While this charming, downtown Orlando restaurant features two seemingly contrary cuisines (Puerto Rican and Mexican), Insiders sing El Coqui’s praises like the little tree frog that the restaurant was named after. This tortilleria/mofongeria is run by a friendly husband-wife team (Rico and Evelyn) of Mexican and Puerto Rican dissent who parlay their culture clash into warmth and flavor in the kitchen and in the dining room.

The Mofongo (fried green, mashed plantains or yucca seasoned with garlic, olive oil and pork crackling) is the best this side of San Juan,
while others favor the Chilequiles (chile marinated Corn tortilla casserole), Bacalaítos (fish fritters) and Guarache (beefsteak, refried beans and two fried eggs layered between two tomatillo-sauced corn tortillas). El Coqui is small– four tables small– so pack your patience when arriving. Also, no alcohol is served on premises, but patrons can BYOB. 2406 East Washington Street, Orlando, FL, 32803. Tel: (407) 601-4928‎.