"The soundtrack at Elsa La Reina Del Chicharron consists of a thwacking cleaver. There’s usually a line at this Inwood takeout spot (with three other locations), and at the front you’ll find an employee hacking at chicharron with frightening speed and expert precision. Ask for an order with a side of rice, tostones, or fried yuca, then find out first-hand how this place earned its name. Their fried pork belly has a crunchy exterior that flakes like puff pastry, and a springy interior that stays perfectly moist. If you’d care to supplement, there are plenty of other solid Dominican options, like mofongo and sancocho. But good as they are, they’ll always be sidekicks here." - willa moore, bryan kim, molly fitzpatrick, will hartman, sonal shah
