Came here during the lunch buffet and it was pretty good. The waitress was happy to greet us first thing we came in and quickly got us a spot. It was pretty busy inside and they ran out of plates for a moment. The atmosphere during the lunch rush was definitely there but quiet enough for a normal table conversation. Food was hot and fresh. The only thing that got me was the loose bits of shell inside the paella. read more

Although the mofongo with roast pork was delicious, it took a long time to get the food. Thankfully the server provided a complimentary salad and checked up periodically to make the long wait more tolerable. On the contrary, it took a while for the server to come back after eating and I noticed that payment is taken in the front instead of at the table. read more

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Greeted at the door and had table set up for our group quickly. Decor reminiscent of a plaza in a town. Music in background. Flavors were generally good. Multiple dishes ordered by our group and most were satisfied. My chicken pina colada was overcooked and very dry. The sauce was bland compared to the description in the menu. Did not appreciate pineapple or coconut flavors. The small slice of pineapple on the plate provided a nice pairing with the a chicken and sauce but it was tough and could only get that one edible bite from it. Tried the trifungo. Not sure why expected. It too was very dry. I would just stick with the sweet plantains in the future. read more

La Marginal - Chicken Pina Colada with substituted side of trifungo. - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

This was our first time here, my wife had been here years before but only for dinner so we decided to try the lunch buffet. Not as big as a traditional buffet but because of that all the food was fresh, delicious and so flavorful. We tried a lot of different things and everything was top tier. My personal favorite was the guava cheesecake ( I love cheesecake) and my wife's was the crispy pork. Maduros are always delicious and I highly recommend. The server was friendly and attentive, overall I would recommend this place, definitely will be coming back! read more

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Very generous portions that will make you glad you tried them! They have Puerto Rican/Caribbean flavors and I tried the pernil which comes w rice and plantains. I love that they let you pick from sweet or salty. There's also table service bread and our server was very nice to come by and check on us even though it was the end of the day and they were closing by the time we left. Cute and colorful decor! Don't forget to order dessert to go - homemade and so good! read more

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Decided to revisit La Marginal since it's been a while. We had to scan the menu which was kind of annoying especially if you want to look up reviews on it. We were seated and complimentary bread was offered. The service was phenomenal and the ambiance was very dark and cold. We ordered rellenos de papa for an appetizer which was delicious but it was lightly stuffed. Hubby ordered the fried pork chops and I had the grilled chicken with garlic sauce. They were both accompanied with Puerto Rican rice and savory fried plantains. The pork chops had a very familiar seasoning on it. Almost like KFC chicken. It was good and tender. My meal on the other hand was drenched in the garlic sauce which made my plantains soggy and my rice soaked. I was immediately turned off by it and it had a burnt cilantro which made it taste kind of chemically tasting. read more

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Dont know why this place has only 3.7!!! It was GREAAAAAT! Auténtica comida Puertorriqueña. And the vibes were amazing. We will definitely come back! We love everything Food was great! And service too read more

the pork was a little dry, the all the appetizers plate was good but filled us up. Cuban was okay but not great. The pina colada chicken was fire! read more

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Small place,small serving,food not so good, service average,too pricey for the quality and quantity serving. I went because it was a reunion to accompany a dearly friend that has stage 4 liver cancer. Recommending this place no !! But that's just my opinion. People that don't know about real Puerto Rico cuisine should look to better representation of real Puerto Rico cuisine. For example La Garita grocery cafe Forgot $10.95 for a very small piece of tembleque. Hilariously crazy!!! read more

first off - I LOVEEE the interior decor! inside, the walls mimic the feel of puerto rico, although i never been to PR i felt like this was something!! they also have puerto rican music playing, from old PR music to new music like Bad Bunny they also had live music and they had someone sing on stage which was kind of awkward but he was very good i think the ambience was really what made me have fun here!!! the food however, took FOREVERRRRR to arrive. we received bread and salad first and then our main dishes, the mofongos, came out literally an hour later. we just kept waiting and waiting, and our server did not check in on us during that time at all. The food was pretty good. I don't have authentic PR food often, so i'm not sure if this is as good as what its supposed to be. But i thought it was good and very flavorful. read more

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The food in the ambience here are awesome! They are buffet options and the music is energizing. It's easy to pass by the restaurant as it is in between several shops on the side of the main road before the highway. read more

Looking for a place to have dinner, we decided to go to this place for the first time, and it was a great decision. A Latin vibe with music that makes yo want to dance. The food was tasty, I had the chicken piña colada, which was full of flavor, and the guava cheesecake was delicious. The portions are very good. The service was really friendly and fast, even though we arrived one hour before they closed. read more

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It's been a while since we have been here and another visit was overdue. They now offer a lunch buffet which is great if you want to sample a variety of different foods and the desserts. We opted to order from the menu as we had a clear food goal when we arrived . . . Tostones! Yes, we simply love tostones. Sure we could make these at home, but there are so many other things on this menu that we want to give a try without worrying about cleaning the kitchen. I decided to order the sampler plate without the carne frita as that is pork and we don't eat pork. I was able to get extra tostones! That's plenty of food for me, so that was my meal. My husband got the bistec encebollado plate with white rice and maduros, which is a ripe plantain making them sweet. It's not that busy right now and they have great music playing. One of the things you will not find here is alcohol. Honestly, I like that they don't offer it. There are so many great refreshments to try out that don't include alcohol read more

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This is one of my favorite Puerto Rican restaurants in the United States! I've been coming here since I was a teenager and although the restaurant has gone through many changes, the level of service is still excellent and the food is delicious. They have live music on Fridays and Saturdays from 6-9pm. The Buffet is everyday from 11-3pm except Tuesdays when they're closed. Otherwise you can order from the regular menu. The ambience is pretty chill and they always have good music playing. read more

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The restaurant was packed when we arrived. The 3D decorations on the walls and through out the restaurant give an authentic feel. We ordered a sampler plate and it arrived hot and we packed with flavor. Our main courses were all different and each one was unique and delicious. Will definitely be coming back. Only reason it didn't get a 5 was service was not as enthusiastic or welcoming read more

La Marginal - Pina colada Chicken Breast - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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I went back to see if it would be any better than last time. Spoiler alert, it wasn't. I ordered the Cuban sandwich again. The pork was still dry. Still not enough ham mustard pickles or Swiss cheese. They do a good job toasting the bread. If they could just get the insides right it would be fantastic. But just like last time it was very dry and missing everything but the pork. I ate in this time. Music was so loud I had to ask them to turn it down. Not pleasant at all. I think this was my last time read more

I enjoyed this taste of Puerto Rico. The food was fresh and yummy. I LOVE alcapurria and was so happy to see it on the menu. The restaurant is quaint- could use some updating but it was cute inside. They had a live singer and he was very good :). I gave 4 only because it could be updated and they don't have a bar- however I got the parcha juice and it was delicious. Not sure if they had any other juices bcuz we only got canned soda and water. My waitress was great and the other servers- I did not find the hostess to be up to par with the others. She literally pointed to a table and said 'you can sit there' I had to ask and clarify that she is not bringing us to our table- I almost left- hopefully she was just off that day. Anyway I will def go back. We enjoyed everything we ate. read more

I love a good buffet so La Marginal was right up my alley and it didn't disappoint. It isn't a large selection but you have a few options. read more

La Marginal - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

I have been here a handful of times. This restaurant comes highly recommended as authentic Puerto Rican food. They have the options of buffet and ordering off the menu for lunch. I've tried both and am a fan of the buffet, because I love trying a bit of everything, especially the desserts. It's not a huge buffet selection but they definitely make up for it in quality of the food. The service is always great, with servers taking away plates and refilling your drinks. The ambiance is very Coastal inspired with beautiful paintings and decor. Definitely give this place a try. read more

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The service and the food was wonderful! The buffet was a little late but it was worth the wait. The decor is reminiscent of Old San Juan. We chose the buffet and dessert was included! We will definitely be back! read more

Food was delicious. The buffet liked good. I took food to go. The young lady who assisted me was patient and helpful. Only downside is they limited hours read more

If you've never had mofongo, you are REALLY missing out. It's a Puerto Rican dish made with mashed plantains, pork rinds, and garlic. It is ridiculously good and always beautifully presented. I got it with fried pork and it actually left me speechless. One bite and I was smiling for the rest of the meal. The pork was so crispy and had so much flavor. When I paired it with the mofongo I felt like I was in that Ratatouille scene where he is tasting the strawberry and then the background goes black and little fireworks appear and music plays --- that's what happens when you eat mofongo. 1,200 chefs kisses ‍ read more

Food here is amazing and authentic. I was craving for a taste from home since I am latin and I found it! The service was quick and the place made me feel at home. Even though it is on the pricier side, I would be coming here again! read more

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It has been so long .. I was missing their lunch buffet. It's back!!! Today, however, is dinner. I went for the Pernil ... roasted pork roast with lots of garlic and herbs. Love this! It is served with choice of rice and plantains. It is so tender, super moist, deep flavors. The rice is yummy. The service is fast and friendly. read more

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My family is Puerto Rican so for us this spot is like soul food. We always end up waiting a good chunk of time here but at least we know the food is going to be good. We LOVE coming for the frituras or fried appetizers. My favorite Puerto Rican dish is carne guisada (beef stew). Ropa Vieja is the closest thing they have to it on the menu. Same concept. Love it! Wash it down with cold Malta or Kola Champagne. I have yet to come when they have live music or a dj so I would love to make a night out of that to see what the vibe is like. read more

La Marginal - Ropa Vieja - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Food was good; solid. Service was just okay. Ambience was very reminiscent of San Juan. 3 stars = A OKAY. Everything was overpriced. Pernil with arroz con gandules y Maduros for $15.49? Chuletas for $16.49? Growing up in Jersey City, NJ you have Puerto Rican and Dominican restaurants galore. We'd get plates for $5.99 to $9.99 depending on what meat you picked. And that food was bomb! I'm talking crunchy skin on the pernil with super flavorful arroz con gandules or arroz con habichuelas. And the chuletas were crispy crunchy on the outside and soft in the middle! I grew up on this food back home in Jersey City. When you have bodegas on the corners selling Puerto Rican/Dominican food and all your friends are Boricua or Dominican...you start to have a true appreciation for the cultures and food. I grew up on this stuff (even make my own sofrito). Anyway, with that said...I was disappointed. I was disappointed in the flavor especially with the price tag. On top of that, the waitress was not helpful. I asked about "All entrees are served with rice & plantains or mofongo" prior to ordering because I wanted rice with mofongo, not Maduros, but she explained it was either rice & plantains OR mofongo. Cool. I get my chuletas with mofongo and it comes with maduros. I bring it to her attention because that's what I asked before we ordered. I rather have rice instead of the maduros. And her answer...was "there is rice in the mofongo"... This made me upset because that's a straight Up lie. But I didn't argue. I just said "okay". Smiled. And she walked away. There isn't rice in mofongo... She also didn't check in on us or refill our beverages. But whatever. Anyway!! Food is good. If you've never had Puerto Rican food before this is a good start. Give it a try and know that rice is not in mofongo! I read they have a buffet for lunch. I'm not sure how much they charge per person, but that might be a better route to explore the cuisine so you get a little bit of everything. The base of the cooking is sofrito! It truly adds a different flavor. If you're used to Mexican food all the time, then you HAVE to branch out and head the Caribbean route. Sofrito makes the world go round ;) read more

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The food and atmosphere was amazing, definitely coming back to try different things on the menu. Had the Cubano sandwich and appetizer sampler, so good!! Next time doing dessert. Service was fast and helpful. Everyone was so nice, great recommendations. read more

As a Puerto Rican myself coming here to eat felt like I was disrespecting my heritage. Our ancestors would be disappointed... Food UNSEASONED, No flavor, No sazòn, No sofito, Can't taste a bit of cilantro. Where is the " Puerto Rican". The alcapurra, empanadas, and the Cuban sandwich with tostones took atleast 30 minutes. The flan caramel was burnt this place and took away from the taste. This is basically a Mexican restaurant with ONE PUERTO RICAN IN THE BACK, I wish I could give yall zeros but unfortunately I can't read more

Ate here at 11:40am - 12:30pm on a Friday. They have a buffet during lunch. I tried some of everything and it was all great. The meats were roast port and grilled chicken legs and thighs. The plantains were awesome! There were three types of rice, two types of beans, potato salad, macaroni salad, and a traditional lettuce salad. I would come back every day to eat here. The service was really good. I got the impression that it was a family run restaurant. That isn't in any way a bad thing. They were all super nice and polite. The price was about $20 for a drink and buffet for one. I would recommend it for a lunch or dinner. read more

We really enjoyed our dinner in this restaurant. The wall decorations made it seem like we were in Viejo San Juan. I ordered the Chicken Piña Colada, and it was so delicious. The chicken with the sauce was made perfectly along with rice, tostones, and a vegetable medley. The portion was large but not super huge. If you're a light eater, then it is totally shareable. I definitely plan to come back. My friends ordered arroz con pollo and the mofongo plate with shrimp. All delicious, too. read more

La Marginal - Interior decoration mimicking Viejo San Juan - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

The food tastes amazingly! Reminds me a little bit of what it was like to eat in my beautiful Puerto Rico. The service was quite good as well with servers constantly checking up on us. The ambiance was great, music not too loud so as to invite the conversations. The only thing is the price of things, I find it to be a little too high. read more

Opens at 11, food still not ready at 11:30. Inquired about beverages at 11:20 and was told 5-10mins. Still waiting for my silver ware and beverage order to be taken at 11:35. Place is starting fill up. Not what it once was. Staff is obviously frazzled. Would love to review the food but unsure if Ill get to that point. -frustrated read more

Have good feeling with this restaurant Saturday afternoon before 6 dinner time No body help to seat one person is server i see few empty table and she say need wait for clean at table from at door Wait for 10 to 15 minutes someone clean the table wait 15 more for the lady and show the table. Start with a bad experience ok I'm wait for the food rice and roster pork is a really bad idea the rice is hard look like have lone time wait for server and the pork is cold no is a fresh food the mofongo soso no to bad read more

Was craving some Latin food since I missed out on a previous opportunity, so decided to visit La Marginal. Gotta say that I was disappointed. Service was slow. It took about 40 mins just to get the appetizer order to the table. Tried the sampler to start. Most of the items on the sampler were ok but gotta say some items like the tostones, maduros, and the pork were over cooked For entree, I ordered the pernil with arroz con gandules. NO...BUENO!! The pernil was super dry, the arroz had almost no gandules. Just overall not a good experience. When I get a yearning for some of the flavor of my culture; I'm gonna have to find somewhere else next time read more

Horrible customer service. Arrived to the restaurant around 6:00 p.m. Upon arrival asked for a table for 10 ppl and was told it would be 25-30 minutes. Half of the right side of the restaurant was empty but were told It was due to several reservations as per the hostess. Decide to stay as we didn't mind the wait. We moved to the side to wait but a few seconds later the manager Jessica comes up tell us that they don't want the restaurant to be so crowded so we have to wait outside. I told her so you are asking us to leave and she said just to wait outside until they have a table available. I told her it's 40 degrees outside and she said well you all can wait in your car. I was surprised that they would treat their customers like that. I told the manager it was not great restaurant etiquette and she said it was not something mean. We decided to leave. Not worth to be treated like that. read more

Ordered online and drive 20 mins to pick it up. When I got there, I paid inside and was told to wait in my car. After 10 additional minutes, I get my food but noticed that the bag was light. I looked inside and noticed that only one order was there and told the person that my order is missing. I had to wait another 10-15 mins while the 1st order is getting cold. Finally, got my 2nd order, drove 20 mins back home and when I opened my order, it was missing side items that it came with. I called to let them know but was not going to drive another 20 mins to get my side. Gave my name and number for some sort of discount on next purchase or something. Hopefully, next time, they will have the correct orders and items that goes with each other. read more

My husband and I love La Marginal! The mofongo is rich and flavorful! We never leave hungry and usually have to take some food to go. We love the live music and the inside decor places you right in the streets of Old San Juan. We come back often and have loved the service and food every time! read more

I came here during lunch for the buffet and was surprisingly shocked at the quality of the food. They had salads and soups available as well as a variety of chickens and pulled pork and three different types of rices. My favorite dish was definitely the sweet plantains. Service was relatively fast which was also another plus in my book especially during my short lunch break. Definitely recommend checking out their lunch buffet if you're in the area! read more

Authentic but not necessarily high quality. Cheaply made house salad with ice burg lettuce and red wine vinegar with oil dressing, with tomatoes, red onions and carrots. Lechón was fatty and greasy. While authentic, it is not very well prepared. The pork was fatty to the point that everything tastes greasy and it also was not very well marinated that the meat was a bit bland, even though the crusted skin was over seasoned. The Puerto Rican "tamal" was decent. Fried plantains were good. The rice, aka arroz con gandules, was also good. Steamed vegetables were lame, consisting of steamed broccoli and julienned carrots. The mofongo is the specialty of the house here - and it was the star of the show. Presented nicely and with various proteins. And unlike the Puerto Rican restaurants I have been to before, this place has yuca mofongo (made with yuca in place of green plantains), and the tri-fongo which is the combination of the two. I went with the tri-fongo, and loved it. The garlicky mashed yuca is one of my favorites though, and having it melded into the traditional mofongo, to me, is just genius. Here's the weird thing though. I had fried chicharrones, or fried pork chunks, with the tri-fongo- and found it to be less fatty and greasy than the lechón. I would order the chicharrones again. This place also has the traditional Puerto Rican appetizers that you'd expect like alcaparras and sorullas. So really, the way to go here are through the offerings of their mofongos and the fried things. read more

La Marginal has always been our "go to" place for Caribbean and Puerto Rican food. The sándwich cubano is 2 meals in one. The Isla Verde (fish) is my wife's favorite. And the tostones are to die for (especially with the garlic sauce or the spicy sauce). Thanks for everything La Marginal. read more