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This was my group's first meal in Puerto Rico! We really wanted to get some mofongo, and this place was close to our base as well. The food was very tasty, and our server was great (El Ninõ aka Supreme). There definitely is a bit of a wait time as other reviews have mentioned, but I think as long as you have some drinks and apps the wait isn't so bad, and the food was certainly worth it. I'd recommend going with the Shrimp Mofongo, which was really tasty and had a great texture. Side note: the hot sauce they make in house is super tasty and properly spicy. We bought a couple bottles to take home.
I hate to say this, because the service was really nice and did their best, but this was by far the most disappointing meal I had my entire trip to Puerto Rico. I ordered the steak in mushroom sauce with a side of Mac and cheese. What I got was an excruciatingly salty slab of meat covered in Campbell's cream of mushroom soup (or at least that's what it tasted like) and, I kid you not, a side of Kraft mac and cheese. Literally classic blue box. And I waited well over an hour for it. Again, the service was delightful, if slow, but that's the kitchen, not them. They were very friendly, though. Drinks were good, too. Lighting needs work.
This place is a scam !! We were here as tourists from New York and visiting this place and thought of supporting a local restaurant which clearly back fired on us and ended up ruining our day. There was a massive mistake made by the staff. The menu does not mention the prices of main dishes. Our main dish (lobster) cost us $130 alone. In the entire duration when the manager was taking the order he never mentioned the weight of the lobster (Menu is even missing the cost per pound which is $30 per pound) We were never told by the staff about the price of the dish, the bill was a shock to us. The food is also average. Overall it was a disastrous experience for us.
***My patented pre-review tip: Specify that you want tap water if you don't want them bringing you a bottle and charging for it. If you prefer bottled and hate the environment like some sort of monster, disregard this tip.*** We went here based on our host's recommendation. The location is very open air (like lots of PR restaurants) and is attached to a mechanic's, but don't let those facts stop you. On the inside it's very classy. You know what else was classy? The prices. We almost walked out when we sat down and saw the prices here, but decided to give it a go since our host spoke highly of it. I think the cheapest entree on the menu was around $18, which isn't terrible, but adding on a drink (we didn't, but got stuck for the aforementioned bottled water) or some extras would have spiked the bill up pretty quickly. We got the mofongo. Every destination has that "must-try" local cuisine with a funny name, and in PR mofongo is it. It consists of mashed plantains (side note: if you notice a bunch of mortar and pestles in the gift shop, that's what that's about) and garlic, and, well...that's basically it. The money shot is what an establishment puts on top, which varies from nothing to the off-the-hook meat and sauce Desperado's puts on its mofongo. The W had one with shrimp and I had skirt steak, and the portions were absolutely generous even at the ~$20 price. Actually, the price was about right for the portions, and just right for the quality, which was outstanding. The shrimp were cooked perfectly, the steak was tender, the sauce was rich, but not too rich. It was along the lines of a beef gravy and decadent in such a good way. I honestly can't imagine we would have found this dish as enjoyable anywhere else on the island. Maybe more authentic, I don't know, but not better. Our server was super friendly and conversational, and she definitely tried for the upsell with appetizers and dessert, but that mofongo dish was the exact right amount of food for one meal for us. I'd actually love to try some other items on the menu, but the prices just went up from what we ordered, and we ain't go that kind of scratch. That said, if we're ever in the neighborhood again, we'll probably go back!
Food taste awesome. You have to order the lobster, it's like one of its kind in the world. I've tried many different style of seafood but none can compare with this one. It's a little bit expensive but it's fresh and special. The Desperado beef steak is tender and juicy. I am surprised that a seafood restaurant can cook beef this well. Highly recommended!
As soon as we got off the plane and were headed to our Airbnb house we were hungry and gave desperado a try, the first night I had with out hyperbole the best fish I've ever had in my life, ( red snapper catch of the day) Just one day prior I had been in San Francisco and in hindsight was becoming almost numb to good food. The fish at desperado rivaled the fish I had in San Francisco, the next day when we went to the bioluminescent bay and did all the touristy stuff is when I realized how amazing that seafood and steak restaurant on the main highway in Rio Grande was by comparison to every other restaurant we went to. This is not "a review on Puerto Rico" but if you've never visited before, their restaurants just have different levels of expectations, for example there is rarely air-conditioning, A lot of them are like shoebox style construction they're called kiosks, sometimes the servers are on island time. Day two, three, and four I began to realize just how out of place in a very good way desperado was in Puerto Rico; it's a purposely built construction, the interior theme is like a Texas steakhouse, the music was Jonny Cash, The AC blows freezing cold air, pictures of the owner with famous boxers on the wall, The bar portion of the restaurant was nicer than the actual bars at the beach. So of course on the last day we went back and I had steak, yet again, right on the money. This place is like a gem right next to Luquillo beach.
We stayed on PR for 8 days, and ate amazing food all over the island. The Desperado is, by far, the most amazing restaurant on the island!!!!!! My two oldest kids got the lobster w/ garlic sauce, I had the PR sauce (can't remember what it's called but Bryan will explain it, no worries!). (Bryan showed us the lobsters that just came off the boat, totally cool, the freshest food I've had all trip) My wife had the steak (Fricking awesome!). All the portions are huge! You will not mind the cost! If you miss this place it's your loss.
The best mofongo with shrimp around. If you get the seafood plate with lobster be sure to share it with someone there's plenty. Frappe and fruit drinks with a local flair too. Family run, the owner always says hi at your table. This is also the only restaurant in Puerto Rico that plays country music.
Amazing food here! Don't think it can get any better. I got the friend red snapper and fried plantains. They are amazing. My boyfriend got the lobster o bryn also super super delicious. It comes with rice and beans on the side. Huge dishes. Could have split everything but we decided to be fat since were on vacation. Definitely come here for good food!
We left our hotel this evening and were dead set on going to a popular restaurant nearby. Of course we check and they are closed. So we find this awesome place. The food, service and overall atmosphere were fantastic. Almost divey but still really enjoyable. I had the steak, and it was like butter. So tender and absolutely full of flavor. The spades were delicious as well! read more
4 months ago
2 months ago
This was my group's first meal in Puerto Rico! We really wanted to get some mofongo, and this place was close to our base as well. The food was very tasty, and our server was great (El Ninõ aka Supreme). There definitely is a bit of a wait time as other reviews have mentioned, but I think as long as you have some drinks and apps the wait isn't so bad, and the food was certainly worth it. I'd recommend going with the Shrimp Mofongo, which was really tasty and had a great texture. Side note: the hot sauce they make in house is super tasty and properly spicy. We bought a couple bottles to take home. read more
5 years ago
I hate to say this, because the service was really nice and did their best, but this was by far the most disappointing meal I had my entire trip to Puerto Rico. I ordered the steak in mushroom sauce with a side of Mac and cheese. What I got was an excruciatingly salty slab of meat covered in Campbell's cream of mushroom soup (or at least that's what it tasted like) and, I kid you not, a side of Kraft mac and cheese. Literally classic blue box. And I waited well over an hour for it. Again, the service was delightful, if slow, but that's the kitchen, not them. They were very friendly, though. Drinks were good, too. Lighting needs work. read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
We came here for a late night dinner when we came in town and the server gave his absolute best service despite us walking in 10 mins prior to closing. Portion sizes were generous and we enjoyed the fried fish the most. read more
3 years ago
4 years ago
This place is a scam !! We were here as tourists from New York and visiting this place and thought of supporting a local restaurant which clearly back fired on us and ended up ruining our day. There was a massive mistake made by the staff. The menu does not mention the prices of main dishes. Our main dish (lobster) cost us $130 alone. In the entire duration when the manager was taking the order he never mentioned the weight of the lobster (Menu is even missing the cost per pound which is $30 per pound) We were never told by the staff about the price of the dish, the bill was a shock to us. The food is also average. Overall it was a disastrous experience for us. read more
***My patented pre-review tip: Specify that you want tap water if you don't want them bringing you a bottle and charging for it. If you prefer bottled and hate the environment like some sort of monster, disregard this tip.*** We went here based on our host's recommendation. The location is very open air (like lots of PR restaurants) and is attached to a mechanic's, but don't let those facts stop you. On the inside it's very classy. You know what else was classy? The prices. We almost walked out when we sat down and saw the prices here, but decided to give it a go since our host spoke highly of it. I think the cheapest entree on the menu was around $18, which isn't terrible, but adding on a drink (we didn't, but got stuck for the aforementioned bottled water) or some extras would have spiked the bill up pretty quickly. We got the mofongo. Every destination has that "must-try" local cuisine with a funny name, and in PR mofongo is it. It consists of mashed plantains (side note: if you notice a bunch of mortar and pestles in the gift shop, that's what that's about) and garlic, and, well...that's basically it. The money shot is what an establishment puts on top, which varies from nothing to the off-the-hook meat and sauce Desperado's puts on its mofongo. The W had one with shrimp and I had skirt steak, and the portions were absolutely generous even at the ~$20 price. Actually, the price was about right for the portions, and just right for the quality, which was outstanding. The shrimp were cooked perfectly, the steak was tender, the sauce was rich, but not too rich. It was along the lines of a beef gravy and decadent in such a good way. I honestly can't imagine we would have found this dish as enjoyable anywhere else on the island. Maybe more authentic, I don't know, but not better. Our server was super friendly and conversational, and she definitely tried for the upsell with appetizers and dessert, but that mofongo dish was the exact right amount of food for one meal for us. I'd actually love to try some other items on the menu, but the prices just went up from what we ordered, and we ain't go that kind of scratch. That said, if we're ever in the neighborhood again, we'll probably go back! read more
3 years ago
2 years ago
8 years ago
Food taste awesome. You have to order the lobster, it's like one of its kind in the world. I've tried many different style of seafood but none can compare with this one. It's a little bit expensive but it's fresh and special. The Desperado beef steak is tender and juicy. I am surprised that a seafood restaurant can cook beef this well. Highly recommended! read more
5 years ago
5 years ago
7 years ago
Tourist trap for sure :), but nice enough for a gringo. You will not see any locals eating here. read more
7 years ago
8 years ago
As soon as we got off the plane and were headed to our Airbnb house we were hungry and gave desperado a try, the first night I had with out hyperbole the best fish I've ever had in my life, ( red snapper catch of the day) Just one day prior I had been in San Francisco and in hindsight was becoming almost numb to good food. The fish at desperado rivaled the fish I had in San Francisco, the next day when we went to the bioluminescent bay and did all the touristy stuff is when I realized how amazing that seafood and steak restaurant on the main highway in Rio Grande was by comparison to every other restaurant we went to. This is not "a review on Puerto Rico" but if you've never visited before, their restaurants just have different levels of expectations, for example there is rarely air-conditioning, A lot of them are like shoebox style construction they're called kiosks, sometimes the servers are on island time. Day two, three, and four I began to realize just how out of place in a very good way desperado was in Puerto Rico; it's a purposely built construction, the interior theme is like a Texas steakhouse, the music was Jonny Cash, The AC blows freezing cold air, pictures of the owner with famous boxers on the wall, The bar portion of the restaurant was nicer than the actual bars at the beach. So of course on the last day we went back and I had steak, yet again, right on the money. This place is like a gem right next to Luquillo beach. read more
12 years ago
We stayed on PR for 8 days, and ate amazing food all over the island. The Desperado is, by far, the most amazing restaurant on the island!!!!!! My two oldest kids got the lobster w/ garlic sauce, I had the PR sauce (can't remember what it's called but Bryan will explain it, no worries!). (Bryan showed us the lobsters that just came off the boat, totally cool, the freshest food I've had all trip) My wife had the steak (Fricking awesome!). All the portions are huge! You will not mind the cost! If you miss this place it's your loss. read more
13 years ago
The best mofongo with shrimp around. If you get the seafood plate with lobster be sure to share it with someone there's plenty. Frappe and fruit drinks with a local flair too. Family run, the owner always says hi at your table. This is also the only restaurant in Puerto Rico that plays country music. read more
Amazing food here! Don't think it can get any better. I got the friend red snapper and fried plantains. They are amazing. My boyfriend got the lobster o bryn also super super delicious. It comes with rice and beans on the side. Huge dishes. Could have split everything but we decided to be fat since were on vacation. Definitely come here for good food! read more
11 years ago
The Lobster o Bryan was amazing! I would give 5 stars but the service it self was not the greatest, our waitress was cleaning and mopping around us since it was close to 10pm. The Strawberry Mango Frap was also unreal. I would definitely go back next time I am in PR. read more
8 years ago
7 years ago
Local place to eat moderately upscale facilities I had the red snapper wife had the skirt steak the snapper was wildly awesome she asked for medium well when it arrived it was still bloody sent it back when it can back was still very undercooked so wife had a few bites as I did it was great but learn what medium well is. Not cheap to eat here two dinners 50 bucks. Ya get what ya pay for as always. Would definitely come back here. read more
Stopped in to check out the place and to have a drink. Ordered a rum punch and a B w/Coke the r/p didn't have any alcohol taste so the waitress Wes VERY accommodating and punt another shot of DonQ and then it was good. They also offered to let me try different brands of liquor if I chose too. The meals look very good hopefully we will be able to come back and try. read more
12 years ago
Desperado is on the roadside connected to a car mechanic. Dont let the bad location fool you. You will soon notice the customers are all locals. Ambiance is the first thing that distinguishes it from other restaurants. The decor has an American Western motiff and small speakers play Johnny Cash music. The menu isnt big for a reason. This is a small restaurant and i presume much of it is fresh. We ordered the daily special, a $20 fried red snapper with a caesar salad. It was obviously fresh and the bilingual waitress confirmed the fish was caught two days ago. The shrimp appetizer was only four giant shrimp. Nothing special. But the delicious coffee flan was also home made. The entree menu is short and simple, steaks, fish, chicken. Entree prices are $15-25. Desperado is worth a stop to get off the beaten tourist path and eat home made, freshly prepared food. read more
7 years ago
5 years ago
9 years ago
7 years ago
Food was delicious! Husband and I both got steak- the skirt and rib eye. We wanted to try the mofongo, but because of the holidays, they said they didn't have any left. We can't recommend the steaks enough! The 3 stars is because of the service. The restaurant was not even that busy (no wait, empty tables) and it took someone about 25 minutes to come to our table. This was after we finally walked over and asked if we could order and at least get some drinks. Once the food came out, we realized we got sweet potato fries instead of the bake potato. We asked if we could switch it and they took it back... And they brought out the sweet potato fries again. I was confused at this point and explained again how I ordered the bake potato. The server was repeating how she can take it back if this is not what I wanted.... At this point, I thought maybe these sweet potatoes fries was the "bake potato." (As we were walking out, I saw tables who had a bake potato. I really don't know where the miscommunication took place. The server spoke English and my husband can speak Spanish) Lastly, when we received our check, we realized one of our steaks was $5 more than what the menu listed. When we asked about it, the server merely apologized for not explaining when we ordered that due to the different sizes of steaks, the price could vary. She also went on to say that the menu was not updated... read more
7 years ago
12 years ago
12 years ago
After a long search, we finally made it thanks to the most friendly waitress I have ever encountered! She stayed on the phone to make sure we made it (difficult to find) off 3 next to the church...the food was amazing!!!! Fresh local lobster and the sauces were amazing! read more
9 years ago
I agree with all of the reviews, this place is a ripoff. The math and the bill did not match! The food was cool, but not $120 good. Really it looks better than it tastes. Service was good though. Overall, I would not go back or recommend. read more
11 years ago
Really cute spot with pleasant service but the rib eye was way overseasoned and very thin for $25. Side salad was included ( listed at $4.99) but was weak as it was shredded lettuce with a tomato slice. Lobster ($25/lb) was chewy and overseasoned as well. Overall disappointing considering previous reviews. The waitress was highly enthusiastic about both of these dishes so its not that we ordered the wrong thing. read more
11 years ago
Wanted a meal outside of the resort, something local. Desperado's was special! Amanda, our waitress was a sweetheart! Everyone made us feel welcomed and took time to be friendly. The music was a blend of familiar Latin inspired rock....and the beer was COLD....while the langostinos were amazing! We settled on the mofungo....yummy. The open air dining and friendly reception sent this review beyond the 4 stars....but, every bite of food was delicious! read more
10 years ago
Great place for steak and seafood! After reading several Yelp and Trip Advisor reviews my BF and I decided to venture off the property of the Wyndham Rio Grande. We went on a Sunday night around 8pm and the restaurrant was empty, so we had no trouble getting a table. The restaurant has an open air concept and a cowboy decour. The open air is a great concept, but the night we went it was rainy and humid. The host and waitstaff couldn't be nicer and more helpful Chris and Cassandra were a pleasure and so sweet and friendly. The restaurant even has its own stray cat hanging around outside. The food won's disappoint. Chris recommended the cheese-stuffed breaded shrimp and they were quite tasty--hot and cheesy but still with a great shrimp taste. A mustard sauce accompanied them and the bite and acid of the mustard was a nice compliment to the crispy, rich cheesy shrimp. For our main courses, I went with the skirt steak and my boyfriend had the house special, the lobster Bryan. Both were absolutely delicious!!! I had a choice of side and went with the mofungo, a Puerto Rican specialty. Their mofungo was buttery and flavorful and I couldn't get enough. My boyfriend had the fried plantains and they were different than the typical "chip" style plantains--they were more like a fried green tomato but still really yummy. My steak was flavorful and cooked to perfection and the portion was hearty. I ended up taking about half of it home. My boyfriend took down a 2lb lobster stuffed with seafood, onions and peppers in a red sauce. The lobster meat was sweet, the seafood cooked perfectly. Everything tasted fresh and delicious and was prepared with care. Only thing to nit pick was that the margarita I ordered was way too sweet and didn't taste as if it had any alcohol it in. I'd skip the margarita next time and just order a beer or glass of wine. Bottom line: Perfect place for a dinner out when you want a steak or seafood dinner that will leave you stuffed and satisfied. read more
5 years ago
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More info about Restaurante Desperado
Carr. 3 Km. 29.6
Bo. Carola
Guayama, Puerto Rico 00784
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(787) 981-4828
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12 years ago
