Guidebook for San Juan
Food Scene
Be sure to check out the ones marked FAVORITE! You won't want to miss them.
Bebo Cafe
1600 C. LoízaDecent (not amazing) local chain for local food.
FAVORITE!! - Drinks are good - Fish Tacos are AMAZING - best I have had anywhere - definitely recommend you make a stop here!
268 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
La Cueva Del Mar
1904 C. LoízaFAVORITE!! - Drinks are good - Fish Tacos are AMAZING - best I have had anywhere - definitely recommend you make a stop here!
FAVORITE!! - This is "the bakery" of the island - the presidents dine here whenever they visit the island. Definitely worth a visit!
341 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Kasalta
1966 Av. McLearyFAVORITE!! - This is "the bakery" of the island - the presidents dine here whenever they visit the island. Definitely worth a visit!
FAVORITE! The food here is delicious - and excellent drinks! It's about a block from the home to the east.
18 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Barbacoa Puerto Rico
2422 Calle LoízaFAVORITE! The food here is delicious - and excellent drinks! It's about a block from the home to the east.
Cheap good local offerings, with inexpensive drinks. Not amazing, but definitely worth a stop in.
29 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Ana's
1909 Calle LoízaCheap good local offerings, with inexpensive drinks. Not amazing, but definitely worth a stop in.
Great sea food, and good drinks. Try the octopus, or the conch salad for some local fare. This place gets packed on a weekend evening - all the locals love it.
9 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Degetau Sea Food
#224 Esquina Baldorioty de CastroGreat sea food, and good drinks. Try the octopus, or the conch salad for some local fare. This place gets packed on a weekend evening - all the locals love it.
FAVORITE!! Decadence is the word that describes this place best... get there before 10am as there is almost always a wait, portions are huge and can be taken home for lunch!
216 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Bistro Café
29 C. JúpiterFAVORITE!! Decadence is the word that describes this place best... get there before 10am as there is almost always a wait, portions are huge and can be taken home for lunch!
For drinks or Good food, while relaxing on the beach in standard chairs or beanbags - this place is the quintessential island dining experience...
76 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Numero Uno Beach House
1 C. Sta. AnaFor drinks or Good food, while relaxing on the beach in standard chairs or beanbags - this place is the quintessential island dining experience...
A waterfront hotel with amazing sunsets and drunken coconuts!
6 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Villa Cofresi
A waterfront hotel with amazing sunsets and drunken coconuts!
FAVORITE!! This is the best Mexican street food I have found anywhere in PR - also comes with a bar and good drinks!
Callejeros
1100 Avenida F.D. RooseveltFAVORITE!! This is the best Mexican street food I have found anywhere in PR - also comes with a bar and good drinks!
Looking for something fancy for a special occasion?? Look no further…. This place is on point and delicious - dress well (everyone else is), with drinks you’re going to be looking at ~$100 a person.. Make a reservation early - otherwise you won’t get in.
10 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Luisa
71 Calle LuisaLooking for something fancy for a special occasion?? Look no further…. This place is on point and delicious - dress well (everyone else is), with drinks you’re going to be looking at ~$100 a person.. Make a reservation early - otherwise you won’t get in.
Cute place - California juice bar vibe…. Clean and minimalistic.. Delicious food with beverage ~$25 a person - good for lunch.
17 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Pure & Natural: Fresh Food & Juice Bar
954 PR-25Cute place - California juice bar vibe…. Clean and minimalistic.. Delicious food with beverage ~$25 a person - good for lunch.
This is the best pizza I have found in the city so far - expect a wait. I usually wander down a bit early - then go grab a drink at a local bar while I wait. They will call you.
211 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Pirilo Pizza
2000 Av. McLearyThis is the best pizza I have found in the city so far - expect a wait. I usually wander down a bit early - then go grab a drink at a local bar while I wait. They will call you.
inexpensive fast food. The T-burger is what all fast food burgers strive to be…. So good!!
15 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Pollo Tropical
González Giusti Avenueinexpensive fast food. The T-burger is what all fast food burgers strive to be…. So good!!
FAVORITE!! INCREDIBLE RISOTTO!! Delicious food - their steaks are wonderful. Love their meat lasagna as well!!! Also has a cute market with pastries etc… and full bar!! If you're a sandwich fan - their Tripleta sandwich is the best sandwich I have ever had.
Buenos Ayres Market & Grill
35 Calle CaobaFAVORITE!! INCREDIBLE RISOTTO!! Delicious food - their steaks are wonderful. Love their meat lasagna as well!!! Also has a cute market with pastries etc… and full bar!! If you're a sandwich fan - their Tripleta sandwich is the best sandwich I have ever had.
FAVORITE!! - Every time I go to Old San Juan OR Condado, I get this - the gelato is incredible!!
24 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Anita La Mamma del Gelato
65 C. de la FortalezaFAVORITE!! - Every time I go to Old San Juan OR Condado, I get this - the gelato is incredible!!
FAVORITE!! - some of the best ceviche, churrasco and local food you can find.. Incredibly delicious at fair prices, stop by while on your way to enjoy the beautiful Pinones beaches!!
Hipic Cache
Puerto Rico 187FAVORITE!! - some of the best ceviche, churrasco and local food you can find.. Incredibly delicious at fair prices, stop by while on your way to enjoy the beautiful Pinones beaches!!
FAVORITE!! Sunday brunch spot, bottomless mimosas indoor or poolside seating, excellent staff and food!
22 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Comedor
801 PR-25FAVORITE!! Sunday brunch spot, bottomless mimosas indoor or poolside seating, excellent staff and food!
24hrs right near the house.. Delicious cubano sandwiches!! Friendly staff, free parking and good burgers! The drinks are a bit weak, but it is an after-hours food stop, so you have probably been drinking already :-)
Los Pinos Café Calle Loíza
24hrs right near the house.. Delicious cubano sandwiches!! Friendly staff, free parking and good burgers! The drinks are a bit weak, but it is an after-hours food stop, so you have probably been drinking already :-)
FAVORITE!! BEST MOFONGO ON THE ISLAND.. TBH - I'm not a big fan of mofongo, I almost never order it.. But I LOVE it here - so if you want to try the classic PR famous dish - head this way :-) They make great drinks too!
Raices Urbano
FAVORITE!! BEST MOFONGO ON THE ISLAND.. TBH - I'm not a big fan of mofongo, I almost never order it.. But I LOVE it here - so if you want to try the classic PR famous dish - head this way :-) They make great drinks too!
Fancy fare that is delicious! I would say totally worth the visit and the cost here if you are looking for a special occasion out!! Cost is on the higher end ($100+) per person including drinks.
163 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Santaella
219 C. CanalsFancy fare that is delicious! I would say totally worth the visit and the cost here if you are looking for a special occasion out!! Cost is on the higher end ($100+) per person including drinks.
FAVORITE! This is an awesome place to go relax, eat, drink and enjoy the ocean view and cute island vibe. Valerie is the owner, and does most of the artwork for their cute merchandise shop.. I stop here whenever on the east side of the island, it is perfect after a day in the rainforest.
202 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Boardrider's Surf Bar and Grill
25 Cll Miguel Veve CalzadaFAVORITE! This is an awesome place to go relax, eat, drink and enjoy the ocean view and cute island vibe. Valerie is the owner, and does most of the artwork for their cute merchandise shop.. I stop here whenever on the east side of the island, it is perfect after a day in the rainforest.
Middle of the road "fine dining" - they make great paella, and the staff is really nice.
29 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Marisquería Atlántica de Isla Verde
2475 2475 Loiza StreetMiddle of the road "fine dining" - they make great paella, and the staff is really nice.
Delicious and expensive coffee - great if you're looking to treat yourself on a morning cup.
787 Coffee
Delicious and expensive coffee - great if you're looking to treat yourself on a morning cup.
Awesome atmosphere, good Mexican food. Kayla the owner is lovely, definitely worth a stop on your way back from Old San Juan
16 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
El Charro
402 C. San AgustínAwesome atmosphere, good Mexican food. Kayla the owner is lovely, definitely worth a stop on your way back from Old San Juan
BEACHES, Parks & Nature
Beautiful white sand beach, walk-able from the house. To get here, exit property and turn left, continue and you will see Pollo Tropical on the right, the access path to the beach will be on the left before the first high-rise.
30 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Hobie Beach
Beautiful white sand beach, walk-able from the house. To get here, exit property and turn left, continue and you will see Pollo Tropical on the right, the access path to the beach will be on the left before the first high-rise.
Nice beach - very convenient from the house. Always chill with plenty of space. Can occasionally find hatching turtles on site.
To get here, exit property and turn right. Continue past Plaza Loiza grocery on the right until you reach Parque Barbosa on the right, turn right and the beach is at the end of the park - at low tide you can walk the beach all the way to Condado.
278 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Ocean Park
2059 Cll ItaliaNice beach - very convenient from the house. Always chill with plenty of space. Can occasionally find hatching turtles on site.
To get here, exit property and turn right. Continue past Plaza Loiza grocery on the right until you reach Parque Barbosa on the right, turn right and the beach is at the end of the park - at low tide you can walk the beach all the way to Condado.
Great swimming spots - locals will jump off the bridge at the mouth of the lagoon for a fun afternoon.
156 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Laguna del Condado
Great swimming spots - locals will jump off the bridge at the mouth of the lagoon for a fun afternoon.
Center of local activity including a track, athletic fields, a track and basketball court - close to the home and easy to access.
38 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Iparke yaseBarbosa
Avenida Las AméricasCenter of local activity including a track, athletic fields, a track and basketball court - close to the home and easy to access.
Largest rain forest park in PR, mostly a driving tour with short jaunts off the road. Waterfalls to go swim in, and beautiful jungle to take in. It is free to visit, but does cost a few bucks if you want to go to the visitor's center.
395 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
El Yunque
Largest rain forest park in PR, mostly a driving tour with short jaunts off the road. Waterfalls to go swim in, and beautiful jungle to take in. It is free to visit, but does cost a few bucks if you want to go to the visitor's center.
Beautiful beach with some snorkeling to take in. Famous for surfing.
543 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-Crash Boat Beach (snorkel)
Beautiful beach with some snorkeling to take in. Famous for surfing.
Bishop's Well beach is amazing. It has a gentle pool with natural wave breaks. The wave breaks create large plumes that shoot into the air at least 30 feet, and rain down on the pool. Definitely worth the drive.
91 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
La Poza del Obispo Beach
Bishop's Well beach is amazing. It has a gentle pool with natural wave breaks. The wave breaks create large plumes that shoot into the air at least 30 feet, and rain down on the pool. Definitely worth the drive.
The Piñones beaches are beautiful - here the water is crystal clear and hundreds of shells and coral pieces wash up for exploring.
286 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Campamento Piñones
The Piñones beaches are beautiful - here the water is crystal clear and hundreds of shells and coral pieces wash up for exploring.
Beautiful beach with delicious local foods readily available at the kiosks across the street.
221 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Liquillo Beach
Beautiful beach with delicious local foods readily available at the kiosks across the street.
Beautiful beach, adjacent to good restaurants and drinks.... Quieter location and perfect for midnight walks lit by the moon.
112 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Playa El Combate
Beautiful beach, adjacent to good restaurants and drinks.... Quieter location and perfect for midnight walks lit by the moon.
A few hours drive - and totally worth it! Beautiful cliffs and vistas with a picturesque lighthouse, cactuses and a nice hike! Don’t miss the stone bridge.
247 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Playa sucia
A few hours drive - and totally worth it! Beautiful cliffs and vistas with a picturesque lighthouse, cactuses and a nice hike! Don’t miss the stone bridge.
Good surfing beach... pretty lighthouse and a nice park atmosphere... locals come to enjoy it as well as the tourists.
181 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Playa Domes
Good surfing beach... pretty lighthouse and a nice park atmosphere... locals come to enjoy it as well as the tourists.
A beautiful beach, with a natural rock break that creates stunning water flow.
44 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Mar Chiquita
A beautiful beach, with a natural rock break that creates stunning water flow.
Beautiful beach, with calm pools that are easy for kids to swim at... Good shell-searching beach too.
286 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Campamento Piñones
Beautiful beach, with calm pools that are easy for kids to swim at... Good shell-searching beach too.
SNORKELING WITH SEA TURTLES!! The beach here is nice, though I feel other nearby beaches are better for regular swimming... However, there is a small cove (all the way at the end of the parking area, past the old buildings) which is almost always occupied with several sea turtles and it's not super crowded so you can often have a chance to swim with them on your own time :-).. it's lovely. If you drive in to park, it's $5.. I however usually park for free on the street outside the park and walk in.
43 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Playa El Escambrón
SNORKELING WITH SEA TURTLES!! The beach here is nice, though I feel other nearby beaches are better for regular swimming... However, there is a small cove (all the way at the end of the parking area, past the old buildings) which is almost always occupied with several sea turtles and it's not super crowded so you can often have a chance to swim with them on your own time :-).. it's lovely. If you drive in to park, it's $5.. I however usually park for free on the street outside the park and walk in.
My favorite calm local little beach.. Great for kids, as the rocks block the waves. Walk down the alley across from Bistro Cafe! This is the east end of Isla Verde beach.
Playa CV Sea
My favorite calm local little beach.. Great for kids, as the rocks block the waves. Walk down the alley across from Bistro Cafe! This is the east end of Isla Verde beach.
Beautiful beach with lots of activities and restaurants!!
137 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Condado Beach
Beautiful beach with lots of activities and restaurants!!
Sightseeing
Old San Juan is the tourist spot to be! It's about a $9 Uber ride from the house. Delicious food, beautiful ocean views and ancient structures to go explore.
460 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Old San Juan
100 C. de la FortalezaOld San Juan is the tourist spot to be! It's about a $9 Uber ride from the house. Delicious food, beautiful ocean views and ancient structures to go explore.
One of the oldest fortifications of the west, worth it to spend the funds for access - admission includes access to the other castle as well.
442 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-Castle San Felipe del Morro
501 Bulevar del ValleOne of the oldest fortifications of the west, worth it to spend the funds for access - admission includes access to the other castle as well.
Essentials
1/2 block from the house - ideal local grocery with amazing selections on vegetables and fresh fish. Their deli is great for a cheap breakfast.
50 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Plaza Loíza
Calle Corona1/2 block from the house - ideal local grocery with amazing selections on vegetables and fresh fish. Their deli is great for a cheap breakfast.
This place has many shops for clothing, discount stores and even a hardware store.
Norte Shopping Center
Calle Marg BaldoriotyThis place has many shops for clothing, discount stores and even a hardware store.
Walgreens
1130 Ashford Ave24 hour pharmacy close to the house.
Drinks & Nightlife
FAVORITE!! This is one of the oldest markets in the west.. It turns into a magical social scene every night that you should really give a chance. Numerous bars and outdoor spaces for you to enjoy. Ideally between 10pm-2am.. Things on the island kick off pretty late.
604 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
La Placita
300 C. dos HermanosFAVORITE!! This is one of the oldest markets in the west.. It turns into a magical social scene every night that you should really give a chance. Numerous bars and outdoor spaces for you to enjoy. Ideally between 10pm-2am.. Things on the island kick off pretty late.
Calle Loiza along Ocean Park has a ton of night life including a lot of late night restaurants / bars / DJ & live music options. Walkable from the house - I would NOT recommend walking it alone at night - just like any city.
24 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Calle Loíza
Calle LoízaCalle Loiza along Ocean Park has a ton of night life including a lot of late night restaurants / bars / DJ & live music options. Walkable from the house - I would NOT recommend walking it alone at night - just like any city.
This place is great - and they serve delicious chilled coconuts with various liquor. Their piña colada is excellent as well!
6 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Ostra Cosa
Calle del CristoThis place is great - and they serve delicious chilled coconuts with various liquor. Their piña colada is excellent as well!
Fun bar - if you’re worried about Covid exposure DONT GO…. Try for a not so busy evening / time - as it gets crowded.
369 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
La Factoria
148 C. San SebastiánFun bar - if you’re worried about Covid exposure DONT GO…. Try for a not so busy evening / time - as it gets crowded.
Chill gay bar right off the beach.. Not crazy crowded, just a nice place to hang and chat with friends. Drinks will knock you out.
7 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Oasis Tapas & Lounge
6 Condado AveChill gay bar right off the beach.. Not crazy crowded, just a nice place to hang and chat with friends. Drinks will knock you out.
“The Pink Umbrella” Fun gay bar in Old San Juan - Blinking neon lights cover the walls in fun images - worth a drop in for a quick drink :-)
16 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
LA SOMBRILLA ROSA
154 C. San Sebastián“The Pink Umbrella” Fun gay bar in Old San Juan - Blinking neon lights cover the walls in fun images - worth a drop in for a quick drink :-)
Home of the original Pina Colada - very much worth a stop.. Often has a long wait for seating, but you can grab your drinks to go!!!
82 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Barrachina
104 C. de la FortalezaHome of the original Pina Colada - very much worth a stop.. Often has a long wait for seating, but you can grab your drinks to go!!!
FAVORITE!! - This is a street with SEVERAL gay bars along it - none of them are incredible, but it is by far the most popular gay hangout on the island - give it a try if you like. Several bars offer dance floors, and most of the socializing is outside on the street.
Mike Bar "El Cojo"
248-234 Puerto Rico 41FAVORITE!! - This is a street with SEVERAL gay bars along it - none of them are incredible, but it is by far the most popular gay hangout on the island - give it a try if you like. Several bars offer dance floors, and most of the socializing is outside on the street.
Chueca Bar and Tapas
Calle RobertsFun gay bar in La Placita - Thursday nights they have a drag show in the back.
Neighborhood haunts w/in 1 Mile
This list includes places I often frequent, in our local neighborhood, that I would definitely checkout if staying at our Calle Loiza location.
.2 miles - See the reasons above - AMAZING risotto / steaks / tripleta sandwich!
16 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Buenos Ayres Bar & Grill
35 Condado Ave.2 miles - See the reasons above - AMAZING risotto / steaks / tripleta sandwich!
.5 miles - See Above - AMAZING Breakfast / brunch / lunch.
216 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Bistro Café
29 C. Júpiter.5 miles - See Above - AMAZING Breakfast / brunch / lunch.
Supermercados Plaza Loíza
.1 miles - See above - 1 block from the house to the West.
Kasalta
1966 Av. McLeary.9 miles - See above - great bakery!
Los Pinos Café Calle Loíza
.6 miles - see above - 24hrs / delicious sandwiches!
Barbacoa Puerto Rico
.1 miles - see above - delicious BBQ!
La Cueva Del Mar
1904 C. Loíza1 mile - see above - AMAZING fish tacos.
.25 miles - see above - cute park with lots of activiies.
38 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Iparke yaseBarbosa
Avenida Las Américas.25 miles - see above - cute park with lots of activiies.
Degetau Sea Food Restaurant
.8 miles - see above - great seafood, local favorite.
Raices Urbano
.8 miles - see above - great Mofongo!
Playa El Último Trolley
.6 miles - not the greatest beach, but a nice walk.
Playa CV Sea
.5 miles - see above. My favorite hangout beach.
Ganesha Restaurant/Brunch
.4 miles - see above. Great brunch!
Amacebiso ngesixeko
Ukuhamba-hamba
Parking in old San Juan.
I would recommend an Uber to Old San Juan. If you insist on driving, park in a garage as rental cars are not allowed street parking there.