Husband and wife team Toriano and Serena Fredericks have been melding their Puerto Rican and African American heritage into delightful bites for locals everywhere, first as a food truck and now in the brick-and-mortar restaurant, Boricua Soul. Located in the American Tobacco Campus, this restaurant is perfect for anyone looking for unique plates inspired by Puerto Rican flavors -- think empanadas, pernil, maduros and more.
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Hours:
Monday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: Closed
We placed an order for Puerto Rican cuisine; however, several items were unavailable, which was disappointing. Our order included roasted pork with rice and pigeon peas, along with a side of BBQ empanadas and sweet potato cheesecake empanadas. The pork was expertly cooked and well-seasoned. The rice was flavorful but slightly mushy. The sweet potato cheesecake empanadas were an excellent dessert.
Danielle Reyner
Mar 14, 2025
5
I cannot say enough good things about this place, yall. My husband and I ate here for the first time tonight and it was the BEST meal I’ve had in a long time. It’s small inside but plenty of outdoor seating at American Tobacco. We ordered 2 empanadas (1 beef, 1 chicken), the Boricua Soul Bowl with Chicharonnes de pollo, a half order of the mac fry pile with Pernil (pork) and shared everything. I can’t even pick a favorite. Every single thing was flavorful, cooked to perfection, and delicious. As in, I have never enjoyed collards despite trying them every time my husband orders them - and I ate half of our serving this time. The Pernil with the fries was perfection, but if you aren’t feeling something that heavy/loaded the bowl was also super good. AND, the people were SO nice y’all. That food would bring me back but the service/obvious joy they had for serving people their food makes me want to tell literally everyone.
Bob P
Mar 12, 2025
5
Boricua Soul catered lunch today and it was amazing. Everything I tried was incredible. I am looking forward to eating here in the future. The quality and flavor is top notch.
Jamaal Washburn
Feb 21, 2025
4
The place is a little bit tricky to find but the street signage does what it can to try and navigate you to the establishment. Inside is a cozy vibe with nice murals and enough seating to enjoy dining in.
I tried The Platter (Chicharonnes de Pollo and Pernil) and empanadas. The collard greens were spicy which I liked, plantains were cooked to perfection, and the beef empanadas were delicious, crispy, and not too greasy. The Chicharonnes de Pollo and Pernil lacked some seasoning in my opinion but weren’t terrible.
The service was great and didn’t take long. I’d come back to try the sweet potato empanada since they were sold out the night I visited. 7/10 overall.
Patricia Rivera
Feb 8, 2025
3
Food was okay. Authentic Puerto
Rican? I don’t think so but they try. Good looking space with good attention
Mitch Mitchell
Jan 19, 2025
5
This food reminds me of home, the taste was amazing! The rice and beans were seasoned well, the Pernil was moist and tender & collard greens were delicious. Service was impeccable. They definitely aim to please. Absolutely worth the trip and will be returning for more eats and to hear the live band!
Kayla Marie
Jan 18, 2025
5
Absolutely blown away by the generosity and incredible service from Boricua Soul! When we needed support on short notice to feed the homeless, they stepped up in the most amazing way. Not only did they prepare delicious food with care and efficiency, but they also provided staff to help deliver it—ensuring everything went smoothly.
Their willingness to go above and beyond shows their true commitment to the community. Their heart for giving back is truly inspiring.
Thank you, Boricua Soul, for being an incredible partner in making a difference. You’ve earned every bit of this five-star review and more!
Moe
Dec 5, 2024
5
Richard had amazing customer service! The atmosphere is cute and welcoming . Place is very clean as well. The plaintains were ok, not my favorite honestly they were kind of hard , the empanada was good ! I didn’t get the described flavors and chicken was a tad dry but overall it wasn’t a bad experience. May be back to try something different !
First Last
Oct 14, 2024
3
Food was good. I ordered 2 empanadas, the BBQ and the chicken. They were out of beef. They are located inside the patio of the American Tobacco Campus and they can be hard to find. Service should be no stars because there is none. You order on a tablet and then you pick up or it is brought to you. Feels like a gas station so the atmosphere is pretty crappy. I wouldn't go back. Also, they frown on cash and the tablet asks for a tip without any service.
Marty
Aug 17, 2024
4
4.1 Stars, Quick bite before the game, tasty Cuban sandwich with collar greens which were solid.
Instagram @foodieadventuresusa
Mariedyth G
Aug 9, 2024
5
The best Cuban sandwich!
Visiting the American Tobacco Historic District, we stumbled on Boricua Soul.
Their Cuban sandwich comes with the tastiest and crunchiest chicharrones.
The atmosphere is cozy and staff very friendly. This place is highly recommended if you are in the area.
Katie Santos
Aug 2, 2024
5
Excellent place to enjoy some authentic boricua food. Everything was fresh and I really liked their sauces.
Mike Beasley
Jun 16, 2024
5
Delicious Cuban sandwich! The pork inside is very special. Empanadas are wonderful. Great combo of beans & collards in one we had. Can't wait travel back to Durham and dine here again.
Navra Ferguson
May 26, 2024
5
I’m not even sure where to start! Boricua soul was AMAZING!!!!! The food was finger licking good but the fried jack fruit was a game changer! I’m not too sure if I can stay away from this restaurant for more than a week. The owners also put the icing on the cake. They were so loving and down to earth that me and my family did not want to leave. We just alerted additional family members and friends to plan another visit this upcoming week. Boricua soul is very unique and I am so very happy they decided to bring there love and food to this communtiy.
