Since 2017, Phoenix Coquí cofounders Alexis and Juan Ayala have been one of few restaurants in the Valley to offer a traditional Puerto Rican experience, and at seven years running, continues to be Phoenix’s de facto destination for such Caribbean cuisine.
Phoenix Coqui’s musts:
- Tostones
- Amarillos
- Plato de pernil
From what was once a food truck to now brick-and-mortar location off 15th Avenue and Indian School, Coquí remains a staple of its West Phoenix neighborhood. Whether it’s the ever, oh-so delicious plate of amarillos (or, fried sweet plantains), tostones (fried green plantains), habichuelas (red kidney beans), arroz con gandules (seasoned rice with gandules, aka “pigeon peas,” a savory legume native to Puerto Rico), Coquí’s take on familiar yet distinct Puerto Rican flavors are a seamless commixture of authenticity and ambrosial. And for those unfamiliar, “Coquí” refers to both Puerto Rico’s Coquí Frog as a national symbol and as an onomatopoeia for the sound they emit (coke-ee).
Pure Puerto Rican flare
Immediately discernable upon entering Coquí’s Puerto Rican-themed-and-decorated interior is an explicitly down to earth ambiance amidst its mustard-colored walls and café-windows. Riveted, metallic-surfaced tables set aside flags and a mural opposite the small register lend an inviting charm, while on any given day, there is likely to be some mixture of bachatón, merengue, guaracha or other styles of music local to the restaurant’s roots.
Additionally, the flow and uniformity of Coquí’s floorspace is similar to that of a quick-service restaurant (i.e. pay at the counter before sitting and eating), with most dishes being served on checkerboard paper and plastic baskets atop trays, furthering the eatery’s implicit design of food truck into plate-sharing atmosphere.
Mix of menu magic
As far as the menu entails, there is a variety of dishes with unique profiles to sample, depending on the need for sweet or savory (or both). The aforementioned tostones are but one experience that can be described as a piquant and crisp, layered concoction of flaked plantain which crumbles to bite and also manages to avoid being overly dry nor greasy. With a flavor delectably simple though robust, it can be easy to forget that the tostones, like many dishes, come paired with a sauce to compliment and/or highlight the flavors (in the case of the tostones, akin a garlic aioli).
Another dish of special noteworthiness are the yuca fries, which beyond their texturized suffusion of firmness and chewiness, share a clean presentation with that of many entrees, for which, they are served consistently golden, every bit as appeasing to the eyes as to the tastebuds. Similarly, the alcapurrias de yuca (beef filled yuca fritters) are another entry worth their own mention and are out of this world—a rich meld of fried doughy-ness with a kind of Braille-texture and dark-reddish hue that emits a soft steam when bitten into.
Allergen-friendly
In terms of nuts and bolts regarding food restrictions, a helping of Coquí’s streamlined, no-frills menu has readily identifiable dishes for vegans, while much of what’s already prepared is gluten-free, such as their best-selling dish, plato de pernil (pulled pork with seasoned rice and salad). Portions are generous without feeling excessive, and since most of the home-style food comes served in containers by default, there is a case to be made about saving some of those delicious empanadillas (a kind of Puerto Rican empanada that comes in several flavors) for tomorrow. Spiciness as a concept per se doesn’t really exist on Coquí’s menu, so for those who may be wondering about heat needn’t worry, and for those with a sweet tooth will be happy to know there are four rich offerings on the dessert side, including some delicious Puerto Rican sodas such as Coco Rico (a personal favorite).
No. 1 Puerto Rican restaurant in our book
Between the delicious style of home cooking, the warm and inviting atmosphere and an affordable menu, Phoenix Coquí is a Valley mainstay and remains true to their self-title of AZ’s No.1 Puerto Rican Restaurant for a reason. There’s no going wrong with anything on the menu, and the people who run it provide a service aligned with their mission to bring the fine art and beauty of Puerto Rico cuisine to the desert. Make sure to bring an appetite and be ready to be fed. Phoenix Coquí, 4041 N. 15th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85015.