Chef Frank's Market: Authentic Puerto Rican & Latin Cuisine in the Bronx

Chef Frank's Market Introduce

In the vibrant and diverse culinary world of New York City, certain restaurants stand out not just for their food, but for the passion and authenticity they bring to the table. Chef Frank's Market, located in the heart of the Bronx, is one of these unique establishments. While its name might suggest a simple market, it is, in fact, a celebrated restaurant known for its exceptional Puerto Rican and Latin American cuisine. This is a place where every dish tells a story, and the flavors are deeply rooted in tradition and culture. Chef Frank's Market offers a casual and inviting atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed meal. The restaurant has garnered a reputation for its commitment to quality and for providing a dining experience that feels both familiar and exciting. It's the kind of place where a single visit can turn into a memorable experience, whether you are trying their signature empanadas for the first time or enjoying a larger catered meal. The authenticity of the food, combined with a welcoming and friendly environment, is what makes Chef Frank's Market a true standout in the Bronx dining scene. It serves as a culinary anchor for the community, providing a taste of home for some and an unforgettable journey of flavor for others. This dedication to craft and customer satisfaction is evident in everything they do, from the careful preparation of each dish to the warm interactions with every person who walks through the door.

The role of a truly great neighborhood restaurant is to provide more than just sustenance; it’s to build connections and create a sense of community. Chef Frank's Market excels at this, with a reputation for both its outstanding food and its warm, inclusive environment. As a popular spot for lunch, it caters to the busy schedules of New Yorkers while offering a delicious escape from the daily grind. The menu is a testament to the richness of Puerto Rican cuisine, featuring an array of meticulously crafted empanadas and traditional pasteles. What makes Chef Frank's Market particularly special is its ability to cater to a variety of needs, from a quick solo lunch to a large-scale catered event. The restaurant’s versatility is a key part of its appeal, showcasing a professionalism and passion that extends beyond the daily dine-in service. The positive feedback from customers, including a glowing review from an organization that used their catering services for a 200-person event, highlights the restaurant's capability to handle significant events with grace and excellence. This blend of authentic food, efficient service, and a strong commitment to the community is what truly sets Chef Frank’s Market apart. It’s a place that embodies the spirit of a true culinary artisan, someone who takes immense pride in their work and shares their joy with every customer they serve.

Chef Frank's Market is located at 909 E 135th St in the Bronx, NY 10454. This prime location places it within a dynamic and accessible part of the borough. The address is situated in a well-established neighborhood, making it easy to find for both locals and visitors. Its presence on E 135th Street ensures that the restaurant is seamlessly integrated into the daily flow of the community, serving as a convenient destination for a quick meal or a planned gathering. The accessibility of the location is a significant advantage, particularly in a city where convenience is highly valued. Whether you are traveling by car, public transit, or simply walking from a nearby residence or workplace, the restaurant is a practical and easy-to-reach option. The neighborhood itself is lively and diverse, adding to the authentic charm of the dining experience. Furthermore, a key accessibility feature of Chef Frank's Market is its wheelchair-accessible entrance, which demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and ensures that the restaurant is welcoming to everyone. This attention to detail, from its physical accessibility to its welcoming atmosphere, makes it a true community hub. The restaurant’s location and features are a clear reflection of its dedication to serving a broad and diverse clientele, making it a trusted and reliable spot for great food in the Bronx.

In New York City, a restaurant’s location is a crucial part of its identity and success. Chef Frank's Market's address on E 135th Street positions it as a genuine neighborhood staple. It's the kind of place you can easily make part of your routine, whether you're popping in for lunch or picking up a delicious meal for dinner. The convenience of its location, combined with its welcoming atmosphere, makes it a highly appealing choice for a variety of diners. The wheelchair-accessible entrance is a particularly important highlight, as it shows a consideration for all members of the community, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the fantastic food and service. This commitment to accessibility and a friendly environment adds to the restaurant's overall charm and appeal. It's more than just a place to eat; it's a place where everyone can feel comfortable and welcomed. This seamless integration into the community’s daily life is a major reason for its popularity and continued success. Chef Frank's Market is a testament to how a local restaurant can be both a source of great food and a vital, inclusive part of the neighborhood it serves.

The services at Chef Frank's Market are designed to be flexible and convenient, catering to a wide range of customer needs and preferences. From dine-in to delivery, the restaurant ensures that you can enjoy their delicious food in the way that best suits your lifestyle.

Services Offered:

Dine-in: Customers are invited to enjoy their meal in the casual and welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant. It's a great option for a relaxed lunch or dinner.
Delivery: For those who prefer to eat at home or in the office, Chef Frank's Market offers delivery service, bringing their authentic dishes right to your door.
No-contact delivery: This service provides an extra layer of safety and convenience, allowing customers to receive their order with minimal interaction, perfect for those who prioritize health and safety.
Catering: The restaurant offers catering services, as evidenced by a customer review for a 200-person fundraiser. This option is perfect for large events, parties, and corporate gatherings, bringing the delicious food of Chef Frank's Market to your special occasion.

These service options highlight the restaurant's commitment to accommodating its customers. The inclusion of no-contact delivery shows a modern approach to service and a responsiveness to customer needs. The catering service, in particular, demonstrates the restaurant's capacity to handle large-scale events with the same high level of quality and professionalism as its regular dining service. This versatility is a major part of its appeal, making it a reliable choice for everything from a quick individual meal to a major celebration. By offering multiple ways to enjoy their food, Chef Frank's Market ensures that it is always a convenient and viable option, no matter the circumstances. This customer-focused approach is a key reason for its longevity and popularity in the Bronx community.

Chef Frank's Market is more than just a place to eat; it's a destination with several distinct features and highlights that set it apart. These elements contribute to its unique appeal and its strong reputation among local diners.

Features / Highlights:

Fast Service: The restaurant is known for its fast service, which is highly valued by New Yorkers on the go. This efficiency ensures that you can get a quick, delicious meal without a long wait, making it a perfect spot for a lunch break.
Casual Atmosphere: The atmosphere is described as casual, providing a comfortable and relaxed environment for all diners. This makes it an ideal spot for an informal meal or a gathering with friends and family.
LGBTQ+ Friendly: Chef Frank’s Market is known for being LGBTQ+ friendly, creating an inclusive and welcoming space for all members of the community. This commitment to inclusivity is a significant highlight and a testament to the restaurant’s values.
Diverse Offerings: The menu is a highlight in itself, featuring an extensive selection of empanadas with unique fillings like Throwdown Beef and Chicken Buffalo Mac n' Cheese, along with traditional Puerto Rican dumplings (pasteles). The restaurant also offers alcohol and cocktails, providing a full dining experience.
Accepts Debit Cards: The convenience of modern payment options is a key feature. The restaurant accepts debit cards, making transactions quick and easy for customers.

These features collectively create a compelling reason to choose Chef Frank’s Market. The fast service is a practical benefit that fits perfectly with the New York lifestyle. The casual and inclusive atmosphere makes it a place where everyone can feel comfortable. The extensive and creative menu, from signature empanadas to traditional pasteles, offers something for every palate, and the positive customer reviews, particularly the one highlighting the "mouthwatering morsels," speak to the quality and passion that go into every dish. The fact that the restaurant is also LGBTQ+ friendly reinforces its role as a welcoming and safe space for the entire community. These elements, combined with its delicious offerings, make Chef Frank's Market a true gem in the Bronx dining scene, a place that is as celebrated for its values as it is for its food.

For more information, to place an order, or to discuss catering for your next event, Chef Frank's Market can be reached at the following contact points. The team is ready to provide you with an exceptional dining experience.

Contact Information:

Address: 909 E 135th St, Bronx, NY 10454, USA

Phone: (646) 645-1724

What is worth choosing Chef Frank's Market?

Choosing Chef Frank's Market is choosing a place that combines authentic, flavorful cuisine with an incredibly welcoming atmosphere. It’s for those who appreciate a fast and efficient meal without sacrificing taste or quality. The restaurant’s status as a go-to spot for lunch, combined with its flexible service options like dine-in, delivery, and catering, makes it a versatile and reliable choice for any occasion. Its diverse menu, highlighted by unique empanadas and traditional pasteles, offers a true taste of Latin and Puerto Rican heritage that is both comforting and exciting. Furthermore, its commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive space, as evidenced by its LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere and wheelchair accessibility, shows that it cares deeply about its community. The glowing reviews from both individual customers and large organizations serve as powerful testaments to the high quality of both the food and the service. For anyone in the New York region looking for an authentic, delicious, and friendly dining experience, Chef Frank’s Market is a must-visit. It’s a place that not only satisfies your cravings but also makes you feel like part of the family, and that is truly priceless in a city like New York.

Chef Frank's Market Services

Empanadas
Throwdown Beef Empandas $29.00
This is for you to Throw down anywhere you go! Serve these empanadas and be ready to impress a crowd! Our signature Flaky Dough filled with carrots, onions, peppers, sofrito, tomatoes, spices and grass fed beef. Cooking Instructions: Bake at 375°F degrees for 20 minutes. Brush a little bit of egg wash (optional) before baking.Deep Fry at 350°F degrees. Price per box $29.0012 Empanada inside each box3 oz Individual EmpanadasBox Weigh 36 oz *
CHICKEN SOFRITO Empanadas $29.00
Free range stewed chicken, sofrito, peppers, onions, herbs and spices. This empanadas tastes like you went to grandma's house and she wrapped your favorite meal on flaky dough. Can you believe that! Cooking Instructions: Bake at 375°F degrees for 20 minutes. Brush a little bit of egg wash (optional) before baking.Deep Fry at 350°F degreesDetails:* Price per box $29.00 12 Empanada inside each box3 oz Individual EmpanadasBox Weigh 36 oz *
Buenos Aires Beef Empanadas $29.00
DELICIOUS ARGENTINA FLAVORS EMPANADA FLAKY DOUGH STUFFED WITH GRASS FEED GROUND BEEF WITH OLIVES, ONIONS, SOFRITO, EGGS, POTATOES, RASINS, PEPPERS AND SPICES. YOU CAN FRY BUT BAKE IS MY FAVORITE. Cooking Instructions: Bake at 375°F degrees for 20 minutes. Brush a little bit of egg wash (optional) before baking.Deep Fry at 350°F degrees. Price per box $29.0012 Empanada inside each box3 oz Individual EmpanadasBox Weigh 36 oz *
Chicken Argentinian Empanadas $29.00
Free Range Organic Chicken Stew empanada inspired by Argentina's flavors! This empanada has eggs, olives, potatoes, raisins and free range chicken stew! South American flavors in all bites! INSTRUCTIONS:Bake at 375°F degrees for 20 minutes. Brush a little bit of egg wash (optional) before baking.Deep Fry at 350°F degrees Details:* Price per box $29.0012 Empanada inside each box3 oz Individual EmpanadasBox Weigh 36 oz *
Pizza Empanadas $28.00
Who doesn't like Pizza? This empanada is filled with mozzarella, parmesan and pizza sauce on our signature Flaky Dough. VegetarianCooking Instructions: Bake at 375°F degrees for 20 minutes. Brush a little bit of egg wash (optional) before baking.Deep Fry at 350°F degreesDetails:* Price per box $28.0012 Empanada inside each box3 oz Individual EmpanadasBox Weigh 36 oz *
Shrimp Stew Sofrito Empanadas $32.00
Pescatarian love! Shrimp stew with sofrito, peppers, onions, tomatoes, herbs and spices on a flaky crust. These empanadas are an explosion of flavors from the first bite on. Cooking Instructions: Bake at 375°F degrees for 20 minutes. Brush a little bit of egg wash (optional) before baking.Deep Fry at 350°F degreesDetails:* Price per box $32.0012 Empanada inside each box3 oz Individual EmpanadasBox Weigh 36 oz *
Broccoli with Cheese Empanadas $28.00
Flaky on the outside melty in the inside, with a surprising broccoli crunch, just imagine the cheese pull, texture party in your mouth! This broccoli and cheese empanada is filled with fresh and organic broccoli, mozzarella, swiss cheese, basil, herbs and spices. Vegetarian Cooking Instructions: Bake at 375°F degrees for 20 minutes. Brush a little bit of egg wash (optional) before baking.Deep Fry at 350°F degreesDetails:* Price per box $28.0012 Empanada inside each box3 oz Individual EmpanadasBox Weigh 36 oz *
Chapin Empanadas $32.00
Pescatarian bliss! This flaky, firm fish empanada is filled with sofrito, tomato, latin spices, peppers, and onions made with organic ingredients. Cooking Instructions: Bake at 375°F degrees for 20 minutes. Brush a little bit of egg wash (optional) before baking. Deep Fry at 350°F degreesDetails:* Price per box $32.0012 Empanada inside each box3 oz Individual EmpanadasBox Weigh 36 oz *
Chicken Buffalo Mac n' Cheese Empanadas $29.00
Flaky, cheesy, creamy with a kick! These empanadas are filled with chicken, buffalo sauce, macaroni, american and parmesan cheese.Cooking Instructions: Bake at 375°F degrees for 20 minutes. Brush a little bit of egg wash (optional) before baking.Deep Fry at 350°F degreesDetails:* Price per box $29.0012 Empanada inside each box3 oz Individual Empanadas Box Weigh 36 oz *
Butternut Squash Empanadas $28.00
Flavor explosion! Flaky on the outside with roasted, buttery, organic, butternut squash and sage. Vegetarian Cooking Instructions: Bake at 375°F degrees for 20 minutes. Brush a little bit of egg wash (optional) before baking.Deep Fry at 350°F degreesDetails:* Price per box $28.0012 Empanada inside each box3 oz Individual EmpanadasBox Weigh 36 oz *
Cuban Empanadas $29.00
Who said you have to visit places to experience their flavor! This is the Cuban empanada, filled with ham, roasted creole pork shoulder, swiss cheese, kosher pickles and mustard perfectly wrapped on a flaky crust. Flaky, juicy, creamy, perfect combination for the texture you deserve. Cooking Instructions: Bake at 375°F degrees for 20 minutes. Brush a little bit of egg wash (optional) before baking.Deep Fry at 350°F degreesDetails:* Price per box $29.0012 Empanada inside each box3 oz. Individual EmpanadasBox Weigh 36 oz. *
Mexican Empanadas $27.00
A little bit of Mexico wrapped in our Signature Flaky Dough! Bite into mixture of black beans, corn, jalapeño, onions, peppers, cilantro and pepper jack cheese. VegetarianCooking Instructions: Bake at 375°F degrees for 20 minutes. Brush a little bit of egg wash (optional) before baking.Deep Fry at 350°F degreesDetails:* Price per box $27.0012 Empanada inside each box3 oz Individual EmpanadasBox Weight 36 oz *
Earthly Quinoa Empanadas $28.00
Delicious empanada filled with organic quinoa, organic green pigeon peas, sofrito, turmeric, onions on our Signature Flaky Dough. Vegans Paradise in a pocket of realness. VeganCooking Instructions: Bake at 375°F degrees for 20 minutes. Brush a little bit of egg wash (optional) before baking.Deep Fry at 350°F degreesDetails:* Price per box $28.0012 Empanada inside each box3 oz Individual EmpanadasBox Weigh 36 oz *
Sweet Plantain with Cheese Empanadas $28.00
Vegetarian love! If you love something its probably sweet and savory with a cheese pull. These empanadas are filled with sweet plantains and farmers white cheese on our signature Flaky Dough. VegetarianCooking Instructions: Bake at 375°F degrees for 20 minutes. Brush a little bit of egg wash (optional) before baking.Deep Fry at 350°F degreesDetails:* Price per box $28.0012 Empanada inside each box3 oz Individual EmpanadasBox Weigh 36 oz *
Guava with Cheese Pan con Timba $28.00
If you like Sweet and Savory this is for you! This empanada is filled with guava paste, american and cream cheese and yes, you know our signature Flaky dough! VegetarianCooking Instructions: Bake at 375°F degrees for 20 minutes. Brush a little bit of egg wash (optional) before baking.Deep Fry at 350°F degreesDetails:* Price per box $28.0012 Empanada inside each box3 oz Individual EmpanadasBox Weigh 36 oz *
Apple Pie Empanadas
This delicious and flaky empanada tastes just like an apple pie! Made with NYS organic apples, spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg and a dash of vanilla, it's Fall's favorite dessert! Vegetarian Cooking Instructions: Bake at 375°F degrees for 20 minutes. Brush a little bit of egg wash (optional) before baking.Deep Fry at 350°F degreesDetails:* Price per box $28.0012 Empanada inside each box3 oz Individual EmpanadasBox Weigh 36 oz *
S'more Nutella and Marshmallow
For dessert lovers! Hazelnut spread, melted marshmallow inside a flaky dough seems like a sweetness perfection. Cooking Instructions: Bake at 375°F degrees for 20 minutes. Brush a little bit of egg wash (optional) before baking.Deep Fry at 350°F degreesDetails:* Price per box $28.0012 Empanada inside each box3 oz Individual EmpanadasBox Weight 36 oz *

Other Appetizers
Corn Fritters Sorrullitos $22.00
Corn Fritters stuffed with American cheese. Puerto Rican style. Tasty and crispy. 2 dz per box
Masa Pork Pateles (Puerto Rican Dumplings) $36.00
Pasteles are Puerto Rican dumpling filled with Beef or Chicken of encased in masa dough that is then wrapped in a single banana leaf. The dough can be made with numerous ingredients such as cassava, taro or green bananas. The fillings are usually prepared with pork or chicken, with the addition of Sofrito and Spices used to bring out the flavor of the meat.The typical condiments served with pasteles are ketchup, tabasco, or pique criollo, a hot sauce made from local hot chilis that have been pickled in vinegar with pineapple skin. The history of pasteles is debated, as some say that they originate from Taino Indians who came to the island when Columbus arrived, while the others claim they were invented by African slaves who used to work on sugar plantations. Cooking Instructions: When ready to cook bring a large pot of water with salt to a boil, drop in pasteles and boil for 45 minutes for fresh and 1 hour for frozen. Details:* Price per box $36.0012 unit per box
Masa Chicken Parteles (Puerto Rican Dumpling) $36.00
Pasteles are Puerto Rican dumpling filled with Beef or Chicken of encased in masa dough that is then wrapped in a single banana leaf. The dough can be made with numerous ingredients such as cassava, taro or green bananas. The fillings are usually prepared with pork or chicken, with the addition of Sofrito and Spices used to bring out the flavor of the meat.The typical condiments served with pasteles are ketchup, tabasco, or pique criollo, a hot sauce made from local hot chilis that have been pickled in vinegar with pineapple skin. The history of pasteles is debated, as some say that they originate from Taino Indians who came to the island when Columbus arrived, while the others claim they were invented by African slaves who used to work on sugar plantations. Cooking Instructions: When ready to cook bring a large pot of water with salt to a boil, drop in pasteles and boil for 45 minutes for fresh and 1 hour for frozen. Details:* Price per box $36.0012 unit per box
Yuca Pork Pasteles (Puerto Rican Dumpling) $36.00
Pasteles are Puerto Rican dumpling filled with Beef or Chicken of encased in masa dough that is then wrapped in a single banana leaf. The dough can be made with numerous ingredients such as cassava, taro or green bananas. The fillings are usually prepared with pork or chicken, with the addition of Sofrito and Spices used to bring out the flavor of the meat.The typical condiments served with pasteles are ketchup, tabasco, or pique criollo, a hot sauce made from local hot chilis that have been pickled in vinegar with pineapple skin. The history of pasteles is debated, as some say that they originate from Taino Indians who came to the island when Columbus arrived, while the others claim they were invented by African slaves who used to work on sugar plantations. Cooking Instructions: When ready to cook bring a large pot of water with salt to a boil, drop in pasteles and boil for 45 minutes for fresh and 1 hour for frozen. Details:* Price per box $36.0012 unit per box
Yuca Chicken Pasteles (Puerto Rican Dumpling) $36.00
Pasteles are Puerto Rican dumpling filled with Beef or Chicken of encased in masa dough that is then wrapped in a single banana leaf. The dough can be made with numerous ingredients such as cassava, taro or green bananas. The fillings are usually prepared with pork or chicken, with the addition of Sofrito and Spices used to bring out the flavor of the meat.The typical condiments served with pasteles are ketchup, tabasco, or pique criollo, a hot sauce made from local hot chilis that have been pickled in vinegar with pineapple skin. The history of pasteles is debated, as some say that they originate from Taino Indians who came to the island when Columbus arrived, while the others claim they were invented by African slaves who used to work on sugar plantations. Cooking Instructions: When ready to cook bring a large pot of water with salt to a boil, drop in pasteles and boil for 45 minutes for fresh and 1 hour for frozen. Details:* Price per box $36.0012 unit per box
Vegan Yuca Quinoa Pasteles (Puerto Rican Dumpling) $36.00
Pasteles are Puerto Rican dumpling filled with organic quinoa with green pigeon pe of encased in masa dough that is then wrapped in a single banana leaf. The dough can be made with numerous ingredients such as cassava, taro or green bananas. The typical condiments served with pasteles are ketchup, tabasco, or pique criollo, a hot sauce made from local hot chilis that have been pickled in vinegar with pineapple skin. The history of pasteles is debated, as some say that they originate from Taino Indians who came to the island when Columbus arrived, while the others claim they were invented by African slaves who used to work on sugar plantations. Cooking Instructions: When ready to cook bring a large pot of water with salt to a boil, drop in pasteles and boil for 45 minutes for fresh and 1 hour for frozen. Details:* Price per box $36.0012 unit per box
Vegan Masa Pasteles (Puerto Rican Dumpling) $36.00
Pasteles are Puerto Rican dumpling filled with organic quinoa with green pigeon pe of encased in masa dough that is then wrapped in a single banana leaf. The dough can be made with numerous ingredients such as cassava, taro or green bananas. The typical condiments served with pasteles are ketchup, tabasco, or pique criollo, a hot sauce made from local hot chilis that have been pickled in vinegar with pineapple skin. The history of pasteles is debated, as some say that they originate from Taino Indians who came to the island when Columbus arrived, while the others claim they were invented by African slaves who used to work on sugar plantations. Cooking Instructions: When ready to cook bring a large pot of water with salt to a boil, drop in pasteles and boil for 45 minutes for fresh and 1 hour for frozen. Details:* Price per box $36.0012 unit per box

Chef Frank's Market Details

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service

Popular for
Lunch

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance

Offerings
Alcohol
Cocktails

Dining options
Lunch
Catering
Dessert

Atmosphere
Casual

Crowd
LGBTQ+ friendly

Payments
Debit cards
Credit cards

Chef Frank's Market Photos

Chef Frank's Market Location

Chef Frank's Market

New York Bronx County Port Morris East 135th Street

909 E 135th St, Bronx, NY 10454, USA

Chef Frank's Market Reviews

An average rating of ★5 from 2 user reviews.★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

My organization worked with Chef Frank for our 200 person fundraiser in May at our venue. The food and service was amazing and we received many compliments from our guests. We had a table with appetizers from cheese to to his signature mini empanadas to crab cakes - it was excellent. Diner buffet included paella rice, pernil, roasted veggies, yuca, strawberry salmon and sweet plantains. Chef Frank provided personal attention and his joyous personality to the event. Highly recommend.
May 13 · Catherine Clarke
BLUF: HOOKED AND GOING TO BE FAT BY CHRISTMAS! So, missing the taste of my HERITAGE as I currently live in NOVA, I ordered these and they are wonderful.PACKAGING: They arrived three days ago, tightly and perfectly packaged and frozen upon arrival. The package contained these neat re-freezable packs, which was a wonderful surprise vice usually messy, wet, melting dry ice! I saved those packs for myself.PRODUCT: I have no idea what illegal substances went into these pasteles, BUT I’ve eaten 4 since yesterday!!!!I love flavor and these pasteles are not lacking in that department! I ordered the Yucca pasteles and regular pasteles each with pork since the chicken filled was out. I am so glad they were out of chicken or I would not have discovered these mouthwatering morsels. They almost looked the same from the outside before I put cooked them. Well, that’s because the yucca which from my experience is typically a whole lot lighter in color - is seasoned so well it’s a lot darker. Which is great because yucca can be bland. The meat is plentiful in each of the 4 pasteles I’ve eaten. Chef Frank and team have this SCIENCE down.COST: worth every penny, save me from having to spend the time, money and effort on figuring out how to make them myself and messing up and hoping to get it right.Now I can spend more time and money on more important things this holiday season!Thanks Chef Frank!
December 08 · CalendarGirl TMS