Dan and I have been to Puerto Rico numerous times, and recently have found ourselves visiting San Juan once a year. We also enjoy good cocktails, and have carefully cataloged our favorite ones in San Juan. This post tells you where you can find our favorite cocktails in San Juan!
Casa di Montecristo – a perfect cigar bar/cocktail lounge combo.
Casa di Montecristo is a wonderful cigar bar in Old San Juan. In addition to cigars, Casa di Montecristo serves well-prepared, and strong, cocktails. We always stop in for a cigar for Dan and a cocktail for me (and sometimes for Dan, too). Casa di Montecristo also has great AC and the prices, which are higher than other places in Old San Juan, keep out the crowds. Go for great cocktails in a quiet setting.
The Old Cuban at La Casa di Montecristo.
A gin and egg white beverage.
Yet another beautiful cocktail from Casa di Montecristo.
La Fatoría – a very fun spot to “go out”
La Factoría is one of Puerto Rico’s most well known bars; it has been around of years and was featured in a few music videos, including the famous Despacito by Daddy Yankee. La Fatoría, located right in old San Juan, has two areas – the small main bar and its “secret” back bar. While not so “secret” anymore, the back bar is through a doorway behind the main bar and it opens around 5:00 pm daily. The “secret” back bar is the rowdier of the spaces and is probably where you want to be to “go out.” That being said, both bars make excellent drinks and also serve decent food. Dan’s favorite cocktail in Puerto Rico, the Fernet Daiquri, is served here. Go for a rowdy night out in Old San Juan.
A Fernet Daiquri.
The interior of La Fatoría.
La Casita de Rones – one of the prettiest places for a cocktail in Old San Juan
I found La Casita de Rones by accident in 2022, but we quickly added it to our regular rotation. La Casita de Rons is located in a pretty pink house near the cruise port with good views of the Casa Rosa. Since its by the cruise port, the crowds are cruise heavy, but the cocktails are pretty great. As you may expect the focus of La Casita de Rones is, well, rum. The cocktails here are very good for something in such a touristy area. La Casita de Rones also serves a full food menu featuring Puerto Rican fare. I suggest a reservation, especially when cruise ships are in port. Go for pretty views and lunch.
The bar at La Casita del Rones.
La Casita del Rones version of a Pina Colada.
Lavender Sangria.
Puerto Rican fried cheese – very tasty!
Jungle Bird – another fun night out, but in La Placita
Jungle Bird is owned by the same people that own La Fatoría. And like La Fatoría, its a fun place to go out. Located in La Placita, a big night life area in San Juan. Jungle Bird makes good, colorful cocktails that are prefect to precede a night in La Placita. Go for Instagramable cocktails before hitting La Placita.
What a pretty drink.
This one was also good.
Ron del Barrilito – great cocktails a bit out of San Juan
Ron del Barrilito is a small distillery in San Juan; it’s about a 15 minute drive from Old San Juan. Ron del Barrilito offers tours and tastings of its facility, but also has a great cocktail bar that is open daily. And, you don’t have to take the tour to visit the cocktail bar. Dan and I visited in September, and we were very impressed with the cocktails (we also did a tour). While out of the way, Ron del Barrilito is great and a fun afternoon in San Juan. Go for a distillery tour or cocktail class, stay for some cocktails (and then have a nap by the pool).
What a beauty! And all tours come with a complimentary cocktail.
Round Two of cocktails!
La Barrachina – the home of the original Pina Colada
I couldn’t complete this list without mentioning La Barrachina, a restaurant that allegedly created the Pina Colada. I don’t know how truthful that is, but La Barrachina even has a sign comerating this feat, LOL. In any case, for anyone doing a cocktail tour of San Juan, La Barrachina is a necessary stop. Make a reservation if you plan to eat at the restaurant, or squeeze into the bar for a Pina Colada. Go for a touristy experience in Old San Juan.
The [allegedly] original Pina Colada.
A very old picture of Dan and me at La Barrachina.
La Barrachina.
STEAL OUR DRINKS
Casa di Montecristo: 201 Calle del Cristo, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico. Open daily 12:00 – 01:00.
La Fatoría: 148 C. de San Sebastián, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico. Open 11:00 – 01:00 (02:00 Friday and Saturday). The “secret” portion doesn’t open until around 17:00 daily.
La Casita de Rones: C. Comercio, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico. Open daily 10:00 – 22:00 (00:00 on Friday and Saturday). Reservations recommended but not required.
Ron del Barrilito: Open Monday – Saturday 9:00 – 18:30.
Jungle Bird: 254 C. Canals, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico. Open 17:00 – 1:00 (2:00 on Friday & Saturday). Closed Monday.
Barrachina: 104 C. de la Fortaleza, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico. Open daily 11:00 – 21:00. Reservations recommended for food; the bar is first come first serve.