St. Germain Bistro & Café (156 Calle Sol, Old San Juan) — One of the city’s hidden treasures, this charming French-inspired café-restaurant stands on a quiet cobbled street corner. The interior is just as inviting, with rustic white wooden tables and benches. St. Germain delivers exceptionally fresh, made-from-scratch food and friendly service. With an emphasis […]
Señor Frog’s (Paseo Gilberto Concepción de Gracia e/Brumbaugh, Old San Juan) — Latin America’s answer to the Hard Rock Cafe, Señor Frog’s attracts both hard-partying tourists and the cruise-ship crowd—no surprise, as it’s located directly in front of the dock. (Look for the giant inflatable frog.) The just-okay menu is a nod to Mexico, with […]
Santaella (219 Calle Canals, Santurce) — Santaella, launched in 2011 by renowned local chef José Santaella, opened steps from Santurce’s Farmer’s Market ‘La Placita’. Chef Santaella transforms what used to be his catering workshop and a former hardware store into an architectural acclaimed space committed to offer a menu full of flavor using many local […]
Raíces (315 Calle Recinto Sur, Old San Juan) — You can’t miss this lively restaurant thanks to the waitresses in all-white campesina (peasant) dresses. Themed as a country venue, with artsy re-creations of rustic life, the whole atmosphere feels a bit Disneyfied, but it doesn’t stop the locals and tourists—who have seen it featured on […]
Piropos (1361 Calle Iturraga e/Canals, Santurce) – since this spot opened in 2008, Piropos has become a go-to spot for dining and drinking, especially on Friday nights. It offers a modest tapas menu that can serve as a satisfying dinner, with options like stuffed peppers, chorizo and churrasco ($8 to $22).
Pirilo (300 Calle Fortaleza, Old San Juan) — Brand new in the old city, this diminutive pizza place is turning out some of the finest pizza to be had in San Juan. Owner Eduardo Rubio makes everything from scratch, most notably the pizza crust, which uses a 300-year-old starter as its base. You can have […]
Pinky’s (1451 Avenida Ashford, Suite 100B, Condado) — High school students, tourists, and locals all pack in for some of the freshest gourmet wraps and sandwiches in town at this playful café, where the bustling servers wear . Pinky’s (1451 Avenida Ashford, Suite 100B, Condado) — High school students, tourists, and locals all pack in […]
The Parrot Club (363 Calle Fortaleza, Old San Juan) — Loud and lively, this place is intent on making sure everyone is having a good time. You’re likely to strike up a conversation with the bartender as you enjoy the signature passion-fruit cocktail or with a couple at the next table in the covered […]
Marmalade (317 Calle Fortaleza, Old San Juan) — “Wow!” may well be your first reaction after entering Old San Juan’s hippest—and finest—restaurant. Its U.S.-born owner-chef, Peter Schintler, apprenticed with Raymond Blanc and Gordon Ramsay; here he’s created a class act that’s famous for its ultra-chic lounge bar. The restaurant’s sensual and minimalist orange-and-white decor features […]
La Playita (Hotel La Playa, 6 Calle Amapola, Isla Verde) — Unlike some other notable oceanfront restaurants in the metropolitan area, this casual spot doesn’t have a price tag as big as the view. Set in a small hotel in Isla Verde, the atmosphere here is laid-back and beachy, and so is the food: you’ll […]