I've been going to La Isla since I was a child, and it honestly warms my heart to see this place…read morestill standing strong. To survive the sands of time and continue feeding the community the way they do says everything. La Isla is more than a restaurant--it's family. It's home. It's el barrio. I have my all-time favorites that I've been ordering since childhood, and this visit was no different. I wanted pasteles with rice and a coco drink, and that's exactly what I got. No disappointments, just comfort food done right. The food is always good, the atmosphere feels familiar and welcoming, and the service is fast and solid. Walking into La Isla feels like being back home, like being surrounded by family, even if you're just stopping in for a quick meal. If you know, you know. And if you don't--this is your sign to go experience it.

Their cuchifritos are good. Alcapurria, bacalitos, relleno de papa. Food? Nope. It tastes like…read morethere wasn't no love put into it. El Nuevo Caribeno over on 105th & Lex is the better bet. just order or get there at noon. Go to these places at NOON. Throughout the day the food ain't as good at most of these places.

Alright. So this is my official review for La Fonda -- the restaurant I told y'all is connected to…read moreAbuelita's Desserts. Same location, same love, same culture. First of all, sometimes I don't even realize how Puerto Rican I am until it's time to eat. And then it hits me. Heavy. If you know, you know. My mom and I had been low-key grieving this old Chinito Spanish spot on 116th that we grew up on. That place was a staple. Birthdays, celebrations, random Sundays -- we were there. And the chuletas? Elite. The Spanish food was honestly better than the Chinese food, and it was that beautiful cultural fusion that only East Harlem really understands. Asian families who lived in Puerto Rico, speaking Spanish, cooking with that blend of spices -- it was magic. When it closed, it felt like we lost a piece of home. So ever since, we've been like... where are we getting our chuletas now? And let me explain something very clearly: when it comes to a Rican and her chuletas, we do not play games. Don't tell me you make a good pork chop and then serve me something dry or bland. No ma'am. I'm looking for: * That crisp but tender edge. * The smell that hits you before the plate even lands. * The cebolla on top. * The juices already doing what they need to do so I don't have to add a single thing. * That perfect bite when the rice and chuleta meet on the fork. So when we saw La Fonda attached to Abuelita's, we were curious. A guy inside was recommending dishes, saying he comes all the time for lunch. My mom spots "chuletas" on the menu and immediately says, "Let's try it." And I'm nervous. Because what if it's not right? What if it's breaded? I didn't want breaded. I just wanted it fried. Simple. Classic. Done correctly. Baby. When I tell you I was NOT disappointed? I have found my new chuleta spot. Perfectly fried. Flavorful. Juicy. That bite with the rice? Exactly what I've been missing. You can choose your rice. My mom got yellow rice with red beans. I asked for the rice of the day -- and listen, that rice of the day was a moment. Yellow rice mixed with little pieces of chicharrón, some plátano in there, beans -- just layered with flavor. That's the kind of rice you don't leave behind. My mom also ordered the corn fritters. Did I taste them? No. Because she tore them down before I could blink. And when my mom goes quiet and just wolfs her plate? I already know it's good. The ambiance? Beautiful. The bar area feels very Puerto Rican -- colorful, warm, nostalgic. On the other side, there's spacious seating if you want to dine in properly. It's quaint but roomy. Comfortable. It feels like somewhere you can celebrate something or just come in on a random Tuesday because you need good food. And the food? Delicious. Period. If you're looking for authentic Puerto Rican food in East Harlem that actually hits the way it's supposed to hit, go to La Fonda. Try it. Get the chuletas (trust me). And then come back and tell me what you think. Because these spots? They have my heart.

La Fonda, Puerto Rican Restaurant is located in East Spanish Harlem on East 106 St. between…read moreLexington & 3rd Ave's., closer to 3rd Ave. La Fonda looks small but when you walk inside they have a nice big long bar, in the back there's a small stage where performers play & sing Spanish music on certain days. Then you have the long dining area with many tables along both walls. The place is well lit, clean & tastefully decorated with its PuertoRican theme. The staff is bilingual, friendly & quick. The traditional Puerto Rican food is delicious, especially the tender Pernil (Roast Sliced Pork) & Arroz con Gandules (Rice & Pigeon Peas). The Cocktails are good as well. They also cater to private events. So if you're visiting Spanish Harlem go in & enjoy. Good for an intimate dinner for 2, families & groups.

Yum! This place was within walking distance of where I was staying and my friend recommended it to…read moreme. All the other restaurants were jampacked with people watching the FIFA games. This place didn't have a TV so we were able to grab a seat and some food. Their chicken Chicharron is absolutely delicious. Arroz con gandulees also a hit. There is plenty of seating which I appreciate when all the other places are so small. I went back again.

Decent food needs more flavor and seasoning though honestly but I'll definitely try it one more…read moretime to give it another chance

I had family coming to visit and they requested for PR food…read more Then It hit me, there's no more puertorican food places left! If you really think about it the Dominican food has taken over the Bx. I searched, and found this place. The moment you step in you are greeted with the warmest blessings. The 2 beautiful people that worked there made our time there so memorable. The food was out of this world let me tell you. Also, I will say it is AFFORDABLE. portion size was huge and the place was so CLEAN. Food: Pernil: 10/10 flavorful and tender Yellow (arroz con gandules) and Black rice with the beans: 10/10 both were good and couldn't even decide which one was better Pulpo 9/10 : fresh and tangy, cut into small pieces so you can top it on your rice Alcapurrias: 8/10 great and made differently then what I'm used to but it was sooo good I'd come again for this alone Juices: Ask them to try the juices and they will let you. We tried it all. Came home with passion fruit (parcha) and guyaba (guanabana) Delicious 10/10 It was so fresh and they don't add too much ice so you get all the juice taste. All in all I'm coming here from now on. A true BX staple for the community and a true essence of the Bori pride resides here. If you miss PR, come here.

Took an hour to receive burnt to a crisp alcapuria. Absolutely the worst representation of puerto…read morerican food. Run away!

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.

Never go here. If you do end up visiting this less‑than‑stellar establishment, avoid the bistec…read moreencebollado at all costs. I'm not even sure what kind of meat they used, but it definitely wasn't cubed steak. The pork chops were fried far too hard, the rice started off promising but quickly fell flat, and the beans were just okay--they serve white beans, and I'm used to pink. The alcapurria was passable, but the masa was mediocre and the filling wasn't beef; it tasted more like chicken or turkey. Honestly, disregard this entire review and save yourself the trouble--don't even bother coming to the 116th St. cuchifritos.

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.

Our waitress was friendly, attentive, and provided excellent service. Unfortunately, the same…read morecouldn't be said for the host and the kitchen staff, who seemed almost annoyed that we had walked in and asked for a table???? Hopefully it was just an off day. The food was okay, but it didn't quite live up to my expectations. The arroz con gandules was on the dry side, and the meat could have used more seasoning, particularly salt, to bring out the flavor. Overall, it wasn't a bad meal, but it wasn't memorable enough for me to make the trip again. While I'd like to believe this was an off day, based on this experience I probably wouldn't go out of my way to return. Super excited to try the food but did not meet expectations. Restaurant itself is small and cute. Sounds of coqui in the bathroom.

OK for a quick bite but lacking flavor. Was in the area so…read moreit was quick and easy, but wouldn't recommend coming here

Don't eat here, I ask for an order of chicken stew and rice , in separate containers and she has…read morethe nerve to ask me only put 2 pieces of chicken and I'm like what I want an order a plate so proceeded to give me with no carrots , potatoes sauce like bro I'm not new here do you know what chicken stew omg lol been eating in this neighbor for over 30 years never I get charge $15 for 2 pieces of chicken and rice like lady was buggin looking at me saying the sign says bro no where sign says 2 pieces of chicken this ain't. KFC I had to walk out what a disgrace to Spanish Harlem the old owners were way down to earth lol sorry guys the only cuchifritos left is 104 th and 3rd la isla and 116 between 3 rd and lex the originals spot .

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.