Desde Mi Balcón Restaurant

We weee here for a three day convention and found this hidden gem! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm smiles and outstanding hospitality. The service at this restaurant was top-notch—attentive without being overbearing, and genuinely friendly from start to finish. Now, the food… absolutely incredible. Every dish was bursting with flavor and clearly made with high-quality, fresh ingredients. From the appetizers to the desserts, everything was thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented. You can tell the chefs take real pride in their work. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a special occasion spot, this place checks all the boxes. Great ambiance, delicious food, and truly exceptional service. Highly recommended—can’t wait to come back!

This place is a hidden gem!!!! The inside is so nice and well put together!!! You would never have known that it used to be an old strip club!!!! Good job to who ever put this place together! The food is AMAZING HANDS DOWN!!!!! The music and atmosphere is it!!!!! Please come check this place out!!!!! Drinks are awesome as well…..

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Desde Mi Balcón, a Puerto Rican restaurant that offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a menu full of traditional favorites. Overall, the experience was genuinely enjoyable, and several dishes stood out as exceptional. Mofongo Let’s start with the mofongo—hands down one of the best I've had outside of Puerto Rico. It had that authentic, garlicky flavor that so many places try to replicate but rarely get right. The texture was spot-on: firm enough to hold its shape, but soft and tender when you dug into it. It had that comforting, genuine essence that brings you right back to abuela’s kitchen. Carne Frita The carne frita was another highlight. Perfectly seasoned and unbelievably moist, it practically melted in my mouth. I was impressed with how well they balanced crispness on the outside with tenderness on the inside—no dryness here. A truly flavorful, soulful dish. Tripleta Sandwich On the flip side, the tripleta sandwich was just okay. While enjoyable and certainly not bad, it didn’t quite hit the mark in terms of authenticity. The flavors didn’t fully come together the way I hoped, and it lacked that punch you expect from a real-deal tripleta. It felt a bit “mid,” to be honest—fine for trying once, but not something I’d personally order again. Queso Frito Now let’s talk about the queso frito—absolutely stellar. Five out of five. The cheese was perfectly fried with that golden, crispy exterior and warm, melty center. The real kicker was the guava sauce. Sweet, tangy, and the perfect complement to the richness of the cheese. I’d go back for this alone. Flan The flan was clearly homemade, and I appreciate that. It had a deeper, denser texture than I prefer—I'm more of a light and silky flan fan—but the flavor was good. My only suggestion: add a touch more of that delicious caramel sauce on top to balance the density. A small tweak could elevate it significantly. Empanada Finally, the empanada was to die for. The crust was perfectly fried and not greasy at all. The filling was rich and flavorful, with a noticeable olive taste that added depth and authenticity. I’d absolutely order these again (and again). Bonus: they’re reasonably priced, which made them even more of a win. --- Final Thoughts Desde Mi Balcón delivers on many fronts, especially with their traditional dishes. While not every item blew me away, the highs definitely outweighed the lows. I’ll be coming back for that mofongo, carne frita, queso frito, and those killer empanadas. Just skip the tripleta and save room for what they truly do best.

Best puerto rican 🇵🇷 food ive had in NC, came from Wilmington and wasn't disappointed! Decent pricing and damn near everything you can want from our beautiful islands cuisine

Surprisingly, quaint unobtrusive oasis of Latin delights tucked away in a strip mall off Bragg Blvd in Fayetteville, NC. Stumbled onto this place based on internet research for a lunch date with special someone. Interestingly enough, I almost turned around and left because the initial impression was curious.. As in would my date enjoy the atmosphere, latin music and nightclub slash take out kinda vibe.. Thankfully, mi presciosa was enamored by the menu and music and ordered off the extensive selection of Latin American cuisine. There's too many delicious sounding meals on the menu a second, third trip would be required just to scratch the surface. From Empanadillias to Relleno, to Escabeche, this place appears to have it all. Portions were hearty, and it's easy for eyes to overindulge what stomach can accommodate. Bottom line, forget the outward appearance. Inside is delightful authentic food that fill your belly and wet pallet with pleasure. Staff, espanol and knowledgeable and friendly.

I feel like the quality of food went down when they switched locations. Ive been a couple times since and the food has been good; not great as it was. Today however my steak tasted rancid, there was two pieces and I think one of the pieces was from an older batch or something. Once I got into the steak I couldnt eat it and informed the waitress. Restaurants should have a protocol for when these things happen, the waitress just said the steak was brought in today and she would let the chefs know but that was it… I was halfway through the food when I realized it was sour so I understand theres not much to do but paying $23 for a steak I couldnt eat is a bit annoying.

Found restaurant on the internet while traveling back to Mississippi and stopped by. Everyone was friendly, but the food was awesome. I had the grilled chicken with onions and my husband had the grilled steak with onions and we both had rice and beans with plantains. I will return!!!!!

This could be a great place BUT, it needs a lot of work. First I'm going to start with the good things. Food was OK, the mofongo was soft and the chicken breast very tender, but the presentation is not the best. Now the not so good. They are extremely under staff. They are definitely not ready for large groups. They panicked and it took about an hr for our order to be taken. The waiter didn't bring any drinks until the food was served 45 min later.. So most of us were eating and almost finished and no drinks, about 2 hrs from arrival. Service and friendliness needs to be addressed with the employees. The menu needs to be reduced because we ordered things and the answer for all of us was "No tenemos (we don't have it)." So my recommendation is simplify the menu with things that you actually can actually keep in stock. I think management needs to step up a little, because again, I feel it has potential, but right now its not it.

Generous portions, large variety of food and nice presentation. Flavor is not very consistent- some days the food tastes fresh, others it does not. Service is ok- everyone looks like they do not want to be there.

Beware the drinks are not free refills I just paid $8.30 for two fountain drinks. Food was great however disclose that the drinks are not free. Unbelievable so upset $4.15 for small fountain soda is ridiculous see attached receipt.

I have tried giving the restaurant a chance but every time I have gone I get disappointed. One of the time I went with my BF and I saw they had a nice looking decorated bar (at there new location) so I asked the server if they offer a full bar she said yes... so I asked her for a Blue Motorcycle (a version of a AMF) she didn't know what was in it which I was like okay no problem it didn't bother me too much that she didn't know a basic bar drink so I told her what was in it and after about 10-15 minutes of her and someone else at the bar looking at there phone I'm guessing looking the drink up she brings me my drink... drink was amazing it was Strong as heck so I didn't complain I like my drinks strong hence why I get this drink. I was like cool yea this will definitely be my new spot. We then ordered our food appetizers first 2 Frituras each of us. Well each one came at a different times one at a time. Then we ordered our food and that also came at separate times. My food "Plato Navideño" came 1st 10 minutes later my BF plate "Chuletas Kankan" came I was sitting waiting for his meal to come that when it finally came and we both started eating my food was cold. I know some may say well why didn't you start eating. Well we went to eat to eat together not to have separate meals. Then the pernil was really salty and greasy had to try and mix my cold rice with it to hide some of the salty taste. My BF didn't really complain about his food so I'm assuming his food was good only thing we were supprice was when the service mentioned to my BF he already had 3 refills on his fountain drink and that was it. We both look at each other like huh... she said yea so we said we didn't care. She didn't bring another drink after but not knowing that what she meant was it was another charger aftet 3 refills. We had never been to a restaurant that you can only have so many fountain drinks it didn't state in the menu that it only offered 3 refills again on "FOUNTAIN DRINKS" My food may have tasted different if it was hot but that's the experience I had with my food. After I asked for another Blue Motorcycle drink I figured heck okay no big deal let me just wash it all off with another great drink . Same thing she brought the drink and was strong and great. Had a horrible experience with the food but I figured okay at lest the drinks are good. After my second drink was finished. We asked for the bill and when I looked at the bill I was in shock like $30 for a Blue Motorcycle each I called to ask the waitress thinking it was a mistake she then goes and explains that they charge for each shot in the drink and that each shot was an oz so mind you if you don't know what it contains it's the following ¾ fluid ounce vodka ¾ fluid ounce tequila ¾ fluid ounce rum ¾ fluid ounce gin ¾ fluid ounce Blue Curacao 1 dash sour mix 2 fluid ounces lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage Which add up to about 3oz of liquor (which if I'm Correct is the legal amount that can be served at any bar or restaurant in a drink) yet at this point you have me 5oz in a drink a total of 10oz in 2 hrs which mind you I don't mind the strength of the drink it's not knowing and then blindside of what I am paying for like what the Fu€k. From that point that was the last straw for me. I love my PR good but I'm gonna need to find another spot.

Ambiance! Looms awesome, might be a good night time dining expeeience location. Looks really nice, large bar area,

Food was good. Atmosphere was friendly. Most staff don't speak English, which makes the cultural experience authentic. We ordered several dishes and they were all good. The interior is a bit small, which can also be seen as a good thing (intimate), but it limits the amount of people that can come in and enjoy it. They were full when we went and people were waiting outside in their cars for groups to leave so that they could come in and dine. They only have a limited number of English menus. If you want to enjoy this place without a Spanish speaker in your group, just be prepared to use "Google Translate" (we did) We will be returning!

Food was very good, Service was good, ambiance was great. It was a ride from Jacksonville but I was satisfied

El Mofongos con carne guisada Mama probó esto y le cantó mucho se lo comió todito e hago So mucho con esta comida gracias a Dios que encontramos un sitio que nosotros podemos oír y a comer con familia

Overall, I'd say this place was ok. Tried this for the first time on her birthday because one of her friends recommended it. I recently took a trip to San Juan, PR so I had a good idea of what the food was supposed to taste like and it was close! This inside is nice, cool paintings on the wall. We asked about a few items on the menu and they weren't serving a lot of things, which was disappointing. I ordered the nachos and my mom had the empanadas, rice, and plantains. She said her food was pretty good, except for the rice which she thought was a little too sweet (I personally liked the rice). My nachos were pretty much a salad mix with cheese, sour cream, and a whole bunch of beef with not enough chips to support all of it. I was disappointed with the nachos because they were just ok and I felt like they were something I could make at home.

Steak was bland! Nothing about the meal was good! Maybe i ordered the wrong thing! Carne Asada

Very disappointed, looks like new location new owners. I ordered a papa rellena and when I cut it in half it was cold inside then what I ordered was not as described on the menu so I told her take it back I don't want it. Waited for my papa rellena to come back warmed and I never got it. My husband had steak with onions and he said it was like a beef patty not even steak and didn't taste good. Will never eat there again. What a shame cause the real desde mi balcon was amazing.

Excellent food and hefty sized portions!! Staff is warm and friendly. Will definitely be returning!

Absolutely disappointed this place looks very good but once we got here we were told to sit anywhere nothing out of the unusual but once we sat down no one assisted us until like 10 minutes later the lady left us talking when we tried to order then came back we though she was new and asked but all she said that she's been running around that's why she was acting like that when she finally came over we asked for appetizers first thing because we know it takes long she left and again ignored us again after she came back to finally take the order we asked her for everything and then asked about the appetizer if it was ready yet and she was like ohhh I forgot it when the food came mine was cold the shrimp was honestly good and the mofongo was great but over all customer service was absolutely terrible the food needed more flavor also we came with some friends for one of there birthday I forgot to mention in the beginning when we were asking to order what we wanted they didn't have it this happened like with 2 different foods and also happened to my friend that was the birthday boy over all I give this restaurant like a 2.5 or 3 just because of the service and food being alright because for the price it wasn't worth it also I never got my appetizer lol I asked them to take it off my list because we got done eating and never got it I asked for refills and they took forever also forgot to mention the rice was dry

So, on the outside it doesn't look like much but on the inside. The artwork is BEAUTIFUL, the food is immaculate, and true to the culture. My husband and I are both Puerto Rican and we JUST got back from there like 3 days ago. Desde Mi Balcón hits the nail on the head with home flavors and cooking styles. The fact that they had a tripleta shook me to the core and it was SOOO GOOOD the only thing I wish they had was chimichuri sauce for my plate, but her mayoketchup was on point. I can't want to go back. If you're looking for good Puerto Rican food try them out, you won't be disappointed!

Took order to go. Service was friendly. Chicken & Steak mondongo. Flavorful and tender. I enjoyed it as well as my parents. They gave mayoketchup for sauce but we are not a fan of it at all. My mom would have like another sauce choice. Overall we were pleased.

Location is a bit small for in-room dining. Food is good I have had the relleno de papa, carne asada with yellow rice and guandules, I have also had the empanadas but the prices are just a bit overpriced!

The food was straight delicious!! The atmosphere and service was impeccable! Steak Mondongo!!!

This is the second time we come here to eat. The food is pretty good and as close as you can get from back home. But the service was not the best. One waitress for a full dining room. We order café con leche,but the food made it first to the table. The waitress said she couldn't get to make the coffee and walked away. She didn't even bother to asked if we still wanted it. If a restaurant gets busy during lunch maybe the owner should consider to bring extra waiters. Oh and this restaurant doesn't believe in water glasses for the table.

Overall the service was great and the food was okay. De piña colada was the best thing and the mofongo. The carne frita was dry and the churrasco was not the best. The staff was very attentive, cordial and pleasant.

Food is not exceptional but is good enough to satisfy whatever craving you have for Cuban. I don't know if my waitress was new or couldn't speak very good English but she did a pretty good job trying to understand what I wanted to order and was friendly although I don't think we understood 90% of what we said to each other. The outside looks awful, like it's been abandoned recently, the inside is dull, boring, and a little worn down but not bad for a quick bite to eat. What I'm trying to say is I wouldn't bring a date here.

HORRIBLE! We were told a 30-40 min wait, I provided my name and phone number ad then a larger party came in right after me and also provided the same. I waited in my car for exactly the 40 minutes when noticing the larger party that came in after me, were no longer waiting outside. When I went inside they had already been seated before us. I quickly asked the server why didnt she called and then she answered with "I did once but it rang like two times" I showed her my call history showing that nobody had called she went to show me on the phone that she had called and then quickly mived away the phone realizing that she had marked the number wrong or something of that sort. I quickly asked how long was the wait then and she said she had somebody that had already paid and was about to leave. We then waited 20 more minutes for then to the lady to tell my sister that she didnt know anymore because she was too busy to worry about us.

I'm sitting in here waited about 15 min and I feel like I'm in a Mexican restaurant (don't get me wrong, I love Mexicans and their food, it's my FAVORITE! But after living in NC coming from Miami where we have several PR options coming here and having a Mexican vibe did a number on me. 2nd... our waitress I could tell was not knowledgeable which was frustrating but after asking here for a drink menu and they didn't have one, then asking here we'll what can they make and she had no Clue I was over this place. I have the food a chance, I was impressed by their alcapurias, but I must say the trifongo was great. I originally wanted it with churrasco but the complicated waitress kep telling me they serve it with bistec encebollado. And I was questioning if they'd make it grilled instead and in went the one way conversation. Then she barely checked on our table I was so upset. Need to find a true PR spot around here.

Order a Shrimp mofongo with red sauce. We waited for 10 minutes and the lady brings a shrimp mofongo on garlic sauce, similar but not quite to the criolla or red sauce. She stated that they didn't have red sauce, why didn't she ask before bringing the dish I didn't order so she instead brings me some mayo ketchup and more garlic sauce...really...The shrimps were little salty reason why I always order red sauce, so I dont feel the saltiness and the geese taste plus the green and red pepper on the criolla sauce gives a totally taste to the shrimps....things like this makes you wonder why we don't eat out that much and prefer the homecoking which by the way is puertorrican.

saludos,tuve la oportunidad de visitarlos y me gusto mucho..hace 1yrs atras.lo unico q. no me gusto fue q. se tardaron un poco en pedir la orden y traer las bebidas. de sabores nos encanto mucho..esos detalles hay q. arreglarlos y listo..y q. fui un fin de semana y estaba cerrado .eso no me gusto,muy triste para nosotros .bendiciones y exito

Food and Service was Great! We only had a 20 minute wait for a table and were kept abreast of the wait status. COVID measures were in place. We came by for the Food and we weren't disappointed. Since we aren't Fayetteville residents we will definitely be back by when we're in the area again.

Desde mi balcón was amazing, the food was sooo good and it makes you feel like you are in Puerto Rico. The staff is very friendly and attentive. I really recommend everyone to visit the restaurant, I promise you that you will have an amazing experience.