El Kiosquito on Detroit Brings Puerto Rican Flavor to Gordon Square
Liam Cutwater · September 2, 2026
El Kiosquito on Detroit serves Puerto Rican comfort food and piña coladas in Gordon Square. Discover what sets this full-service spot apart.
Puerto Rican comfort food and a splash of tropical flair have landed on Detroit Avenue. El Kiosquito on Detroit has officially opened in Gordon Square, combining the old soul of a neighborhood favorite with the fresh style of a rising local chef. Hungry yet? You should be. Here's the scoop on what sets this spot apart from the pack.
From CentroVilla25 to Detroit Avenue
Chef Jose Pagan started El Kiosquito Boricua as a humble stall in Clark-Fulton’s CentroVilla25, drawing crowds for his bold takes on Puerto Rican classics. The response? Explosive. When the old home of Rincon Criollo became available, Pagan jumped at the chance to bring his flavor downtown.
- CentroVilla25 location will remain open
- The new Detroit Avenue spot is the first full-service restaurant for El Kiosquito
- Pagan credits CentroVilla25 with getting him noticed by local foodies
What’s on the Menu
Don’t worry, diehard fans of Rincon Criollo. El Kiosquito pays homage to the classics while remixing them with chef Pagan’s own touch. On deck you’ll find:
- Chuletas fritas (pan-fried pork chops): crispy, juicy, absolutely addictive
- Puerto Rican rice and beans that feel like a hug from your abuela
- Stewed meats and mofongo
- Satisfying snacks like tostones and empanadillas
- And thanks to a new liquor license: ice-cold piña coladas
The Story Behind the Food
Jose Pagan isn’t just slinging pork chops—he’s carving out representation for Cleveland’s Puerto Rican community. Born from a dream and fueled by viral word-of-mouth, El Kiosquito isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a local love letter to home-cooked tradition, and a showcase for the next wave of Hispanic-owned restaurants in the city.
Where to Find El Kiosquito
El Kiosquito on Detroit now occupies the former Rincon Criollo space in Gordon Square:
- Address: 6519 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland
- Full-service dining, bar service, and plenty of room to bring a group
- Easy access from Ohio City and Edgewater
Why Gordon Square Is Buzzing
This stretch of Detroit Avenue is on a roll, and El Kiosquito’s addition makes it even tastier. The neighborhood has a rep for welcoming indie restaurants and culture-forward spots, making it the perfect home base for Pagan’s vision. Hungry folks from all over the near west side are already lining up for a taste.
How to Visit
Ready to make it a Puerto Rican night? Here’s how:
- Stop by for lunch, dinner, or drinks (check hours before you go—they’ll settle in soon as the team finds its rhythm)
- Large parties welcome; call ahead if you’ve got a crew
- CentroVilla25 stall is still serving if you want a quicker bite
Gordon Square’s newest hangout is open and serving sunshine on a plate. Chase it down with a creamy piña colada, and let someone else do the dishes tonight.