La Isla

Puerto Rican restaurant · Bushwick

La Isla

Puerto Rican restaurant · Bushwick

1439 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237

Highlights

No-frills, order-at-the-counter Latin American joint with a large juice selection & minimal seating.

1439 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237 Get directions

@infatuation

"Grab a stool at La Isla Cuchifritos in Williamsburg and enjoy a majestic view of alcapurrias, rellenos de papa, and bacalaitos piled up in the window. Order at least one of those crunchy fried foods, then get a plate of pernil with rice and beans, which will set you back around $12. The tiny room looks like a retro luncheonette, and service is quick and casual, with plenty of folks popping in to grab takeout orders of mofongo and chicharrón. " - Bryan Kim, Kenny Yang, Hannah Albertine

The Best Lunch In NYC - New York - The Infatuation

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@infatuation

"Cuchifritos will obviously be part of your order at this Williamsburg restaurant. Located under the elevated M train’s Flushing station, La Isla Cuchifritos has been around since 1960, and it’s a great place to stop for fried pork, ears, tongue, and sweet plantain. You should also try the rotisserie chicken, which you can enjoy sitting on a stool at the restaurant’s blue counter." - marisel salazar, bryan kim

8 Great Puerto Rican Restaurants In NYC

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@infatuation

"An oasis under Williamsburg's elevated train tracks, La Isla is a casual Puerto Rican spot smaller than a subway car, with a couple of stools and mounds of fried food on display. We were initially drawn here for the cuchifritos, but the best bites actually come from other parts of the menu. The rotisserie half chicken easily outperforms its $7 price tag, and the pernil—served by the pound—is truly excellent. Top everything off with a side of sweet plantains, and you'll have a roughly $20 meal for two worth celebrating. And by celebrating, we mean ordering the fried pork stomach and bacalaitos to take for the ride home." - Team Infatuation

La Isla Cuchifritos - Review - Bushwick - New York - The Infatuation

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Laura Lacy

Google

The pics aren’t very good but! This was the best comfort food to get delivered. We got a special that came with ribs, rice and beans and salad that we split. The beans are off the chain! I probably would have been happy with just the rice and beans they were so flavorful but the ribs were tender and tasty - not over seasoned so I used a little hot sauce because I’m a salt freak but they’re great on their own. Their soup was truly a delight - I got their house soup they had that day which was like a stew with big pieces of chicken, carrot and potato. The broth was so savory and silky with a nice amount of lime or some citrus making it extra flavorful. Last but not least - their chicken pastelillos were insanely tasty and you should order extra in case someone tries to eat yours… because they will.

Jannie Mayor

Google

This place is not what it used to be like about seven years ago or 10 years ago. For those of us that have been around the block for very long time know that they’re known for their arcapuria, Bacaladahitos and other finger food.( if you know you know) ! Today mannnn I spot by to get a taste of the good old days ! Those finger food was drenched in oil, you couldn’t even taste the flavor. You only tasted the oil which defeats the purpose The plastic bag, they usually give you the finger foods was full of oil. I don’t who’s cooking back there but we need some Puerto Rican seasoning and soul put into these finger foods for those who know what I’m talking about to bring back those memories of our youths .

L C

Google

This is a place where you come just for the food… Service is quick atmosphere is OK… But the bomb is the food! Reach me back to the day that I will go into my grandma‘s kitchen at 5 o’clock in the afternoon known that she cooked them special for us Most of the dishes here bring me back to that time… I’m not knocking my mother… She could cook her butt off… But mama Afonsa was the bomb !!!!

Anoj Gurung

Google

This place has undergone remarkable changes and is truly a part of local history. My father-in-law, a Puerto Rican, grew up in the neighborhood and gave us a fascinating history lesson. As an Asian, I fell in love with the food—it opened the door to a vibrant cultural experience. Brooklyn is home to some amazing spots, and this is definitely one of them. We used to drive by at night, drawn in by the inviting energy. The staff here is fantastic—polite and helpful. Although I don’t speak Spanish, I’ve learned the names of the dishes. The Sopa de Pollo, Sopa de Salchicha, Arroz Blanco, and Alcapuria are all excellent choices. Eating here feels like coming home, as the food evokes memories without needing to know the full history. I encourage you to stop by and be patient with the line; it’s a testament to how amazing the food is. Enjoy the neighborhood, and take a moment to sit down and savor the experience.

richard rajnauth

Google

Food was okay not the best in the area. Customer service needs to improve .affordable prices

Dawn Chan

Google

Tried to get pollo but they weren't ready/out of stock. Order pernil and bacalaitos instead. Pernil came with quite generous portion of rice and beans. Both tasted great, can't complain with the prices of both items. Dine in can be super hot in the summer.

Google

Had 3 meat soup. Just like home. Found purple yam balls 😋, cassava. The soup itself is mushy probably due to bits of the root vegetables falling off during cooking. In Japan, where there is attention to detail, they would solve for this. Slow cooked; cartilage soft enough to eat. Wish the pig feet in a separate pig soup was the same. First time here.

dannet davis

Google

I haaaate to do this because their food is actually really good but this is my 3rd! Time placing an order over the phone and was told it would be ready in 10 mins, when I get there I’m told there is nomore pepper steak! You don’t think to call someone back to let them know or to check while someone is placing the order!?? I won’t be spending my dollars here anymore.