Señor Big Ed — Restaurant in Cypress

First time, despite living a 20 minute drive away for the last 7 years! Plenty of parking out front. This is definitely a family-owned spot and they do a great job keeping it up. The decor feels very much like a small restaurant you'd find on the island, down to the blasting of Marc Anthony and other salsa/merengue music, and the place is impeccably clean. We opted to sit in and were socially distanced from others. Never felt cramped or at risk. The staff kept their masks on and followed all protocols.

Anyways, down to the important stuff.

Food = A+++

First off, the food is, at least appears to be, fresh. I can't recall the last time I went to a restaurant and had food prepared fresh.

The Turnovers, and Alcapurria, in particular were to die for. The meat here is really good.Tastes like hand chopped high quality meat. Next time I come I'm definitely asking them to combine the meat and cheese turnovers into one, cause that would be heavenly.

The relleno de papa was delicious!

Mofongo was really good. I won't say it was the best I ever had, but it was solid. I bought a Carne Guisada to go (I can only eat so much!) and tried some when I got home and it is soooo good.

Pasteles were also quite good, as were the maduros and tostones. Not too much to detail, if you know what they are, these are good.

I ordered a Carne Guisada (my personal PR favorite) to go and tried a little sample before I put it in the fridge and ooooohhh man, I'm so looking forward to that tomorrow!

To be fair, I didn't attempt in trying any of their Mexican food. However, I'd imagine that if you're specifically going out of your way to eat at this establishment, it's not to try their Tacos. I will eventually try their Mexican side, once I've exhausted all the PR food options. If the PR food is any indication, it's also likely delicious.

Service = Excellent.

The hostess greeted us at the door and explained for dine-in, we could sit anywhere. Both of our servers were attentive and asked if we needed anything on the menu explained. We didn't wait long for our food either, which is always a plus. Drinks were refilled expeditiously. Nothing to complain about here. They earned their tip.

Conclusion = Check it out!!

If you're a Puerto Rican living in SoCal and want a taste of home, you can't go wrong here. Or if you're just a Angeleno or Southern California resident and never tried Puerto Rican food, rest assured you're getting authentic flavors here. Definitely a returning customer. Hell, I couldn't even leave without taking something home. haha I'm really glad to see that even though I just discovered this place, they've been surviving the Pandemic. I mean I can see why. Now knowing this place exists, I'll be back. Often.

They do Catering and Party Reservations if you're looking for that.

Also, just FYI: Near the entrance of the restaurant, they have a little stand where they sell a plethora of PR merch. Mini boxing gloves, mini flags, decals, license plates, jerseys, bracelets, keychains, etc. Bunch of stuff to show off your PR Pride (you know how we do). I wish they had a Senor Big Ed T-Shirt cause I would totally rock that. But it's a nice...

I’ve been coming here for a years now, and I don’t go as often anymore after my mom passed away. But when I go it’s always a nice experience. I could honestly say that the food here is More close to authenticity to Puerto Rican food back at the island. Of course it will never be the same as if you were eating in Puerto Rico, but I will tell you this hands down.... this place needs more attention than some other ones that have recently surfaced. I don’t mean to bash but for example Rumba Kitchen in LA ... sorry but that is not Puerto Rican food, it just doesn’t hit home 🤷🏽‍♂️ If you’re curious about this place or if you want something more home cook style that will make you feel like Mami just finished cooking Carne Guisada con arroz blanco y habichuelas (beans) con platanitos Fritos o tostones, come check Senor Big Ed you’ll might even hear a Coqui singing when you taste their food or the roaring rain after it being sunny and feeling the sunny Caribbean kiss on your face. For being so far away from the island and being in CA where there’s hardly anything Boricua, Senor Big Ed is Boricua...

Stopped by to get a quick bite to eat while getting my car maintenance at the LSD mechanic shop only a few doors down & let me tell you had I known how delicious the food at this establishment was I’d be a repeat customer whenever i’m in the general area of this absolute hidden gem in the city. Not only do they offer great customer service upon walking into the establishment they had a very great selection of options to choose from to eat. Me being as picky as I am I’m glad they had multiple options that would satisfy my cravings & wants. Not only do they have a great selection of food but once it’s served to you it’s hot & freshly off the grill & you can taste the flavor & freshness with ever bite taken throughout your meal. Had it not been so much of a distance from my residence I guarantee i’d be a repeat customer more often. Promise I’ll definitely be stopping by to get a fresh & delicious bite to eat whenever i’m local to this establishment. Keep up the great customer service & delicious food I promise it’ll keep the customers coming back often without a single doubt...