Florida is the state with the largest Puerto Rican population, overtaking New York.
Puerto Ricans are like white rice: you find them everywhere. We are a nation with a large diaspora, particularly in the United States.
According to the latest census, the state with the largest Puerto Rican population is Florida. An estimated 1,191,000 Puerto Ricans live there.
So let's take a tour of Florida and discover places that bring you closer to Puerto Rico.
Jacksonville
Starting in northern Florida, we head to Jacksonville, where there is a sizable Puerto Rican community. Jacksonville has several places to visit, particularly for food. There are lechoneras, food trucks and restaurants.
Here are two restaurants with outstanding reviews and a gallery from a Puerto Rican artist.
Palermo Puerto Rican Kitchen
This restaurant has exquisite dishes. They describe themselves as a band of brothers and sisters serving Puerto Rican food like grandma used to make. They also serve Italian and American dishes.
El Pegao Restaurant
This restaurant takes pride in having all the essentials to make you feel at home, right down to the Coco Rico and Malta India. They also host special events.
Artis by Migdalia Quintana
Artis is not just a gallery from a Puerto Rican artist; it is also a place to take art classes. The pieces have an island feel that will transport you to Borinquen.
Next we head down to Orlando and Kissimmee.
This area has a very large Puerto Rican presence, making it one of the most populated by the diaspora. It is no surprise that there is everything: food, parties, dancing and art.
Melao Bakery
Who wouldn't want to start the day with a quesito and coffee? This bakery has something for everyone, from sweets to tripleta. They have two locations, one in Orlando and one in Kissimmee, so everyone in the area can try it.
Pal Campo Restaurant
This restaurant takes pride in serving authentic Puerto Rican food. They make arroz mamposteao, chuletas can can, mofongo and other dishes common on the Island. They have three locations and appear to be opening another soon.
La Lechonera El Barrio
If you are craving lechón and food that tastes like Christmas in Puerto Rico, this is the place. Here you will find the plate of arroz con gandules, sweet plantains and pernil you were looking for.
Casa del Artesano/Pa'l Callejón
This spot is great. Not only will you discover a corner full of Puerto Rican crafts, but at the same address you will find the spot for hanging out. Pa'l Callejón turns into a party with plenty of salsa and flavor.
Escuela de Bomba y Plena Tata Cepeda
As the name suggests, this is a place to learn and connect with our culture. They offer multiple classes and workshops. Reservations can also be made for the groups Kalindá or Gracimá to perform live.
Arte Mundial Museum Gallery
This museum was created to promote Hispanic culture, becoming the first and only Hispanic art gallery with a permanent exhibition in the area. All the pieces are made by Latino artists, many of them Puerto Rican. They will soon offer a virtual tour. 🖼️
Where to next
Follow us to read the second list, as we travel from Tampa to Miami in search of more little pieces of Borikén in Florida. See you soon! 🇵🇷
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
