Elsa La Reina Del Chicharron

- 1515 Teaneck Rd, Teaneck, NJ 07666

Introduction / Overview

Located right on Teaneck Road, Elsa La Reina Del Chicharron stands as a prominent destination for authentic Dominican and broader Latin American cuisine in the heart of Bergen County, New Jersey. The restaurant’s name itself, meaning

"Elsa, The Queen of Pork Rinds,"

Elsa La Reina Del Chicharron is designed to be an all-day dining experience, popular for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, making it a flexible choice for solo diners, family groups, and everyone in between. The atmosphere is generally described as Casual, Cozy, and even Trendy, aiming to provide an inviting setting with amenities like an Onsite Bar and Live Music, offering an energetic cultural experience that goes beyond just the meal.

The true star of the menu, apart from its namesake fried pork, is the incredible variety of Mofongo, a signature Latin American dish made from mashed green plantains. Diners can choose from an expansive list of protein toppings and stuffings, from traditional Fried Pork Chunks and Dominican Sausage to premium options like Seafood and Skirt Steak, showcasing the depth of their culinary offerings. Whether you're seeking a quick, flavorful bite or a hearty, satisfying meal, this Teaneck establishment promises a taste of authentic Caribbean comfort food.

Location and Accessibility

Elsa La Reina Del Chicharron is strategically located at 1515 Teaneck Rd, Teaneck, NJ 07666, USA. Teaneck Road is a central artery in Bergen County, making the restaurant easily accessible to residents in Teaneck, Hackensack, Englewood, Bergenfield, and other surrounding Northern New Jersey towns.

The restaurant prioritizes accessibility for all members of the New Jersey community, providing comprehensive accommodations for diners with mobility concerns.

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: Ensures smooth entry for all guests.
• Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: Provides convenient, designated parking spots.
• Wheelchair Accessible Restroom: Offers a comfortable and private space for all.
• Wheelchair Accessible Seating: Ensures comfortable dining space within the main seating area.

Parking is also a major convenience highlight for Teaneck visitors, with multiple options available, reducing the stress of finding a spot in this busy commercial area. Patrons can utilize the Free Parking Lot, Free Street Parking, and general On-Site Parking. The availability of a Drive-Through service further enhances accessibility for those on the go who prefer the utmost convenience.

Services Offered

Elsa La Reina Del Chicharron offers a wide range of services designed to accommodate various dining preferences, from a quick coffee run to a fully catered event.

• Dining Options: Provides a full range of dining experiences, including Dine-in, Takeout, No-Contact Delivery, Delivery, and a convenient Drive-through option.
• Table Service: Full-service seating is available, with Table Service provided during Lunch, Dinner, and Brunch hours.
• Reservations: The restaurant Accepts Reservations, with Lunch Reservations Recommended, which is helpful for groups planning to dine-in during peak weekday hours.
• All-Day Meal Service: Offers Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert options, ensuring high-quality food is available throughout the day.
• Catering: Full Catering services are available for both private and corporate events, allowing guests to bring authentic Dominican flavors to any gathering.
• Beverage Program: A comprehensive list of offerings is available, including Coffee, Beer, Wine, Hard Liquor, and Cocktails, complemented by Happy Hour Drinks and Happy Hour Food specials.
• Payment Convenience: Accepts modern payment methods, including Checks, Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments.

Features / Highlights

The defining features of this Teaneck staple revolve around its menu specializations, its vibrant atmosphere, and its commitment to a full hospitality experience.

• Dominican Specialty Focus: The restaurant is recognized for its Serves Local Specialty status, highlighting its authentic Dominican dishes. The Fried Pork (Chicharron) and the variety of Mashed Plantain (Mofongo) are the cornerstone dishes.
• Extensive Mofongo Menu: A key highlight is the incredible selection of Mofongo, offered with a dozen different savory toppings, including popular choices like Shrimp, Fried Pork Chunks, Chicken, Dominican Sausage, and Skirt Steak, catering to every protein preference.
• All-Day Comfort Food: The menu is deep with flavorful Comfort Food options, Quick Bites, and even Late-Night Food, ensuring that no matter the hour, a hearty meal is available.
• Atmosphere and Entertainment: The restaurant frequently features Live Music, creating a festive and engaging atmosphere. It is noted as being Family-Friendly, great for Groups, and proudly inclusive (LGBTQ+ friendly, Transgender safespace).
• Beverage Variety: The presence of an Onsite Bar serving a wide selection of Alcohol, Cocktails, Beer, and Wine is a major draw for evening diners and those looking to enjoy Happy Hour.
• Fast Service (Takeout/Delivery): While dine-in service speed can occasionally be challenging, the overall business model is geared towards

  Fast Service

  for its Takeout and Delivery options, ensuring quick access to the delicious food.

Contact Information

For New Jersey residents looking to experience the flavor of the Caribbean or place a large catering order, here is the direct contact information for the Teaneck location:

Address: 1515 Teaneck Rd, Teaneck, NJ 07666, USA

Phone: (201) 837-2524

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Elsa La Reina Del Chicharron is a choice for rich, authentic flavor and variety, particularly if you are a fan of classic Dominican cuisine. While customer feedback suggests that the dine-in experience, especially concerning service speed and consistency, may vary and requires patience, the quality of the core specialty items—especially when opting for Takeout or Delivery—is generally the reason for its popularity.

The Mofongo Menu is undoubtedly what is most worth choosing. With twelve different variations of the mashed plantain specialty, it is a culinary experience. For the ultimate indulgence, consider the Mashed Plantain W/ Fried Pork Chunks, pairing the crunchy, savory house specialty with the comforting, starchy plantain mash. Seafood lovers will appreciate the premium choices like Mashed Plantain W/ Shrimps or Mashed Plantain W/ Seafood.

For a lighter but equally flavorful experience, the wide range of Pastas offers a different type of Comfort Food, from the simple Spaguetti Al Gusto ($13.99) to the luxurious Linguini With Shrimp ($24.99).

Finally, for a quick and reliable start to your day or a midday pick-me-up, the restaurant is known for its Great Coffee and its full Breakfast menu. When planning your visit, especially during peak dining times, we recommend utilizing their options for Takeout or No-Contact Delivery for the quickest service, or calling ahead for a reservation, as the indoor seating area can be busy. This focus on the celebrated core dishes and convenient service options ensures you get the best of what Elsa La Reina Del Chicharron has to offer.

Elsa La Reina Del Chicharron

1515 Teaneck Rd, Teaneck, NJ 07666, USA