Guidebook for San Juan
Food Scene
Abracadabra
1661 Av. Juan Ponce de LeónArts Café and Restaurant. Famous for their weekend 'Magical Brunch'.
Rubens Cafe
1317 Av. Juan Ponce de León24 hour restaurant with parking and local food.
Celebrity chef José Santaella (check out his new cookbook) turned an old hardware store into one of the most elegant restaurants in the Caribbean. A little more expensive than most - but guests report its well worth it!
163 locals recommend
Santaella
219 C. CanalsCelebrity chef José Santaella (check out his new cookbook) turned an old hardware store into one of the most elegant restaurants in the Caribbean. A little more expensive than most - but guests report its well worth it!
Although they have a 'touristy' outpost in the Miramar neighborhood - the original location the family's house in the Villa Palmeras neighborhood is the real deal. Home cooking is featured here in a simple family style.
145 locals recommend
La Casita Blanca
351 C. TapiaAlthough they have a 'touristy' outpost in the Miramar neighborhood - the original location the family's house in the Villa Palmeras neighborhood is the real deal. Home cooking is featured here in a simple family style.
Owner Abner was on the cover of Barista Magazine - so you know he'll serve great coffee... and only one block from your suite!
24 locals recommend
Café Comunión
1616 PR-25Owner Abner was on the cover of Barista Magazine - so you know he'll serve great coffee... and only one block from your suite!
Interesting fusion menu of wood-oven pizza and pastas plus great cocktails, just a block from our house.
8 locals recommend
Asia de Lima
1700 Avenue Juan Ponce de LeónInteresting fusion menu of wood-oven pizza and pastas plus great cocktails, just a block from our house.
Vianda
1413 PR-25Celebrity chefs, fantastic feedback from guests!
Casa Manolo
413 C. del ParqueClassic Basque cuisine plus Puerto Rican favorites.
No longer in La Placita de Santurce - but should still be on your list of great Puerto Rican chefs. Now located in the Condado tourist area near the Condado Plaza Hotel.
104 locals recommend
Jose Enrique Puerto Rican Restaurant
1021 Ashford AveNo longer in La Placita de Santurce - but should still be on your list of great Puerto Rican chefs. Now located in the Condado tourist area near the Condado Plaza Hotel.
Local chain of sandwich shops with traditional Puerto Rican 'pressed sandwiches'. Great for breakfast on Sunday when most other places are closed or only do brunch. Across from the Museum of Art.
9 locals recommend
El Mesón Sandwiches (Santurce)
A Av. de DiegoLocal chain of sandwich shops with traditional Puerto Rican 'pressed sandwiches'. Great for breakfast on Sunday when most other places are closed or only do brunch. Across from the Museum of Art.
One of Puerto Rico's top coffee plantations has their coffee shop near the Museum of Art.
51 locals recommend
Hacienda San Pedro
318 C. De DiegoOne of Puerto Rico's top coffee plantations has their coffee shop near the Museum of Art.
Ocean Park Beach does not have bathrooms - but this Spanish deli and bakery has excellent clean bathrooms just a few blocks from the beach. As long as you buy a coffee or anything else, the code for the bathrooms is on your receipt.
This is where President Obama had lunch one day, so you can order your Obama Special Sandwich. Servings are large, so one sandwich is plenty for two people.
341 locals recommend
Kasalta
1966 Av. McLearyOcean Park Beach does not have bathrooms - but this Spanish deli and bakery has excellent clean bathrooms just a few blocks from the beach. As long as you buy a coffee or anything else, the code for the bathrooms is on your receipt.
This is where President Obama had lunch one day, so you can order your Obama Special Sandwich. Servings are large, so one sandwich is plenty for two people.
Restaurante La Casona
609 C. San JorgeLarge formal Spanish cuisine popular with weddings and events.
15 food trunks just 2 blocks from the house. Some are permanent, others rotate every few months. Always something going on.... Closed Mondays.
224 locals recommend
Lote 23
1552 PR-2515 food trunks just 2 blocks from the house. Some are permanent, others rotate every few months. Always something going on.... Closed Mondays.
Traditional Puerto Rican cuisine at Plaza del Mercado - home cooking that is a favorite!
6 locals recommend
Boronia
100 C. San RafaelTraditional Puerto Rican cuisine at Plaza del Mercado - home cooking that is a favorite!
San Juan Smokehouse
255 Calle OrbetaNorth American style BBQ at La Placita marketplace.
Asere Cubano - Kitchen & Bar
180 C. dos HermanosCuban cuisine at La Placita marketplace.
La Alcapurria Quemá
251 C. DuffautInspired by traditional street food, a Puerto Rican favorite!
Best Piña Colada at the marketplace and great mojitos! Also known for ceviche and seafood salads. In the corner of the market building near the gazebo.
21 locals recommend
El Coco de Luis
Best Piña Colada at the marketplace and great mojitos! Also known for ceviche and seafood salads. In the corner of the market building near the gazebo.
The best Thai restaurant in San Juan and probably the entire Caribbean. On the street just before Ruben's Cafe and the marketplace.
53 locals recommend
Mai Pen Rai
303 C. CanalsThe best Thai restaurant in San Juan and probably the entire Caribbean. On the street just before Ruben's Cafe and the marketplace.
Delavida
1361 C. IturriagaHidden on the side street after the marketplace.
Stop by on your way to or from the beach. Buy anything and you'll find the bathroom code on your receipt.
Spanish bakery and deli - order your Obama Special and see why the president stopped here for lunch with the locals.
341 locals recommend
Kasalta
1966 Av. McLearyStop by on your way to or from the beach. Buy anything and you'll find the bathroom code on your receipt.
Spanish bakery and deli - order your Obama Special and see why the president stopped here for lunch with the locals.
Tresbé
1765 C. LoízaContainer turned food truck.
La Cueva Del Mar
1904 C. LoízaDouble Cake
1104 C. LoízaPiso Viejo 1917 | Bar, Cocktails & Tapas
1917 C. LoízaKFC
117 Calle Manuel CorchadoMcDonald's
2006-2008 C. LoízaBebo Cafe
1600 C. LoízaSilk
103 Av. de DiegoNonna Cucina Rustica
103 C. San JorgeEl Viejo Almacén. Argentinian Cuisine
1604 C. LoízaPanuchos
1762 C. LoízaSabrina
1801 C. LoízaLa Preña Food Truck
1810 C. LoízaBottega
1807 C. LoízaRound Eye Ramen
105 Cll PomarrosaPinky's Calle Loíza
1902 C. LoízaMolini's
1857 C. LoízaAna's
1909 Calle LoízaUjeong Korean BBQ
Calle LoízaThe Mac 'n Cheese
1916 C. LoízaCafetería Quisqueya
1918 C. LoízaBurger & Mayo Lab
2016 C. LoízaSi No Corro Me Pizza
1917 C. LoízaCocobana
#2000 C. LoízaVolando Bajito
Pa'l West
103-113 Cll Ismael Rivera4Puntos Café. Bar
2019-2023 C. LoízaPrros Locos
2016 C. LoízaBocca Osteria Romana
2012 C. LoízaEl Tripletón
103 C. TapiaGeorgie's BBQ
Calle CoronaCafé San Felipe
103 Cll BetancesDegetau Sea Food
#224 Esquina Baldorioty de CastroAcapulco
2021 C. LoízaLa B de Burro
2000 Av. McLearyBerlingeri
#1966 Av. McLearyNiche Bistro
8 C. TaftPiola Pizzería Artesanal
1503 C. LoízaTheos Greek Cafe
1754 C. LoízaUvva
1 C. TapiaExpensive, but overlooking the beach and ocean.
Numero Uno Beach House
1 C. Sta. AnaOn the beach in Ocean Park at Numero Uno guest house.
Drinks & Nightlife
This is a simple 'road house' kind of bar most of the week, but on Monday nights San Juan's young, hip, crowd turns out by the hundreds for traditional 'Bomba' music. No cover, no entrance - the crowd packs the street and space in front of the open gazebo where local musicians, singers and dancers 'jam' from 8:30 - midnight. Open every night, but bomba music featured on Monday nights. Don't miss it! A truly unique local cultural experience. Drinks are cheap and bar food available.
23 locals recommend
La Terraza De Bonanza
Avenida Eduardo CondeThis is a simple 'road house' kind of bar most of the week, but on Monday nights San Juan's young, hip, crowd turns out by the hundreds for traditional 'Bomba' music. No cover, no entrance - the crowd packs the street and space in front of the open gazebo where local musicians, singers and dancers 'jam' from 8:30 - midnight. Open every night, but bomba music featured on Monday nights. Don't miss it! A truly unique local cultural experience. Drinks are cheap and bar food available.
Small club with older crowd - drag queens Thurs, Fri. Sat. at midnight. Cultural night Sunday at 11:30pm.
Zal Zi Puedes
1702-1708 Avenida de la ConstituciónSmall club with older crowd - drag queens Thurs, Fri. Sat. at midnight. Cultural night Sunday at 11:30pm.
Neighborhood gay bar. Tues. Thurs. Sunday Karaoke. Open from late afternoon to midnight or more...
14 locals recommend
Tia Maria's Liquor Store
326 Avenida José de DiegoNeighborhood gay bar. Tues. Thurs. Sunday Karaoke. Open from late afternoon to midnight or more...
Hipster Central - especially Thurs - Sunday lots of restaurants, clubs, bars for the young, hip, crowd.
32 locals recommend
Calle Loíza
Calle LoízaHipster Central - especially Thurs - Sunday lots of restaurants, clubs, bars for the young, hip, crowd.
25 restaurants, bars, clubs, etc. around the traditional marketplace. Slow on Monday and Tuesday. Traditional 'Street Party' Thurs, Fri. Sat. nights.
605 locals recommend
La Placita
300 C. dos Hermanos25 restaurants, bars, clubs, etc. around the traditional marketplace. Slow on Monday and Tuesday. Traditional 'Street Party' Thurs, Fri. Sat. nights.
El Local en Santurce
1425 Av. Manuel Fernández JuncosIndie Rock mecca near the fine arts center.
7eight7 Night Club
1420 Avenue Juan Ponce de LeónLarge 'Miami-Style' disco across from the fine arts center is old movie theater.
The first club that really created the arts district. Thurs-Sun. different performances - everything from jazz, to r&b, to poetry slams or latin rock. Every Monday night hip hop night.
58 locals recommend
La Respuesta
1600 Av. Manuel Fernández JuncosThe first club that really created the arts district. Thurs-Sun. different performances - everything from jazz, to r&b, to poetry slams or latin rock. Every Monday night hip hop night.
Taberna Selfies
361 C. del ParqueBarcelona style tapas and 'self pour' tap beer cards.
Hottest cocktail bar in town and home to the youngest celebrity chef in San Juan.
30 locals recommend
JungleBird
254 C. CanalsHottest cocktail bar in town and home to the youngest celebrity chef in San Juan.
Best cocktails in San Juan - one block from La Placita on Calle Canals.
30 locals recommend
JungleBird
254 C. CanalsBest cocktails in San Juan - one block from La Placita on Calle Canals.
La Placita
300 C. dos HermanosArtsy hangout and bistro near the marketplace.
Arts & Culture
Artist collective and gallery just next door to our house. If you see the upper level door open, lights on and people - stop by and see what San Juan's young, creative, artists are doing!
Huge Arts Complex with 5 theaters, cafe, symphony hall and large plaza.
62 locals recommend
Luis A. Ferre Fine Arts Center
Huge Arts Complex with 5 theaters, cafe, symphony hall and large plaza.
Youth Ballet and School next door. You may hear the kids practicing from your balcony or deck.
Mauro Youth Ballet Company
1657 Av. Juan Ponce de LeónYouth Ballet and School next door. You may hear the kids practicing from your balcony or deck.
Movies premier on Thursdays in PR and prices are cheap compared to the states. Go to the first show of the day for discount prices and no previews! Great rainy day choice just across from the Museum of Contemporary Art.
49 locals recommend
Caribbean Cinemas - Metro Cinemas
1255 Av. Juan Ponce de LeónMovies premier on Thursdays in PR and prices are cheap compared to the states. Go to the first show of the day for discount prices and no previews! Great rainy day choice just across from the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Great collection of Puerto Rican art and visiting exhibitions. Free entry every Wed. after 2pm.
473 locals recommend
Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico
299 Avenida José de DiegoGreat collection of Puerto Rican art and visiting exhibitions. Free entry every Wed. after 2pm.
Concerts and weekly Jazz overlooking the Condado lagoon.
28 locals recommend
Conservatorio de Musica de Puerto Rico
951 PR-25Concerts and weekly Jazz overlooking the Condado lagoon.
Hidrante
1221 C. SaldañaBallet Concierto de Puerto Rico
316 Avenida José de DiegoBallets de San Juan
1402-1418 Avenida de la ConstituciónAndanza
657 C. CondadoCafé Teatro El Shorty
607 C. del ParqueTeatro Francisco Arrivi
Calle del ParqueTeatro Victoria Espinosa
Puerto Rico 25Taller Teatro “Y No Había Luz”
1416 Av. Juan Ponce de LeónJulian Blanco
Calle Julian BlancoMuseum of Contemporary Art of Puerto Rico
Essentials
Supermercados Pueblo
1511 PR-2524/7 large grocery store and food court.
Farmacia Luis
1501 Av. Juan Ponce de LeónNeighborhood pharmacy and more.
Next to the Tren Urbano, if you have prescriptions from your home CVS you can pick them up here.
41 locals recommend
CVS Pharmacy
105 P.º Gilberto Concepción De GraciaNext to the Tren Urbano, if you have prescriptions from your home CVS you can pick them up here.
Near Ocean Park Beach and Kasalta, if you have prescriptions from your home Walgreens, you can pick them up here.
277 locals recommend
Walgreens
1130 Ashford AveNear Ocean Park Beach and Kasalta, if you have prescriptions from your home Walgreens, you can pick them up here.
The first 2-level urban Walmart - great place for essentials or souvenirs to take back home!
104 locals recommend
Walmart Supercenter de Santurce
701 Av. Roberto H. ToddThe first 2-level urban Walmart - great place for essentials or souvenirs to take back home!
Farmacia Americana
Very local pharmacy, mini-mart and more..
Ferreteria Madrid
1818 C. LoízaOld school hardware store and more...
SuperMax
114 Avenida José de DiegoEverything Else
Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot
500 Av. Arterial BMajor stadium for events, concerts.
Puerto Rico Convention Center
100 Blvr. Saint JohnMajor convention venue - easily reached by bus.
Large condo complex with 24/7 Pueblo Supermarket, ATM, Planet Fitness, Yoga/Massage studio, YOLO Restaurant and more... Just 2 blocks from the house. Built around historic 'Blanche Kellog Institute' built in 1915 as a school for girls.
11 locals recommend
Ciudadela
1511 PR-25Large condo complex with 24/7 Pueblo Supermarket, ATM, Planet Fitness, Yoga/Massage studio, YOLO Restaurant and more... Just 2 blocks from the house. Built around historic 'Blanche Kellog Institute' built in 1915 as a school for girls.
If you fall in love with the Santurce Arts District or any other neighborhood in San Juan - your host is also a real estate broker, lic. C-18922.
Puerto Rico Property Sales
456 C. SaldañaIf you fall in love with the Santurce Arts District or any other neighborhood in San Juan - your host is also a real estate broker, lic. C-18922.
Landmark when you arrive from the airport or on your way to the beach.
15 locals recommend
Hospital San Jorge
258 C. San JorgeLandmark when you arrive from the airport or on your way to the beach.
Large university campus near the urban train and Monteflores neighborhood.
9 locals recommend
Universidad del Sagrado Corazon Art Gallery
Parada 26.5Large university campus near the urban train and Monteflores neighborhood.
Neighborhoods
Tourist zone across the highway from Santurce Arts District. Lots of resort hotels, casinos, restaurants that run along Ashford Avenue. Take the #21 Bus (about 15 min. or Uber in less than 10 minutes. For walkers - its about 20 minutes.
283 locals recommend
Condado
Tourist zone across the highway from Santurce Arts District. Lots of resort hotels, casinos, restaurants that run along Ashford Avenue. Take the #21 Bus (about 15 min. or Uber in less than 10 minutes. For walkers - its about 20 minutes.
The best beach in San Juan - an easy 15 minute walk from the house. Also close to Calle Loiza restaurants, bars, nightlife.
278 locals recommend
Ocean Park
2059 Cll ItaliaThe best beach in San Juan - an easy 15 minute walk from the house. Also close to Calle Loiza restaurants, bars, nightlife.
Miramar
Great neighborhood and historic zone near the Condado lagoon.
You can't miss this UNESCO World Heritage site - easy access by public bus. Make sure to go during the day - but return in the evening for the sunset and see how locals take over the parks and plazas after the tourists return to their cruise ships.
902 locals recommend
Viejo San Juan
You can't miss this UNESCO World Heritage site - easy access by public bus. Make sure to go during the day - but return in the evening for the sunset and see how locals take over the parks and plazas after the tourists return to their cruise ships.