La Jibarita De Puerto Rico is a casual Puerto Rican restaurant at 470 W Hwy 50, Clermont, FL 34711, on the west side of downtown Clermont. It brings the island’s home-style cooking traditions to Lake County, with mofongo as a defining draw and a low-key setting for a substantial Caribbean meal. Travelers come for familiar Puerto Rican flavors, family-friendly portions, and late Friday and Saturday hours that are unusual in Clermont.
What to Expect at La Jibarita De Puerto Rico
The focus is Puerto Rican food rather than a polished special-occasion dining room: expect direct, hearty cooking and a relaxed local atmosphere along busy West Highway 50. Mofongo is the dish to seek out. This classic preparation starts with fried green plantains mashed with garlic and savory seasonings, creating a dense, fragrant base that is central to Puerto Rican cooking. Ask the staff about the day’s available accompaniments and preparations when ordering.
La Jibarita is a practical choice for breakfast, lunch, or an early dinner during the week, while Friday and Saturday service extends to 2am for diners looking for a later meal. The restaurant’s $ price level makes it especially useful for travelers who want a filling, regional alternative to chain restaurants around Clermont. Call ahead for current availability, larger-party arrangements, and any dietary questions; recipes built around plantains, rice, meat, and sauces can vary by preparation.
- Mofongo: The restaurant is known for this Puerto Rican staple of mashed fried green plantains and garlic.
- Puerto Rican cooking: A focused introduction to the savory, plantain-centered food traditions of Puerto Rico.
- Everyday value: A $-level restaurant suited to a casual, filling meal rather than a formal dinner.
- Late-week service: Friday and Saturday hours run until 2am, a useful option after an evening in Clermont.
- Central Clermont location: West Highway 50 positioning puts it close to downtown parks, trails, and local shops.
La Jibarita De Puerto Rico at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 470 W Hwy 50, Clermont, FL 34711 |
| Neighborhood / Area | West Highway 50, near downtown Clermont |
| Operating Hours | Mon–Thu 9am–7pm; Fri–Sat 9am–2am; Sun 11am–7pm |
| Admission / Price Range | No admission; $ casual dining. Contact the restaurant for current menu prices. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 45 to 60 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | LakeXpress service operates on the SR 50 corridor; use on-site commercial-area parking and confirm the nearest stop before travel. |
| Official Website & Phone | Official website; +1 352-708-3001 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
For the least rushed meal, arrive before the main lunch period or call before setting out, particularly on weekends and for late-night dining. The restaurant sits on the SR 50 commercial corridor, Clermont’s principal east-west road, so driving is the simplest approach. LakeXpress buses use the Highway 50 corridor, though schedules and stop locations should be checked on the official transit service before relying on them. Parking is available in the surrounding commercial area; allow extra time when Highway 50 traffic is heavy.
The restaurant is in a ground-level commercial setting, avoiding stairs within the approach, but guests who need a particular wheelchair-accessible table, restroom detail, or other accommodation should call before arrival. Pair a meal with Clermont Waterfront Park and its Lake Minneola shoreline, roughly a short drive or a longer walk east, or with a stroll on the South Lake Trail. Victory Pointe, the downtown lakefront’s public gathering space, and the Clermont Historic Village Museum are also close enough to build into a half-day around central Clermont.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are La Jibarita De Puerto Rico’s hours, and when is the best time to go?
Hours are 9am–7pm Monday through Thursday, 9am–2am Friday and Saturday, and 11am–7pm Sunday. Arrive before the lunch rush for a quieter meal, or use the extended Friday and Saturday schedule for a late dinner.
How expensive is La Jibarita De Puerto Rico, and do I need a reservation?
It is a $-level casual restaurant, with no admission charge. Current dish prices and reservation or large-party policies should be confirmed by phone at +1 352-708-3001; calling ahead is wise for groups and weekend visits.
How long should I plan for a meal?
Budget 45 to 60 minutes for a standard meal. Allow more time if you are dining with a group, visiting during a peak period, or combining lunch with the nearby Lake Minneola waterfront and downtown Clermont.
Is La Jibarita De Puerto Rico suitable for families and guests with mobility needs?
The casual format and early daytime hours work well for families. Its ground-level commercial location avoids an internal stair climb, while guests using wheelchairs, strollers, or requiring specific facilities should call ahead to confirm seating and restroom arrangements.
When planning your Clermont travel guide or browsing verified hotels in Clermont, pair this stop with standout local spots including Victory Pointe, MUSE Bar + Bistro, Pepe's Cantina Clermont, and Historic Downtown Clermont (0.6 km away).
