El Chinchorro Boricua

location
910 East Main Street

hours
mon - thurs 11am - 8pm
fri 11am - 12pm
sat 11am - 2am
sun 11am - 11pm
 
what they are known for
delicious and authentic latin food

website

If you're looking for a taste of Puerto Rico, look no further than El Chinchorro Boricua in Spartanburg, SC! From the moment I stepped through the door, I felt the warm and inviting atmosphere with the pride of the Puerto Rican culture emanating from every corner. The walls are covered with vibrant décor and cascading plants, and the aroma of spices and herbs fills the air to prepare your senses for the upcoming meal.

The first dish I ordered were the empanadas, which are a staple of Puerto Rican cuisine. I ordered both the beef and chicken varieties, but they also offer cheese and pizza options. The golden brown crust was flaky and crispy, with a savory filling of meat, onions, peppers and other spices. They were piping hot (stay tuned on @hubcitybites for video proof) and the flavors were perfectly balanced. They were served with a creamy, tangy and slightly spicy dipping sauce that complemented the filling without overwhelming them. Each bite was a delicious explosion of flavor and texture, and I can't wait to try the other flavors next time. I mean look at the hand-crafted detail of these!

Next up, the mofongo. Mofongo is a traditional Puerto Rican dish with plantains mashed up with salt, garlic, broth and olive oil, resulting in a tight ball of yumminess that will absorb the flavors of the additional ingredients. At El Chinchorro, you can order mofongo with options like fried chicken, steak, or garlic shrimp. I chose shrimp, and even the leftovers had my house smelling divine. It was buttery and salty, perfectly complimented by the mild and sweet plantains. The mofongo was presented on this gorgeous wood serving platter, which added to the authentic feel of the dish, and on the side was a generous helping of rice and beans that brought all the flavors together.

One of the great things about El Chinchorro is that you can order from the menu or the buffet line. The menu items seem to be made to order, so you can be sure that your food will be fresh and hot. And the portions are generous, so you'll definitely leave feeling satisfied and/or with leftovers. As expected, the service got slower the busier it got!

Aside from the food, the service was exceptional. My server was friendly and knowledgeable about the menu, and she made great recommendations for my meal. I really appreciated the attention to detail in the presentation of the dishes which were not only delicious but also beautiful to look at with the unique plating and tiny Puerto Rican flags!

There is an entire additional seating area of El Chinchorro that includes a bar and a karaoke stage. I couldn't find any additional information on their website about when this occurs, but rest assured, I will be asking the next time I go in so I can report back!

Overall, El Chinchurro in Spartanburg is a hidden gem that is definitely worth a visit. The empanadas and shrimp mofongo were both outstanding, and I can't wait to go back and try more dishes. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, and the service is top-notch. If you're in the mood for some authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, this is the place to go.
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And if you're looking for more Spartanburg Restaurant Reviews, look no further! And to see videos of this visit, follow me on Instagram at @hubcitybites!