Waitress was rude! Food wasn't all that, Cafe Rosa on the South side of Chicago is way better PR food. I'd rather drive down there (40 mins from me), than come here (5mins from me).
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 1
Norma Gonzalez
I visited Bandera Bandera and was surprised by the level of service received. Upon entering, we were asked if we were going to purchase something, as that was the only way we would be allowed inside. We proceeded to the bar and purchased eight Patron shots.
Shortly after, I attempted to use the restroom, but was abruptly stopped by a staff member (who I later learned was the owner’s daughter) who slammed the door and told me I could not enter. As a paying customer, especially after making a significant purchase, I found this treatment unacceptable.
I then asked a server for clarification and was told the restroom was temporarily unavailable because of a prior incident. While I understand restrooms sometimes need to be closed, this explanation should have been communicated respectfully from the start rather than through rude and dismissive behavior.
Overall, this experience left me very disappointed. Customer service and courtesy were severely lacking, and I would not recommend this establishment. There are nearby alternatives, such as La Sandwichera, where customers are treated with far more respect. 👎👎👎👎👎👎
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
william cruz
Great carne frita ( fried pork)! Would definitely stop there again!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
D Moyeno
This is a very good spot to go to when they have planned events. Like Bomba performance or poetry events. I've lived on division for a very long time. The people who work there are beautiful people.
The unfortunate part is the atmosphere. The environment that is allowed outside, comes inside the restaurant. Whether it's a shared business partner or somebody who works there. They allow the street bikers to come in and out as they please. I'm not talking about the old school heads. The regular bikers who are there to hang out and relax like they always have. I'm talking about the ones that are riding around our neighborhood making it unsafe. They make customers feel unwelcomed. And families feel unsafe.
It's really unfortunate. It used to be the spot. But if this continues it's going to be like Coco's. No longer in existence.
To the person who allows it. Perhaps influence them to be more like community members. There are bigger issues going on in our neighborhood to unite in. Not against one another.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 3
Ivan Mejias
The food here is the closest you will get of criollo flavors of the island. Good atmosphere, spacious and clean.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Mr Cure
Bathroom is always clogged but food is delicious and people are great...
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brenda Pabon
Rude service! Never again!
Rose
Lots of hidden fees on bill. The food did not have real PR flavor and jibarito was so hard …Couldn’t even tell you what it tastes like since I couldn’t bite into it. Both the guys said lechón needed flavor it was bland. Disappointing as we came from the burbs to try this place. Waitress was nice but service was slow … live music was on hit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 4
Alexmi Lugo
The food was great, the service excellent. The atmosphere like you are back in the barrio, music and plenty of friendly people to talk old stories!
Went in with a large group, and all of our food was amazing. Cozy atmosphere, and great service. Our server was very knowledgeable and made some great recommendations. The flavors and seasoning are on point.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
jose miguel isaza herrera
The owner and servers make you feel like home. Tasty food!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Autumn Smith
La Bruquena is not just a restaurant—it’s a cultural experience and a true gem on Division Street in Chicago! Known for its authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, this family-run establishment has been serving the community for decades with dishes that feel like home. From their famous jibaritos to perfectly seasoned arroz con gandules and mofongo, every bite is a celebration of Puerto Rican flavors.
What makes La Bruquena even more special is its role during the annual Puerto Rican Parade. Located right in the heart of Paseo Boricua, it becomes one of the best spots to soak in the vibrant energy of the festivities. The restaurant comes alive with music, dancing, and an atmosphere full of pride and joy. Whether you’re enjoying live performances or grabbing a bite between parade events, La Bruquena provides a welcoming space to celebrate Puerto Rican culture.
If you’re looking for amazing food and an unforgettable experience during the Puerto Rican Parade or any day of the year, La Bruquena is the place to be! Highly recommended!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nadia Cruz
The food was NASTY! We came to have a nice family dinner and they served us old rice the carne was not seasoned at all they had a bunch of hidden fees and taxes is absolutely ridiculous.
Bathroom NEEDS upgrade.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Waitress was rude!
Food wasn't all that, Cafe Rosa on the South side of Chicago is way better PR food. I'd rather drive down there (40 mins from me), than come here (5mins from me).
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 1
I visited Bandera Bandera and was surprised by the level of service received. Upon entering, we were asked if we were going to purchase something, as that was the only way we would be allowed inside. We proceeded to the bar and purchased eight Patron shots.
Shortly after, I attempted to use the restroom, but was abruptly stopped by a staff member (who I later learned was the owner’s daughter) who slammed the door and told me I could not enter. As a paying customer, especially after making a significant purchase, I found this treatment unacceptable.
I then asked a server for clarification and was told the restroom was temporarily unavailable because of a prior incident. While I understand restrooms sometimes need to be closed, this explanation should have been communicated respectfully from the start rather than through rude and dismissive behavior.
Overall, this experience left me very disappointed. Customer service and courtesy were severely lacking, and I would not recommend this establishment. There are nearby alternatives, such as La Sandwichera, where customers are treated with far more respect.
👎👎👎👎👎👎
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Great carne frita ( fried pork)! Would definitely stop there again!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is a very good spot to go to when they have planned events. Like Bomba performance or poetry events. I've lived on division for a very long time. The people who work there are beautiful people.
The unfortunate part is the atmosphere. The environment that is allowed outside, comes inside the restaurant. Whether it's a shared business partner or somebody who works there. They allow the street bikers to come in and out as they please.
I'm not talking about the old school heads. The regular bikers who are there to hang out and relax like they always have. I'm talking about the ones that are riding around our neighborhood making it unsafe. They make customers feel unwelcomed. And families feel unsafe.
It's really unfortunate. It used to be the spot. But if this continues it's going to be like Coco's. No longer in existence.
To the person who allows it. Perhaps influence them to be more like community members. There are bigger issues going on in our neighborhood to unite in. Not against one another.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 3
The food here is the closest you will get of criollo flavors of the island. Good atmosphere, spacious and clean.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Bathroom is always clogged but food is delicious and people are great...
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rude service! Never again!
Lots of hidden fees on bill. The food did not have real PR flavor and jibarito was so hard …Couldn’t even tell you what it tastes like since I couldn’t bite into it. Both the guys said lechón needed flavor it was bland. Disappointing as we came from the burbs to try this place. Waitress was nice but service was slow … live music was on hit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 4
The food was great, the service excellent. The atmosphere like you are back in the barrio, music and plenty of friendly people to talk old stories!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Went in with a large group, and all of our food was amazing. Cozy atmosphere, and great service. Our server was very knowledgeable and made some great recommendations. The flavors and seasoning are on point.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The owner and servers make you feel like home. Tasty food!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
La Bruquena is not just a restaurant—it’s a cultural experience and a true gem on Division Street in Chicago! Known for its authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, this family-run establishment has been serving the community for decades with dishes that feel like home. From their famous jibaritos to perfectly seasoned arroz con gandules and mofongo, every bite is a celebration of Puerto Rican flavors.
What makes La Bruquena even more special is its role during the annual Puerto Rican Parade. Located right in the heart of Paseo Boricua, it becomes one of the best spots to soak in the vibrant energy of the festivities. The restaurant comes alive with music, dancing, and an atmosphere full of pride and joy. Whether you’re enjoying live performances or grabbing a bite between parade events, La Bruquena provides a welcoming space to celebrate Puerto Rican culture.
If you’re looking for amazing food and an unforgettable experience during the Puerto Rican Parade or any day of the year, La Bruquena is the place to be! Highly recommended!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food was NASTY! We came to have a nice family dinner and they served us old rice the carne was not seasoned at all they had a bunch of hidden fees and taxes is absolutely ridiculous.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Great puertorrican food
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