We stopped here on the road between Ponce and San Juan, and since we didn't have a lot of time, we…read moredidn't wander too far down the Ruta del Lechon (Pork Highway). This place is right on the main highway, it's huge and packed so plan accordingly: we arrived before noon on a Friday, so we probably got one of the last parking spots (there's a guy managing or charging in the parking lot? not sure) and the line was manageable. A large group and some buses showed up after us, so it got really crowded! Anyway, we had a short line, had no idea what we were doing to order (I should have researched better) but pointed and nodded, and with some help from the nice people in line, ended up with two huge platters of pork, rice and some other sides - way more food that we probably needed. The food: delicious! I would say our #2 favorite meal in Puerto Rico, after Marmalade (but that was more than 10x the price!) The pork was delicious, juicy, flavorful, and the crackling was to die for! I wish they would package those and sell them - probably only good fresh, though. Rice and sides were adequate: my son tried to be healthy and said the salad and potatoes were ok, but you're really there for the pork. Cost etc.: we paid less than $50 for 2 enormous plates of food and some sodas. It was enough for 3 lunch servings, plus enough leftovers for 2 people to have the rest for dinner - so I guess 5 servings? The wait was not bad early on a weekday, but they must get incredibly overrun on weekends. It is entertaining to see the pork cooking on a spit (please don't come if you are vegetarian and sensitive to such things) and watch them hacking away with machetes. My husband wondered if the machetes are the same once used for sugar cane!

During our trip to Puerto Rico, we made a stop at a lechónera- a restaurant that serves lechón (one…read moreof PR's unofficial national dishes), which is a whole, slow-roasted pig. This restaurant is just one of many open-air roadside spots that serve lechón along "La Ruta del Lechón", aka the "pork highway" in Guavate. We got a half pound of lechon along with Mamposteao, which was delicious and filling. The pork skin hit a level of shatteringly crispy texture that I have never had from non-fried pork skin. We came later in the day, which unfortunately meant that the pork was slightly dried out. However, the texture and flavor of the lechón was absoutely delicious. It's a "build your own box" style restaurant where you choose which sides you want on the dipslay. Besides the mamposteao there were also other delicious-looking sides such as plantains/mofongo, beans, fruit, etc. There's a small parking lot outside the restaurant- one where the rule is you can only back your car into your parking space. Interesting. Would definetely come to try lechón here again!

Ismael was a great waiter, super knowledgeable and kind. Spoke very good English as well. The food…read morewas divine. Everything we had from the creamy soup, to pastels to Churasco steak with risotto. Don't forget the coffee flan, omg! Oh and he makes one mean Expresso Martini. Must try in Cayey.

Nice little hidden spot on the way to Ponce. They have inside and outside seating as well. Food was…read moregreat!!

We were restaurant hopping in the area and this was hands down the best pernil we tried…read more The mean and skin were super tasty, not fatty and very flavorful. The sides were delicious. Fast service and very friendly bartenders. Cool little outdoor place with live music on Sundays. Definitely visiting this place again.

It was super exciting to visit Guavate (aka Pork Highway). This is one of the oldest running…read moreestablishments there. The interior was pretty spacious and colorful, with festive decor for the holidays and a live band playing. There was a happening atmosphere to the place. I ordered Pork (of course), tostones, and yuca. The Pork was well seasoned, though a little dry. I was disappointed that the skin was not crispy thin enough to eat. Tostones were nice and crisp. Yuca were cooked perfectly and had just the right consistency. Also got to try the Pork Ribs, and this was my favorite! They were small in size, delightfully tender, juicy, full of bold flavor, making for truly mouthwatering bites.

Sábado 16 de marzo de 2024 nuestra salida de almuerzo de los sábados. Llegamos a este local por…read morereferencia de la comida. Como siempre somos los primeros en llegar. Local limpio y ordenado. La comida se prepara al momento y todo salió en 30 minutos. Porciones grandes y excelente sabor. Servicio muy bueno y ambiente familiar. La comida estuvo muy buena.

I don't know what that rub/flavor is that they put on the pork at El Rancho Original but I vote…read morethis is the best pork on the Pork Highway. It is the last lechoneras on the street but if you are driving and making the stops make sure to leave room in your stomach for this one. Loved it a ton although I would have liked the band volume to be a little lower. Also we had other friendly customers jump in and help us when we messed up during our ordering. Then our line neighbors made sure we knew how to pick up our food when we were at the pick up station. Everyone here was so nice. Def come here!

Went restaurant hopping in the area, and even though this is the most popular spot, it was…read moreliterally the worst pernil we tried. The vibes of the restaurant were fun and we had a great time, but very glad we weren't hungry after trying the other spots on the strip, because the pernil wasn't good AT ALL! Flavorless, and almost raw pernil, and more expensive than the places around. I wouldn't visit this place again. Go eat somewhere else, and come here for a drink and dancing.

Food is absolutely delicious & at a great price. I ordered the pig & it was cooked perfectly & the…read moreflavor 'taste' on point! The reason for a four star & not a five the arroz con gandules along with the guineo just dry no flavor.

Great place to go and eat, good service and lots of stores that you can go in and enjoy after you…read moreeat your pork

It a little over a half over drive from San Juan and there's no picturesque view from your table…read more But it's worth it. Cool rustic vibe, delicious food, and top notch service. I recommend the breaded pork loin. It comes topped with a mushroom and cherry tomato sauce and served over a bed of mashed malanga. Generous portion and filling, I wasn't able to finish the whole thing. Some appetizers I'd also recommend are the alcapurrias and the Montaditos de yuca with spicy crab and salmon chicharrón. My kid liked the rabbit meatballs. They are known for their cocktails, so order one. Overall, a great spot to hit up on the weekend, especially with a group of friends or family. Kid friendly atmosphere with open areas for them to play. If you're going with a group, I'd recommend carpooling since the there's no parking lot. Parking is on the side of the road. Will definitely be back. They take reservations, so call ahead because they get busy.

This was a nice treat. I loved the vibe. Great music. Friendly service. To top everything off the…read morefood was delicious. Every dish was good. The montaditos were excellent appetizers. We had the spicy crab and salmon and the smoked salmon ones. For the main course I got the quail with mamposteao rice. For dessert I had the tronki flan. I highly recommend this restaurant.

Food and service is amazing we found this place passing by and decided to give it a chanceread more

What a little gem! Reminded me of my great grandmas old ranchito style house. The antiques…read moredisplayed throughout are fascinating! Service was very attentive and friendly. The food was amazing! Very generous portions. The side of "pegao" was a nice touch! Highly recommended!

Sábado 8 de julio de 2023 nos fuimos de almorzar en Caguas!! Centro y Corazón de Puerto Rico nos…read morefuimos para Borinquén Atravesada que es un campo un poco alto. Comida criolla y un ambiente tranquilo y familiar. El mofongo riquísimo y el Servcio muy bueno. Luego empezó a llover y cuando eso pasa en el campo el ambiente se transforma. Tiempo amplio estacionamiento y mesas exterior e interior.

Si buscas una lechonera en Guavate, esta es una que puedes evadir. Al igual que otras lechoneras de…read morepobre calidad, el lechón aquí es cocinado en horno el lugar de asado al carbón como es de esperar. El resultado es una carne reseca, y un cuerito duro imposible de comer. Contrario a otras cercanas, la ausencia de fila para ordenar debió ser una advertencia que no atendimos. El condimento del cerdo era sal, mas sal, mas sal. No apto para personas con alta presión. La extensa variedad de acompañantes tampoco lucia muy fresca ni apetitosa. El local se encontraba limpio y la atención muy atenta, pero busquen el lechón en otro lugar.

This is the second time in 2 vacations we came here, the pork from the spit roast is always…read moreseasoned so well. My wife loves the sausage but we both agree the rice side and the fresh lemonade is hands down the best.