Cibao’s Fried Chicken

Don’t be mistaken: this place is your quintessential hole-​in-​the-​wall. The only seating is four or five stools along a counter; it’s primarily a take-​out place. And the neighborhood … well, it’s not exactly the best.
That being said, it has some of the best Puerto Rican food I’ve tasted outside of my grandparents’ kitchen. (My coworker tells me that the name is Dominican, but even she agrees that the food is Puerto Rican.) I realize that the name says ‘Fried Chicken,’ and they do have that as well. But if you head a little further back into the restaurant, they have rice (white or yellow) and beans (pink kidney beans, which I grew up calling habichuelas), and stewed beef or chicken. I’ve been coming here for years and have tried pretty much everything they offer (except for the fried chicken, ironically). All of it tastes just like the food my grandparents used to make: soul-​satisfying and full of flavor. (Side note: sometimes their stewed chicken is a little dry, so I recommend trying the beef first!)
Their portions are huge, especially considering how little you pay. I usually get a small order of yellow rice, beans, and beef and I always end up with at least half of it left over — not bad, considering that it’s only around $ 5. (Another side note: They only accept cash, no cards.)
All in all, if you’re looking for good Puerto Rican soul food, this stuff is worth braving the rough neighborhood. Just remember to lock your car. (Seriously.)