El Coqui Bakery — Restaurant in Citrus Park

The little shop that could. To my surprise, I have never reviewed the bakery that has been a part of my life for over 30 years. A tiny Puerto Rican bakery named after the islands iconic mini-frog that sings it's name. In the corner of a strip center on the corner of Waters and Manhattan, this tiny place does a ton of business.

While there are a couple small tables inside and outside, the majority of their business is take-out. The menu is more extensive than one would think. The highlights being breakfast, a great variety of sandwiches and cuban toasts, a long list of natural fruit juices and smoothies and the assortment of traditional baked confections and pastries. The surprise is, it's all so good. I used to visit quite often many years ago for my cafe con leche and something to eat. Nowadays, I drop in for some goodies when I visit my son who lives nearby. The pricing is very pocket friendly.

Today, it was to satisfy my wifes craving for alcapurrias, an island delicacy that few places make well. It is a deep fried, savory meat filled fritter made with a pasty dough that can be a combination of ground up green plantain or green banana mixed with ground yuca or yautia which are root vegtables. A family favorite. I got myself a Media Noche which is a smaller version of a cuban sandwich on sweet egg bread. There are 3 choices of bread...cuban, pan sobao or grinder sized egg bread. All good.

The center has it's own parking and the place is very busy during meal times. They are very quick though, very organized and the counter girls fast, accurate and efficient. Expect to be called "Mi Amor" or "Cariño" during your purchase, it's an endearing habit. Like when a server at a diner calls you honey or sweetheart.

If you want a place to grab some grub for breakfast or lunch that never disappoints, fills your belly and gets you on your way quick, then this is the spot for you. And if you dare and are feeling courageous, they have a sandwich named after the place that has everything but the kitchen sink in it. Then it's siesta time mi amigo. Come...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting El Coqui Bakery, and I must say, the experience was nothing short of amazing. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with the warm aroma of freshly baked pastries and brewed coffee, setting the stage for what was to be a delightful visit.

The selection of pastries was impressive, each looking more delicious than the last. I decided on a few to accompany my coffee, and I was not disappointed. The flavors were rich, the textures were perfect, and each bite was a piece of heaven. The coffee was robust and aromatic, a perfect match for the sweetness of the pastries. It was evident that El Coqui Bakery takes pride in the quality of their offerings.

What took me by surprise were the prices. Despite the high quality of food and drink, everything was very affordable, making me appreciate this gem even more. The cherry on top was the sandwich I ordered. It was generously filled with ham and salad, making it not only flavorful but also very filling. The size of the sandwich alone was impressive, but the taste and quality exceeded my expectations.

El Coqui Bakery truly made my day with its delicious offerings, affordable prices, and the cozy atmosphere. It’s a place that feels like a hidden treasure in the community, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a great meal without breaking the bank. I can’t wait to return and indulge in more of their delightful treats. Highly...

What a delight! At your visit, expect being greeted with the warm aroma of freshly baked bread and the friendliness of the staff. The variety of products offered is impressive: cakes, pastries, empanadas, etc.., each bite is a feast for the senses. The authentic flavors and freshness of the products are evident in every bite. In addition to the excellent quality of their products, the customer service is exceptional. The staff is always willing to help and provide recommendations, making the experience even more enjoyable. They are more than a bakery; it's a little piece of home away from home. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for authenticity, flavor, and hospitality with every visit. Thank you for delighting our taste buds with your...