El Cilantrillo Restaurant - Kissimmee — Restaurant in Kissimmee

What's going on everyone? I haven't done a review in a while and here it is.

This restaurant is literally down the street from the house and it just never seemed to call my attention to walk in. The aesthetics of the building are not too inviting (inside is the same). It's an old building. With that said, I decided to try today with my son for lunch.

I'll tell you now, there is really nothing that sets this place apart from other Puerto Rican food. More of the same. I had the Chicharrones de Pollo with Arroz con Gandules and my son for some reason thought it would be a good idea to get the Pasta with Chicken (Chicken Alfredo). He did regret it as the pasta was mushy and bland. My plate was decent except, for the lack of salad on the plate. I mean I was starving so, I wolfed it down. The food did come out nice and warm though, so kudos for that. If you decide to try for yourself, ask for the lunch special as they do not post them anywhere or on the menu. I will post a picture of the receipt so you can see the prices. I had a to-go as well, not sure how that was as it was for someone else As usual folks, these Latin restaurants will include gratuity to the bill already, so please do not tip, unless you are planning to tip over 18%. Check your bill!!! All in all, I won't be back. It's just not for me. Nothing special about this place. They do have other locations, which are nicer and more modern if you want to check those out. One more thing about this location,...

This was our first time it was crowded but we only waited about 5 minutes . Our server was very nice and polite she explained the items on the menu, we were not familiar with. We started with 2 alcaupuria and corn fritters followed by blood sausage they fry them a little dry. I ordered the roast pork with white rice beans and tostones my wife had the mofongo with shrimp rice and beans . The pernil was dry around the edges from being reheated skin was soft like it was left in the cooking pan . My wife asked me to try the mofongo the only flavor that stuck out was butter lots of it to much used to mash it, the shrimp were good but over powered by the butter flavor. Our sever came over to check on us , I told her about the pork being old and reheated . She said its fresh everyday , I asked her to look at the table next to us who also had pernil. I asked her if that meat was like mine she apologized and said it's fresh. She said she would mention it to the manager , we mentioned the excessive butter flavor. She told us she has been told that a few times. I thought she was going to get the manager since I had left my meat and my wife only ate the shrimp not the mofongo but only came back with the check. I think they should have taken something off the bill .The food looks really good in the pictures but looks are deceiving . We will not come back and dont...

I realize I gave it 4 stars. I so wanted to give it more. By the way, I love the name. When I first heard of El Cilantrillo (Kissimmee), my immediate thought was of an upscale restaurant. The food was welcoming, with a feel for home. Lets get right to my negatives. Parking is awful. I don't like parking next to a dumpster. Parking does not flow well and for such a hotspot, it needs attention. The decor, lighting is a failed attempt to combine rustic in an atmosphere for fine dining. The food can speak for itself. We counted 5 TV's in a small dining area, advertising the restaurant. I'm here you don't need to convince me now. The neon sign next to my table was not needed. I can also do without seeing the kitchen or the bodega refrigerator with the glass door. My positives? The staff is super sweet. They are honest if running behind and will continue to check on your well being. The food. Will not disappoint. We had fish, shrimp, chicken, etc... Well done!!!!! It was comforting and flavorful. I actually look forward to going back, yes! That's how good the food was. Mybe when we return the traffic jam at the hostesses podium will be gone and a little redecorating takes place. Go there good people and great food. There is so much potential, and the fact that my 85 yr old father didn't complain about the food is amazing! Trust me!...