188 Cuchifritos: An Essential Puerto Rican Restaurant in The Bronx for Pork Fanatics

When Anthony Bourdain visited 188 Cuchifritos in the Bronx for an episode of Parts Unknown, he summed up its appeal with one simple proclamation: "I don’t know any place porkier." The old-school lunch counter specializes in Puerto Rican and Dominican cuchifritos, or fried pig parts ranging from ultra-crispy skin (chicharrón), to chewy pig ears and blood sausage. Serving the local community for more than 35 years, 188 Cuchritos offers a stark contrast to the swarms of franchises that have popped up in the neighborhood: hand-painted signs, a loyal army of regulars, and a father-son duo at the helm of the family-operated business. Here, Jose Coto and Jose Jr. tell the story of how the restaurant persevered through the decades and ultimately won Bourdain's co-sign as "the center of the pork universe."

Matt Coneybeare

Matt Coneybeare

Editor in Chief

Matt enjoys exploring the City's with his partner and son. He is an avid marathon runner, and spends most of his time eating, running, and working on cool stuff.

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