Energizing the Lower East Side since '94, El Rinconcito serves up vibrant Dominican and Puerto Rican dishes like mofongo and rotisserie chicken in a cozy spot.
"It opened in 1994, but closed down a couple of years ago, only to reopen at this brand new location on Avenue C. El Rinconcito has retained its menu of Dominican, Puerto Rican, and Cuban fare, centered on various forms of mofongo, the dome of mashed plantain that can be flavored and extended in dozens of different ways. The usual pernil and rotisseries chicken are also available, and the place now looks like a gleaming diner by the highway." - Robert Sietsema
"This East Village restaurant lived on 10th Street for nearly 30 years before shutting down in 2021. It’s now back in a new location on Avenue C, serving mofongo, pernil and other Latin American dishes, as well as pastas, in a bright, narrow space." - Will Hartman, Willa Moore
"The 27-year-old Latin American restaurant El Rinconcito noted that it wouldn’t be gone for long when it closed up shop in July 2021 — and now it appears to be readying its return. EV Grieve reports that colorful signage for the restaurant is up at its new home at 73-75 Avenue C, near East Fifth Street." - Erika Adams
"Open since 1994, El Rinconcito is a family owned restaurant that’s been serving Latin American dishes ranging from mofongo to double bacon cheese burgers. This mainstay closed on July 16, but there are signs in the window indicating there is a new forthcoming location in the neighborhood." - Erika Adams
"Since 1994, Rinconcito has been serving belt-busting meals of Dominican and Puerto Rican standards to East Villagers; in fact, it’s one of the few Latin-Caribbean restaurants left on this part of the Lower East Side. The salt cod is prepared in the traditional way, as a casserole with potatoes and onions that’s colored a brilliant red with annatto. There’s nothing better than a meal of baccalo with rice, beans, and plantains." - Robert Sietsema
