"Parts Unknown" got me here. Anthony Bourdain's visit to the Bronx as an "exotic destination" turned up this gem, the Sine Qua Non of Latino cuisine. No, it's not Cubano, or Mexicano - it's quintessential Puerto Rican cooking, and they do the heck out of it. My initial ignorance of the cuisine led me to choose the eponymous "Cuchifritos" on my first visit...I did see them being dished out on "Parts Unknown," but it turns out (I learned later) on Anthony's on-camera plate was a load of Chicharrones. I got there and didn't know how to order it! Chicharrones (per se) are not on the menu at 188 Cuchifritos, but they are in the window. Chicharrones are such a staple, they're assumed in Puerto Rican cuisine. Chicharrones defaults to mean deep-fried, un-breaded Pork Belly. The skin is a dream of crispiness. It's like an hallucination of uncured bacon in its ultimate state. Here, It's beyond description delicious. A variant - Chicharrones de Pollo - is on the menu, and it's astonishing. A chicken lover's delight. Eat your heart out, Buffalo Wings! The Cuchifritos, which I did experience, were plenty tasty, but I was disturbed later to discover they're tripe. Served with blood sausage, they were a little challenging for my palate. I'll grow into them, I'm sure. No, it's all about the Chicharrones here for me. And, the indescribably savory yellow rice, black beans, diverse and vibrant salad with pink pickled onions, and sublime Flan. You gotta go here if you're a pig or chicken lover. This is the stuff! The 4 Fordham Road stop is a block north and half a block east of the place. GO. read more

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I was impressed by 188 Bakery Cuchifritos. Atmosphere is very unique and fun. I have to tell you, their menu is so great, all of the items are really terrific, Cuban Sandwich was my personal favorite. All of the staff are super helpful - you truly feel welcome and taken care of. I will recommend 188 Bakery Cuchifritos to all my friends. read more

I stop here occasionally for lunch because of the cheap prices and delicious food. If you are on Fordham and want authentic food this is definitely the place to go. I especially like their plantains with meat and cheese. Avoid this place during peak hours because everyone and their mom heads here and there is no structure for a line and rather its a hungry crowd of people pushing to the front. The staff are nice and will explain the menu in english if you have questions about the menu. read more

This is a Classic Cuchifrito spot. Not much to see here, I mean if you've got it bad for some deep fried pork, empanadillas, pig foot soup, pollo al carbon & rice & beans, stop in and get your fill for under 10 bucks. I would opt out of 'dining in' as there is heavy foot traffic and not much in the ways of ambiance. Staff is quick and attentive, you are in and out in a few minutes. The pernil (roast pork) is delicious... get extra napkins because it is greasy... as is the nature of Cuchifritos. Buen Provecho. read more

188 Bakery Cuchifritos - Storefront - Bakeries Near Me - Bronx, New York

Wow! Delicious. Tasty rice with beans .. fresh and moist tasty. Had the half chicken, the chicken was moist and slides off the bone. The Pina colada and Ajonjoli drinks were a fabulous addition to the meal. Please go. A wonderful meal. Clean and the ladies are a delight. And I didn't feel stuffed which is great. Delicious plentiful and sabor! read more

I found out about this establishment from my cousin, who lives in upstate NY. I've been there twice already and the food is authentic Latin cuisine. My sister and I ordered the mondongo and morcilla. I will definitely be recommending to family and friends. read more

This has been a favorite place of mine for over 20 years. The food is always great, the service is quick and the prices are well set. The food is fresh, hot and well seasoned. True Puerto Rican food! read more

I ordered a platter of Roasted chickens from this place and I was really appalled by how they price gouged!!! Don't get me wrong the food here is simply delish... I eat here from time to time and the food is always good. But I was charged 75 dollars for a tray of 7 chickens n then charged more for them to cut it for me!! Disappointed that they are price gouging 6 months ago I ordered the same tray of roasted chickens and it was 40 dollars!! read more

A almost extinct breed . This is a real cuchi frito spot . ( I def spelled that wrong) Mofongo steak rice beans . Can't pronounce or spell any of it but I eat it all . Fried chicken is on point too . Def a recommendation for the area read more

Great food excellent price and fast and friendly service. Highly recommend to anyone visiting or local. We love this place.

I was out of my comfort zone on this one. My Puerto Rican friend was raving and raving about this place since she used to live out here. I was a bit unsure of how to go about eating here at first haha. I get social anxiety sometimes... I popped up at the counter and spoke in my rusty Spanish. They understood me well enough. The pernil was slightly dry. It was definitely different than my beloved Mexican food home in CA, but it wasn't bad. What reaaally got me was morir sonando. I had never even heard of that before. It was amazing. The waitress was really friendly and told me how to make it as well since my friend was asking me. Nowhere else I got that drink made it as good as here. read more

Their rice and beans and plantain are always cooked perfectly even though you can tell when it's a different chef. Last year, they handled needing to socially distance pretty well and they're keeping it up now, so I appreciate that. read more

Best Cuchifrito in town!!! The chicken was great. The rice and beans were like home and the morcia was to die for.

After today I am no longer going to go to this Cuchifrito Frito spot anymore. I ordered a pernil and look what I see. read more

188 Bakery Cuchifritos - The Cuero is blue. - Bakeries Near Me - Bronx, New York

The food is good but I just get fried pork chop w rice & beans. Everything is fried. But still good . Very popular spot read more

I grew up in Washington Heights where all the Cuchifrito places are now becoming extinct. I came here because Anthony Bourdaine did, and because it's fairly easy to get to off the 207 St. Exit off the Major Deegan, or cross the 207St. bridge from Manhattan. You better be prepared for the Bronx Experience, LOL! You got all types wandering through here, talking to themselves or complimenting your clothing, which to me means they want to steal it, I'm no fool. The poor Lotto Lady is in a small plexiglass bird cage for protection. Mostly people are here for the super tasty latin food at very affordable prices. Doesn't matter, that's the Bronx, and you are not coming here for the sparse decor, you're coming here for great tasting food and dirt cheap. I bought enough food for 6 people at just under 30 bucks with tax, and it was delicious: 2 Chickens, L Plate of Rice, L Beans, Plate of Yuca w Red Onions, YUM! God Bless the Bronx. read more

Nothing fancy, upscale or swank! Just delicious authentic Puerto Rican food. Been going there since grade school and although I no longer live in NYC, I come back to this spot everytime I visit. Love the oxtails with the arroz con frijoles. The roast chicken and stuffed plaintains are delicious. (I always buy a couple to enjoy on my flight back home) Service is good. Priced just right. Two thumbs up. Please open one here in LA!!! read more

Really good and cheap food at this local cuchifritos!! I love their chicharron and their pernil !! Very good snacks and tasty treats all for very cheap. Be prepared to speak Spanish read more

188 Bakery Cuchifritos - Bakeries Near Me - Bronx, New York

Huge selection of Spanish food. When you first walk in and you see the menu, its kinda tough to choose what you want but once you narrow it down its all well worth looking through the menu. I had a .75 empanada which was big and full of meat and some other deep fried meat stuffed thing. Its great how this place is open till 1am on a Sunday and street parking isn't that tough to find. read more

I was so looking forward to some good frituras. What a disappointment and waste of money. We didn't get everything we paid for and the drive back was just not worth the aggravation of traffic. The frituras were limp and very greasy and don't get me started on the TASTELESS pasteles. Will definitely never go back. read more

3.5 for sure. At night the food that was out all day can taste like plastic or rubbery. But the food is over all good. I will eat here again. read more

I live in Massachusetts since 1999 but I always make a special trip to the Bronx to eat at this Cuchifrito's it's the best !!!!

Good prices!! Great food! Staff kind. The place is always busy but I never have to wait long. Love their Cuban sandwich!!

The best mofongo ever! Definitely authentic and delish. Would recommend to go and try it out.

Just like how I remembered it...this small mom and pa spot can really satisfy. The pig ears were slightly crunchy and wad flavored with a tomato based broth. The rice and half rotisserie chicken was on point as usual! Make sure to ask for garlic sauce to pour over your meal. It gives a kick that's sure to please those taste buds. read more

Chicharon, yuca boyos, enpanadas. Decent prices, HUGE selection of Caribbean food. Regular rice, beans, 88 kinds of meat done 300 different ways. Jugos up the calamazoo. I would say give it a try, if you're really hungry and feel for some Dominican, Puertorican, Cuban meal. read more

This diner offers all of your favorite traditional and greasy latin staples. Many celebrities have eaten there, Anyhony Bourdain even did a segment on this place for one of his shows. The food is great, with my inly exception being the finger foods that are either hit or miss (pastellilos, empanadas, etc) they are often left on the counter for many hours and arent always fresh. read more

The mofongo con chicharron de pollo sin hueso was delicious! I wish I would have purchased another one for breakfast for the next day. I also purchased 10 alcapurrias and those were delicious but a little salty. I would definitely come back here again when I can as this is the old school food I love! read more

188 Bakery Cuchifritos - Mofongo with chicharron de pollo sin hueso - Bakeries Near Me - Bronx, New York

Obviously, cuchifritos means oil fat and lots of butter. I came here with my grandma and got some stuff to go. The yucca balls are really good. The quipes were tasty as well. My favorite part was the chinola juice, it wasn't tangy and overbearingly sweet. It tasted natural and refreshing (although I'm sure it's not natural) it was satisfying. I saw people enjoying a full meal while I was waiting for my order. It was full on a Saturday night at 6pm which also means, this place is probably the place to be. Next time, I'll try the pasteles and pernil with rice. You have to remember that places like these, aren't going to offer you five star service - it's a cuchifrito spot ! But the food is delicious and the ladies behind the counter were patient and helpful. read more

What a disappointing experience. I have went to this establishment to eat alcapurrias, papa de relleno and pig ear soup. I requested some alcapurrias de guineo; they told me that they dont even make those. What a let down since its the most popular. Instead I had alcapurrias de yuca which were only okay. Then I had the most tasteless papa de relleno. What ever oil they used to make that papa was old. Then moving to the pig ear soup which was also bland. The bananas were still undercooked and nowhere near to perfection. As for the service; I was attended quickly. However, my waiter seemed exhausted and boy, she didn't crack a smile for nothing. Overall, not a great place to eat simple P.R traditional food. This place is hyped and overrated. read more

I'm not Dominican but this food is crate here are some pictures so yah can see how it is . the food is grate, there is a variety of food and I was crazy looking at it . So I decided to buy what ever look delicious to me . and I don't regret it. The food is so good . THE ONLY BAD THING IS THAT THEY DON'T DO DELIVERY. read more

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I highly recommend this place. Food is always fresh. I normally buy the combo dishes. Very good and well worth it. The only difference w/ other locations that sell the combo is the 2 liter soda bottle. They don't include the soda. read more

Really really disappointed. It's clearly not the same as when Anthony Bourdain visited the place. This is NOT authentic Caribbean food , much less Puerto Rican food. Firstly , the cooks seem to be non Puerto Rican and hence don't use the seasonings and spices used for Puerto Rican food. The rice and stews are very bland and are not tasty. The fried food seemed to be to oily and are not sufficiently drained off when finished frying. The alcapurrias are made of mostly yautia and cassava are full of oil and taste non authentic and bad. The portions are very small and the prices are high. I had a black rice (Moro) which was bland and a dried non tasty pernil. Secondly I had soup that was filled with oil and I had to throw it out since it upset my stomach. The last time I went there I had a mofongo with fried chicken and it was very small and the chicken was small. Very very disappointed. After that I haven't gone in and probably won't come back either. The place looks very dirty and doesn't look sanitized. The attendants for the most are nice and courteous, though are some that can be rude and not friendly. All in all , I don't recommend this place at all. Really big letdown. read more

Clean... fried foods at there worst but I don't come here for healthy options. Good overall.

Being OVERLY GENEROUS, I'm awarding a One Star rating! I went to restaurant after seeing Anthony Bordain's television show. Well, I suspect that this place is suffering from their own success, in that they probably now produce a greater volume of food and almost inevitably the quality suffers. Also, as other reviewers have stated starting early 2016, the restaurant may have changed ownership, and not for the good. While there are reasonable prices and a good selection, things are not as they seem... "Fresh Jugos" are made from powdered drink packages seen below the counter near the drink dispenser. Cuchifritos are so overcooked and hard that it hurt both my teeth and jaw and I threw out all but two bites. The yellow rice was so dry, I cannot help but think that it was not made on the same day it was served. Mofongo al Pilon was not only near tasteless, but was both bitter and very, very dry! The Alcapurias were so oily they could be squeezed like a sponge, and were actually 'rubbery' in texture, not acceptable. Lastly, I did not detect any fish in the Bacalaitos, only greasy dough! I probably ended up throwing out more than 80% of my entire takeout order. I think that along with limited seating they are very happy when you get your food to go, because you will not be there to complain in person!!! {Date/time of visit 3:00 pm Sunday, June 25, 2017} read more

Cuchifrito is Puerto Rican soul food and boy this place doesn't let you down. It reminds me so much of Puerto Rico from the Relleno de Papa, Alcapurrias, Pastelillos etc. The specialty of the place is fried food, so I'd recommend any of the previously mentioned foods plus Chicharrones de Pollo con Hueso and Chuletas Frita. If you want to take a trip to Puerto Rico without paying for a flight and hotel, come in here and get a little taste of it. read more

One of the best puertorican foodstop in the bronx. The food was amazing. They had a variety to choose from. The only thing i did not like was that there was really nowhere to sit. But other than that, 2thumbs up read more

If this place just served empanadas, pernil, yellow rice & beans only, it's all good for me. My goal is to hit as many cuchifrito spots in the Bronx as possible. Game on! Yes, this review is going to be quite short just like my patience for getting back here. read more

How can you complain about an empanada that costs 75 cents?! I stopped in here for a little fried snack one night before a concert at the Paradise Theater around the corner and got a very tasty and flaky little beef empanada for less than a buck. Sure, it could have had a bit more filling (I actually tossed away some of the extra dough), but for that price it was worth it. The ladies behind the counter seemed a bit shocked to see a white girl walk into their store, and they did speak limited English, but they kept the line moving quickly and efficiently. read more

A true abundance. The largest selection of drinks, food, and hand painted signs I have ever seen in the Puerto Rican/NYC style. Quality is very good and the turnover is max so whatever it is, it will be fresh. You'll get a top 5 NYC version of every item on the menu here.The staff are very nice and there's no concern about language barriers as long as you know English or Spanish. read more