First Jibarito - where to go?

I've learned of and then tried many amazing things from this board. I've been meaning to try a Jibarito for some time now, but have never quite managed it. It has now made it to the top of my culinary to do list, and I'd appreciate advice on where to go. I've read a bunch of threads here, but it seems like many of the favorites open, close, or move disturbingly often. If you were getting one this week, where would you go? If it's not too far from my commute between Oak Park and UIC that'd be a plus, but if I need to go out of my way for a great example then so be it.

I'd recommend Papa's Cache Sabroso

2517 W Division St
Chicago, IL 60622

I like Papa's version, too, though if you wanted to be a purist, you'd go to Borinquen, where it was invented.

Borinquen
1720 N California Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

Mike G wrote:I like Papa's version, too, though if you wanted to be a purist, you'd go to Borinquen, where it was invented.

Borinquen
1720 N California Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

Hi,

On a good day, being a purist may be satisfying. My first jibarito was at Borinquen, it was very disappointing. I could have easily sworn off them for life based on the first example. Fortunately, my next one was Papa's and it made me a believer.

Regards,

The best one I've had recently was from the Borinquen on Central ave. My all time favorite is La Palma on Homan, but I haven't been there in a few years and have heard of a decline in quality. Papa's is no slouch either.

Papa's it is - anything else outstanding to try while I'm there ( or get totake home )?

I still think of Cafe Salamera...

kwhyte wrote:Papa's it is - anything else outstanding to try while I'm there ( or get totake home )?

---> Papa's Cache Sabroso GNR link

Can someone who has been to both compare Cafe Central's version with Papa's? Cafe Central has my favorite jibarito, but I haven't tried Papa's yet.

Edit:
There is another thread with some jibarito comparisons here.

We just had our first jibaritos at Borinquen yesterday before an Empty Bottle show. Outstanding. Grease was coating my fingers and it was great. We both had the roast pork, and I wish I knew how to make pork taste that good. And the rice! I had the white with beans and he had the Puerto Rican; I wanted to try his, but that would mean I'd have to give up some of mine.

I loved this meal, but I'm kinda glad it's so far away.

The original Borinquen on California. We once went to an outpost Borinquen and it was evident they were not setup, so we drove to the original and have never been disappointed.-Dick

Pie Lady--

I had a jibarito at Cafe Central over the winter. I didn't get a chance to write it up in the thread until it was too late to do it justice, but I enjoyed it. The only drawbacks were crappy American cheese and a winter tomato, as I recall. The pork that I got was delectable, the rice with pigeon peas perfectly good, and the lush green relish packed a great vegetal zing--I wound up coating everything with it. The place is nice, the people friendly, and the prices good. I am no expert, however, having only had one transcendent example at Papa's Cache Sabroso some time ago. Regardless, Cafe Central is utterly edifying, beyond the monochrome platters of pig trotters.

For my money, I prefer the Jibarito at GNR Habana Libre over the one from Café Central. Habana Libre is located nearly across the street from Café Central, so it makes it an easy decision. Now if your comparing either of those to Papa's Cache Sabroso, I might have to give the edge to Papa's.

Habana Libre Jibarito


Papa's Cache Sabroso Jibarito



Habana Libre
1440 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
312-243-3303

Papa’s Cache Sabroso
2517 W. Division
Chicago, IL
773.862.8313

Kind of ashamed to admit it, but I had my first jilbarito yesterday at Borinquen Lounge on Western. I see why people think this is great and how it could be a terrible sandwich. It was plenty garlicky with a nice balance between the meat and "bread." I'm sure it's not the "best," but the sandwich was tasty and I'll be back.

Borinquen Lounge
3811 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
https://borinquen-lounge.business.site/

I hear you -- I had one a couple years ago at Taste of Chicago, it was delicious but had serious texture problems (tough steak, a little leathery in the plantain). I want to try some more.

Jibaritos y Mas has probably the best I've had in the city. Their lechon can be dry at the wrong time of day, so I recommend going with the classic steak or morcilla if you're into that.