La Lechonera image

La Lechonera

Restaurant Latin american restaurant Puerto rican restaurant

One of the Most Reviewed Puerto rican restaurants in Tampa


Address

5601 N Armenia Ave, Tampa, FL 33603

Website

la-lechonera.business.site

Contact

(813) 870-3504

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.20 (2.8K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: (Good Friday), 9:30 AM to 10 PM, Hours might differ
  • Saturday: 9:30 AM to 10 PM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 10:30 AM to 9:30 PM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 9:30 AM to 10 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:30 AM to 10 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:30 AM to 10 PM
  • Thursday: 9:30 AM to 10 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (15) great (14) service (11) time (11) rice (11) taste (10) beans (8) pork (8) delicious (7) portions (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Robert N. 2 years ago on Google
    The food here can be amazing. Big delicious sandwiches, cafeteria style food and cooked to order food as well. Fantastic ox tail, cabrito, mofongo, stews, mondongo, soups, beans, rices and much more. Missed 5 stars due to occasional food inconsistencies. Excellent portions. Been a customer for many many years but come less due to distance.You see the wealthy and the poor eating here side by side.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Chats With L. 8 months ago on Google
    Food is disgusting and stuff is very rude! Not sure if they switched owners because I’ve been coming here for many years never had an issue. But I will definitely not be returning or recommending this place
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 MR V. 4 years ago on Google
    I will start with the positive, the customer service was excellent and the coffee was delicious. The Ox tail had great taste and the beans where decent. What confuses me is that the pork was very dry and pretty bland, THIS IS A LECHONERA RIGHT??? That's just unacceptable but that's why we write reviews, they hopefully will read and change. I'm open to giving them one more chance if I'm in the area.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 joel e. 2 years ago on Google
    Yum yum yum 😋. The food was so good I took home a second plate. They're open late, that's a plus. They were super friendly that was a plus too and I was from outta town so that felt really good 👍. Next time I'm in that area it'll be my first stop instead of my last lol.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fil L. 2 years ago on Google
    Found this place just by coincidence! Was in this area for a baseball event and I'm so glad I did! I love that you can order food or you can choose from the premade hot buffet line with no waiting time. Had several really good choices and the portions were really oversized and tasty.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Steven M. 4 years ago on Google
    Food tastes delicious but it took over 30 minutes to get a Cuban sandwich. When I ordered the person told me 10 minutes, then after about 20 minutes I asked to make sure they didn't forget, and she told me 2 minutes it'll be right out. Then another 10 minutes went by. It's unfortunate, because it tastes very good, but that's too long to wait for a sandwich on my lunch break. The place was a little busy but not packed. The menu online isn't correct. It lists a medianoche sandwich, but they don't make those (that's what I planned on ordering), and the price of a Cuban is $4.99, not $2.25 as listed online. Next time I'll go somewhere else for better service, or maybe I'll try to call and order ahead of time.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Frances F. 1 year ago on Google
    The food used to be better, I've been going here for over 25 years and it was always the best around. The Pernil was dry so I asked for some juice after I got my orders to go and ate a little bit while I was there and was charged an extra $2 for 2 small containers when they usually put the juice on the pork . They had the news on the TV instead of music. I still love it, but there is room for improvement!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Lee A. 6 months ago on Google
    First, they have a variety of food, but they need to clean the area where they keep the food. Rice tastes like the rice that you bought at the store to ake on the microwave, no flavor at all. Bought two pounds of morcilla that I threw it away because it taste like it was there for weeks, with no taste at all. In other words, I lost $55 on food that wasn't good at all.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Lo V. 7 months ago on Google
    I really like this place. The only reason I didn't give it a five star was because my tip was included and they didn't tell me. I ended given them another tip without knowing. And it was just for two people, not for a big party. It's fine with me if you include the tip already, but at least let me know.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 luis r. 1 year ago on Google
    I used to love going to this place when I was a child as I lived down the street (20 years ago). I recently went back and the breakfast was nothing special. Is not bad, but it was not great either. I am sure they can do better. I returned for lunch and had the same feeling. The staff was nice and attentive.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rod S. 1 year ago on Google
    La Teresita’s competition. If you prefer a cleaner, less busy and somehow just as loud environment, La Lechonera is a good alternative.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David M. 1 year ago on Google
    Great service and food was mmk ore than expected. Amount of food it is more than enough . Too bad I got full . I would have loved to try other plates. Next time then
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Josie F. 1 year ago on Google
    I very seldom give reviews, and if/when I do, it's always positive. NOT this time. The girl behind the counter was not friendly, not even a fake smile she gave us.The food was cold when served. My friend didn't like any of it. I tried to fake it and ate a little bit, but it was horrible! It was the first time I was there, and I had no idea that the silver/plastic ware were in a self served corner. When she brought us the food and I asked where were the utensils, pointing to the corner, she told me had told I had to get them myself. She said it in an unprofessional, annoyed face and tone. I will never visit this restaurant nor recommend it to anyone. I was so embarrassed, because my friend (Guatemalan), is an excellent cook. But I'm Puertorriqueña and always bragging about our cooking, etc.. This place put me in shame! For real!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Alina G. 2 years ago on Google
    Horrible service horrible food the Deviled crab and the stuffed potatoes were freezer burnt you can taste it. It was horrible. No flavor for the chicken fricassee I ordered and my friends that were with me also wouldn't eat their food because it was just not good horrible experience and expensive $50 for three people. When ordering the food at the counter where the hot side is the employee that was helping me with my order and my friends kept walking off to help other people and wasn't even done helping us. I felt that to be very rude. Don't go here you'll be beyond disappointed and wasting your money
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel I. 7 months ago on Google
    Best cuban sandwiches in town, But that's my opinion. The staff were very friendly, And even though there was a little bit of a language Barrier. They made sure we got exactly what we ordered

  • 5/5 Laceine L. 4 months ago on Google
    The food was amazing. The atmosphere was great. The service was welcoming my only complaint. We did a large catering order we asked for. Pink beans and received black beans when we called them. They were very apologetic and offered to replace them.

  • 5/5 Becky M. 4 months ago on Google
    Years ago my husband read an article in the Tampa Tribune about the great food at La Lechonera. We went there and enjoyed the cafeteria style and the Latina food. Very tasty and flavorful. We came several times a year when we were in that area of Tampa. Now I come by myself because I really like the food. And the pricing is very reasonable. Today I ordered the Beef Stew with vegetables and yellow rice with peas. Also red beans and my favorite Plantains. I took half of it home and most likely it will be my Thanksgiving Meal tomorrow! Great Job and Great Food La Lechonera!

  • 1/5 Allen V. 5 months ago on Google
    It's actually disgraceful for this place to call itself Lechonera. The pork is literally all bones and fat. The plantains were hard as a rock, the complete opposite of ripe. The rice smelled and tasted like fish. When I opened my plate, I have never felt so disgusted by food in my entire life 🤢

  • 1/5 tampa native S. 5 months ago on Google
    Although the food portion was very small, the taste was very good. The service was very horrible and employee was rushing me while I was deciding on what to eat. You would think that they would treat customers better considering they lost a lot of customers ever since they went up in price and reduced the food portions.

  • 5/5 Kiarelis C. 5 months ago on Google
    Amazing food, brings me back home, definitely recommend to anyone trying Puerto Rican food for the first time. Fair prices, very clean and nice atmosphere. I recommend getting yellow rice with lechón a la barita , red beans and maduros (shredded pork with chicharrón skin and sweet plantains ) Prices are around $12 per person including tax and it’s super filling , so you’ll for sure have leftovers.

  • 5/5 A O. 6 months ago on Google
    Very well seasoned food. Large portions at reasonable prices. The server was very nice and attentive. Very good authentic Puerto Rican food.

  • 5/5 Michele H. 2 years ago on Google
    My go to for Cuban sandwiches. Always fresh delicious and love the crispiness once the sandwich is pressed. The pork is homemade and full of flavor. The price is right and the smell upon entering really tantalizes your senses. Great quick service and always clean and to me cleanliness is very appealling... I brought my son and his gf who were visiting from Pa there to get these sandwiches and we were back by the next day for more !!! My son said best Cuban he ever ate !!!

  • 5/5 Jose C. 7 months ago on Google
    I had a party from Hawaii of 30 people and we choose to eat at this restaurant yesterday @6 PM not only the restaurant food was great and big portions for your money but the service that we received from Claudia, Iris, Yami and Michael was EXCEPTIONAL to say the least. These waitresses and cook not only took care of us but were patient with us as most of the people in the party was the first time eating Puerto Rican food which they all loved. Service like this should be commended and we the party from Hawaii thank you very much!! We will be back and a couple of years again and you best believe we will come back to eat at this restaurant!!!!

  • 4/5 EMERSON I. 1 year ago on Google
    Great Puerto Rican fix ~ serving is huge, food is fresh! Prices are very reasonable.

  • 3/5 Marly M. 7 months ago on Google
    Heard they had the authentic Boricua taste and decided to try it out.. As a Dominican that has lived in PR n has tasted authentic PR cuisine I give this place a 3 out of 5.. Disappointed that I ordered 1 thing n got another so that went to the garbage. The Lechon was well seasoned even though I got more fat then actual meat, the arroz con guandules was ok and the yellow plantation where hard af so that also went to the garbage.. Most of my meal ended up in the garbage so it's a deff NO for me..

  • 4/5 Celida C. 7 months ago on Google
    Cuajito con guineo was delicious and seasoned perfectly... Mofongo with shrimps was good except over seasoned... Will definitely go back!!

  • 4/5 Skylee C. 7 months ago on Google
    Came here to eat lunch with my dad so I can have a taste of Monfongo, since where I live now has no good Puerto Rican spots. I really enjoyed all the food we had here and the Mofongo was great, I just wish the plantains used to make it were a littleeee bit softer. The food was pretty pricey, i paid almost 17 dollars for mofongo. But hey it's Tampa where are things not going to be pricey. It's a great spot regardless.

  • 5/5 Tony P. 7 months ago on Google
    Great service and a great selection of various meats, rice, and other sides. I had the roast pork, black beans, white rice and sweet plantains.

  • 2/5 L T. 1 year ago on Google
    I used to eat here years ago and decided to drop in. I got the shredded beef, which was very bland. Also ordered the ground beef (we were thinking picadillo) but it tasted exactly like ground beef with nothing else. The French fries had no salt or anything on them. Thw plaintains were not sweet. The one thing that was okay, was the stuffed potato.

  • 4/5 Enrique O. 1 year ago on Google
    Good food , great taste I would of give them 5 stars but because they didn’t have red snapper on hand, otherwise it’s a 5 star, very good food and delicious I would recommend to family and friends.

  • 5/5 Juli G. 1 year ago on Google
    This spot always has the best food and service. Huge variety of dishes to choose from!

  • 5/5 Robert F. 2 years ago on Google
    100% stop by. Amazing food, great staff and an awesome neighborhood. Cannot say enough great things about this restaurant!

  • 4/5 Graciela C. 9 months ago on Google
    I don't know if they rotate cooks or what is happening but the pernil was dry for the 3rd time bland hard chunks no flavor. The rice was I dont know how to explain it somewhere between undercooked or reheated hard rice. Always great service 100% I always get Mofongo con carne frita. Pernil meal and 2 pasteles. Pernil is what makes La Lechonera and white rice is a constant with there dinners. Something has been off lately.

  • 5/5 Ismael C. 1 year ago on Google
    The food is always great. The staff helpful and pleasant. I also used them to cater my daughters USF grad party. Nothing but the best compliments on our food selections from our guests. Definitely recommend! Muy sabroso.

  • 5/5 West China T. 9 months ago on Google
    Outstanding food, also the owner/manager took the time to help me make selections that didn’t have seed oils, soy, sugar, or any other allergens that we try to avoid. We got the lechon and yucca, which were cooked without seed oils, and I got the oxtails, (not necessarily seed oil free but delicious)

  • 5/5 Alysia G. 1 year ago on Google
    Love to eat here when I visit Tampa! Has a little bit of everything, and brings me back to the food I grew up with 🥲 Love their yucca!

  • 5/5 Terrell G. 9 months ago on Google
    This is a very good down home Spanish Cafe. This is one of those hidden gems if you have a taste for some authentic Spanish food. We had some friends to help navigate the menu. I love the full flavor without the salty taste. The dessert were also excellent. I definitely recommend La Lechonera.

  • 1/5 Hector G. 1 year ago on Google
    I ordered take out. The mondongo, pasteles and yellow rice was the worst I had consumed and the cost astronomical. The food was thrown out. Would have returned it but was already way out of the area. It hurts to yearn for a particular dish only to come across garbage!

  • 4/5 Haus 1 year ago on Google
    Yummy! The pork, rice and beans, and pasteles are really good! They give huge portions, and we usually split one dinner. Everything was fresh, and their pork sandwhich is one of the best in Tampam

  • 4/5 Mary J. 1 year ago on Google
    Great variety of entrees and sides on the steam tables. "One thing" steam table temperature adjusted higher for hotter food would be a plus. Our food was just warmed. However many choices to choose from. Serving size is large and affordable prices. I would visit again.

  • 5/5 H F. 1 year ago on Google
    Very good selection of food. Tastes great and not expensive. The portions are very generous. Big enough to have a few tables inside to eat in. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Definite follow up.


Call (813) 870-3504 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Healthy options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Breakfast
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Curbside pickup
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating
    • ✓️ No-contact delivery

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