El Taino began out of our home, then our bodega on wheels food trailer, and now in less than 3 years a brick and mortar based operation with the bare minimum. With quality and love put in that is out of this world good. We cook and serve authentic Puerto Rican foods that are not only generous but so flavorful you won’t get enough. From our empanadillas, rellenos de papá, arroz con gandules, jibaritos, pernil and on, you’ll experience flavors you may have never tried or can’t resist. Come on by for not just a bite but for a memory worth eating. A lo criollo, pa que sepas!
Based on 89 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.8 stars. Price $
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Curbside pickup ✔️ Delivery
Address:
5425 S Padre Island Dr Ste 101-A, Corpus Christi, TX 78411
Phone: (361) 500-4091
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Wednesday | 12–8 PM |
| Thursday | 12–8 PM |
| Friday | 12–8 PM |
| Saturday | 12–8 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
Menu
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Reviews
Brandi Brown
I can’t say how happy I am that we have Puerto Rican food back in Corpus Christi . Years ago, there was a chef who did a pop-up every week in a local Mexican food restaurant , then he went to work for Hilton and said he would be cooking his Puerto Rican menu there. He never did. We did find a place in one of our out of town trips , but while better than nothing, it was not as good as this place. I got the fried chicken plate
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Eric X
El Taíno has delicious food! I order pernil with yellow rice, maduros and potato salad. It tasted so good. The pernil was moist, well seasoned and not greasy. Maduros were soft and tasty. The staff is really nice. Great place to try some authentic Puerto Rican food. I’ll definitely come back and highly recommend.
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Jasper Garcia
As a Puerto Rican from the Bronx, this was such a nostalgic trip for me. ive been missing home for a hot minute and this is just what i needed. the place is small and cozy, but very upbeat and pleasant. and the food hits all the spots. its savory, juicy, full of flavor with each bite, it almost made me cry!!! its definitely worth the money, and the staff is so sweet and wonderful to be around. if you ever get the opportunity to eat here, DO IT!!! You won’t regret it at all!!! im definitely coming back here the next chance i get!!!
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Kiana L
Wow!! I never usually write reviews, but this place deserves it! I wanted something new for tonight and saw this pop up on DoorDash and decided to give it a try and definitely was not disappointed!! I ordered the pernil, empanadillas, Bistec and Carne Guisada.
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MuddyAnt763
I NEVER write reviews, but after dining there today I had to. I lived in Puerto Rico for three years and had some of the best memories of my life there. After eating there it felt like I was transported back to the island. Their pernil was amazing and their tostones were the best I have ever had. I felt like that scene in ratatouille when the food critic eats at the restaurant and has a flashback of his childhood. The owners are amazing people and put so much love and hard work into their craft. Truly amazing cuisine. I will definitely be going back and telling all of my friends to try their food. Best restaurant in corpus!
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Jan A.
Happy to see Puerto Rican faces Thank you for being here in Corpus, Happy you have sorullos on the menu and the mayo ketchup ,they were delicious. I will definitely come back whenever I can.
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Carolyn G
1st time trying this place and the food was fresh and delicious. Young lady at counter was friendly. Will be back again to try other items on menu. Recommend the #4 Bistec, arroz, and ensalada de tomate…. Rellenos de Papa were amazing! …
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Ruben Ramos
I had Puerto Rican food for the 1st time it was here and man it was soooooo good had the number 2 chuletas con arroz y plantains potato salad also beef empanadas so good I wish I had it a 2nd time will definitely be back to try something else
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Alexander
The seasoning is on point. I love the sage or whatever it is they use. Just wish they had the tomato salad available, seems like something that should be easy to have on hand. Give this place a try. Support local.
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Karin Delano
I was looking forward to eating here because the menu looked delicious. Having grown up in Puerto Rico I missed the food they are known for, so with anticipation I was ready to try your restaurant. Bistec encebollado was my choice. This is supposed to be a thin steak sauted with onions, I was served chunks of left over chuck roast with the silver lining still attached with a small piece of onion and it wasn’t that good. Puertoricans take pride in their “habichuelas guisadas” , stewed beans, the cashier told me that the Taino doesn’t make them anymore because people were not eating them. That surprised me so I ordered the “arroz con gandules” rice with pigeon peas, not sure when they were cooked but it wasn’t that day! Definitely were leftovers and tasted scorched.
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