Lechonera La Isla

Hit up the Langston Hughes House on 127th Street, then grab lunch at this tiny counter-service spot that’s been around for over 30 years. Beneath the neon sign that spells its name with an upside-down pig, you’ll spot roast pork, sausage, and cuchifrito hanging in the window. Inside, you’ll find all the straightforward Puerto Rican classics: stewed bacalao, rellenos de papa, pollo rostizado, pastelillos, and morcilla. The go-tos here are the roast chicken and lechón with crackly skin.

photo credit: Bryan Kim