Old Harbor Brewery (202 Calle Tizol e/Calle Recinto Sur, Old San Juan) — Serious beer-lovers know to head to this authentic microbrewery and restaurant close to the harborfront. More clubby than pubby, it packs in locals as well as tourists who come to taste the five delicious German-style beers, brewed in European-style open fermentation tanks. […]
Nuyorican Café (312 Calle San Francisco, c/Callejón de la Capilla, Old San Juan) — There’s something interesting happening at this hipper-than-hip, no-frills, wood-paneled performance space nearly every night, be it an early evening play, poetry reading, or talent show or, later on, a band playing Latin jazz, Cuban son, Puerto Rican salsa, or rock. During […]
Mist (San Juan Water & Beach Club, 2 Calle Tartak, Isla Verde) — On the roof of the San Juan Water & Beach Club Hotel, this sexy spot offers some of the best ocean views anywhere in Isla Verde. On the weekends there’s a DJ, and locals pack in to relax at the bar or […]
Le Lo Lai (Festival) (Old San Juan) — The year-round festival called Le Lo Lai celebrates Puerto Rico’s Taíno Indian, Spanish, and African heritage. Performances showcasing island music and folklore take place Tuesday and Sunday around Old San Juan. It’s sponsored by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.
El Batey (101 Calle Cristo, Old San Juan) — This legendary hole-in-the-wall bar won’t win any prizes for decor, but even still, it has an irresistibly artsy and welcoming vibe. Add your own message to the graffiti-covered walls (they have a B.Y.O.S, or Bring Your Own Sharpie policy), or put your business card alongside the […]
Krash (1257 Avenida Ponce de León, Santurce) — A balcony bar for gay locals and tourists overlooks all the drama on the dance floor at this popular club. Most of the time DJs spin house, hip-hop, salsa, and reggaetón, but occasionally disco nights send you back to the music of the 1970s and ’80s. It’s […]
. Fundación Nacional para la Cultura Popular (56 Calle Fortaleza, Old San Juan) — This multifaceted foundation hosts a variety of events, including Latin music and dance performances and classes.
Eternal (Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza Hotel, 999 Avenida Ashford, Condado) — Decorated in the same modern style as the rest of the Condado Plaza hotel, this sleek lounge hosts a range of acts on the weekends, including DJs and live bands, most often salsa, merengue, or Spanish pop. It’s a comfortable spot for an […]
El Batey (101 Calle Cristo, Old San Juan) — This legendary hole-in-the-wall bar won’t win any prizes for decor, but even still, it has an irresistibly artsy and welcoming vibe. Add your own message to the graffiti-covered walls (they have a B.Y.O.S, or Bring Your Own Sharpie policy), or put your business card alongside the […]
El Barril (1309 Avenida Ashford, C-2, Condado) — If you stop by this neighborhood bar at, say, 9 or 10 pm, you may find yourself alone with the bartender. It doesn’t get going until 11 pm at the earliest, but 1 am is probably better if you want a true taste of San Juan nightlife. […]