Places like El Popular are appreciated because of their home-style cooking. Called 'fondas', these places aren't here to feed tourists and travelers, and the food and prices reflect this attitude. There's no air conditioning at El Popular and the decor is mostly Puerto Rican flags and photographs of boxers and soccer players. Call for chicharrones de pollo or la olla española (usually a Saturday special) for a perfect complement with your rice and beans. The ten odd tables usually fill up with the local population, but it's never a problem finding place. One doesn't need to speak Spanish to know what 'El Popular' means.