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 raden deze aan
Bocca Osteria Romana
2012 C. LoízaBocca 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 raden deze aan
Shibō
2012 C. LoízaThe 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 raden deze aan
Lote 23
1552 PR-25Lote 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 raden deze aan
Sabrina
1801 C. LoízaNamed 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 raden deze aan
La Cueva Del Mar
1904 C. LoízaRecognised by locals as one of the best places in the island for fresh seafood and local cuisine.
Mere pescao
1915 Calle LoízaUnpretentious, creative and delicious seafood. Walking distance.
A very cool and hipster Cafe. Serves lunch, breakfast and organic juices.
65 locals raden deze aan
Kamoli Kafe Butik
1706 Calle LoízaA 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 raden deze aan
Pirilo Pizza
2000 Av. McLearyThe 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 raden deze aan
Acapulco
2021 C. LoízaAuthentic 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 raden deze aan
Hosteria Del Mar
1 C. TapiaHigh 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 raden deze aan
Numero Uno Beach House
1 C. Sta. AnaFine 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 raden deze aan
Pinky's Calle Loíza
1902 C. LoízaSmall restaurant that serves great light lunch, shakes and brunch.
Cocobana
#2000 C. LoízaGreat vegan food.
Berlingeri
#1966 Av. McLearyVeagan 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 raden deze aan
La Cocktelera
1857 C. LoízaRecently 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.
Funky Buddha
1503 C. LoízaCool and fun! Expect the unexpected.
Cool cocktail bar with a hipster attitude.
74 locals raden deze aan
Piso Viejo 1917 | Bar, Cocktails & Tapas
1917 C. LoízaCool cocktail bar with a hipster attitude.
Awarded as one of the Top 50 Bars in the World! Located in Old San Juan.
369 locals raden deze aan
La Factoria
148 C. San SebastiánAwarded 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 raden deze aan
Old San Juan
100 C. de la FortalezaDon'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 raden deze aan
Arecibo Observatory
Puerto Rico 625World'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 raden deze aan
BioBay Fajardo
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 raden deze aan
Calle Cerra
Calle CerraIf 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 raden deze aan
Toro Verde Adventure Park
State Route 155The World's largest zip line! Fly over mountains and three towns.
US National Park El Yunque Rainforest. Enjoy breathtaking views and waterfalls.
1253 locals raden deze aan
El Yunque Rain Forest
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 raden deze aan
San Juan Paddleboarding
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
Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico
299 Avenida José de DiegoShopping
Plaza Las Americas
525 Av. Franklin Delano RooseveltThe Mall of San Juan
1000 The Mall of San Juan BlvdEssentials
Walgreens
1130 Ashford AveOne block down after the Ocean Park Gate.