Chancho King — Restaurant in Jacksonville

Chancho King isn't just an incredible restaurant for Ecuadorian cuisine — it's a true neighborhood gem that stands out even in Jacksonville's diverse culinary landscape. This family-owned establishment perfectly captures the essence of what makes Ecuadorian food so special: simple preparations that showcase exceptional ingredients and masterful flavor combinations.

Every dish that comes out of their kitchen demonstrates genuine craftsmanship. The flavors are clean, authentic, and beautifully balanced, proving that great cooking doesn't need to be complicated—it just needs to be done with skill and care. From perfectly seasoned meats to vibrant sauces and traditional preparations, each plate tells a story of culinary tradition executed with precision.

What truly sets Chancho King apart, however, is the warmth of the owners. Their genuine friendliness and welcoming spirit make every visit feel like you're being invited into their home. They're passionate about sharing their culture through food, and it shows in every interaction and every lovingly prepared dish.

In a city full of dining options, Chancho King offers something genuinely special: authentic Ecuadorian cuisine prepared with heart, served by people who truly care about their guests' experience. Whether you're already familiar with Ecuadorian food or looking to try something new, this restaurant deserves a spot at the top...

First off, always exceptional service, no matter who is running the register. They seem excited to be at work, happy to share their knowledge of the menu and work hard to make sure exactly what you want.

Parking can be an issue, so if you’re meeting someone you may want to show up a little early because there will be parking, but it may not be right in front or behind the storefront. Don’t let that scare you, there is plenty of parking in that area, just not in front of The King.

But you really want to know about the food:

Plantains – really good but a very small portion for an appetizer but the sauce with it is AMAZING. Fried Cheese - bigger portion but served with the same amazing sauce. Rice bowl - rice bowls are similar to the sandwiches, just without the bread. So if you’re gluten-free, rice bowls are a good option. Pork sandwich - this is what they do best, juicy marinated pork, serve with pickled onions, and fresh bread is an absolute fantastic sandwich.

I don’t know why I don’t head over to Chancho King more, well I do know because it is not near my work anymore. When I have time and don’t mind driving a little bit, The King...

2nd time there. Late night menu is a limited of 5 la carte menu items, but doesn’t have sides. Which isn’t a huge deal if it didn’t start sold out of a few items. Oysters were good, which I attribute to the hot sauce paired with them, everything else was just ok. Had some wine I was unfamiliar with which was nice. What really sucks is to not be able to sit inside because it’s so busy, so you go out back and grab a table on the patio. Only to have a group snag chairs from you, then have the lady who preceded to guard empty chairs at set group, kick you out right at 12am saying she’s the owner. I had to sit on a high stool at a normal table while I ate my food. I came with a party as big as the owners, but we were buying food and wine. We bought dine in food at 11:48 and were told by her to chug our drinks and go. Friday and Saturday are prime time for restaurants. Jax is the biggest little city you’ve ever been to, you gotta know we tell people we know the owners rude and will take up seats and take seats from your party. Makes it less enjoyable to go there after a long...