Elsa La Reina Del Chicharron

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

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

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

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

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 ;-)

Great delicious Dominican food. I always order take out and the food gets here in about 15 minutes (I lived two blocks away from the restaurant). An order of food can feed to hungry people and the food is really good. The also give you a small salad with the order. I love the gandules green pigeons beans and the bake chicken, but do specialize in fry pork.

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.

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 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.

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 172^nd, 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.

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.

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.