Curiously, Mango Man Thony Clarke opened up his newest restaurant, El Rincon Tico, on Willy Street during its construction this summer. Still, people made the trek, and he told me that business has picked up since the street re-opened.

That’s good, because he’s got some great items on the menu, which consists of Latin soul food. I’ve always enjoyed the empanadas at his other restaurant, Cafe Costa Rica, but honestly, I thought the new versions ($2.99) were even better. The beef empanada has a wonderful, traditional flavor, while its pork counterpart was extremely juicy and tender (I probably could have eaten five in a row). Other fillings include chicken and spinach.

Each day El Rincon Tico has a different special, and the day I was there, I had the pulled pork served over rice ($8.99 for medium-sized). The pork was delicious, though I was a bit disappointed it wasn’t cooked the same way as the filling for the empanada (you can tell I really liked that empanada!). I was impressed that the plantains were perfectly cooked–it’s a difficult task not to make them too soggy or hard. As always, Thony’s accompanying rice and beans were dynamite.

Finally, I tried the fish taco ($2.99). It was a bit bland, but I added Thony’s homemade salsa for flavor. The other choices are chicken, beef, pork and veggie.

If you’re looking for the restaurant, which is open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it’s across the street from the gas station. Park anywhere on the street. On nicer days, the small outdoor porch is open.