10 Best Puerto Rican Restaurants in Elizabeth, New Jersey

Get made-to-order Puerto Rican classics such as pernil and mofongo with shrimp at El Rinconcito Boricua . Plus, chow down on one (or a few) of their homemade empanadas, which are served warm and, if you ask us, even better that way. Be warned: the staff here doesn’t speak much English making for an even more authentic experience.

It’s hard to find anything more authentic than the dishes at El Palmar Restaurant. Once you’ve filled up on their tasty alcapurrias and stuffed potatoes enjoy one of their traditional desserts: Puerto Rican cakes.

This family-run and locally-owned eatery has daily specials on the menu including croquettes, empanadas (of course!) and more of your favorite Puerto Rican dishes. Rankin Street Deli is a low-key joint with a friendly atmosphere and good food to boot. Stop in here for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Win-win!

Tiny but mighty, Kiosko Boricua is a cozy, kiosk-style Puerto Rican restaurant that serves hearty and flavorful dishes such as guisada, pernil and more. It has the charm of a roadside food shack and a price to match: get filled up for under $10.

City Tavern is one of those restaurants that has something for everyone. If you’re a lover of Puerto Rican cuisine but [insert friend/spouse’s name here] is not, the menu also includes pub grub favorites such as burgers and grilled chicken sandwiches. Fear not, you can still get your fair share of plantains, rice and beans here.

Helping to bring a bit more Latin flavor to Elizabeth, El Lechon de Negron, serves up roasted pork dishes, Sancocho and more. You can find them in their storefront downtown, at local farmer’s markets and even in food trucks around the area.