El Flamboyan Restaurant & Bar, Bridgeport

Eddie Rivera’s trip to Puerto Rico, during which he ate everything the island had to offer, convinced the entrepreneur to bring Puerto Rican cuisine back to Bridgeport. Thus, El Flamboyan Restaurant & Lounge was born, a brick, moody eatery reminiscent of those Eddie dined in while visiting bustling San Juan. Twin lobsters with two sides highlight a menu of island delicacies, from empanadas stuffed with crab or octopus to plantain mofongo mashed with roasted pork shoulder. Nightly special events include live DJs on weekends, and Thursday-night karaoke, when guests can emulate the chirpings of Puerto Rico’s iconic coquí frog.