KEANSBURG: Since 2021, Mambo Nando's has been serving up Puerto Rican flavors and laid-back tropical vibes just steps from the Keansburg Amusement Park. This hidden gem is dog-friendly, with outdoor seating at the counter, sidewalk tables, and a patio, perfect for dining with your pup. Owners Jamie and Nando are as welcoming as their food is delicious. Highlights from our tasting included slow-roasted pork, yellow rice with pigeon peas, vegan alcapurria, and both classic and Beyond Beef empanadas. The flavors were rich, authentic, with a growing vegan menu. Portions are generous, prices are reasonable, and the menu is packed with must-try dishes. Open March-December, Wednesday-Sunday, 12-7 PM. Order online for pickup or delivery via their website. read more

Mambo Nando's - Puerto Rican Near Me - Keansburg, New Jersey

While visiting Jersey I passed the amusement park several times but never noticed this restaurant. Can you say delicious? I sure can especially when I took the first bite of my perfectly spiced and cooked fried pork chop it was to die for. I ordered a side order of tostones, that were right out of the frying pan (I have to be honest I could have eaten 16 of them lol). Other parties in group ordered mofongo with shrimp and as a starter an Alcapurria from the appetizer menu and I am sorry I can't recall what the other item was she enjoyed them (she doesn't know how to share so I can't chime in on how it tasted. The shrimp in the mofongo was outstanding but the mofongo seemed to be lacking enough garlic to kick up the flavor that I know mofongo normally has. Pollo Guisado was also served, it was hearty, savory and the meat was very tender (surely enough food to make this two meals). There aren't many seats (two tables outside) and a small area to eat by the counter so be aware especially during warmer months that the availability to accommodate you for a sit down meal might be a challenge but I would eat in my car knowing that the meal is as good as it was. The staff were beyond friendly and efficient....everything was bought out to us in a very timely manner. If you like Spanish please give Mambo Nando's a try. read more

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Love Love Love Authentic Freshly Made to order- pastelillos, alcapurrias, crisps n delicious Pernil juicy delicious Rice- awesome Owners- hard working n always nice n kind. Vibe- music always playing PR flag always flying WEPA P R ESTA CABRON read more

Delicious food, friendly staff, colorful and vibrant place! We were lucky to find this place on the boardwalk, while going on an ferry adventure from NYC to NJ. One of the best spots we tried in the East Coast. read more

Mambo Nando's - Puerto Rican Near Me - Keansburg, New Jersey

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This place offers good Puerto Rican food, with a great menu. However when I went to get food, 2 of the things I wished to order were unavailable. They have the flavors in their dishes, but I thought some of it was a little heavy on the salt, others didn't not think that. This location is on the boardwalk, but there's a small counter service you can sit at but it's majority places orders to go. read more

Very nice people food was amazing. Forgot to take a picture of the food before hand it was too good I liked it cooked amazing and he gave us something to try for free and the potato ground beef ball read more

Mambo Nando's - Forgot to take a picture before eating it tasted good - Puerto Rican Near Me - Keansburg, New Jersey

So glad you're back! Preciosa as always! Thanks Jamie! The best flavors from La Isla de los Santos!

Found this spot while being adventurous and taking a ferry into NJ from NYC. We were greeted by very kind staff who were happy to feed two girls from California. I had the Pernil, arroz con gandules, and a Malta Goya. My friend had their Pollo Asado plate. They were both so delicious-we ended up taking two empanadas (chicken/beef) for the ferry ride back. Overall, a very vibrant, cute little spot near the boardwalk with a lot of personality and sazón!!! read more

Mambo Nando's - Puerto Rican Near Me - Keansburg, New Jersey

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Wow the food is like brining a piece of PR to Jersey. The best chicken & pizza empanadas & bacalatios. Also, we had a taste of there arroz con guandules and pernil - that was to die for. The owners were very nice and friendly. It felt very homey. I loved it and will bring my friends on the next beach date. My pictures weren't much because we just wanted to eat. But it was amazing. We will be back. read more

Mambo Nando's - Chicken empanadas & beef empanadas - Puerto Rican Near Me - Keansburg, New Jersey

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Solid Puerto Rican place on the boardwalk. Located almost inside the Keansburg amusement park in an open stand, they serve great Puerto Rican standards like pernil, mofongo, and chicharones de carne. Since opening, they've only gotten better. I'm particularly fond of their mofongo and their chicharones de carne, though they have a good fried chicken sandwich as well. Very limited seating and on street parking, it's built for takeout or walking in from the boardwalk and eating at the counter or on the move. read more

Hours aren't accurate Ordered on the app at 5pm when it says you're open til 7 and when I drove by on my way home. You guys were closed... read more

Gotta give this place 5 stars. The place is always super busy it's fun and festive and the food is really great!!! I had the Mufungo with spicy shrimp and it was a huge portion and I have to say the best Ive ever had! To add to that statement, they actually give you a small side of extra butter and garlic. The Mufungo doesn't need it but I used it. The Pernil, is killer, so tender and delicious it's a must try. The yellow rice was outstanding! Rice sides are the hardest to master and this place has it down!!! The people here are super friendly and the food is top shelf! It's so authentic and a family run operation and you can feel the love in every bite. Go there soon because it is a seasonal joint. Next time I'm in I'm going to try the roasted chicken. read more

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You couldn't get decent PR food in the Bayshore until Mambo Nando's got here. Authentic abuela food. Fresh, GREAT portions, fantastic owners. I've never had anything that wasn't excellent here. If you're really lucky you'll find Nando's momma making something special, like budin. You won't be disappointed. read more

Food is amazing. Everything so fresh and delicious. The garlic oil is to die for, try it with wings or fries, so good. Will definitely be back! read more

another summer, and another trip to this gem. my friend got the rican sandwhich which is basically a cuban sandwich with the puerto rican flair. they add pernil onto the cuban sandwich. my friend LOVED this. and to be honest, this looked good. comes with fries. well worth to get. i got the pollo loco. make sure u check ur sandwich, mine didnt come with the spicy sauce, and i made sure to run over quickly and grab some. it needs it. it pairs so well with the chicken patty - housemade fried chicken patty. loved it. the bun is such a good choice. maybe they can add a fried tostone on it? i think that can step the game up, or maybe a maduro? the dessert empanada (guava and cheese), had absolutely amazing flavor. my issue with this was that it was too saucy. it needs something thick and texture wise in the center. the cream cheese and guavo paired so well, but it was too saucy. the parm truffle tostones were good. i think they need more cheese. i would even put the spicy sauce on this. step it up! when you order, make sure to stay on top of your order. my friends order was on one side of the window, and we were sitting on the other. they didnt call on her name, just left it on the counter, so keep an eye because you might get forgotten. still good. would come back again next year. read more

Saturday my Puerto Rican family was visiting from the Bronx. My mother in law saw this restaurant and wanted to try it. She explained the restaurant reminded her of coming off the beach in PR. Going and getting some of your fried favorites, feeling nice. We tried just about everything here. Food was really good. I'd definitely order from Mambo again. Good luck, there aren't many PR restaurants in the area. Real nice to have one close. read more

I've been to PR twice and I must say the food here is even better than the majority of meals I had on the island. Super appreciate the vegan options as well! The impossible beef empanadas were fire as was the rice and bean combo. Delicious, fresh, filling meal in an otherwise tough area for plant-forward eaters. read more

Mambo Nando's - Impossible Em-Plant-Nada and Yellow Rice with Beans - Puerto Rican Near Me - Keansburg, New Jersey

I came to the beach with my girlfriend and we wanted some local spots to eat in. My girlfriend is puerto rican and I found Mambo Nando's through yelp, so, we decided to come and try it out. We got the chicharrón de carne meal. Comes with yellow rice, plantains, and of course, the chicharron de carne. We thought it was pretty good, considering how we have eaten authentic puerto rican food before. We also got the cheese and guava empanada and it was really really good!! The service was 10/10. The owners, Jamie, her husband and their son run the local with amazing service and enthusiasm!! The ambiance is very reminiscent of Puerto Rico. As much as it is a very small business, the service, feel, look, and most importantly, food! is very very good. Definitely recommend it for those looking for a Puerto rican place to eat in and feel the vibes of Puerto Rico. read more

Mambo Nando's - Guava and Cream Cheese Empanada - Puerto Rican Near Me - Keansburg, New Jersey

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Amazing food and really nice owners and everyone should try the food and I love this place

At the recommendation of a family member, we stopped here when we were home for a long weekend. We tried it all (takeout) and everything was tasty The pernil and rotisserie chicken were both well seasoned and highlights. My partner is vegan and enjoyed the Alca-planta and the em-plant-nada. The yellow rice was nicely seasoned too. The winner was the Mofongo with chicken. Mom doesn't like mofongo and said " had I known how good they make it, I would have just ordered that for dinner!" That's high praise. The only downside was the white rice that came with my pernil. It was a little dry and hard. The beans we're also a bit runny, but tasty. All in all, this goes in the rotation for anytime I'm home. There is barely Any seating, but it's great for takeout. Call ahead. It was ready when we arrived. read more

Whenever I go there I know I'll be welcomed with a genuine smile, positive energy,great food and great service! I highly recommend them!

Proceed at your own risk. SERIOUSLY! We ordered for the first time. I normally do not give bad reviews, but to remain quiet is not an option. Que verguenza! Every single dish I ordered was suboptimal and greasy, well except for the 'empanadas'.... ...I can't tell you about the empandas we paid for...because they were not with the order (and they insisted they were when we went back to ask for them). Yo no se quien es esta gente... Did you see some if their replies? Geeesh! So en resumen: Proceed at your own risk... but make sure you check all you paid for is with your order. read more

All around fire Puerto Rican cuisine. I had to be constrained from my fiancé to not order everything on the menu. Rice is delicious and aromatic with the hint of cilantro. Pernil was a good cut of meat not too much fat and a ton of garlic. The Rican sandwich is essentially a perfected Cuban sandwich with the right amount of ham pernil cheese mustard and pickles. Tostones nice and crispy. I would recommend to any one looking for Puerto Rican food in the area. read more

Mambo Nando's - Yellow Rice Pernil Dish Maduros Tostones - Puerto Rican Near Me - Keansburg, New Jersey

Great Food and Music!!! Real flavor, the empanadas and Chicharrón de Carne are my favorites.

Happy to see a new and authentic Puerto Rican family owned food establishment in Keansburg. Very good food at affordable prices. I visited twice in one day and plan to return. read more

Mambo Nando's - Rican Cuban Sandwich comes with French fries. - Puerto Rican Near Me - Keansburg, New Jersey

Very disappointed. My family & I went there after we were done enjoying the water park. We decided to visit this Mambo Nando's & decided to sit in front on the bar stool chairs. I think we must have been invisible or something. We never got greeted & they didn't even bother looking at us or taking our order. Mind you we were there at least 15 minutes. I won't ever try going back there again I'll take my money & business somewhere els. read more

Service was absolutely top notch! Street Tacos were amazing as well. 10/10 recommend!

Just read the update from the owner and am thrilled that they are still around. I'll be visiting soon. FWIW--rather than disconnect the phone when they're closed, it would be wiser from a customer perspective to just have a recording that tells the caller about the closure as well as hours. Similarly, updating sites like Yelp with that info would prevent diners (like me) wasting their time driving to the location and finding it closed! I can almost hear the chicharron de cerdo calling me... read more

I can't say enough great things about our visit here! Everything on menu is made fresh and it is absolutely delicious! Super friendly service and bright, fun atmosphere to enjoy your meal. Congratulations and Best of luck Mambo Nando's!! read more

I cone from a very Puerto Rican neighborhood so I was excited to try this place. Portions are small for the price and food is not very flavorful. It was made fresh, but overall I was not happy and the cost won't have me going back. read more

As I was joy riding a few weeks ago I noticed this place and decided to stop in and order a few items for the family. Everything was prepared fresh and the taste was amazing. I have been back since, only a week later and ordered even more items to try and cant wait to return again. The location is right across from the water slide in Keansburg so you can miss it. Get some! read more

I love that there is authentic Puerto Rican food near me . This place has delicious food and I've ordered many times already . Highly recommend. read more

Are you Puerto Rican? You're about to feel like you're straight up at your abuelas house in San juan... not Puerto Rican? Get ready for a food organization of flavor and authenticity!! 100% recommend.. even my picky 9 year old was chowing down on beef stew and pork shoulder like he hasn't eaten in days. GO GET SOME! Service was bomb! Ambiance, right on the main strip/beach/boardwalk/across from the water park. read more

Ordered 2 Empanadas. More dough than meat. Music was so loud I had to yell out my order. Staff very friendly. Food was ok but pricey. It is located in The Burg so you need to roll up your windows incase the natives get restless. I would go back. read more