From Turntables to Tostones
Published May 20, 2025
Artículo disponible en español.
Eumir Gutierrez, better known as DJ EU, is the official DJ for Atlanta’s MLS team, Atlanta United FC. When moved to Atlanta, he came for the music, the gigs, the hustle and the rhythm of the city. But he didn’t expect how hard it would hit him to be away from his island. Puerto Rico. From the moment he unpacked, he was craving all the flavors he grew up with: the frituras, the sazón, the smell of pernil slow-roasting on a Sunday.
Bringing Sazón to Atlanta
One of the pioneers of Latin cuisine in Atlanta is none other than Chef Héctor Santiago—a proud Puerto Rican whose impact on the city’s food scene goes way back.
A proud Puerto Rican, he put his flavors on the table before Latin food was a trend in the city. He gained national recognition as a finalist on Top Chef and went on to open restaurants in Atlanta, celebrating Caribbean flavors and paving the way for a new generation of Latin chefs and Latin food in the A.
Finding Puerto Rico in Atlanta
Atlanta might not be the first place people think of when it comes to Puerto Rican food, but there are plenty of places across the city that serve real-deal Boricua (Puerto Rican) dishes, and there’s also a thriving Puerto Rican community helping shape the city’s flavor and culture.
Finding Puerto Rican food in Atlanta takes a little effort. Often, the sign outside a restaurant won’t even say “Puerto Rican.” It might say Cuban, Dominican or just “Caribbean.” But inside, one glance at the menu transports you to Puerto Rico.
The following is DJ Eu’s personal guide to Puerto Rican food in the ATL in his own words:
La Tropical
Imagine that you just landed at SJU Airport in Puerto Rico and your tío insists you stop at Piñones before even dropping your bags. That’s what walking into La Tropical feels like.
Order the bacalaítos. No, en serio. Order two. One isn’t enough. Pair with an ice-cold Medalla and suddenly, the Atlanta humidity turns into that salty Piñones breeze.
The lunch specials are the real deal:
- Arroz con habichuelas y pollo
- Carne frita (crispy, salty, glorious)
- Chicharrón de pollo that makes you wanna call your mom.
The sides? You already know:
- Tostones
- Yuca frita
- Arroz mamposteao
- Trifongo (the MVP)
Pro tip: Pull up early if you want the full menu. Stuff will sell out.
Where: West Midtown, inside The Works Food Hall
Buena Gente Cuban Bakery
Buena Gente Cuban Bakery is my go-to Saturday morning move. Before a gig, before life starts buzzing, I head to Buena Gente and pretend I’m on my way to Luquillo Beach.
You walk in and the pastelitos de guayaba hit you with that sweet nostalgia. The croquetas, the rellenos de papa– ¡ay bendito! — they’re like edible hugs from La Isla.
I don’t even drink coffee like that, but Buena Genta’s smells like heaven. And the vibe? Chill. No rush. Just community and comfort.
Heads up: It’s first come, first served. Once they sell out, that’s it. And trust me — they will sell out.
Where: 1365 Clairmont Road, Decatur, and a food truck found around the city.
El Super Pan
If you hear a DJ shout “¡Pa’rriba, Boricua!” at Truist Park during a Bravos game — it might be me. But if you’re hungry and not in the mood to fight through stadium crowds, go to El Super Pan when it’s chill.
Chef Héctor Santiago is a legend. He doesn’t just cook, he represents. When he dabs you up, it’s like your cool uncle welcoming you to the party.
Here’s how I do it:
- Start with a Medalla, chicharrones volao, and the can can pork belly.
- Build your Boricua bowl: rice + sofrito beans + roasted pork = magic.
- Mofongo verde with shrimp al ajillo? Yes. It’s healthy-ish, but don’t judge it, just eat it.
- The tripleta clásica is fire. Like, “eat half now, save the rest for 3 a.m.” fire.
- If you’re really hungry, arroz con mariscos will bless your whole day.
Where: The Battery Atlanta and Ponce City Market
Carmen’s Kitchen – La Casa de los Chimis
Ok, Ok. I know what you’re thinking. “A Dominican spot? In Norcross?” But hear me out.
Carmen, the owner, is 100% Boricua. Her husband is Dominican, and the branding leans that way, but the food? El sazón is Puerto Rican through and through.
Her mofongo con carne frita is so good, I drive from the city twice a month just for it. Twice a month, mi gente. That mofongo? Fluffy, garlicky, packed with chicharrón. The carne frita? Crispy, juicy, seasoned like she’s trying to win your heart (Spoiler: She will).
Ask about holiday catering. Carmen goes in for Navidad — lechón, arroz con gandules, pasteles de yuca — the whole vibe.
Heads up: Hours vary, so call ahead if you’re making a trip.
Where: 4771 Britt Road, Norcross
Honorable Mention: Fogón and Lions
Puerto Rican fine dining vibes in the ‘burbs? You better believe it.
Chef Julio Delgado mixes Spanish flavors with island pride. The place is classy and warm. You can bring a date or your mami, and both will leave happy.
Look for:
- Sorullos
- Beef empanadas
- Croquetas
- Churrasco
Where: 10 Roswell St., Alpharetta
I may be a DJ, but food is my soul’s playlist. And these places? They’re the tracks that keep me connected to home.
So if you’re missing the island like I do, or just want to taste what real Puerto Rican food is about, check these spots out. I’ll probably see you there — maybe spinning, maybe eating — but definitely vibing.
¡Wepa y buen provecho!
Watch Episode 6 of “Atlanta con Sabor Latino” where Chef Hector Santiago and DJ EU are featured.
Puerto Rican, Atlanta-based DJ EU is one of the city’s most in-demand DJs, known for his high-energy, genre-blending sets that seamlessly mix electronic, hip-hop and Latin music. A six-time winner of Jezebel Magazine’s “Best DJ” award (2018–2024), EU has performed at major festivals like TomorrowWorld, Tomorrowland, and One MusicFest, and toured globally. At home in Atlanta, he holds residencies at top venues including Tongue and Groove and District Atlanta, and serves as the official DJ for Atlanta United FC.
Daniela is the content manager and bilingual editor for Discover Atlanta. As an award-winning bilingual journalist, she is passionate about shinning light on untold stories about culture, food and Atlanta.
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