San Juan BBQ

Let me start by saying wow oh wow! This place is very authentic! From the moment you walk in it all about Puerto Rico. The Service was good the food was excellent. This is restaurant you have to try once if you are in the area don’t hesitate just try it.

We went to the restaurant on a Groupon I purchased because I had never had PR food. Oh my! The service was very good and we spent time talking with the server before we ordered so we’d have a better idea of what each item was like and what it was made of. My boyfriend can’t eat milk products so it was important that we check out the ingredients. The meal was delish! We shared the large platter that had an assortment of tasty foods. We also ordered the shrimp dish with salsa and a side of beans and rice. The guava cookies for dessert were a perfect end to the meal. A light, flakey pastry that was just sweet enough. We thoroughly enjoyed everything we ate. Even better than I expected! We will return to this restaurant? Yes indeed! I want to mention that my boyfriend wasn’t really keen on going to this place but now he wants to go to Puerto Rico!
By the way– don’t let the «store front» look of the restaurant keep you away! Looks can be deceiving. Get on in there for some great food.

This was our first time eating Puerto Rican food so we ordered a platter with a variety of foods. All of them were very good. Unfortunately I cannot remember the names of the dishes but it was very tasty, interesting, and we enjoyed talking with the waiter. The service was excellent. This has motivated us to start planning our trip to Puerto Rico sooner than we might have gone. The restaurant is set back in a small strip mall so I would say the location does not do justice to the restaurant.

honestly someof the best mofongo ive had on this side

I begrudgingly give San Juan 2 stars because the manager (?) genuinely seems like a nice guy. He knows who I am because of today’s incident.
In short, we (myself, 9 months pregnant wife and my 3 ½ yr. old son) walked in at 2pm today, the place was empty. Within 15 minutes 3 – 4 different parties walked in after us, but of course by then we’d already placed our order. By 2:40pm two of the parties that came after us had been served.
40 minutes, 2 waters, empty stomachs, watching others who came after us enjoy their delicious food. And it smelled so good too.
40 minutes! No one came to check on us. He finally talked to us when we left for the parking lot. He offered to pay for our meal, but what does that accomplish? It doesn’t take away the disrespect his service showed to us today.
The food is delicious, we’ve been here once before, and we’re looking forward to today. But now we’re at another great mom n pop and within writing this review, our food’s been served.
Tip: talk to the customer, explain that it’ll take longer because you lost the ticket, don’t hide until the very last moment when they’re already pissed, hungry, and in the parking lot.

Dinner was excellent tonight, liked what they’ve done with the menu. Nice selection of seasonal beers, wine and sangria.

Place was empty when we walked in which worried us a little at first but after our first bite, wow!!! Started off with the chicken tostopes which were amazing. Then had the mofongo with yucca and fried pork which was delicious. The mofongo was very garlicky which is right up our alley. Finished off with the house made rum cake and it was so moist. Will definitely be back.

I am 100% Puerto-​Rican. When I was a kid, my grandma and aunt would create some heavenly PR dishes… I mean the kind that make you forget that there are people around you while you are eating. When I went to this restaurant, although it wasn’t grandma’s, I really really enjoyed the pasteles con arro con abituelas (spelling?) with a maltita. I go back whenever I miss grandama’s cooking, and I am truly satisfied! If you want to enjoy some good PR food, this is the place — try the pasteles!

Everything we’ve had from this place is very good! Pretty amazing! So glad my husband found this place!

I just got back from this place. Let’s state this up front: I’ve never been to a Puerto Rican restaurant because of the simple fact that I always had mom and other family to supply my PR «fix». Now that I’m «all growed up, with my own family», I rarely get time to enjoy Caribbean food (the least of which being Puerto Rican food). We have tried our share of Jamaican, Cuban and Dominican restaurants, as of late. Having lived my entire adult life in So. Cal., it is an EXTREMELY rare treat to eat this food. In short: San Juan BBQ doesn’t disappoint. It’s worth the trip!
.. . and, YES, this comes with the understanding that this is California — NOT New York, Miami, nor the island itself. You will read Unilocalers stating that this is not the real deal. Nothing will ever attain the level of Mami’s cooking!
THE FOOD: We tried pretty much everything. Here’s a quick review:
* ALCAPURRIAS: Dee-stinkin’-licious! They are not made in the traditional football shape, but rather, a cylinder and then chopped into smaller pieces. No matter. As long as it tastes good!
* ARROZ CON HABICHUELA: Ai Bendito! I was in Heaven! This is what I am talking about! We recently went to a Cuban restaurant, who skimped out on the rice. You can’t do that! Rice is a staple — not a side!
* RED BEANS (HABICHUELAS): It was somewhat subtle, but the pork flavoring came out in the second bite. You could just taste the fatty, chunk pig meat. It was magnificent!
* PIONONO: I ALWAYS forget the name of this treat. The last time I had it was near Isabela. It is rare, so let me explain: Imagine a layer of sweet, fried plantain, covered by a layer of ground beef, then a layer of cheese. .. and then REPEAT. My wife is Latina, but not of the same persuasion. She was a bit turned off, due to the unfamiliar flavors. Our mutual friend and I, on the other hand, almost fought over it!
* EMPANADAS (my personal favorite!): I would have to put these in the «B» to «B+» range. They are not exactly like mom makes, but FAR better than anything we’ve tried as of late on the West Coast.
* SLOW-​ROASTED PORK: Well-​cooked, but VERY SALTY. This is one that you can believe from the other Unilocalers. It was not bad, and still quite edible, but not as good as the Lechon I had on the island or the Pernil my wife makes.
* RUM BREAD: Oh yeah, buddy! This is, most likely, the reason why we took a nap when we got home. It’s not the most unique thing I’ve ever tasted, but it is most definitely worth a try. You can really taste the Bacardi!
* FLAN: MY ONLY DISAPPOINTMENT!!! I have always bragged about how much better Puerto Rican Flan is than all others. Normally, it is far closer to a Crème Brulee. This flan, however, was flat, hard and tasteless. Avoid at all costs! You may fare better by pouring syrup over your mouse pad and taking a bite.
Beside the flan, we definitely missed the Pan Sobao and Pan de Agua. Some real, Puerto Rican desserts would be a treat, if they get to that level. Hey SJ BBQ — please consider Brazo Gitano, Arroz con Leche or Tembleque! This, alone would be worth the trip, but it does take some work. In any case, we’ll be back!

I’m in heaven. While at the Riverside Harley Davidson dealer I Unilocaled for somewhere to eat and this place came up. OMG. The food is amazing, staff is friendly and you feel like you’re in PR. I highly recommend this place. I had the arroz con gandules with pernil, delicious. Other dishes looked great too. Found my new place when I’m in the area.

Authentic Puerto Rican food, tastes just like the food tastes in San Juan. Has to be the best If only Puerto Rican restaurant in the Inland Empire.

Now here’s a place with pictures that made me «want» to come in. It only took one item to spark my flavor curiosity — Mofongo. First sight of the name made me think of some island. Turns out I’m on the right thinking track. But Mofongo, I learn, is a food from a region: Puerto Rico. Exciting to delve into another food experience adventure, because this marks my first try of this kind of ethnic food.
My initial engagement with Mofongo Stuffed Chicken was a delicious encounter! Mashed plantains seasoned and eaten with meat — this is a new concept for me, to have fruit with meat, as a dish. Curiosity is satisfied with a flavorful combination dancing on my taste buds. Do not disturb! I’m in the middle of a happy affair. It’s overwhelming, I want to finish what I ordered, and it made me super full. I may be in the wrong to be eating this mega-​delicious fiending appetite food, but back in the right cuz I promise I eat my leftovers.
This place made me come back again. I needed to try their Beef Picadillo plate. Another eye-​petizing photo that had rice. Except I had my order with the plantains. Fruit with meat as a dish… I’m getting used to this. You wanna know what I thought about it and if it was any good? Let’s just say I went blind falling in love, cuz somehow I no longer saw any Beef Picadillo left on my plate.
And then… I’ve been invited to come back! It’s gonna happen! There are much more yummyummz to try. They must know I’m infatuated, cuz I was emailed a couple times with a $ 5 coupon.
If this is what authentic Puerto Rican cuisine is, then all I’m missing is being on the island. I’m gonna play the field and have their BBQ next. The fun isn’t over. Summer has yet to arrive! BBQ will be a perfect summer fling… Wait for me okay San Juan :-)

First time eating Puerto Rican food ever, and it was delicious. Came here with my family and ordered the alcapuria, beef empanada, spinach+cheese empanada, French fries, and the white rice with beans. It was all great, the taste of the rice and fries is worth trying, it is not what I expected. The service was also outstanding, very attentive, nice, and helpful! I will definitely be coming back to try more of the menu. This is a real low key gem in Riverside. Can’t wait to try all the plantains!

Been coming here since it first opened. Love all the changes in the past year or so… the TVs, art work, domino tables, daily menu specials, etc.
I’ve tried just about everything on the regular menu… Nothing disappoints! Once in a great while, the chicken or fries turn out a bit salty, but that’s it. Working on the new/​daily specials now! :-P Today I’m trying the lunch bowl with chicken & platanos. Delicious, of course! I’d take a picture but it’s practically gone! OMG and you have to try the house dressing on anything!!! It’s a creamy, garlicky sauce. Dip your fries in it… Smother your chicken with it… Sooo yummy & addictive! ;-)
Prices are cheap but not the quality! Service is always quick yet cordial! Staff are friendly and you can even hear them singing along to the music from the kitchen sometimes — which I like! :-) It’s a good place to be!

Authentic Puerto Rican food in southern Cali is definitely hard to come by. However this little gem in the I.E. is worth the extra drive and time. I really enjoy the dishes they serve along with some of the traditional fruits drinks that they offer.
I’m used to eating good food like this when in in NYC but to have it in southern Cali is a tremendous treat.

I got ½ chicken Togo with yellow rice, beans and Plantains
The garlic sauce was very tasty and chicken delicious
I also got a nice Flan for desert
While I waited for my order the owner offered me a coconut cookie that I think I will return later to get more

I Unilocaled restaurants in Riverside and this place seemed good.
¼ rotisserie chicken with sweet plantains and yellow rice ($ 8.00): The chicken was juicy, but super tiny. The rice was okay. The sweet plantain was the best part of the meal.
Mofongo fried pork ($ 10.00): served with green salad. The salad was nothing special. The pork was nicely seasoned and juicy inside. Too bad the outside was hard like a rock.
Tostones ($ 3.00): fried green plantain. I love tostones, but this one is not as good as Cuban’s version of tostones. It was so bland.
Fresh coconut juice ($ 4.00): fresh, served with its shell.
Chicharron ($ 1.50): a tiny bowl of chicharron. The most expensive chicharron ever and it was stale. I can get a tastier and bigger bag of chicharron from the store for $ 1.00−2.00.
The Puerto Rican music reminded me of my Zumba class.
QUICK TIP: 10% OFF WITH CHECK-​IN!
3 stars!
San Juan BBQ is almost yummylicious!

This is my 3^rd time here in less than 2 weeks.
Experience #1: I ordered delivery on GrubHub, which I was super excited about because who doesn’t want delicious Puerto Rican food delivered right to their door? I will admit, it took quite some time, but I appreciate that they make their food fresh and that the delivery guy took the time to call me and assure me my food was on the way. The food was excellent. The plaintains, arroz con pollo, empanadas, tripleta (it wasn’t all for me. Stop judging)… I was in fat kid food heaven.
Experience #2: I decided to stop in for a sweet snack before work. I ordered flan (fantastic), rum cake for a friend, and got to sample their besitos de coco (coconut macaroons)… this place has officially stolen my heart.
Experience #3: I shouldn’t even have to tell you. I love this place and will probably always will from this point on. I was hoping they had porkchops, but not today. I didn’t really care though, with so many other awesome options, I can definitely wait.
It’s clean, the owners are very kind and friendly and you get plenty of bang for your buck. Come enjoy some authentic PR food soon!

Since I was nearby I made another visit here to see if trying a few more things on the menu would improve the 3-​star «score» I assessed on my first visit. Sadly, I cannot.
While the service is friendly, on that there can be no doubt, the food quality just does not stand up well. My previous take revealed the flavorless and clumpy nature of the mofungo, a PR staple. This time I tried the Steamed pork with to stones, yellow rice, and beans. For a sample of the appetizers I tried one beef empanada and two of the potato ball things (I forget the name).
The pork: Tender and fell apart easily, but SO SALTY! My god, I drank a ton of water later on.
The Yellow Rice: A bit dry, the turrine shape only held until my fork collapsed it. Flavor wise it did not stand out, but it did live up the the color description.
Tostones: Not sure how these turned out so dry and crispy thin, more like plantain chips than chunky moist Cuban-​style versions. Tasteless and borderline tough= no bueno.
Beans: Came with the plate, tasted fine, and were much better than the aforementioned tostones.
Beef empanada: Crisp and not greasy at all, which means it was reheated somehow, but did not lose any texture in the process. While everything else was too salty, these stood out for the lack of seasoning.
Potato balls: Freshly fried, they came with a piece of paper towel underneath to soak up the excess. Perfectly fried, they were great I thought until I took the first bite. My senses were assailed by a sharp taste I initially could not define, then I realized it was vinegar– not the kind I like evidently. Ultimately, I did not finish the second one, the taste was adversely affected too much for my liking. While a subjective observation, I cannot recommend these.
All-​in-​all, I probably will not return. After two visits, and an extra dollar total in debit fees, the food is not up to a standard I can find worth spending money on. I did note, however, that on a Wednesday night they attracted quite a bit of business.