I've been eyeing this place on my delivery app for a while and I finally ordered last night. The menu has so many tasty sounding dishes that it was hard to decide what to order, but I eventually decided on the ham and cheese sandwich, fried chicken and sweet plantains, beef/onions and rice with pigeon peas, and alcapurria. They offer different sizes for the meals so I chose small portions of each to try a few different options, but each helping was still quite large! The total for all of this food ended up being around $25 also so it was an amazing deal. The food itself was AMAZING: Ham and cheese sandwich - with lettuce, tomato, onions, and mayo, this sounds basic but it was SO GOOD. The bread was pressed down and nice and toasty, and the proportions of the ingredients were just spot on. A really great and affordable hot sandwich! Fried chicken and sweet plantains - the chicken was a little older since I ordered at the end of the day, but there was still enough moisture in it that it wasn't dry. The batter was also really well seasoned with different herbs and spices - it had a really nice rounded flavor rather than just being salty. The plantains were also nice and caramelized - a perfect sweet bite! Beef/onions and rice with pigeon peas - The beef was a little bit dry but still full of flavor and felt like it had been cooking in the sauce for a while so it was pretty tender. The rice and pigeon peas were really really good though - I will likely choose this as my side moving forward. Not sure how to describe it but it was really flavored with spices but not overly powerful in any direction. Really delicious rice. Alcapurria - My favorite! I had these in Puerto Rico and this version was nicely crisped with a ton of flavored minced meat in the center. The texture was spot on and just so savory and memorable. I want to go back to try the chicharrons, the tres leches cake, the chicken stew, the empanadas, and so many more things on this menu. It's really a gold mine for dishes and so so so delicious! read more

La Lechonera Restaurant - Ham and cheese sandwich, fried chicken and sweet plantains, beef/onions and rice with pigeon peas, and alcapurria - Latin American Near Me - Roslindale, Massachusetts

Man I haven't been to this place in over 12-15 years. On the way home we felt like eating some authentic Caribbean food so we stopped in. Place is under different management but the food still hits! Service was great also.Definitely will be back in the near future. read more

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" The food is ok , not great " The food here is ok ,( fills a hungry stomach ) but it's not great. We got the pernil , arroz de guandule, & plátano . The plátanos were dry . The rice tasted ok not great , was dry . We also got the empanadas de carne ( beef ). Those were really good and cheap. The service is friendly. The vibe is welcoming and warm . They have a small parking lot so parking is not an issue . I will come back for the beef empanadas if ever in this area. read more

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Love this place! I am always here at 930 when they open to get my pastelito and a morir sonando. The pastelitos were really good at a point , then they were dry, but now they're back tasting better than ever. All of their food is good here, good portions and fairly priced. I also love that they are able to speak English and Spanish to accommodate more people in the area. Service is quick but there's only one or two small tables to eat inside. read more

Hole-in-the-wall goodness! Soooo glad to have found this spot for Puerto Rican cuisine. We got takeout from here. Since this was our first time, we weren't sure what the process was to order. The girl behind the counter was friendly and incredibly helpful. She explained how you order food at the counter, showed me all the daily prepared dishes, the meal sizes, and answered any questions I had. I got a chicken stew over yellow rice (large size), mix veggies (small size) - yucca, plantain, onion, and two chicken empanadas. Oof, everything was delicious and portions were plentiful. The chicken was perfectly done and well seasoned. The rice had pigeon peas, yum. The plain tender veggies balanced the saltiness of the rice and the stew. The empanadas were crispy, larger in size than anywhere else I've seen, and filled with considerable and tasty filling. Next time we go in, the plan is to order some dishes that they'll prepare for us vs buying only what's available on the counter, eg, they have mofongo with shrimp and I have to try that! read more

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The quality of the food went down and prices went up. I order the peril with yellow rice this afternoon. The rice was stale and the peril was very dry. It left an unpleasant taste in my mouth. This wasn't worth the commute. I'm highly disappointed. It used to be so good. Now I have a gut full of bullshit. read more

This place makes authentic Puerto Rican food from the fritters and fried pork to the yellow rice with pigeon peas (arroz con gandules). If you want to know what Chicken noodle soup really can be then do yourself a favor and get a bowl. The Roast Pork (pernil) is a flavor bomb with typical seasoning of garlic sour orange and oregano. Everything is good and authentically prepared. I heartily recommend this place. read more

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Everything I bought was delicious and authentic felt like it was made by my Mami. The service was good , remember it's a small place with really very little sitting area, the place was clean. read more

La Lechonera Restaurant - Menu - Latin American Near Me - Roslindale, Massachusetts

Really Really good alcapurrias Good Moncillas I love this place !!! If you want real Puerto Rican food you come to this restaurant !!! read more

How does this restaurant not have more reviews. What?! I went to a a friend from work's daughther's quinceñera last weekend and had some bomb-dot-com crispy pork belly and pork shoulder. I had to ask the next day who made them because I couldn't stop thinking about it and she said she got it catered from this restaurant. There was also empanadas which was done by the time I got to the head of the food line. I heard those were really good so I'm jealous of all who got to have it. I need to make a stop out here to the restaurant one day because that fried chicken from a google review looking real good read more

We got takeout last night. The arroz con gandules was dry and had no flavor. The pernil was extremely dry, flavorless, inedible and seemed overcooked and old. The tostones were chewy and not crisp. The bacalaitos were hot, greasy and delicious! The one good thing. This is the closest Puerto Rican place near us and we're very disappointed. read more

The food was awesome had great customer service and I will definitely come back when I'm back in Boston!!

Great Puerto Rican food alcapurrias are very good and so is the arroz con gandules. New owners same great food

Amazing top of the line Dominican food. Clean and sabrosa ( tasty). Try the arroz con gandules y pollo guisado. Famous also for their alcapurrias ( see photos) read more

Last Saturday, I was in the area and recalled wanting to try La Lechonera for a long time. These folks can cook! Not only the flavors of each dish were incredible but also, the cooking execution was outstanding. The Camarones and rice, Arroz con Guandules, and Mondongo with vegetables and potatoes were perfectly cooked. The skin of the Pernil was crispy and delicious. However, the dish at first was dry. We snipped off the crispy skin and put the meat in a double boiler for ten minutes...and that started the juices flowing. The flavor was delicious. I ordered the Lechon...but only found one rib with no skin and very little meat packed in the container with the Pernil. The staff was very nice. I will definitely return! read more

Best alcapurrias in boston hands down!! Being coming to this place for years and consistently great.

I know this restaurant because I drive past La Lechonera on my way to work, and Latinx colleagues ask me to pick up lunch for them! They assure me that the recipes are authentic and delicious. I certainly like the offerings I've tried myself: stewed chicken, beef stew, and side dishes like tostones and empanadas. Ask for dipping sauce for the tostones. I was pleasantly surprised by "Pionono" - sweet plantain stuffed with ground beef, unusual for me and very tasty. There might be a wait because of lunch hour rush or cooked-to-order items. It's worth it. I appreciate that the counter staff is smiling and helpful to this "blanquita." read more

BF was craving Alcapurria's and someone told him he can get them here, so one morning I was out running errands and I stopped in to get some & surprise him. Got some Pastelillos and Chicharrónes and was on my way. OMG everything was bomb, the girl working was super friendly and helped with everything and was even nice to my crazy 3 year old that was running around like he had no sense! Parking is right there, there are some tables inside & Food is def authentic & Fresh. Check it out when in the area. read more

Amazing food. Wish you could order online but that's my only complaint. Otherwise. Fantastic food. 12/10. High recommend.

This is the second time we've eaten at the café - both times really enjoyed our lunch meal. The pernil (I was told this is roasted leg or shoulder part of the pig) was tender and juicy. The lechon (I was told rib and belly part of the pig) was equally juicy. Both meats could have used a bit more garlic. We also ordered a mofongo with garlic sauce - it was freshly made and with just the right amount of garlic - delicious. This place serves very good Puerto Rican food. The food is unpretentious and is cheap. We had 1/2 Lb of pernil, 1/2 Lb of lechon, yellow rice, mofongo, fried yucca, and papa rellena, for under $30. Though I still miss the lechon that is served in restaurants in Guavate or at Bebo's Café near San Juan airport, this place is the closest thing to that in Boston. In Bronx, we like El Nuevo Bohio. read more

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The food served here will take you back to Puerto Rico. The food is fresh and made to order. The service is friendly and courteous. A must if you're in the area. I will definitely return. A++ read more

La Lechonera Restaurant - What a great spot! - Latin American Near Me - Roslindale, Massachusetts

la comida no pude probarla fui con unos compañeros de trabajo ,no tienen baño para lavarse las manos ósea hay que comer con las manos sucias ,una señora de unos 45 años fue grosera conmigo,el grupo entero decidimos irnos a Macdonald porque teníamos hambre pero primero teníamos que lavarnos las manos porque ese día trabajamos en la calle read more

Love Lechonera. Favorites are chicken stew, Spanish rice & beans (with stew broth) & beef empanadas. I don't like their chicken empanadas but one of my kids does. Another loves the ham & cheese. read more

This place has really great service. Almost every time I enter I am welcomed with a smile unless it's really jam packed and busy. Though small, the restaurant has about 4-5 tables for eating in, which is cool. The place is always clean and organized which is always a good thing in a small environment. I'm not much of an adventurous eater so I order what I like here which is usually either: Empanadas Rice and peas Stew chicken Chiccharron Fried chicken (too oily for my taste) AND last, but certainly not least, Tres Leché which is homemade and de-li-cious! The prices are a smidge high but worth every buck in taste. They are family run so I support small businesses and don't mind paying more to show love for their grind, quality ingredients and food made with care. My only critique would be that they need more veggie options. Otherwise, La Lechonera meets my expectations for a quality, local business. read more

The pernil here is the best in Boston. I like the stuffed sweet plantain and empanadas as well. The owner seems nice and prices are low for the amount of food you get there. Definitely one of my favorite spots to grub out at. read more

La Lechonera Restaurant - bacalao with yuca,plantanos maduros and stewed potatos. - Latin American Near Me - Roslindale, Massachusetts

Great Spanish food. The food is fresh and the staff is friendly. Always plenty of parking.

Bad attitude from the owner. She didn't even say hi. The empadillas or pastelillos de carne was full of oil and cold. Obviously old food. Was no much left to buy since everything looks bad. A shame for a Puerto Rican restaurant. Is an embarrassment for our culture. read more

To begin please note that this resturant was /is orginally a Dominican and not a Puerto Ricans restaurant. The food is very delicious and unlike other Etnic cousin their foos is not Salty! Wow what a relife. Speically for those of us having high blood pressure and those allergic to salt.. I suffer from both issues hence I really enjoy eating here. Since A word says more than thousand pictures, please refer to the pictures That I posted from my last visit, when I purchased large amount of varaity of food for our pre-thanks giving party. The ambiance is okey nothing fancy but comfortable and friendly. The owner Chris is very friendly an accommodating. The only negative point is that not all staff speak or understand English or basic English, so placing phone order for those of us not speaking spanish can be hard and sometimes impossible. While there ask for their unlisted menus! Things like charcoal roasted pig shouldersthat is so dangerously delicious. I highly recommend The Lachonera Resrurant in Rosendale, MA read more

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If you don't know the definition of disgusting you just need visit this place & find out!Not good service the owner or manager lack of ethic! I order the pernil with Fries & the pernil was not well cook (read areas in all the pernil o got )the fries all greasy & soggy, my friend order this plate shrimp &chicharrón mofongo this plate was tasting like if something expired was use to made it,the must crazy part the boil of Beens I order !! Their were SWEEEET !! When we try to talk to the manager or owner she told me that if we have never try a food we should order a small portion first, I'm just like excuse me I'm Dominican and she is Puerto Rica we very well Know what we ordering!they don't know what they serving there &plus facing in the wrong way the customers! As an extra she make us pay the half of the food we didn't even ate , government should close that spot #gross read more

Really small spot, not much seating but the food is delicious and the people that work here are super nice!!!! Prices are reasonable Definitely a "to go spot" and highly recommended read more

Small spot with not much seating. Typical PR joint with empanadas and y relleno. The food is much better than the the condition of the building. Pernil and rice is the go to dish. read more

Since this establishment has exchanged ownership I've seen it go down, I went there today for a Cuban sandwich and it took them approximately 45 minutes before they brought out the sandwiches, my wife asked for a milkshake de Papaya and it was nothing even close to it, the food finally was served, the sandwiches were good read more

La Lechonera Restaurant - Soda India (grape/Uva) - Latin American Near Me - Roslindale, Massachusetts

I ordered a Cuban this afternoon on a Sunday around 11:45 and waited 35 minutes for a terrible sandwich

My star rating is not quite what I will now articulate. As far as the service, ambiance & the food I'd give the Lechonera between 4-4 1/2. The price/portion ratio could be more generous to the seemingly, working class clientele that frequents the restaurant at times I am there. read more

This place is consistent in the food quality no matter what time of the day you go. The employees are friendly and helpful to the non spanish speaking folks like my husband. The place is small,clean,and quiet. The prices are decent also. Try it you will not be disappointed. read more

Difficult to communicate with people behind the counter when none of them spoke a word of English + the food was mediocre. I asked for the "large pork leg." This was to distinguish what I wanted from the "pork ribs" on the menu. The woman serving me did not understand and thought I wanted a large box of yellow rice. Once she asked me if that was all (after filling a to-go container with 2 lbs of yellow rice that I did not order), I said, "...um, no, large pork leg." After a lot of back and forth with no real understanding, she grabbed a menu from behind the counter for me to point out what I want. She then gets me what I ordered. I asked her if the pork leg came with rice and she said no. I then asked for a small container of yellow rice. She prepared that for me. We also asked for a savory pastry from the case and she got that for us. The total came to over $25, which seemed very high but we paid and left. When we got home, we realized we paid for and received the enormous container of yellow rice that we did not order. Honestly, very frustrating experience. Now, how was the food? Meh. The pork was salty as hell-- and don't start with me-- I'm from Central Florida and I've been to Puerto Rico. I know how Puerto Ricans salt and season their food. This pork was salty by most Caribbean and South American standards. Though it was tasty, it was tough to get down much of it. The yellow rice and pastry were both shockingly flavorless by comparison. We will not be returning. read more

I LOVE this place. I live in Somerville and when ever I want spanish food I go here. Staff is super friendly and the food is amazing. I recommend this place to anyone. read more

La Lechonera Cafe is just like the 'lechoneras' in Puerto Rico. Lechonera is a cafeteria style restaurant where pork roast is made. This place is great! They season the pork roast just like the best in the island and cooked on a charcoal spit. The pork roast is made fresh on Saturdays. They have a rather large menu, but my suggestion is you stick to the specials for the day. Enjoy! read more

New owners! Nice no-frills sit down or take out restaurant with home style cooking. Garlic shrimp, yucca with sauteed onions, bacalao (cod) and chicken stew to die for. Owners are remodeling, and some Peruvian dishes will be added to the menu. read more

This is NOT authentically prepared Puerto Rican food. It is prepared by Dominicans and tastes exactly that way. The rice was bland, the pork was over salted, treated with liquid smoke or similar seasonings, potent in artificial flavors, none original. Overall dissatisfied. Fire the cooks!!! And hire real Puerto Rican grandmothers and watch your sales go through the roof. I spent $23.00 on lunch went home took 2 bites and trashed it. Not worth the calories. The one star rating is for the nice ladies at the counter. Otherwise they get a fat zero!!!! read more