The Best Puerto Rican Restaurants In Jersey City New Jersey

Puerto Rican cuisine is a delicious combination of fresh, homemade dishes such as roasted pork shoulder (pernil), potato salad and, of course, loads of fried plantains. It’s easy enough to find authentic cooking like this in New York’s sixth borough, but where and how to find it is totally different story.

So, to help you score your favorite plates, here is our guide to the best Puerto Rican restaurants in Jersey City.

1. O'LaLa Empanads

Restaurant, Bar, American

A laid-back, rustic setting and latin-fusion menu, O’LaLa Empanadas is a cool Puerto Rican eatery smack dab in the middle of Jersey City. Visitors love it for fresh savory and sweet empanadas, fried plantains and budget-friendly bites.

2. El Sabroso

Restaurant, Spanish, Caribbean

For big portions of your favorite Puerto Rican fare, go to El Sabroso in the Heights district of Jersey City. Those who love the Latin cuisine will want to order their Oxtail stew and those who are brave enough must try it!

4. Me Casa Express Food Truck

Food Truck, Restaurant, Fast Food, Spanish, Dominican

This food truck turned restaurant and cafe serves up flavorful, authentic Puerto Rican plates. Stop by the Me Casa storefront and try their Pernil Asado, Pollo a Brasa or Carne Guisada, to name just a few. In a rush? The you can still swing by their food truck to grab something on the go.

5. El Boricua Lechonera

Restaurant, American

Not far from the beautiful Liberty State Park, El Boricua Lechonera is a hidden gem in Jersey City. It’s a small, cozy and colorful space that has a loyal following among Puerto Rican food-lovers and locals. Each day features a different set of specials, so make sure you check out their menu first – oh, and knowing Spanish will probably help you out, too.

6. El Pollo Supremo

Restaurant, American

Owned by passionate chef Ramiro Alvarez, El Pollo Supremo is known for their juicy and healthy chicken dishes. Their family recipes and secret sauces are what attract customers from near and far, but what really makes it tasty is the high-quality of their fresh and homemade Latin plates.

7. Las Americas

Restaurant, Dominican, American

Las Americas’ warm and inviting atmosphere makes this family-friendly restaurant feel like home no matter who you are. Although they have a more broad and diverse menu, you can still find Puerto Rican favorites such as Chicharron de Pollo and empanadas.

8. El Lechon de Negron

Restaurant, Food Truck, Puerto Rican, American, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free

Roaming the streets of Jersey City with fresh Puerto Rican food is El Lechon de Negron. Local New Jerseyans, the Negron family, decided to share their home cooking and passion for Puerto Rican cuisine by opening up the food truck in addition to their restaurant just a few towns over. Try classic menu items as well as a few with a more modern twist, either way you can’t lose – everything they serve is delicious.

9. La Gran Parada

Restaurant, Dominican, American

A small Latin restaurant serving up Puerto Rican fare in Jersey City, La Gran Parada is somewhat of an undiscovered gem. While many of the other Puerto Rican food joints have their fair share of loyal followers, La Gran Parada is still making it in the Jersey City food scene. However small it is, it’s definitely worth a shot, try their Pernil dish for a taste of what they have to offer!

10. Cochie's Restaurant

Restaurant, Dominican, Spanish

From soups and stews to juicy chicken and beef entrees, Cochie’s Restaurant serves up a diverse selection of Latin and Puerto Rican foods. Plus, this cozy joint is located in the heart of The Village area right near Historic Downtown, so it’s perfect for grabbing a delicious bite whenever you happen to be in the neighborhood.

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