WHAT PHOENIX SAYS ABOUT US

Phoenix Magazine's Best Puerto Rican Restaurant 2022 Best New Restaurant

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CARLOS FREYTES
3 days ago
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Los mejores en Phoenix
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Richie D.
4 days ago
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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.
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Ricky V.
4 days ago
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+4
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.
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Jose R Roa Martinez
8 days ago
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Hector Vindel
10 days ago
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Very nice place and the food even better...the very homemade like flavor is definitely a winner in my book.
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Patricia McDonnell
11 days ago
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Irma Rosario
13 days ago
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Katherine Dawson (Kat)
15 days ago
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The food was so yummy :)
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Senpai Curls
16 days ago
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Katelyn Harris Lange
16 days ago
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+1
Pollo a la criolla, Jibarito sliders, habichuelas and the sweet plantains are my favorites! Also got the parcha/passion fruit juice 🥤 all delicious.

CATERING PA' LA FAMILIA

From office lunches to big celebrations, we bring authentic Puerto Rican flavor straight to your event. Corporate, pickup, delivery, and full-service options available.

OUR STORY



In 2013, Alexis traveled to Puerto Rico for the first time and instantly fell in love — not just with the island, but with its people, culture, and food. He bought a one-way ticket and moved to PR, where he met Juan, a restaurant manager born and raised in Toa Alta, Puerto Rico. It was love at first sight. Looking for opportunities to grow, they moved to Phoenix in the fall of 2014.

It didn't take long before they were homesick—not just for the island, but for its food. Authentic Puerto Rican flavors were nowhere to be found, so Juan took matters into his own hands. What you see today began humbly, in their home kitchen, long before the food truck or restaurant. He called his family back home, collecting treasured recipes—from sofrito to pernil—and began cooking.

The moment those aromas filled their home, they knew they had something special. They started small: Juan cooked lunch specials, and Alexis made deliveries to homes, offices, and schools. The duo packed everything into a Honda Civic and served meals to friends, family, and anyone hungry for real Puerto Rican food.

For nearly two years, they did it all —saving every dollar until, in 2017, they purchased their food truck. Phoenix Coqui officially hit the streets and found a home at The Rock on 7th Ave and Indian School. At their grand opening that summer, the line wrapped around the block, and they sold out in just two hours. That momentum carried them forward, growing steadily through the years.

Then came 2020. Like many others, they had to shut down. When they reopened in June—right in the middle of the Phoenix summer—everything had changed. With bars closed, their nighttime schedule shifted to daytime. But that pivot proved to be a blessing. Their high-quality food, quick service, and outdoor, low-contact setup made them THE go-to spot. It was a turning point.

That growth gave them the confidence to dream bigger. In February 2022, they opened their brick-and-mortar restaurant, just a block from their original parking spot.

Many know them from their food truck days, but few know the journey began even earlier—from scratch, in their home kitchen. Today, we invite you to experience the authentic flavors of Puerto Rico and make yourself at home with us at Phoenix Coqui.

Phoenix Coqui restaurant exterior, 4041 N 15th Ave, Phoenix AZ
Parking in the rear.

ABOUT US


 

Are you looking for Puerto Rican food near Phoenix, Arizona? Look no further than Phoenix Coqui! Our head cook and Co-Founder, Juan Ayala, is from Toa Alta, Puerto Rico, and has a passion for bringing his family's recipes to life. You can find all the traditional Puerto Rican dishes like Empanadillas, Mofongo and Pernil—all cooked to perfection. And if you're looking for vegan and vegetarian or gluten-free options, we have those too! Tostones (fried plantains), vegan empanadas, and our specialty rice and beans dish are just a few of the delicious options available.

At Phoenix Coqui, we believe dining out should feel like coming home. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly restaurant or catering services for special events, Phoenix Coqui is where you'll find comfort and hospitality. We offer affordable meals for every family member.

And if you're looking for something to satisfy your sweet tooth after your meal, don't forget to try our authentic Flan!  Every dish is made from scratch using family recipes Juan brought back from Puerto Rico — no shortcuts, no compromises. Whether you're stopping in for a mofongo bowl or booking us to cater your next event, we bring the same care and hospitality to every plate. No matter what kind of Puerto Rican dining experience you're after – Phoenix Coqui is the perfect place to go when it comes to delicious Caribbean cuisine in Central Phoenix. Come on down today and taste the flavors of home in Arizona!

 


Phoenix Coqui Puerto Rican Restaurant Hours Open

Hours

Mon: 11AM-5:45PM
Tue-Thu: 11AM-6:45PM
Fri/Sat: 11AM-7:45PM
Sun: Closed

8/22: 11AM-3:00PM