El Sabroso Introduce
Located right in the bustling heart of the Jersey City Heights, **El Sabroso** stands as a culinary anchor for those in New Jersey seeking the rich, comforting flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine. While broadly categorized as a restaurant, El Sabroso proudly specializes as a **Puerto Rican restaurant**, bringing a warm, authentic taste of the Caribbean to Hudson County. The name itself, "El Sabroso," translates fittingly to "The Flavorful," setting a high expectation for the delicious, home-style cooking found within its doors.
El Sabroso is renowned for its dedication to traditional, slow-cooked Latin dishes, emphasizing hearty portions and robust, complex flavors that define classic Puerto Rican gastronomy. The menu is a vibrant tapestry of beloved staples, from tender, slow-roasted meats to flavorful seafood and the essential fried appetizers, known as **Antojos** (cravings). It is the ideal spot for both local residents and visitors looking for a quick, high-quality bite during lunch or a satisfying, leisurely dinner with friends and family. The restaurant has cultivated a reputation for being a place that offers true comfort, where the food selection is satisfying and the service is notably welcoming, aiming to make every guest feel right at home.
The core offering revolves around generous platters of meats like the iconic **Pernil** (roasted pork), **Bistec Encebollado** (steak with onions), and various chicken preparations like **Pollo Al Horno** (baked chicken), often served alongside essential sides like **Arroz con Gandules** (rice with pigeon peas) and fried plantains. Moreover, a major highlight for fans of Caribbean food is the availability of fresh **Mofongo** from Thursday through Saturday, allowing New Jersey diners to indulge in this signature mashed plantain dish. With dining options that include quick bites, catering, and cozy seating, El Sabroso provides a versatile and culturally rich dining experience on Central Avenue.
Despite any historical changes in its operations, El Sabroso continues to draw a dedicated crowd of **locals and tourists** who appreciate its casual atmosphere and commitment to flavorful, authentic Latin American fare. It is a genuine, family-friendly destination in Jersey City, focused on delivering the delicious, genuine food that keeps the community coming back for more.
Location and Accessibility
El Sabroso is conveniently situated at **414 Central Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307, USA**, placing it firmly in the commercial center of the Jersey City Heights neighborhood. This location on Central Avenue makes it highly accessible for New Jersey residents across Hudson County.
For those traveling by public transportation, the restaurant is easily reached via local bus routes that frequently run along Central Avenue. Patrons driving to the location should note that **Paid street parking** is generally available in the area, offering a reasonably accessible option for car users, though street parking can be competitive during peak hours. Importantly, El Sabroso is committed to ensuring comfort for all guests, offering notable **Accessibility** features. The establishment provides a **Wheelchair accessible entrance** and a **Wheelchair accessible restroom**, making it a welcoming and inclusive dining spot for all members of the New Jersey community. Its location and accessibility features contribute to its popularity as a go-to spot for locals seeking both lunch and dinner options.
Services Offered
El Sabroso provides a flexible array of dining services to meet the varied needs of its New Jersey customers:
- Dine-in: Offering comfortable **Seating** and **Table service** in a casual and cozy atmosphere for relaxed meals.
- Takeout: Fast service for quick bites and meals to enjoy at home or on the go.
- Delivery: Meals can be ordered for delivery, providing convenience to residents in the surrounding Jersey City area.
- Catering: Available for family gatherings, office events, or parties, bringing authentic Puerto Rican flavor to any large occasion.
- Full Meal Options: Serving extensive options for **Lunch** and **Dinner**, focusing on comfort food and small plates.
- Dessert and Coffee: Highlighting a selection of sweet treats and offering **Great coffee** to complement any meal.
Features / Highlights
The restaurant's distinct features emphasize authenticity, speed, and comfort, establishing it as a local favorite in the Jersey City food scene:
- Signature Puerto Rican Staples: The menu is built on authentic classics like **Pernil** (roasted pork), **Carne Guisada** (beef stew), and various cuts of **Pollo Al Horno** (baked chicken).
- Mofongo Availability: A major highlight is the availability of fresh **Mofongo** – the signature mashed plantain dish – served **Thursday through Saturday** with various protein fillings like Bistec, Ropa Vieja, and Camarones (shrimp).
- Daily Soup Specials: Offering traditional daily soup specials (**Sopa De Pollo, Sopa De Res, Sancocho, Sopa De Rabo, Mondongo**) that provide variety and a taste of home-style Latin comfort.
- Specialty Fritters (Antojos): Providing an authentic selection of appetizers like **Empanadas** (meat, chicken, or cheese patties) and **Alcapurrias** (stuffed plantain fritters), essential for any authentic Puerto Rican meal.
- Fast Service: Known for efficient and **Fast service**, making it an excellent choice for a quick lunch break or dinner.
- Great Coffee and Dessert: Acknowledged for its high-quality coffee and dessert offerings, perfect for ending a meal or for a quick, flavorful pick-me-up.
Contact Information
For placing an order, inquiring about daily specials, or requesting catering details, please use the contact information provided below:
- Address: 414 Central Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307, USA
- Phone: (201) 216-1497
What is worth choosing
When experiencing El Sabroso, New Jersey diners should focus on the authentic, home-style specialties that define great Puerto Rican cuisine. Choosing items that highlight the restaurant’s strengths guarantees a satisfying and flavorful meal.
First and foremost, the **Pernil Sandwich** ($11.00) or the **Pernil** as a main dish with sides is highly recommended. The slow-roasted pork is a cornerstone of Puerto Rican cooking, known for its tender texture and crispy skin. When paired with **Arroz con Gandules** and a side of sweet **Maduros** (fried sweet plantains), it creates an authentic and incredibly comforting plate that showcases the best of El Sabroso's cooking.
Secondly, make a point to visit **Thursday through Saturday** to try their celebrated **Mofongo**. This is a staple in the region, and El Sabroso offers high-quality versions. The most robust choice is often the **Mofongo with Bistec** ($19.00), which pairs the savory, mashed plantain with tender, flavorful steak. Alternatively, the **Mofongo with Camarones** is a lighter yet equally satisfying option, combining garlic-infused shrimp with the mashed plantain base.
Finally, for a quick, flavorful snack or starter, order the **Alcapurria De Platano** ($3.00) or a classic **Empanada De Carne** ($2.00). These traditional fritters are made fresh and embody the spirit of Puerto Rican street food, perfect for complementing your main course or enjoying on the go. Choosing El Sabroso is about embracing the rich, authentic flavors and welcoming atmosphere of a local Jersey City Heights gem.
El Sabroso Food & drink
Antojos
- Empanada De Carne $2.00
Beef patty.
- Empanada De Pollo $2.00
Chicken patty.
- Empanada De Carne Y Queso $3.00
Beef and cheese patty.
- Empanada De Queso $2.00
Cheese patty.
- Alcapurria De Platano $3.00
Plantain meat fritter.
- Alcapurria De Yuca $3.00
Casava meat fritter.
Ensaladas
- Ensalada Mixta
Mixed salad.
- Ensalda De Pepino , Cebolla Y Repollo
Cucumber, red onionsand cabbage salad
- Escabeche De Guineo
Pickled chicken gizzard and banana salad.
- Vianda $6.50
Boiled green bananna and casava.
- Gazpacho
Salted cod salad.
- Aguacate Y Tomate
Avacado and tomato salad.
Sandwiches
- Pollo Sandwich $10.00
Chicken.
- Bistec Sandwich $11.00
Steak.
- Pernil Sandwich $11.00
Roast pork.
Carne
- Pernil
Roast pork.
- Chuletas
Fried pork chops.
- Costilla
Pork ribs.
- Bistec Encebollado $16.50
Steak and onions.
- Carne Guisada
Beef stew.
Solo Carne
- Pernil
Roast pork.
- Chuletas $5.50
1 piece. Fried pork chops.
- Costilla $11.50
4-5 pieces. Pork ribs.
- Bistec Encebollado $12.50
1 piece. Steak and onions.
- Rabo (Friday & Saturday Only)
Ox tail.
- Ropa Vieja
Shredded beef.
- Carne Guisada
Beef stew.
Pollo
- Pollo Al Horno
Baked chicken.
- Pollo Guisado
Chicken stew.
Solo Pollo
- Pollo Entero $20.50
Whole baked chicken.
- Medio Pollo Al Horno $10.50
Half baked chicken.
- Pollo Al Horno Muslo Completo $4.50
Baked chicken (Quarter leg)
- Pollo Al Horno Cadera $3.00
Baked chicken (Thigh)
- Pollo Al Horno Pierna $2.25
Baked chicken (Drumstick)
- Pollo Al Horno Ala $1.75
Baked chicken (wing)
- Pollo Al Horno Prchuga $6.75
Baked chicken (Breast)
- Pollo Guisado Solo
Chicken stew. (Only)
Combinaciones
- Mar Y Tierra Combo $24.50
Surf and turf.
Mariscos
- Camarones Al Ajillo $14.50
Shrimp in garlic sauce.
- Camarones Al Ajillo Solo $11.25
7 pieces. Shrimp in garlic sauce.
- Bacalao Guisado
Cod fish in red sauce.
- Bacalao Guisado Solo
Cod fish in red sauce.
- Gazpacho
Salted cod fish salad.
Lunes
- Sopa De Pollo Monday
Martes
- Sopa De Res Tuesday
Beef soup.
- Tacos De Pollo Tuesday $10.50
3 para. Chicken tacos.
Miercoles
- Pupusas Wednesday (After 1 Pm) $3.00
1 piece. Stuffed corn tortillas.
- Sancocho Wednesday
Caribbean stew.
Jueves
- Sopa De Rabo Thursday
Ox tail soup.
- Pechuga De Pollo Empanizada Thursday
Breaded chicken breast.
Viernes
- Sopa De Pollo Friday
Seafood soup.
- Filete De Pescado Friday $16.50
Fried fish.
- Ceviche De Camaron Con Arroz Friday $15.50
Shrimp seviche with rice.
- Ceviche De Camaron Friday
Shrimp seviche.
- Ensalada De Pulpo Con Arroz Friday $15.50
Octopus salad with rice.
- Ensalada De Pulpo Friday
Octopus salad.
Sabado
- Mondongo Saturday
Tripe stew.
Mofongo -Jueves al Sabado
- Mofongo Solo $11.00
By Itself.
- Pollo Al Horno, Pollo Guisado, Chuletas O Pernil $18.00
Baked chicken, chicken stew, Pork Chops or Roast pork.
- Bistec, Ropa Vieja, Bacalao, Camarones, Rabo,O Costillas $19.00
Steak, shredded beef, cod fish, shrimp, ox tail or ribs.
- Pescado (Vi/Sa) $19.00
Fried Fish (Friday / Saturday)
- Mar Y Tierra $24.00
Surf and turf.
Acompanantes / Sides
- Tostones $5.25
Fried plantains.
- Maduros $5.25
Sweet plantains.
- Papas Fritas $5.25
French fries.
- Yuca Frita $5.25
Fried casava.
- Arroz Blanco
White rice.
- Arroz Con Gandules
Yellow rice with pigeon peas.
- Arroz Moro (Jueves - Sabado)
Thursday- Saturday. Black bean rice.
- Frijoles Colorados
Red beans.
- Frijoles Negros
Black beans.
Bebidas
- Soda Cans $2.00
- Agua $1.50
Water
- Malta $2.75
- Soda Bottles 20oz $2.75
El Sabroso Details
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Locals
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Parking
- Paid street parking
El Sabroso Photos










El Sabroso Location
El Sabroso
414 Central Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307, USA
El Sabroso Reviews
alcapurriasspanish foodempanadasstewrice and beanswhite riceyellow ricepernilyucaoxtails
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1The food in this restaurant used to be great. This was when they moved from a very cramped location to the current address. Then it all started to go downhill. The original people who made it great are no longer there and those who replaced them are terrible. Not only is the food very sub par but it’s also way overpriced. Sad to see such a one time great restaurant turn into something I refuse to go to. Sad.
September 28 · Ozzie QuinonesThis restaurant has the kind of comfort that keeps you coming back. I didn't think I'd enjoy this place so thoroughly. The kitchen chooses good ingredients with satisfying serving sizes. Not exaggerating, these workers are outstanding, remarkably friendly, knowledgeable and make you feel at home right away. I'm eager to go back and explore new offerings.
June 23 · Ana ButlerFood is ok, overrated in my opinion. The appetizers was the best part of the meal.. Beef stew was dry and no flavor, puterican rice tasted like white rice. Missed the mark. SERVICE IS TERRIBLE!!! Never came back to my table. Had toget up 3 xs. Got her attention and then never came…. I wouldn’t recommend it…sorry I speak TRUTH ONLY…
September 19 · R.J. DangerI've been coming here for the last 15 years. Absolutely amazing food! There's nothing like. And the staff are wonderful. Would highly recommend for any occasion!
August 02 · Iris VasquezBeen coming to this restaurant since I was young with my mom & stepdad. I now live in Florida and EVERY time I come to visit Jersey I MUST stop at my favorite Spanish restaurant. Food is amazing every time and the owner and staff are really nice. I LOVE A THIS restaurant & would highly recommend.
March 01 · Elizabeth Rosa
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