Puerto Rican cuisine is a unique combination of West African, Caribbean, American and Spanish fare that really packs a flavorful-punch. With the many different cultural influences that this island-cooking has, it’s not always easy to find authentic food. Good thing that the town of Paterson has plenty of options. So to help you narrow it down, we rounded up the best Puerto Rican restaurants in town.
The folks behind Coconut Café are known for their friendly service, delicious and authentic Puerto Rican plates and philanthropic efforts thanks to their continued support in helping many Puerto Ricans recover from the hurricane. Stop by to catch some live music and feast on one of their famous pastelons.
With its non-descript, no-frills exterior, Rincon Criollo is a hidden gem for scoring genuine Puerto Rican cuisine in Paterson. When you’re here, be sure to order their hearty and flavorful beef stew, a Puerto Rican staple.
El Sabor Borinquen is a local favorite not just because of its tasty Puerto Rican staples, but for its low-key and communal vibe. Located right on Main Street, this Paterson eatery is open to all—just make sure you can speak a little bit of Spanish.
Bonfire Mofongo House & Lounge is part restaurant and part club, which makes for a lively and entertaining experience while you’re here. Regulars, locals, and out-of-towners visit Bonfire Mofongo for the fun atmosphere and elevated cuisine that has other Caribbean dishes on the menu, as well.
Check out Paterson’s P.R. Flavors for a real taste of Puerto Rican… well, flavors. Famous for their alcapurrias (a fried, fritter dish stuffed with ground beef), this tiny restaurant also serves up traditional Caribbean fare like mofongo, pernil and tostones.
Paterson’s K & B restaurant is the place to go when you’re craving the flavor-packed dishes of the Caribbean. A mix of both Puerto Rican, Dominican and Jamaican fare, at K & B you can sample a little bit of everything, including something you’ve never tried before, like their Goat Head Soup.
