El Tondero Peruvian Restaurant

You’ve heard the expression, a ma-​and-​pa operation? Will this is literally a ma and pa business, but we’re talking about an elderly couple, so that’s the problem, you’re not getting in and out of here fast, even if you’re the only two customers. It’s less like eating at a restaurant, and more like going over to your grandparent’s house, if your grandparents were Peruvian. This is the most authentic Peruvian food I’ve had outside of Lima, it is quite good. The restaurant is easy to miss, it’s a big, old house, with a little sign, and the hours vary depending on the health of the operator-​owners. Call first. Inside, it’s still a big house, there’s plenty of space, it’s really quite comfortable. And you need to be comfortable, after one of them shuffles out to get your order, they will make it from scratch, and there’s really only two of them. Don’t waste time, as soon as you get in there, order right away (everything on the menu is delicious), then get comfortable because it’s going to take a while. Don’t get the owner talking about old times before your order gets started, he’s interesting but he’s not going to start cooking if you get him story telling. No, the story doesn’t go faster in Spanish, I tried that. It’s best if you go with good friends and a lot to talk about (remember, only after they get started on your order), or if you go by yourself, bring a book. As long as there isn’t a lot of snow on the ground, parking on the street is easy.

Okay this would be 5 stars if it wasnt such a mystery. I ate here once and a very long time ago. I was probably about 13 or 14. I can very easily and truthfully say this was the best food I have ever had in my entire life to this day. I will never forget how amazing the food was. I don’t remember what the name of the dish I ordered was called but it was a lot of really fresh seafood rice insanely awesome pico de gallo type stuff I don’t even know. It was pure heaven. and it’s in a house? liek in the middle of 13^th st.
I only know one other person who has been to this restaurant and they left before they got their food because they were waiting so long.
The same thing happened when I went. We literally sat for what seemed 3 hours before eating but it was really worth the wait — and I truly mean that. I think every dish is slow cooked as if it were just one person in the kitchen. It’s crazy. I hope to make it back soon to see if its still as delectable as the last time.

Eat this:
El Tondero pollo de Tia Maria
Peanutbuttery spicy chicken with perfectly cooked potatoes — and rice. I’m endeared by the owner’s story. He LOVES to talk history, food, love and life. The dining room is a living/​dining room transformed into a restaurant… party room and bar downstairs is available for parties… and while we’re talking party — order the pisco sour. It’s the next best thing to a slushie — but better.
Crazy hours. call first!