Elsa La Reina del Chicharron

"The soundtrack at Elsa La Reina Del Chicharron consists of a thwacking cleaver. There’s usually a line at this Inwood takeout spot (with three other locations), and at the front you’ll find an employee hacking at chicharron with frightening speed and expert precision. Ask for an order with a side of rice, tostones, or fried yuca, then find out first-hand how this place earned its name. Their fried pork belly has a crunchy exterior that flakes like puff pastry, and a springy interior that stays perfectly moist. If you’d care to supplement, there are plenty of other solid Dominican options, like mofongo and sancocho. But good as they are, they’ll always be sidekicks here." - willa moore, bryan kim, molly fitzpatrick, will hartman, sonal shah

"The soundtrack at Elsa La Reina Del Chicharron consists of a thwacking cleaver. There’s usually a line at this Inwood takeout spot (with three other locations), and at the front you’ll find an employee hacking at chicharron with frightening speed and expert precision. Ask for an order with a side of rice, tostones, or fried yucca, then find out first-hand how this place earned its name. Their fried pork belly has a crunchy exterior that flakes like puff pastry, and a springy interior that stays perfectly moist. If you’d care to supplement, there are plenty of other solid Dominican options, like mofongo and sancocho. But good as they are, they’ll always be sidekicks here photo credit: Alex Staniloff photo credit: Alex Staniloff photo credit: Alex Staniloff" - Bryan Kim

"You can order platters of fried pork with rice and beans, or huge combo platters for delivery or pickup by calling this Domincan spot at 212-304-1044." - hannah albertine, nikko duren, bryan kim, arden shore, matt tervooren

"If you’re having trouble sleeping, get a large portion of crispy fried pork with a side of moro de habichuelas from the Inwood location of Elsa la Reina del Chicharron. The portions of crispy fried pork here are big and sedative enough to qualify as an efficient alternative to melatonin. There are a few tables inside, and we recommend bringing at least one friend to support you emotionally after you finish your plate and realize that you’re too full to function." - Willa Moore, Nikko Duren, Matt Tervooren, The Curious Uptowner

"Elsa La Reina del Chicharron, a popular Dominican restaurant, serves a fork-tender oxtail stew with rice and saucy beans. While the potato salad was too sweet, the beans made the meal memorable." - Eater Staff