Don Pan — Restaurant in Sunrise

Order: Chaufa, Pernil Sandwich and Pabe Bowl

I am a fan of the Sawgrass location, but it's little out of my way. I was happy to see that another store had opened closer to home. This is located in the Welleby Plaza at the corner of Oakland Park and Nobb Hill. A plus for them, as ample parking space is available.

Upon entering the store, social distancing was enforced. It was clean and had a fresh scent. Dine-in was available, with mask off only when eating. The staff was very welcoming and greeted my mom and me as we entered.

The store was brightly lit with warm tones that created a welcoming atmosphere. There was a black and white graphic wall of menu items to the back, suitable for a perfect photo opt.

With so many options to choose from, it took us a while to order. While deciding on what to order, we were offered two complimentary slices of cake, which unfortunately was spoilt. I decided to still give them a chance by ordering food.

After talking with the cashier we settled on the Chaufa, Pernil Sandwich, and Pabe Bowl. Once we placed our orders, it took approximately 10 minutes to receive our food. Everything smelled good and was fresh.

Pabe Bowl is a mix of shredded pork, plantains, black beans, and white rice.

Chaufa is a Peruvian fried rice mix and I added chicken.

Pernil Sandwich - baked pork with lettuce and tomato.

The meals were all well proportioned, and flavorful. My only complaint is, I found the Chaufa a bit soft and salty.

Three stars because of the spoiled cake. Meals were...

I cannot say enough amazing things about Don Pan on Oakland Park and Nob Hill! I’ve been coming here for years, and it has always been one of my absolute favorite spots. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with warmth, and for me, that’s almost always thanks to Sonia. She’s the sweetest, most professional, charismatic, and genuinely kind person — she makes every visit special. Honestly, there are days I come in just because I know I’ll get to see Sonia and have her take my order. She always makes me feel like a valued customer, and her positive energy is contagious.

As for the food — phenomenal. My go-to is the Arepa Don Pan — packed with flavor, perfectly made, and so filling. Today, I branched out and tried the Criollo for the first time, and wow… absolutely incredible! Every bite was rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. Their sweet bread and bakery items? Out. Of. This. World. I honestly don’t think there’s a single thing on the menu that isn’t amazing.

And to top it off, their prices are super competitive, which makes it so easy to keep coming back week after week. This place is a gem, and it’s been consistently fantastic for years. Thank you, Don Pan, and especially Sonia, for making every visit something to...

By any means, do not eat at this restaurant!!!!! As a former worker (and customer at one point) they treat their employees like trash. Working in inhumane conditions (120 degrees in the kitchen due to a lack of air conditioning and 450 degree ovens that make it even hotter) and you would think they’d be nicer to their employees. They talk down to the chef and cake decorator, that were crazy enough to stay in the first place, and do not have any safety regulations or equipment. You don’t even want to know what happens to the food behind closed doors 🤭 between handling well over expired foods (that they ended up using anyways) and having to determine moldy and ok oranges for their “fresh-squeezed orange juice”, don’t even bother stopping by to grab some foods. I know 5 employees (including myself) who have already walked out and refuse to work there again. Forgot to mention, they underpay. Don’t let the “brand new” and “fresh look” distract you from the fact you’re eating food that could potentially poison you and dealing with managers who couldn’t care less about human rights. So now I ask you, do you still want...