Pasteles Y Algo Mas

Delicious food. Definitely take out as the place is too small to eat there. All the food is really authentic and really nice customer service. Will continue to go there… for take out.

Went with my 3 year old who only wanted a scoop of white rice they charged $ 4.00 for what costs less much everywhere else. GIRL Please — how is a lunch special that includes rice, chicken, beans and yuca $ 7.50 and a scoop of rice $ 4.00 wasn’t even morro — with that said– will not be going back– customer lost

One word — AMAZING! I found this place on Unilocal on a total whim and decided to check it out. My boyfriend and I are so glad we found this place! We ordered the Arroz con Gandules, Pernil and an order of Alcapurrias. They filled our plates and we completely empties them. Its SO HARD to find some good authentic Puerto Rican food, but this place takes the bizcocho! We have every intention of driving our butts here all the way from the Bronx just for a delicious plate of food. Prices are completely affordable and the staff is excellent. I’m already telling friends and family about this Jersey gem.

The food is good but wow the young girl who took our order was soo rude, nasty and looked unhappy smh

While Unilocaling I notice a restaurant under the category of Puerto Rican, which is a topic I know something about. So out to Ridgefield Park and see its the place occupies the corner of the block with no parking lot, and I walk in.
I come upon a four table restaurants that’s cantina style with wall to wall Puerto Rican tourist trinkets and souvenirs which was borderline tacky. Some for sale, some I never saw before so a collector may want to take a look. I walk up to the counter to see what they got and take photos while the worker is busy yelling at someone on the phone and not paying me any mind.
The food look like home cooked which should be good like having real sole food. The problem is I would have expect more types of food, like at least two to three dozen vs. the one and a half dozen I saw.
I look at the menu and the menu flyer and start ordering some of the appetizers after the phone convo was over to see how good they are. If the appetizers are lacking then the major dishes would be worst since they require more preparations and have more complex flavoring. I looked and saw they have two types of Alcapurrias, green bananas and yuca which are fritters in shap of a long potato where the outside casing is made of mostly mash green banana or yuca and the inside is made of pork, beef filling etc. The banana ones were at least a day old and not fresh but had the Alcapurrias taste and aroma to them
Now Pastelillos are like Empanada but the Puerto Rican ones should be larger with a flange composed of a flaky dough, think of a large dinner plate folded in half. And the flaky dough crust should have bubbles and craters with a pocket that has the filling. This place called them empanadas but they were mini pastelillos to me because the crust was a little flaky and had Achiote favoring. Now Achiote is Annatoo seeds and you use the oils and red coloring extracted from the seeds when heating them. The oil in turn is added to whatever you are making giving your food a yellow coloring plus flavor.
I ask for Baclaitos, which are Cod Fish fitters and Tostones which are double fried Green Plantains, after frying the first time you flatten them and refried them so that they are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. But both were not available and the Tostones would take twenty minutes it I wait for next batch. So I looked at the desserts and ask for Arroz Con Dulce, which is rice pudding made with coconut, coconut milk and raisins and a touch of cinnamon /​nutmeg, it was also out. I go for the Coconut Flan but when I ate it I could not detect any coconut.
I then ask if they got Morcillas which is Puerto Rican Blood sausage made with rice, culantro, cilantro, garlic and chillies, and not for everybody and the response was we are not a Cuchifrito. Now a Cuchifrito roots come from the slang ‘cuchi’ or pig and ‘frito’ is fired. So Cuchifrito is more like a counter dinner for the poorest of working slobs than a restaurant for the middle class with lots of fried foods which may be have a little bit more LARD than you are accustom too.
The problem is no true Puerto Rican restaurant would not have Morcillas and I have been to Cuchifritos in the Bronx and on 110 Street Spanish Harlem that would put this place to shame. This also explains why I did not see Chicharones, which is fired pork belly (some places also have a chicken version).
Now I want to push the Puerto Rican food heritage that I know, which is now a dying art on the mainland but unfortunately this restaurant is mediocre in service, availability of food items and the quality of what’s cooked. Yes I could eat the food, it has Puerto Rican roots but I could never recommend someone go here for authentic Puerto Rican food, not that really bad but that it’s not reprehensive of what I know and grew up with. Plus I’m currently living with excellent cook who grew up helping her father in his Puerto Rican restaurant. So I know what I’m talking about. It could be that today ‘Pasteles Y Algo Mas’ has lost its heart and is just satisfied with producing some food as a job and a living vs. putting love into what you make and calling it Puerto Rican food.

It’s been almost a year since my first review, and due for an update. My past few visits have been a bit displeasing, and today’s lunch break visit takes it over the edge for me. Dropping this place from 4 stars to 3. I never like demoting a place, but when it’s justified, then its for the right reason.
The Break down —
Food: Though still flavorful, the freshness and serving size is lacking. Today and times before it appears like they have been using leftover rice, there should be no reason for grains to be hard or burnt. The portions have gotten less and less since my first visit.
Cost: The price has gone up, I seem to be paying close to about $ 2 more for my platters.
Service: I called and called yesterday, the answering machine noted that they were Open but on the other line. After 5 calls, I headed over there. Upon arrival, I was disappointed to see that they were NOT OPEN but in fact Closed. Time to update your answering machine; maybe say something like closed on Sunday and Monday, if you will be closed on those days.
Today, they were Open but had only ONE PERSON who was SERVING, ANSWERING PHONES, AND HANDLING THE MONEY (W/​O Gloves)…NO BUENO… NOT WITH MY FOOD. And when a loyal customer asks why there is only one person, you don’t tell them «you should understand». Understand what? That I’m driving here on my lunch break, paying you, with only an hour. Maybe you should be understanding towards me… you have all morning to prepare, and be ready for the Lunch Rush (that’s why they call it, the Lunch Rush). So sadly, it was another day of a wasted drive to Ridgefield Park from Englewood Cliffs –because I walked out empty handed. You can go resume your conversation about your nails to the other customer.

I am updating my previous 5 star review from before and am taking off 2 stars due to a recent experience I just had in picking up a phone order I placed. I am going to preface this review by stating that I have had nothing but positive things to say about this establishment and have been a loyal customer for over a year and haven’t had any problems whatsoever, which is why I am so ticked off by how I was treated. I placed a phone order totaling just over 60 bucks in food which included 3 pasteles. Upon my arrival to pick up my food, all seems to be well and just when I’m about to take my order, the attendant tells me that they sold out of pasteles. I was told that they were «in the process of selling out» allegedly while I was on the phone placing my order. Now, a few things come to mind here. First, from the moment I placed my order to the moment I walked in to pick up, about half hour had elapsed (as they told me over the phone), and mind you, I don’t exactly live around the corner. Now, I’m no business expert, but why didn’t anyone in that span of time pick up the phone and call me to tell me that prior to my arrival… they’ve done it in the past so why was today any different. Had they done this seemingly simple task, there would have been no sour grapes, as this establishment does tend to run out of pasteles from time to time and by simply informing me that they ran out, I would have had time to ask my family member in advance what they wanted in substitution. My «sour grapes» isn’t about the unavailability of the pasteles which is what I think they interpreted my frustrations to be, as I overheard one of the attendants tell the owner in the kitchen. This infuriated me further because as the story is being recalled to the owner, I couldn’t help but come to the realization that the story was not being told in its entirety, conveniently portraying me as the unjustifiably frustrated customer. Had they possessed the right business sense, they would have acknowledged their error and attempted to rectify the situation in some way instead of just blowing me off and «tattling» to the owner without knowing the reasoning why a customer is frustrated, which I think I am well within my right to be frustrated based on how my order was handled. By the way, on a side note, I know the establishment is popular and all, but it’s also not very good business to run out of food during peak hours on a Friday evening, especially your pasteles. Your establishment is named after the item for goodness sake. It’s like rolling up to a pizzeria and they tell you that they «sold out» of pizza (which are also mostly privately owned businesses, so that’s no excuse).I know we are all human and mistakes are to be anticipated at times but when you are justifying your own errors at the cost of throwing the customer under the bus with your boss, without just cause I might add, then the individual ceases to be perceived as a person simply committing an error but rather an individual that is supremely ignorant and highly unprofessional.
Secondly, this was actually my first time bringing family members to try the food other than my wife. So needless to say, your first impression on them really left a bad taste in their mouths and it’s a shame because the food is delicious.
Thirdly, as I replay the scenario in my mind, I couldn’t help but ask myself if they prioritize people waiting in line over phone orders. Once again, this comes down to having the right business sense or maybe just good old fashioned common sense. If person «A» places an order over the phone and persons B, C, & D are waiting in line to order the same item that person A ordered over the phone, then the reasonable thing to do is to set aside the item for person «A» and then continue taking in-​person orders. This is what drove me nuts. Don’t cherry pick which customers get what based on your «stock» of food or for that matter, instantaneous financial gain. If you took someone’s phone order, gave the «okay» over the phone, gave a wait time, provided a bill total and everything, don’t backtrack and blame it on the customer when you notice their frustration for not receiving the order he/​she was promised. You were in the wrong. If you can’t keep up with orders, then hire more staff.
Lastly, I was offered to purchase frozen pasteles to heat/​cook them at home. I obliged and asked for 3, which is what I had ordered. Much to my amazement, I was told that I can only purchase them in quantities of a dozen or half dozen. At this point, all I could do is laugh. How are you going to offer something else with a stipulation knowing that all that I wanted was the 3 damn pasteles. Oh yeah, and it didn’t end there. I attempted to order a small order of pernil (pork) in substitution and was told I could not be given that because it wasn’t a «combination» order. All the while, I’m staring at an entire pork in the food trays in front of me. Very disappointing!

Really delicious! It’s a tiny place with just 4 small tables so get here early for seat. Glad it’s close to my job!

This is my 2^nd review and certainly won’t be my last ! My co worker mentioned he hasn’t had oxtails in a while and I thought of the perfect place. I went over and picked up two orders to go. I’ve already had them from there but when he tried them his facial expression was priceless and so was mine. The food here keeps getting better and better. The flavors are truly remarkable and you can tell it’s all made with time and patience or else it wouldn’t taste as good. Thank you guys again for a wonderful lunch!

Outstanding and AUTHENTIC Puerto Rican Food. Don’t let this tiny establishment fool you, the food and service are stellar.

If you are in the mood for some authentic Puerto Rican food this is the place to go. My wife and I always take a drive here from the city when we in the mood for some Pastelles and alcapurrias.

This place was amazing! The «Arroz con gandules» were delicious. We had «Tres Leches Cake» «Coquita» cake which was some of the best that I’ve ever had. It was moist and the flavors on point.

Good little place to go came here today when I got in the mood for Spanish food. Been wanting to visit this place for a while now so I took the 40 min ride. Food was good no complain on the food won’t get my 4 stars because no bathrooms available. Service was ok I got all this for $ 40 bucks

Truly adorable tiny place we happened on by accident. Best find ever! Feels like a little piece of the Island. Run by a mother and daughter team, u feel at home as soon as u walk in. We had the rice, beans pernil & bacalo. It was amazing! And then we took a bunch of desserts and fritters to go! Don’t bypass this little gem if you’re in this neighborhood, u won’t be disappointed!

I must say. This was my first time here. After so many years of passing by n saying I’m going to go one day. I finally did! Boy was my belly happy. First of all it’s a cute mom n pop place, Adorably decorated and the staff was very pleasant. I ate with my eyes… And boy did my belly follow. I contemplated licking the plates. I will definitely be back and I highly recommend it!

Off the charts good and authentic! Best we have ever eaten PR food out. Everyone must try this little gem. The servers are friendly, helpful and very accommodating. If we are in this area again, we will stop for sure. We are also taking stuff home.

I’m actually embarrassed to admit that I have forgotten to write a review about my FAVORITE Puerto Rican spot in NJ, but I’m here to make up for lost time. I’ve been visiting PASTELES for the past couple of years and after every visit, I leave more than satisfied and full. Growing up in North Newark, I know a thing or two about GOOD Rican food, something that’s been lacking in my city and in NJ for a very long time now.
Every time I visit Edna and/​or her daughter are always greet me with a smile and pure kindness; a factor that makes a big difference in any food experience. The food is amazing and fresh, you can tell the food is made with love, passion, and attention… the kind of things you would find from a home cooked meal. Other than a food truck on RT.9, if you know a thing or two about PR food, visit PASTELES Y ALGO MAS! Check out the pics i’ve posted in case you don’t believe the kid!

Pasteles y Algo Mas is absolutely amazing! The pernil (roast pork) with a side of mojo, is the best I’ve ever had. So moist and flavorful, yummy! I had the hibarito sandwich which uses fried plantains instead of bread as the base. The crispiness of the plantains with the delicious pork, makes for a great sandwich. For dessert, I had the tres leches cake which was also very good.
The staff is super nice and friendly. The place although small, is kept very clean. The Puerto Rican décor at Pasteles y Algo Mas makes you feel just like you’re in Puerto Rico. Makes you feel like part of the family.
Pasteles y Algo Mas is definitely the place to go for delicious, authentic Puerto Rican food. Love it! :) I highly recommend this place!

Authentic Puerto Rican food. Service was great, and the mofongo was on point.
The only thing I would complain about was the lack of bathroom. I was on lunchbreak and literally had to pain through lunch with a colleague without having an accident in my pants.
I thought there were laws regarding this! :)

Spanish take out, pernil, tres leches cake, arroz con gandules, baked chicken, $ 23 yeah ok.
Crunchier skin on the pernil would’ve made this meal perfect