While driving around Phoenix’s Melrose District, we happened upon this hole-in-the-wall gem. As native Chicagoans, we grew up with amazing Puerto Rican cuisine. So we were so excited to find Coquí. We enjoyed the empanadas (perfectly crispy with mushroom being our absolute favorite), shrimp with arroz con gandules (a garlic lovers delight and some of the best rice we’ve had), and a jobarito sandwich (which they were willing to make with chicken instead of pork). Everything was made fresh to order and full of authentic Boricua flavor. It was a hot day and the waitress brought us all free bottles of water. Little did I know that this business is also gay-owned. So happy to support such a business and enjoy delicious cuisine.
Verified
While driving around Phoenix's Melrose District, we happened upon this hole-in-the-wall gem. As native Chicagoans, we grew up with amazing Puerto Rican cuisine. So we were so excited to find Coquí. We enjoyed the empanadas (perfectly crispy with mushroom being our absolute favorite), shrimp with arroz con gandules (a garlic lovers delight and some of the best rice we've had), and a jobarito sandwich (which they were willing to make with chicken instead of pork). Everything was made fresh to order and full of authentic Boricua flavor. It was a hot day and the waitress brought us all free bottles of water. Little did I know that this business is also gay-owned. So happy to support such a business and enjoy delicious cuisine.
Verified
Food was amazing. Had the Pernil plate. It was so delicious. It took me back to my dad making this food at home. 15/10. Will definitely be back. The service was quick and friendly.
Reply from Phoenix Coqui
2026.08.14
This one got us. Getting compared to your dad's cookiing is the highest compliment we can receive, and we don't take it lightly. Gracias for taking the time to leave us a review. Hope to see you back soon, the pernil will be waiting.
-- Alexis & Juan, Phoenix Coqui
-- Alexis & Juan, Phoenix Coqui
Verified
*** thanks for your response , that was really classy . I appreciate that *** by the way I didn't say anything because I don't like wasting food and nobody came by to ask me if everything was okay . Not that I'm mad at that like I said the lady was nice. Thank you though for responding. I wish you guys a lot of luck*** I really wanted to like this place being a native NewYoRican. The rice was okay but the pernil was mad dry. Didn't give you any wedges of lime to offset the dryness and the flavor was lacking garlic! Any Puerto Rican who cooks pernil knows that you don't skip on the garlic! That's the key ingredient lots and lots of garlic the cloves inside of the meat strategically placed. The service was cool. The person who greeted me was very nice. The place is a small unassuming spot.. cute. Really wish the quality of food was better. Oh the platano Maduro was on point very sweet. But the salad.. it was in arugula salad mixed greens something that's so non Puerto Rican and more than likely came out of a bag. Classical Puerto Rican they just give you Iceberg and tomato and call it good. They also have a pretty small menu selection I was looking for bistec with onions, or bacalao or a little bit more options on the cuchifrito... what they have on the menu they didn't even have available which is a little disappointing. Overall I would not repeat but I'm glad I had an opportunity to support my people.
Reply from Phoenix Coqui
2026.08.13
Michael, gracias for coming in and for taking the time.
For anyone reading this who has not been in yet: we are two owners who started in a home kitchen, ran a food truck out of a bar parking lot for five years, and opened this little spot in 2022.
The recipes come from Juan's family in Toa Alta. The pernil is his grandmother's, studded with garlic the way she made it. We literally couldn't fit more garlic if we tried. We cook a small menu because we cook everything from scratch every day, and when something sells out, it is because we made it that morning and people ate it.
We are counter service, but we do not disappear once your plate is down. We come around and ask how everything is tasting. Say the word and you get limes, extra sauce, a whole new plate, whatever makes it right, and you get it right then. What we cannot do is fix a meal after you have already gone home, and a review is how we found out.
Glad the maduros hit and that the welcome landed. We appreciate the support and wish you well.
-- Alexis & Juan, Phoenix Coqui
For anyone reading this who has not been in yet: we are two owners who started in a home kitchen, ran a food truck out of a bar parking lot for five years, and opened this little spot in 2022.
The recipes come from Juan's family in Toa Alta. The pernil is his grandmother's, studded with garlic the way she made it. We literally couldn't fit more garlic if we tried. We cook a small menu because we cook everything from scratch every day, and when something sells out, it is because we made it that morning and people ate it.
We are counter service, but we do not disappear once your plate is down. We come around and ask how everything is tasting. Say the word and you get limes, extra sauce, a whole new plate, whatever makes it right, and you get it right then. What we cannot do is fix a meal after you have already gone home, and a review is how we found out.
Glad the maduros hit and that the welcome landed. We appreciate the support and wish you well.
-- Alexis & Juan, Phoenix Coqui
8/2026: Coming back a year later to leave another review for this place. Stopped by for their "Christmas in July" event and had pastel de cerdo, the tenderest pernil I've had in my life, mofongo, flan, and coquito to wash it down. The pictures do not do justice to how delicious everything here is. The owners and everyone in the kitchen are so friendly and they proudly advertise a welcoming and inclusive LGBT space. I am so glad to have them in Phoenix.
5/2025: I ordered to-go from Phoenix Coqui and the staff were super nice. Restaurant is small but clean inside. I ordered a pernil plate and tostones con carne frita. I received huge portions of both for a cheap price. The pernil was slow cooked, smoky, and well-seasoned. I think it was cooked all day! Carne frita wa freshly fried and also well seasoned. So delicious. Tostones reminded me of being on the island; fried plantains are always yummy! I can’t wait to try everything else. If you want to try Puerto Rican food or are from the Island and want a taste in Phoenix, this is the place to go!
Verified
I went in not knowing what to order; the lady at the counter recommended the carne frita, which was very good. I went back the next day and asked for another recommendation and she suggested the pastelon; which was ground beef layered between sliced plantain. The combo threw me off a little until I tried it and it was amazing.
As a New Yorker I have to say this place is on point. Authentic Puerto Rican food that is fresh, flavorful and delicious. Greeted by Juan as we entered we tried a variety of alcupurias, empanadas, arroz con handles, white rice and beans, tostones, maduros, and shrimp in garlic. All were authentic and delicious. This place hit the home comfort spot. Please support this small business. I remember when they started with their food truck. Now they have their own restaurant. Try it if you want to be transported to Puerto Rico. The best in Arizona.