Roast pork so good that a vegan diner once admitted to sneaking a taste is a strong opening argument. That pork is pernil, and it sits at the center of one of the most talked-about plates in Iowa.
The kitchen also turns out garlicky mofongo made from mashed fried plantains. Plates come out generous, so leftovers are a very real possibility.
I appreciate places that cook like family is watching. This one is Latino-owned and women-owned, and the staff speaks both English and Spanish.
The dining room leans bright and colorful, with island touches meant to carry you somewhere warmer.
For me, that sounds like a good reason to plan a lunch break around it. Few spots manage to serve big comfort food and a little Caribbean escape at the same table.
A Taste Of The Island Lands In A Strip Mall Near Des Moines
Puerto Rico Restaurant doesn’t need a fancy name to tell you what it’s about. The sign says the island, and the kitchen backs it up with authentic Puerto Rican cooking.
The restaurant sits in a strip mall in Windsor Heights, a small city wrapped around the west side of Des Moines. That setting is modest, which makes the bold food inside feel even more fun to discover.
The business proudly identifies as both Latino-owned and women-owned. That matters, because the menu reflects real family recipes rather than a trendy take on Caribbean food.
Puerto Rican cuisine, often called comida criolla, mixes Spanish, African, and Taino roots. You’ll taste that history in dishes built on plantains, seasoned pork, rice, and beans.
For many Iowa diners, this may be a first taste of the island. For others with Puerto Rican roots, it can feel like a trip home without the plane ticket.
Either way, the place offers something you can’t easily find elsewhere in central Iowa. It’s a small storefront carrying a big cultural flavor.
That alone makes it worth putting on your list of local spots to try soon.
The Pernil Is The Plate Everyone Talks About
Slow-roasted pork shoulder is a holiday tradition in Puerto Rico. Here, you don’t have to wait for Christmas to get it.
Pernil is the star at Puerto Rico Restaurant, and it shows up often in praise of the kitchen. The pork is seasoned well, which is exactly the point of a good pernil.
Traditional recipes rely on garlic, oregano, and other spices rubbed deep into the meat. The pork then roasts low and slow until it pulls apart easily.
The pernil platter is a smart order for first-timers. It gives you the meat front and center with rice and pigeon peas, tostones, salad, and a special sauce.
Now, about those portions. This is the dish most linked to the restaurant’s reputation for huge servings.
Planning on a light lunch? Maybe pick a different day.
A good strategy is to share an appetizer and save room. Another option is to accept leftovers as a happy bonus for tomorrow.
Either way, the pernil is the dish that put this Iowa spot on many people’s radar. If you only order one thing on your first visit, this makes a strong case for itself.
Mofongo Brings The Garlic And Doesn’t Apologize
Mashed fried plantains, garlic, and olive oil. That simple trio is the heart of mofongo, and it packs far more flavor than it sounds.
The kitchen pounds green plantains into a hearty, savory mound. The result is chunky and rich, somewhere between mashed potatoes and stuffing, but with its own personality.
Mofongo gets topped or paired with a protein of your choice. Options like carne frita, which is fried pork chunks, are popular here.
Fried chicken pieces also make a fine partner.
Fun fact: mofongo traces back to West African cooking traditions brought to the Caribbean. Over time, Puerto Rico made it a national favorite.
A friendly warning seems fair. The garlic is generous, so maybe skip the important meeting afterward.
Not sure which version to pick? The staff is happy to point out favorites, which helps a lot if the menu feels new.
Mofongo is filling, so it pairs well with a lighter drink or a shared appetizer. Many diners treat it as the main event.
Once you try it, you’ll understand why it shares top billing with the pernil in this restaurant’s reputation.
Start With The Fried Snacks And Thank Yourself Later
Some of the best bites here are small and crispy. The appetizer list reads like a greatest hits album of Puerto Rican street snacks.
Alcapurrias are fritters made with yuca or green banana dough and stuffed with savory beef. Rellenos de papa wrap that beef inside mashed potatoes before frying them golden.
Sorullitos de maiz are simple corn fritters, perfect for dipping. Empanadillas, the island’s version of a turnover, round things out nicely.
Can’t decide? A trio appetizer lets you sample several at once.
It’s a smart move for groups or curious first-timers.
Tostones also deserve attention. These twice-fried green plantain slices work as a side or a snack, kind of like a crunchier cousin of french fries.
They come with a dipping sauce, which helps newcomers ease into plantains. Kids often find them an easy entry point too.
Since main dishes run big, sharing appetizers is the practical play. Order a mix for the table and pass it around.
That way everyone gets a taste of the island’s snack culture before the heavier plates arrive and demand your full attention.
Sandwich Fans Have A Serious Decision To Make
The Cubano gets plenty of love at Puerto Rico Restaurant. It’s one of the most mentioned items on the menu, and it shows up under the name The Real Cubano.
A classic Cubano layers roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on pressed bread. The toasted crust is half the fun.
Then there’s the tripleta, a true Puerto Rican sandwich legend. Its name comes from the three meats piled inside, and it’s a staple of island food trucks.
So which one wins? Honestly, that depends on your mood.
The Cubano feels familiar, while the tripleta feels like a bigger adventure.
The menu also offers steak sandwiches for anyone craving beef. There’s even El Jibarito, a sandwich made with fried green plantains instead of traditional bread, which sounds like a clever twist on lunch.
Sandwiches make a great choice for a quicker midday meal. They’re also handy if you want something easier to share or carry home.
Pair one with tostones instead of regular fries. It’s a small swap that makes the meal feel more Puerto Rican.
Bring a friend, order both sandwiches, and settle the debate the delicious way.
Save Room For Homemade Flan And Tropical Sips
Dessert here isn’t an afterthought. The flan is homemade, and it comes in flavors like vanilla and coconut.
Flan is a silky baked custard topped with caramel. Puerto Rico has its own spin, and the coconut version, flan de coco, is a beloved island classic.
The vanilla flan offers a smooth, classic finish. Coconut adds a tropical twist that matches the rest of the menu perfectly.
Beyond flan, homemade pastries sometimes appear with fillings like guava and cheese. That combo is a Puerto Rican favorite, sweet and tangy with a creamy center.
Drinks keep the island theme going. Parcha, which is passion fruit juice, is bright and refreshing.
Kids tend to like it too, which makes it a family-friendly pick.
Coco Rico, a coconut soda popular in Puerto Rico, is another fun choice. It tastes like a beach vacation in a can.
Here’s a practical tip. Since entrees come big, consider ordering dessert to go if you’re too full.
Flan holds up well in the fridge, and a cold slice later might be the best decision you make all day.
Bright Colors And Island Decor Set The Mood
Colorful walls and island touches give the dining room real personality. The design aims to make you feel like you’ve left Iowa for a little while.
The space feels relaxed and cozy rather than formal. It’s the kind of room where families, friends, and coworkers all fit right in.
Puerto Rican pride shows up in the decorations. The lively setting matches the bold flavors coming out of the kitchen.
Music is part of the experience too. The restaurant has hosted live musicians and karaoke nights over the years, so the energy can run high.
That means it’s not always a whisper-quiet spot. If you want a calmer meal, a weekday lunch may suit you better than a busy weekend dinner.
Staff members have been known to join in singing happy birthday at tables. Celebrating something?
That kind of warmth can turn a regular dinner into a memory.
The restaurant also has outdoor seating when the weather cooperates. Iowa summers can be pretty great, after all.
Sitting outside with a plate of tostones feels like a small tropical upgrade to an ordinary afternoon in the Midwest.
Friendly Faces Speak Your Language, Whichever One It Is
Bilingual staff make this place easy for everyone. Spanish speakers feel at home, and English speakers get help navigating unfamiliar dishes.
That support matters when a menu includes words like alcapurrias and chicharrones de pollo. Nobody wants to point and hope for the best.
Servers are happy to share their personal favorites. Asking for a recommendation is one of the smartest moves you can make here.
The family-owned feel comes through in the service. The owners have Puerto Rican roots, and that connection shapes how guests are welcomed.
Families with little ones are covered too. High chairs are available, and the kids can stick with simpler picks like rice dishes or tostones.
Planning a birthday or group dinner? Call the restaurant ahead of time to ask whether reservations are available.
Good service can make a new cuisine feel less intimidating. Here, the staff acts like a friendly tour guide for the island’s flavors.
Don’t be shy about asking questions. You might walk out with a new favorite dish and a better idea of what to order next time.
Plan Your Trip Around The Hours And Grab Easy Parking
Getting there is refreshingly simple. Puerto Rico Restaurant sits at 6611 University Ave Unit 101, Windsor Heights, IA 50324.
University Avenue is a major route through the western Des Moines area. That makes the restaurant an easy stop for locals and travelers passing through Iowa.
Parking won’t stress you out. There’s a free lot plus free street parking, and accessible parking and entrances are available.
Timing is the main thing to watch. The restaurant is closed on Mondays, so don’t build your craving around the start of the week.
Hours run Tuesday through Sunday, with Saturday offering the longest window. Sunday closes earlier in the evening, and posted schedules can shift, so double-check before heading out.
Lunch is a great option if you want a slightly calmer visit. Dinner tends to bring more energy and sometimes music.
Considering a takeout night? Delivery apps carry the menu too.
Still, the colorful room and friendly crew are part of the fun, so try dining in at least once.
Huge portions also mean you’ll probably leave with a box, which feels like a pretty fair trade for the drive.