Guidebook for San Juan

Jorge
Guidebook for San Juan

Food Scene

Bocca is the latest venture from the Salvatore brothers (Acapulco Taquerías), and with this Italian eatery the brothers have succeeded again in providing straightforward, soul-satisfying cuisine. The beauty is in its simplicity: Italian fare straight from Rome and fit for purists. Chef Alessandro personally inspects every dish before it leaves the open kitchen, ensuring the freshly made pasta is perfectly al dente and there’s no cheese where it doesn't belong. Some iconic Roman pastas, like amatriciana and carbonara, are mainstays on the daily changing menu — and keep an eye out for handmade gnocchi and some of the city's best tiramisu
77 locals recommend
Bocca Osteria Romana
2012 C. Loíza
77 locals recommend
Bocca is the latest venture from the Salvatore brothers (Acapulco Taquerías), and with this Italian eatery the brothers have succeeded again in providing straightforward, soul-satisfying cuisine. The beauty is in its simplicity: Italian fare straight from Rome and fit for purists. Chef Alessandro personally inspects every dish before it leaves the open kitchen, ensuring the freshly made pasta is perfectly al dente and there’s no cheese where it doesn't belong. Some iconic Roman pastas, like amatriciana and carbonara, are mainstays on the daily changing menu — and keep an eye out for handmade gnocchi and some of the city's best tiramisu
The latest venture from chef Jonathan Cruz (formerly with Mere Pescao), Shibō combines traditional Asian and Latin dishes into eclectic, contemporary, and flavor-popping creations: sweet plantain dumplings, miso-mofongo, and kimchi-chaufa are a just few of the innovative hybrids. The casual space prides itself on its Latin-Asian soul food concept, and, indeed, the portions are large and flavorful enough to comfort.
62 locals recommend
Shibō
2012 C. Loíza
62 locals recommend
The latest venture from chef Jonathan Cruz (formerly with Mere Pescao), Shibō combines traditional Asian and Latin dishes into eclectic, contemporary, and flavor-popping creations: sweet plantain dumplings, miso-mofongo, and kimchi-chaufa are a just few of the innovative hybrids. The casual space prides itself on its Latin-Asian soul food concept, and, indeed, the portions are large and flavorful enough to comfort.
Lote 23, or “El Lote,” as it’s affectionately known by locals, exemplifies Santurce’s transformation: This once-abandoned lot has been reclaimed and transformed into a culinary mecca for the hip, trendy, and hungry. The open-air space showcases 16 kiosks from veteran local chefs exploring new concepts, like Raúl Correa’s pizza truck, Martin Louzao’s Peruvian fare, and Xavier Pacheco’s creative tacos. Modern, traditional, and exotic flavors intermingle here: you’ll find baos, fried chicken, donuts, sliders, coffee, cocktails, and more. Picnic tables, community games, and murals by local artists fill the multilevel terraces, keeping in line with Santurce’s funky urban vibe.
224 locals recommend
Lote 23
1552 PR-25
224 locals recommend
Lote 23, or “El Lote,” as it’s affectionately known by locals, exemplifies Santurce’s transformation: This once-abandoned lot has been reclaimed and transformed into a culinary mecca for the hip, trendy, and hungry. The open-air space showcases 16 kiosks from veteran local chefs exploring new concepts, like Raúl Correa’s pizza truck, Martin Louzao’s Peruvian fare, and Xavier Pacheco’s creative tacos. Modern, traditional, and exotic flavors intermingle here: you’ll find baos, fried chicken, donuts, sliders, coffee, cocktails, and more. Picnic tables, community games, and murals by local artists fill the multilevel terraces, keeping in line with Santurce’s funky urban vibe.
Named for Audrey Hepburn’s cinema classic Sabrina, this new bistro has become the spot for a girl’s night out or a boozy Sunday brunch. Owned and operated by chef Mario Ormaza, a Jean-Georges alum and owner of Café Tresbé just across the street, the menu offers traditional-meets-tropical fare, like an eggs benedict with mashed plantains and local sausage. The decor is full-on Caribbean chic, lush with colors, textures, and greenery.
116 locals recommend
Sabrina
1801 C. Loíza
116 locals recommend
Named for Audrey Hepburn’s cinema classic Sabrina, this new bistro has become the spot for a girl’s night out or a boozy Sunday brunch. Owned and operated by chef Mario Ormaza, a Jean-Georges alum and owner of Café Tresbé just across the street, the menu offers traditional-meets-tropical fare, like an eggs benedict with mashed plantains and local sausage. The decor is full-on Caribbean chic, lush with colors, textures, and greenery.
Recognised by locals as one of the best places in the island for fresh seafood and local cuisine.
269 locals recommend
La Cueva Del Mar
1904 C. Loíza
269 locals recommend
Recognised by locals as one of the best places in the island for fresh seafood and local cuisine.
Unpretentious, creative and delicious seafood. Walking distance.
28 locals recommend
Mere pescao
1915 Calle Loíza
28 locals recommend
Unpretentious, creative and delicious seafood. Walking distance.
A very cool and hipster Cafe. Serves lunch, breakfast and organic juices.
65 locals recommend
Kamoli Kafe Butik
1706 Calle Loíza
65 locals recommend
A very cool and hipster Cafe. Serves lunch, breakfast and organic juices.
The best pizza Puerto Rico has to offer. It is located extremely close to the apartment once you exit the gated area. Try their unique recipe of sangria. Super fun and super delicious!
211 locals recommend
Pirilo Pizza
2000 Av. McLeary
211 locals recommend
The best pizza Puerto Rico has to offer. It is located extremely close to the apartment once you exit the gated area. Try their unique recipe of sangria. Super fun and super delicious!
Authentic mexican tacos. You won't find any guacamole, sour cream or any other tex-mex toppings. Just the way they serve them in Mexico. The place is very popular for their approach.
178 locals recommend
Acapulco
2021 C. Loíza
178 locals recommend
Authentic mexican tacos. You won't find any guacamole, sour cream or any other tex-mex toppings. Just the way they serve them in Mexico. The place is very popular for their approach.
High end restaurant located inside of Ocean Park (two streets down). Have a romantic dinner in front of the Ocean.
51 locals recommend
Hosteria Del Mar
1 C. Tapia
51 locals recommend
High end restaurant located inside of Ocean Park (two streets down). Have a romantic dinner in front of the Ocean.
Fine dinning located inside of Ocean Park. Wine and dine on a table placed in the sand at night. Amazing experience.
76 locals recommend
Numero Uno Beach House
1 C. Sta. Ana
76 locals recommend
Fine dinning located inside of Ocean Park. Wine and dine on a table placed in the sand at night. Amazing experience.
Small restaurant that serves great light lunch, shakes and brunch.
97 locals recommend
Pinky's Calle Loíza
1902 C. Loíza
97 locals recommend
Small restaurant that serves great light lunch, shakes and brunch.
Great vegan food.
75 locals recommend
Cocobana
#2000 C. Loíza
75 locals recommend
Great vegan food.
Veagan hipster restaurant just outside Ocean Park.
64 locals recommend
Berlingeri
#1966 Av. McLeary
64 locals recommend
Veagan hipster restaurant just outside Ocean Park.

Drinks & Nightlife

Recently Awarded by the US Nightclub and Bar Association as 2017's Best Bar in the US! La Coctelera, another addition to the buzzing dining and nightlife scene on Calle Loíza, the creative food and cocktails share center stage. The self-described gastrobar occupies a modern and industrial space, and boasts an innovative cocktail list with items like the Tesla — served in a lightbulb — and an elevated bar food menu with offerings from dark beer-batter pizzas to bloody mary soup. Many items are meant to be shared, so be sure to come with friends.
73 locals recommend
La Cocktelera
1857 C. Loíza
73 locals recommend
Recently Awarded by the US Nightclub and Bar Association as 2017's Best Bar in the US! La Coctelera, another addition to the buzzing dining and nightlife scene on Calle Loíza, the creative food and cocktails share center stage. The self-described gastrobar occupies a modern and industrial space, and boasts an innovative cocktail list with items like the Tesla — served in a lightbulb — and an elevated bar food menu with offerings from dark beer-batter pizzas to bloody mary soup. Many items are meant to be shared, so be sure to come with friends.
Cool and fun! Expect the unexpected.
87 locals recommend
Funky Buddha
1503 C. Loíza
87 locals recommend
Cool and fun! Expect the unexpected.
Cool cocktail bar with a hipster attitude.
74 locals recommend
Piso Viejo 1917 | Bar, Cocktails & Tapas
1917 C. Loíza
74 locals recommend
Cool cocktail bar with a hipster attitude.
Awarded as one of the Top 50 Bars in the World! Located in Old San Juan.
369 locals recommend
La Factoria
148 C. San Sebastián
369 locals recommend
Awarded as one of the Top 50 Bars in the World! Located in Old San Juan.

Sightseeing

Don't miss one of the oldest cities in the whole hemisphere. Look for El Morro Fortress and take the tour.
460 locals recommend
Old San Juan
100 C. de la Fortaleza
460 locals recommend
Don't miss one of the oldest cities in the whole hemisphere. Look for El Morro Fortress and take the tour.
World's largest radar! Appears in many Hollywood movies.
184 locals recommend
Arecibo Observatory
Puerto Rico 625
184 locals recommend
World's largest radar! Appears in many Hollywood movies.
Contact one of the tour providers and enjoy an amazing night kayaking over the bio bay. Travelling time is about 1 hour from San Juan to the east.
175 locals recommend
BioBay Fajardo
175 locals recommend
Contact one of the tour providers and enjoy an amazing night kayaking over the bio bay. Travelling time is about 1 hour from San Juan to the east.
If you like Wynwood Miami you'll love our own version. Amazing display of "world class" urban art and cuisine all around the block. Google "Santurce Es Ley" Festival for more info.
47 locals recommend
Calle Cerra
Calle Cerra
47 locals recommend
If you like Wynwood Miami you'll love our own version. Amazing display of "world class" urban art and cuisine all around the block. Google "Santurce Es Ley" Festival for more info.

Parks & Nature

The World's largest zip line! Fly over mountains and three towns.
463 locals recommend
Toro Verde Adventure Park
State Route 155
463 locals recommend
The World's largest zip line! Fly over mountains and three towns.
US National Park El Yunque Rainforest. Enjoy breathtaking views and waterfalls.
1253 locals recommend
El Yunque Rain Forest
1253 locals recommend
US National Park El Yunque Rainforest. Enjoy breathtaking views and waterfalls.
Visit the Condado Lagoon and rent a paddle board. You'll love it. No training needed. There's also another place that offers paddle yoga and moonlight paddle. Search for "Paddle Yoga Puerto Rico".
47 locals recommend
San Juan Paddleboarding
47 locals recommend
Visit the Condado Lagoon and rent a paddle board. You'll love it. No training needed. There's also another place that offers paddle yoga and moonlight paddle. Search for "Paddle Yoga Puerto Rico".

Arts & Culture

473 locals recommend
Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico
299 Avenida José de Diego
473 locals recommend

Shopping

607 locals recommend
Plaza Las Americas
525 Av. Franklin Delano Roosevelt
607 locals recommend
503 locals recommend
The Mall of San Juan
1000 The Mall of San Juan Blvd
503 locals recommend

Essentials

One block down after the Ocean Park Gate.
277 locals recommend
Walgreens
1130 Ashford Ave
277 locals recommend
One block down after the Ocean Park Gate.