When that stomach of yours roars like a lion because the beast inside is ready to consume something mouthwatering and flavorful, something with the perfect balance of nutrition and comfort, I urge you to try Jibarito Y Mas, a family-owned Puerto Rican restaurant opened eight years ago by restaurant owner Yelitza Rivera (3400 W. Fullerton Ave.). Rivera’s son, Emanuel Arrieta, owns the second restaurant (3317 N. Harlem Ave.). Jibarito Y Mas Southside’s location is owned by Nancy Arrieta (Yelitza’s sister) and her husband Carlos Rotodano. It stands with open arms on the corner of 6601 W. Archer Ave. with easy access to parking. It also happens to be only 10-12 minutes away from our cherished communities of Morton College, Cicero, Berwyn, and Oak Park.
Esteemed readers, when I tell you that Jibaritos Y Mas successfully silences the multitude of hungry lions within us, I mean it.
The menu offers a variety of heavenly and distinctive dishes that originated from Puerto Rico, such as shrimp, fish, lechon (roasted pork), carne frita (fried pork), steak, chicken, pork chops, and much more, including vegetarian options. These dishes can also be served in a sandwich. Entrees are accompanied by a side of white rice with beans or their classic Puerto Rican rice with pigeon peas and salad.
Puerto Rican rice is a flavorful dish consisting of tomato sauce, special seasonings, sofrito, and last but not least, pigeon peas, a legume also known as gandules in Spanish.
Jibaritos Y Mas serves enticing appetizers, including but not limited to: pastelillos (meat pie), alcapurria (banana dumpling), maduros (sweet plantain), and bacalaitos (cod fish fritter). Relleno, my personal favorite, features a savory filling of ground beef encased in a layer of firmly pressed, seasoned potato for an affordable price of $2.30. The menu offers an impressive variety beyond these dishes.
Anyone can dine in, place a preorder over the phone, or order for delivery through food delivery service apps. The restaurant provides a discount to members of law enforcement as a way to thank them for their service and for protecting our communities.
If you’re unfamiliar, you may be asking, “What is a jibarito?”
A jibarito is a sandwich that contains the protein of your choice (or a vegetarian option). In place of traditional sandwich bread, it substitutes green plantains that are sliced, fried, flattened, then refried for a few additional minutes to ensure a crisp and delicate texture. Inside, this mouthwatering sandwich contains cheese, mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, and is garnished with a housemade garlic spread. My go-to item is the steak jibarito paired with caramelized onions. While contemplating the restaurant, I realized that the only items I had tasted were the steak jibarito with rice and relleno.
To remedy this, I made a scheduled trip to Jibarito Y Mas to learn about their history and to get a taste of the delicious variety of dishes they have to offer. Upon entering the restaurant, I instantly observed the stunning artwork adorning the walls, characterized by vibrant colors that contributed to an atmosphere imbued with positive energy. I was welcomed by kind faces and had the pleasure of meeting Jibarito Y Mas Southside’s owner Nancy Arrieta, and staff members Gabriela Bautista, Juan Torres, Diego Velasco, Juan Tian, Samuel Rivera, and Alexander Centero.
I asked Arrieta to explain Jibarito Y Mas’s history along with their future goals. She stated that her sister Yelitza Rivera started the family’s business with a dream and envisioned owning her own restaurant after working in one for so long. Rivera successfully opened her own restaurant on Fullerton. Arrieta described Rivera as being determined, hardworking, and the foundation of Jibaritos Y Mas.
The Southside location was established by Arrieta and her husband in August 2023, and Arrieta expressed gratitude to God for the opportunities afforded to their family business. She also extended her appreciation to the community and customers for their support, as well as their enthusiasm for the menu. Among their primary goals are the maintenance of high-quality customer service, the continued satisfaction of their patrons, and ongoing growth of the business.
Arrieta shared the importance of providing their customers with freshly made food. Nothing on their menu is precooked or reheated. She believes in providing hot, quality food in addition to exceptional customer service. During my visit, I also learned that the jibarito sandwich was invented in Chicago in the year of 1996. It is a Chicago original, not commonly made in Puerto Rico.
I eagerly ordered the Cubano sandwich with rice and pigeon peas, and mofongo with steak. The Cubano sandwich consists of roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard on lightly toasted bread. Upon receiving it, my nose sensed the aroma and anticipated the savoriness, and my eyes gazed upon the talented dancers swirling in circles and mingling with each other: the steam. As I bit into the Cubano, I could feel my taste buds explode with flavors unlike any other. The pork was the juiciest and the most tender that I have ever had. The swiss cheese accommodates the tangy mustard, and the ham contrasts well with the pickles. It was the perfect combination.
The next item I tried was recommended by Arrieta. Mofongo, a popular Puerto Rican dish, is made with fried green plantains, smashed to a thick consistency. It contains pork, special seasonings, and is known for its unique mountain shape and texture. It comes with a bowl of red sauce that adds to its flavor. The steak sat on top of a layer of shredded lettuce, garnished with caramelized onions and a big bright red slice of tomato. Upon tasting just one bite of each, I was immediately transported to a state of culinary bliss. I tasted the perfect amount of seasoning, with soft and tender steak. The mofongo was divine. Crunchy yet soft with an earthy taste when dipped in the bowl of red sauce.
I loved my experience and wholeheartedly recommend that everyone visit and order a meal. As a restaurateur, Arrieta exudes warmth, care, and authenticity. I immediately felt a connection with her, as well as with the staff who were exceptionally kind and accommodating. The environment made me feel at home, and I found it difficult to leave. Even while writing this, my mouth waters remembering my phenomenal experience at Jibaritos Y Mas. I shall return soon.
