Lechonera El Sazon Criollo

Some time last week after a 2 hour gym session with my son we set out to get a bite to eat. After looking on google maps, we decided on trying Sazón Criollo, mostly because it was close by & we were in the mood for an authentically cooked PR meal which they heavily advertise. From the décor of this small dive you’d get that impression. We walk in about 2 & a half hours before closing, & the first sign we see is cash only (red flag), then the menu displaying the lunch specials side has all the prices blacked out(red flag). There didn't seem to be much food left (red flag), but we thought 2 hours away from closing maybe they sold out. We still wanted to try it, because after all the PR decor why not, right. But we decided on only getting one order to be cautious (we were right to be).
The plate consisted of a spoon & a half of white rice, a spoon of beans, & 3 small pieces of lechon (pernil, pork), the 3 pieces of plantain which come standard any place else we've been to were charged as extra (without telling us) all thrown in one plate, & when my son asked for mojito the guy seemed bothered. I will tell ya the whole vibe was off, & we instantly felt like we were a bother to give this place our patronage. Enough about that let’s get to the order. Well, to begin with the food was room temperature warm and considering it was over 90 degrees out that’s not a good thing, it did not taste fresh, & had barely any flavor other than the garlic mojito we poured on it. After a bite or 2 we both looked at each other & just decided to throw it away & not risk feeling sick later. The best part is that Sazon Criollo gave us the wonderful opportunity to pay $14 for this lousy plate of food, well $16 after the extra charges THANK YOU….

In our experience the only PR authenticity about Sazón Criollo is the decor, & all that merch was probably made in china.

I’m sure many people have had different experiences, and as they say different strokes for different folks, however the best we’d say is we F.A.A.F.O

If you ask us, we would just smile and tell you venture at your own risk….

Best Puerto Rican cuisine in the Bronx

Cash only. No small lunch specials . $15 or better for a plate. Most of the time the aTm isn’t working. So then u have to walk 3 blocks to get cash. Slow service. Go 2 blocks down to the Mexican place on soudnview ave. You won’t be disappointed

The food here was great❕️Authentic Puerto Rican🇵🇷 style Lechon with arroz con gandules. I like how the place is outside & inside, it felt like i was back on the island in PR.🇵🇷 It's in the cut, but it's a chill small place with good reggaeton music being played. I recommend. 🏙🔊🎶🏝🇵🇷 🐷🍗🥩🍛🍚🍴🥤🐸👍🏽

Very good food

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food was delicious

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The older lady and the older man, were busy taking the order, except the young lady, she was standing next to the cashier doing nothing, not saying a word, it was not professional, it was not customer service...

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

I use to eat here when they were located on castle hill, one of my favorite mom & pop boricua spots. Food is super authentic, it’s like my own grandma cooked it. Definitely recommend. ????

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is a take out spot...just like a Chinese restaurant, so in my opinion there should be a category for this as atmosphere shouldn't be a thing for take out spots.

Lechon was amazing. The skin was super crunchy, the meat was so juicy. Make sure you order MOJO on the slide since they won't put it in top.

Morcilla was "por encima de los guandules"...delicious and not overkilled with rice. I had to travel from Queens to get this as we don't have these foods here.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 5

Went for a quick bite, I got white rice and beans with pernil and the pernil was so dry didn't even eat it, and the rice and beans had no taste. Would not recommend.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 3

The food that I got was great (and I live 45 minutes away) but I was a bit turned off becuase the pernil had hair (from the pig) on the cuerito. When I went there was only one person serving and charging so that causes a bit of a wait not to mention you don't want to have the same person working with food and money. There is great potential because the food is really good. Its a small space but I think they can do a better job with the way the food area is kept and unclutter the space where people might stay to eat.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 3

Nice place small the chicken was delicious ?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

t a pound and a half of lechon and this is what I got.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

What an amazing restaurant!!!!Awesome and delicious food!!! The owner very nice, and friendly!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Found this gem in the bronx purely by accident, but am I happy that I found it. The food is excellent, the flavor alone tells you it's all fresh, home style cooking, you can actually taste the sofrito. Love her rice with gandules. YUMMY. Large food portions. Cash only, reasonable prices. Don't be fooled by the outside appearance it looks like a hole in the wall but it's very clean and the staff are very nice. I've returned with family and friends on various occasions, and so far everyone has praised the food. If you're hungry for Puerto Rican food and in the Bronx this is the place to go. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!