We checked out this spot after trying to visit their sister restaurant Doña Habana but it was closed. This spot is tucked away in a quiet neighborhood serving authentic Puerto Rican food. It's quite cozy inside with less than 20 tables making for a very intimate experience. I loved the decor inside too. The cocktail I ordered was called the Besó Boricua and my boyfriend got a glass of sangria. My drink was sweet and very enjoyable, plus it looked very picturesque. The sangria was good too, a little strong. We split the Tostones Salmorejo de Jueyes which were very tasty, I had never tried a dish like this before. The tostones were crunchy and fresh and the topping was tasty. My entree was the Churrasco con Salsa Chimichurri, which was fantastic. The steak was cooked perfectly and the chimichuri salsa was super tasty. I also loved the rice and beans it came with. Huge portion but I was able to pace myself and finish most of it. My boyfriend got the Chuleta Kan-Kan which he really enjoyed. The portion was also huge and I didnt try it but he said was tasty. Our servers were very nice and kept checking in on us as well. It wasn't that busy when we came which we liked because we could enjoy each others company more in a quiet setting. Definitively check this place out, we will be trying out their sister restaurants!! read more

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Great Puerto Rican joint. I got the Mofongo Tradicional de Plátano and the Pechuga Rellena de Chorizo y Maduros. The Mofongo had delicious garlic notes and was sizeable, though there were some chewy pork belly fat pieces. The Pechuga was tender chicken in a tomatoey sauce, good but definitely less enjoyable than the Mofongo. The side veggies that I chose with the Pechuga were a large portion and cooked well. Any item in the "De La Finca" category comes with a side of your choice (any item in the "Por El Ladito" category). Also, they charge an 18% service charge by default. You can request to change it if necessary (noted at the bottom of your receipt) read more

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I was very much looking forward to trying Vejigantes, but I left pretty disappointed. That said, the prices were pretty reasonable and the staff were friendly. I would go back and try other items on their menu! The restaurant interior was casual and laid back. It was pretty empty on a Tuesday evening, yet the food took over 20 minutes to prepare. The flavors were lacking for both the ceviche and the canoa. It just tasted like a bunch of ingredients thrown together. I was not the most impressed with my experience overall, but very open to giving them another try. read more

Vejigantes - Trio Cevichero, Canoa - Puerto Rican Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Siguen empeorando con la comida. Ordené un sancocho y no pude comérmelo de tanta sal, le agregue un 8 onzas de agua, luego 8 más y aún así tuve que tirarlo a la basura, la carne está tan salada como si le agregaran sal por maldad. Ojo ya me ha pasado algo así, no consuman ahí, votarás tu dinero. soy ayudante de chef y este a sido la peor experiencia. read more

Vejigantes - Díganme si esto es algo que te puedas comer, tiene sal ilimitada, está malísimo. Lamentablemente no recomendaría este restaurante a nadie. - Puerto Rican Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Been coming here 5 years in a row. Always in town at this time for work. This place never disappoints. Legit. IYKYK read more

Vejigantes - Puerto Rican Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

The drinks were delicious ( forgot to take a pic) the beef empanadas were a delicious starter it's 2 cut in half for sharing. I had the traditional chicken mufongo it was a little dry but gave me an excuse to use the house made hot oil and was super reasonably priced. The bf had steak with Spanish rice and sweet plantains. the serving sizes were great but I had to push ot and try the dessert lol. the tres Leche cake was a little different than I'm used to it was served more like a Parfe but was delicious we will definitely be back. #Boston #willflyforfood #datenight #PR #puertorican #southend read more

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Best PR comfort food in Boston proper. Everything is good I had the Pepper steak and the Pork Chops also the plantain cream soup excellent. read more

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Wanted to LOVE this place. We will give it another try but.... We went on a hot day...and it was very hot inside. They had fans placed on the floor to circulate air. Ambience was great until the private event started arriving. This created three issues: 1. The guests started lingering behind where we were seated in the dining room - providing a feeling like they were hovering over us - add in the fact that they were staring at our food - makes it just uncomfortable. 2. After the appetizer - everything was extremely slow - including trying to get another cocktail. 3. The service was focused on the event - not us....with only 6 other guests in the dining room. We flagged for the check and got outside to cool off. read more

I have to say it was very nice. I missed the taste of Puerto Rican delicious dishes. I most definitely recommend if you are really craving for some Puerto Rico food you most definitely should visit. The taste I would rate it 8/10 but it was very delightful. I had a traditional seafood dish. When I walked in, It was very busy but I am thankful the workers pushed me into get served by the bar. By far every worker seemed very professional and focused to please the customers around them. I would come again. read more

Vejigantes - Paella Marinera Tradicional - Puerto Rican Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

They're closed (lights-off, no one's there), but they're still taking online orders and pocketing the money! Very disappointing.

Nice dinner sitting outside enjoying the last few days of summer! We ordered 2 appetizers - the chicken skewers, and the boiled plantains - both were good. Chicken skewers were quite good very tender ad tasty. We also had 2 entrees - the paella for two (chicken and chorizo), and the red snapper fillet with garlic sauce and a side of Spanish rice. Fish was tender and flaky - I did have to ask for a wedge of lime and they brought several over. Both the paella and fish were very tasty. Lot of food and we had enough leftovers for another meal easy. Service was quick and friendly. Place wasn't too crowded at all understandable given it's a Wednesday night. They add an automatic 18% gratuity to the check so make note of that. Overall great food, ambiance and service! Will be back for sure! read more

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We were warmly greeted and were led to our table. The place was culturally decorated showing PR pride. The food was made as I expected and was savory and comforting in the way that I felt someone cared for the reputation of PR food. If you're in Boston, YOU HAVE TO GO HERE! read more

Vejigantes - Paella Valenciana - Puerto Rican Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Came on a weekend night and luckily we had reservations! The place was full! I wasn't super hungry so just got the plantains. However, my friend insisted we get the crabmeat fritters and the sweet plantain with mozzarella cheese and omg, they are delicious! We also got the margaritas which were amazing. I just knocked down one star because the food service was a bit slow. I would definitely come back to try more food! read more

I ordered the fried calamari. I asked for no onions and got 8 pieces of overly salty fried calamari over lettuce for $14. The Spanish speaking waitress sat me at a sticky wet table with 2 glasses and a caraf on the table. I had to pour the water myself. The heat was not on and I was cold as it was 28 degrees outside. Partner ordered Chicharrones and recieved a large quantity. I am not sure why they are so cheap with calamari. read more

Vejigantes - Fried Calamari - Puerto Rican Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Food and service was great Very clean and organized Cute kissing booth for Valentine's Day as well Music is a plus read more

Vejigantes - Puerto Rican Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

My job catered for a job event honoring Latin X heritage month and food was great. The rice was good but then I added the sauce from the chicken it was a hit. The steak was nice and tender also, this was a a good recommendation from one of my co workers. I totally forgot to take pictures of all the catered dishes and my plate before I started eating, but I was so hungry and it smelled so good. read more

Vejigantes - Puerto Rican Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

It was as if I stepped into Puerto Rico. The atmosphere is warm and colorful. I visited on a Monday in the early evening. I understand some are used to being greeted like robots, but there's something you need to understand about us Puerto Ricans...we are not dolls that smile all day! We can't fake being bubbly. If we're not smiling it's not because we aren't friendly or hate our jobs. Please stop for a minute to understand everyone's culture is different. We will match your energy...believe me. Anyhoo...I was greeted and seated immediately. I had a great waitress that was attentive and professional. I ordered a guava mojito and then a passion fruit mojito. I'm thankful I wasn't driving. They were both equally delicious and tasted amazing! I can taste the fruit and that is something I truly miss with mojitos I've had in other locations. The alcapurrias were good, but I wish they had more meat in them. I had a fried red snapper with tostones. Ugh...so delicious, it was crazy! I ordered a cheese flan to go and ate it as soon as I got to the hotel. It was good, but I've had better. They do charge an automatic gratuity of 18%, so be aware. Regardless, I highly recommend this restaurant if you're looking for a different cultural experience. The location is nice and the place is clean and welcoming. You won't regret it :) read more

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Do not order delivery using apps. Third time I get the order wrong from Vejigantes and when I call the restaurant, this is the worst customer service Spanish or English I experience. The employee emphatically stated that they are not responsible for orders and that drivers come in grab the order bags leaving behind items, w/o supervision from the restaurant. No accountability or help for the customer. Nasty conversa and service. I did call the delivery driver and said the order was handed to him. read more

Have been twice now for dinner and have enjoyed it both times! Have most enjoyed the paella and the mofongo, though having tried a few bites of my friends' dishes, everything is well prepared and flavorful. At times can be a bit loud with the music, but it all adds to the festivity. Based on the reviews, maybe dinner seems to be the way to go in terms of service/quality. In terms of COVID safety, opted for outdoor dining as indoors can be crowded. read more

This was my first time here and I enjoyed the food. Can't believe how long it took me to make it to this place. We went for dinner and we're seated right away. The waiter was really nice and made recommendations. The food didn't take super long. I ordered the strawberry margarita. It was strong and tasty. My main course was really good. Got the trifungo with steak. All components were delicious. Will definitely go back. read more

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This place is amazing!! What a great atmosphere! The waitresses are super nice! I love thr music they play. The food hits the spot every time! Sooo sooo good! Definitely make reservations cause it's ALWAYS busy! read more

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The food was good but the service sucked! We waited awhile to be served and even longer to receive our check. The place is beautiful read more

Very disappointing. I'm leaving a review for the Worcester location as they don't have their own Yelp Review setup. The whole dining experience lasted 2.5hrs. The service was ridiculously slow but the kicker was that the neither I or my date got what we ordered. I was supposed to get mixed veggies with my Salmon and rice and received beans instead. My date was supposed to get a plantain based side with her scallops and received some non traditional base. Also to top it all off, when the bill arrived they had already charged us an 18% tip. Eighteen percent was not earned for this experience at all. A tip is earned and an option to the patron to reward the server for their good service. The restaurant shouldn't be forcing a tip on the bill unless the table was a large party, which it wasn't. AND I was late for my event that night because of this experience. read more

My husband and I went today and had an amazing time, atmosphere was relaxed and not rushed, the drinks and food was amazing. Salsa music playing in the background, the drinks and food were delicious and we also order desserts and an appetizer to take home. Everyone was great and our server was Jessica and she didn't miss a beat! Thank you for everything and for what you all do! Weeepppaaaa! read more

Vejigantes - Puerto Rican Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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I love the diversity of cuisines in the South End and was very excited to try this place. Sadly it seemed like the menu items could be hit or miss and I got unlucky on my first visit. They take reservations both through OpenTable and by calling in, and their website is pretty up to date. However, I noticed that their website doesn't publicize prices. It made more sense when I finally arrived at the restaurant and realized that the dishes are expensive even though the place is not upscale. I tried the bistec encebollado (skirt steak topped with grilled onions) and replaced my side with an order of mofongo tradicional. Originally it would have been $13 but with the mountain of mashed fried green plantains it became $19. This was my first time trying mofongo and I wish that they included more sauces with it because the tiny cup of broth was not enough to take away from the dry plantains. The steak was also pretty dry and tough. The seasoning on the steak could have been much stronger. After leaving the restaurant I realized that my hair and clothes smelled like burnt oil. The indoor seating area is pretty small and next to the kitchen, so I guess anybody sitting inside gets trapped in the cooking fumes. If not for my friend who raved about the bistec empanizado, I probably would have given an even lower rating than 3 stars. My friend also got the fried sweet plantains rather than the mofongo. It seems like that would have been the better choice. I'll probably come back to try some other menu items, but for now I really can't recommend this place. read more

Vejigantes - Bistec Encebollado with mofongo tradicional - Puerto Rican Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

We decided to try this place out for a date night dinner. Both my wife and I have been to Puerto Rico and have really enjoyed the traditional food there. It was a Tuesday night so not very busy and it was nice enough where we could sit outside in their small patio area facing the street. The waitress was super nice and took our drink and food orders right away. I got the Katrina cocktail which was tasty and had plenty of alcohol. Later on it started to hit me like Hurricane Katrina. Both of us got the flank steak with chimichurri sauce. The chimichurri was so delicious and I couldn't stop eating it. It came with smashed plantations which were good too. It was a fun place to have dinner. I felt like I was back in San Juan. read more

Not the Vejigantes I remember. I used to live in the area and I remember Vejigantes being the top Puertorrican restaurant in Boston, but after this visit I will not ever come back. I was really looking forward to treating myself with a nice dinner and Vejigantes was my first stop after landing in Logan from California. The service was slow and inattentive. We had multiple appetizers including the ensalada de pulpo which was really good. The main dishes were super super salty; to the point I couldn't even finish it. The mofongo tasted like pure salt and felt like it was made many hours prior. But the food wasn't the biggest disappointment. As we are wrapping up and taking care of the check we see a RAT cross the room and go under the seat bench that is against the wall. Not a mouse, A RAT! I don't intent to cost them any business, but I hope my experience serves as a concern to improve quality and Vejigantes be what I remember 6 years ago was. read more

Food was great definitely as close to authentic as you're gonna get. Parking situation is a little annoying tho

If not for shitty parents, I'd be a virgin. Forget about married. I was on my third date with this girl back in my single days and her parents called. She warned me they would so I didn't care. I was told that not answering was not an option. When she told me this, she had the look of someone who spotted a tsunami in the distance. The call came. The blood drained from her face. It was just a daily check-in but it sounded like she was on cross-examination. She had to constantly, and distressedly, fend off interrogative questions before they turned into beatdowns. Surviving the conversation depended on her interrupting before her mother's criticism destroyed her self-esteem completely. She was darting from one end of her apartment to the other and gesturing wildly for me to get seconds of the food she cooked. Bewildered, but not wanting to make things worse, I did. When I turned around with my seconds, I saw her bolting towards me. She kissed me full on the mouth and used her free hand to give me a taste of the next course. I could her hear mom's voice coming through the phone while we were doing this. She was berating her daughter with about as much hatred as a parent can talk to a child. My night only got better when she hung up. But if you asked me whether I would prefer a normal, boring girl with loving, perfect parents, my answer would probably be no. Quirky people are more interesting to me, even if they're not traumatized. Darkly funny people are more interesting to me. Got a creeply uncle you had to run away from? Then we'll probably get along. It's the same reason Puerto Rican cuisine will always be in my top three choices of cuisine if you were to offer me a bunch of places to go. There are a lot of interesting things going on in even a simple starter. I will pick it nine times out of ten. When I bit into my empanada, I did something I rarely do with food nowadays: I looked at the filling. I was trying to discern what that complex, slow-cooked flavor was. Both the ground beef and the shredded chicken made me do this. I have had empanadas from a lot of Caribbean and South American restaurants but none were as good as these. When I had the paella, I looked down at it for another reason: It was so fucking pretty. Check out my photo and you'll see. I make and sell my own bread now, something that took me almost a year to perfect, but I STILL haven't figured out how to perfect a simple tomato-infused rice. I don't know what else was going on with this dish, and there clearly was, but it was phenomenal. Paella isn't supposed to be overpowering or it'll obscure the seafood. But it must be flavorful and lightly seasoned. This paella delivered on all counts and not for one second did I give a nanometer-sized shit that it didn't contain chorizo or chicken. It didn't need it. It takes serious skill to put different kinds of seafood in a dish that must be served hot and not overcook one of them. It takes even more to let the seafood sing without being drowned out by overpowering tomato and ruined by overcooked rice. It was like a little buffet. I'd take a bite of those resplendent little jewels of rice grains as a primer and then pair it with whatever piece of seafood I was in the mood for next. I never mixed seafood in one bite. It was like eating a bunch of little seafood tapas. Back and forth I went between lovely squid, toothsome shrimp, briny clam, and sweet lobster. I didn't even notice how full it made me until I ordered dessert. Don't let the size of the paella serving plate fool you. It's a lot of food. Paired with a crisp, white Chilean wine, I was in such a happy place, I wanted to belt out 'Santa Maria' at the top of my lungs right there on the patio. I got more empanadas and an absolutely perfect tres leches cake to go. They were gone as soon as we got home, before I even took my shoes off. Take a lesson in both dining and dating from me: Shun the boring. Embrace the colorful, the quirky, the varied. The complex. Oh man, the complex. Half the fun is never being able to figure out what makes it that way. read more

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Two stars because the customer service is close to non-existent. I realized gratuity is built into the check so perhaps that's why there was lack of service? We were a group of 6 and had to constantly keep asking for water. We had to chase down a waiter for any service at all and when they did come to our service it felt as if they thought we were a nuisance. It was about 80 degrees on this day and they did not have central air or fans. We decided to open the window for some type of breeze and couldn't understand why the staff wouldn't offer that, or more water, given the heat. Food wise, I ordered rice beans and steak. The rice and beans were okay but the steak was super hard to cut and chew through. I've been here before in the past and don't remember the service being so terrible. I hope they can turn it around because there aren't that many traditional Puerto Rican restaurants in the area so I'd like to see it succeed. read more

I came here for lunch during the week. Great food and service. Everything was fresh. Cocktails were amazing as well.

Waohhhh tremenda comida buena!! Very delicious Puerto Rican food!! I highly recommend it. Service and esthetic was also very nice! read more

Vejigantes - Paella Valenciana - Puerto Rican Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Everything about this food!! I loved loved the appetizers and entree! I went for a quick dinner with a few friends and the service and food was amazing! They have a cute birthday celebration song that comes on when they go celebrate a client. Beautiful, tasty and confortable. read more

Ordered delivery. Great portion sizes but lackluster food. (sorry took the pictures after eating a few bites). Tried Bistec encebollado o a la jardinera, arroz con gandules, maduros. The bistec was AMazing I must say. Tender, juicy, flavorful all of what I wanted but my sides ugh just killed my vibe. Arroz was lackluster needed salt and the sweet plantains were not sweet. Maybe I need to dine in next time to get better quality food or just try something different. read more

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Awesome food and service! We came here got my niece's pre-birthday lunch while I was in town and she & her mom who is the best cook in the world, loved it so much! I was so happy that they had Bacalaitos! It truly hit the spirit & made my day. I was also happy to see South end again after over a decade! Lots have changed but this location is fun! Loved the ambiance of the restaurant as it feels like you're in the islands! read more

I have such fond memories of this establishment as it was my first time trying Puerto Rican food. All around a great place for PR food in Boston - because really how many places in Boston serve PR food? I have tried the: Alcapurrias (Sort of like a crispy fried stick of meat and starch, $6), Bacalaitos (Codfish Fritters, $5), Sorulittos ($5, sweet fried corn sticks), Trifongo ($11, a sweeter version of the original beloved Mofongo), and Mofongo Trio ($24, a trio of mofongo with assorted toppings). All DELICIOUS! Dimly lit ambience good for date night or a nice dinner out. read more

This HANDS down was the worst food I have ever smelled and "attempted" to eat IN MY LIFE! I was looking forward to enjoying a delicious seafood Paella meal for my roommate's birthday It was pricey($150-with sides/desserts/delivery&tip!) Uber eats just dropped it off(in the wrong place!.. with NO notification that it had arrived NOR did they call me/as requested!) I will NEVER use this app again! ANYWAYS... I go in the entryway and a TERRIBLE/ROTTEN aroma HITS me in my face! I PRAY that it isn't coming from the food I ordered! Needless to say... My prayers WEREN'T answered! I opened the bag and a rotten/funky smell almost KNOCKED ME OUT! After that... Everything went steadily SOUTH! Here is a list of the MANY grievances: -wrong order(got soup instead of a second order of seafood paella!) -dessert was SUPPOSED to be chocolate cake with custard/got a dried out "sliver" of flan that had holes in it! -SOGGY crab empanadas that were cut in 1/2?? And had a chemical taste that forced you to spit it out after one bite! -fried "tasteless" soggy fried eggplant -seafood paella was "inedible" But, eureka... The source of the ROTTEN smell was finally located! -The seafood in both the soup and paella was old and skanky tasting! So in a nutshell... If the smell didn't turn you off enough to send you to the nearest trash can to spit out the food/throw it up the taste would! It's neck and neck...which was worse: The smell or the taste??? So I recommend to people... RUN FAR, FAR AWAY from this eatery! Your stomach and your wallet will THANK YOUR profusely! Ps When I called to make a complaint... The management was highly defensive, and did not heed any of my complaints or suggestions... So if you think you will get any compensation for your "misery" ...think again! A resounding, well-earned "0" stars! (No photos EVERYTHING was thrown away in haste -so the house didn't smell like dead/rotten fish!) read more

It was so good!!! The chicharron go crazyy :0 . Pina colada and mojito was also good. Chicharron de pollo in the pic read more

Vejigantes - Puerto Rican Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

One of my favorite restaurants in the Boston area. Been coming here since I was in college and every time I'm back in the area, I always try to make it back. As a fellow Hispanic, I love finding gems that showcase creative yet very traditional meals and this place does it really well. From the mofonguitos to the pastelitos, Vejigantes knows how to make em well! read more

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I came to this place and ordered a few things off the menu. I get to my hotel and the food looked good. I opened my tres leche and as you can see from the picture look like someone ate it and put the rest away. Needless to say I threw out the food because I am not sure if the food was also eaten and then given to me. Before you leave check your food. read more

Vejigantes - Tres Leches - Puerto Rican Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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