Loved this local spot. The music selection was right on; Cardie B, Shaggy, Eminem, Lizzo and Nellie…read moreto name a few. The music vibe was excellent. Drinks were good, prices were perfect and the food was just ok. Not bad but ok. Ordered the chicken Caesar salad, side Mac and cheese and wings. The wings were huge. Mac and cheese was plentiful especially since I only ordered the side and the Caesar was good. I really enjoyed the music and the vibe. The staff was attentive and we were never in need of anything. They were constantly checking to make sure we were good. I find this really nice especially when gratuity is already added to the check.

I've been here twice for dinner and brunch and both times my experience could have been better…read more Service is slow, they don't have enough staff working, bathrooms aren't the cleanest. Food is mediocre and can use a bit more seasoning in my opinion. The positives are it's beautifully decorated, conveniently located in a popular area, the staff is nice and welcoming and they do host events. We did get a bit upset when we brought a small cake to celebrate our friend who was leaving our job and moving away and they charged us to cut the cake. The cake was tiny and we had to pay a fee to cut it and celebrate our friend it was a little ridiculous esp when it was only 4 of us in total.

I stopped into Cocotazo after a long start to my workday and happened to arrive right as they…read moreopened. From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed: everyone said hello, and my waiter was genuinely kind, speaking with me in English or Spanish, whichever I preferred. The atmosphere: Honestly, I felt like I was sitting in a restaurant in Puerto Rico. The decor, the little casita on top, Kola Champagne in the fridge, the right coffee. Every detail feels intentional and full of love. The food: * Drink: The Chi ChinRodriguez, tamarindo mixed with parcha. Refreshing and delicious. * Appetizer: The bacalaíto was a standout, crispy, very flavorful, not greasy at all, and topped with an amazing sauce. * Main: Roasted chicken with perfect skin, a side salad with a wonderful dressing, white rice made exactly the way it should be (it tasted just like my grandmother's), and beans. * Dessert: Café con leche and a slice of their cake. The frosting was awesome. The star of the show: The chef came out to say hello and talk with me. She was so warm and welcoming, and I was amazed to learn she's still the one behind the stove doing all the cooking. That kind of care shows up on every plate. I'd absolutely come back, and I can't wait to bring my family. ¡Gracias, Cocotazo!

I took my favorite Nuyorican here for her birthday so she could enjoy a taste of home, and Cocotazo…read moredelivered. Even though I arrived an hour late for my reservation, the hostess graciously found a way to seat us. They don't serve alcohol, but there's a liquor store around the corner, and with a $20 corkage fee, our bottle of sangria paired perfectly with dinner. The space is nostalgic, modern, and incredibly welcoming. Hearing La India playing while we enjoyed bacalaitos and pastelillos was the perfect touch. Our entrées: pastelón, blackened salmon, and La Gallina were all outstanding. The birthday celebration was unforgettable, with singing, maracas, and music, followed by delicious bread pudding and tres leches cake. Chef Francis even stopped by our table! My friend realized she had missed the blood sausage on the menu, and they surprised her with a complimentary order to take home. That thoughtful gesture perfectly captured the warmth and hospitality of Cocotazo. The standout dishes for me were the bacalaito and the pastelón, both are must-orders. I also recommend making a reservation in advance on Resy. If you're driving, street parking can be tough, but there's a convenient parking lot just one block away at 409 E. 110th St.

Food is delicious. Everything i hav e had. Portions…read moregenerous Service attentive Homey atmosphere

Best meal ever, everything was perfect. Lobster Benedict special during brunch was so well cooked…read moreand simply delicious. They have the best food here, the hype is so deserved. Can't wait to return.

Love it here! If you ever stop by, definitely get the shrimp empanadas. 10/10, hands down! And the…read morefrozen piña coladas always hit the spot. Definitely one of my go-to orders.

I was standing on the street, minding my own business, when the smell of roasted chicken came my…read moreway. I looked around and didn't even see a restaurant at first. When I finally saw where that smell was coming from, I was drawn inside and found some delicious looking food. To my surprise, they have oxtail today! The woman serving me behind the counter was really nice, didn't rush me, and I'll bet she was an owner. The oxtail was really, really good, and they have really good red beans. If you're on a strict diet, this place might not be the very best choice for you, but a for me, I'm looking to return next time I'm in this hood! The ambience here is great, with love plants galore, a patio... even a clean and functional bathroom! That lunch special was only like $16. Incredible.

It was a busy Thursday afternoon visiting an old favorite. We sat at the counter space and…read morepatiently 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.

BLAST-FROM-THY-PAST GANGSTER PARADISE*KITCHEN*CUCHIFRITOS…read moreTruth 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!

Such great food! We really enjoyed every dish and the drinks. Everyone is super friendlyread more

This is a cute, unassuming restaurant. Although it's on a busy street, it was pretty quiet on a…read moreSaturday evening. They have three outdoor tables and a bar in the front of the restaurant. The owners are Peruvian. To drink, I had the house red sangria. I loved that you could specify sweet, semi-sweet, or tart. I went for semi-sweet. It was nice and fruity and you could taste the wine. My husband enjoyed the strawberry pineapple wine punch, which had a bold pineapple flavor. They have several vegan entrees. I got the vegan chaufa with tofu. It was full of veggies and the fried rice was rich and well prepared. The tofu was nice and firm. I asked for hot sauce and they provided a red and a green option. The latter had cream in it. Our waitress warned that the red was quite spicy. It did have a kick, but it wasn't crazy and gave the dish the added flavor I was looking for. Their sweet plantains were satisfyingly charred for a crisp bite. Service was fast.

So sorry to hear that you're closed. Tried to support you during and after Covid. Good music and…read moredelicious food in the neighborhood. This place was an oasis in a sea of fast food spots.

It was a long, eventful rollercoaster of day... desperately in need of some sustenance, we looked…read morefor a spot in route to our final destination. With one of my favs, we decided to visit Amor Cubano, based on a found memory of their champagne mojitos. It was a cold Saturday night in January and all the stars aligned. We pulled and found parking right outside the door. We entered and was seated immediately without reservation even though it was crowded and the first week of NY restaurant week. We perused both the regular and restaurant week menu. In an attempt to keep it simple we went the regular menu and ordered everything at once. Of course two champagne mojitos and empanadas to start. For entrées, we went with Arroz Con Pollo (for me) and Churrasco- grilled skirt steak (for my partner in crime). Customer service was good, food came quick and hit the spot. We enjoyed it all while listing to the live band. This was a nice ending to an eventful day. Just A Note: A tag on IG... gets you a spin of the bonus wheel. I snagged a gift card for my next visit.

La Fonda offers authentic Puerto Rican cuisine with the kind of hospitality that makes you feel…read morelike you're being welcomed into a loved one's home. They want to feed you well, make you feel cared for, and create a genuine sense of connection and the portions are big :). The bacalaítos were flavorful and well seasoned. They were a little too oily for my personal taste, but the oil tasted fresh and the flavor was excellent. The fried chicken chunks were a standout...light, flaky, and crispy on the outside, yet moist and succulent on the inside. The red beans were delicious and perfectly seasoned, and the rice had the ideal texture and plenty of flavor. The cocktails were well balanced and made with freshly squeezed lime juice, which made a noticeable difference. The owner is wonderful. He has built genuine relationships with regulars and members of the community and takes the time to check in with every table. They are also pet friendly. I definitely recommend La Fonda to anyone looking for great food, welcoming vibes, and an authentic Puerto Rican experience.

It's been a while since I've had really good Puerto Rican food, and La Fonda did not disappoint…read more We started off with chicken pastellios and my bf got the red sangria while I went for the Puñeta drink(which was sweet, but not overally sweet. Sooooo good). I was craving Mofongo and the pernil Mofongo was definitely the best option. Mofongo can sometimes get dry so the fact that there was a lot of calldito (the soup/sauce) I was livingggggg. They had a really cool back area of the restaurant and it was fairly quiet so you could have a conversation and hear each other. I would bring bug spray in the summer though, I did get bit up a few times. Service was great. The servers were lovely and I will absolutely be coming back! I would check their Instagram, I had no idea when I made reservations that there was an event happening. It was a Friday night and they were teaching/having chess matches! So random, but a lot of people were there! The group is called @Chess_Place on Instagram if you wanna learn more.

The food was super good man and my fiancé loved it they were super chill and the service was nice…read moreall I can say is I 100% recommend this to anyone

Do not bother with this place. Really EXPENSIVE; Yellow rice, Black beans, Tail with 3 BBQ ribs =…read more$25 "Lunch special" according to the hostess. So it's not even a FULL SERVING. Not worth it. I think as a Dominican since they cater to other people they charge whatever they want and expect no complaints. For one person it's too much MOVE ALONG, GO FURTHER UPTOWN AND SAVE SOME MONEY.

When you visit Cuchifritos, expect a constant line and no air conditioning. The staff isn't super…read morefriendly, but they are highly efficient and keep the crowd moving quickly so you get your food fast. We ordered a lot to try. The arroz con gandules was a solid, well-seasoned base for the meal and came in a generous portion. We also grabbed a couple of pastelillos. The pastelillos con carne and the pastelillo con queso both had a great crunch and were packed with filling. The alcapurria was fried well with a solid exterior, and the inside was full of seasoned meat. To finish it off, we had the bacalaitos, which were huge, savory codfish fritters with crispy edges. It gets hot inside and you will have to wait, but the efficient service and excellent food make it a strong 4 star spot.

Cuchifritos 168 E. 116th. St…read more New York, NY 10029 Coca Drink Alcapurria Pasteles En Hoja Blood Sausage My curiosity has led me to East Harlem to explore traditional Puerto Rican cuisine. The prices are very reasonable and the taste of the food was pretty decent. However, the attraction was lacking. Coca drink: The coconut beverage was cool and refreshing. It was definitely the next best thing to slurping from an actual coconut. Alcapurria: The Alcapurria had equal ratio of meat and fritter filling. Pasteles En Hoja: I have to admit that the artistic look of this meal was not eye catching. The pasteles reminded me of vomit, but tasted like a tamale. Blood Sausage: The blood sausage has a physical resemblance of feces. Identifying one of the meats as "blood" is not the best idea. In the end, it was a sausage link. Surprisingly, all the dishes still tasted decent. Whenever I come across plates that don't look attractive I'll always keep an open mind and will definitely try everything. #alcapurria #pasteles #bloodsausage #cuchifritos #cocodrink