One of the best reasons to visit San Juan is its world-class dining, which features everything from traditional Puerto Rican cuisine to creative fusion recipes from around the world. Dining in Puerto Rico's capital can be an expensive proposition if you're willing to splurge, or it can be deliciously affordable, if you know where to go. Here are my favorite bargain restaurants in San Juan.
1. La Bombonera
In Old San Juan, La Bombonera is a long-time institution. This throwback coffee shop serves a full menu throughout the day, but you really want to be here for breakfast, where the star of the show is the Pan de Mallorca. These sugar-coated toasted buns are cheap and delicious but they have "betcha can't eat just one" written all over them. The mallorcas are available with cheese, ham & cheese, ham & egg, or simply with butter, and they cost about the same price as breakfast at McDonald's. Make sure you order an excellent cup of coffee, made in an antique Cuban coffee maker no longer available outside of Cuba, to go with one ... or two.
787-722-0658
259 San Francisco Street
787-722-0658
259 San Francisco Street
2. Pinky's
Pinky's is a quintessential Ocean Park eatery: it's laid back, friendly and low-key. It's also one of the few places you'll find that stresses healthy eating. For breakfast or lunch, it's a great option for a few reasons: For one, their fresh fruit smoothies are fantastic. Your waiter doesn't just fill your glass; he or she will leave the blender on the table so you can enjoy a second helping. The ample burritos, fresh wraps and other simply prepared but tasty fare makes Pinky’s a local favorite. Here's another reason to love them: Pinky’s will deliver to your hotel room, or, if you prefer, even to the beach.
787-727-3347
51 Maria Moczo Street, Ocean Park
787-727-3347
51 Maria Moczo Street, Ocean Park
3. El Patio de Sam
Arguably serving the best burgers in Old San Juan, El Patio de Sam is a cozy spot ideally located just off the Plaza de San José. Don't be deceived by the dimly lit, rustic bar and dining space you'll see as you walk in. Rather, make your way to the back, where you can sit in the pleasant, sunlit patio and order your choice of Puerto Rican specialties, triple-decker sandwiches and those huge half-pound burgers. In addition to the food, thre's an array of creative cocktails on the menu (two favorites are the "Lady Killer," which is part gin, peach schnapps, Cointreau, and passion fruit juice, and the "Borinquen," which is a mix of Rum 151, passion fruit, orange juice, lime, and grenadine).
787-723-8802
102 San Sebastián Street
787-723-8802
102 San Sebastián Street
4. La Tasca de Yiyo
Located on busy Loíza Street in Santurce, La Tasca de Yiyo is an unassuming spot known for its cheap, homey and ample servings of Puerto Rican and Cuban food. The restaurant has a loyal following, thanks in no small part to its ever-changing daily specials, which are all under $10. In addition to the standard selection of mofongos, try the chuletas can can (fried pork chops) here or the vaca frita (literally "fried cow").
787-728-5009
1753 Loíza Street, Santurce
787-728-5009
1753 Loíza Street, Santurce
5. La Casita Blanca
I've already raved at length about La Casita Blanca (click on the link above to read the full review). But I have to include it here as well because it is a great bargain. You can find dishes here for under $10, including many of the daily specials. For those of you with large appetites, make sure to come on Sunday, when cauldrons of piping hot food are laid out buffet-style for patrons.
