Worst wait staff I have ever met honestly. We arrived at 5:18 and waited 90 minutes to get the food. It was insane!! Juice order had to be taken twice since they forgot. If it was exceptional food, it is one thing but this is below average at best. #WORST read more

La Garita - Dry and overcooked pork chops 0 stars - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

La Garita is set back in the heart of old San Joan. I'd suggest parking in the garage or on the street and not driving down in the neighborhood of La Garita because the roads are extremely narrow. Upon entering the restaurant we got seated immediately. We sat outside on the patio because the view is phenomenal. It took awhile for the waitress to come out and take our order. Maybe because we were hungry. Honestly though, I feel it was enough time to look over the menu and make the right decision as to what to order. The environment is so calm with the sound of the waves and the breeze coming through the open windows. It might be too much for some ( like my cousin ) but I love it. So our food came along in a decent amount of time. Our drinks first. We both got Passion fruit juice. 10 OUT OF 10 . I got the grouper with rice and beans. 10 out of 10 AGAIN (This place can't miss) the different flavors bursting on my pallet is just what I like. All the different sautéed vegetables in the top of the fish was a great call and super necessary. My cousin for the lobster mofongo. It had soooooooooooo much lobster in it. OMG and seasoned very well. That's not really my thing but it had seafood and looked so good and was dripping with the sauce I couldn't resist. The fried fish were had for an appetizer was seasoned and fried to perfection. I highly recommend this place. Is my fourth time here. I don't have PR without coming here. read more

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When you find a spot like this... You always return! 3rd year in a row to Puerto Rico and 2nd year in a row at La Garita. The service, the view and the food are fantastic! read more

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La Garita definitely has the view going for it, and it's a good one. The setting is lovely and makes it an appealing place to sit, relax, and take in the scenery. Unfortunately, the food didn't live up to the surroundings. I ordered the fried red snapper, and it was noticeably dry / overcooked, plus it was noticeably lacking in flavor. Nothing offensive, just under-seasoned and forgettable, especially given the setting and expectations. Service was okay. Nice place to sit for the view, but I'd come with tempered expectations when it comes to the food. read more

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I came to this place to see what was all the hype. To be honest it was not worth it. You pay for the view and the location. The actual Mofongo are 5 out of 10 the churrasco Mofongo Hands Down, one of the worst I've had. The Lobster Mofongo was just OK but wouldn't come back for it. The other dishes are OK. Also prefer el Jibarito, Modesto By Far and prices are lot more affordable. Also, the food was cold read more

La Garita - Hands-down, the worst Mofongo I've ever had - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

During cruse, we stopped at San Juan, tour and visited Old Fort, near the Fort, local restaurant and tried Mofongo. You have to walk down like you are heading toward cemetery but as soon as you reach cemetery, you will see uphill. It is right around the uphill. Services were great so did the food. read more

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The views were amazing at this place! The wait was very long, but once we were seated the view made it all worth it. You can see the ocean as you eat. The food is really good too! We ordered a ton of different mofongos. My favorite was the lobster mofongo! I wanted to try the conch mofongo. but they ran out when we got there. The sauce in the lobster mofongo was so good! I am so glad we were able to check this place out during our port stop during our cruise. read more

La Garita - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

We were in the area and wanted some authentic Puerto Rican food, and this place kept coming up as recommended so we gave it a try. It's tucked away on a side street off the main drag in Old San Juan - you'll have to take some stairs to get down here. We were able to sit in a room overlooking the water which was really nice. Service was pretty fast and friendly even though we were from out of town. The drink menu here is extensive -- drinks are also strong and well made, which we appreciated. My margarita packed a punch, they even have frozen drinks if you're in the mood. I ordered the octopus salad as my main which was incredible. The mofongo here was also super fresh, the best I had during my time here. I'd recommend this place for some casual food and drinks if you're in the area. read more

Great place with view of La Perla and he ocean. The food is really good, I have tried a few things from Chuleta Kan Kan to biftec and ensalada de pulpo. All really good and flavorful. Staff is okay, personable and attentive. Food is affordable for the area. It is a but tricky to get to it thou. read more

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We showed up right at 11 when they were supposed to open, but true to island time, the doors didn't open until around 11:45 -- honestly, part of the charm. It was worth the wait because we scored an amazing table with a breezy view of the water that set the perfect tone for the meal. We ordered the steak and shrimp mofongo -- absolutely delicious, packed with flavor and perfectly cooked. The fish tacos were another highlight: light, fresh, and paired beautifully with their house hot sauce. For drinks, we went classic with a Medalla and also tried the coconut margarita, which was super refreshing. Service was top-notch. Our waitress was incredibly friendly, checked in often, and gave great recommendations. This place definitely lived up to the hype -- a must-visit for great food and an even better vibe. read more

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We were looking for a place for lunch and found La Garita on Yelp. This is definitely a case where the view drives the ratings. Here are some details about our experience: - We sat in a spot along the windows with an amazing view and incredible breeze. - We ordered the small combo appetizer plate and the fish tacos. The appetizer plate came out first and was full of heavily breaded items, including some chicken pieces which didn't seem to resemble a chicken. It took forever for the fish tacos to come out and that was only after we asked about where they were. - The fish tacos were pretty good, but heavily doused with thousand island dressing. Bottom line: We don't know if it was the items we ordered or the food in general, but come for the view and choose wisely from the menu! read more

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Arrived to be greeted quickly and sat at bar style seating but facing the ocean. Drinks were fabulous, reasonable pricing. Fresh local eats were fresh and flavorful. Peaceful and relaxing lunch. Catch of the day was red snapper. read more

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A beautiful place to eat with a gorgeous view, if you find it. I called to get directions. You get to the restaurant by walking towards the cemetery or via the main road on a sort of hidden path down the stairs. Worth the trek and adventure. We waited a bit inside while a table was made available and enjoyed the breeze as we ate our mofongos and sample platter. We ordered the medium appetizer sampler which comes with one meat (we chose wings) and sorullos, bacalaitos, cheese balls, empanadas of beef and cheese (even though the cheese disappeared and you feel you are eating the shell with nothing). The mofongos were great. We ordered the octopus trifongo and the steak and shrimp regular mofongo. Mia the Panamanian was our waitress. She was great. Be patient, relax and prepare to wait. The place is busy and food takes a little bit to get to you. Otherwise, great place to try. read more

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This place will always have a special place in my heart -- it's a must every time we visit San Juan! From the mofongo to the ceviche, everything is *chef's kiss*. The beans are authentic, the prices are great, and the food never disappoints. The view is beautiful (even though we can't sit by the window with a toddler, it's still a nice touch). Service really depends on the time you go -- usually, it's just a few servers running around trying to cover all the tables. Don't take it personally if they don't greet you right away; they're working hard! Overall, the food and vibes make it 100% worth it. Definitely a must-try when you're in the area! read more

La Garita - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

We were recommended to try this place because of its view and food. Unfortunately we didn't not have time to eat but we went and had some drinks. The people in this restaurant are very friendly, honest and hardworking. We were seated timely and had our drinks enjoying the beautiful view . Also I forgot my phone and they came after and told me I really appreciated it. Thank you for your hospitality. We definitely want to comeback and try some of the amazing food. read more

La Garita - Parcha margarita 10/10 - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

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It took a little bit to get in, but the wait was worth it. Also, it was hard to find with google maps but I'm glad we did. Two of us had the fish tacos on the appetizer menu and it was enough for a meal - so yummy. If you aren't into mayo-based sauces you may want to ask for them on the side. The shrimp gumbo was delish, but fair warning - not the same as Louisiana gumbo. The shrimp were beautiful and fresh. My daughter had the lobster tail and loved it. We had Sangria and Rum Punch - highly recommend both. The setting was perfect and the servers were very kind! Highly recommend. read more

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Delicious traditional Puerto Rican food served up in the heart of La Perla. I was excited to try this spot since it was near where my family is from and dad grew up. I ordered churrasco with a side of mofongo. My partner ordered mofongo with shrimp and churrasco but our server brought out shrimp and another dish (which was still pretty good). We also ordered surollitos to share which were mouth watering to me and pina coladas. The lady listed the drinks verbally as she stated the drinks weren't on the menu. When we got the bill back, we found out it was $16 each drink. Also the wait to get in was super long and on a hot day , the sun was burning so just two things to be mindful of. read more

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Loved La Garita!!! Just go! I went alone. Upon entry I stoped at the ropes and let the person know I was a party of 1 and would like to sit outside by the window. My server was so sweet and helped me with the menu. She actually taught me that I could get Mofongo with only sweet plantain! That's what I ordered ( with shrimp) and I LOVED it! Also got a coconut mojito (large) and it was strong and tasty. I love this place and I will be returning when I go back to PR. As far as the walk there, I was walking alone for most of the walk but saw multiple other tourists. You aren't going deep into La Perla at all. Even if you are solo, go during the day and keep to yourself on your way there. You will be fine. read more

It was quite a wait for a table and staff ignored us when we waited with no one else in line. This made me worried, but we went ahead and waited anyway as we wanted a table outside, which was worth the wait. I have a severe allergy (Alpha Gal- EpiPen worthy) and they were very kind and understanding and helped me find something that would work. My husband got the mofongo as did my son which was fantastic!! I got an octopus salad, which was just wonderful!! And the view is super!! read more

If you can find this restaurant situated on the hill up above the shore, in the La Perla district of old San Juan, you've done great! There is outdoor yet protected seating to overlook the beautiful views. Weight staff was very friendly and prompt. Although the drinks were excellent, prices were not as listed on the menu; in all cases, they were double what was listed. Staff simply explained that the menu was old. The food was very good, seemingly fresh seafood, and nice local flavors. Food prices were consistent with those stated on the menu. Parking is extremely limited at best in this area, so easiest to walk in if possible. read more

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One of the best restaurants in San Juan, Puerto Rico! The view it self was worth it. Don't be afraid to walk down La Perla and go to this hidden gem. The service was great, the server explain everything since it was our first time eating Puerto Rican Food. The churrasco was espectacular, the queso frito so unique and the ceviche so fresh. The mojitos even better. 10/10 recommend! read more

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Excellent view for lunch or dinner while enjoying local food. Great service as well. We will definitely come back! read more

La Garita - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

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Getting here is a bit of an adventure! From the touristy area you have to walk through a narrow catwalk to a cute local street with low lighting. It may seem sketchy but it was safe for us and a few other tourist were walking with us. The wait at the restaurant was about 15mins and we found out it was because they were missing a chef. A group of two who just arrived tried to cut the line but the host / waitress asked her to line up. I came here on a cruise ship to try their local Mofongo for the first time and it was worth the wait! It was tasty and the gravy was perfect with it. The Pina colada was also very good. They use real ingredients! It was perfect by the ocean listening to the crashing waves. read more

The food is amazing and the view makes it a romantic spot for dinner. Don't be afraid of the walk. Well worth it. read more

La Garita - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Hard to find, the view makes it worth the effort. The food was good and the staff were great.

This restaurant is a bit off the beaten path in old San Juan, but it's well worth the detour I think. The restaurant offers an excellent vantage point with a great view of the ocean, which alone makes it worth check out. You can get away from some of the bustling tourist areas and enjoy some food here. The service was kind and moved at a pretty good pace, and they're definitely English friendly. Food was solid as well. I had the chicken mofongo, which I really enjoyed. Based on how well they handled the mofongo, I imagine their seafood dishes are even better and probably worth trying. If you're looking for a place to pair a good meal and view, this is the spot. read more

First timer in Puerto Rico. Came around 6 and had no problem getting a spot for two by the window that overlooked La Perla. I don't have anything to compare the mofongo to, but it was delicious. Fish tacos too! Drank rum punch and enjoyed the view. read more

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La Garita means "the little guardhouse" in Spanish. We were the first customers there for lunch on Saturday. I had chicken mofongo & strawberry frappe for dessert, & he had garlic shrimp. The food was very good & the view of La Perla & the Atlantic ocean is quite spectacular. An Uber driver recommended La Garita to us & was willing to drive us all the way there, which involved driving through a small tunnel that was only the width of one vehicle. The alternative would have been to let us out on Calle Norzagaray so we could go down some steep stone steps to Calle Lucila Silva & walk 100 yards to the restaurant. My husband & I are seniors & walk with canes, so we appreciated him driving us all the way there. We did need to climb the stone steps afterward ... saw 6 or 8 roosters walking around the hood! read more

The food is just as good as the views here!! I had the mofongo and it was exceptional!! We tried 2 apps, and 2 entrees, and had a few drinks and everything was great! read more

La Garita - Mofongo - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

This place was okay, the person that sat us was very rude like she didn't want to be there or we were an inconvenience. The server was very nice and attentive to us. The food was okay, there was a lot of mayonnaise and thousand island dressing I had to scrape off of my tacos, it was too much for me. The drinks were good and the view was nice too. I think many people come for the view. read more

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Don't know what all the other reviewers are so excited about. Definitely DO NOT come here when you're on a schedule, like if you're here on a port day, because this is definitely not a meal worth two hours. And by time the mofongo got to the table, it was rubbery and the meat/vegetables were cold. The wait might have been bearable if the waitress checked in every now and then, but that didn't happen. A big disappointment. read more

From the outside of the restaurant, you would describe this place as a hole in the wall and immediately you're wondering is this the place with such great reviews, as the outside and the location leave something to be desired. Well, you are indeed in the right place, it may not be much to look at, but once inside, especially if you are able to snag a window seat, the views of Old San Juan are spectacular! We were greeted fairly quickly and got a couple of bottles of water to start off with, our server recommended that instead of tap water as apparently the tap water is not totally legit and clean. After perusing the menu, we placed our orders, which included: two appetizers: ceviche and fish tacos (comes with two); for our meals we got: shrimp (which came in a garlicky, butter sauce with red and yellow peppers) with rice and beans and it came with a small salad (me), fried fish chunks (my dad), 12oz skirt steak with rice and beans and it came with a small side salad (my hubby), and my mom got the grouper which was in sauce, she also got rice and beans and her meal came with a small side salad. The skirt steak was bomb! It was cooked to a perfect medium rare temperature, it was flavorful, juicy and the chimichurri sauce it came with was the perfect combination. The rice and beans on all of our plates was great and it came with little bits of meat, some type of sausage. My dad's fried fish chunks were also great, fried perfectly and well seasoned. How could I almost forget?! The tacos were fantastic! They were pretty hearty, they had a delicious and flavorful sauce on it, the fish was fresh and frankly the hubby and I loved everything about this appetizer. My shrimp was also really good, fresh and light. The ceviche on the other hand left something to be desired or perhaps I just don't like ceviche, this was my first time ever trying it, so the verdict is still out. My mom's grouper also was not the best as it was too soft. We took several pics of the views and all in all, when we go back to PR, we will certainly be eating here again! read more

Delicious food, great view and friendly service. Highly recommend the fresh fish and the mofongo! read more

La Garita - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Amazing little spot in La Perla. The staff were really nice. We waited for outside seating for the view - food was good. Mofongo and salad - prices were reasonable read more

La Garita - View of La Perla - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

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We were here for lunch, when we walked in, they have a small spot at the door with fences for guest to wait. We were told the waiting time will be around 10 mins, but we have been waiting for more than 20 mins, no staff come over to tell us what's going on and when we could get the table. The service in the place is really slow and totally lack of service! We end up left the place and feel very upset! I never encounter such experience in any restaurant like this in my life! Unbelievable read more

Recommended by a local. Well received! This place is great! In La Perla neighborhood. Not the best neighborhood, but near the water. The restaurant? Clean and a perfect view of the coast. Service? Great. Attentive. Seating inside, small. Seating outside. Perfect. Maybe 8 tables and barstools on the great view. Food? I had the Mahi Mahi with maduros and an extra side of rice and beans. The fish?! Perfect. Their beans? On point. Their side hot sauce (I requested) yum. They also sell it. My husband ordered the grouper. He inhaled it but liked my Mahi Mahi better. Food quality? Great. Service? Great. View? Amazing. Neighborhood? A lil scary. Highly recommend! read more

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The food was fresh and delicious. I ordered the mahi mahi (Dorado) and others ordered the pork chops, steaks and shrimp on the menu. All were pleased with their choices. One member of our party is Celiac but no flour (arina) is used in the cooking unless it's bread. The wait is fairly long so don't wait until you're super hungry to arrive. The wait affords time to take in the strong breeze cliffside of the open sea. Extraordinary view and simple patio-like dining. Mojitos are also good and inexpensive compared to other restaurant options. read more

I have to apologize to all the Puerto Ricans I offended for saying mofongo is dry. Because the mofongo at La Garita is delicious and juicy and a role model for how all mofongo should taste. Recommended by my Puerto Rican mother-in-law, my partner and I trekked to La Perla for great views and food. We were lucky to have been seated outside with a full view of the colorful houses of San Juan. The service was a little slow but friendly. After ordering, we got our food promptly. We started with a good side of mozzarella sticks before digging into a steak and octopus mofongo with creole sauce. The mofongo itself was soft and creamy like a side of buttery mashed potatoes. Paired with the tender octopus, steak, and delicious creole sauce. *Chef's kiss* Not to mention the size of this mofongo can easily feed two people and it's only $22 dollars. What a steal. To have an amazing view, big portions, and delicious food, there is nothing to complain about. Maybe besides the birds that fly in once in a while for a snack. But besides that, you have a perfect lunch spot. And we were also recommended to be careful in the neighborhood after dark, so maybe keep this as a lunch spot. read more

Absolute best food that we've ever had when visiting PR. Of course the view was amazing. However, the food matched the view. Highly recommended for our fellow cruisers. read more

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Not sure why this has so many great reviews. My experience was totally the opposite. The sweet plantains were good. Slow service. We waited over and hour for our food, although slow service is a hallmark it seems with restaurants in PR. Thr cebiche was strange, maybe it's done this way in PR and not anywhere else. But I'll thr places I've been to have had it with the lemon juice. The fish seemed as if they had been cooked in the lemon juice but then removed and felt as if most of the juice had been drained or air dried out. So it didn't have the usually taste. read more

La Garita - Fish Ceviche - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico