Café El Camino

Tasty but expensive food. There are bodegas in Lawrence where the food quality is just as good, if not better, for half the price. Also, check your order before you leave. I ordered the pork pastels and received chicken.

This place was recommended by a friend and it was my first time ordering Mofongo. Other than the fact it was a bit dry, it tasted amazing! All the food here was good. I ordered a Mofongo with Shrimp and a Beef and Cheese empanada. Service was great and they even handed out plantain chips that they were experimenting with to every table. Awesome experience and will definitely be coming back for more 😄

I’m very disappointed and this is a disgrace to Spanish food. My boyfriend and I ordered from here and we received very little food for thirty something dollars. If you want to eat Spanish food do not order from here. We were practically robbed. If we order from Lawrence, we will receive more food than this and better quality. This was honestly a waste of time.

We drove an hour to visit this restaurant. We were sadly disappointed. First I will say the pernil, rellenos de papa, sweet plantains, tasted great (could have been hotter)and their desserts are worth trying also presentation is appealing. Next, completely overpriced! Just Rice & Beans for $18. The sampler NOT worth $40 with taxes and fees almost $50 ( they add a 15% gratuity mandatory) The food is premade and probably in a warmer. It didn’t taste freshly made. There was no steam coming from any of the food. I would have liked to try Alcapurias made without yucca. The free soup when you dine in wasn’t hot and too much cilantro. Some people may not know but Quality good tasting Puerto Rican food is time consuming and a lot of work. It is worth the wait and money if done right but not when you cut corners to make a buck. Unfortunately I won’t be back.

Had a really horrible experience today. The food was not deserving of a near $50 bill just for lunch for my wife and I. I ordered steak and rice. The rice came out orange and tasted like a bowl of tomato soup. The staff insisted this is the way it comes. I said, "Not from any Abuela of Puerto Rico I know." The steak was also saturated with sause. I couldn't eat it. If this is being served to customers not familiar with the cuisine, they might not know better, but let's call it like it is; AGENT ORANGE. Where is David, the owner? His wife? Not present today. That's undertsood. Can't be there all the time. We love their restaurant story and hope this is fixed. Credit given to the server who offered a new dish of plain white rice and beans and an empa. Can't mess that up, but the patty was quite a bit soggy. Then the server returned and said they went and looked at the next rice coming out and it was not orange, more light yellow. NO KIDDING. The chef missed the math, or without the owners there took a risk. We hope the owners crack the whip because this was NOT a $50 lunch experience for the substitution. Look at the pics of today and rice served to past customers. You decide, just like we have to decide on taking another risk with a visit. Response to the owners response listed below: The bottom line is the rice was made in error by possibly doing the math wrong with tomato soup, which is what it tasted like. If you would like, I can quickly return so you can taste the rice for yourself. I want to see you look me in the eye and claim it was cooked properly.

We were visiting MA. There's no good Puerto Rican food where we live. We searched for restaurants in the area but nothing caught our eye until we saw the reviews and photos of this spot in NH, so I made the drive. This is a family owned business making authentic Puerto Rican food, from scratch, on a daily basis. When I entered, 2 women were walking out with a big box of take out food. There were people in and out to pick up orders. This is a good sign. I placed my order with Jonathan, one of the Chefs/co-owners. He had such a great personality. Very friendly and cordial. When I ordered my food he came out and gave me a limeade he was working on to try. It was good. He then came out with a complimentary soup, Sopa Levanta Muertos. OMG it was so good. It had bits of chicken, pork, steak and turkey. It was so flavorful. I ordered the Mofongo with Carne Frita. It was the best Mofongo I've ever tasted. The pork had a crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside and the flavor or was spot on. I had to force myself to stop eating it because it was so good and I was so full. I tried their Alcapurria with beef filling and beef and cheese Empanada. Both had plenty of filling and yummy. I also had their flan. It had the sugary sauce for every Bute and then some. That was so good. I also ordered take out for my daughter. Jonathan had left,, but the other Chef and co-owner, Elizabeth,, who is Jonathan's. mother took my order.. she was just as personable as her son. I ordered the beef Alcapurria, beef and cheese Empanada and the pizza Empanada. The pizza Empanada wasn't what we expected. It was sweet, but it was good. I also got the Arroz con Gandules which came with sweet plantains. They were both really good. The sweet plantains were one of the best I've had. The white rice was good and the beans that come with the rice, which also came with sweet plantains, were as flavorful as everything else we had. We loved everything. We will definitely come back on our next visit.

WOW! My first bite I was very much enjoying every taste. Fresh authenticate ingredients made my taste buds explode. I could not believe how good the rice tasted almost had this smoked meat flavor to it. The service was awesome. John took very good care us and his mom was so sweet. The soup (levanta muertos) was the bomb. Not on the menu but John gave us a small bowl. His grandmother taught him well. It was heaven. Definitely a place to take your mom and enjoy very good food.

Wicked good food and the nicest, most accommodating staff. We all loved the complimentary soup (described as a sancocho/chicken soup hybrid), the hot sauce and the garlic sauce are flavorful, and the empanadas were my favorite! There's tons of choices and I don't think you could go wrong with what you pick.

Amazing Puerto Rican dishes! The Rellenos de papa is like a deep fried Sheppard pie in a ball .. but better! I'm glad I discovered it. Beef and cheese empanadas are packed full of juiciness. Can't go wrong ordering the pernil asado. I'll be back for more!

The place is small in a plaza in the mist of nowhere. $80 for 2 mofongos. Extremely overpriced.

Ended up at this little gem after the restaurant we were initially going to in Methuen was closed. It's a small place with around 6 tables. You order at the counter and the food is taken to your table. What a surprise! Puerto Rican food at its best; better than any restaurant I've tried in Boston! We ordered pastelillos (chicken or beef patties), arroz con gandules (rice and pigeon peas), pernil (roast pork) and chicharrones (fried pork). We were so eager to dig in that no pictures were taken...lol The chef came out and asked if we would like try some soup he had just made. I asked What kind and he said "levanta muertos". I won't translate that since it would take too long. The soup was mix of chicken, pork and root vegetables and it was excellent! We were there early but by the time we left people were waiting for tables. There were many people picking up catering orders since it was Three Kings Day. My sister said now she doesn't have to ask my mom to cook! Can't wait to go back.

Things I like... - good consistent food Things I don't like... - prices have become outrageous, our family of 5 easily $125 - small seating area - owner got super impatient with my aunt and uncle when they had simple questions about the menu. - ridiculous mandatory gratuity of 20% for dining in. Just to be clear, you order your food from the counter and grab your own drinks from the cooler. The owner stands there and takes your order. Then, brings the food 20 feet to your table. There is no "service" because drinks don't have refills, and you order at counter. Paying the owner $25 to walk 10 feet is obnoxious and embarrassing. I won't be back.

Foods good, place comfy and clean. The only thing that doesn't make it to 5 stars is the plastic plate and utensils. The price is pretty high compared to typical Latin foods. We had roasted pork w rice and beans. Beans are fantastic, pork too I am not a fan of the rice. Maybe because I'm Asian so I'm picky w rice. We also had chicken empanadas and guava n cheese empanada which was great too. We try veggie alcapurria my husband likes it I don't. Flan was ok. Overall great experience, we will be back for sure.

I was so excited to try this place, and they did not disappoint! We ordered beef and cheese and chicken and cheese empanadas, which were perfectly filled and fried to perfection. My husband got the sampler, mom got roasted pork with beans and rice, brother got chicken wings, and I got a Mofongo with shrimp. There were no complaints at all. Everyone was very happy with their meals and we had food left over. The fried foods weren't even greasy, which is hard to find, especially for takeout. The takeout service was great, which seems to be their specialty as there wasn't much room to sit and eat there. I will say the food was on the expensive side, but I can't think of a place that does Puerto Rican food better, so they're totally worth it. I will definitely be back many more times and highly recommend them!

Cafe El Camino is a hidden gem! Our food was delicious, the staff were friendly, and many items are gluten free. We ordered a plate with crackling chicken, arroz con guandules, and sweet plantains (maduros) and then a regular order of the carne frita, which was plenty for two people. My husband also ordered empanadas, which were not gf, and he said they were his favorite thing. We will definitely be back!

The food in this place is authentic! The service and the people are very friendly and inviting! The ambience is like a modern day Puerto Rico going to a local friend's house to eat! I highly recommend.

Stopped here on a whim. The food was fresh and amazing! I wish there were closer to me!

Amazing food and customer service. We loved it!! The host made us feel at home. He offered us a great flavorful soup before put food was served.

Mofongo was the best! Lechon Asado was tasty but loved the spin on red beans with white rice. Tostones were good too. The fried items were prepared to order and came out hot! Only wish it was closer!

Cafe El Camino saved the day. After being told 1 week before my party by another establishment that they weren't able to fulfill my order for my son's first birthday, I reached out to Cafe El Camino to see if I could order 45 empanadas with only 4 days notice. The owner got back to me immediately and was happy to take my order. She also recommended the perfect amount of empanadas for my guests - I would've over/ordered had she not said anything. Along with taking my order on short notice, the empanadas were some of the best I've ever had. We ordered the beef, chicken, and pizza empanadas and they were so fresh and delicious. EVERYONE at my party asked where they were from because they were so tasty. Thank you Cafe El Camino!!! We will definitely be back!

This was our alternate choice for dinner, and we couldn't get seating at choice #1. And BOY am I glad we couldn't! This is an unassuming little place in a strip mall on the edge of nowhere. Use your GPS and get here TODAY! Owner was super nice, clearly loves what he does and sharing it with customers. He took the time to explain basically the entire menu, as well as having us try some things we didn't order. Very social, without being a bother. Order the Mofongo. Don't worry about it, just order it. I'm a pretty big eater and he told me "it's a ton of food, you probably won't finish it." I replied, "Challenge accepted." This is, apparently, a pretty common exchange at El Camino. Well, I finished it, only problem is, I was hungry again in like, three days. Seriously! Rib-sticking goodness! I paired it with a Tamarind soda, which was delightful! My bride is far more finicky than me, and she had the same reaction. This will be our new go-to place when we have a hankerin'. Quality, quantity, and service were ALL top notch. AND, it's an alternative to the aoli-slathered cauliflower restaurants currently blanketing the region. Mi casa, su casa, and he means it.

Great food and great service. It looks like most of their business is takeout. There isn't a lot of seating. That's the reason for the 4/5 stars

Good food. Better to do takeout. But, the mofongo With bacalao was great. I would Go again.

Nice, welcomed taste of home randomly found in New Hampshire. El Camino offers authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, which is become rarer to find anywhere. Most places you find today are Dominican or Cuban cuisine, which, if you don't know, there is a difference. The owners are present at the store and are very nice, kind people. If you dine indoors and get a full Meal, a complimentary soup is even given. Overall such a pleasant dining experience: home style, warm environment, great tasting Latin Caribbean Puerto Rican good. Get your arroz con gandules, pernil, empanadas, dulce de leche, tres leches ... everything.

Yummy fresh authentic Spanish food. Great service and prices too. We tried a few of the more popular items on the menu and really love the chicken and fries!

Was looking for somewhere to eat in the area and this place sounded the best out of everything.. It did not disappoint! I got a combo with an empanada, sweet plantains, and arroz con gadules. We got to try a sample of what I would call Puerto Rican chicken soup, and their churro bites filled with dulce de leche. Everything was absolutely delicious and cooked fresh to order. People were pouring in as we sat and ate. They have their own hot sauce and ranch sauce. Highly, highly recommend. Will be back again.

I could write Cafe El Camino a million love letters and it still wouldn't be enough. The food is out of this world. The vegan options are unlike anything you can get around here. The staff is always extremely friendly and hospitable. The dining room is clean and gives a very comfy vibe, as if your eating at your friends home. Their homemade hot sauce and garlic vinegar sauce is a must have for everyone's home. I love this place so much.

We got takeout from here for a business lunch one day and the next night I ordered from them for dinner. EXCEPTIONAL! That is all you need to say about this restaurant. The empanadas are a must and I think that is what most will tell you. What I will say is I don't think you can go wrong with anything on the menu. The pork was amazing as was the rice and beans. The staff are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. This will be my new go to for Saturday night takeout.

This is kind of a hidden gem, far out of the way, but definitely worth the trip to get there. Amazing food, and the owners/staff are incredibly friendly. The restaurant itself is kind of small so it fills up quickly, but they also offer take-out and there are some picnic tables around the parking lot for anyone who wants to eat outdoors. They have a great variety of traditional Puerto Rican menu items from alcapurias, to pastelillos, to rellenos de papa, and everything is very well done. Definitely a place to go back to over and over.

Best empanadas I have ever tasted, friendly staff. A bit expensive but worth it! Was new to the area and will def come back!

The BEST Puerto Rican food spot in New Hampshire, hands down! I travel over an hour whenever I get a craving and I'm never disappointed... Great customer service too!

Just picked up and had to take a few bites in the car while the food was hot. Beef empanada- awesome. Roast pork - holy shit! I almost went back in to get more pork to go with the rest of my combo.

Stop by there today after a nice Motorcycle ride & finally made it, I tell ya the food was excellent just like my mother in law cooks. We had a group of 6 and everyone loved the taste. If you want to try some Caribbean flavor stop by. Jonathan the owner all around awesome guy!!! We will make the drive again for sure!!

This was delicious .... very rainy Thursday and we needed something new ... beans and rice, pernil, roast chicken, beef empanada .... the empanada was delicious!!! My daughter enjoyed the beans and rice very much ... the pernil is delicious (only mistake I made was ordering 2 large orders -- but we decided to share with our neighbors ... such a large amount of delicious pork !!!) and are saving the roast chicken for tomorrow .... Plus, the owners are just the nicest people !!! So sweet !! It is a good 30 minute drive from our house (which in yucky weather serjedso I don't know that we will go often but it was soooooo yummy we will definitely return !!!!

Very very happy with the food here. I have to finish eating now so we can get some to go...lol

Literally the best flan I have ever eaten!!! Cracking chicken and the secret ranch sauce is the most satisfying meal I can keep going back to! Thank you!!

From the moment we walked in, the service and friendliness of the honor alone made we want to give it a great review. Then, he offered to give us a sample of the Pernil and Arroz con gandules and arroz blanco con habichuels. Both of which were really good. We got maduros, rellenos de papa, pastelillos and even tried some of the crackling chicken. Everything was incredible. And the soup, the soups tasted like soup my mother would make growing up. Everything was incredible. Authentic Puerto Rican food sure. Pa'lante y mil gracias. If you're anywhere near the area try it out and you will not be disappointed!!!! Buen provecho!!!!

They're really friendly and welcoming. The food is always fresh, and their portions are good for the price. Food has been good, but it doesn't remind me of grandmas food. I was hoping to be brought back to Borinquén, but still not convinced. I also wish they were open more often. Sometimes I really want a mofongo on a Monday night.

Great Mexican food decently priced for New York City. Definitely a place I'd return to!

This hidden gem in Plaistow is such a great spot to enjoy authentic Latino food without having to travel to Mass. We ate inside but there are also a few picnic tables outside. The restaurant was clean, bright, and welcoming. We ordered the Family Meal for 39.99 and got the Crackling Chicken, yellow rice with chicken, pigeon peas and pork, two varieties of plantains and 4 empanadas. It was a ton of food and so good! The service was excellent - the staff were super friendly, ensuring everyone was enjoying what they were eating and just happy to be there! So happy to support a local business and so happy we found it! We will be back and telling all our friends! Their sauces were delicious too, especially the hot ones. Wishing success to the business during this challenging time! We want to go again and again!

Good authentic food. Give it a try. The owners are very nice and will advise you on what to try based on your preferences.

Went here yesterday for some lunch with my wife and daughter. Amazing food and staff! Hands down the best empanadas I've ever had. The wife had the Mofongo which I strongly recommend. I had a bite and OMG. Sooo good! We will definitely be back to this establishment!

I wish I could give more stars, this is my happy place. Good people, food and plenty of GF options here. I adore the cracklin chicken as well as the soup, having the plantains certainly is a nice treat with the meal and not found elsewhere. Thank you for feeding me!

Delicious food and excellent service. Their hot sauce is incredible and you can buy a bottle to bring home. I'm a vegetarian and they have a ton of options for me. My whole family was incredibly satisfied with our entire experience. This place is a must try!

The best Puerto Rican food made by the nicest people! This is authentic Puerto Rican home cooking at it's finest. Empanadas, roasted chicken, rice, beans and SOUP were all amazing. Run, don't walk, there! You won't be disappointed.

One of my fav new spots! The staff is so friendly and accommodating especially during this pandemic. My husband and I get take out from here at least a few times a month if not more. I'm obsessed with their homemade hot sauce and chicken empanadas however they have SO much more to offer. Their soup is a fav of mine, tostones, roast chicken as well as some of their rice dishes. Give them a try you won't be disappointed!

What lovely people who own this establishment. Warm and generous. The food was tasty. The dessert impressive. Nothing fancy but good flavors and authentic.

Best, authentic Puerto Rican food you're gonna find. Pernil is melt in your mouth good. Arroz/carné is sooooo damn good! Empanada has the best crust. I'm so happy this place exists. The owner is very nice and mentioned that they are also available at the local farmers market. Do yourself a favor and just try this food. We drove an hour to get it and I am seriously considering going back tomorrow. I'm telling you, it's amazing.

Great service, great food; Johnathan is clearly very passionate about the business and did everything to make us comfortable and get us to try new things (or, 'spoil' us). Very personable, great service, and fantastic meals. Definitely recommend.

Wow! What a find! Great, scratch-cooked Puerto Rican food. Tremendous service. Jonathan pampered us like he was entertaining us in his own home. We will return and often.

I bought some items and it was not at all what I expected. No borinquen flavor. Was very disappointed. They are over priced as well. $6.00 for one relleno de papa is way to high when there is no quality to the food. Will not eat from their farmers market stand again. I was hoping to surprise my dad, boy were we disappointed.

Very excited to have another option for those living in Newton, and one that delivers! We had two combo meals for our first time and everything was flavorful and delicious! Highly recommend and we'll be coming back!

This café is highly recommended. The chicken and vegetable empanadas are especially good as is the pork. We go often, highly recommended.

Great food at a low price. Friendly people. Good selection. They also have homemade sauces for sale from a local farm too.

Wow! What a wonderful new restaurant. My wife and I ordered delivery last night and the food arrived very quickly with excellent communication from the restaurant. We tried the steak with onions, beef empanada, chicken and cheese empanada, arroz con carne, and rice and beans - everything was fantastic. Not a single thing we wouldn't order again. Definitely will be back to this gem (and looking forward to it!)

Great quality and authentic food, generous portions and flavorful free soup offered, very nice owner/manager John, cracklin chicken juicy and flavorful, rice with fixings also full of flavor, roasted pork a little dry but they give 3 sauces with meal so that compensated for meat being a little dry - chocolate chip cookie a decadent and delicious dessert - would return in a heartbeat if in the area

Great food and service! Consistently great quality and one of the few places in the area to get good, authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. We are regulars!