Where to Eat and Drink in San Juan 2023 – Hot Spots You Need to Try!
One of the first things I research when planning any trip is where to eat and drink, so naturally when traveling to Puerto Rico, you need to know where to eat and drink in San Juan in 2023.
All of my favorite places are marked on the map down below for convenience, to help you plan out your route in San Juan. You can find additional descriptions below. Feel free to reach out for more advice or help planning your next trip!
Where to Eat and Drink in San Juan 2023:
Breakfast
787 Coffee
This is going to sound a tad bit dramatic, but this may be my favorite coffee spot in the whole world. I walked here 4 days straight, 40 minutes round trip to try as many of their lattes as possible, and not one of them disappointed! The coquito is just untouchable, it is SO good. But the horchata and marzipan lattes were also amazing. They also have whiskey-infused beans and were promoting their new whiskey cappuccino at the time. The decor and staff were so cute and friendly, and their quesitos with guava were worth every single calorie. My only complaint is that this place is 1,600 miles away from where I live!
Cafe Bistro
You know when things look good on Instagram but in real life they’re like…meh? This is not the case. First, do follow them on IG, so you can see what new special dishes they have cookin’ (many are not listed on the standard menu), but then go go go – and make sure you have some friends so you have help taking down the massive plates like their stuffed avocados and churro french toast! Don’t sleep on their coffees or cocktails either!
Pannes
If you’re staying in Condado, right outside of Old San Juan, don’t overlook this unassuming little cafe. The service is great and you can try traditional puerto rican dishes like a mallorca (a sweet roll dusted in powdered sugar – get it as a breakfast sandwich – sweet and savory and to die for) or order up some fruit-covered french toast. If you’re an oatmeal fan, try it here. I’m not sure why but it just hits different.
Where to Eat and Drink in San Juan 2023:
Dinner
MUSA
From their cocktails to the atmosphere to their inventive delicious dishes, you truly cannot go wrong. Every bite elicited groans of pure joy from us, almost so much so that it was embarrassing. But how can you not have a nearly orgasmic experience when you’re washing down guava ribs and ropa vieja-covered mac & cheese with a kiwi mojito? When looking for where to eat and drink in San Juan in 2023, MUSA is a great pick!
Casita Mirar
I first went to this restaurant two years ago, and I’ve been dreaming about the soup ever since. And the bacalaítos. Both of which are on the house, as was a nice little anise shot which came with the check. Come here for these delicacies, and the rest of the menu!
Mario Pagan Restaurant
Where to Eat and Drink in San Juan 2023:
Bars
Barrachina
Home to the original piña colada! You’ll find this picturesque courtyard a few steps from La Fortaleza in Old San Juan. Come for dinner or drop in and grab a frozen treat to go on a hot day. Sitting at the bar is a great opportunity to beat the heat as well.
La Factoria
Make sure you check off this bucket list-worthy bar on your next trip! It’s made the top list of bars in the world for good reason. During the day, the windows are open and it’s the perfect spot to kick back with a cocktail (they are outstanding) and take a break from the sun. At night, it takes on more of a speakeasy vibe. Past this front room, you’ll find two more bars and on the weekend it transforms into even more of a club with music and dancing. Whatever vibe you’re looking for, you can find it here!
Where to Eat and Drink in San Juan 2023:
Bakeries
Okay so if I am being 100% real, this place is a little intimidating if your Spanish isn’t stellar. It can be very busy, there are multiple lines and counters and my own self-consciousness gave me “soup nazi” vibes a la Seinfeld. However, it is definitely worth a stop to grab a snack, sandwich, or some pastries on the way back to the airport.
Conclusion: Where to Eat (and Drink) in San Juan 2023
Food and drink are such a huge part of puerto rican culture and you’d be missing out if you ate at touristy spots or lived on fast food while visiting the island. Make sure to use this guide to find where to eat and drink in San Juan in 2023.
If it’s your first time in San Juan, you may want to try taking a food tour to learn about Puerto Rican cuisine from a local!
Keep reading here…Is San Juan Walkable? – The Best Self Guided Walking Itinerary
