La Bodega Latin Cuisine — Restaurant in Jersey City

Resturant aesthetics are beautiful. I was craving pernil (only pernil) and came into this resturant with high hopes based on past reviews. I get there and the woman behind the counter is preoccupied on her cellphone. When she finally notices me she tries to make up by talking about some nonsense related to FanDual betting and Zelle, before I can even get my order out. Once I say my order (and before she starts packing my order), I specifically asked for only pernil with the least amount of actual fat and skin. I am not naive and know that pernil is naturally a fatty cut of meat, but I was hoping I could get more of the meatier pieces. While the employee is yapping about nonsense, I remind her about my request because I see her scooping a big piece of soggy skin and fat. She stops mind track and drains the excess oil and said that "its going to be hard because you got mostly meat". However, I see there are other meaty pieces still in the bin, but I don't want to go back and forth with her so I let it go. She also didn't know the price point of my order, so she ask "Neal" who is restocking shelves for the price, which seems like he made on the fly. The subtotal was $8.00, but after all the taxes, fees, and tip, it came out to $9.79. Please take a look at the attach pictures (one before I started eating and the other after I was done eating) and you make your own opinion. Some additional context to consider is that the day of this purchase the house special of the...

TLDR- Amazing food, super flavorful without being salty/oily. Would definitely be back early for oxtail stew & moro (but maybe a diff type?)

Stopped by on a Sunday afternoon- wasnt too busy when I stopped by but it definitely picked up around 2ish. They had a good amount of tables but its not a super big place so I would maybe call ahead if youre in a larger group.

Oxtail stew - Definitely the highlight of the meal. I think it was a daily special? Super tender & flavorful- definitely have to use up every drop to mix into your rice. It was so good i tried to order some to go for home but it sold out!! So make sure to put in your orders asap if they have!

Moro de Guandules- mixed rice with meat & veggies. Also super flavorful and perfectly cooked rice. I feel like sometimes rice gets overly cooked/mushy but it was still super fluffy. Great accompaniment to the oxtail stew!

Chicharon - crispy crunchy goodness and not too greasy. Had a good amount of juicy meat. I think a good addition to the mix for the texture.

As a table gpt some fresh passion fruit juice- not too sweet or too sour & country club orange soda - very reminiscent of jarritos.

Overall a great meal and definitely hoping to...

La Bodega is more than just a restaurant — it’s an experience. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with warmth, smiles, and a sense of home. The owners have created something truly special here. Their story is rooted in love, tradition, and Dominican pride, and that passion shines through in every corner of the restaurant.

The staff? Absolutely incredible. Every person who works at La Bodega treats you like family. It’s the kind of place where you feel welcomed, seen, and appreciated — like you’re at a big Dominican family gathering.

Now, let’s talk about the food. Wow. Every dish is a trip straight to the heart of the D.R. Whether it’s the perfectly seasoned pollo guisado, the crispy tostones, or the rich and flavorful moro, each bite brings memories flooding back. The flavors are authentic, comforting, and made with so much love. You can truly taste the heritage in every meal.

La Bodega is hands down the best Dominican restaurant around. If you haven’t been here yet, you are seriously missing out. Trust me — one visit and...