Good Puerto Rican & Cuban restaurants (Ira, Lexington: homes, price, food)

[Redsoxasian]

I enjoy Puerto Rican and Cuban food. Will be revisiting NY from NC soon. Kindly advise where I can find authentic PR and Cuban food in NYC. I went to a couple of PR and Cuban restaurants near 14th Street and 8th Ave. in Manhattan. They were OK, but I am sure there were better ones. Authenticity is key. I like holes in the wall type, not those opened by celebrities or charge you $30 for say carne frita. Gracias!

[NooYowkur81]

Originally Posted by Redsoxasian

I enjoy Puerto Rican and Cuban food. Will be revisiting NY from NC soon. Kindly advise where I can find authentic PR and Cuban food in NYC. I went to a couple of PR and Cuban restaurants near 14th Street and 8th Ave. in Manhattan. They were OK, but I am sure there were better ones. Authenticity is key. I like holes in the wall type, not those opened by celebrities or charge you $30 for say carne frita. Gracias!

I honestly have not had good luck with Cuban restaurants in NYC. All the ones I've been to have been overpriced and the food was bland.

As for Puerto Rican spots some of the best places are in the outer boroughs. I went to a little Rican spot years ago in Brooklyn that was off the hook. Food tasted straight up home cooked. But unfortunately I don't remember the name of that place. Brisas del Caribe in the BX, on Castle Hill is very good. But I don't believe that to be a 100% Puerto Rican place. The menu seems to be a mix of Puerto Rican and Dominican. Several friends have recommend Sofrito. That's on East 57th in Manhattan, but that might be too fancy and not what you are looking for.

[edrican]

Sofrito is the spot good food and drinks

[TheMachineStops]

Sophie's Cuban Cuisine - Locations

[Chava61]

Latin Cubanita
Authentic Homestyle Cuban Restaurant
72-40 Austin St. Forest Hills NY. 11375

[ShayLove]

If you want to take a trip to LES the best place is on Rivington & Essex its called El Castillo De Jagua. Inexpensive. I grab dinner here at least once a week. Lots of officers from the 7th precinct eat here. Right across the street is Economy Candy Store... I love this place.

http://www.roboppy.net/food/2005/12/...and_sugar.html

[Redsoxasian]

oh man , too many choices, too little time. Thanks for all the good suggestions! Y'all plse keep me informed of any new discoveries.

[VIPERSUPRA]

SoFrito(PR) is good. Sophies(Cuban) is more of a lunch crowd.

[seque5tra]

For PR food, you have to go to East Harlem!

La Fonda Boricua on 106 St., between Lexington & Third Ave.
Cuchifritos on 116 St., between Lexington & Third Ave.
La Isla on Third Ave at 104 St.

Just to name three...there are a lot more in that area.

Bonus at this time of year in East Harlem: ICY CARTS & PIRAGUAS!!!!! My dad used to give me quarters to go feed the meter. I'd take his quarters to the icy cart and get myself a coconut icy. The car would get a ticket. My dad would give me 5 across the eyes. It was still worth it.