La Tripleta at Boricua Bites.
Reminder Publishing photo by Ryan Feyre
SPRINGFIELD — Nostalgia can be a hollow tool when it neglects personal evolution, but if comfort food is involved, I’ll welcome the wistfulness with open arms.
When I approached the recently opened Boricua Bites at 1030 State St., I felt like I was transported back to my sophomore year at Salem State University: friends packed in the car on a Friday night, windows down, music blaring; all of us excited to visit our local food spot after a euphoric night out.
I assume present and future American International College students will experience those same types of snapshots en route to the new Puerto Rican eatery across campus. To me, it’s the quintessential comfort food spot, not only in its presentation of flavors, but also in the way it conducts itself.
You can very easily see the place becoming a staple in the nearby community just by its crowd-pleasing sensibilities. Whether it’s the extensive hours, multiple ways to order, or its welcoming affordability, Boricua Bites is about as approachable and flexible as a restaurant can get.
In one long breath, the eatery can be the grab-and-go boost you need for your early morning commute or a haven for those night owls craving that 2 a.m. bite to eat after a raucous weekend event.
For a busy journalist like me, the establishment is the ideal respite after a long morning in the office. I stopped in during lunchtime to try its rendition of “La Tripleta,” a classic Puerto Rican sandwich filled with seasoned roast pork, chicken, steak, topped with melted cheese, mayo-ketchup sauce and potato sticks.
At first glance, one might think the meal is too messy for a quick lunch before returning to the office. Truth be told though, I commend the restaurant for creating a portable sandwich that’s still able to pack a savvy balance of flavor thanks to its melting pot of meats, ooey-gooey cheese melt and lightly toasted bread. The succulent meal almost has the vibe of a classic cheese steak while still having those signature touchstones that make it stand out as a Puerto Rican staple.
I’ll also praise the restaurant for its vibrant setting and atmosphere. Though I was unable to stay inside the eatery for too long due to my jam-packed work schedule, I admire the establishment for its flamboyant dining room, which features tables etched with facts about Puerto Rico and the island’s famous historical figures.
A personal touch like that adds a deeper meaning to the comfort of Boricua Bites, and I look forward to further exploring its menu, which includes items like “Boricua Dogs,” chicken wings and a bevy of breakfast options.
The eatery is open Sunday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., as well as Fridays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m.
