Budget
El Hamburger
402 avenida munoz rivera. this loud burger pit is packed at dinnertime with local families and beach-goers sipping beers and munching on freshly grilled burgers. the hamburgers come with a slice of swiss or american cheese and a separate plate of toppings so you can decorate your burger to your liking. there is counter service and table service, but little english is spoken so order at the counter where you can point to your choice if you would like to order something other than "el hamburger." $3-7 per person.
Subway
Across the street from the caribe hilton sign, taxi parking, and normandie hotel. sandwiches, wraps, salads, and cheap breakfasts with better coffee than the locations in the united states. $4-7 per person.
Midrange
Rotisserie II Giardino
In the hilton hotel. italian food with a good wine selection.
R.E.D
Inside the normandie hotel. this red-lit place bills itself as a tapas restaurant, but instead it is just a restaurant that encourages patrons to share the dishes among the table. the menu is a mix of puerto rican, mediterranean, and other international fare. dress is business casual. $15-25 per plate.
Madrid-San Juan
In the hilton hotel. tapas.
In Puerta de Tierra, there are little to no options for eating out. If you are visiting another part of San Juan, try to eat in that area before coming back to the hotel. If your room has a mini bar, try stocking it with some bottled drinks and snacks from a mini-mart, in case you get hungry while still in the area. For breakfast, your best bet is either to eat in your hotel or to eat at your destination for the day. Along the beach, there are kiosks in small, green buildings that sell a few bottled drinks and occasionally some food, but I wouldn't depend on it.
Lemongrass Pan Asian Latino
In the hilton hotel. an upscale restaurant that provides a good alternative to morton's steakhouse. dress is not exactly formal, but leave your t-shirt and beach jeans at home.