Where to Enjoy Pinchos in Puerto Rico: A Guide

Where you can find delicious Puerto Rican street food: Pinchos, a delicious skewered meat dish enjoyed across Puerto Rico, can be found at various locations across the island. Whether you're strolling through Santurce, the fishing village of Cabo Rojo, or attending a local festival or fair, you'll find a variety of pinchos to satisfy your taste buds.

Popular Locations to Try Pinchos

La Placita de Santurce - This vibrant market area in Santurce features numerous food stalls and restaurants that serve delicious pinchos especially in the evenings. You can sample a variety of grilled meats and vegetables skewered on sticks, often accompanied by local sides and condiments.

Pinchos de la Calle - A food truck that can be found in various parts of the island, specializing in pinchos. Known for its flavorful marinades and sauces, this food truck is a must-try for anyone in search of the perfect skewered meat treat.

El Fogón de la Calle - Located in San Juan, El Fogón de la Calle offers a wide variety of grilled pinchos to enjoy with local sides. This spot is perfect for a casual and flavorful dining experience.

Calle Loiza - This area is home to various eateries and street vendors where you can find fantastic pinchos, especially on the weekends. Whether you're browsing the local farmers' market or simply walking down the streets, you're likely to come across some fantastic pinchos.

Local Festivals and Fairs - Keep an eye out for local food festivals as many vendors serve pinchos during these events. From street fairs to outdoor markets, these gatherings are great opportunities to sample some of the island's best skewered meat delights.

Understanding Pinchos in Puerto Rico

Technically, "pinchos" is the local name for "kabobs," and you can find them in many places across Puerto Rico. These skewered pieces of meat and vegetables, sometimes only meat roasted on a grill, are frequently available in food trucks or at little roadside stands, often alongside other vendors selling local produce, Puerto Rico-style Italian ices, or other casual street food items.

While most self-respecting "pincho" vendors in Puerto Rico will typically offer pork or chicken, many have a wider variety. Be prepared to find beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, and various types of fish on the menu. The fishing village of Cabo Rojo, located on the southwestern coast, is known for its "pinchos," which can include not only meat and vegetables but also several kinds of fish, such as Blue Marlin and shark.

Each "pincho" is usually served with a slightly toasted slice of Puerto Rico's equivalent of French bread, stuck at the top, as well as a variety of condiments. Common condiments include barbecue sauce or different varieties of hot sauce. While ketchup is technically an option, using it is considered a faux pas among true connoisseurs. Just as attending a Metropolitan Opera House Gala without proper attire is considered bad form, putting ketchup on your pinchos is equally inappropriate.

Most "pincho" vendors offer good to excellent quality meat and very good value for money because the business is highly competitive. Prices can vary but are often similar to what you'd pay for hot dogs from street vendors, ranging from $2.00 to $3.00 per "pincho." Beverages such as a can of Coke or Pepsi, or even cold beer or bottled water, are usually provided extra.

Seeking Out Pinchos Vendors

Pincho vendors in Puerto Rico generally don't have their own webpages, so you might need to do a bit of scouting or ask locals for recommendations. However, most if not all food truck parks on the island will have at least one food truck that offers pinchos. With over hundreds of food truck parks, you're almost guaranteed to find a great selection of skewered meat delights.

Additionally, keep an eye out for local food festivals as many vendors serve pinchos here. These gatherings can be great opportunities to sample some of the island's best skewered meat delights.

Visual Guide to Puerto Rican Pinchos

Puerto Rican Pinchos/Chicken Kabobs - Average Guy Gourmet

Puerto Rican Guava Pinchos de Pollo or Chicken Kabobs - desocio in the kitchen

Pinchos de Pollo Puerto Rican Chicken Skewers

Puerto Rican BBQ Pinchos Kabob

Puerto Rican Pinchos Kabobs

These images and links provide a better idea of what Puerto Rican pinchos look like and can give you a visual representation of the delightful skewered meat dishes you can find across the island.

Conclusion

I hope this guide has given you a better understanding of where to find and sample Puerto Rican pinchos. From the bustling streets of Santurce to the tranquil fishing villages, Puerto Rico offers a diverse and flavorful range of pinchos to enjoy. So, whether you're a local or a visitor, don't miss out on these delicious, skewered meat treats!