'ol days. read more

La Isla Cuchifrito - Authentic Puerto Rican Cuisine! - Puerto Rican Near Me - Bronx, New York

Came here today for the first time after working in this neighborhood for over a year. How did I miss this place? Had the Pernil with yellow rice ($6.50) and it was great! Limited counter seating so it's more of a take-out spot. Super fast lines. The menu is all in Spanish so you better know what you want lol. They speak perfect English, so no worries there. Cash only so be prepared. read more

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Now this is real Spanish food and for the price cant be better im telling you,you cant go wrong eating here if you thinking about going go write now the only bad thing is that theres not enough chairs LOL read more

La Isla Cuchifrito - Puerto Rican Near Me - Bronx, New York

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AMAZING Cuchifritos... very authentic and most importantly OFF the tourist map. This place is not for the healthy eaters ...but very good and authentic of this very Latino neighborhood. If you don't know spanish ... there WILL be a language barrier. so YUPPIES STAY AWAY ;) read more

So cheap and food is great! This is more of a take-out place than anything although they do have counter seating, and it got crowded when we left. The people working there are really friendly! Anyway, I ordered the pernil which is roasted pork, and I got it with yellow rice and beans. The meat was quite flavorful though some pieces were a bit dry. The meal was super filling, and it was so cheap - only $6.50 including tax! If you don't know Spanish and you come here, make sure you have a translator or come with a friend who knows Spanish because their menu is only in Spanish! read more

This was my favorite stop on my way to see grandma. But it has been a year since my last visit and it is not the same. Tonight I got the mofongo, broiled chicken, rice, beans, tostones and chicharon. The chicken and sides were good. The tostones needed improvement. Tey were really thick and dark, like old platain dark. The mofongo was a HUGE disapointment. Like question your existence sorta disappointing. I couldn't believe how bad it was and took more bites... big mistake. Then I forced my grandmother to taste it. She almost hit me. But was too busy spitting it out. She claims the pork was old and the oil too. The aftertaste was horribly indescribeable. Don't know that our relationship will ever recover. I also don't know if it gave me what could only be described as cold sweats accompanied by a mean migraine! Not sure what happened but I hope today was a glitch. I'm just not sure that I want to try them again. read more

I graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School in 1988 & La Isla was around then & walking distance. I only discovered this amazing hole in the wall today & I loved it. Nothing fancy about it, no tables, counter service & take away only. For straight up Puerto Rican food this is the place to eat if you find yourself in the neighborhood. Catching a Yankee game, have a court date at Bronx Supreme Court then you'll find La Isla just minutes away! read more

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Fast food "Spanish joint" that's a Cuchifrito for you. I grew up eating this and I loved it. Located this one while in the area and of course the ratings got me in. Food was good -- ordered the typical Moro de gandules con pernil, you could never go wrong with that mix. Kids loved the chicken chunks w/ rice and beans. The lady behind the counter was very attentive and mind you she was busy. It's a small local spot. Oh and I can not forget my all time favorite drink anionjoli it was on point not watery like other places. Prices are a little too good to be true lol -- compared to restaurants which the quality of its food isn't too level. read more

Wonderful place to eat! Lines are usually long due to its popularity. Enjoy eating at the counter. read more

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Been here a few times in the past few years and it's always a comforting food experience. Nothing fancy at all, just a place to get reliable food. They have everything from empanadas to steak and every flavor juice u can imagine. The food is also cheap as hell and the portions are enough for 2 people. Service is good too and they speak English. read more

La Isla Cuchifrito - Oxtail with Yellow Rice and Beans - Puerto Rican Near Me - Bronx, New York

If you dont speak spanish, this may not be the place for you. I dont; It wasnt. The entire "menu" is in spanish, and it consists of some serious, traditional Latin-American cuisine. Im not sure if it was the fact that Im gringo, or just a coincidence, but I stood there for 5 minutes, ready to order, before anyone gave a shit. I ordered the one thing that I thought I recognized, and could call by its name. "One empanada, please." confused look. so I point- "One empanada please." "You mean meat patty?" "Yes." It was $1.50, and fairly decently-sized (although the majority was the fried "crust"). The hot sauce was the main saving grace. It was A-OK, I guess, but I dont think I'll be back, at least not with out my interpreter. read more

Yummy, very cheap Puerto Rican food served by friendly people. I had the arroz con gandules with roasted chicken and it was delicious. Friend had a chicken sandwich that was dry and didn't have a lot going for it. The fried tostones were great too - hot and freshly made. Would go again! read more

Worse place to eat they have poor customer service. Anything you order out of the menu will not be made. I was a regular customer a while back and apparently they got lazy and don't want to work. If you want food because you hungry is better off going to the Macdonald across the street. read more

I like this food no matter where or where the location would be cause I grew up eating Spanish food. So I will go back over and over again.

This place has CRAZY good food at very inexpensive prices. Whenever I'm around my sister's place, I stop by and get my rice & beans w/ pernil. You can spend $20 there and feed seven fat people...no lie. The previous reviewers are right; if you don't know a lick of Spanish then make sure you point to what you want. If you're on a diet, you are NOT welcome here. read more

Tried an alcapurria and loved it. They're meat centered cassava coated football shaped appetizer. This is probably the only place in the Bronx that I have seen with so much meat inside. I will definitely go back for my alcapurria fix. read more

This is a local place right by the hospital with some pretty yummy cucifritos. Don't come here expecting a fancy meal because you won't get that. Their alcapurrias are pretty great and the platano maduro rellenos are awesome. The Chinola juice is probably one of the best out there and the rest of the food isn't bad. Rice, beans, chicken, pernil, all good, not the best but not bad either. It's simply a quick cheap lunch for those who work in the hospital. And it's open late! read more

Best authentic PR food in the BX!!!!! Expect great tasting eats! No. 2 bus leaves you right in front of it..go NOW :)

Food was magnificant and delicious. Relleno de papas was the biggest i have ever seen. Alcapurria was delicious... Pio nono was out :(

Small space with several stools and they all was taken because the food was really that good! Real Authentic Puerto Rican food.You would have to travel all the way to Puerto Rico to appreciate how this type of food really supposed to taste but beware their are alot of other Spanish restaurants that claims that they serve Spanish food but it's not authentic Puerto Rican food.so it's something to take into consideration when you are looking for a restaurant to eat in or take out!Flavors makes the difference!Thank you La Isla. read more