In rustic Culebra, there are still a few rules: One of them is, you can't walk around without a shirt on. Of course, flip-flops are more than welcome at this beach-friendly isolated island, and especially so at these local restaurants. From surprisingly good pizzas to arguably the best hangout on the island (even for iguanas), these restaurants are the best of Culebra's low-key eateries.
1. Mamacitas
Located on Castelar Street in Dewey, Mamacita's is an easy place to spot. At night, it's where most of the action is centered in the quiet town. During the day, iguanas love to sunbathe on the dock, boaters pull up and step up to the bar or the main dining hall for lunch, and tourists and locals alike come for the fresh, tasty food that includes a delectable grouper burger. The highlights of the dinner menu, scratched daily on a chalk board, are the fish entrees, served with a yucca mash. And their homemade peanut butter pie is out of this world.787-742-0322
2. Barbara Rosa's
A personal favorite, Barbara Rosa's is a nondescript house along the main road heading west out of Dewey. There's no waiter service, and if it weren't for the sign, you'd think you were visiting a friend at their house. That's how it is here: you drive up to the house, walk to the kitchen, and grab an open seat. Barbara offers homemade crab soup, fish n’ chips, lump-meat blue crab cakes, and shark nuggets (a local favorite). The food is cheap and tasty, and your host is charming.787-397-1923
3. El Eden
El Eden is a somewhat incongruous mix of places: it's essentially a large shack parked in a lot near the only real gas station in town, but inside is a pleasant deli, grocery store (with a relatively impressive selection of produce, beer and wine). The sandwiches and homemade soups are well worth the price, and you can enjoy your lunch or dinner out on the porch (there's no view at all). The tiki bar is a weird touch, but it serves up cocktails and wine. Not bad for an out-of-the-way shack.787-742-0509
4. Heather's Pizzeria and Bar
On Pedro Márquez Street just off the main dock in Dewey, Heathe's is a dark red, cozy little bar that is justly known for its creative, thin-crust pizzas, which come topped with ingredients like like eggplant, chorizo, feta cheese, and artichoke hearts. Heather's also offers large, sub-style sandwiches. Even though it's predominantly a bar, it's a good option for a quick and tasty lunch or dinner.787-742-3175
