Many Americans who vacation in the Dominican Republic stay at all-inclusive resorts where they may never encounter a proper Dominican meal. Such travelers can transport themselves to the parts of D.R. they missed via the 6 train and pay a visit to Ulua Sisters, a humble eatery in the Bronx.
Located on the cusp of the Bronx neighborhoods Soundview and Longhorn, Ulua Sisters, established in 2021, is a family-owned restaurant serving up no-frills Dominican fare. Don’t get confused by the awning that (for reasons unclear) still reads “Deiline’s Restaurant;” once inside, signs reading “Ulua Sisters” are readily found, confirming you are indeed in the right place.
Run entirely by a Spanish-speaking staff, Ulua Sisters appears to be a bare-bones restaurant with just a few tables and minimal decor. During the day, customers bustle in and out to pick up orders, which can be ordered on apps like DoorDash and UberEats. A few opt to dine in, where they can enjoy impressively fast service.
But Ulua Sisters truly comes alive at night during the weekend.. Thursday through Sunday, they stay open as late as 3:45 a.m. and feature karaoke and live DJs. It’s a safe space to soak up booze or end a late-night shift with dishes like moro de habichuelas, sancocho (a hearty soup loaded with meat and vegetables), and even Honduran favorites like pupusas and desayuno Hondureño, a loaded-up Honduran breakfast priced at only $13.
I ordered chicharrón de pollo sin huesos — fried, boneless chicken bites with a red hue thanks to the spiced marinade — and mofongo de pollo, a classic plantain dish. I also had the arroz and habichuelas, a stew made with giant red beans and sofrito. The finely chopped aromatic blend, consisting of onions, garlic, peppers, herbs and more, serves as a base for many Dominican dishes.
As I ordered, the cashier gently explained I was ordering too much food. “Nonsense,” I told her, “Bring it all.” Minutes later, she brought out portions so ample I realized perhaps she was onto something. But with a bit of effort — and the addictive quality of that fried chicken — I like to think I impressed her with how much I was able to wipe clean.
An ice-cold Modelo was the perfect accompaniment to cleanse my palate between bites of earthy mofongo, hearty bean stew, and greasy fried chicken. The mofongo came with a thin red sauce that my waitress referred to as “gravy.” I created little pockets in the thick layers of plantains to create vessels to hold as much of the gravy as possible. As I dug around, scooping massive bites, I saw all parts of the chicken mixed throughout. Don’t be alarmed by a sighting of cartilage; it’s common in Latin cuisine.
At Ulua Sisters, come for the Dominican fare, stay for the karaoke, and enjoy the ride.
Address: 1544 E 174th St, Bronx, NY 10472
Phone: (718) 328-4523
Price range: sides $2-$4; sandwiches $3-$8; mofongos $6.95-$25.95; mains $8.95-$35.95
Hours: Monday-Wednesday 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thursday and Sunday 7 a.m.-2 a.m.; Friday and Saturday 7 a.m.-3:45a.m
No reservations, take-out, delivery, and dine-in available
Kaitlyn Rosati is a New York City-based food and travel journalist. She is constantly on the hunt to find the city’s best hidden gems, allowing New Yorkers to travel far without ever leaving the boroughs. Have a suggestion for a great hidden dining gem in your neighborhood? Reach out to Kaitlyn with your recommendations at [email protected].