R E S T A U R A N T
A Taste of Puerto Rico
Ponce provides affordable, authentic food with fast service and a great atmosphere. We are a family-owned business that enjoys serving our customers the food we grew up on. Our passion is making sure that our customers have the most authentic meal in a warm and cozy environment.
We have been around for over 26 years and provide some of the most authentic Puerto Rican dishes in the city of Chicago. Let our dining area make you feel right at home. Thank you for supporting us for so many years and we hope to continue to do so for the next 26+ years!
Our History
Authenticity at its finest
Our family is originally from Ponce, Puerto Rico. We established the restaurant to bring you delicious dishes like piononos, sorullos, mofongo, arroz con gandules, and many others that live in all Puerto Rican kitchens. We've been open since March 6, 1998 and still going strong! Ponce showcases techniques rooted in Puerto Rico, but it is also influenced by our regionality.
We serve our community with pride and work continuously on creating food products that showcase our heritage. We are committed to maintaining the integrity of our quality home-cooked foods. Just like our mom made it, with lots of love and flavor!
- Ponce Family
Puerto Rican cuisine is characterized by a distinctive blend of cultural influences - from the Spanish, Americans, Africans, and the Taíno – an indigenous group of people from Puerto Rico. It uses indigenous seasonings and ingredients such as coriander, papaya, cacao, and plantains. Locals call their cuisine "Cocina Criolla". The seasonings and flavors are bright, bold, and comforting.
What is Puerto Rican Cuisine?
Lechón Asado | Pig Roast
Pig is the most popular protein in Puerto Rico. On the island, you will find roads that are lined with restaurants called lechoneras; all dedicated to roasting whole pigs. We aim to recreate that experience here in Chicago. Stay in touch to find out when we will be roasting our next pig!
Pernil Asado - Slow-roasted marinated pork with a savory garlic crust.
Lechón - Roasted whole pork
Lechonera - Restaurant that specializes in roasted pork
TOP 25
Best Puerto Rican Restaurants In The US
"Chicago is home to one of the most diverse food scenes in the country, so it’s no surprise they’ve got some great Puerto Rican restaurants. Namely, Ponce. Nobody does atmosphere, affordability, and delicious traditional Puerto Rican fare quite like them. Whether you opt for the bistec encebollado or their famous patelillos – you’ll definitely be back for more."
Customer Reviews
“These are straight up the best pasteles in the city!”
“Everything we had was amazing! Will definitely be back!”
"A timeless combo 🇵🇷"
“If you love morcilla or pasteles, this is my fave spot to get them from! The morcilla always has a little spicy to it and the right amount of crunch”
"Craving some jibaritos? Me too! Check out @poncerestaurant_ for some delicious eats!! 😋"
“Don’t eat much pork, but when I do… #Mofongo 💪🏼🇵🇷”
“Probably one of my favorite Puerto Rican restaurants in Chicago. I also recommend Alcapurria de yuca (yam dumplings). Jibarito de bistec hits the spot every time. Don’t forget the Parcha (passion fruit juice)”
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