La Pequeña Lechonera inc

I had an amazing experience at this place ☺️ The food was absolutely delicious, fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The ambiance felt warm and welcoming, and the staff were incredibly friendly and attentive. You can really tell they put love into everything they do. I will definitely be coming back and recommending this place to everyone. They have perfectly delicious chicharones 😋 A must-try!

The food is amazing. Eveything is homemade even the sauces they have. My favorite one is the spicy guacamole salsa and lemon habanero. The staff are very friendly and welcoming. Is a new owner and is now called La Pequeña Lechonera inc. I would definitely coming back. I’m also satisfied with the catering I placed with them.

The food here is amazing. I’ve been here three times already since it changed ownership. Tried a bit of everything at this point and it’s all excellent. Staff are all super friendly. One of my favorite spots in the whole neighborhood.

Thank you to Lucille , Janelle, Anthony and Tony!!! They’re like Family at this point. Good Conversation, Food Recommendations and Service. Their Bacalo, Roast Pork, Beef and Cheese Empanadas, Roast Chicken, Black and Red Beans, Spicy Habanero with Onions and Garlic sauce is amazing. Food has lots of flavor without being greasy or salty!! I recommend this business and all food items. I will definitely keep coming back!!

Food was absolutely immaculate, great host, good vibes all around, They provided for us in the best ways possible. Rosio, was great to talk to and had a great energy and brought out some of the best foods I've ever eaten. Anthony was great to talk to and made sure everything was very quick to get everything out to us, and he always made sure we felt comfortable, 10/10 experience at this restaurant, would recommend.

Haven’t been here in a while, I Went back after a coworker told me they switched owners and the food was delicious. He recommended a few things and I went with the pernil right away 10/10 flavor was good and the skin was so crunchy. The staff was very nice and friendly. will go back for the other recommendations

I walked into La Pequeña Lechonera Foodie on 125 East Harlem where the two ladies behind the counter ( a very dynamic Central American looking and somewhat younger South American looking one ) accommodated my dietary needs serving the tender beef stew substituting the rice for a tasty plate of sweet plantain instead and making times to inform me of the history of this popular foodie which now it's keeping the savory food but under a new management. Gracias por acomodar mi necesidad dietética y educarme en la historia de este lugar tan criollo.

Absolutely incredible! This spot has officially become one of my favorite places to eat. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere felt warm and welcoming. The staff was friendly, attentive, and genuinely seemed to care about making sure every guest had a great experience. The food? Unbelievable. Every dish was fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with high-quality ingredients. You can tell the kitchen takes pride in what they serve. My order came out quickly, perfectly seasoned, and beautifully presented. I honestly wanted to go back up and order more just to try everything on the menu. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or sitting down for a full meal, this place delivers on every level. Highly recommend—can’t wait to come back!

A counter with a row of stools in a small shop that mostly does takeout. No AC, no bathroom and the radiant heat from the lamps up front left one side of me kind of warm. Notwithstanding, enjoyed the pernil (roast pork) yellow rice and beans.

The home cooked food is incredible and the staff could not have been more accommodating. A great experience!!!

The porky, crunchy-on-the-outside, fatty melt-in-your-mouth on the inside Puerto Rican lechon fix you need. Yes, you need these chicharrones. You need them now, in fact. An intimate ambiance and nice staff as well.

Omg such a great hole in d wall place. I went to Puerto Rico and the Lechoneras on d street were nasty. This place is delicious. The pork is on point and the rice is bomb. Great older man so nice.

This is the best place to eat good authentic Puerto Rican food. I visit this amazing restaurant 6 years ago and we have been dreaming to visit again. It was amazing as I remember. Thank you so much!

I knew the location would be convenient for meeting friends, but the staff made it worth repeating. The menu items satisfy. The environment impresses. My meal was clearly made with passion. The employees may favor some customers but never fail with orders. This restaurant deserves consideration.

Chicharron is freshly made crispy and very tasty. I purchased $100.00 worth for a party. Highlight recommended.

The meals are prepared with care and taste consistent. Staff provide calm and professional service. The restaurant is neat and well arranged. Dining here always feels comfortable.

I love this place! I don't think there are many Puerto Rican restaurants left in the city, so I was delighted to discover this small counter-service restaurant serving traditional Puerto Rican fare. The pork was tender and flavorful, served with crispy skin. The arroz con gandules (rice and pigeon peas) was delicious! Overall, the whole meal was excellent. They are also very generous with their portion sizes. I also ordered an alcapurria (yucca and beef fritter) to go. Additionally, service was wonderful. 5 stars.

This place makes food that makes you close your eyes to enjoy fully. Employees are efficient while maintaining connections. We have made countless family memories here. The food is hearty and the prices make sense. I will dine here again.

Lechonera La Isla has mastered the art of hospitality! Appealing cuisine. Remarkably helpful workers. Convenient setting with remarkably accommodating staff. Each taste melted instantly as I tried to make it last forever. I've been converted to a regular here.

Great food! I love their pork, melts in my mouth. Empanadas are tasty as well. Tried fried chicken also good.

Outstanding lechon in this tiny spot that only has about 5 seats at a walk up counter. Pork is well seasoned and full of flavor and equally tender too. Awesome little unassuming spot for some top notch rice beans and crispy lechon that reminds me of grandmas kitchen

Cozy little spot in the neighborhood. Owned by a friendly old couple who are also the chefs. The pork is tasty and the skin is golden crispy. A little fatty of course but who cares on a rainy cold Saturday morning? Blood sausage is an acquired taste and texture. Make sure to ask for the spicy vege/pico which will bring out the best flavor of the meat! If you haven't tried the Puerto Rico Kola, make sure to get one there too.

Food is very delicious. It has that real authentic Puerto Rico flavor. Love the food and the presentation.

This isn't entirely for seafood lovers. Much less for Vegans or Vegetarians. Already, I had no place in here- but keep my ašš in the car. But hubs loves pernil in all its glory and when he hears about a Puerto Rican spot serving roast pork, he wants to try it and see if it measures up to his Puerto Rican mom's pernil when she used to make it- or his. He caught sight of Lechonera's storefront on 2nd Ave & 125th a few months ago on his way home from the city and made it a point to come here. And since we were already out on a late Wednesday afternoon, he went all in. Place looks small- but has the essentials: pastelillos, Morsilla, Rotisserie Chicken, Stewed Cod Fish, papa rellena, etc. Hubs decided on one of those small, round aluminum, plastic covered plates with pernil and another with rotisserie chicken parts. He felt the star of his show was good with a mix of chunks and slices of juicy pernil- but it wasn't what he totally expected as it missed that crunchy chicharron skin and a bit more seasoning. For good measure, this is definitely a low, low, low-key place with soul-satisfying foods for those who enjoy....pork. Based on rating though, these folks have earned enough bragging rights for their Lechón and other cuchifrito offerings.

Great little spot in Spanish Harlem. Inside is kind of tight with bar seating. Window has the goods- lots of meat with lots of flavor. The roast pork belly is crispy and packs lots of taste, and the rice and beans are delicious too. I love finding little spots like this. Service is as good as it needs to be, and the owner fellow is really cool to talk to.

I went to Randall's Island, and this spot was right next to the 125th Harlem stop on the 4/5/6 subway stop. The food here is good, but it is pricey. I think it was $25 for 3 empanadas and a plate of pernil and chicharron with rice and beans. I thought cochifritos were pretty good. It was crispy, delicious, arteries clogging good. He offered me some garlic sauce and it did live up to its hype. I would return, but they have no bathroom or place to wash your hands...or space to really sit down and eat. It has like four or five stools and a countertop. It defines cozy.

Small PR food joint. Service is friendly and welcoming. There isn't much seating, only about 8 or so counter seats. The pork is excellent although the oxtail looked delicious as well. Plantains are excellent. Definitely get the garlic sauce and the hot pepper sauce. Overall an excellent spot for authentic PR food. They take credit card as well.

I went here once when visiting New York and think about it all the time. The owner, which an article online says is Daniel but is not Daniel, is awesome. Get the blood sausage. Get lunch for breakfast. Eat your beans and rice with a spoon. None of the pictures on here reflect the fact that you can actually dine in the restaurant, and I worry it's depressing turnout. There are like four seats.

Morning is the best time to go and when it's the freshest. Hands down. Just go! There comes a point where you have to Dive into the Pool of crackling aromatic Pork from the Pernils, full of meat paired with rice and beans or Yuka Yes Yuka a hint of that garlic sauce and pickled onions with peppers. Chicken banging also no Joke. Wash it down with Coconut soda or Ting ! Just Go! Pay that $25 and enjoy the moment. Go in the morning and get it Now

Lechonera La Isla is the perfect example of why not to pass by a hole in the wall restaurant. My husband and I discovered this place because it is close to the NY Proton Center in East Harlem. It might not be the best in terms of ambiance but if you want really amazing, quick, and fresh puerto rican food, made by someone that really cares about what they do and what they serve, this is the place to go. If you don't know what to get, put your trust in them and they will hook you up.

Love the rice. Crispy pork was really good. Great portion size. Fried plantains were nice to snack on.

We rode bikes from Central Park looking for an authentic Puerto Rican spot. We found this place online and decided to check it out. When we pulled up I was shocked how small the place was. Only had a counter to eat at. We almost left to be honest, but after a long bike ride, we had to try it. The food was amazing!! Fresh, crispy, delicious and fast! The guy at the counter cuts the chucks of crispy pork right in front of you and always add the garlic sauce. Definitely will be back when I return to NYC.

I love this atmosphere very peaceful and home vibes. the owner was very respectful and nice. THE FOOD HIT I loved it. I would definitely come back you get a decent amount of food for a good price and it tas phenomena.

I ordered through grubhub and their chicharon credo meal was worth $16 with rice and beans. I understand the rising price but the cost and the portion was just a total rip off. The rice was not even a cup. As per the website the container will be 7 inch plate. But my order came with this little plastic container that can only feed a child. Never ordering from them ever

So I've been passing by this spot for years, no decades. But I am a creature of habit and "I buy chicharon and frituras on 116". Today I was feeling adventurous so I decided to pop in. The spot is unassumng from the outside, which usually means the food is going to be banging. It was. I was greeted by a guy that seemed unimpressed by how good the food was, but if you can eat it all the time I guess you can be. He was super patient, accommodating and nice. I ordered the chicharon, but he gave me pernil. I'm glad he did because lord. This pernil had me thinking of Baby Jesus. It was like eating my mom's pernil, but without having to battle my siblings for the crispy skin. I got rice and beans, mojo, and gravy from the carne guisada. I don't really cook rice, or beans, but they were so good it had me questioning how Joseph handled all that drama. I literally thought about Columbus and wanted to ask him how could he? Because if the descendants of the Tainos cook like this he shouldn't have. In conclusion GO.

Absolutely delicious food and incredible service. John and Jennifer are a gift to NYC, keeping mouthwatering Boricua food accessible to all. Made the trip to purchase a catering tray worth of pernil that ended up being the ultimate crowd pleaser at my son's graduation party. We also got a few other things from the menu while we waited for John to load up the tray. Everything they serve there is fantastic, made with love and accuracy. Whether you're a Boricua looking for food that reminds you of home or trying Puerto Rican food for the first time, this is the spot.

Excellent!! I was born in San Juan, PR but raised in Cayey, little town 30 minutes of San Juan ( capital of Puerto Rico ). Cayey is the home of Guavate , Pork Land!!!! So I know if the pork is good or not hahaha. First I am not into eat pork every day but once in awhile is good. I like to walk, so I found this place walking my dog. When I saw the yelp review I knew this place was a must!!! I have been here a couple of times and every time the server is very nice and attentive! It's a very little place, so I always order to go. Food! Pork! Excellent! If you like chicharron ( fried pork) tell them to put more hahahha. People love chicharron , I am not big fan but my hubby is ! . For what I have seen the pork combination is 10 dollars and pernil combination is 11 dollars. Sauce - they have a garlic sauce! Is mojito ! And is home made ! Excellent! Rice and beans are great. This place is awesome!!! Kudos to the Chef !

Amazing !!! In town for a work trip and a friends birthday and we just wanted authentic Puerto Rican food in Harlem and we got just that. The man at the counter was so inviting and made us so full and happy. JUST GO HERE. So worth it.

This was my first time trying Puerto Rican food. After the long journey from Queens and through Harlem, we finally made it to this place. The restaurant is very small and not ideal for groups, but there are a couple of seats available if you'd like to get a quick bite to eat. I'm not sure of the name of the meal that I ordered, but was excited to try it - the food smelled amazing! I made sure to add the garlic sauce on top. I didn't have the opportunity to sit down and enjoy my meal since I had a flight to catch, so I had to carry my meal in a plastic bag. I regret not holding my meal upright because I believe this caused the garlic sauce to leak from the container. Once I finally got to the airport, I had the opportunity to try the food. It was decent, definitely not mind blowing. I'd say it was somewhat bland in nature, and some of the pork had of inedible fat. I think it would have been more satisfying with some sauce n' seasoning. I think the leakage definitely contributed to the lack of flavor/ extra oomph. Overall, very filling meal and pretty good with the addition of seasoning and hot sauce. I'd like to sit down and enjoy my meal the next time I visit this restaurant for a more accurate review. Stay tuned for updates!

The lechon, chicharrón and chicken are delicious. Add yellow rice, beans, easy garlic sauce and those pickled onions and chiles are so good. The owners are super friendly and welcoming.

Chicharrón was chewy and spongy. No skin- all rubbery meat...Ugh! So disappointed- will not be ordering from this place again. Rice and beans were ok. Delivery was fast but taste and TEXTURE of pork is NASTY. Spent $25 for rice and beans - pork is not edible---- YUCK!!!

Finally got to try the food today order the pernil and the chicharrón it was very nice. I definitely would order again the pernil was not dry loved it

I can't think of a place that I would rather go to for good, reasonably priced comfort food. Absolutely love the place, I have never had a bad experience with the service they always greet would with a smile and genuinely make you feel at home. Check this place out if you ever have the chance. I love the empanadas and the pork shoulder!

I came at 6 pm and most of the stuffs were sold out. They only had pernil, pastelitos, and few pieces of chicken. I ordered a rice beans pernil combo and extra side of pernil. Pernil was tender, flavorful and moist. Pernil came with crunchy shin ( loveThe server added the garlic sauce to the meat, which made a big different in flavor. The restaurant is small and there are seats over the counter. They do not have bathroom. I think it is a good place order to go or small group. I definitely will come back to try their chicharron.

The Chicharron with beans + rice was bomb with the plaintains & sauce they pour over with the red onion on top. Perfection! I appreciate this mom & pop spots that have been in the neighborhood & community for years. I make a conscious effort to ensure that I support these establishments & businesses so they stay here....food for thought. I did take out so I can enjoy it at home. You know it is legit when it comes in an aluminum container!

This is Harlem and it's $15 for rice, beans and chicken? WTF?!?!? Not much value but it did taste good.

Foods great! Got lechon by the pound and he was super helpful in helping me gauge how much I needed for a party.

This is a must stop from a native that moved to the west coast the food is as good as home cooking from mom. This is a family owned business so supporting them is important to me as they are a dying bread. 10

Value: 8/10 Experience: 9/10 Taste: 8/10 I got the fried pork for $8 and it was delicious. The garlic sauce completes the dish! It's diner bar style seating so you're sitting in a row. The employee was super nice and gave us water without us having to mention anything. The meat is slightly on the dryer side but was still very delicious! This place is worth the stop for sure :)

Ok so my daughter and I were looking for some good Spanish food after getting our hair done not too far from the restaurant. We walked in and it was pretty empty, only one other customer in the front of us. The place is counter top eating if you want to stay, so we decided to go (especially with all the things currently going on over the world) and ordered the roast pork (mojito over my pork), I had yellow rice and my daughter had white rice and we both had beans. The gentleman asked me if I liked spicy and I told him yes so he put these pickled onions with habanero peppers in a little container in my bag. When I got home?!!! It was over! Everything was poppin and when you put them onions and peppers on your rice?! You can thank me later. Sorry not sorry the picture is covered and somewhat eaten. The rest is going for lunch tomorrow so I can make a few people in my office jealous

Best lechon in Harlem!! Don't pass up the garlicky mojo and try to get there early since they sell out of the protein options by the end of the day! The chicharron is amazing, super crispy but not oily and it has a good ratio of meat to fat to skin. The lechon is delicious, the meat is juicy and the fat is perfectly rendered and don't get me started on the cuerito!! They also have roast chicken and blood sausage but I haven't tried those yet.

The Chicharrón (fried pork belly or fried pork rinds) is so de-freakin-licious! You wouldn't believe it even if I told you, so why not take a trip up/down/across/over town and try it for yourself. Crisp-crunchy on one side and tender-buttery on the other side... each bite was intensively packed with irresistible flavors! Pernil (a slow-roasted marinated pork shoulder) is good too, moist and tender. If you'd like to try both Chicharrón and Pernil, you can get it over rice and beans for $12. East Harlem is very proud and lucky to have Lechonera based in their neighborhood!

Food was good, but the oxtail portion was quite small for the price paid. The seasoning on the lechon was delicious as well as their garlic sauce.

Absolutely amazing pernil and garlic sauce. They have it down to a science. Perfectly balanced mixture of salt, garlic and oil. Many times I find myself eating it cold because it's just so good the way the garlicky lardo coats the tender pieces of roast pork.

Stopped by here before going to New York haunted ride. Tried their roasted pork, and flan here. Roasted pork's crackling was delicious - one hell of a good crack and texture. Beans was interesting, and rice was fluffy good. Tried their desert - flan, which was quite special as it has cinnamon in it. Very Christmassy - oh man... I like this place. I was told all the good was made by the owner's mother. We need more of this in New York - fact! All came to 11 dollars too. Also I understand why this place closes early. They almost sold out the main items by 18:30! Stop by and try this place if you can!

Delicious food! Small place so don't miss it but the white rice + beans, chicharrón and garlic sauce

He makes he best food that's all I need to say I'm there every chance I get and thy are so kind to all the customers but the food runs out fast so get there early