Dine Droop
Dine DroopDining Insightsrestaurants near me
ConnecticutNew JerseyNew York

Dine Drooprestaurants near meNew JerseyHudson CountyJersey CityThe Heightsrestaurants in Central AvenueEl Sabroso
El Sabroso ico

El Sabroso
- 414 Central Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307

Puerto Rican restaurant, Restaurant ★4.0 (82)·$10–20

414 Central Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307, USA

4.0
The 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. - Ozzie Quinones
El Sabroso Overview Intro Food & drink Detail Photos Location Reviews
$10–20 per person Reported by 82 people$1–10$10–20$20–30$30–50$50–100

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 Picture 1El Sabroso Picture 2El Sabroso Picture 3El Sabroso Picture 4El Sabroso Picture 5El Sabroso Picture 6El Sabroso Picture 7El Sabroso Picture 8El Sabroso Picture 9El Sabroso Picture 10

El Sabroso Location

El Sabroso

414 Central Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307, USA

El Sabroso Reviews

An average rating of ★4.2 from 690 user reviews.

alcapurriasspanish foodempanadasstewrice and beanswhite riceyellow ricepernilyucaoxtails

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

More restaurants near me

  • Saigon BistroSaigon Bistro4.0 (428 reviews)

    514 Central Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307, USA

  • Vibez Juice & Vegan CafeVibez Juice & Vegan Cafe4.0 (116 reviews)

    82 Hutton St, Jersey City, NJ 07307, USA

  • Balaji Bhavan pure vegetarian South Indian restaurantBalaji Bhavan pure vegetarian South Indian restaurant4.0 (994 reviews)

    249 Central Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307, USA

  • D'Patrones DeliD'Patrones Deli4.0 (66 reviews)

    1117 Summit Ave, Union City, NJ 07087, USA

  • PupusasPupusas4.0 (1 reviews)

    1215 Summit Ave, Union City, NJ 07087, USA

  • El Taco TrolleyEl Taco Trolley4.0 (16 reviews)

    1200 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Union City, NJ 07087, USA

  • Cuba BakeryCuba Bakery4.0 (176 reviews)

    1219 Summit Ave, Union City, NJ 07087, USA

  • El ProgresoEl Progreso4.0 (128 reviews)

    1309 Summit Ave, Union City, NJ 07087, USA

  • Pho Express - HobokenPho Express - Hoboken4.0 (156 reviews)

    732 Washington St, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA

  • Azteca Taqueria RestaurantAzteca Taqueria Restaurant4.0 (118 reviews)

    1313 Summit Ave, Union City, NJ 07087, USA

  • Veras RestauranteVeras Restaurante4.0 (139 reviews)

    1320 Summit Ave, Union City, NJ 07087, USA

  • The Nutrition HouseThe Nutrition House4.0 (7 reviews)

    1403 Summit Ave, Union City, NJ 07087, USA

  • Categories

    Top Visited Sites

    Top Searches

    Trending Dining Insights Posts