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Thanks to the immensely successful flagship restaurant in New Rochelle, the name Don Coqui has become synonymous with Puerto Rican cuisine in a modern and lively atmosphere. Now all the fun fed upon by upstaters comes to Queens with our very own Don Coqui in Astoria.
The brainchild of renowned restaurateur Jimmy Rodriguez, the Astoria version of Don Coqui not only features a large dining room, but also boasts a café space for lunch and private parties, as well as a lounge space with plenty of room to dance.
But before the music starts, let’s focus on the food. The menu is far more than a collection of trendy dishes with kooky names – at Don Coqui’s the Puerto Rican dishes are rooted in 30 years of family recipes perfect for Queens’ melting pot of diversity.
The appetizers are energetic and vivacious with classic favorites given new life in a modern setting. Start with shredded roasted pork wrapped in crispy yuca and the crispy plantains topped with a choice of shrimp, steak, pork and codfish. The yuca-wrapped pork – bite-sized, succulent wraps resembling sushi rolls – deliver intense flavor in a small package. The plantain starter is another wise choice and features mouthwatering toppings on the texturally satisfying plantain. The beef and codfish stand out, but all four options deserve a taste.
It’s important to stay warm during these chilly months and there is no better, or more delicious, way to stay warm than with a big bowl of Sancocho from Don Coqui. A fairly rustic stew, Sancocho was popularized by the peasants who gave it the richness that now has it on restaurant menus. It’s a beef, chicken and oxtail stew with smoked ham and an array of Caribbean root vegetables. This stew is so comforting, it is like the edible version of the world’s softest blanket.
As for entrées, do not pass up the roasted pork with rice. The dish is a mammoth pork shank, roasted in all the flavors of Puerto Rico, until the skin is perfectly crisp and the aroma is enough to knock you out of your seat. Other Don Coqui favorites include Paella, plantain crusted red snapper, braised oxtail, roasted half chicken, skirt steak, mofongo and more.
Don Coqui also offers grilled options, as well as dry-aged certified Angus beef steaks.
Get to Astoria for a ‘shortcut to Puerto Rico’ with a visit to Don Coqui.
Don Coqui
28-18 31st Street
Astoria, NY 11102
718-274-7474
www.DonCoqui.com
Hours:
Monday through Wednesday 5 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Thursday 5 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Sunday 3 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Bar Hours:
Monday through Wednesday 4 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Thursday 4 p.m. – 3 a.m.
Friday and Saturday 4 p.m. – 4 a.m.
Sunday 3 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Catering
Private Parties
Full Bar
All Major Credit Cards
Valet Parking
THEY TURN AWAY GAY PEOPLE! This place first turned me away at the door last week because I had sneakers on. Fine! I understood that stupid rule. Then today 4/7/12 they turned me away because I don’t have heels on! I am a lesbian that has dressed like a man for the past 15 years! I was wearing a button down shirt, jeans and mens dress shoes. The MAN in front of me had a hooded sweater, jeans and the same dress shoes. I asked for the owner and the bouncer said he wasn’t there. I asked for a manager and he said he was one. The lady checking the ID’s didn’t have much to say either.
Don Coqui in Astoria has excellent food, attentive service, clean restaurant/rest rooms, beautiful decor, however sad, exploitative environment.
You are tucking crazy the rest is the bomb.
you are nuts don coqui is the s……t
Just came back from a trip to Puerto Rico and I must say that Puerto Rican food is absolutely delicious. There were so many restaurants to choose from but got some help from this site http://www.seepuertorico.com/food You should definitely check it out if you’re heading down to Puerto Rico.