Did you know that the pia colada is Puerto Rico's national drink? Discover the best oceanfront resorts in Puerto Rico and enjoy some beach time. El CAFETN San Juan, San Juan. Junior's Bar 2 Gay Bars Frequently Asked Questions about San Juan What are the best places for gay clubs & bars in San Juan? Puerto Rico is a real-life,choose-your-own-adventure islandand the story is yours to write. El Bar Bero is a hip bar thats also a Don't let the kitschy decor fool you: El Bar Bero's cocktail game is serious. KUMO Rooftop 2. The tiny Rums of Puerto Rico shack attached to the side of the Princesa Gastrobar offers a tropical environment to sample the best of Puerto Rican rum on its own or in inventive cocktails. Theres also a well-curated wine list partnered with a stellar menu of small bites and bar food. Start your evening with an artisan cocktail at La Barrita del Lado. Up here you can indulge in authentic flavors of Japan and South America, presented with a fresh and simple twist, and complemented with crafted original cocktails and a fine selection of wines. Set over three floors, the venue offers both indoor seating, a backyard and two levels of outdoor terrace, perfect to get a taste of the 'real' Puerto Rico. Whether you go with friends, your significant other, or by yourself, San Juan boasts several dance clubs worth your time and money. It's worth noting that La Perla can get pretty crazy on weekend or concert/show nights so beware.. you may not want to brave this crowd if it's super busy. Framed perfectly by swaying palms and strung with delicate fairy lights, La Copa Llena feels like a rom-com setting. Travel back in time to another era without sacrificing modern comforts. At Wind Chimes Inn is a favorite hotel in Condado and one of its top bargains, especially during the off-season. If you see someone or a group of people eating, it is customary to say, Buen provecho, which is the same as bon apptit in French. From free trolleys to car rentals, heres what you need to know about getting around Puerto Rico's capital. WebThe Royal Sonesta San Juan - 3.7 mi (5.9 km) away Upscale beachfront hotel with 3 restaurants, spa Free WiFi 2 beach bars Fitness center Outdoor pool Central location La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort - 0.6 mi (1 km) away Upscale beachfront resort with 7 restaurants, casino Located in the historic heart of Old San Juan, Hotel El Convento is an exquisite landmark treasure. To experience all that Puerto Rico has to offer, book vacation rentals in San Juan. Rincn Beer Company is casual, bright, and lively, with lots of cool local art hanging on the walls, a hastily scribbled chalkboard menu, and casually dressed guests tossing back drinks and playing board games. Skip the table and choose a seat at the bar. Campos spoke 6 languages and earned a degree from Harvard where he would have graduated valedictorian had he not been discriminated against for his mixed racial heritage. Apart from sports on the TV, there is also other entertainment and fun for all, including different board games, live music and karaoke nights. Here is a rundown of some of the hottest places to party in San Juan, Puerto Rico. When you visit, you'll find that spirit in yourself, too. 2. Copyright 2015-2023 | by therooftopguide.com | All Rights Reserved. Inside, adept bartenders reinvent classic cocktails and mix up playful libations from unexpected ingredients the tart Beet O Juice combines aged rum with rhubarb bitters, habanero pepper and beetroot soda. You cant help but feel glamorous here. Few things compare to dancing 'til you drop. Best hikes in El Yunque National ForestTop things to do in Puerto RicoBest places to visit in Puerto Rico, This article was first published June 2019 and updated January 2022. Phone (787) 705-4957 . Check out the coffee of popes and kings while in Puerto Rico, 2023 Discover Puerto Rico. The main plazas of Old San Juan: 1. The Pia Coladas are served in a big ice cream glass with dark rum on the bottom, and a pre-mixed slushie on top. In Old San Juan do the forts, walk around there are dozens of small shops and museums. La Cubanita is known for amazing cocktails.. it's a great pre-game, post-dinner-cocktail or romantic spot for 2. The bars kitchen Jungle BaoBao is helmed by acclaimed local chef Paxx Caraballo Moll and serves up globe-trotting small plates of bao buns, dumplings and ceviche. - See 4,361 traveler reviews, 996 candid photos, and great deals for San Juan, Puerto Rico, at Tripadvisor. Every item on the cocktail and tapas menu brilliantly showcases fresh Caribbean ingredients and flavors. Set in front of Condado Lagoon, ARYA Rooftop is the crowning jewel of the adults only O:LV Fifty Five Hotel. With a warm and friendly atmosphere, La Vergenza is open to enjoy food, drinks and views daily, turning extra vibrant and crowded during weekends, when both DJs and live bands gets the party started. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Flavors Food Tours - San Juan: Nahiomy was the best guide ever! The rooftop menu includes a wide range of tasty tapas, a Spanish-centric wine list, local beers, as well as a great selection of handcrafted cocktails. The best way to beat the head is to embrace it, Spritz in hand. + Castillo San Felipe del Morro - San Juan, Puerto Rico. Always a good time to be had here. WebFortaleza Street N 253, San Juan, 00901 0.18 mi from Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista $112 per night Mar 2 - Mar 3 Free WiFi in public areas, a snack bar/deli, and express check-out are available at this hotel. While the rooftop pool is exclusive to hotel guests, anyone can visit the ARYA Rooftop and enjoy the amazing views. The Cannon Club has a full service bar and a great tapas menu. 11) Walk the Paseo del Morro. For a capital city, San Juan is rather smallbut it's densely populated with people and things to do both day and night. Best for people-watching, artisan cocktails and a beautiful setting. The guestrooms are not far from the pools, beach and restaurants. But when the sun goes down and the market shutters its doors, the streets around La Placita come to life. 262 Calle del Sol, Viejo San Juan, San Juan, 00901. Soak up the sun, ride the waves, explore underwater life, and find your favorite beach. Santaella in La Placita is home to some of Puerto Rico's buzziest food and cocktails. Whether youre looking for a party city or a family-friendly destination, this easy guide will help you decide where to go. Pros: This Hilton has all the amenities of a remote resort while still in close proximity to San Juan's attractions. San Juan Tourism San Juan Hotels San Juan Bed and Breakfast San Juan Holiday Rentals San Juan Packages Flights to San Juan The gin and tonic is particularly good. La Verguenza is on Calle Norzagaray close to the forts, museums and farmer's markets in the area. We hope you made some time to have a tour of Castillo San Felipe del Morro, best known as El Morro, the most visited and beloved landmark on the island of Puerto Rico. This isn't a hip, sceney cocktail bar, and that's precisely why we like it. For those who dont wish to cut time away from the beach, the tours also include some sightseeing around the city. Puerto Rico has transformed into a foodie paradise over the years, incorporating different influences and traditions to create exciting dishes and cocktails. It gets crowded and buzzy on weekends but otherwise pretty mellow: exactly the kind of place you can kick back for a few hours. Calle Recinto Sur also offers a variety of restaurants. Murals and graffiti cover the walls, the staff is kick***, and the vibe is always great. Don't miss the Asian-Puerto Rican bar bites by Chef Paxx Caraballo. This hotel features an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace. Busy squares in Old San Juan during the day, become more quiet and romantic at night, where couples and families simply enjoy each others company often serenaded by the music of local artists that show up to entertain. Touristy or not, its worth a visit. Locate Hazel Bar a coffee shop and it's a couple of doorways away on your left. On weekends the streets of La Placita de Santurce turn into a giant block party at night. El Bar Bero. Puerto Rico is a rum island. Find one playing the music you like and head into that one. If you're looking for something sophisticated with a tropical twist, you can't go wrong with Santaella. And the rooftop is really something special. Puerto Rico has transformed into a foodie paradise over the years, incorporating different influences and traditions to create exciting dishes and cocktails. Bar Catedral Rooftop 6. Get the latest in beer, wine, and cocktail culture sent straight to your inbox. The wooden-decked rooftop terrace comes equipped with a mix of dining tables, bar stools and comfy loungers. Read full review. You never know when you might find your next favorite cocktail. $185. Dark, dim, and a little grungy, with its scuffed checkerboard floors, worn old couches, peeling walls, and chalkboard menus, La Factoria feels like a clandestine underground speakeasy. Tamboo is the quintessential Puerto Rican beach bar: perched on the sand with sweeping views over a gorgeous surf beach in Rincn. A San Juan institution for more than 50 years, El Batey is the quintessential boozy dive bar dimly lit, unpretentious, inexpensive and with an authentic backstory. Famous names from the Rolling Stones to Puerto Rican superstar actor Benicio del Toro have ducked into El Batey's cave-like recesses, pitched up at the bar and scrawled their names on the graffiti-covered walls. The city of San Juan is the most vibrant city in the Caribbean offering visitors authentic cultural experiences all day and night. Popular streets at night are South Fortaleza Street (SoFo), Calle San Sebastian, and Calle del Cristo, with many dining options, and bars. The capital of Puerto Rico offers quite a few options where you can enjoy your lunch, brunch, dinner or cocktail with a view. Behind an unmarked door, a web of passageways etched with graffiti and strewn with fairy lights connects six bars, each with a very different vibe and theme. Get to grips with Puerto Rico's eclectic cuisine with this guide to the very best dishes and drinks that you just have to try. Puerto Rico has a rich rum tradition, one of the best being Ron del Barrilito. From luxurious rooftop lounges at hotels, often also equipped with rooftop pools, to more charming terraces in Old San Juan, where you can enjoy both the atmosphere and tastes of the genuine Puerto Rico. Legend has it that bartender Ramon Portas Mingot created the frozen mix of pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and rum at Barrachina, then perfected the recipe at the Caribe Hilton. If you lack the energy to walk back to the grounds of El Morro, grab a taxi and walk down towards the entrance at a relaxed pace, youre on vacation.. make the most of it together. The ultimate treat at sunset is sailing around the walled city along San Juan Bay, the experience is so amazing, one of the tours was ranked among the Top Sailing & Day Cruises in the World by Travelers Choice in 2021 and 2022. Best for a tiki sipper and inventive small plates. The grounds are playgrounds where children and adults alike fly kites, play, and relax to the cooling tradewinds. 2023 Discover Puerto Rico. Being a port of call for cruise ships, however, means much of Old San Juan can seem overrun with tourists. Right at sunset, the ambiance turns more mellow and romantic with a natural show of golden hues on the skies. CLICK HERE TO GET THE OLD SAN JUAN BEST BARS, CLUBS & NIGHTLIFE MAP to view all of our curated Old San Juan bar, club & nightlife experiences in one easy to use planning tool. San Juan offers something for everyone at night, from fine dining experiences, musical events, trendy clubs to dance the night away, relaxed squares, and even water activities. Located in the heart of San Juan, the rooftop terrace is decorated in a chic Mediterranean style, with lots of white, comfy lounge sofas, grenery and panoramics over both the Atlantic Ocean and the elegant Condado neighborhood. As the sun sinks behind San Juan, house mixologists work their magic, shaking and stirring potent cocktails full of exotic island ingredients try the refreshing watermelon mojito or a Caribbean tiki classic spiked with local rum. The menu includes Puerto Rican cuisine and tapas bites, as well as house special cocktails, wines, aprkling and beers. Borona En La Placita(100 Calle San Rafael)also specializes in criollo food and has live music several days a week including local jazz artists and acoustic duos. Marilyn's Place. When you think about drinks in Puerto Rico, you don't immediately think beer bar, but from the moment you walk in, it's clear that's what this spot is about: Shelves of bottles line the walls, the bar boasts a whopping 50 taps, and there's a huge chalkboard scribbled with the bartenders' favorites. Cond Nast Traveler may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Arroz y habicuelasare the staple side dish in Puerto Rico. Most chinchorros,like Santurce Caf, Trifongo Tano, Taberna Los Vzquez, Garabatos, Aguardiente, La Bodeguita del Medio, and others, will have live bands or DJs several nights per week, and every night will play lively salsa, merengue, hip hop, or reggaetnmusic for people to dance to. Like any other city in the world, there are neighborhoods that have a history of crime. The Mezzanine in Old San Juan. 2023 Cond Nast. Come when you need a break from fruity, umbrella-topped, tropical cocktailsor when you just want to rub elbows with locals and off-duty cruise-ship crews. We like the daiquiri and the Isla Borinquen Fizz, a creamy and effervescent blend of rum, gin, coconut, pineapple, and soda. Located in the heart of the city center, the atmosphere of La Central is intimate and relaxed. You will always get a generous pour at good price at the PR staple. The first floor is an elegant Cuban/Puerto Rican restaurant and the second floor is a cocktail bar called La Carnicera with a terrace overlooking La Placita. Historic sites, culinary experiences, outdoor adventures, and beautiful beaches. For over a century, La Plaza del Mercado de Santurce If you enjoy the art of cocktails, youll love staying in San Juan, the Rum Capital of the Caribbean. The bar stocks 10 kinds of (mainly international) beer and with about the same number of cocktails on the menumore, if you count the six different kinds of margaritas. It would be a good idea to learn some of the basics before you arrive; Puerto Ricans everywhere will appreciate your attempts to use Spanish, and if they see you trying, they will usually go out of their way to help you as best they can. Readers Choice Awards . Follow the sound of live salsa music to the Shing-A-Ling where you can dance into the wee hours of the morning. This is a tequila bar with killer margaritas: strong, not too sweet, and only $6 during all-day happy hour on Wednesday ($8 every other day). 2023 Discover Puerto Rico. At this elegant, dimly lit, Prohibition-inspired bar, exquisite artisanal cocktails rival those of any mainland American city. A barbershop by day and a cocktail bar by night, El Bar Bero is bedecked in hair-themed paraphernalia: hanging light bulbs adorned with moustaches, antique barber shop chairs that double as bar stools, and so on. Its well worth sampling Santaellas flavorsome appetizers especially the goat cheese quesadilla drizzled with white truffle oil and the ahi tuna skewers. pool tables and juke boxes are commonplace fixtures in pubs. not in Puerto Rico. Nightlife in San Francisco: Best Bars, Clubs, & More, 7 Days in Paradise: An Itinerary for Your Puerto Rico Vacation, A Weekend in Puerto Rico: A 3-Day Itinerary, The 10 Best Things to Do in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, Nightlife in Houston: Best Bars, Clubs, & More, The Best Hotels and Resorts in Puerto Rico, Theaters and Performance Venues in San Juan, Where to Eat Puerto Rican Food in San Juan, Your Trip to Puerto Rico: The Complete Guide, Nightlife in Greenville: Best Bars, Clubs, & More, Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. These are typically small locales, so most of the dancing happens in the street, transforming La Placita into a giant block party. Introduction. Try to time your visit with happy hour (5-7pm daily) for pocket-pleasing specials. Privacy Policy | GDPR FAQ | Accessibility, Five Unique Ways to Enjoy the Great Outdoors in Puerto Rico, Top Beachside Accommodations in Puerto Rico, Historic Hotels and Resorts in Puerto Rico, Guide to La Placita Restaurants, Bars & Nightlife, If you're looking for something sophisticated with a tropical twist, you can't go wrong with, If you're looking for something radically different, a little further up the same street is, Around the corner is a two-story building called, The first floor is an elegant Cuban/Puerto Rican restaurant and the second floor is a cocktail bar called. Concealed within a nondescript building, with dim lighting, leather banquettes and dark wood, it has a sultry speakeasy vibe, and it's easy to miss. The wildly colorful and eclectic decor reflects this mash-up beautifully. Keep going down Canals to Jungle Bird, a tiki bar established by the same partners that opened La Factora in Old San Juan. San Juans mixologists infuse creativity, skill, and local flavors into their original creations. It's very easy to settle in for the night. Be warned: the cocktails taste tropical and sweet, but they're potent. Explore the treasures of this colonial-yet-cosmopolitan city. WebThe Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan is the main airport on Puerto Rico. Framed photos and newspaper clippings tell the story of this place, transformed into a cocktail and tapas bar in 2012. The pace of life is slow, older folks sit around the square playing dominos. A bartender mixes cocktails at Gallo Negro. One of San Juans most stylish rooftop bars, Arya is located inside the award-winning O:LV Hotel, one of San Juan's most stylish stays, in the ritzy Condado neighborhood. A central location, ice-cold Medallas, and all-round good vibes make this an ideal spot to wind down after a long day of sightseeing. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Business travelers can take advantage of the business center. Also popular: a tequila shot with a tangy sangrita chaser, or a mezcal neatthere are 10 different kinds. While dancers strut, master mixologists conjure up some of the citys most creative cocktails the Lavender Mule, made from house-made ginger beer and lavender-infused syrup, is outstanding. Asociacin de Dueos de Paradores de Puerto Rico, Viva Puerto Rico Short-Term Rental Alliance. Walking tours of the city dont end at sunset, you can enjoy the Old City safely at night and see it in a whole new light. A stand-out is the Santurce Daiquiri, which blends aged Don Q Reserva (Puerto Ricos top-selling rum, produced in Ponce) with apricot brandy. All of it brings locals out in droves. Lonely Planet has partnered with San Juan-based travel community Platea to provide comprehensive guides, curated lists and insider tips for your next trip to Puerto Rico. None I can think of. When you visit, you'll find that spirit in yourself, too. From storied dive bars to contemporary cocktail lounges, the bar scene in San Juan is thriving. With warm weather all year round, outdoor spaces become places to dine, gather, relax or dance. Best restaurant in old san juan puerto rico Video SAN JUAN PUERTO RICO VLOG- GIRLS TRIP- EXPLORING OLD SAN JUAN- Whether you want to play or get away, you'll find the perfect spot in Puerto Rico. Million dollar view for a few bucks. Graffiti covers the walls of El Batey, a legendary little dive bar in Old San Juan. El Local en Santurce El Batey $ Graffiti covers the walls of El Batey, a legendary little dive bar in ARYA Rooftop at O:LV Fifty Five Hotel 4. Though the restaurant is known for its farm-to-table tapas, the cocktails alone are worth the trip to Rincn. It's dark, rough, and grimythe floor is perpetually sticky with spilled drinks and the room smells mustybut there's a vintage jukebox, a pool table, and a grungy charm that will make you want to stick around. Ad Choices. Chicharrn(176 Calle dos Hermanos)is among the most popular for classic Puerto Rican food, while next door La Tasca del Pescador(178 Calle dos Hermanos)offers criollo with an emphasis on fresh seafood and fish. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the San Cristbal fort, La Vergenza is a low-key and charming rooftop bar and restaurant, specializing in Puerto Rican and Caribbean cuisine. Marriott Hotels and Resorts Where to Stay . Youll hear the sounds of salsa, flamenco, jazz, and classical music coming from restaurants, lounges, and cocktail bars. The vibes at Tuluum are as upbeat and fun as its colorful walls and kitschy Mexican decor. How Pull-Tabs Became a Pillar of Minnesota's Bar Culture, Over a Century Ago, Coors Made a Milk Alternative Before It Was Cool. If you're looking for something radically different, a little further up the same street is Mai Pen Rai, an elegant Thai restaurant with a top-notch cocktail selection. El Adoquin del Patio is on a little side street next to La Verguenza. Al Fresco Rooftop Wine Bar 8. Great restaurants to try outside of San Juan. San Juan tourist destinations are safe with a strong and noticeable police presence giving visitors peace of mind. This guide was made by The Rooftop Guide, the world's leading experts on rooftop bars. All rights reserved. WebAddress: 5 C. Saldaa, San Juan, 00925, Puerto Rico Phone: +1 787-764-0492 Garabatos Sports Bar Seorial This is a great bar that offers a portion of excellent food, drink, and DJ experience. San Juan Tourism San Juan Accommodation San Juan Bed and Breakfast San Juan Holiday Rentals San Juan Holiday Packages La Factora, World's 50 Best Bars. Feel free to stop and speak to a policeman if you have any questions about safety. How to make the most out of your time in Old San Juan, even if you just have a few hours. There are also numerous casual bars serving cold Medalla beer and standard mixed drinks all around La Placita. If we don't go there you won't see it here. The atmosphere here is always fun and Douglas is a stop on our Old San Juan bar hops regularly. We welcome your feedback. The large bar has 50 taps and around 150 bottles of beer from all over the world. Travel back in time to another era without sacrificing modern comforts. The citys best bars have extensive lists that resemble (and surpass) Manhattan cocktail dens, pouring island-inspired takes on classics as well as inventive new creations. Locals and visitors arrive in droves and music starts to play around every corner. As you walk into LaPlacita itself, you'll come across a number of Puerto Rican restaurants with different specialties. Not far from Barrachina is Old San Juans best cocktail bar, La Factora. Puerto Ricans, like many people in the Caribbean, love life and live it to its fullest. FILE - A rhinoceros rests inside an enclosure at the Dr. Juan A. Rivero Zoo in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, July 7, 2017. Searching for a night out with unique cocktails, fine whiskey, or local craft beers? During the day when the main building is open, stands overflow with fruits and vegetables. Also a great stop on the way back to Old San Juan proper from La Perla. Circo San Juans most popular gay club offering Drag shows, go-go boys and great dancing. Designated a National Historic Site in 2001, this scenic seaside path leading to El Morro (see #12) is part of Old San Juans larger UNESCO site. Today, the bar has transformed into a cocktail bar with homemade bitters and fresh juices, all while maintaining its local atmosphere. But which is the best rooftop bar San Juan? The food here is equally superb make space for the fresh-off-the-boat tuna tartare and the must-try house special, pia colada bao bao (coconut crusted fish served inside a bao bun). Ashford Avenue in Condado offers plenty of restaurant options from fine dining, to cool casual places. Plaza Coln. There's a tobacco kiosk (look up to see the longest cigar in the world hanging from the rafters), a butcher, and Puerto Rican restaurants serving lunch. There are also a handful of good local beers. WebSan Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino San Juan, San Juan SHOW DE COMEDIA IMPROVPIA SHOW DE COMEDIA IMPROVPIA Thu, Mar 2, 8:00 PM + 1 more event Moner Caf Teatro & Bar Caguas, Caguas Luna Llena en El Morro (Marzo) Luna Llena en El Morro (Marzo) Tue, Mar 7, 6:45 PM Castillo San Felipe del Morro San Juan San Metropol Restaurant Isla Verde: Best Cuban & Puertorrican dishes - See 2,506 traveller reviews, 433 candid photos, and great deals for San Juan, Puerto Rico, at Tripadvisor. is among the most popular for classic Puerto Rican food, while next door, As you enter Calle Canals from Ponce de Len Avenue, on the corner you'll spot an orange house with a yard full of communal tables. The bartender tells you to mix the drink with your straw yourself as he pushes the drink forward. The ownership's changed since the hurricane (it was formerly the beloved Al's Mar Azul) but it still has the same relaxed, dive-bar feel and reliably epic sunset views from the upstairs deck. How to get there on a budget, the least expensive time to go, where to find cheap eats and how to save money on attractions and accommodations. We hope you enjoy your visit to San Juan Puerto Rico. Sip a Don Q Gran Aejo while the coqui frogs sing into the night, or have the bartender mix up something cool and refreshing while you order Puerto Rican food from next door.