La fonda criolla restaurante

Best Puerto Rican food in Middletown .! Friendly service and food that's just like moms...One taste and you know quality, gotta check it out!!!!

In all honesty, I wanted this restaurant to outshine all others because I am of puerto Rican cultural background. However, from the moment that I listened to a phone conversation between the owner and a caller where the owner encouraged a “ new” delivery of pastelles from a female caller, I was not happy. Evidently, This restaurant procures Puerto Rican staples from people who prepare this food from their home. I can not write for anyone else but this is a total deal breaker for me. First, I am confident that it is against department of health guidelines to prepare and serve food from a home. Second, how lazy and ill prepare are they to run a restaurant where they are regulated to buy off- premise prepared food and sell it as your own. YUCK! Second, when I ordered the bacalao, it was not thoroughly unsalted. In fact, there was enough salt on this dried out fish that they could have melted the entire parking lot full of snow. I also had the “ pastelles” which were precooked and refrigerated. This dried out staple could have served as a door stopper because it was very hard. I even heard a “bing” from a microwave when the portly gentleman attempted to warm it up. Third, when I initially arrived at this restaurant, I arrived undecided. So a few moments went by when all of a sudden, a big thump was heard after an inpatient server slam his fist against the counter in frustration at my indecision. Overall, a tremendous failure at replicating consumable Puerto Rican Cuisine. In retrospect, while I am not a fan of this restaurant, I do believe that the young man with his percussionists inclined ability should audition to be next in line for Marc Anthony’s band as a drum lead. Hey, if you can’t cook, play an instrument. As an Update: After submitting this review, a representative denied any of my allegations by stating that I have this restaurant confused with another. I like to write that I do not enjoy desecrating an establishment without cause. As such, I stand firmly that this in fact is the restaurant that I have referenced and go on to state that I have purchased not once but three (3) different occasions when I had the experiences mentioned. During my visit, an older hispanic woman was sitting and watching the"Novelas." On another occasion, a heavy-set young man served and charged me at the counter. On my final visit, an older male ( I believe he's the owner) was speaking to a woman about the pastelles. Sorry, truth be known. Parking: Classic tax payer strip mall parking concept.

The food, the service, and the atmosphere were very pleasant. The portions were good and the prices VERY fair. Also, good accessible parking. Will visit again. Thank you! Parking: Ample parking and also easy in and out.

Parking: Easy

Great authentic food, fast & great service, and not expensive. The Ropa Vieja, plantains, and empanadas were very good. Will be back to try more!

Friendly people and delicious food. Coming back for sure!

Best hispanic food in a 30 mile radius. The meat was soft and tender. The rice was well made. The beans had amazing flavor. Highly recommended