NYCReview
photo credit: Emily Schindler
Casa Adela
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Casa Adela is pretty much synonymous with NYC Puerto Rican food (and endorsed by both Fat Joe and Rosario Dawson). Come to this iconic BYOB Puerto Rican restaurant in Alphabet City for dishes like crispy-skinned rotisserie chicken, beans and rice, and fresh avocado salad. Adela Ferguson, the woman at the helm of the business since it opened in 1976, sadly passed away a couple of years ago—but the family-run place still feels as welcoming and homey as ever.
If you’re coming here for the first time, try the garlicky, piping-hot mofongo with pernil and the crispy chicharrón de pollo. Moist and filled with shredded hunks of roast pork, the mofongo is some of the best we’ve had. And it gets even better when you pour on some of the rich broth that comes on the side—which you should do liberally.
Just remember to bring cash, as Casa Adela does not accept credit cards. Also, if you’re BYOBing, hit up Discovery Wines, one of NYC’s best bottles shops, just an avenue over.