Mojito's
Calle recinto sur 323. despite the cubanesque name and its location on the cruise ship trail, this restaurant serves up big portions of no-nonsense pork, rice and beans local fare at reasonable prices. try the chuletas pork chops. mains from $10.
La Bombonera
Calle san francisco, west of tanca, phone: 787-722-0658. 7:30am-8pm. authentic local cuisine in an unassuming landmark atmosphere unchanged for decades. serves lunch and dinner. fresh pastries. superlative coffee. inexpensive.
La Mallorca
Calle san francisco 300 east of tanca. called "the platonic ideal of a diner" by the new york times, this local cafe is operated by the owners of la bombonera and has the same time-warp atmosphere. serves breakfast and lunch. the mallorca pastry and the sandwiches are recommended. superlative coffee. sandwiches around $5, mains under $10.
Dragonfly
Calle fortaleza. by far one of the best places to eat if you want a cuban asian fusion. great food right across from aquaviva in old san juan. no shorts or sandals allowed.
El Meson Sandwiches
At the intersection of c. san francisco and c. san jose, has a large selection including many vegetarian items at very reasonable prices.
Al Dente
Calle recinto sur 309, old san juan, phone: 787-723-7303. m-f 12pm-3pm; m-sa 6pm-11pm; sun 12:30pm-4pm and 6pm-10pm. the oldest continuously operated italian restaurant in puerto rico.
Ostra Cosa
Calle del cristo 154, phone: 787-722-2672. daily 12pm-10pm. reservations recommended. the ambience here is one of the most sensual and romantic in old san juan.
Parrot Club
Calle fortaleza 363, phone: 787-725-7370. daily 12pm-3pm; 6pm-11pm. one of the better latin fusion restaurants: it's expensive, but at least the food is good, the decor bright and the service friendly. live music, either brazilian, salsa, or latino jazz, is offered nightly as well as during the popular sunday brunches.
Siglo XX
Calle o'donell just south of plaza colã³n. local cuisine. good cuban sandwiches and beans and rice. serves lunch and dinner. inexpensive.
Unlike in most U.S. States, Puerto Rican laws make it easy for restaurants to sell alcohol. Even modest lunch counters will offer beer, wine, and some mixed drinks. Tipping is customary. There are restaurants which cater to tourists, particularly tapas bars and Latin "fusion" restaurants, but look at the menu before going in to make sure prices are in a comfortable range.
Countryside Tours
For all kinds of tours
El Jibarito
This is a moderately-priced restaurant serving authentic criolla food.