First Time at Porto's...Suggestions?

[Mike13241]

For a first time visit to Porto's, during lunch, what's not to be missed?

[Will Owen]

There was a meeting of my car club a block over from Porto's today, and so afterwards many of us (most of whom were first-timers) went over there for lunch. I went with three people who'd never been there before. I decided to try the pan con lechon, even though most lechon I've had before has been kinda dry and stringy; the others got Cubanos, and two got empenadas as appetizers. While everyone agreed the plantain chips were pleasant but inconsequential, all of the real foods met with approval. My lechon was a revelation, very porky and moist with shreds of onion scattered throughout. Totally satisfying and delicious. I had just the sandwich and eau de tap, and satisfied my hunger for less than $5. Highly Recommended.

[fdb]

If you'd like to add some roughage to all those carb-laden goodies, their caesar salad is surprisingly fresh and tasty.

[Josar]

On sandwiches, I recommend the papa preparada sandwich. It is like a Cuban sandwich but with three potato balls instead of meat. It is delicious. The chicken sandwich (with black beans) is also pretty good.

[JEN10]

Where is this place? It sounds like a good place to visit!

[Das Ubergeek]

There are two:

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Porto's Bakery
315 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203

Porto's Bakery
3614 W Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505

[chowchow12345678]

Does the one in Burbank also have massive lines?

[Das Ubergeek]

Yes, but they move more quickly and the setup is less stupid in Burbank. Parking is not any easier, though.

[dietgrace]

Yes everyone talks about the cheese rolls and potato balls...because they are delish...

But, I have a new favorite...they are the "Dulce De Leche Kisses", so yummy!!!

[jillso]

Chicken Empanada, and a Masa-real to take out for later. And yeah, like someone else said, their macaroons are a hidden gem.

[Mike13241]

and what about the sandwiches?

[tatertotsrock]

eh,
the sandwiches..eh.
I've been going to portos since 1976 (the Glendale one...now I go to both) and have ordered about 5or 6 sandwhiches in that amount of time...it's not that I don't like them, I think they're pretty good, but when you have the other list I put up, ther is nothing more I could dream of enjoying....mmmm, guava cheese, mmm.
I know where I'm going this after noon...darn y'all for bringing this up.

[Das Ubergeek]

Meh.

[Will Owen]

I enjoyed my Cubano, and my visiting friend adored his medianoche. I agree that the plantain chips lack any deep interest - a bit of salt helps, as it does with most things.

I'm still waiting to be charmed by Cuban food in general, FWIW. Even the best I've had was either bland, or to my taste spoiled by inappropriate sweet ingredients. Still, I think Porto's has some pretty edible stuff, and I do enjoy my occasional visits. The potato balls could be my dietary downfall; the meat pies, which all our friends seem to love, I frankly think are all but flavorless. But that's me...

[tatertotsrock]

2 Potato Balls
2 Meat Pies
2 Guava Cheese Danish
I Cafe con Leche
(2 ham croquettes, optional)

ENJOY!!!

[ra33it821]

yup..definitely try the cheese rolls...most people order them by the dozen..

[WhiteRice]

cheese rolls

[Emme]

Tres leches cake!

[PurpleTeeth]

Ham Croquettes YUM better that Potato Balls IMHO though I love those too.

[Dave and Stuff]

Best macaroons I've ever had!

[Das Ubergeek]

I like their medianoche sandwich (but the plantain chips are boring). Or just get the potato balls if you like. Then eat a bunch of sweets! Guava-cheese pastry... chocolate croissants... carrot cake... mango cheesecake... pineapple-cheese danish... coconut "balls"... trust me, order your lunch from the "pastry side" and take a look at the massive pastries -- a much better place for breakfast than for lunch.

[mpken]

Guava-cheese pastry. oh so good.

[Snackish]

Guava-cheese pastry. Guava-cheese pastry. Guava-cheese pastry.

[Dogbite Williams]

Yeah, the guava cheese Danish is outstanding.

[notmartha]

Let me jump on the guava cheese danish bandwagon too. So good...

I like the cuban rolls they used for the sandwiches, but didn't really care for the sandwiches. I didn't think the meat pies are that special. I don't think you can go wrong with any of their sweets.