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| - I've been here plenty of times for lunch, and while the food isn't the best, options for Puerto Rican cuisine are limited so I keep coming back.
It's a nice little homey spot frequented by locals (mostly for takeout). Prices are reasonable and portions are plenty. Menu is simple but solid. Service is very friendly.
When I go for a full meal, I usually get the fried pork (chicharrones) combo, which consists of rice, beans, fried pork rinds, tostones (fried plantains) (with garlic sauce), a pastele (similar to tamale), and one other side that I can't recall. Needless to say it is a FULL meal. The rice is to die for. The pork rinds more often than not tough and overcooked. Everything else tastes OK but I wouldn't miss any of it if I never had it again. I find myself drenching it in the mild, somewhat-sweet hot sauce that is on every table.
Where they shine for me is the appetizer menu. Empanadillas (empanadas) come in chicken and beef variety and are my go-to item. Alcapurrias come in plantain or yucca (we go for the yucca). Bacalaitos, which I can only describe as a savory fish pancake (think heavily battered fish meat). Rellenos de papa, which is a deep fried potato ball stuffed with ground beef. All very good, but all very greasy and heavy.
If I do find myself in Rincon Criollo again, I would like to try the Shrimp Mofongo, which they highlight on the menu.
Overall it's a nice place, but since I discovered Caribe Bakery, I rarely come back here. I would definitely recommend it to anyone willing to try something new.
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