Delicious authentic food. Relaxed ambiance…read more Good service. No complaints. Large portions, too!

"Delicious Honduran food just south of I-85 on Guess Rd in Durham"…read more Came here on a Saturday evening a little after 6pm-- this is the building that used to be "Pad Thai" a few years ago. There's parking out front, but not a ton, and a bit more along the side. Inside, there's a counter by the door with a register and mints (and probably where one would pickup takeout), but you wait to get seated. The place was bright with interesting Central American paintings and lively music. A few tables were taken but it was hardly what I'd call "busy". I ordered the Tajada con carne molida (fried plantains with ground beef) off the "Honduran menu". My dining partner had a creamy chicken mofongo. We also had Jarritos sodas-- I got the pineapple and she had the tamarind. One awkwardness was that the menu didn't have any prices, but I assumed (correctly) that nothing would be crazy expensive that we ordered (though weirdly the tamarind and pineapple Jarritos were different prices). Service was good-- although English was a second language, our server made do, accurately took our order, and was attentive. As other reviewers noted, this is not a speedy place-- I think it was at or maybe over 20 minutes to get our food, but that was fine. Both dishes were really good. The creamy sauce on the mofongo was to-die-for... so yummy. And I enjoyed my plantain/ beef dish-- my dining partner said it was somewhat analogous to "nachos" in a funny way, and she's not wrong. The plantains were pretty stiff-- almost like plantain chips, but still yummy, and the beef and accompaniments were excellent (see photo). The quantity was HUGE-- both of us had enough easily for a second meal. Price wasn't bad-- with the drinks and tax and tip, it was slightly over $50 total. Overall, I'm very happy we tried this place, and I have every intention of coming back.

Was hanging out in Durham and decided to check out this spot. I got the vegetarian Cuban sandwich…read morewhich I have not seen at many other places and the yuca fries. The sandwich itself was okay. Was very salty and the flavor seemed off slightly but overall decent. The yuca fries were a good choice with the dipping sauce that comes with it. The space inside is spacious with plenty of seats when we went. The staff is friendly and helpful with any questions you may have. You can also order online to go. For parking, you can park on the street or deck parking. Prices were slightly higher than expected but appropriate for downtown Durham. Overall, a cool restaurant with a variety of options. Unsure if I will come back but recommend trying it if you are in the area.

Cool way to celebrate a birthday.... Have a food truck cater the party! The Spanglish crew served…read moreup some delicious Latin cuisine. Started with the pernil mallorca melt... mouthwatering pork roast, slow-cooked & fork tender, on sweet-ish mallorca bread with melted cheese and a spoonful or two of the pork juices. Excellent. Next, a Cuban sandwich. The same pork roast, this time with as slice of ham, Swiss cheese and sliced pickles, slathered with mustard on pressed mallorca bread. A great rendition of a Tampa-style Cuban but missing that Cuban bread. Also tried a trio of empanadas. The beef is a hearty mix of chunky beef, well spiced, juicy and tender. The chicken is chunks of white meat, with slivers of carrots and other vegetables. A little more bland than the beef, but still flavorful, moist and tender. Each was ensconsed in a traditional half moon pastry and fried deep, golden brown. Not at all greasy, these were crunchy, savory and delicious. Honorable mention to the s'mores empanada. The same half moon pastry, stuffed with chocolate, marshmallow and graham cracker, then deep fried. WAY better than your standard cookout s'mores; these were decadent and sweet. The perfect dessert to top off the meal. Be on the lookout for this food truck. Really good food - fresh and delicious.

Went to Punta Cana's due to a recommendation. We were the only ones there to dine inside. There was…read moresomeone leaving with a pick-up order. It was the Friday after Thanksgiving. The waitress was friendly and let us sit wherever we wanted. It was bright and colorful inside. Beautiful DR inspired art covered the walls in the form of a mural and there was a small bar with a TV. They were out of quite a few items like the Oxtail and only had Tilapia fish despite having red snapper on the menu. Not sure if they sold out earlier in the day or hadn't restocked the restaurant. We started with drinks. 2 of us ordered the Sangria and another one ordered the Grenadine Margarita. The drinks are the reason they're only getting 4 stars. We all agreed that we didn't think there was any alcohol in them. The Sangria clearly had concord grape juice in it (very distinct taste). The friend who recommended the restaurant stated that it was different that the last time she was there and that the last time was not during a happy hour. I would rather get a quality product at full price instead of a discounted mediocre one for half price. For food, we started with beef empanadas and shared one chicken and cheese. They were hot and fresh wkth well seasoned meat and flakey crust. For my entree I ordered the Pernil Mangu. The Mangu was garlicky just like I like it. Ithey made it fresh because we could hear them pounding it. We all got different variations of the Mangu and it was all served in the same sauce. It was ok. It was a bit waterybut fulfilled it's purpose of preventing the dish from being dry. The Pernil was super flavorful. I do wish I could have gotten some pieces of crispy skin in it. My frinds got the shrimp and the chicharron. They were both good. The Chicharronwas perfectly seasoned and crispy!! Overall a good meal with plenty of leftovers. I definitely recommend.

We were on our way to another store and the smell caught our attention. We decided to duck into the…read morebuilding to see what was going on. We went entered it was clean, smelled really good, and surprisingly no other customers in the restaurant. The owner/manager told us we just missed the crowd (I actually checked on IG and there was a large crowd before - but had left right before we arrived). At first, we were just going to check out the menu. However, the staff started talking to us and showing some of the different entrees they had for the evening. We decided why not? So, we were instructed to sit down and they would come over. Once we made ourselves comfortable, the staff starting bring out samples of various drinks/juices that they offered for us to try. Very sweet gesture and the Soursop was amazing! We reviewed the menu with the owner/manager and decided on our entrees. While awaiting, chips and salsa was brought out for us to enjoy. The salsa was good, the chips didn't taste homemade, and the ketchup/mayo I could go without. Overall a good little snack while you wait (the salsa and chips). It didn't take long for us to be brought our meal. Everything was hot and fresh. Now, if you are looking for steakhouse tender steak, this ain't it. You need not even come with that mindset - this is like having a meal with your family. The potato salad, the potato.salad. my my my lol that's all I have for it! Just know, you are here to enjoy the local flavors of a different culture in Wilson. They nailed taking you to their native land via the food, the service, and the music. If loud music bothers you - you might want to take that into consideration. It doesn't bother me, but I know for some it might not do well for their dining experience.

Rating based on: Consistency, Cleanliness, Quality, Taste, and Presentation…read more Let me be REAL with you....I walked into Che Empanadas thinking this was some ordinary empanada spot. I was magnificently WRONG. This place is absolutely BANGING, and I'm so glad I found it tucked away here in Raleigh, NC. First up, the Beef Empanada. Listen. The meat is juicy, tender, seasoned with what I can only describe as impeccable love. The crust? Flaky, moist, golden perfection. Ground beef, onions, peppers, olives....every bite hits different. You can TELL they put their heart into this.... Then I tried the Dino Cheese....a scrumptious four-cheese blend wrapped in that same magnificent golden crust, dipped in their Chimichurri sauce, and oh my GOD. The flavor combo is luscious beyond words. That chimi hits like a flavor bomb and elevates every single bite. Now let me keep it honest with you because you know I'm a REAL one....in the pictures, the empanadas look a lot bigger than what they are in person. But with that said, if you have the urge to put up a couple extra dollars, this experience is WORTH it. Every. Single. Penny. The Knish....a Jewish-Argentinian classic with homemade potato and caramelized onion wrapped in flaky dough....MELTS in your mouth. I'm telling you, it's worth the drive alone. Scrumptious doesn't even begin to cover it. And the sweets? The Cubana....guava and cream cheese pastry....is luscious, buttery, and hits that perfect sweet spot. The Alfajor de Chocolate....dulce de leche sandwiched between crispy chocolate wafers and dipped in chocolate....absolutely MAGNIFICENT. Sumptuous is right. I tried about 80% of the menu and everything was delicious. And believe me, I KNOW good bakeries. I grew up a few blocks from Delancey Street in NYC....you feel me? I've been to more bakeries than I can count, and Che Empanadas? It takes the cake. The presentation is clean, the packaging is on point, and you can taste the authenticity in every bite. This isn't some mass-produced nonsense....this is handcrafted, Argentine soul food done RIGHT. Do yourself a favor. Go. Now. RIGHT NOW.. for a religious experience and I don't even care if you're atheist or not this place will blow your mind away.!

Che Empanadas is located inside Transfer Co. Food Hall on the southern edge of downtown Raleigh…read more Coming from North Raleigh, it's a bit of a trek, but Transfer Co. has become a regular destination for us despite the drive. Parking can usually be found outside, but on the Sunday morning we visited, the lot and nearby street spaces were full. I circled back to Chavis Way, where parking is more reliable, and from there a short trail leads straight into the food hall. There was no line, and our order was taken promptly. We started with: Bacon, Egg & Cheese Empanada Sausage, Egg & Cheese Empanada At $9.20 + tax and tip for two, it was a light but flavorful start. The empanadas were so good that we each went back for another round, bringing the total to $18.40 + taxes and tip for two empanadas each which was plenty of food for breakfast. The empanadas themselves were excellent: flaky crusts, generous fillings, and thoughtful seasoning. Both flavors were outstanding, and in past visits we've had the same experience with other varieties. Seating was plentiful inside the hall, and water is available in the center. Servie is prompt and friendly. In my opinion, these are the best empanadas in the triangle, and maybe the best we've ever had. Highly recommended.

Friendly quick service. Explanation of choices was excellent. The food came out quickly and was…read moredelicious.

I've had this placed saved to try for a while and finally got the opportunity to try it out on a…read morerandom Wednesday. The space is large with plenty of seating and also bar seating. You order your food at the front (bar) and then grab a seat wherever you want. I got a mango margarita which they didn't skimp on the tequila in it! Was sweet enough where I didn't notice at first how much tequila was in it (a win in my book). For dinner, I got the pernil w/cuero which was full of flavor. Tostones were nice and crunchy without being greasy. The rice was just okay, I prefer a bit more sazon and sofrito. I think this restaurant would do well in a more inhabited area instead of connected to the mall but the guy working stated they do very well on the weekends, so I hope it brings them continued business!

Visiting or local residents, my first experience at Gold Lounge was spectacular. I arrived at 5pm…read moreon a Friday, greeted with a magnificent smile, seated comfortably and ordered a delicious dish called mondongo (not mofongo). The dish was prepared with loved and a touch of fill ole Dominican slices and flavoring. The food was prepared and delivered within 7minutes! This was a superior dining experience and they've acquired a new customer that loved Dominican food.

The drag performers were AMAZING, however, we paid $60 per ticket just to have the show last only…read more45 minutes. We couldn't get change for bills at the bar, which you'd think with a drag show being hosted that they'd have cash on hand for customers. The drinks were severely expensive for just a typical sized drink and we requested a double shot several times just to not be given one. It was a friend's birthday, and the DJ asked if we would feel comfortable moving OUT of VIP so that someone else could sit there when those seats were ours. The menus were in a different language, which is completely fine, however none of us could understand it, and when we asked the bartender for some help, she had no idea what it said either and was unable to assist us. Everyone was super nice, just a lot of confusion and disorganization with the entire event. We still had fun, but don't think we'll be returning or recommending this to others.

Kumbala is Caribbean and Latin-inspired restaurant and bar offering a Latin American cuisine menu,…read moreoffering dine-in, takeout, and delivery.  I came here for the first time with a team member and had a good experience with the food and service. This place is Dominican inspired with many options on the menu. We ordered the chicken soup with rice and mofongo and soursop drinks. Everything was better than we expected! I mean, it was really good.  The vibe of the place felt very diverse and Latino and felt family friendly and informal. There is plenty of free parking. Overall, 100% recommended for some good Latin food.

My dad was craving Mondongo (beef tripe soup), I called two places before this to confirm if they…read morehad it and only Kumbala did. He said he was delicious and wants to go back! I had the very popular 3 Golpes with Dominican longaniza. Everything tasted very authentic. I will definitely be back.