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Cute little diner in San Juan. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Service was confusing with the language barriers between English and Spanish. The prices were different from the menu and what they charged. Be careful. The chicharron was amazing. It was crispy and of course with some salty to it. The plantain was good but was expecting to be better. Overall the food was good. Very small diner with a few tables with full bar with bar sitting.
Passed by this place when I was exploring the area on my first day. Food looked good at the window and decided to dine here after I went to pick up some things at the drug store. When I got back, the place was packed. I waited on line and they really didn't have tables for solo diners. The first available table was a 4-seat table. They reluctantly gave it to me. I ordered pernil, arroz y gandules, maduros a side of steamed veggies and malta. The food arrived and the drink never did despite me asking my server. They were busy but the restaurant was small and there were enough servers to hold down the fort. There's definitely a management issue here. Anyway, the food was pretty good. Don't recommend the steamed veggies though. They were not fresh. I ended up getting takeout of ribs and rice & beans one night. I called ahead and it was over 20 mins before I went to pick up and still had to wait even though I ordered prepared foods that they had ready. Ribs were a tad dry but pretty good. Rice & beans were great. Also got breakfast one day. El tipico which was pretty good. Loved the mangu. The jugo de parcha (passionfruit juice) was pure sugar. Overall, pretty good food but the attitude from every single staff member is bad. Wait is long. Let's say 3.5 stars cuz food is good. Do with that info what you will.
We walked in on a Saturday evening around 5:30. There was a ten minute wait. The woman who seemed to be in charge got us seated and took our order. Our 5 year old son was with us and super whiny because he was tired from traveling all day. While it was dinner time she let us order "the baby" pancakes which was so sweet. He fell asleep before the food got there. It took maybe 10-15 minutes for the food to come. My mojito was lovely as was everything we had. Couldn't eat it all so we took the leftovers back to the hotel. Definitely a casual locals place. Also incredibly accommodating and kind to us just stopping in for a meal. Also good price - it was right about $50. Would have been much more in the states. If you're at a hotel in the area, take the walk over. And after dinner, walk down a few blocks to the beach to walk off some of the food. I recommend.
Ordered pernil al horno with mangu and beans. The pork skin had a lovely skin and crunch to it and the meat was moist! We enjoyed the excellent service. Plenty of indoor seating and it wasn't busy when we went on a weekday afternoon!
The best Pernil y arroz con grandalues maduros I've had . The food is cheap and if you're ever in Carolina Puerto Rico the food is amazing . Short walk from Royal Sonesta and Fairmount Hotel . The service was quick and the spot is sit down but relatively small. They take cash and credit cards .
It's always really busy here for a reason! Great food and drinks. You can order the prepared food to go or sit down and dine in. There's also a bar. I like to come here and watch the game. They have a few tvs. The staff are lovely and always pleasant no matter how busy it is. Great prices. Delicious drinks and coffee
This place was amazing! Our family is originally from Puerto Rico, but do not live in the island. We came to vacation here and wanted home cooked food and this place did not disappointed. If you're looking for authentic food, this place is it! The rice and beans tasted like it came from my grandmothers kitchen. Service was also amazing!
This became our favorite place nearby to eat and probably some of the most fulfilling meals we had while in San Juan. Our first visit, was on our first night. We were staying in a hotel nearby and noticed Lechonera Diego was just down the street. I was feeling so exhausted from the sun and travels that I didn't have the best appetite, but the nourishing comfort food was so satisfying and set the tone for an early bed time almost immediately after. Over the next few days, we would drop but for staple meals of the day. We loved the energy of the women that work here - they seem to genuinely enjoy what they do. Every order of ours we made sure to include green bananas, rice and beans (often the Habichuelas Guisadas) as well as a Cuba Libre. I don't know why, but their Cuba Libres are SO good, but they hit. We had Cuba Libres al over the place, but there was never one that got close to being as good as the ones here. Idk, maybe it was the crushed ice but it was always a necessity. During my three visits, I ordered the ribs, the shrimp and the snapper as entrees. I think the snapper in garlic sauce was by far my favorite but all of the entrees are made with a simplicity of fresh, flavorful ingredients and seasoning. Each meal was always satisfying and reasonably priced as well. So grateful to have discovered Lechonera Diego on our trip!
We rented a place just down the street in Isla Verde and having the option to walk in to an establishment this good was a blessing. The waitstaff and manager were incredibly helpful and very friendly. The food was top notch and exactly as described on the menu. The Roasted Pork ( Pernil ) and Yucca were our favorites. They also make a great Margarita ! We ate there twice during our stay and can't wait to go back. A MUST VISIT !
This place has really tasty food and friendly service. Laid back atmosphere close to everything.
I was in town and looking for a local place to have traditional food and came across here. I came just before dinner time and picked up a to go plate of rice and beans with roast pork. The flavors were good however the meat was very dry.
Great place. 7pm dine time and we had about a 10m wait for the table. The drinks were tasty and ribs were fantastic. The rice and beans, a PR specific bean, my wife insisted we try was delicious. Made even better with a little sauce. When you walk up, you can see everything through the window that's gonna be served up. It really looks great. Best part about these dishes is that you can get each item for one person, or 1/2lb orders, giving you a chance to try many things without getting stuffed. Like the person stated before, seating and waiting area is a little confusing, it's PR, patience goes a long way and it will work out. Definitely worth the stop.
3 months ago
I'm living across the street, so I've been here a few times. Zero issues. A few times I've had to wait, but the place was packed, with a line of folks waiting to be seated. Most folks are locals looking for a good meal at a reasonable price, and this restaurant is a practical choice. It's been clean everytime I've been here, and the prices are very reasonable compared to other restaurants in the area. The staff works with me since I'm Deaf, and lip-reading Spanish is 25% lip-reading and 75% guessing/filling in the blanks. Edit: Its important to mention that outside of the mainland US, when you say BBQ, you're thinking smoked meats like Kansas BBQ, Texas BBQ, Memphis BBQ with a variety of BBQ sauces, but in countries like Philippines and here in Puerto Rico if simply means like your backyard BBQ on your gas grill. Zero smoked flavor and sauces. read more
3 months ago
Walked into Lechonera Diego excited to try it, but the experience started rough. It took 15 minutes just to get a menu. Once we finally ordered, things got worse: a group that sat at the bar a full 20 minutes after we arrived got their food before us. We ended up waiting over an hour total for our food. When it finally came out, it was cold and just not good. After that long of a wait, we expected the food to at least make up for it, but it didn't. Between the slow service and the disappointing food, I can't recommend this spot right now or will I come back. read more
6 days ago
Cute little diner in San Juan. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Service was confusing with the language barriers between English and Spanish. The prices were different from the menu and what they charged. Be careful. The chicharron was amazing. It was crispy and of course with some salty to it. The plantain was good but was expecting to be better. Overall the food was good. Very small diner with a few tables with full bar with bar sitting. read more
Passed by this place when I was exploring the area on my first day. Food looked good at the window and decided to dine here after I went to pick up some things at the drug store. When I got back, the place was packed. I waited on line and they really didn't have tables for solo diners. The first available table was a 4-seat table. They reluctantly gave it to me. I ordered pernil, arroz y gandules, maduros a side of steamed veggies and malta. The food arrived and the drink never did despite me asking my server. They were busy but the restaurant was small and there were enough servers to hold down the fort. There's definitely a management issue here. Anyway, the food was pretty good. Don't recommend the steamed veggies though. They were not fresh. I ended up getting takeout of ribs and rice & beans one night. I called ahead and it was over 20 mins before I went to pick up and still had to wait even though I ordered prepared foods that they had ready. Ribs were a tad dry but pretty good. Rice & beans were great. Also got breakfast one day. El tipico which was pretty good. Loved the mangu. The jugo de parcha (passionfruit juice) was pure sugar. Overall, pretty good food but the attitude from every single staff member is bad. Wait is long. Let's say 3.5 stars cuz food is good. Do with that info what you will. read more
7 months ago
We walked in on a Saturday evening around 5:30. There was a ten minute wait. The woman who seemed to be in charge got us seated and took our order. Our 5 year old son was with us and super whiny because he was tired from traveling all day. While it was dinner time she let us order "the baby" pancakes which was so sweet. He fell asleep before the food got there. It took maybe 10-15 minutes for the food to come. My mojito was lovely as was everything we had. Couldn't eat it all so we took the leftovers back to the hotel. Definitely a casual locals place. Also incredibly accommodating and kind to us just stopping in for a meal. Also good price - it was right about $50. Would have been much more in the states. If you're at a hotel in the area, take the walk over. And after dinner, walk down a few blocks to the beach to walk off some of the food. I recommend. read more
6 months ago
Ordered pernil al horno with mangu and beans. The pork skin had a lovely skin and crunch to it and the meat was moist! We enjoyed the excellent service. Plenty of indoor seating and it wasn't busy when we went on a weekday afternoon! read more
The best Pernil y arroz con grandalues maduros I've had . The food is cheap and if you're ever in Carolina Puerto Rico the food is amazing . Short walk from Royal Sonesta and Fairmount Hotel . The service was quick and the spot is sit down but relatively small. They take cash and credit cards . read more
It's always really busy here for a reason! Great food and drinks. You can order the prepared food to go or sit down and dine in. There's also a bar. I like to come here and watch the game. They have a few tvs. The staff are lovely and always pleasant no matter how busy it is. Great prices. Delicious drinks and coffee read more
8 months ago
This place was amazing! Our family is originally from Puerto Rico, but do not live in the island. We came to vacation here and wanted home cooked food and this place did not disappointed. If you're looking for authentic food, this place is it! The rice and beans tasted like it came from my grandmothers kitchen. Service was also amazing! read more
17 days ago
2 months ago
5 months ago
Popped in for a quick meal short walk from hotel. Got the Pernil Al horno and it was great. read more
This became our favorite place nearby to eat and probably some of the most fulfilling meals we had while in San Juan. Our first visit, was on our first night. We were staying in a hotel nearby and noticed Lechonera Diego was just down the street. I was feeling so exhausted from the sun and travels that I didn't have the best appetite, but the nourishing comfort food was so satisfying and set the tone for an early bed time almost immediately after. Over the next few days, we would drop but for staple meals of the day. We loved the energy of the women that work here - they seem to genuinely enjoy what they do. Every order of ours we made sure to include green bananas, rice and beans (often the Habichuelas Guisadas) as well as a Cuba Libre. I don't know why, but their Cuba Libres are SO good, but they hit. We had Cuba Libres al over the place, but there was never one that got close to being as good as the ones here. Idk, maybe it was the crushed ice but it was always a necessity. During my three visits, I ordered the ribs, the shrimp and the snapper as entrees. I think the snapper in garlic sauce was by far my favorite but all of the entrees are made with a simplicity of fresh, flavorful ingredients and seasoning. Each meal was always satisfying and reasonably priced as well. So grateful to have discovered Lechonera Diego on our trip! read more
4 months ago
We rented a place just down the street in Isla Verde and having the option to walk in to an establishment this good was a blessing. The waitstaff and manager were incredibly helpful and very friendly. The food was top notch and exactly as described on the menu. The Roasted Pork ( Pernil ) and Yucca were our favorites. They also make a great Margarita ! We ate there twice during our stay and can't wait to go back. A MUST VISIT ! read more
3 months ago
6 months ago
This place has really tasty food and friendly service. Laid back atmosphere close to everything. read more
I was in town and looking for a local place to have traditional food and came across here. I came just before dinner time and picked up a to go plate of rice and beans with roast pork. The flavors were good however the meat was very dry. read more
Great place. 7pm dine time and we had about a 10m wait for the table. The drinks were tasty and ribs were fantastic. The rice and beans, a PR specific bean, my wife insisted we try was delicious. Made even better with a little sauce. When you walk up, you can see everything through the window that's gonna be served up. It really looks great. Best part about these dishes is that you can get each item for one person, or 1/2lb orders, giving you a chance to try many things without getting stuffed. Like the person stated before, seating and waiting area is a little confusing, it's PR, patience goes a long way and it will work out. Definitely worth the stop. read more
1 year ago
I love the staff at this spot. She was so sweet and welcoming. The food was amazing and very affordable. We ordered the two egg deal and the eggs were so flavorful. They have fresh juice options which were tasty too. Nice environment, close to the beach, great bang for your buck. The menu was very simple which was nice to order what you needed. read more
1 year ago
Lechonera Diego - Amazing Food, Inconsistent Service Lechonera Diego nails it when it comes to flavor. I had the pernil, arroz con gandules, tostones, and a drink all for under $20 and it was excellent. The atmosphere is casual and typical for a lechonera, and everything was clean. Where they fall short is service. It's busy here, and sometimes that means you get overlooked. I've had both great and frustrating experiences: * Visit 1: An older gentleman served us promptly, kept an eye on our table, and the experience was smooth. * Visit 2: We sat for 25 minutes without anyone taking our order, so we left. * Visit 3: Service was slow again, and I noticed other families walking out after not being greeted. They stood there for 10 minutes and not even a simple, "hello" or a "Hello, we'll be right with you". They just ignored them. If you're expecting polished, attentive service, this isn't the place. It's hit or miss. Remember you're on "island time". But if you can get someone to take your order, you're in for a treat the food makes up for it. Pro tip: Ask for your check when your food arrives, or you could be waiting another 45 minutes for it. If you're used to more laid-back, European-style dining, you might not mind. read more
8 months ago
1 year ago
Loved their food. Went there twice. Their Mofongo was the best Mofongo I tried in Puerto Rico. I loved their potato salad and pork chops were good as well. I'd definitely recommend this place. read more
For our recent San Juan area trip, we stayed at a Carolina Beach side hotel in a sea of other tourist area hotels. It was not the best area for exploring cool local food. Lots of chain restaurants familiar to tourists. Except for, within walking distance of our hotel, Lechonera Diego. They have a small but comfortable dining area and bar. Service was very good. They also have a cafeteria style area for packaging to go orders quickly I presume. I ordered the Churrasco style skirt steak. The flavor was mind-blowingly good. So much juiciness and good garlic. The Arroz con Gandules, which was molded saucy rice with pigeon peas was terrific too. My only note is that the steak, which I ordered medium rare, was closer to rare in the middle. But the steak was so high quality and delicious, I just went with it. If you're staying in the hotels in Carolina and don't want to Uber to an area for good food, Lechonera is a fantastic option. It compares favorably to any of the great meals you will have in San Juan. 4.75 Stars read more
4 months ago
4 months ago
1 year ago
Came back again , food was outstanding . They were busy we went in about 7:30 pm so the lechon was little dry but still delicious ( it was pretty late ) . If you go when it's busy be prepared to wait , they have great staff but they all do everything bus tables , bartend , run food , prepare to go orders as well as wait tables . But they do it with a positive attitude and do their best , just sit and enjoy the music . Don't forget to have the flan de coco yummy ! Don't hesitate to go in , you'll have great food at a great value . We usually order by the 1/2 lb of each lechon , chicken , rice and an order of fried plantains and it is perfect for two . We leave wobbling out but very satisfied . read more
We were very fortunate to stay at a hotel only a 2 minute walk away from Lechonera Diego's and it didn't disappoint. This is just one review but we actually ate here at least 5 times or more. The service is great and very friendly. The steam table is excellent and the go to items are always available. I didn't take a picture of the kan kan, but order it! You will not regret it. Cleanliness 10/10 Service 10/10 Ambiance 10/10 Food 10/10 Value 10/10 Bathrooms 10/10 Will I Return? YES! read more
5 months ago
10 months ago
Grouper in garlic with rice and beans were delicious! Service was good with a friendly waitress. read more
1 year ago
This spot is just a short walk from the Royal Sonesta -- we could've walked, but ended up driving and found free street parking nearby. It's a charming little place with a casual vibe and quick service. The food is all premade and served super fast, which was exactly what we needed. The staff was friendly and attentive, and both the portion sizes and prices were great. Definitely a solid choice for a quick, tasty bite! The beans are absolutely delicious and goes well with the rice! read more
Excellent spot for quick, no frills takeout of traditional, local Puerto Rican cuisine. We were looking for a casual place to grab food to enjoy back at our Airbnb. We walked in and there was just one group ahead of us order. Service was friendly and efficient and we were in and out with our food in maybe 10 minutes. We ordered pernil, morcilla, yucca, batatas and arroz con gandules as well as some sodas to mix with rum we had back at the Airbnb. The whole meal plus a generous tip was less than $35 and was one of the most satisfying and delicious meals we had in PR, even after dining at two James Beard award semi-finalist spots earlier. read more
2 months ago
11 months ago
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More info about Lechonera Diego
Av. Isla Verde 6465
Carolina, Puerto Rico 00979
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(787) 230-6277
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1 year ago
