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Sol Food Puerto Rican Cuisine
Categories: Restaurants Latin American Restaurants Spanish Latin American, Spanish [Edit]
901 Lincoln AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 451-4765
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 7 am - 12 am
Fri 7 am - 2 am
Sat 8 am - 2 am
Sun 8 am - 12 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Inspired by ingredients found throughout the Iberian Peninsula, located on the southwest tip of Europe, Chef Bridget Batson incorporates regional flavor… read more »
1078 reviews for Sol Food Puerto Rican Cuisine
Review Highlights
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1076 reviews in English
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Review from Sarah May O.
Stockton, CA
I think about this place pretty often...Every. Day. For real. If this was located near Stockton, I would definitely be the dukedom and practically live there! This is definitely one of those places I am willing to drive 89 miles for...the hour and thirty minute drive is so worth it!
I ordered the Camarones Empanizados: pan fried garlic prawns w/ some kind of lemon tartar sauce-like duo dip...titillating!!! I've been dreaming about it since I last had. *Sigh.* *Sorry, this is terrible...i haven't been there in a while and barely doing my review months later haha.* From what I remember, my plate had plantains...one that was a soft, sweet plantain, like it's been simmered and coated/carmelized in brown sugar (?)...and the other was this pancake-like treat where you can taste the plantains, battered and fried goodness. Anyway, their batter was so nice and crispy...different from other fried-batters I've had. I found this intriguing, but from what I hear, they use plantain bananas in their batter! It gave a bit of a sweetness to it and different texture in the crunch...but it was so scrumptious! **salivating** =P''
With my salad, I poured this interesting orange spicey concoction with a vinegar base (you can see a bottle of it in my photo). Sounds kinda odd to put on your salad, and it probably wasn't even for the salad, but it worked! Lastly, their beans over rice. All a great combo!
Can't forget their mango tea drink...so refreshing! Best I ever had.
Sounds like a lot on the plate, but all were complimentary to one another. That's how I like it...variety! -
Review from A E.
Berkeley, CA
Three years later and this is still one of my favorite restaurants. They've improved the interior and hired more staff to handle the crowds. They are also really organized and get the line and tables moving super fast. It's a great place to bring kids because it's really loud and others won't notice your child and also the staff is super friendly and accommodating. I just saw over 1000 reviews on this and most are five stars - you can't go wrong here!
Sol Food - come to the East Bay, PLEEZE!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/16/2009
I'm craving this place right now. The food is sooo good. There used to be a place like this in… Read more »
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1/16/2009
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Review from Eric H.
Dallas, TX
Nope. Yelper got it totally wrong on this one. I honestly don't understand the hype and didn't find the food spectacular.
I got the vegetable stew which was poured on top of buttered rice. (It was like the Thursday special.) I wanted more stew and less buttery rice, and felt the flavour of the stew was just vegetables cooked in a stew. Nothing special, and not 5 stars.
The garlic plantains were too crispy and equivalent to eating a burnt cracker. Yuck.
I understand that in California, space is limited, but this whole thing about sharing tables is a NO for me. Especially when you're spending so much. This sharing tables business is equivalent to dining in an overpriced cafeteria-style restaurant. -
Review from Steve J.
Marin County, CA
Sol Food was the first place I have tried Puerto Rican Cuisine and I became addicted. I took my friends who came from Michigan there and they loved the food, to.
Definetly one of my favorites in Bay Area. -
Review from Adelle C.
Penfield, NY
Steak was amazing. We got takeout so I can't comment on the inside. This was good food for the soul. Great to have on a Friday evening after a long week of work. Plantains were yum!
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Review from Nick B.
San Francisco, CA
My date and I were going dancing and we decided on this gem in San Rafael for a pre-dance meal. I had meant to eat here many times because of the numerous good reviews but had never gotten around to it. I am so glad I finally did!
To start they have a great ambiance. Also they are very crowded! But that means good food and the vibe was a good one. There were so many things on the menu we had never heard of. After pondering the menu we asked the waiter what he thought and he ordered us up each a meal we could share and an appetizer. He said we had to try these Mango drinks, so we did.
I ended up with Bistec(?) and plantains which was delicious. My date had some sort of pork dish that was also heavenly. Honestly neither of us has any idea what the appetizer was other than gone into our belly's a few minutes after it arrived
Even better we didn't have any sort of strange "Bridesmaids" moments hours later! A win-win for sure. -
Review from Monique M.
Vallejo, CA
YUM YUM YUM!!! First time here on a Saturday night, saw the line out the door and got a little nervous. Don't be though, they move the line very quickly. You order with the waitress that is taking orders while you're in line, you pay at the register get a number and wait for a table. Surprisingly tables open up very quickly. My husband ordered the Pollo al Horno and he loved it, I ordered the Camarones and they were delish! Very tasty and seasoned well. Nothing on my plate was blah.
Not a fancy restaurant, its a cool, casual atmosphere where you can eat some great food and have fun with friends/family. Check them out!
If you don't have time to eat there, go next door and order your food to go, their takeout spot is open as well.
Enjoy! -
Review from kelly a.
CA
ONCE PUERTO RICAN FOOD gets in your system, there's no going back. My first experience dates back to 1973. Hector Lavoe (sp?) was still making it happen.
AMBIANCE:
I love the Puerto Rico/Cuban cafe a la pre-1960's look. Old school salsa music, rustic decor. Family style seating.
SERVICE: I do either: 901 Lincoln for meeting friends , or by myself at the counter.
Take out or DELIVERY next door at 903 Lincoln. I call my pick up orders in ahead of time.
DELIVERY to my work in Corte Madera is only $5.00.
DRINKS:My favorites: Kick ass, iced Cafe con Leche or COCONUT Cafe con Leche, Limonada (fresh squeezed limes - yum).
FOOD: YES! Large portions for me anyway. I Usually have leftovers but tostones don't taste the same reheated.
A co-worker and I ordered a newer (since 2011) menu item: Rottiserie chicken dinner which comes with enough rice, beans (i like em pink) tostones, madoros, garlic bread, organic salad.........of course my favorite (wait, there are so many favorites.) Mango ice tea.
We also tried the banana chips with this great garlic cilantro mayo dipping "sauce" (had to order the sauce on the side. The chips are called "Maranquitas" on the menu.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/11/2011
Okay. Sol Food not only has great, hearty meals but they are keeping us healthy, they employ lots o… Read more »
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3/11/2011
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Review from Jake W.
Um, there is basically nothing that you can order which won't make you question the raves and awesome reviews.
I GUESS the only downside would be that it can be crowded but have community seating so you can plunk down at a table with people you don't know...or you can go to any of the other two Sol Foods...one is a bodega next door and the other is right around the corner.
I know people who drive here from SF or Novato just for the food. -
Review from Desiree L.
Honolulu, HI
Could this be the most incredible place to eat in the bay area??? YESS YESS YESS
ORGASMIC def come here. I had my engagement dinner her and it was wonderful the food is great and make sure to get the mofongo and lime tea cooler
droool! omg want to eat it now -
Review from Ol B.
San Jose, CA
In A Nutshell:
*WOOHOO! Borica morena, borica morena! It's been a LOOONG minute since I had some Puerto Rican food, I'd take it back to 1999 or so when I was stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC and my friend's wife cooked Puerto Rican food at home.
*This place was packed at about 12:00noon Monday (MLK Day) afternoon. They had the Puerto Rican music blaring and the service was quite quick.
*I ordered the thinly sliced Bistec and a side of sweet and garlic flavored plantains, which were BOMB. I had a nice mango drink to wash all that goodness down.
Overall, I'd take any Puerto Rican friend I know to this special place. P.S. if you go there, make sure you read the laminated letter they have posted behind a glass case outside their front door. It will crack you up! -
Review from J. J.
Oakland, CA
I found out about this place years ago after a trip to Puerto Rico. Rumor has it there used to be a Puerto Rican place in East Oakland, but apparently that place is long gone. After much delay, I finally made it out there... TOTALLY worth driving out there from Oakland.
First of all, the line's out the door but it moves fast. You have to order at the counter and can't get seats until you've put in an order, so no hovering. The wait staff helps you find seats for your group, which was a relief during a crowded Saturday evening. You can sit at the communal tables or the bars (as in seats, not for drinks - sorry, no alcohol), so if you have weird space issues or don't like random people, either get over it or do take out. Also, this is NOT the place to have a long luxurious meal. It's casual and popular, so they've got to turn around their tables quickly. Sit, enjoy your food, and then go to a bar to finish your conversation. If you try to complain about any of this, you'll probably look like the jerk who sent a letter about their choice of exterior paint. They make no pretenses about their restaurant.
Ok, now the food. AMAZING!!! It lived up to all of my expectations and more. I had the pollo de horno with pink beans and split plantains (a tostone and a sweet). Goodness gracious! And the hot sauce! Tangy, spicy, delicious.
At our table, we also had the baby back ribs, bistec encebollado, and the fried shrimp appetizer. It was all so good. The ribs were crispy on the outside, and friend said it reminded him a bit of chicharrones, but tender on the inside. The onions were the winner with the steak. I loved that there was a bit of salad with a light dressing on the plate. I finished that off first and it made me feel a little less guilty about inhaling the rest of the plate.
I'm definitely going back here in the future and I'm hoping to take some folks again so we can share and taste test. The camarones criollos and the chuletas (pork chops) looked pretty awesome as well as some of their sandwiches. -
Review from Kathy Y.
First time trying Puerto Rican food and I must say, this place was amazing!!
The line was out the door, but it moved fairly quickly. There isn't too much seating so all the tables are communal and they also have a server who will seat you (don't worry about finding seats).
I ordered the Biztec sandwich with a side salad and a side of sweet plantains with coconut juice. The coconut juice was refreshing and I loved the pulp in it. The Biztec sandwich was very good -- it had steak, avocado, grilled onions, and a sweet garlic mayo sauce which definitely topped off the sandwich. The sweet plantains were also good, but I could only eat one because I was so full! The portions are decent and even good for sharing.
I wouldn't mind waiting here again to get a nice Puerto Rican meal! =) -
Review from Alex H.
Hayward, CA
The first thing I noticed about Sol Food was the letter they have posted near the front door. A former patron was complaining about the "garish" bright green color of the restaurant, calling it a blight on the city of San Rafael, and how they should change their color scheme to something similar to that of the Mexican restaurant across the street (which, by coincidence, is always EMPTY whenever I come to Sol Food).
I can't put into words how fun, eclectic and hearty the food is at Sol Food. My favorite appetizer is the "tostones," which are mashed up plantains that have been toasted into little patties, covered with melted cheese and drizzled with a bit of oil and flavored with garlic. BADASS. I love having them with sliced avocado on top, and I suggest you do the same.
The camarones empanizados (fried shrimp) are like nothing I've ever had before. Not only are they huge prawns, but the coating is so perfectly deep fried and crispy yet there is never any excess oil. They serve it with the most awesome dipping sauce, and my mouth is watering just typing about it. Do yuorself a favor; GET THEM!
The chuletas (pork chops) are incredible, as is the arroz con pollo. The rotisserie chicken is a bit salty, but is still good and moist.
I truly look forward to the soup here, particularly the Gallega (I think that's what it is), which has white beans and ham and other good stuff in it. The chicken soup with fideo is good too, but my one complaint is that the chicken comes in whole as opposed to shredded or cubed.
Definitely try the limeade, tamarindo or jugo de china (OJ), or a combination of them.
Food is awesome, place is awesome, service is awesome! What's stopping you from coming here already?! -
Review from Craig A.
San Francisco, CA
The good news is that the food and ambiance are rather tasty and appealling. The bad news is that if you are like me and refuse to wait in line for any cuisine, do not go during 11:25am to 1:15pm most days. The have a back alley patio that is not all that populated so order your food, and cruise on over to the patio and sit under the heat lamps and they will bring the food to you without all the fanfare.
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Review from Reggie a.
San Jose, CA
No trip to san francisco is complete without a trip to this place.
Might be an hour away but It is well worth it. A wide variety on their menu and their has not been one entree that didn't amaze me. Line is always out the door so I would suggest going early. Best sol food in the bay! -
Review from john M.
San Rafael, CA
I've always had ambivalent feelings about Sol Food. Decent, plain fare that is fresh. However, it is grossly over priced and a true yuppie Mecca for the brain-dead Central Marin crowd. In a pinch, I've gone there if nothing else is right.
The last straw came the other night when I order a soup for my little girl. She wanted some bread, which was advertised as a part of the dish, but didn't come with it. When I asked the waitress for a piece of bread for the child, she told me that it would cost an additional 3.50!
I don't think so, Sol Food. You've clearly lost touch with your roots, wherever they are. -
Review from Paul H.
San Francisco, CA
Really outstanding restaurant. Consistently good. Nice ambiance and love the self-seating arrangement.
Chicken (Pollo al Horno) is super tender and flavorful. Apply hot sauce liberally. Limeade is seriously addictive.
A friend always gets the shrimp. I think I need to try that next. -
Review from Vicky P.
San Francisco, CA
Delicious shade of green. Wish they would come to my neighborhood(Outer Sunset in SF!).. love this place! Salsa music and big plates of scrumptious good-for-you dishes. Yummy black beans and rice.. platanos, fresh greens, fresh squeezed juice. Bustling always and open late til midnight/2am. Good vibes. I always make a point of eating here when I find myself over the gg bridge.
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Review from Lily K.
Sausalito, CA
I've tried this place a few times. There are two things that bring me back: limonada (the most pleasant sugar rush ever) y tostones! Soooooo good.
Meat on the other hand, not so good. Usually too dry and salty for me. -
Review from Chuck S.
San Francisco, CA
WOW, just wow. Pork ribs, plantains, rice, organic salad and cocoanut juice. All perfect. If I lived in San Rafael I'd eat here every day.
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Review from Daniel H.
Novato, CA
Combination POLLO AL HORNO with one piece chicken, pink beans and half Garlic plantains half sweet banana. BOMB hits the spot
Also the sandwiches are classic. Cubano, Bistec (steak), and Breakfast sando are all winners.
Sol food puts out authentic, fresh and healthy Puerto Rican dishes that always hit the spot. The main restaurant has intricate decor and adds to the whole experience. It is a self seated environment with community table sharing.
The new location they added next door (for pickup) is a good addition to the busy franchise.
I would only nick half a star because how busy it gets. if its in the early evening expect a line. but the food is too good. -
Review from Virgo M.
Bay Area, CA
This is the 2nd time in a week, I've come across a great place to eat that's no where close to home. Quite frankly, that sucks!
I get so nervous when ordering at fast-paced places like this on my first visit...ala Seinfeld's soup kitchen. The line to order was long but moved fast. "Yes-i'll have the cubano sandwich thank you." Twas a great choice for being under such pressure. It's the combination of seasoning, food prep and high quality products that made the experience a real taste sensation.
I'd like to study the menu in advance and try a number of things next time. I spied they have a coconut latte I would love to experience one day.
I give 5 stars because its just that good. I was tempted to knock a star off because they seem to rush you out after. I really think they need to consider having a real restaurant so people can peruse the menu at their leisure---they just might order more! I know I would as I would have liked to take some home for later. -
Review from Drew F.
Oakland, CA
I love this place, the food is bomb and the service is tight a must try are the garlic plantains with lots of the house hot sauce, and the house made lime aide!
Plan on arriving a lil early as there tends to be a line and plan to spend about $15-$20 each. -
Review from Wendy H.
Mill Valley, CA
To die for, especially the camarones (shrimp), the maduros (sweet fried plantains), and the hot sauce.
End of story.
Go. You won't regret it.
They also now have a new take-out spot right next door, and I think their original beach shack-y location on Fourth is still open as well. -
Review from Claudia C.
Richmond, CA
This is one of my favorite spots to go eat I love there pollo al horno and the jivaro .
Suggestions: Pollo al horno (very tasty) jivaro(delicious), tostones with cheese and avocado (BOMB), te helado and the limeaid are also good. -
Review from Deborah C.
San Francisco, CA
Whoa! Look at that bright-lime green colored building. What is it? A restaurant?
Before you walk into the tropical-decorated restaurant, you are greeted by a friendly staff handing you their menus and taking down orders too.
I was browsing through the menu from drinks, appetizers, entrees to desserts. Everything was written with such detail, which made my mouth watery.
{Food & Drinks}
-Under Combinacions: Bistec Encebollado: Thinly sliced steak sauteed with onions. Served with rice, pink or black beans, organic salad and fried plantain.
*Remember that their portions are huge. I was fully satisfied with their "small" even though I wanted more. Every bite from salad to plantain was full of flavor. The meat was cooked and marinated to perfection.
- Te Helado: Orange Mango Iced Tea. (I fell in love with their delicious and refreshing twist of their tea.)
{Service}
All of the staff was efficient by cleaning the tables, refilling our water bottles, replacing utensils and napkins. They were all energetic and had an exotic Puerto Rican accents.
{Ambiance}
Lively and comfy. You share tables with people you do not know, but it is okay because everyone is chowing down on their food and enjoying themselves.
I really enjoyed my first experience on trying Puerto Rican food. Everything was delicious and well-prepared! I would come back here again in a heart beat.
Next time, I am going to dive into a large combination plate. :)
Happy Yelping! -
Review from Derrick V.
San Francisco, CA
Oh man, the Nino Pobre sandwich is f*ckin delicious.
Holy crap. I just inhaled it. Endorphins firing. Yes. Go get it. Run now.Listed in: Marin County
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/5/2009
Delicious. We had the pork chop and bistek, the flavors popped and the meats were cooked perfectly.… Read more »
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11/5/2009
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Review from Lillie D.
San Rafael, CA
The favorite place to eat in San Rafael. The rice + beans alone are enough to keep you coming back for you. Don't forget to get "one of each" of the sweet + garlic plantains!
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Review from Gr R.
Richmond, CA
3 stars for the quality of the food, and the drinks. Minus two stars for the waiter/bus boy making it awkward toward the end.
This is the second time that I have gone to this restaurant, I have had the food from here numerous times as our office caters from them. This time, unlike most I had the camarones criollos over rice. The praws and the sauce they were in was well made, and like always, the food was delicious. They were served over white rice, which was a little mushy, and a generous serving of salad. With the exception of the Salad, the food here is really authentic. I have had their black beans and they are cooked to perfection, they are never undercooked and they are prepared similarly to the way that my mom does. The tomatada sauce on the shrimp also reminded me of something I have had at home. If there is anything to commend this place about, it is the authenticity of the food. They "marin" it up with a salad, but other than that no complaints on it. The service was quick and the food was prepared in less than 10 minutes, so we were able to eat within 30 minutes of walking in.
Here is where the minus stars comes in. Ok, I get that we might have stayed for a while, I am not particularly a fast eater, especially when there is great company, so I took my time. Then one of the bus girls came and cleared our plates and brought me a to go box. It was a cold day, and my dinner partner and I do not live in the area so we hung out and chatted for quite some time. After about 20 or so minutes of being given the to go box, some guy comes over and asks if we would like dessert? NO, can he take our glasses? Sure. He grabs both, and then kind of stands there, waiting. my friend and I look at each other trying to figure out what the guy taking our glasses and standing there meant. And I honestly feel as though we were getting shoo'd out. I do not know what an appropriate amount of time at a restaurant is, however I did not like the way that this felt. It made us feel awkward, but we did not leave right away, we talked for another half hour before we left. There is the issue of the community tables, which some people really like, but I don't. When I go out to dinner, I do not particularly care to hear other people's conversations. I do not like my conversation being interrupted when someone wants to sit at the table and feels the need to ask or to make me scoot so they can have more room.
I really like the food here so I probably will be back, however I will try and make plans for after ward to avoid awkwardness and community spaces... -
Review from Douglas M.
Danville, CA
What can I say, if you have not tried this place you should. Everything I have tried is awesome. The best is the homemade hot sauce, pour it over everything. The bean and rice the are great with any meat you select.
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Review from Brian P.
San Francisco, CA
I was recommended to "do the ribs".. words can't say enough.. it was off the hook!
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Review from Scott M.
Santa Rosa, CA
Best of the best best best. I love this place. The food is ALWAYS delicious, fresh, fast, and joyfully served. Flavors are abundant. The sauce they provide is amazing, and goes well with pretty much everything. I can't find a fault with this restaurant, unless it is fact that it's 40 miles away. I would consider this place a must-try. I have yet to take anyone there who wasn't immediately in love. Try the specials - they always deliver!
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Review from Susan Z.
San Francisco, CA
You can't go wrong at Sol Food. I always get the pork chops with sweet plantains but have sampled my friends chicken and i can honestly say i like it all. The pink beans with olives hit the spot and the simplicity of their vinaigrette on the salad has me wondering why can't i make something like this. The pickled onions top it off and i pour the orange hot sauce over everything. If you get a chance try the lime aid. home made and refreshing!!! I eat there every chance I'm near by. You should too!!! And the couple in front in line even had them cater their wedding!! awesome!!
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Review from Meelad K.
Laguna Beach, CA
This place is DANK! you better watch out all their food is really addicting! Order pickled onions and sweet plantains!
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Review from Christopher R.
San Francisco, CA
Several VEGAN options!
I love the Vegetariano plate (VEGAN and WHEAT FREE!)! Salad, beans, rice, and plantains. Simply tasty. Great place to stop off after an afternoon in Muir Woods or at Stinson Beach!
This place is popular so if the line outside turns you off, just cruise around the corner. They have a smaller location that has heated outdoor patio seating! -
Review from Backwordbender f.
Menlo Park, CA
Delicious.
Deliciosa.
Muy rica.
i had the veggie pressed sandwich and it was just pure delciousness.
Sadly, I have only been to the abode of awesomeness once. So I will have to come again, so I can review better. But the sandwich was so pure and fresh and AWESOME that, I just had to say something.
So...there it is.
AWESOME.
But, that is what you get when you get food recommendations from MC YOGI -
Review from Jason C.
Sausalito, CA
Ok... this is... wait for it...
THE
MOST
OVERRATED
RESTAURANT IN THE WORLD.
It's not that it's bad, but after hearing about it from everybody and their mothers, I guess I walked in with very high and unfair expectations.
It is different than your everyday US cuisines: Chinese, Thai, American, Italian, French, Japanese, Mexican, Indian.
But it isn't ANYTHING SPECIAL, even though you would definitely expect it to be for the prices they charge.
Portion size could be bigger, not much price/protein ratio (this is how restaurant makes their money, less protein = higher margins) and it's just not a great value unless you HAVE to eat rice, beans, plantains and chicken.
Throw in the line to get food and it's even more inconvenient.
+1 star for being open late though. -
Review from Coy L.
Yes like others have mention great first or second time but after a while it losses something.... unless you drive to SF or downtown Santa Rosa ( differnt company) for PR restaurant this your best choice (Santa Rosa one isnt better)...
Also i agree the salad dressing can get overwhelming at times just ask for less or on the side...
Great atmosphere -
Review from Hollis K.
San Rafael, CA
Better than the Puerto Rican food I had in Puerto Rico.....no kidding.......
My fave is the pescado Frito on fridays......whole fish deep fried
amazing.........
only reason for 4 stars is.....long lines in the cold to get in but once your in it's friendly and noisy and fun.....
delivery is great
