Dan and I flew to San Juan, Puerto Rico at the end of August to celebrate our 7th wedding anniversary(!). This was our 5th trip to San Juan and it was as fun and delicious as always. In light of the recent comments about Puerto Rico, now is a better time than ever to write about how much fun we had (and always have) in San Juan! This post details how we spent our long weekend, including what we did, where we stayed and what we ate and drank.
Colorful buildings of Old San Juan at night.
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 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.
Dan and I really enjoy our food and drink, and we think that Puerto Rico has some of the best in the United States! I’ve compiled a list of some of our old and new favorites – be sure to check them our if you find yourself in lovely Puerto Rico!
Old San Juan. In addition to good food, its also gorgeous!
Jose Enrique is certainly my and Dan’s absolute favorite restaurant in San Juan. I wrote about it at length here. I won’t rehash my entire post, but Jose Enrique is an excellent restaurant with upscale, delicious Puerto Rican dishes in the Condado area. Make a reservation in advance. Don’t miss it. You will thank me.
A recent meal at Jose Enrique.
Not the best picture, but the BEST fried steak! Circa 2013, but its still on the menu from time to time .
El Jabrito is a classic Puerto Rican restaurant in Old San Juan. If you read guide books, El Jabrito will likely come up. Nothing super fancy or expensive, just quality, local food. You will find tourists and locals here lining up for dinner (as there are no reservations). We’ve visited a couple times, most recently in April 2021, and will return. Definitely go with a Puerto Rican dish, and don’t forget the pitcher of sangria!
Beef turnovers made of fried plantain with local sauces!
Shrimp in garlic sauce!
