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Puerto Criollo in Old San Juan wasn't part of the plan. We were heading from our cozy B&B in Luquillo to catch some city lights in San Juan. Hunger kicked in and with no dinner res. and hopes of finding parking in the famously tight streets here, we lucked out as we stumbled on this spot. And wow, are we glad we did. The first thing that hit us? The air. It smelled garlicky- it's the kind of scent that automatically tells you the kitchen knows exactly what they're doing. My husband and I looked at each other and smiled. This was our kind of place. We've been skipping outdoor dining because, let's be honest, Puerto Rico's heat is brutal. But the evening we came here was rare and there was a wonderful breeze and the al fresco setup turned out to be just right. My red snapper fillet came packed with garlicky flavor, cooked just right but the tostones didn't hold up. They tasted like they'd been made way earlier in the day or worse, reheated from the day before. My husband was in mofongo heaven. His pork chunks were savory and hearty. Service is fantastic and we encountered was warm and attentive. All in all, Puerto Criollo was an unexpected find with bold flavors and welcoming vibes.
My first dinner in Old San Juan and it was on a Sunday evening. This place is in the heart of the Plaza de Colon and met my craving for authentic Puerto Rican food. Service was very hospitable and friendly. The host was able to get us seated quickly outside & shared that the restrooms were upstairs. We ordered starters, a cocktail and entrees for dinner. My son isn't as adventurous so he ordered chicken wings. I on the other hand had ceviche, mufongo with shrimp and a mojito! The plantains were fresh but a little dry. The shrimp was delicious. The wings were crispy and paired nicely with the barbecue sauce it came with. My drink was refreshing but didn't taste much rum. The ambiance is buzzing and very loud from talking, passersby traffic, cars and motorcycles. It's great for a bite to eat but didn't knock my socks off.
Found this spot in old San Juan near the cruise port. We were looking for a local spot to grab some food. We did have to wait a bit for a table but that's to be expected. Service was friendly and food didn't take too long. The food was good as well as the drinks. I think for a touristy area, everything was fine. Not sure about prices in other areas of PR. But we left happy.
This place is located in Old San Juan and sitting outside provides you a perfect view of the ocean as well a spot yo people watch. I ordered the Mofango which is a doughy food made from plantains and is one of the national dishes of Puerto Rico. Mofango is a good comfort food when prepared right. I ordered the seafood Mofongo: shrimp, octopus and conch. Our server was very energetic and recommended we get it prepared with the creamy garlic sauce. This was enough for two people and pricey as well. The freshness of the seafood and well seasoning of this dish made it well worth it.
Enjoyed a wonderful lunch sitting outdoors in Old San Juan. Both the service and food were good. I ordered a avocado salad topped with strawberries and feta cheese that was refreshing and filling. The Bacalaitos Camarones (a lightly fried codfish fritters) was the perfect accompaniment. Great spot for lunch!
I really wanted to try some pork on my last trip and had to plan to go up the pork Highway and visit those kiosks on the side of the road. However, when I saw the Kan Kan on the menu here, I had to try it. It did not disappoint. Every bite was crunchy juicy and absolutely delicious. My daughter and I shared this one plate so if the cost seems to be a little high, you can split it for two it was perfect. I don't think I would ever try another plate on their menu. Also, the wait staff was really nice. There was a pushy lady at the table next to us complaining that it was so salty. But she still ate the whole plate so explain that one to me. She mentioned to her husband that she was trying to train them to do better. So condescending. So I tipped my waiter a little extra to make up for this woman's bad attitude. I was not gonna let her ruin my wonderful experience.
All I have here was the octopus salad as I wasn't very hungry but the party I was with ordered full-fledged meals and they all raved about how delicious everything they had was the server was extremely friendly and tried her best to speak English. The plating was excellent and I did try some of the meals that my friends had and I must say they were extremely tasty and well plated. I wish we could go back so that I can be hungry and try what they tried anyways don't take my word for it. Try it for yourself.
A Delicious Puerto Rican Feast at Puerto Criollo After our adventure in El Yunque Rainforest, we were craving an authentic Puerto Rican meal. Wandering past an Italian and a Mexican restaurant, we stumbled upon Puerto Criollo, a gem nestled right in the heart of Old San Juan. The unique "patio" seating caught our eye--situated right on the iconic blue cobblestones that are said to be made from the ballast rocks of Spanish colonizers' ships. It was a gorgeous sunny day, perfect for people-watching from our street-side perch. Robert, our charming and attentive server, made the experience even better by helping us navigate the menu. We decided to dive into the Leolei Sampler, a delicious medley of Puerto Rican favorites. Highlights included: Tostones: crispy, golden plantains Chicharrones de Pollo: perfectly fried, flavorful chicken bites Mini Cordon Bleu Balls: cheesy, ham-filled delights Cassava Fries Carne Frita: tender, seasoned pork bites We also couldn't resist ordering the Mofongo with pork and garlic sauce--a Puerto Rican classic that's a must-try--and a side of Maduros (sweet, caramelized fried plantains) along with habichuelas con arroz (beans and rice). The Verdict? Everything was absolutely delicious! Our group's favorites were the pork chunks, the Mini Cordon Bleu balls, the beans and rice, and the sweet, creamy maduros. It's safe to say we left happy and very full. A Few Tips: If you're mobility-challenged, note that there's a big step at the front entrance and the bathroom is upstairs. However, the staff kindly allowed us to use the restroom at the neighboring restaurant, which was at ground level (but still had a step). Dining outside is a must unless it's raining--why miss out on the ambiance? Watch out for the cheeky birds! They're fans of Puerto Rican cuisine too and might try to snag a bite from your plate. It happened to us, and it was both frustrating and hilarious. Puerto Criollo is a delightful spot for anyone looking to savor the flavors of Puerto Rico. Highly recommend it!
Among plenty of options in Old San Juan, we randomly chose Puerto Criollo. They had seating available so it was convenient. Service was slow but I guess Island Time holds true. We weren't in a major rush so that wasn't an issue. We had a couple margaritas and they were not very strong and mediocre at best. I had the skirt steak and my wife had the mofongo. Steak was cooked right but fatty and flavorless. My wife took two bites of her meal and gave up as it wasn't very good. Our son had the international dish called "chicken fingers." They were fine but fries were unsalted. I don't typically write many negative reviews but besides being sub par, our bill was over $150 for 3 of us and nothing extravagant. With many other options, I'd pick one of the other places in town. "Good location" and "kid friendly" are the positive things I could say.
We weren't staying far from the restaurant and we saw that they had some tables so we decided to try it out. Service was very good and the restaurant has a very nice out door patio. As for the food well thats a different story. I had the mofongo with churrasco. First it was drenched with what I think was supposed to be a garlic sauce but it was really a cheesy tasting sauce. The churrasco was over cooked and very gummy. The place was busy and full of tourists. Definitely dont try the mofongo if you decide to stop by.
3 months ago
3 months ago
I liked it. Saw a boat tailed grackle. Saw many of those actually. Their beans rock. I loved it here. Really expensive. read more
The wait staff was exceptional--friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the extensive menu offerings. The restaurant has a great atmosphere, with Spanish music setting the tone inside and comfortable outdoor seating that made for an enjoyable dinner setting. I started with a house well drink before ordering the fried pork mofongo. The mofongo was outstanding. The plantains and pork were perfectly balanced, and the house garlic sauce tied the dish together beautifully. Overall, I'd rate it a solid 9/10. read more
1 year ago
Puerto Criollo in Old San Juan wasn't part of the plan. We were heading from our cozy B&B in Luquillo to catch some city lights in San Juan. Hunger kicked in and with no dinner res. and hopes of finding parking in the famously tight streets here, we lucked out as we stumbled on this spot. And wow, are we glad we did. The first thing that hit us? The air. It smelled garlicky- it's the kind of scent that automatically tells you the kitchen knows exactly what they're doing. My husband and I looked at each other and smiled. This was our kind of place. We've been skipping outdoor dining because, let's be honest, Puerto Rico's heat is brutal. But the evening we came here was rare and there was a wonderful breeze and the al fresco setup turned out to be just right. My red snapper fillet came packed with garlicky flavor, cooked just right but the tostones didn't hold up. They tasted like they'd been made way earlier in the day or worse, reheated from the day before. My husband was in mofongo heaven. His pork chunks were savory and hearty. Service is fantastic and we encountered was warm and attentive. All in all, Puerto Criollo was an unexpected find with bold flavors and welcoming vibes. read more
2 months ago
My first dinner in Old San Juan and it was on a Sunday evening. This place is in the heart of the Plaza de Colon and met my craving for authentic Puerto Rican food. Service was very hospitable and friendly. The host was able to get us seated quickly outside & shared that the restrooms were upstairs. We ordered starters, a cocktail and entrees for dinner. My son isn't as adventurous so he ordered chicken wings. I on the other hand had ceviche, mufongo with shrimp and a mojito! The plantains were fresh but a little dry. The shrimp was delicious. The wings were crispy and paired nicely with the barbecue sauce it came with. My drink was refreshing but didn't taste much rum. The ambiance is buzzing and very loud from talking, passersby traffic, cars and motorcycles. It's great for a bite to eat but didn't knock my socks off. read more
Found this spot in old San Juan near the cruise port. We were looking for a local spot to grab some food. We did have to wait a bit for a table but that's to be expected. Service was friendly and food didn't take too long. The food was good as well as the drinks. I think for a touristy area, everything was fine. Not sure about prices in other areas of PR. But we left happy. read more
This place is located in Old San Juan and sitting outside provides you a perfect view of the ocean as well a spot yo people watch. I ordered the Mofango which is a doughy food made from plantains and is one of the national dishes of Puerto Rico. Mofango is a good comfort food when prepared right. I ordered the seafood Mofongo: shrimp, octopus and conch. Our server was very energetic and recommended we get it prepared with the creamy garlic sauce. This was enough for two people and pricey as well. The freshness of the seafood and well seasoning of this dish made it well worth it. read more
5 months ago
Service was friendly and helpful. The mafungo was authentic and tasty with the garlic sauce. I thoroughly enjoyed the meal and experience. read more
5 months ago
Enjoyed a wonderful lunch sitting outdoors in Old San Juan. Both the service and food were good. I ordered a avocado salad topped with strawberries and feta cheese that was refreshing and filling. The Bacalaitos Camarones (a lightly fried codfish fritters) was the perfect accompaniment. Great spot for lunch! read more
2 years ago
I really wanted to try some pork on my last trip and had to plan to go up the pork Highway and visit those kiosks on the side of the road. However, when I saw the Kan Kan on the menu here, I had to try it. It did not disappoint. Every bite was crunchy juicy and absolutely delicious. My daughter and I shared this one plate so if the cost seems to be a little high, you can split it for two it was perfect. I don't think I would ever try another plate on their menu. Also, the wait staff was really nice. There was a pushy lady at the table next to us complaining that it was so salty. But she still ate the whole plate so explain that one to me. She mentioned to her husband that she was trying to train them to do better. So condescending. So I tipped my waiter a little extra to make up for this woman's bad attitude. I was not gonna let her ruin my wonderful experience. read more
2 years ago
All I have here was the octopus salad as I wasn't very hungry but the party I was with ordered full-fledged meals and they all raved about how delicious everything they had was the server was extremely friendly and tried her best to speak English. The plating was excellent and I did try some of the meals that my friends had and I must say they were extremely tasty and well plated. I wish we could go back so that I can be hungry and try what they tried anyways don't take my word for it. Try it for yourself. read more
A Delicious Puerto Rican Feast at Puerto Criollo After our adventure in El Yunque Rainforest, we were craving an authentic Puerto Rican meal. Wandering past an Italian and a Mexican restaurant, we stumbled upon Puerto Criollo, a gem nestled right in the heart of Old San Juan. The unique "patio" seating caught our eye--situated right on the iconic blue cobblestones that are said to be made from the ballast rocks of Spanish colonizers' ships. It was a gorgeous sunny day, perfect for people-watching from our street-side perch. Robert, our charming and attentive server, made the experience even better by helping us navigate the menu. We decided to dive into the Leolei Sampler, a delicious medley of Puerto Rican favorites. Highlights included: Tostones: crispy, golden plantains Chicharrones de Pollo: perfectly fried, flavorful chicken bites Mini Cordon Bleu Balls: cheesy, ham-filled delights Cassava Fries Carne Frita: tender, seasoned pork bites We also couldn't resist ordering the Mofongo with pork and garlic sauce--a Puerto Rican classic that's a must-try--and a side of Maduros (sweet, caramelized fried plantains) along with habichuelas con arroz (beans and rice). The Verdict? Everything was absolutely delicious! Our group's favorites were the pork chunks, the Mini Cordon Bleu balls, the beans and rice, and the sweet, creamy maduros. It's safe to say we left happy and very full. A Few Tips: If you're mobility-challenged, note that there's a big step at the front entrance and the bathroom is upstairs. However, the staff kindly allowed us to use the restroom at the neighboring restaurant, which was at ground level (but still had a step). Dining outside is a must unless it's raining--why miss out on the ambiance? Watch out for the cheeky birds! They're fans of Puerto Rican cuisine too and might try to snag a bite from your plate. It happened to us, and it was both frustrating and hilarious. Puerto Criollo is a delightful spot for anyone looking to savor the flavors of Puerto Rico. Highly recommend it! read more
Among plenty of options in Old San Juan, we randomly chose Puerto Criollo. They had seating available so it was convenient. Service was slow but I guess Island Time holds true. We weren't in a major rush so that wasn't an issue. We had a couple margaritas and they were not very strong and mediocre at best. I had the skirt steak and my wife had the mofongo. Steak was cooked right but fatty and flavorless. My wife took two bites of her meal and gave up as it wasn't very good. Our son had the international dish called "chicken fingers." They were fine but fries were unsalted. I don't typically write many negative reviews but besides being sub par, our bill was over $150 for 3 of us and nothing extravagant. With many other options, I'd pick one of the other places in town. "Good location" and "kid friendly" are the positive things I could say. read more
9 months ago
9 months ago
Our waiter was an absolute doll. He even recommended some salsa dancing that we should check out before we left. Food was amazing! Had the paella and mofongo de camarones! Both to die for! Cool ambiance near the port. Sat outside and just relaxed and enjoyed the breeze after a hot day at the beach read more
We weren't staying far from the restaurant and we saw that they had some tables so we decided to try it out. Service was very good and the restaurant has a very nice out door patio. As for the food well thats a different story. I had the mofongo with churrasco. First it was drenched with what I think was supposed to be a garlic sauce but it was really a cheesy tasting sauce. The churrasco was over cooked and very gummy. The place was busy and full of tourists. Definitely dont try the mofongo if you decide to stop by. read more
A local tavern recommended we try this place. The mofongo was delicious. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The bathrooms are not handicapped accessible. They are up a steep stairway. It was my first to have mofongo. read more
1 year ago
3 years ago
We came for dinner with three and got seated immediately outside on a Saturday evening. They close at 11, like many other restaurants in Old San Juan. The prices were high since tourists go there. The food was good and very heavy. I couldn't finish the mofongo. The waitress said the creamy sauce was the most popular and it was rich. The fried pork was tasty too but it took awhile a chew. The rum flavor in the coqui romo was too strong and I didn't enjoy it as much as the fruit flavored ones. The bathroom is ok. read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
While in Puerto Rico for the first time, we stopped in our waiter Albert was amazing!! Gave a few recommendations that were delicious!!! read more
7 months ago
1 year ago
7 months ago
Ropa vieja mofongo ($28) - my husband and I shared this cause we really weren't hungry, and we were glad we did! The portion size was big, and it was also absolutely delicious! Great texture and flavor! Highly recommend! I didn't enjoy the hot sauce though, was more vinegary than hot. But that's just a minor thing! The mofongo definitely didn't need hot sauce! read more
2 years ago
Really good steak and the best rice and beans in tow n! Sat at the bar and enjoyed conversation with the bartender. She's very knowledgeable about the restaurant food . read more
2 years ago
The food had so much flavor. The wife and I shared an appetizer and 1 meal and it was enough. Robert's service was absolutely fantastic and would recommend. Whether you eat inside or out you will not be disappointed. read more
5 years ago
Wow chillin with my cuzin' nothing better than tapas and great conversation. Bacalaitios y queso frito with guava, glass(es)of wine a beautiful afternoon of shopping and us! Nothing better Excellent and attentive service. Tapas delicioso read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
Alcapurria and cod fritter appetizers were so so. Delicious shrimp stuffed avocado. Rice and beans were on point! Mogongo just ok. Not crazy about the cheesy sauce. Drinks good. Very attentive and friendly servers. Great outdoor dining area to enjoy breezy nights and people watching. read more
It's true what they say- the Pernil is dry and tasteless. Staff doesn't care for the people they serve. In fact, unless you're a man and speak assertively, they'll act like they are the only people in Puerto Rico who can't understand English. Yeah right! read more
3 years ago
Great little place to eat. Food was great the stuffed mofangos, chicken chicharrones weren't very meaty but very tasty and the fried plantains were good with the ketchup/mayo sauce. January is a lot of tree pollen flying around and you can always count on feathery visitors around the outside dining area Service was fantastic and very attentive! read more
We stumbled upon this establishment while running away from Cayo Caribe. Let me tell you it was the best experience we had in San Juan. The bartender was fun and engaging and the food was finger licking good the drinks where strong and the vibes where just FUN! I will definitely come back and enjoy this place. This is definitely a hidden gem in touristy San Juan. read more
1 year ago
Great dining experience. Had a large group of 9 & we were accommodated promptly with a smile! Our server, Viviane Radriguez, guided us thru the menu & made excellent recommendations! We did some of the shareable entrees, the paella & 2 of the most incredible seafood stuffed whole red fish, known as The Beast! Beyond delicious! read more
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More info about Puerto Criollo
Calle de Tetuan 367
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901
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Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
3 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
2 years ago
2 years ago
