Like the “Beauty and the Beast” Disney character for whom it’s named, this daytime-only restaurant prides itself on gentle nurturing. Set in an up-and-coming part of Santurce, Gallo Negro, a global gastropub, is full of surprises. You’re in great hands, thanks to the skills of chef Maria Mercedes Grubb, a James Beard Award semifinalist. There’s eggs Benedictus, with sofrito-scented hollandaise, pan sobao , root vegetable hash, and ham; Mexican chilaquiles; and a “Classic AF” spaghetti carbonara. Keep an eye out for the waffles of the day—you’ve won big if you can get the chocolate mole version, which is topped with fried chicken.
Besides omelets and toasts for brunch, you can also enjoy plates like fresh mussels and braised lamb during the week. This place also is home to a bar for those looking for cocktails. Keep in mind the vegan and vegetarian options are slim.
A popular option when dining here is to go with their fixed-price menu, where you can taste a little bit of the best dishes. 352 Food and Drink is one of the most popular restaurants in San Juan for breakfast and lunch. Visitors are often here, but you know it’s a great spot when the locals rave about it too. Some of the bites you can order include a juicy lamb burger, fried goat cheese, and empanadas. You can’t go wrong with their lavender Moscow mule for a cocktail. They also have an extensive wine list that your server or bartender will be happy to help you select for your meal.
To round out well-known bars on Calle San Sebastián, Mojito fans can pick up a $5 Mojito at El Cafetín, which is next door to La Taberna Lúpulo. They also offer a wide selection of house “chichaitos” . To beat the Puerto Rican heat, what can be better than a scoop or two of gelato?
This trendy place exhibits a unique theater ambiance with awesome food. I was invited to eat at Mercado La Carreta as a guest of the local tourism board . After checking out their website, I chose to eat breakfast there and was not disappointed. Just up the steps from Plaza Barandilla, this light and airy restaurant sits on a corner with big open windows. It does not have outdoor dining, but it feels like it has outdoor dining when you sit at one of the tables right in the window. San Juan is a beautiful city with more than enough restaurants to keep you full and happy throughout your visit.
Beautifully crafted espresso, smooth and flavourful. The food tastes as good as it looks and the portions are generous. Seating is fairly limited so be prepared to wait for a table especially if there’s more than 2 of you, but it is well worth the wait. Not a lot of food how to pack for puerto rico options, mostly pastries, so don’t come hungry. Café con Cé is a small, independent coffee shop in Loíza Street’s off-the-beaten path. With a minimal aesthetic and a few tables, it’s the perfect spot to find local treasures like honey, hot sauce, and greeting cards.
Here are our picks for the 10 best brunches across the island. In Río Piedras, Mrs. Potts Bake Shop & Bistro offers not just brunch but a gourmet and unique food experience. Its menu features entirely organic, natural, fresh and local products.
Some items on the menu change, but you´ll always find great local staples. The mofongo, the chicken broth, and beef stew are some this San Juan restaurant’s most popular dishes. Just be aware that the place is small and often crowded, so you’ll probably have to wait before you receive your table.