Elsa La Reina Del Chicharron Teaneck, NJ 07666

Elsa La Reina Del Chicharrón has some of the best chicharrón in New Jersey. I found the place on Google while looking for Latin spots to eat, and the chicharrón specifically caught my eye. The photos looked incredible, extra crispy on the outside and meaty inside, with that perfect meat-to-fat ratio. I cross-referenced it with Yelp and was surprised to see a low 2.5-star rating with mixed reviews. Looking at my past activity, I realized I’d actually ‘Yelp Checked In’ here before. It must have been a while ago because I don’t remember what I ordered, but I know for a fact I didn’t get the chicharrón or the pernil.

I arrived on a Friday afternoon with a friend. Once we walked in, the host seated us at an open table. The restaurant is pretty spacious, with good music playing in the background. I also noticed a DJ booth, so I’m guessing it gets pretty lively at night, just like other popular Dominican spots.

I went with my default move from the daily specials: the Pernil al Horno ($15), served with white rice and beans. I was happy when the plate arrived and the pork was topped with a layer of crispy skin. It was juicy, flavorful, and that crunch elevated every single bite.

My friend ordered the chicharrón and blessed me with a piece. It was awesome, not overly fatty, hitting just the right balance of meat, fat, and a great crunch. Hands down, it’s some of the best chicharrón I’ve had in New Jersey.

I’ll definitely be back for it, whether as a snack or a full meal. If you’re a fan of chicharrón, I highly recommend stopping by Elsa La Reina Del Chicharrón for the best in New Jersey.