Looking through a magazine, where some relatively new restaurants were featured, I saw an article on La Waffle-era.
The pictures looked amazing, the place cozy and inviting, and the article made this place seem like a "must try".
On a Sunday, while in PR with my sister, I decided to go, with our grandmother, for brunch.
Drove to Old San Juan, walked to la Calle Fortaleza, where the restaurant is located, and walked in to see people waiting, at around noon.
I gave my name and was told wait would be 20 - 30 minutes but, by the expression on the faces of people waiting I knew it would be longer.
Finally, almost an hour later, they sat us down. The first thing I noticed on the menu is where they state that they don't rush any one to leave the table after at any point. I know... I was there, again, for an hour, watching people just stare at each other, after they had paid their bill 20 minutes ago. I appreciate them not rushing anyone but, people, be considerate!
Anyway... Manu consists of all things on a waffle. They call Wafflito the small size, and waffle the full size.
They have things like The Big Breakfast with poached egg, serrano ham, cheese; other similar breakfast items, others with salmon, roast beef, chicken, even one called waffle-iza whish is tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Of course they have sweet waffles like S'mores, Crème Brule (this comes in only one size), Budín (like a PR bread pudding) and more.
You also have the option to create your own with different toppings, like eggs, different cheeses, hams, fresh fruits, etc.
Of course, if you want maple syrup, just ask.
I ordered a wafflito "Green Eggs and Ham" which had a poached egg whites, filled with melted goat cheese, pesto, prosciutto and chives, of course on top of the Waffle. Unfortunately the egg was bland, and the melted cheese had not taste. I ended up switching it to a regular poached egg, added some salt and that's when this dish was a winner. Highly recommend this one with the change I made. So, make sure you know you can change or add things to yours if you want to make it satisfying to your taste.
My grandmother had the Big Breakfast which was OK, nothing special.
The Waffle-iza, was disappointing, in my opinion. The tomato sauce, although it says fresh, it didn't taste like it, and it lacked flavor.
The Pes-tomate (pesto, tomato and feta cheese) is another one I would recommend, without any changes. Tastes almost like a Caprese Salad, very light and fresh.
They specialize in coffees and teas. One of the attractions, is the blooming tea. I've been wanting to try one of these for a while now so, I immediately ordered it. Nope, they were all out. I was very disappointed, plus they close at 6pm, and it's only noon. I think they should have prepared better. So, I ordered another tea, all out as well. Since, I already had coffee when I woke up, and I was there for "brunch" I went with a mimosa, they prepare it well.
Service was OK. She was friendly but it felt more like a job than sincere, and you can see all the workers talking among themselves, and joking even when the place is full and people are waiting. I think that's a little rude and unprofessional.
Needless to say I have mixed feelings about this place. I have some things that I absolutely loved but others that were very disappointing.
I am glad I tried it, and if you love waffles I say go ahead and do the same but, in my opinion, and, in the words of my grandmother, "it's not worth repeating". So a generous 3 stars is what I'll give them, because some of the food and the cozy place is worth at least one visit. read more