Elsa La Reina Del Chicharron

Five stars for the food and service! Everything we ate was delicious, especially the signature chicharrón, and the staff was super attentive. The vibe inside is good, though maybe just a little short of perfect. Still an amazing experience overall!

Seriously it was an ok Chichararron, not the best I had. I wish it was better seasoned. The meat was tender. I was lucky to come when there were only 2 people in line and the meat was already there. However I've ordered Mofongo and they make me wait almost 1 hour for that. Took bunch of pictures on top of my food before finally giving it to me. Although it tastes good it was very dry and the sauce they give is not enough, ask for extra. I ordered fried Plantains and was given soft warm Plantains. Their onions vinegar was salty. Ok place

The chicharrones were so good!!! My friend and I ordered rice, yucca and chicharrones. We spent about $22 and had leftovers. (Not the chicharrones 😆 that was too good!) Everyone was friendly and helpful. Food was so good. I love chicharrones with the meat on it. So many places only have the fat part, you get it all here!! Definitely recommend and will go back next time I'm in NY.

This restaurant is a Washington Heights Authentic Dominican staple, due to their famous and well known flavorful chicharrón de cerdo (Fried pork crackling).

30mins train ride from midtown Manhattan and the chicharron is freshly made and crispy. The ladies serving the food are the no nonsense sort and while they look fierce, a simple smile goes a long way and since they don’t speak English, a few hand gestures sorted out the food order.

The Chicarron was good and definitely worth a try if you are in the neighborhood.

The chicharones were underwhelming. They were a little dry and could use more flavor. Highly overrated in my opinion.

Ordered mofongo with chicharron for myself and chicharron with tostones for my mom. The chicharron is charged by weight and new batches are constantly coming out. The mofongo was made to order and took some time, but was excellent. The tostones were good, but came without any salt or salt packets. We were both happy with the quality of the food out of this hole in the wall. Will return.

The chicharron (with bone) here is delicious. They are sold by the pound, and the staff weighs your portion and chops it up for you. The tatas are great as well.

We were recommended this place by a friend and we came to get Chicharron, rice, beans, yuca. It was so delicious and affordable. Quick service and space inside to eat. Would come again.

A good friend brought me to this location because she went to the one in nj and wanted me try it, went at lunch time and the Chicharron with Moro was sooooooooooo good! The lunch portion is waaaaay worth it!

tl;dr these mind-blowing chicharrones are sold by the pound and chopped up to-order The self-proclaimed Queen of Chicharron, Elsa La Reina Del Chicharron has become a local legend. The business began as a small pop-up, cooking up chicharrones (fried pork) for the community, and over 2 decades has grown into a multi-store chain. The Washington Heights location pops out from other businesses on the block, with its royal blue awning and inviting blue-and-white checkered exterior. As you enter, your eyes are immediately drawn to the plantain-yellow plastic menu, the only personalized decoration against the austere white tile. Most of the space is dedicated to the food display counter and prep area. Incandescent lighting, mismatched wooden paneling, a makeshift COVID plexiglass barrier, and flat-screen TV playing a Latin talent show round out the decor, and Spanish-language music plays unobtrusively throughout the space. A steady stream of local rolls keeps the room busy. Despite a small counter with a few barstools opposite the food display, the spot really is geared toward takeout. During my midday weekday visit, I was able to immediately place my order for 1.5 lb of chicharrones, mofongo, and a side of tostones. As I waited about 10 minutes for the tostones and chicharrones to be prepared, I watched the staff weigh out and chop the pork before my eyes, then pile them into a large aluminum takeout tray. The chicharrones were unbelievably good: they sported a perfectly crispy skin, balanced out by a lump of tender, fatty meat that never felt overly greasy. The chicharrones were solid alone but were enhanced with provided dipping sauces. The softball-zed mofongo was dense and generously loaded with chicharrones, albeit somewhat dry. Finally, the tostones were sadly wholly forgettable: slightly limp and unseasoned, these were helped out tremendously by seasoning and sauces that we had on-hand at home. The staff members are native Spanish speakers, but I had no trouble ordering despite my limited fluency. The bill was just over $40, and the portion of food was enough to leave us well-stuffed. Realistically, we could've stretched this portion out for another meal each, but we couldn't put down the addictive chicharrones. Next time, I don't plan to purchase anything beyond a hefty container of the namesake.

You honestly can not go wrong with these chicharrones!!! They sell out so fast that they are always fresh, crispy and taste amazing. Crunchy enough but won't break your teeth and enough salt that you don't have to drink a gallon of water afterwards. And you also can't beat the price.

Chicharron is 1000% hands down delicious. This is for my peeps who love the best of anything and are willing to overlook...let's say the "big picture". I will be honest, my first impression of the location was underwhelming but it is not about the location when it comes to this Dominican cuisine. Service is very good and courteous. Not the place you would want to sit and eat there but definitely grab your takeout and rejoice! Elsa is the queen of chicharron for a reason. Get your fix this is not for the bougie.

Chicharrones crispy but wish they have more options to offer for vegetables side dish aside from salads. Overall Chicharrones is the best

The service at this establishment is abysmal. You walk in and get ignored. When they finally decide to serve you they have an attitude. The food overall did not look fresh. The Chicharron they are known for was good but comparable to any other spot in my opinion. They also took forever to accept my payment. I would skip not worth it in my opinion.

Came here for the chicharron and was not disappointed. It was worth the trip up here just for them! But we also got tostones, because when in Rome. My dining buddy ordered for us in Spanish. From what I gathered, the chicharron is sold by the liter, and I believe he ordered us one liter with the side of tostones. It was about $26 for the food and two sodas and it plenty of food for the both of us. The chicharron was soooo crispy and the hit of lime juice brightened the flavor right up. Highly, highly recommend this crispy salty perfection.

DOMINICAN FOOD CRAWL IN INWOOD/WASHINGTON HEIGHTS (Chicharrones, Bacalao Guisado, Sancocho) Is it still a hole-in-the-wall if everyone and their cousin knows about it on Yelp? Eh, maybe, given the very long subway ride you have to take to get here. This first stop on our Dominican food crawl did not disappoint. The Chicharrones were the perfect texture and flavor, the Guisado had us fighting over the last portions and the Sancocho (my personal favorite) was incredibly tasty. I docked a star cuz service ain't so great, but it'll get you from point A to point B (meaning from food on counter to food in mouth).

Simply outstanding chicharron - some of the best I've ever had. A simple restaurant - take out - several dishes in the cases. The chicharron was whole pork ribs, fried perfectly and deliciously. Wonderful...

Food (2/2): I haven't tried other similar-serving locations so this might be a bit biased. However, at the very least, around this area, this place serves the best chicharron. Skin portion is completely crispy when you bite down and immediately greeted by the fat-gushing juiciness of the meat. Flavor is also top-notch, though likely doesn't require much. Simple saltiness to it without much else (beyond lime juice) that blends amazingly well with the rice and beans. Rice is dry, which complements the meat well in this case. Beans are slightly on the sweeter side and when taken together with the meat, adds an additional layer to the meat without detracting from the crunchy skin. It's definitely not a dish with complex flavor-profiles but still satisfies your stomach. Service/wait-time/cleanliness (1/2): Service is so-so. I unfortunately was faced with a language barrier since they primarily speak Spanish. Despite that, the staff still managed to get my order so I'm really happy with that. Wait-time however, can be long sometimes even though they're not packed; likely related to their slow pace in general. Cleanliness is definitely not something I would expect from this place. At the very least, they maintained it where the food are located. Price (0.5/1): For its price, you should at least give this place a try, though probably not a place that you'd frequent. However, I personally am willing to return just for the chicharron!

La Reina del Chicharron!? YESSSS!!! I've always heard of Elsa La Reina del Chicharron... but I finally tried it for myself! My boyfriend surprised me with the chicharrones, moro and totones... boy, oh boy, it took me back to those vacations in Dominican Republic. Amazing... I could tell you, but you have to try it for yourself. You will not regret it!

DO NOT GO TO THIS LOCATION GO TO THE ONE IN INWOOD!!! I used to come here often because I have family in the heights but after what I saw yesterday compelled me to write this review. The food is ok. I had a mofongo de Chicharron. I'm writing a review of how HORRIBLE they are in customer service. My sister was placing an order when a homeless man was begging for food but they kept kicking him out because he smelled. He begged us for "rice, beans, pork chops anything with a drink" ok cool I get it you don't want a homeless man in front I get it. We went to order it and the three ladies that were working take our order and knew it was for him. We then told her what we wanted for him. In Spanish she said to my sister he'll eat what I give him. WHATTTT???? WE'RE giving you OUR hard earned money and you're going to give me what I SAID I WANTED. She ended up giving him rice beans and spaghetti. SOMETHING WE DID NOT ORDER. Treat others the way you would like to be treated and give respect to earn it! I Will not be going to this location and I will let everyone in my family to no longer get food from here!! Disgusting!! My Dominican people DONOT TREAT PEOPLE LIKE THAT!!!!! Shame on you!!!

The chicharron here is to die for! I almost want to stop there with my review....but I'll elaborate... Chicharron is fried pork belly...picture a thick slab of bacon that's fried! Heavenly! But they also use part of the rib, I.e. some pieces have bone in them.. They are perfectly crunchy, fatty and meaty... You buy it by the pound, they weigh it in front of you and then chip it into manageable pieces... The place is more of a take out joint..they have a few seats and they have the cafeteria like glass display with other Dominican cooked food...it didn't look too appetizing to me, but I went there specifically for the chicharron...which is really hard to compete with... You'll want to dig into it immediately...best when hot and fresh...but also great the next day to help cute a hang over....

I can't think of a singular reason to give Elsa less than five stars. Their food is quick, filling and affordable as well as habit-forming. I'm serious. Walking home without tearing into my chicharron takeout on the sidewalk is like having an unbearable itch you can't scratch. With its thick, crunchy pork skin shell and tender white meat (sometimes amazingly fatty) it's difficult to make it to the comfort of my fire escape with a Corona where I normally enjoy it. Or an ice cold Presidente if you're feeling regional. $6 gets you a half pound of chicharron and some lime slices which you can sprinkle over everything and then toss in your beer. Much like funnel cake and crawfish, it will transport you into summer immediately no matter what season it is. Life slows down a little for a few minutes thanks to Elsa. It's a must-try place.

Elsa is the undisputed queen of fried pork/pork skin. (hello? look at the name) What more can you ask for? I am from way downtown and would trek up there for some authentic and crunchified chicharron... nuff said. $15 bux for a pound of artery-hardening goodness. p.s. I posted a drool-worthy pic.

Worst place to busy, they don't even have a grade infront they business, and I have been to multiple of this business, but this place is super dirty, the servers always have an attitude, and they juices are nasty, compared to the other ones, they should close this place down or remodel it with new staff, people that really need the job, because the way this lady's carry themselves is like they don't care about this business, I know they can do better, I have no complaints against the one in the Bronx or broadway but this establishment should be shut down.

Hands down, the best Chicharron you will ever have. I have tried Chicharron from numerous places in several different cities but nothing compares to the freshness and crunchiness of Elsa's. My favorites are the Chicharron Mofongo ($12) & the Fried Batata with Chicharron combo ($10). Please keep in mind that this location is ideal for takeout; this is not a sit down restaurant but there are a few high stools to sit on if you do want to dine in.

I wouldn't call it a restaurant... It's a take out place with counter style seating. The chicharrone was pretty amazing. Hot and crispy.

The restaurant itself is rather dumpy, but boy is the food delicious. Service is pleasant and fast. Stand by the glass while they're cutting up your pork. I bet ya you'll flinch ;-)

Yasss, Elsa, you are la reina all right. Well, maybe not LA reina (aka the Queen) but you're definitely royalty. The venue, at least at this location just off of 172nd, looks like they bought out an abandoned diner and started selling chicharron from the counter. Yes, Elsa offers items on her menu other than the namesake chicharron but, it is the ONLY thing I'll come here for. Crisp yet moist fried pork belly (some still on the bone0 - Dominican style - served only with some lime wedges. The taste of these seven layers of pork goodness is the only thing consistent here. They claim to take plastic.. but is dependent on the mood of the staff and the credit card machines. Also, the price fluctuates. During the summer, I swore it was $9/lb. The last time I went (in between ice storms) we were at $12/lb. Richelle, as of a 2011 post, lists the price at $15/lb. When you come, and you know you will if you're reading this, expect that the price will be different. But know that you will still enjoy what you paid for.

Best. Chicharron. Ever. Never soggy. Always has a crunchy rind. Just great over all. You can order as much or as little as you want; so it's perfect if you want to indulge on your own. Note: Delivery ends at 8.

Good Service & Delivery was Fast. The Chicharron is always good here. I am giving them 3 Stars only because they don't take credit cards, and that's just not very up to date. They should change that.

the best place for chicharron in the heights. no doubt. especially when it is freshly made. i wish i could eat it every day. i would probably die of a heart attack soon after but HAPPY!

BEST. OF. THE. BEST. Chicharrones are just perfect, the natural juices are great! Everything you order I'm sure would not disappoint!

The atmosphere is whatever, but the food is very good. You can't go wrong with the CRUNCHY fried pork goodness known as Chicharron! I will definitely come back to this place if I am around this area.

Great food. Great prices, generous portions. Delivery usually takes 40 min to an hour. But it's the best place for food & delivery in this neighborhood.

Love me some chicharron friday with the team. Yuca, cebollita and a couple Jumbos. Best fried pork chunks in the world.

This place is disgusting I ordered pork chops and when they arrived they were cold and looked dehydrated they were so hard I couldn't eat them and had no taste whatsoever food is nasty

Hits the spot and never disappoints! Whenever I'm away from the heights for too long I come here for a mofongo de chicharrón fix

I dream about the chicarron here! It's the best chicharron I've ever had in my life. Definitely five stars!

In my opinion chicharron is the best thing in the world and you can never go wrong with Elsa. the place is small and simple but the chicharron is the best!