- Barrachina -You can’t eat in Old San Juan without going to the birthplace of the piña colada! The drinks are a bit different than they are in the States; they are creamier, smoother, and more delicious. And don’t worry, the food is excellent too! Make sure you check their website before planning your evening, however. Some nights they close earlier than others.
- Waffle Era Tea Room – Have you ever wanted gourmet waffles? Of course you have. This is a must-stop breakfast location while you’re in the city. Their menu is divided into savory and sweet waffles as well as by size (small wafflitos and plate-sized waffles). I suggest you get two wafflitos – one savory and one sweet! You won’t regret it.
- Caficultura – For a nice afternoon coffee, there’s no better place than Caficultura. They’ve got all the fancy coffees Americans are spoiled with, and a lovely hipsterish atmosphere. Be forewarned! This is definitely the coffee place for tourists. Not a bad thing, but if you’re aiming for cultural immersion, I suggest you go to #4.
- Café Manolín – Suggested by our hotel clerk as “where Puerto Ricans eat breakfast,” we visited this place twice, once for breakfast and once for lunch. Breakfast was both delicious and cheap. We sat at the diner counter and watched Puerto Rican businesspeople drink coffee before heading to work. We returned another day for lunch, which was a little disappointing. The food was not as great, and a cruise ship full of tourists had also found the spot. I suggest you go early, and make sure you order coffee! It was wonderful.
Do you have a favorite restaurant in Old San Juan that I missed? Comment and let me know!
It Is Trish 