Marianne's Guidebook

Marianne
Marianne's Guidebook

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK

In this section, we single out the places near the 'Blue Room' whose food, drinks, service, and ambiance have made us return time and again. They are our favorite places to eat and are listed in no particular order.
Barrachina is located in an old but well-conserved Spanish building steps away from 'The Blue Room'. It has served local fare for over 40 years and it's, therefore, a reliable place to try out Puerto Rican specialties. This is also the place where the famed Pina Colada drink was supposedly invented. Whether or not this is to be believed, the truth is they make a consistently delicious concoction here. Try also the Frozen Mojito, my husband's favorite. Don't forget to ask for Gladys at the bar.
82 locals recommend
Barrachina
104 C. de la Fortaleza
82 locals recommend
Barrachina is located in an old but well-conserved Spanish building steps away from 'The Blue Room'. It has served local fare for over 40 years and it's, therefore, a reliable place to try out Puerto Rican specialties. This is also the place where the famed Pina Colada drink was supposedly invented. Whether or not this is to be believed, the truth is they make a consistently delicious concoction here. Try also the Frozen Mojito, my husband's favorite. Don't forget to ask for Gladys at the bar.
This is a very small restaurant, with just two tables outside, for now. It only opens from morning to just about 3:30 pm. But its food is delicious, made in their open kitchen right behind their counter, for all to see. My husband Pedro believes it has the best espresso coffee in all of San Juan. I personally think their pastries are the best. If you can, try to buy a loaf of their heavenly bread.
14 locals recommend
Spiga Café
258 C. de Tetuán
14 locals recommend
This is a very small restaurant, with just two tables outside, for now. It only opens from morning to just about 3:30 pm. But its food is delicious, made in their open kitchen right behind their counter, for all to see. My husband Pedro believes it has the best espresso coffee in all of San Juan. I personally think their pastries are the best. If you can, try to buy a loaf of their heavenly bread.
This place is certainly worth the 5-block walk from the 'Blue Room' as the pizza is delicious! And it's located in a beautiful, well-preserved Spanish building. Be sure to ask for a table in the second floor: you'll be amazed by the brick walls and tall ceilings. But, again, the food is what makes it all worth it.
115 locals recommend
Pirilo
207 Ca. de la Tanca
115 locals recommend
This place is certainly worth the 5-block walk from the 'Blue Room' as the pizza is delicious! And it's located in a beautiful, well-preserved Spanish building. Be sure to ask for a table in the second floor: you'll be amazed by the brick walls and tall ceilings. But, again, the food is what makes it all worth it.
This is a great fast-food place for soup and a sandwich. They also serve breakfast. Its air-conditioned premises make it a favorite of over-heated locals.
17 locals recommend
El Mesón Sandwiches (Viejo San Juan)
163 C. San José
17 locals recommend
This is a great fast-food place for soup and a sandwich. They also serve breakfast. Its air-conditioned premises make it a favorite of over-heated locals.
This restaurant was founded in 1902 and, unfortunately, it is temporarily closed due to COVID-19. We hope they will re-open sometime soon. Isabel, granddaughter of the founder, and her husband Jose run the place. Upon entering, you will think you are in one of those New York Deli's, with stools along the large counter and booths next to the wall. But they serve local fare and Spanish bakery. It's a great place to have breakfast and meet locals over a cup of chocolate.
40 locals recommend
La Bombonera
Calle de San Francisco
40 locals recommend
This restaurant was founded in 1902 and, unfortunately, it is temporarily closed due to COVID-19. We hope they will re-open sometime soon. Isabel, granddaughter of the founder, and her husband Jose run the place. Upon entering, you will think you are in one of those New York Deli's, with stools along the large counter and booths next to the wall. But they serve local fare and Spanish bakery. It's a great place to have breakfast and meet locals over a cup of chocolate.
This is a small bar with great ambiance, literally just around the corner from the 'Blue Room'. The bar is known to be a great place to have rum-based cocktails but one glance at the bar and you understand that they serve any alcoholic drink under the San Juan sun. Alex is the owner and he makes a fantastic mojito. My husband and I really like his 'parcha mojito', which comes in a tall glass full of fruit (and rum). Its drinks are known to be abundant and expensive. In the weekends, his wife prepares very nice chicken quesadillas.
6 locals recommend
Marilyn's Place
100 C. de San Francisco
6 locals recommend
This is a small bar with great ambiance, literally just around the corner from the 'Blue Room'. The bar is known to be a great place to have rum-based cocktails but one glance at the bar and you understand that they serve any alcoholic drink under the San Juan sun. Alex is the owner and he makes a fantastic mojito. My husband and I really like his 'parcha mojito', which comes in a tall glass full of fruit (and rum). Its drinks are known to be abundant and expensive. In the weekends, his wife prepares very nice chicken quesadillas.
If you are ready to spend big bucks on a delightful, memorable, gourmet Italian dinner, this is your place. And it's just two doors from our building! Franco Seccarelli is the owner and chef. The restaurant is in a revamped Spanish courtyard that by itself is worth a visit.
17 locals recommend
La Lanterna by Franco Seccarelli
202 C. del Cristo
17 locals recommend
If you are ready to spend big bucks on a delightful, memorable, gourmet Italian dinner, this is your place. And it's just two doors from our building! Franco Seccarelli is the owner and chef. The restaurant is in a revamped Spanish courtyard that by itself is worth a visit.
Better known as ‘El Hamberguito’ (Spanish for ‘The Little Hamburger’), this is a no-frills joint that is very popular with locals. Nothing fancy here but it’s always packed thanks to its great-tasting burgers and fries. The location is great: you could eat and then cross the street to the sidewalk with view to the ocean and the old city walls. Or grab a burger on your way to the Escambron beach. Of all the places recommended here, this is the only one we would advise you take an Uber, or the recently added Scootels, to go. Walking would take you 45 minutes.
66 locals recommend
El Hamburger
402 Av. Luis Muñoz Rivera
66 locals recommend
Better known as ‘El Hamberguito’ (Spanish for ‘The Little Hamburger’), this is a no-frills joint that is very popular with locals. Nothing fancy here but it’s always packed thanks to its great-tasting burgers and fries. The location is great: you could eat and then cross the street to the sidewalk with view to the ocean and the old city walls. Or grab a burger on your way to the Escambron beach. Of all the places recommended here, this is the only one we would advise you take an Uber, or the recently added Scootels, to go. Walking would take you 45 minutes.
This is, in our view, one of the best seafood restaurants in San Juan. Spanish style menu, with the fresh fish available that day displayed as in a fresh market. The food is great, the service is too. You may have to wait a bit if you get there during peak hours, but you can do so with a nice Sangria or the drink of your choice.
33 locals recommend
Tasca El Pescador Seafood Restaurant
178 C. dos Hermanos
33 locals recommend
This is, in our view, one of the best seafood restaurants in San Juan. Spanish style menu, with the fresh fish available that day displayed as in a fresh market. The food is great, the service is too. You may have to wait a bit if you get there during peak hours, but you can do so with a nice Sangria or the drink of your choice.
The food here is amazing: local fare with a gourmet flair! Servers are well versed in the menu and are able to explain it in a way that makes your mouth water. And their bar offers many unusual but awesome drinks. It is on the expensive side and reservations are recommended, as it is always packed.
163 locals recommend
Santaella
219 C. Canals
163 locals recommend
The food here is amazing: local fare with a gourmet flair! Servers are well versed in the menu and are able to explain it in a way that makes your mouth water. And their bar offers many unusual but awesome drinks. It is on the expensive side and reservations are recommended, as it is always packed.
We had always seen this place when coming to Old San Juan, but just recently ventured there. The walk was not as long as we thought and we really enjoyed it: drinks, food, music and great ambiance. Plus and incredible sea view from every level. A must visit!
80 locals recommend
La Verguenza Viejo San Juan
280 Bulevar del Valle
80 locals recommend
We had always seen this place when coming to Old San Juan, but just recently ventured there. The walk was not as long as we thought and we really enjoyed it: drinks, food, music and great ambiance. Plus and incredible sea view from every level. A must visit!
This one is a recent discovery, buy very much recommended. The consistency of the food is something we like: their Red Snapper Fillet is delicious, and we have ordered it several times!
16 locals recommend
El Patio De Sam
102 C. San Sebastián
16 locals recommend
This one is a recent discovery, buy very much recommended. The consistency of the food is something we like: their Red Snapper Fillet is delicious, and we have ordered it several times!
The ambiance is really nice, as it is built around mature trees, and they have a varied menu of appetizers. entrees and drinks. It is really hard to find a spot on the fly, so reservations are recommended.
25 locals recommend
Princesa Gastrobar
Calle Shurmberg
25 locals recommend
The ambiance is really nice, as it is built around mature trees, and they have a varied menu of appetizers. entrees and drinks. It is really hard to find a spot on the fly, so reservations are recommended.
This is our go-to place when we feel like a good piece of beef! Their Churrasco is our favorite and it is always juicy and tender. But they have other items in the menu that always catch our attention as they swing by on their way to other tables.
22 locals recommend
Vaca Brava
#29 C. del Recinto Sur
22 locals recommend
This is our go-to place when we feel like a good piece of beef! Their Churrasco is our favorite and it is always juicy and tender. But they have other items in the menu that always catch our attention as they swing by on their way to other tables.
We went to this one for a very special occasion: our wedding anniversary. We went with their four course menu but were happy to learn that one can go a la carte if desired. The ambiance is very nice and super fancy. It is on the expensive side.
128 locals recommend
Marmalade
317 C. de la Fortaleza
128 locals recommend
We went to this one for a very special occasion: our wedding anniversary. We went with their four course menu but were happy to learn that one can go a la carte if desired. The ambiance is very nice and super fancy. It is on the expensive side.
This is a really nice place, off the beaten path, for breakfast with a french flair. We have tried their quiches, croissants and other pastries, and have also enjoyed a variety of their fresh fruit juices.
70 locals recommend
St. Germain
156 Sol Street
70 locals recommend
This is a really nice place, off the beaten path, for breakfast with a french flair. We have tried their quiches, croissants and other pastries, and have also enjoyed a variety of their fresh fruit juices.
This one was a great during-pandemic discovery, when many restaurants in Old San Juan where closed or it was hard to find a spot when the capacity was at 20-25%. The owner himself plays the piano and very well. And the food is also great! They offer outdoor seating too.
29 locals recommend
Carli's Fine Bistro & Piano
29 locals recommend
This one was a great during-pandemic discovery, when many restaurants in Old San Juan where closed or it was hard to find a spot when the capacity was at 20-25%. The owner himself plays the piano and very well. And the food is also great! They offer outdoor seating too.
This tiny house is a Bar and a Restaurant. Their outdoor seating is fantastic, with a view to the Port, and eventually, the Cruise Ships, when they are allowed back. The variety of Rum based drinks is incredible. We enjoyed it very much!
14 locals recommend
La Casita de Rones
Calle Comercio
14 locals recommend
This tiny house is a Bar and a Restaurant. Their outdoor seating is fantastic, with a view to the Port, and eventually, the Cruise Ships, when they are allowed back. The variety of Rum based drinks is incredible. We enjoyed it very much!
Bodega Chic has been a favorite spot for locals who enjoy a casual, playful atmosphere with a taste of fine French cuisine.
16 locals recommend
Bodega Chic
313 C. de la Fortaleza
16 locals recommend
Bodega Chic has been a favorite spot for locals who enjoy a casual, playful atmosphere with a taste of fine French cuisine.
It’s a new, trendy Tapas bear nearby. We love their Champiñones al Ajillo and their Seafood Paella.
El Champi
72 Calle Caleta de San Juan
It’s a new, trendy Tapas bear nearby. We love their Champiñones al Ajillo and their Seafood Paella.

WHERE TO GO VISIT

In this section, we list those places we consider nearby “hidden gems" of Old San Juan. They are beautiful, memorable and off-the-beaten-path, yet very close to the 'Blue Room'. We have been to all of them ourselves, at least twice, as we keep being pulled by these memorable places.
My husband and I love this walk. Walk some 10 minutes from Them Blue Room’ towards the Puerta de San Juan (that’s the red gate in the picture), the oldest of all the entry gates in the once-walled city. Follow the wide sidewalk going North, towards the Castillo del Morro (in the other direction you will reach El Paseo de la Princesa, also worth a visit). You will be walking almost at sea level and enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean, old city walls and sentry posts. Go around dusk for some memorable sunset views.
Paseo del Morro
Paseo del Morro
My husband and I love this walk. Walk some 10 minutes from Them Blue Room’ towards the Puerta de San Juan (that’s the red gate in the picture), the oldest of all the entry gates in the once-walled city. Follow the wide sidewalk going North, towards the Castillo del Morro (in the other direction you will reach El Paseo de la Princesa, also worth a visit). You will be walking almost at sea level and enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean, old city walls and sentry posts. Go around dusk for some memorable sunset views.
Want to see the rooftops of Old San Juan while sipping a drink around an infinity pool? Then the top floor of the hotel La Terraza is the place to visit. It’s located at 262 Calle del Sol, some 10 easy blocks from the ‘Blue Room’. Go to the barman at the front, order your drink and then take the elevator to the top floor. There’s no cover charge.
52 locals recommend
La Puerta de San Juan
262 C. del Sol
52 locals recommend
Want to see the rooftops of Old San Juan while sipping a drink around an infinity pool? Then the top floor of the hotel La Terraza is the place to visit. It’s located at 262 Calle del Sol, some 10 easy blocks from the ‘Blue Room’. Go to the barman at the front, order your drink and then take the elevator to the top floor. There’s no cover charge.
Just a few blocks away is this hotel built by Rafael Andrade, who remodeled and runs this hotel together with his parents, wife and sisters. They have a stunning rooftop from where you can see the Castillo del Morro and its lighthouse while eating and drinking al fresco. You can also have a bite at their restaurant, where one of the sisters will cook a delicious homemade meal.
352 Guest House
352-1 C. de San Francisco
Just a few blocks away is this hotel built by Rafael Andrade, who remodeled and runs this hotel together with his parents, wife and sisters. They have a stunning rooftop from where you can see the Castillo del Morro and its lighthouse while eating and drinking al fresco. You can also have a bite at their restaurant, where one of the sisters will cook a delicious homemade meal.
This is THE beach of Old San Juan, very popular with the locals. During the weekends you can see long lines of cars trying to catch one of the few parking spaces. But if you are in the ‘Blue Room’ you can take an Uber and hit the waves in less than 15 minutes. You can also go walking: I know somebody that jogs to the place every day and takes him 30 minutes. The beach is large and has plenty of palm trees for shade. My only qualm is that there’s no beach service so you must take food and beverages along. At the ‘Blue Room’, we have beach towels you can take to the beach and enjoy.
98 locals recommend
Balneario El Escambron
98 locals recommend
This is THE beach of Old San Juan, very popular with the locals. During the weekends you can see long lines of cars trying to catch one of the few parking spaces. But if you are in the ‘Blue Room’ you can take an Uber and hit the waves in less than 15 minutes. You can also go walking: I know somebody that jogs to the place every day and takes him 30 minutes. The beach is large and has plenty of palm trees for shade. My only qualm is that there’s no beach service so you must take food and beverages along. At the ‘Blue Room’, we have beach towels you can take to the beach and enjoy.
The Cathedral is one block away from the 'Blue Room'. It will be 500 years old in 2021! It's actually the second oldest church in the Western Hemisphere, and the oldest church on U.S. soil. At the cathedral, you can visit the tomb of Ponce de León, the Spanish conquistador who served as the first Governor or Puerto Rico, the mummy of St. Pio and beautiful stained glass windows.
83 locals recommend
Cathedral Basilica of Saint John the Baptist
151 C. del Cristo
83 locals recommend
The Cathedral is one block away from the 'Blue Room'. It will be 500 years old in 2021! It's actually the second oldest church in the Western Hemisphere, and the oldest church on U.S. soil. At the cathedral, you can visit the tomb of Ponce de León, the Spanish conquistador who served as the first Governor or Puerto Rico, the mummy of St. Pio and beautiful stained glass windows.
A mere two blocks away from the 'Blue Room', at 101 Calle de Tetuan, you will come across an extraordinarily slim, two-story house known as La Casa Estrecha (Spanish for The Narrow House). Measuring a mere five feet, three inches across, the house was once a neglected alleyway before it was transformed into a home. Its facade features a vibrant yellow hue and a lush green door, making it very hard to miss! Despite its slim stature, the house has all the basic amenities of a home, including a living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.
La Casa Estrecha
101 C. de Tetuán
A mere two blocks away from the 'Blue Room', at 101 Calle de Tetuan, you will come across an extraordinarily slim, two-story house known as La Casa Estrecha (Spanish for The Narrow House). Measuring a mere five feet, three inches across, the house was once a neglected alleyway before it was transformed into a home. Its facade features a vibrant yellow hue and a lush green door, making it very hard to miss! Despite its slim stature, the house has all the basic amenities of a home, including a living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.
Galería Botello is on the ground floor of the building where the 'Blue Room' is located. You can't get much closer to an attraction than that! The gallery showcases some of the finest internationally recognized artists. It was founded by the famed artist Angel Botello, known as the 'Paul Gauguin of the Caribbean'. The gallery displays some of his works, including bronze sculptures, oils, lithographs and linocuts. Even if you are not interested in art, visit the gallery to see the interior patio and fountain of the original 320-year old house. The incredibly cordial Juan Botello, son of the late artist, owns and runs the place. Say hi to our neighbor!
21 locals recommend
Galeria Botello
208 C. del Cristo
21 locals recommend
Galería Botello is on the ground floor of the building where the 'Blue Room' is located. You can't get much closer to an attraction than that! The gallery showcases some of the finest internationally recognized artists. It was founded by the famed artist Angel Botello, known as the 'Paul Gauguin of the Caribbean'. The gallery displays some of his works, including bronze sculptures, oils, lithographs and linocuts. Even if you are not interested in art, visit the gallery to see the interior patio and fountain of the original 320-year old house. The incredibly cordial Juan Botello, son of the late artist, owns and runs the place. Say hi to our neighbor!
Calle Fortaleza leads to the governor's mansion. It's literally 50 feet from the building where the 'Blue Room' is located! Youn will see umbrellas atop the street, which give welcome shade and color. They have a tourist attraction themselves! Shops and residences line the street and if you go at dusk, you might see locals dancing in the street or children playing. You might even see a local protest or two, which paradoxically combine the demands of disappointed citizens with lively salsa music.
Calle Fortaleza
Calle de la Fortaleza
Calle Fortaleza leads to the governor's mansion. It's literally 50 feet from the building where the 'Blue Room' is located! Youn will see umbrellas atop the street, which give welcome shade and color. They have a tourist attraction themselves! Shops and residences line the street and if you go at dusk, you might see locals dancing in the street or children playing. You might even see a local protest or two, which paradoxically combine the demands of disappointed citizens with lively salsa music.
La Punta del Morro, or simply El Morro (Spanish for promontory or ridge), is part of El Castillo de San Felipe, a citadel built between the 16th and 18th centuries to protect the capital city, today's Old San Juan. It lies on the northwestern-most point of the islet and was named in honor of King Philip II of Spain. The fortification was designed to guard the entrance to the San Juan Bay, and defend the Spanish colonial port city of San Juan from seaborne enemies. It will take you a mere 15 minutes from the 'Blue Room' to get there.
Punta del Morro
La Punta del Morro, or simply El Morro (Spanish for promontory or ridge), is part of El Castillo de San Felipe, a citadel built between the 16th and 18th centuries to protect the capital city, today's Old San Juan. It lies on the northwestern-most point of the islet and was named in honor of King Philip II of Spain. The fortification was designed to guard the entrance to the San Juan Bay, and defend the Spanish colonial port city of San Juan from seaborne enemies. It will take you a mere 15 minutes from the 'Blue Room' to get there.
Plaza La Rogativa is the most scenic plaza in San Juan Puerto Rico offering 180-degree views of the San Juan bay, El Yunque (where my brother lives) in the distance, Isla de Cabras, the San Juan Gate, La Fortaleza, and the historic walkways along the city walls. Rogativa means 'The Procession' and it celebrates the legend about a Catholic Bishop and his companions who made a procession of women holding crosses, torches, and chanting during an invasion by the British on the city in 1797. The British thought they were Spanish Army reinforcements and gave up on the attack.
Calle La Rogativa
Calle La Rogativa
Plaza La Rogativa is the most scenic plaza in San Juan Puerto Rico offering 180-degree views of the San Juan bay, El Yunque (where my brother lives) in the distance, Isla de Cabras, the San Juan Gate, La Fortaleza, and the historic walkways along the city walls. Rogativa means 'The Procession' and it celebrates the legend about a Catholic Bishop and his companions who made a procession of women holding crosses, torches, and chanting during an invasion by the British on the city in 1797. The British thought they were Spanish Army reinforcements and gave up on the attack.
Ballajá Barracks (or Cuartel de Ballajá in Spanish) is a military barracks located in Old San Juan, about a 15-minute walk from the 'Blue Room'. It was built around 1860 for the Spanish troops established on the island and their families. Today, the Ballajá Barracks houses several educational and cultural organizations, namely the Museo de Las Américas on the second floor of the building since 1992. On the first floor, there are music and dance schools and a library, among a variety of restaurants.
17 locals recommend
Ballajá
17 locals recommend
Ballajá Barracks (or Cuartel de Ballajá in Spanish) is a military barracks located in Old San Juan, about a 15-minute walk from the 'Blue Room'. It was built around 1860 for the Spanish troops established on the island and their families. Today, the Ballajá Barracks houses several educational and cultural organizations, namely the Museo de Las Américas on the second floor of the building since 1992. On the first floor, there are music and dance schools and a library, among a variety of restaurants.
This church is the second oldest in the Americas and it has just been fully renovated, after many years of work. It will open on March 19th, but we were able to take glimpses of it while walking or coming with a car, as they were working on it. A little jewel!
9 locals recommend
Iglesia de San Jose
197 Calle O'Neill
9 locals recommend
This church is the second oldest in the Americas and it has just been fully renovated, after many years of work. It will open on March 19th, but we were able to take glimpses of it while walking or coming with a car, as they were working on it. A little jewel!
A stone's throw away from the 'Blue Room', tucked away at the very end of Calle del Cristo, is a tiny chapel, one of the most beautiful and secluded monuments in Old San Juan. It was built on top of the ancient stone walls that protected the capital in 1753 to celebrate a miracle (visit the chappel and you'll know what the miracle is all about. Hint: it's a love story). Ever since then, tens of thousands of faithful Puerto Ricans have come to this humble chapel to pray for miracle cures themselves.
24 locals recommend
Chapel of Christ the Savior (Capilla de Cristo)
24 locals recommend
A stone's throw away from the 'Blue Room', tucked away at the very end of Calle del Cristo, is a tiny chapel, one of the most beautiful and secluded monuments in Old San Juan. It was built on top of the ancient stone walls that protected the capital in 1753 to celebrate a miracle (visit the chappel and you'll know what the miracle is all about. Hint: it's a love story). Ever since then, tens of thousands of faithful Puerto Ricans have come to this humble chapel to pray for miracle cures themselves.