Cuchifritos
A legendary Puerto Rican eatery serving authentic soul food and fried delights in a casual, family-run setting.
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Must-see attractions
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Cuchifritos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary Puerto Rican eatery serving authentic soul food and fried delights in a casual, family-run setting.
"The best fried PR food in the city, worth the trip for decades of deliciousness!"
Navigate the Menu
If you don't speak Spanish, ask other customers for help understanding the menu for an authentic experience.
Try the Slow-Roasted Chicken
Opt for the slow-roasted chicken with rice, beans, potatoes, and carrots for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Puerto Rican
Price
$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Puerto Rican Soul Food
Experience classic Puerto Rican soul food at one of Harlem's original eateries, serving delicious and well-portioned meals.
Deep-Fried Delights
Indulge in a variety of deep-fried Puerto Rican specialties like alcapurrias, bacalaitos, and empanadas.
Warm Family-Run Atmosphere
Immerse yourself in a welcoming, family-run environment that has been a neighborhood staple for decades.
Plans like a pro.
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Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Navigate the Menu
If you don't speak Spanish, ask other customers for help understanding the menu for an authentic experience.
Try the Slow-Roasted Chicken
Opt for the slow-roasted chicken with rice, beans, potatoes, and carrots for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Beat the Crowds
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long lines, or be prepared to eat standing as seating is limited.
Sauce is Key
Don't forget to ask for the sauce; it's highly recommended and adds an extra layer of flavor to your meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
Navigate the Menu
If you don't speak Spanish, ask other customers for help understanding the menu for an authentic experience.
Try the Slow-Roasted Chicken
Opt for the slow-roasted chicken with rice, beans, potatoes, and carrots for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Beat the Crowds
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long lines, or be prepared to eat standing as seating is limited.
Sauce is Key
Don't forget to ask for the sauce; it's highly recommended and adds an extra layer of flavor to your meal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
This beloved Puerto Rican eatery is praised for its consistently excellent, authentic, and affordable food, with many customers returning for decades. While the casual, counter-serve environment is appreciated, the lack of seating and occasional inconsistency in food quality are noted drawbacks.
"The Spanish food here has consistently been excellent since my childhood. This family-run establishment is incredibly welcoming and supportive of the neighborhood. On September 7, 2024, I visited with my cousin, who hadn't been back to Harlem since 2000. We had a wonderful time together, enjoying delicious food and spending quality time with our aunt at her home for dinner and a movie. It was a memorable and enjoyable experience."
t Vega
"Best place for local cheap and tasty Spanish food on the go.Their Pasteles and Alcapurrias are delicious.All their drinks are tasty.No place to sit they took chairs away during Covid because local homeless would lounge around other than that place is worth going for the food and prices.You can eat in there standing.Variety of the menu and the prices makes the place a Gem."
Day Night
"Not puertoricans! this was probably the worst pastelillos i’ve had in my life.im so disappointed but at least it was cheap so i didn’t lose too much cash. as you can see i had to throw it away after 2 bites. the parcha juice was ok."
Alex Garcia
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Popular signature dishes include alcapurrias, bacalaitos, tostones, mofongo, and slow-roasted chicken.
Cuchifritos is primarily a take-out establishment with limited or no seating. Many customers are prepared to eat standing or take their food to go.
Yes, Cuchifritos is known for its very affordable prices, with many meals and snacks costing less than $20 and enough to feed multiple people.
While the menu may be in Spanish, the friendly staff are often willing to explain the food options to those who don't speak Spanish.
To avoid long lines, it's recommended to visit during off-peak hours. Arriving early ensures the freshest fritters from the fryer.
Cuchifritos offers a variety of natural juices and drinks, including Parcha (Passion Fruit), Coco (Coconut), and Fruit Punch.
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The Best Puerto Rican Restaurants In The Bronx
The OG of the Bronx’s Puerto Rican food scene has been feeding the borough, and more famously, celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain on his show Parts Unknown, for decades. The namesake snacks at 188 Cuchifritos are fried to perfection here and include boneless chicken pieces, pork rinds, and more.
The Best New York Itinerary for Visiting NYC on a Budget
We recommend eating cuchifritos – Puerto Rican soul food – at aptly named Cuchifritos on 116th Street or El Chevere Cuchifritos on 3rd Avenue. Meals of whole roasted chicken with sides and a large drink cost less than $20 and are enough to feed at least 4 people!. Don’t need so much food?. Sample an array of the fried Latin goodies displayed in the window; each nugget costs about $1.
22 Great, Affordable Bites in Every Borough
No need to splurge on expensive local, farm-to-table produce when it’s fried. At East Harlem’s Cuchifritos, basically everything is fried and cheap. With chicharròn (Español for pork rind), alcapurria (a fritter made with green bananas) and mofongo (fried plantain), this shop has you covered.
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