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February 2024 by Madelyn V.
Great food in a gas station setting. You'd totally miss this place if you weren't getting gas. Amazing Puerto Rican food.
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December 2023 by Eric S.
PEQUEÑO LOCALE This Puerto Rican restaurant isn't on most people's radar, but it should be. Borikén is one of the most well-hidden places I've been to in recent memory. Tucked behind a shady liquor store and BP gas station on Galena Blvd in downtown Aurora, there's not much to say about this total hole-in-the-wall joint other than the food is terrific. The dining room is small and there isn't much seating to speak of, but you can still eat your meal inside if you feel like it; the last 3-4 times we've opted for carryout and that's suited us just fine. The employees are pretty nice from what I can recall. They have tasty 'frituras' (fried stuff) on the menu, including 'alcapurrias' (stuffed fritters), empanadillas, 'rellenos de papa' (potato croquettes), and 'amarillos' (sweet plantains). They're $2.75 each, I recommend getting a few to try. My wife loves their 'mofongo de churrasco' (mashed plantains w/skirt steak, $14) and our little guy enjoys the 'arroz blanco y habichuelas' (white rice & beans, $5). The beans - which are super flavorful - are more akin to a soup or stew, not that pasty glue-like mush other places serve. I'm a big fan of their 'jibarito de pernil' ($10), a sandwich made with roasted pork, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo-ketchup between two garlic fried plantains. I've had this Puerto Rican specialty at a few places now, though none have been better than Borikén's. Bread = 4.5 Circuses = n/a They don't serve alcohol, so those hoping for a Bacardi cocktail, piña colada, or even a cold can of Medalla will be disappointed. They do have desserts on the menu like flan and 'quesitos' (sweet cheese fritters), but they might not be available 24/7. * TL;DR * Borikén is both small & local, which could be a reason why they've endeared themselves to our family. With the closure of Caribbean Corner in Downers Grove (R.I.P.), there are very few restaurants in the western Chicago suburbs that serve food from my wife's homeland (Jibaritos on Harlem in Oak Park, and Cuisine de Jibarito in Melrose Park are the only places that spring to mind). The location isn't great by any means....you could easily drive by two or three times and not know where the hell to find Borikén, even if you're actively looking for it! The interior is super light on ambiance (aside from a tiny Puerto Rican flag) but they care about food, not vibes. Man, I wish 4-1/2 stars were a viable option. I can't tell you how many times I've found myself stuck on the fence, wondering if I should give a place the benefit of the doubt or accept that some restaurants excel in certain areas (like food quality) while being slightly deficient in others. I'd definitely recommend Borikén, and I'm sure we'll be ordering from them again in the next month or so. I can't kick the 'jibarito' habit, nor do I ever want to.
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August 2023 by Milo Zhang
Doesn't accept the coupon for cigarettes.
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July 2023 by puro arandas jalisco
well the cervisio competitive gas price I recommend it ?
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July 2023 by Karen V.
Authentic Puerto Rican food! Absolutely delicious! Located in the parking lot of the gas station. Delicious, seasoned to perfection!
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June 2023 by Christofer delgado
We got accused of stealing. We put $100 worth of gas and we’re buying $30 of snacks. I regret stopping at the first gas station I saw.
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June 2023 by B E.
Was LKING for Puerto Rican restaurant in Aurora Illinois, and was satisfied with what I ordered, pernil (roasted pork ) yellow rice with candoles and ham. Toastones (fried green bananas) alcapurria (stuff groundbeef with mash bananas deepfried) and sweet plantains, for take out , the portion was a good helping and the food was very delicious, will come back again They were a little slow but worth the wait
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June 2023 by Josefina O.
The food is spectacular! Highly recommend. We don't have to take the drive to Chicago for some tasty pr food.
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June 2023 by Google user
We got accused of stealing. We put $100 worth of gas and we’re buying $30 of snacks. I regret stopping at the first gas station I saw.
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June 2023 by Will S.
I ordered tostones, empanadas and jibarritos here yesterday. I love their tostones I wish I had ordered more! Their jibarritos was good too. Not a fan of their empanadas so i gave them all to my wife.
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April 2023 by A T.
The staff was all so kind and amazing! The food was fantastic and authentic! Oooo and the donuts!
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March 2023 by Jake Adams
Bathrooms made unavailable by manager. Unclean mart.
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March 2023 by Dusten Woolsey
As always they take care of you
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March 2023 by Viviana R.
Nothing better than a low key, unassuming place that serves fresh authentic food. Love it.
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January 2023 by Sue A.
We had the garlic shrimp with Puerto Rican rice. Delicious! Also had empanadas which were large and fried to perfection. Mashed potato ball was very good! All in all, we definitely will be back to try some other things here. The food is hot and fresh and delicious!
