Salsa music is not the only reason why people walk around with a little extra pep in their step on Rising Sun and N. Fifth Street. The smell of fresh traditional Spanish foods lingers in the air in Juniata Park and Feltonville. Porky’s Point Restaurant has served the community well since the 70’s.
Porky’s Point provides a unique experience. Customers walk up and order their favorites from a window. The restaurant has a come up, order and enjoy vibe. It is like a Spanish “fast food,” but it is not fast food. The food purchased by the customers is not frozen or purchased elsewhere. Everything at Porky’s is freshly made in-house. Porky’s Point brings the feeling of a “home-cooked” meal, enjoyable at any time whenever the urges kick in for regulars and new comers.
The restaurant carries the history of family. Matt Maldomado, 43, the manager and son of the owner, oversees the business making sure things run smoothly. Matt’s Father owned the business since 1974, and his grandmother would cook and run the window, taking orders and handling the customers. Now, Matt’s son can be found assisting in the responsibilities and duties shared by his dad. Many of the long time customers can recall a time where Matt’s grandmother was seen cooking and working in the restaurant serving her guests.
No other restaurant in the Juniata Park/Feltonville area can compare with the history lying within the walls of Porky’s Point. The food is clearly made with love. The family owned business takes pride in making all the foods fresh from scratch.
One thing you can get at Porky’s Point that you’re most likely not able to get anywhere else is pig ears. Yes, you read right, pig ears, but don’t knock it until you try it. Porky’s Point gets the flavor right on the spot.
“There are not too many restaurants that offer really good food for a great price,” said Louis Rivera who lives by Bridge and Harbison in the Northeast. “That’s what keeps me coming back. The food is worth the trip alone. I have been coming here since I was a kid and now, I come here with my kids.”
He comes to Porky’s Point when the craving of Spanish food hits.
Porky’s Point did not start off offering Spanish food on the menu right off the bat.
“Porky’s Point originally sold hamburgers and hotdogs,” said Maldonado.
In 1974, the area was actually Italian and slowly incorporated Spanish food.
Many of the clientele have been coming for years and have come with friends and family members. Do not forget to ask for the Bread Pudding. Many other restaurants would serve flan or tres leches, however bread pudding is the treat of Porky’s Point.
“I always hear from the customers, ‘When I was a little kid, I used to eat here. I remember this place from so long ago,’” said Maldonado. “If you haven’t been here since you were a little kid, come back and see what we have to offer. We might surprise you.”
– Text and images by Danielle Alvarez and Leslie Smith
The Silvy family who owned “Silvy’s bar and restaurant on Pike street.Gene was the operator of Porky’s. I purchase my first home at 3854 n 5th Street from Pat Silvy. I then introduced many members of the Puerto Rican community and the rest is history
I have been going there for over 20 years and still is my absolute favorite!!!!! Keep being GREAT! !!!
I use to work there , was my first job wnen I love to Philly back 89′
Just letting you know that this is NOT Spanish food; people from Spain would probably be offended. This is Puerto Rican food! I’m Puerto Rican and we should be proud to call this cuisine by the correct name. People often interchange the term “Spanish” and “Puerto Rican” but they are not the same.