Restaurants
1. El Jibarito
This family-run restaurant is an institution among locals, who flock for simple Puerto Rican fare, including specialties such as conch ceviche and chicken fricassee.
Calle Sol 280, Old San Juan • 787 725 8375 • $20–$30
2. Santaella
Located steps away from Santurce’s Farmer’s Market, Santaella offers a great menu with dishes prepared from fresh, local ingredients. Begin with the croquetas, followed by the gratinado.
3. Lola
A fusion of taste and color, this popular eatery in Ponce offers gourmet cuisine that combines modern continental fare with Puerto Rican staples. Try the decadent fried cheesecake.
4. Zest at The Water Club
At this beautiful restaurant, treat yourself to an avant-garde culinary experience set in an amazing subaquatic atmosphere. Its modern Latin cuisine menu features butter poached lobster tail, squid ink risotto with carrots beurre blanc and crispy calamari.
5. La Cucina di Ivo
Elegant colonial architecture adds to the ambient charm of this traditional restaurant located in the heart of Old San Juan. The Italian family that owns it is justifiably proud of the dishes served, particularly the Ossobuco alla Milanese and the risottos.
6. Horned Dorset Primavera
This restaurant is considered to be the finest in western Puerto Rico. Its nightly five-course fusion menu may include lobster in orange-flavored beurre blanc sauce and pan-seared scallops.
7. Carambola
This fine-dining restaurant has the best Caribbean fusion cuisine on Vieques. Relax in its atmospheric, candlelit dining room or enjoy the views from its romantic terrace.
8. Lechoneras at Guavate
These simple, open-air eateries (for further details see Lechoneras) with outdoor seating are a specialty of Guavate. You’re charged by the weight of your plates. Live musicians often perform.Junction of Carreteras 184 and 52, Guavate • Open 11am–6pm Fri–Sun
9. Beach Shacks, Playa Pinones
Puerto Rican delicacies, such as bacalaitos (codfish fritters), are fried over open fires at wooden kiosks here. These are a great option for laid-back dining. A chilled beer makes the perfect accompaniment.
10. Tamboo Beside the Pointe
This beachfront restaurant specializes in fresh fish and seafood, with a menu that changes according to the catch of the day. Diners can enjoy their meal – and delicious piña coladas – while watching surfers in action.Carretera 413 Km 4.4, Marías Beach, Rincón • 787 823 8550 • $10–$20
Top 10 Bars
1. El Patio de Sam
A live-music bar selling 26 types of beer and excellent hamburgers (for further details see El Patio de Sam).
2. Mist
A chic rooftop drinking hole with a skyline swimming pool and a live DJ (for further details see Mist).
3. Small Bar
A trendy bar in Condada area serving a wide variety of artisan beers (for further details see Small Bar).
4. La Taberna del Lúpulo
This bar offers a huge selection of beers and a rocking nightlife.Calle del Sol 200, San Juan • 787 721 3772 • Open 3pm–1am Mon–Thu (until 2am Fri & Sat, midnight Sun)
5. Calypso Cafe & Bar
A great place for wraps, sandwiches, and Saturday brunch.Carretera 413, Marías Beach, Rincón • 787 823 1626 • Open 11am–10pm
6. Colmados
Grocery stores that often double as working-class bars (for further details see Colmados and Fondas).
8. Carli’s Fine Bistro & Piano
Known for live jazz, martinis, and gourmet cuisine.Calle Tetuán 206, San Juan • 787 725 4927 • Open 11:30am–3pm & 5–11:30pm Mon–Sat
9. Bar Mar Azul
A bar with pool tables, darts, and a juke box.Isabel Segunda, Vieques • 787 741 3400 • Open 11pm–1am Sun–Thu, 11pm–2:30am Fri–Sat
10. Plaza del Mercado de Santurce
A street party fueled by the market vendors (for further details see Plaza del Mercado de Santurce).
