Borinquen
Puerto Rican restaurant · North Center
3811 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Highlights
Home of the jibarito, offering Puerto Rican comfort food
Home of the jibarito, offering Puerto Rican comfort food
"We had to pay homage to the original. Borinquen Lounge, formerly Borinquen Restaurant, is where the jibarito was adapted by Juan C. Figueroa in 1996 in Humboldt Park. For that, we are forever grateful. The “Home of the Jibarito” remains the standard, making it nearly impossible to decide between the original steak, lechón, grilled chicken, fried chicken, or vegetarian. It’s so nice, they had to do it twice, so they also serve the jibarita, which uses maduros instead of the savory green plantains used for the jibarito. Both come topped with slightly creamy garlic oil that takes the already flavorful sandwich to another level. That’s with or without the accompanying arroz con gandules, which are comforting enough to be a meal on their own." - jessica rome
"Borinquen Lounge, formerly Borinquen Restaurant, is where the jibarito was adapted by Juan C. Figueroa in 1996 in Humboldt Park. For that, we are forever grateful. The “Home of the Jibarito” remains the standard, making it nearly impossible to decide between the original steak, lechón, grilled chicken, fried chicken, or vegetarian. It’s so nice, they had to do it twice, so they also serve the jibarita, which uses maduros instead of the savory green plantains used for the jibarito. Both come topped with a slightly creamy garlic oil that takes the already flavorful sandwich to another level. That’s with or without the side of accompanying arroz con gandules, which are comforting enough to be a meal on their own." - Jessica Rome
"If you’ve been looking for Puerto Rican food that hits the spot, look no further than this inviting lounge filled with Puerto Rican flags and tons of natural light. Borinquen Lounge proudly markets itself as the home of the jibarito, and after trying one it’s easy to understand why." - Brandon Summers-Miller
"If you’ve been looking for Puerto Rican food that hits the spot, look no further than this inviting lounge filled with Puerto Rican flags and tons of natural light. Borinquen Lounge proudly markets itself as the home of the jibarito, and after trying one it’s easy to understand why." - Brandon Summers-Miller
"There’s little doubt that the jibarito was born of Chicago, though no one can agree on its exact origins. Many cite the late Juan Figeroa, the owner of Humboldt Park restaurant Borinquen, as its inventor circa 1996." - Naomi Waxman
