Why CrossFit & Traveling Is Your Road To Revolution

Traveling and exercising seem to be going more hand-in-hand these days, as our social media feeds are buzzing with typical pictures of “CrossFitters” taking time out of their travel plans to visit different “Boxes” around the world. It’s a growing community of like-minded people who share a passion for bettering themselves via the mind and body, while also traveling to exotic places in the process.

If you’re thinking about starting an exercise regimen or wanting to learn more about healthy foods to eat and happen to be in Puerto Rico, then clear your plans for this weekend as CrossFit travelers will be checking off their ” San Juan Boxes” from their bucket lists as over 200+ athletes will be competing for the Road To Revolution Battle Of The Fittest event being held this Saturday and Sunday (September 13th & 14th) in Puerto Rico.   Athletes will be traveling to La Isla De Encanto from all over the United States, Chile, Colombia, and many other Latin American countries.

Road To Revolution Battle Of The Fittest / Coliseo Rubén Rodríguez

Event producers Alfredo Cifredo Jr. and Lina Paola Collazos have united the exercise/health conscious community in the island for this weekend’s events.  CrossFit competitions and events around the world are growing in popularity  on the heels of the wildly successful 2014 Reebok “Fittest On Earth” Competition this past summer.   The games bore witness to Rich Froning  winning the event for a beyond impressive 4th time, while seeing Camille LeBlanc-Bazinet (Canada) earn her 1st well deserved climb to the top of the mountain in the woman’s category.

The purpose of this event is to give up & coming athletes an experience on what its like to compete on this kind of stage as well as to create awareness and help those on the fence about lifestyle change to see what the CrossFit world is like if you’re interested to learn more.

Most if not all of Crossfit Puerto Rico Box owners such as Dorado’s Crossfit Swell & Reebok Crossfit Iron Heart in San Juan will be here to answer questions, give advice, and introduce you to new people from everywhere.

The event will also feature Puerto Rico’s very own Emmanuel Maldonado (self described son, friend, brother) who triumphantly won the only spot in the Latin American region to represent his country on the world stage for the Reebok CrossFit Finals in 2014.

The Competition

2 Days Of Competition (Men’s & Women + Teams).  4 Events per day consisting consisting of 4 Divisions. Elite (Pro), Rx (Advanced), Scaled (Intermediate), and Team (3 per squad).

All of the WOD’s (Workout of the Day) both days as well as the final one on Sunday will be programmed by Scott Panchik – who came in 4th Place for the Fittest Man On Earth / CrossFit Games 2012 & 2013 and 5th in 2014.

Who Are CrossFitters?

CrossFitters travel in their minds and bodies to push themselves forward because they hear a voice that says they can’t.  They feel pain that says stop, yet they keep going.  CrossFitters see obstacles as the very path they must take. CrossFitters, it seems, only want to get to where their mind and body say they can’t go (that’s different for everybody).

A true and genuine CrossFitter’s competitor is not the man or woman to his/her left or right, it’s with that weak voice between their ears. (You know the one.)   A CrossFitter achieves victory and “wins” when their very own goals of traveling their inner battles against the mind and body inevitably takes them through discipline and hard perseverance to another side of themselves they never knew existed that’s way beyond the “finish line.”

A CrossFitter’s ultimate travel destination leaves them a bit faster, somewhat stronger, healthier, and hopefully closer towards the ultimate victory of being happier with themselves on their personal road to revolution.  It’s that simple.  THAT is a CrossFitter.

Who’s going to win this weekend?  There’s going to be 200 different answers to that if you ask me.  Come and check out and support this local event this weekend and see for yourself!

Ready?  Set?  Go.

Event Information

Cost Of Event:  FREE.  OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.  Parking $2-$3.  (Very few spots remain for late entry athletes.  See Road2Revolution.com for more information.)

Food:  There will be food available as well healthy alternatives.  Information on Paleo diets, shakes, etc.

Music:  The MC for the events will be Lou Calcagno as well as DJ King Arthur performing after Sunday’s final for the celebration.

Time Of Events:  Runs all day Saturday 9/13 from 7:00AM-7:00PM.  Come in anytime.  Keep in mind that Sunday is the Finals and the best time to come should be towards 1:30PM-4:00PM on Sunday if you want to see the best of the best of Puerto Rico.

Directions:

Coliseo Rubén Rodríguez
PR-2 Int PR-174
Bayamón, Puerto Rico 00959
Google Maps Link
 

“It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell.”

Buddha

 road to reveolution puerto rico

Frank M. Rodriguez’s Graceful Savage Rocks Travel Guide

I first met Frank M. Rodriguez while working for a theme park in Miami, Florida called Parrot Jungle. I was coming in to be a Human Resources Assistant, and Frank worked training and taking care of the animals to perform in their “magic shows.” His infectious laugh and general openness towards others was evident immediately, and he definitely put on a good show performing those parrot tricks in front of hundreds of people.

I instantly connected with Frank as in our first conversation we spoke about music and our favorite bands. It was obvious he was going to be one of my friends from that moment I decided. What I didn’t know at the time, was that Frank’s talents as a singer/songwriter would years later become one of my favorite “singer/songwriters.”  It’s an interesting thing to actually know somebody who’s songs I admire.

Having said that, however, it always wasn’t so easy for Frank to get to the point where he wrote “Graceful Savage ” – one of my all time favorite albums.  I listen to alot of music from world famous artists, but this album is really in my all time Top 10 for the rest of my life.  I’m not saying that just because I know Frank personally. I’m saying this and writing about it because it’s f***** good!  Not quite as good as bacon, but it’s in the freakin’ conversation!  His journey and creation of these songs was a long and arduous road which is still unfolding.

When he first shared the beginning roots of these songs as a demo to gauge my feedback, I saw immediate potential even though they were raw at the time. Frank simply put his head down and went to work day in and day out to produce this musical masterpiece.   A year later, his songs were born to great critical acclaim.

Graceful Savage is simply a masterpiece because her songs weave a story. It tells his story. It tells my story. I’d even guess it tells your story if you place yourself inside these songs and can concentrate and focus on phenomenal lyrics and stripped down & naked music.

From the beginning coda “The Muse’s Lullaby” which instantly invokes the soul, to the passionate storm of “Weathervane” you cannot simply listen to this and not marvel at the “too real” emotions emanating from Rodriguez. The voice and emotions are completely supported & supplanted by the genuine, inspired, and other-wordly lyrics that “bleed with love.” The lyrics dance, the metaphors tease the other songs that came before and after them, and more importantly, the songs are felt.

There’s no greater compliment to an artist than to have your art felt, even if it’s by only one person. An artists creates from the soul, the heart, and the body. Frank M. Rodriguez is a musical artist. I’m honored and humbled to have felt and connected so much to these songs that I’ve made a book out of the brilliance of these songs.  Our lives seem to be parallel to each other.  At one point after the lowest of the lowest periods in my entire life, he told me “It’s a blank canvas.  What are you going to create?”  I never forgot that.  I’ve chosen to create this.  With his music of course.

That’s the ultimate Thank You. Buy his album. Don’t spotify it. Buy it. Then go for it – whatever that is to You.  Or whoever that is, of course.

Frank M. Rodriguez – Facebook Musician Page

GRACEFUL SAVAGE

Album Link – Song Links Below

TRACK LISTING:

The Muse’s Lullaby

Weathervane

Muse

The Silent Dance

Just As Lost

Born On A Snowflake

Ghost Orchid

Belong To You

Graceful Savage

Alter Ego

 Protagonist

 Sand

Cradle Of Fire

“Falling to the west, you got me rising in the east
I wanna lick your body clean
I’m not as gentle as I seem…
When the Fire’s inside me burn…..
Yeahhhhhhhh!!!
Where I’m holding on to You,
Where I’m holding on to You
You’re a whirlwind in my weathervane,
A cyclone twisting ’round my head
So baby should I…
Kneel down and pray?
Unleash the heavens when I speak your name?
To the sculptor of this masterpiece
Lines spread against the edge of my name…
Weathervane, weathervane, weathervane
Frank Rodriguez
 

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Best Restaurants In Puerto Rico

The Travel Guide Book

Puerto Rico’s Best Restaurants

Dining in Puerto Rico is one of the best foodie adventures a traveler can ever take.  There are countless opportunities on the island to try exotic plates that leave you wanting more.  We’ve written a guide list of “Best Restaurants in Puerto Rico” in the restaurant industry that covers the entire island.  Our interactive travel guide book strongly suggests to get “outside your comfort zone” and explore regions of Puerto Rico that will delight your senses.

Amazing Chefs Of Puerto Rico That Delight Your Senses

There is a great up & coming website called Salsa & Flavors where I helped write the biographies of some of the best chefs, pastry chefs, and mixologists in all of Puerto Rico. Check out the bios of the best chefs here! You can also get some delicious and top secret Puerto Rico culinary recipes at this fantastic website!

Best 6 Restaurants By Region (So Far) & Best Of The Rest (190+)

This restaurant guide is meant to be read as a “frame of reference” for the travelers who visit our island. Because we know many locals in Puerto Rico are passionate about our culinary experinces to be had, please feel free to comment or post on section below for YOUR vote of Top 6 Restaurants By Region:  The Final Version of the interactive guide book “Puerto Rico Revealed” will have the final definitive list of the Best Restaurants for us gringos/Cubans/[INSERT YOUR COUNTRY HERE] who will travel/move here and want to know the best places to eat while exploring this country.

Legend: Use these icons to help you visually identify what type of establishment the restaurant is.

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Click on the + sign to open the best restaurants by city.

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*Featured Pick (Guaynabo):    Bottles Restaurant – I’d list this easily as the #1 restaurant in Puerto Rico on just how good this restaurant is. You can gorge on lobster, risotto, a bottle of wine (they sell wine bottles). It’s simply a must eat if you’re in Guaynabo area, although it’s for those who’ve got some flow. And money.
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Verde Mesa Restaurant – Verde Mesa is a German restaurant for those that are health conscious. It has an elegant ambiance and the food is outstanding; albeit on the pricier side. Near the World’s Smallest Apartment if you know where that is. Price range: $20 – $70 Cuisines: Vegetarian.
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Dragonfly – On Calle Fortaleza, this is one of the most popular restaurants for fine dining in Old San Juan featuring Asian-Puerto Rican fusion food. Please see Salsa & Flavors for a description of OOF’s chefs at this fine line of Puerto Rico culinary experience. As for me, dragonfly’s have always been great signs for me and seem to see them everywhere. Food good here, but pricy. Price Range: $35-90.
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Marmalade Restaurant & Wine Bar– While we haven’t personally been here, all our friends who have absolutely rave about this place. Seeing how it’s ranked #1 in Trip Advisor we’d be amiss if we didn’t mention it. Price range: $25-100. Cuisine: Caribbean, International, Fusion, Organic.
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Café La Princesa- On the walkway of the Paseo De Princesa, this is an absolutely romantic outdoor restaurant situated under a beautiful tree. Perfect place to bring a significant other on Paseo De La Princesa. Cuisine: Puerto Rican. Price Range: $9-25.
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Al Dente – Ranked in the Top 5 in Trap Advisor as Best Restaurants.
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Toro Salao – One of Puerto Rico’s Best Chefs – Chef Guillermo González
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Waffle Era Tea Room “La Waflera” – This is a spectacular little gem to have breakfast/brunch. Providing a panoramic scene of the mountains in the backdrop on Calle Tetuan. Sweet and savory deep dish Belgium style waffles and extraordinary tea and coffee choices make this the must place if you happen to be in Old San Juan during the morning/early afternoon. Price range: $6-18. Cuisines: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert.
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Inaru Restaurant – Located on the south side of Old San Juan near the parking garages, Inaru is also a great spot to hang in the bar or eat a great dinner. Featuring Caribbean cuisine. The owner and her son are pretty good people and are the type to sit with you at the bar and you wouldn’t even known they own the place on just “how down to earth they are.” Price range: $15-40.
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Barrachina – Supposedly where the Piña Colada was invented. Barrachina features great local cuisine, with a slower wait. Regardless, all I know about his place is my niece Gaby says it was her favorite, and she’s cool so I’d bank on that review. However, we will say this. For an establishment to claim that it’s where the Piña Colada is from I´ve gotta say it´s disappointing to not have it served fresh – it comes from a machine! Just a word of warning. On Fortaleza Street. Price range: $15-30.
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[fontawesome icon=”heart” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#dd3333″] Romantic/Fine Dining [fontawesome icon=”home” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#20b5cc”] Local Food/Off the Beaten Path
[fontawesome icon=”picture” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#71b738″] Scenic View [fontawesome icon=”comments” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#0447ef”] Just sit/ Relax
[fontawesome icon=”lightbulb” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#e560b2″] Modern/Artistic/ Decorative [fontawesome icon=”glass” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#ed6d04″] Hang out/ Bar
[fontawesome icon=”bullhorn” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#840056″] Watch the Game [fontawesome icon=”food” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#6d6d6d”]Inexpensive Good Food

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Istanbul – If you’re looking for a complete change of pace, try some excellent Turkish food. Located on the south side of Old San Juan. Took my mom here once, and we both agreed it was pretty freakin’ good albeit different! Cuisine: Turkish. Price Range: $10-$30.
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Bistro Burger
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La Madre: The Mother– Excellent Mexican restaurant just down the street from Castle San Cristobal on Calle San Francisco. Great food and reasonable prices and great ambiance make this one of the best bets in Old San Juan. This is my best kept secret in Old San Juan and my favorite in this area. The chimichanga/burrito beats Taco Bell by far. That’s a joke. A bad one.
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St Germain Bistro & Cafe – One of the best decorated and unique restaurants in all of Old San Juan. My favorite is the jar in which they serve your alcoholic drinks!
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Café Ochoa – Bahía Urbana is an up and coming area in Old San Juan that´s featuring live local music concerts, art festivals, and other social gatherings. I love Bahía Urbana and it´s clear to see this is going to be the “vibe” of San Juan for years to come. Café Ochoa serves up regular Caribbean food (nothing crazy to boast about), but the bar is spectacular and being outdoors with that view makes up for it. Check out Café Ochoa (and note: they have the best parking spots for Bahía Urbana – you just gotta eat there.
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Cinema Bar 1950 – Cool little restaurant and bar in the old military barracks of Old San Juan (across from “El Morro Fort.” The decor displays vintage posters of famous movies from the 1950’s. Happy Days kinda feel to the place. Didn’t eat here so I can’t write about the food.
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Don Ruiz Roastery, Museum & Cafe – Highly ranked in Trip Advisor Reviews.
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Cafe Poético – Love that this is a perfect cafe to hang and read a book, and listen to some improv poetry from time to time. Great cafe on one side/ and a store/open mic area for the words that flow from the mouths of the people. The coffee gives a run to it’s money competing versus Starbucks.
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La Taberna Lupulo – Stop into this great local spot on Calle Sen Sebastian and try their assortment of artisan beers and American cuisine. San Sebastian Street in Old San Juan is the best place to bar hop, and stopping here first is where the fun starts. The people here, are where the local artists hang. Real Puerto Rico. Price range: $4 – $20. Cuisines: American.
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Triana Tapas y Flamenco Restaurant – Another charming restaurant on the streets of Old San Juan (south side) that pays homage to our relationship with Spain. On some nights you may even see some singing and flamenco dancing. The tapas are delicious. Make sure to also try the paella and Sangria! The bar is cool, with lo-key ambiance. The owner is another cool dude who lived in Spain and took a leap of faith to come to Puerto Rico with a girl. I can relate. Cuisine: Spanish. Price Range: $9-30.
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Ostra Cosa – On Calle San Cristo adjacent to Calle San Sebastian is one of the better outdoor bars/cafes on the island. Friendly staff and excellent dining. Here’s another restaurant in Old San Juan with a great owner and excellent customer service. Best bar as you walk into Old San Juan on Calle Cristo & Calle San Sebastian. You can start drinking here, or La Taberna Lupulo. Cuisine: Puerto Rican. Price Range: $9-25.
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Pirilo Pizza Rústica – Excellent pizza and ambiance on the Corner of Fortaleza Street & Tanca Street. 2 floors, great bar, great ambiance. Highly recommended.
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Old Harbor Brewer – Puerto Rico’s native restaurant where they brew some excellent local beer. If you’re a beer person, you cannot come to Old San Juan without trying this local brewery. Try the “Taíno” beer.
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Be a traveler. Don’t be a tacky tourist. Challenge Accepted?

tourists in puerto rico

Señor Frogs – Tourist central station. Fun times though to start drinking and hiking around Old San Juan and bar hopping / restaurant hopping.
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El Hamburger – By far one of the best hamburger joints in all of the island. Located on the road as you’re heading into Old San Juan on your left hand side on Avenida Munoz Rivera, this is a must stop at any time for the juiciest burgers. It’s got a great local charm as it’s sort of like a shack and outdoors – but don’t let that fool you from trying some great burgers and good beers. And inexpensive to boot! Best spot at night after you’ve been drinking to grab a bite to eat and talk with & jus’ hangin’ with good friends. Price range: $3-10. Cuisines: Burgers, Beer.
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Café El Punto – Completely hidden and out of the way in a narrow walkway, it serves delicious Puerto Rican plates. Perhaps not the best ambiance, but nonetheless a great inexpensive option if you’re looking to try local food. Great lunch spot. Located on Calle Fortaleza. Cuisine: Puerto Rico. Price Range: $8-15.
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Restaurante El Jibarito – The best kept secret of authentic cuisine in Old San Juan. Kinda hidden and hard to get to as it’s the type of places you have to walk a lot to see it even though there’s no “activity” happening around there. Inexpensive, cool ambiance and traditional. It’s the non-touristy version of “Raíces.” Cuisine: Caribbean. Price Range: Inexpensive.
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Punto De Vista Restaurant & Bar
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Mala Vida – There is no such thing as Mala Vida unless that’s where where you want to dine. It’s not a bad life if you eat here – I like the title and concept. Perfect spot to have a fine dining experience when strolling on Calle San Sebastian. across from La Taberna. Decor inside is fine and inviting with a great bar. The brunch is spectacular! Formerly Anamu’s Restaurant in Old San Juan. Price range: $8-28. Cuisines: International, Puerto Rican.
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Budatai – Is the best choice if you’re looking for savory food and an excellent environment – even if it is on the costlier side. I enjoy the word savory and would imagine that the Buddha loves it as well. Located on the 2nd floor at the building across from La Ventana Al Mar (grass park field and ocean view). As you can imagine, when you walk in you are surrounded by Buddha’s and a well lit environment. The duck is delicious. Asian/Fusion.
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Blonda – Fine dining at reasonable prices at it’s best. Located on the outskirts of Condado and as you’re entering Ocean Park. The food is delicious, although come with a relaxed state of mind as you’re going to be here awhile (service). The food is worth it. I’m a sucker for quotes on the walls of restaurants so they had me there. Price Range: $15-39. Cuisines: Argentina.
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Perla Restaurant – (La Concha Hotel) – Check out biography of one of the Best Chefs, Chef Lindell Smith at Perla.
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Casa Lola – Check out biography of one of the Best Chefs, Chef Roberto Treviño at Casa Lola.
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Yantar
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Pikayo
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Ali Baba Restaurant
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Oceano
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[fontawesome icon=”heart” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#dd3333″] Romantic/Fine Dining [fontawesome icon=”home” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#20b5cc”] Local Food/Off the Beaten Path
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1919 Restaurant
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DiParma Tratoria – This outdoor restaurant overlooking La Ventana Al Mar is a great choice to come and eat and relax. Their menu is excellent and the staff are great. Price range: $15-20. Cuisines: Italian.
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Yerba Buena– The 2nd restaurant I ate at when first visiting the island. Cuban restaurant called Yerba Buena “Good Grass.” Great Cuban food. Sit on one of the swinging rocking chairs and ask for a mojito – the best in the area. Price range: $9-30. Cuisines: Cuban.
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Rao’s By Piccolo E Posto – Nice spot to eat, and the risotto is one of the best you´ll find in the island. Service is excellent and one of the best I´ve seen.
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Little Italy Pizzeria – Another one of our favorite pizza places in Ocean Park. Try their thin crust chorizo pizza and you will not want to stop. The bottle of sangria is the best on the island. Price Range: $7-19. Cuisines: Wood brick oven pizzas.
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The Place – Is This The Place? It’s the place. Er, actually it’s not. But it is. Yes. The Restaurant The Place that is. Burger/outdoor open-aired joint. Anyways, the place is where you go if you want to have some beers and hamburgers. Outdoor and open aired with water mist circulating. Big screen TV’s to see the games. Price range: $6-20. Cuisines: American.
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Mike’s Pizza – Always a must stop place when you’re in the mood for pizza. Perfect local pizza spot. Great staff, and fast service. Price range: $4-14. Cuisines: Italian.
Trip Advisor[fontawesome icon=”food” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#6d6d6d”]

Basilia’s – (Formerly Bebo’s) If you’re looking for genuine authentic Puerto Rican food check out Bebo’s Cafe located on Calle Loíza – right off Ashford. Try the churrasco mofongo with white rice and black beans. Arroz y frijoles negroes con yuca. If you’re from Miami you would know this as “Sergio’s”, and to me it’s the best Cuban food. Sorry Puerto Rico! Miami hace comida mejor! There, I said it and took a side! Cuba > Puerto Rico! 🙂 Price Range: $5-25. Cuisines: Puerto Rican. Cuban.
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[toggle title=”Ocean Park”]

The Garden – The place to go if you’re vegetarian or looking for healthy eating alternatives. Nice ambiance in here. Breakfast/Brunch, Late night. Price Range: 10-25. Cuisines: Healthy.
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Si No Corro Me Pizza – Literally translates to if I don’t run they’ll trample me. Quaint and perfect little spot for delicious pizza. It’s a tiny place but a great spot for hanging out. Price Range: $14-30. Cuisines: Pizza/Italian.
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Caba Wine Bistro
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Silk: – Asian food and elegant environment under the Doubletree hotel at the end of Calle Loíza. Price Range: $15-40. Cuisines: Asian.
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Pamela’s Restaurant – A restaurant literally on the beach. Nice outdoor bar overlooking the beach. Good food but a bit pricey. Can’t deny though this is the perfect place for a $5 Medalla Beer. At least their not $13 Bud’s like there is in Miami. Still, Medallas by law should be no more than $1.50. (Note to self: Writing to Governor of Puerto Rico next) Price Range: $25-50. Cuisines: Caribbean, Contemporary.
Trip Advisor[fontawesome icon=”picture” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#71b738″]

Kasalta Bakery – A delightful Cuban bakery with about as many choices as you can imagine. Sweet tooth? Breakfast? Sandwich? Coffee? This place on Ocean Park has it. A tad bit pricey though and slightly expensive, but still some of the best food in Ocean Park. Try the ternera sandwich with angus. Excellent. Also the Cubano Sandwich is a specialty. Price Range: $7-25. Cuisines: American, Spanish, International.
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Bagua Restaurant
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El Conde Pasta y Pizza – It’s kinda hidden if you don’t know where to look. Located on the 2nd floor next to the Shell Gas station on the fork of the road between Ocean Park and Isla Verde. Great spot for pizza. Tomato and basil pizza is tremendous. Price Range: $5-19. Cuisines: Pizza and pasta.
Trip Advisor[fontawesome icon=”comments” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#0447ef”]

Super Foods– For the healthiest and most delicious smoothies with fruits and and a completely organic menu. This is not so much a restaurant as a quick stop to grab some powerful food. Delicious shakes. Try the Acai Shake. Glad to see a health conscious store being successful so far. Price Range: $5-15. Cuisines: Health shakes.
Trip Advisor[fontawesome icon=”comments” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#0447ef”]

Panuchos: – Late night Mexican restaurant on Loíza. Price Range: $5-15. Cuisines: Mexican
Trip Advisor[fontawesome icon=”comments” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#0447ef”]

[fontawesome icon=”heart” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#dd3333″] Romantic/Fine Dining [fontawesome icon=”home” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#20b5cc”] Local Food/Off the Beaten Path
[fontawesome icon=”picture” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#71b738″] Scenic View [fontawesome icon=”comments” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#0447ef”] Just sit/ Relax
[fontawesome icon=”lightbulb” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#e560b2″] Modern/Artistic/ Decorative [fontawesome icon=”glass” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#ed6d04″] Hang out/ Bar
[fontawesome icon=”bullhorn” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#840056″] Watch the Game [fontawesome icon=”food” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#6d6d6d”]Inexpensive Good Food

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Pa´l Cielo – This is a place where the creative and artistic people hang out. Come later during a Friday or Saturday night for a good crowd. Pseudo restaurant and nightlife by the end of the night. The food is absolutely delicious – especially the ceviche. The appetizers at this place are great. However, just know that there is no air conditioning. Nothing but the fans and breeze. Gets hot in here. Price Range: $6-20. Cuisines: Caribbean, Peruvian.
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Fleria Greek Cafe – A completely different place to grab a bite to eat. Try some Greek food near Calle Taft on Loíza. Price Range: $10-25. Cuisines: Greek.
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Kamoli Kafe & Boutique – On Calle Taft, it’s a nice outdoor restaurant/cafe/boutique/slash/casual hangout. Price Range: $5-20. Cuisines: Coffee/Tea/Appetizers.
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La Cueva Del Mar – If you want good seafood and great restaurant to hang out in with fun vibes this is it. You can eat so good here for a modest price. Plus, most of the locals hang out here as well so it’s fast becoming the “hang out” spot. Service is not the fastest, but that’s okay just come out here to have fun. Service not fast, but very good. Price Range: $4-20. Cuisines: Seafood, Caribbean.
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Mango’s Restaurant – # 2 on My Top Restaurants List. *Beginning of article
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La Casita Blanca
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Molini’s Café and Restaurant – By far the best rabo encendido in the island (ox’s tail). The restaurant is super small, yet the food is tremendous and the prices are inexpensive. Good spot for breakfast as well. Price Range: $7-20. Cuisines: Latin
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La B De Burro – Small and tiny, but don’t let that fool you it’s a great Mexican restaurant. Try the burritos and have a great and casual conversation with a friend. Price Range: $5-14. Cuisines: Mexican
Trip Advisor[fontawesome icon=”food” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#6d6d6d”]

Inca Chicken:– Don’t let the name fool you this is not a fast food place when you first notice it. It’s an excellent Peruvian restaurant that specializes in the most amazing chicken you can ever have. Try the 1/4 chicken with the white rice and beans. Price Range: $8-20. Cuisines: Peruvian/Chicken.
Trip Advisor[fontawesome icon=”food” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#6d6d6d”]

Tresbe Food Truck – This yellow food truck in the middle of Loíza Street is a perfect outdoor spot to order great Caribbean food. Try the fish tacos and the empanadas. Food tours come here it’s getting to be that good. My friend from Canada just visited me, and this was the first place we ate. The 2nd place we ate he insisted on his way back to the airport to eat here again. One of the best food trucks in the Metro Area (outside of the Meatball Company). Price Range: $3-20. Cuisines: Caribbean.
Trip Advisor[fontawesome icon=”food” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#6d6d6d”]

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[toggle title=”Isla Verde”]
Nagoya Mike’s Sushi – Intimate spot for fine dining and the sushi is delicious. The crab pizza and the spring rolls are some of the best items on the menu. Great bar selection as well. Parking is tough to get here but worth the effort. Price Range: $15-30. Cuisines: Seafood/Sushi.
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Il Nonno – Our favorite romantic Italian restaurant in Puerto Rico is located at Isla Verde. Grab a bottle of red or white and try the tri-colored tortellini or gnocchi. Price Range: $15-30. Cuisines: Italian/International.
Trip Advisor [fontawesome icon=”heart” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#dd3333″]

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse – Located at the Intercontinental Resort & Casino, this is your spot to have fine dining when it comes to steaks. You can’t go wrong here, and the prices are expensive for a reason. Price Range: $20-50. Cuisines: Steakhouse.
Trip Advisor [fontawesome icon=”heart” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#dd3333″]

Third Base Sport Cafe – Third Base Sport Cafe is conveniently located at Isla Verde Beach with a cool scenic backdrop. Typical Puerto Rican bar food and empanadas, and the burgers are pretty good too. The clutch thing about this spot is the beers and drinks are pretty inexpensive considering they can probably charge more for the view. Price Range: $4-15. Cuisines: Latin.
Trip Advisor Reviews Link[fontawesome icon=”picture” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#71b738″]

Cafe La Plage – Typically, we take the guests here once they land from the airport for a drink and quick introduction to the island. Why? It’s a perfect outdoor bar that overlooks the beach where you can walk to the sand and enjoy the views. They also have good food here although it’s a bit expensive. Perfect spot as well for nightlife and hanging out. Price Range: $11-$36. Cuisines: Caribbean/Fusion.
Trip Advisor[fontawesome icon=”picture” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#71b738″]

El Taquito – El Taquito is a good little outdoor spot if you’re in the mood for Mexican food. The taco salad is pretty good and delicious. Cool spot to sit and people watch with a bucket of corona’s. Inexpensive and a way better option than Taco Bell. Price Range: $5-15. Cuisines: Mexican.
Trip Advisor[fontawesome icon=”comments” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#0447ef”]

Piu Bello – A cool little spot to stop for lunch and / or have some ice cream. The breakfast is also good and the place has a good charm and ambiance to it. Price Range. $4-15. Cuisines: Caribbean/Ice cream/coffee.
Trip Advisor[fontawesome icon=”comments” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#0447ef”]

Casa Martorell – Known locally amongst families as a good place to eat on Sunday nights. Ambiance is charming in the sense they have a live older musician singing songs from a bygone era and the food is good as well. Decorated with nice art pieces celebrating the culture of Puerto Rico. Price Range: $15-30. Cuisines: Caribbean.
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El Alambique Restaurant – Also located right on Isla Verde Beach, this is a quaint spot and good bar scene. Excellent for breakfast or lunch with exceptional views of the beach. Try the churrasco! Price Range: $9-23. Cuisines: Latin.
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Chili’s – Chili’s. Isla Verde. Tourists love Chili´s what can we say. Gringo city. The particular Chili´s is the same as you’ll find in any other Chili’s you would run into. However, we will say that this is by far one of the better Chili’s we’ve ever been to. The bar is fun and the huge tv screens here make watching a game a great spot. I want my baby, baby, baby, baby back ribs. Sorry, just had to. Carrying on… Price Range: $5-20. Cuisines: American
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[fontawesome icon=”heart” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#dd3333″] Romantic/Fine Dining [fontawesome icon=”home” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#20b5cc”] Local Food/Off the Beaten Path
[fontawesome icon=”picture” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#71b738″] Scenic View [fontawesome icon=”comments” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#0447ef”] Just sit/ Relax
[fontawesome icon=”lightbulb” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#e560b2″] Modern/Artistic/ Decorative [fontawesome icon=”glass” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#ed6d04″] Hang out/ Bar
[fontawesome icon=”bullhorn” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#840056″] Watch the Game [fontawesome icon=”food” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#6d6d6d”]Inexpensive Good Food

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El Churry Food Truck – You can’t miss this colorful food truck on Isla Verde Avenue. By far if you want the traditional Puerto Rican “Tripleta” Sandwhich, try the “mixto.” A special blend of chicken and beef sandwich with the secret sauces that make these sandwiches line worthy and epic. Price Range: $7-15. Cuisines: Latin.
Yelp[fontawesome icon=”food” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#6d6d6d”][fontawesome icon=”home” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#20b5cc”]

Pizza City – Basically, if you’re hanging out late at night in the Isla Verde region and you’re hungry you can do no wrong by turning to this outdoor pizza place on Isla Verde Avenue. Cheap drinks and late night pizza seem to always hit the spot. Price Range: $8-15. Cuisines: Pizza.
Yelp[fontawesome icon=”food” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#6d6d6d”]

Metropol – We’ve mentioned this in other sections of our book, but by far the best Cuban restaurant on the island is Metropol. Isla Verde’s location is at the end of Isla Verde Avenue and it’s by far one of the nicest ones. Is Cuban food better than Puerto Rican food? Hmmmm….Not gonna say! But it’s sooo close! Price Range: $5-20. Cuisines: Cuban.
Trip Advisor[fontawesome icon=”food” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#6d6d6d”]

best-food-in-puerto-rico

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Texas De Brazil – Absolutely the finest steakhouse in the Metro Area. A franchise, but still good. Located at the Convention Center under the Sheraton Hotel – a must place to go if you’re craving steak, lamb, pork chops, or chicken. All you can eat salad bar buffet and from there you go. Price range: $25-50. Cuisines: Steakhouse.
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Augusto’s Cuisine
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Miramar Restaurant Wine and Cellar
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Lima Restaurant – Peruvian food to start off Restaurant Row in Miramar. The ceviche alone makes you think you could easily be in Peru on your way to hike Machu Pichu. Lima Restaurantis great. The presentation of the food and the ambiance of the bar makes this a can’t miss stop if you’re in Miramar. Peru’s Machu Pichu is a place everyone should travel to once in their life. This has nothing to do with this food review. Just an observation from my trip in 2009.
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Melanzana
Trip Advisor [fontawesome icon=”lightbulb” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#e560b2″]

[fontawesome icon=”heart” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#dd3333″] Romantic/Fine Dining [fontawesome icon=”home” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#20b5cc”] Local Food/Off the Beaten Path
[fontawesome icon=”picture” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#71b738″] Scenic View [fontawesome icon=”comments” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#0447ef”] Just sit/ Relax
[fontawesome icon=”lightbulb” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#e560b2″] Modern/Artistic/ Decorative [fontawesome icon=”glass” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#ed6d04″] Hang out/ Bar
[fontawesome icon=”bullhorn” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#840056″] Watch the Game [fontawesome icon=”food” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#6d6d6d”]Inexpensive Good Food

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Pizza e Birra – Excellent pizza and choices of beer at the bar. If you’re looking to see the game then this is your place. After a while all Pizza places are the same, but Pizza e Birra does have ambiance goin’ for it and a place for happy hour for Puerto Rico’s professionals. Price range: $13-40. Cuisines: Italian/Pizza.
Trip Advisor [fontawesome icon=”glass” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#ed6d04″]

Ficus – This outdoor gem located just outside the Convention Center’s front lawn boasts a beautiful Ficus tree and traditional Mexican food. Also a great spot to hang out at the outside bar and enjoy the nightlife and see sporting events. Cool area to hang outside with views of the open sky and Puerto Rico Convention Center building (architecturally made to look like an “ocean’s wave”). Bar Scene/Outdoor sitting. Price range: $5-20. Cuisines: Mexican/International.
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Los Pinos Restaurant – If you’re looking for inexpensive local Puerto Rico food away from the tourist traps of Ashford Avenue, look no further than Los Pinos. Excellent mofongo con churrasco. Price range: $7-20. Cuisines: Puerto Rico/Latin.
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La Jaquita Baya
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Puttanesca Italian Trattoria
Trip Advisor[fontawesome icon=”food” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#6d6d6d”]

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[toggle title=”Santurce”]
Mumbai Indian Restaurant – This restaurant in Santurce is beyond a doubt the place to bring your significant other. You’re in Puerto Rico, but you might as well be on vacation to India once you’re inside. The curry beef and white rice combination is savory to great tastes. What instantly strikes you is the spiritual painting of the Ganesha that instantly greets you. There’ a story there if you simply ask your waiter or waitress. Cuisines: Indian. Price Range: $12-29.
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Bistro De Paris
Trip Advisor Reviews Link [fontawesome icon=”heart” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#dd3333″]

Gia’s Pizza – Excellent service and unique modern architecture/artisan vibe inside. Friendly staff and good pizza, although not very memorable.
Trip Advisor [fontawesome icon=”lightbulb” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#e560b2″]

Abracadabra – Walk into Alice In Wonderland and find the white rabbit. Abracadabra presents a unique dining experience. Live art some nights, and amazing food and coffee. Popular on Sundays for Brunch. Cuisines: Breakfast/Coffee/Wraps/Pizza and more. Price Range: $9-25.
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Libros/AC – One of the few places left that sell books on the island. Perfect marriage if you want to merge your want of reading with your appetite with hunger. Libros/AC also serves as a restaurant by day and night (check some nights they close early sometimes).
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La Placita – This area of Santurce is known locally as “La Placita” where you will have a ton of options to eat, drink, and be merry. Thursday nights are usually the most popular nights to hang out with the locals. By day it’s a farmer’s market. First time I came here I was simply so happy to see we can all have our beers out in the street and bar hop!
Trip Advisor[fontawesome icon=”glass” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#ed6d04″]

Santaella – An elegant culinary experience with a beautiful natural setting inside. One of Puerto Rico’s best restaurants for fine dining. Occasionally have music/concerts inside with up & coming local musicians such as Ardnaxela (Alexandra backwords). Cuisines: Caribbean, Seafood, International. Price Range: $25-100.
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Casa De La Tequilas (Mexican Restaurant) – A quaint Mexican restaurant with delicious food and inexpensive prices. Known for its variety of tequila as well. Cuisines: Mexican. Price Range: $4-20.
Trip Advisor[fontawesome icon=”comments” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#0447ef”]

Vittorino Trattoria – If you’re looking for a good place for Italian when visiting La Placita this is your spot. Small environment, but delicious food. Cuisines: Italian. Price Range: $10-30.
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José Enrique – If you’re at La Placita and want to have a fun dining experience make sure you head over to José Enrique. While from the outside it looks like a non-nondescript house, on the inside it’s a fun and casual environment. The food is absolutely delicious and makes for a great spot to eat with friends. Cuisine: Caribbean. Price Range: $12-30.
Trip Advisor[fontawesome icon=”lightbulb” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#e560b2″]

[fontawesome icon=”heart” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#dd3333″] Romantic/Fine Dining [fontawesome icon=”home” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#20b5cc”] Local Food/Off the Beaten Path
[fontawesome icon=”picture” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#71b738″] Scenic View [fontawesome icon=”comments” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#0447ef”] Just sit/ Relax
[fontawesome icon=”lightbulb” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#e560b2″] Modern/Artistic/ Decorative [fontawesome icon=”glass” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#ed6d04″] Hang out/ Bar
[fontawesome icon=”bullhorn” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#840056″] Watch the Game [fontawesome icon=”food” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#6d6d6d”]Inexpensive Good Food

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Taberna Los Vasquez The local bar where you can get cheap drinks and dance the night away. This is an outdoor spot with an old and charming bar. If you’re thinking of hitting up the most local of bars, this is your place. Every now and then you’ll see the whole place dancing salsa. I need to learn salsa after writing this travel guide. Ok, I’m putting it in writing now. Whoever reads this, please one day remind me if I ever conquered salsa….(to be continued…)
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Fat Tuesday’s – You can’t have a bar type atmosphere in a city and not see the ubiquitous Fat Tuesday’s there. Puerto Rico’s version at La Placita is a fun atmosphere and provides great drinks at good prices plus good music pumping through the speakers. Located at 180 Calle Dos Hermanos right next to Taberna Los Vasquez.
Yelp[fontawesome icon=”glass” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#ed6d04″]

Vibra – Vibra is a dance club/bar located on the 2nd floor above Taberna Los Vasquez (on the back side). It’s tough to see, but is a cool place to hang out and dance. You can’t wear a hat though, as I was once thrown out for having my backward hat on. “C’mon bouncer dude, I’m balding and I need to sport my Heat hat backwards, bro!” He said no, I got pissed for one of a very few times on this island the past four years. Still fun times.
Trip Advisor[fontawesome icon=”glass” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#ed6d04″]

El Sabor De La Reina (The Taste of the Queen) – Another one of our favorites and a much more inexpensive option if you want to try the local Puerto Rican food. The ambiance of live music makes this a gem. Story goes that the owner was a waitress for over 20 years at a nearby restaurant – and saved all her money to open her very own restaurant right next door. A great story. Excellent Puerto Rico food, and occasional music bands also playing at this tiny, yet comfortable space. Cuisines: Puerto Rican/Seafood. Price Range: $9-20.
Trip Advisor[fontawesome icon=”home” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#20b5cc”]

Tasca El Pescador – Considered by many of the locals to be one of the best places to eat good seafood. The restaurant is not the biggest, but has a good local flavor if you want to explore. Cuisines: Seafood. Price Range: $11-30.
Trip Advisor[fontawesome icon=”home” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#20b5cc”] [/toggle]

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Restaurante Ardente – Lunch/Dinner
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El Gigante Dormido “The Sleeping Giant” – Lunch/Dinner.
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Bistro Tartine – One of Puerto Rico’s Best Chefs can be seen here
Chef Daniel Vasse
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Morivivi
Trip Advisor [fontawesome icon=”heart” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#dd3333″]
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[toggle title=”Guaynabo”]
Tinto Y Blanco – Cool little restaurant to hang with friends and drink some wine. I didn’t try the food so can’t say, but my friends who live in this area always speak well of this restaurant.
Trip Advisor[fontawesome icon=”comments” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#0447ef”]

Shannon’s Pub – Irish bar in Guaynabo that I absolutely love to go to when I really need to see an NBA or NFL game. Go Dolphins, Go Heat. What’s cool about this place when you see a football game here is the assortment of “pockets of fans” in every corner. One one side, the Patriots fans. On another, the Cowboys. The bar is flooded with Steelers fans usually. Us Dolphins represent as well. Cool venue as well for live music, dancing, and one of the best sports restaurants/bars in Puerto Rico.
Trip Advisor[fontawesome icon=”glass” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#ed6d04″] [fontawesome icon=”bullhorn” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#840056″]
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Downtown – Across the street from “El Choliseo” Music/Sports Amphitheater is the popular hang out spot/restaurant/bar/live music venue “Downtown.” Hang out here to listen to music, drink artisan beers, see the game, and people watch. Downtown’s food is good too, even if it is expensive. I could only describe basic menus so many ways people!
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Tres Patio Bistro – See one of Puerto Rico’s Best Chefs Javier Nassar.

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El Zipperle
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Madeline Café Bistro – Madeline Café Bistro is a amazing hidden restaurant in Rio Piedras. The decor inside has character, it’s intimate, and yet it’s the food that shines. Try the pumpkin soup!
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Logan’s Irish Bar – Logan’s Irish Bar is the other pub in the Metro Area (Shannon’s Pub) that’s fantastic for watching the big games. While not as big as Shannon’s, the food is slightly better here and less expensive. Some nights also feature live local music and is a cool hangout spot at night.
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Sultan Abi – Sultan Abi is a turkish restaurant that is one of the best on Winston Churchill Avenue near El Señorial Plaza in Puerto Rico’s suburbs.
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Tras Patio– Find out more about one of Puerto Rico’s Best Chefs: Chef Javier Nassar
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La Bodeguita De Manolo En Los Cidrines– Los Cidrines is one of my favorite restaurants from the days when I lived in Río Piedras. At first glance, it’s a nice Puerto Rican bakery that serves pastries and good coffee. However, the gem is the restaurant in the back. The artistic and decorative atmosphere makes for one of the most unique dining experiences in the island. The food is exquisite. The service? Excellent. In fact, my friends and I celebrate our birthdays here every year. It’s a hidden gem for food lovers. Check them out.
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[title size=”2″]East Shore[/title]

*Featured Pick (Río Grande):   Richie’s Café – Spectacular view and local cuisine. Located a 2 minute drive up a mountain with great views from “El Yunque Rainforest.” The food is typical Puerto Rico cuisine and try the infamous drink called “Richies Drink”- a great Caribbean concoction! By far my favorite scenic restaurant in the entire island, and Richie the owner is great people.  The views are one of the best in the entire island from what I’ve seen so far in 4 years traveling.
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Heidlelberg Haus German Restaurant – Heidelberg Haus is a German Style Restaurant at the foothills of the rainforest El Yunque. Serves German and Puerto Rican food. Beer list is one of the amplest in Puerto Rico. The sausages and appetizers are perfect. Germany in Puerto Rico. The owner is charismatic and is known to sit at your table with great stories. Price range: $9 – $17 Cuisines: Austrian, German.
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Barbakoa – Barbakoa it is on the main road to El Yunque -you will see it as you drive into the park on your left hand side. Barbakoa opens from 12:00 noon until 8:00pm Thursday thru Sunday. A pleasant beautiful outdoor area with a river view while you eat and a relaxing Rain Forest atmosphere. They have a great friendly service, and the owner once told me he named the restaurant “Barbakoa” which is a form of cooking meat that originated in the Caribbean with the Taíno people, from which the term “barbecue” derives. Price range: $7 – $20. Cuisines: American, Barbecue, Spanish, Puerto Rican.
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Pasión Por El Fogón by Chef Myrta (Gran Meliá Golf Resort)
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Food Kiosks Row – When driving on PR#3, you can’t help but notice the row of food shacks/kiosoks in Luquillo. There’s many options to choose from ranging from local Puerto Rico Caribbean cuisine, to philly cheese-steaks, to fine dining, or a spot to have a quick drink or two. My favorite is probably the most touristy, it’s #25. I forget the name of the place, but has the best beer selection and decent food.
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Metropol– Have to go with the best Cuban Restaurant chain in Puerto Rico if you’re in Fajardo. Yes I said Cuban and somewhat biased of course, but the food here is amazing and delicious. When you come here to eat, be prepared to take your time as it’s always filled with people so the service may not be as fast. However, the food more than makes up for it. Price Range $9-19. Cuisines: Cuban.
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La Estación -Contemporary Puerto Rican and BBQ fare all cooked over natural charcoal on an outdoor grill. Ingredients are locally grown or caught which makes the food here incredible. Restaurant is closed on Wednesdays, and open only from 5pm-10:30pm. It’s a nice little place with excellent decor as well. Price Range $10-$35. Cuisines: Barbecue, Caribbean, Contemporary, Eclectic.
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DiYukas – Contemporary Puerto Rican cuisine as well as good seafood and sushi with a fantastic view overlooking the ocean. Price Range $9-20.
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Restaurante Pasión Por El Fogón
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Chez Daniel
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La Brochette
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El Nuevo Horizante– Overlooking the vast ocean on the northeastern tip of Puerto Rico, this outdoor restaurant features good local seafood and other local Caribbean cuisine. The views here are spectacular. The new horizon. I liked it.
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[title size=”2″]West Shore[/title]

*Featured Pick (Ríncon): Ode To The Elephants – With a name like this, how can you not want to check out this restaurant and see what its about? It’s an open aired Thai Restaurant with good food and a good view.
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Cuesta Blanca – We’ve never been here but have heard nothing but good things about this place. We’ll update in future editions reviews once we get a chance to get out here and review. Price Range $9-20.
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Vaiven Tasca en el Mar – Same with this place, we haven’t been here yet but heard good things. There’s a panoramic view towards the Bay of Puerto Real and its fishing village. Genuine Spanish tapas, seafood, and special paella plate. Wines, beers, and sangria. Price Range $8-20.
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Bahía Salinas Beach Resort & Spa – Literally 1 minute from the end of your Day 2 Adventure at Playa Sucia and you hike in the cliffs at Cabo Rojo. Logistics may dictate this choice as the best in Cabo Rojo. There’s a bar/restaurant here. While it’s probably not the best restaurant in Cabo Rojo, it’s still good. Probably pricier than most restaurants in area due to location.
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El Fogón De La Curva – Technically located in the town Añasco (next to Rincón), this is one of those places that possess a great view of the ocean but more importantly has delicious Italian and typical Puerto Rican Plates.
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Wine Cellar Cafe – A nice little quaint restaurant that has an assortment of dishes to choose from and a good bar.
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Shipwreck Bar & Grill – Is listed as our top pick because it’s not only a pretty good restaurant with a good vibe (check out the pirate theme), but logistically this place makes sense to eat after your Day 3 adventure as its right next door!
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Desecheo Restaurant
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D’Grillade – See one of Puerto Rico’s Best Chefs Here Chef Ivonne Martínez
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Yia’s By Chef Tino
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Ola Lola’s Garden Bar
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Villa Montaña Beach Resort– You can see one of Puerto Rico’s best chefs here: Chef Jeremie Cruz
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Bonsai Restaurant
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Uva Playa Beach Bar & Restaurant – American, Tapas, International.
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Brisas Del Guajataca
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Tapas
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[title size=”2″]North Shore[/title]
*Featured Pick (Dorado): El Conejo – The rabbit is here, not at Abracadabra’s (Excellent Santurce Restaurant.) Sorry for throwing you guys off at this point, but seriously, the rabbit here is very good.  Located in Dorado, Puerto Rico on the North/Central Shore of the island. Try the empanada con conejo (rabbit pastry). Thank us later. A bit expensive, but cool spot that’s made to look and feel as if you’re also in Old San Juan.
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Restaurante Caricatura – Ever wanted to have good local Puerto Rico food, and have your cartoon caricature image painted while you eat and drink? That’s the concept at this “caricature restaurant.” The food is good, the drive is long and windy but worth it, and it’s not too expensive. The guy who drew me put me zip-lining over the mountains and made me look like Tom Cruise with a big smile across my face. “Mission Impossible” he wrote. I chose to see it as possible.
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Caricatura Puerto Rico
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Descorche Restaurant
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Chili’s – Yes, Chili’s makes another appearance on this list. You simply cannot go wrong at Chili’s if you’re super hungry. hashtag truth. #truth.
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Grappa
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Mi Casa By José Andrés
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Pika Restaurant
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Orient House
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Faccio Pizza – Anytime you see a Faccio Pizza in Puerto Rico, it’s really one of the best local pizza places in the island. This specific one in Dorado is my 3rd favorite pizza place in the island. 1) Pizza Hut (yes, the thin & crispy is simply epic) and 2) The Food Truck Pizza Place (see below). Anyways, Faccio Pizza is still pretty fantastic – especially the chorizo & pepperoni pie.
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Katrina’s Restaurant – If you love parrots, one will greet you here and makes up the branding of this restaurant. Katrina’s is a good place right next to the Dorado public beach where you can hang at the bar, or have some delicious seafood. It is a bit pricey, but the drinks are pretty cheap. Cool outdoor hangout area.
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Restaurante El Ladrillo
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Chophouse Teppanyaki Grill – One of the best “chophouse” Japanese cuisine restaurants on the North Shore.
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Alavara -Alavara is fast becoming on of Dorado’s best kept secrets for eating, and getting your happy hour drinks on. Cool spot, live music every now and then. Caribbean. Prices Moderate.
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Embassy Suites Dorado Del Mar Beach Resorts – See one of Puerto Rico’s Best Mixologists Nilda Miranda.
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Food Trucks Row (Behind CVS/Walgreens Mall)

Nanobox Gourmet Street Bites – One of the more popular food trucks in Dorado, serving tasty portions of Caribbean plates in “nanobox bite.”
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Pizza Pizza Express This pizza truck in Dorado is always packed, and for good reason. It’s really, really, ridiculously good “ah, fuck it I’ll mess up my health eating and ruin all the exercise I’ve done” kind of good. The pizza is that good. No Trip Advisor links found for this establishment. Their phone number is 1-787-513-3954.
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Good Times Restaurant
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Rancho Marina (Lagos Dos Bocas) – My secret favorite restaurant. If you’re remotely even reading this far this is your gem and reward for doing so. It’s in the book. That’s all you need to know. That’s my review here. This is a long restaurant post, isn’t it? It’s all good, it’s all going in the book and I needed to do this anyways. Brunch/Lunch/Early Dinner.
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Lighthouse Bay Restaurant
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El Fogón De Abuela -When going to Lagos Dos Bocas, El Fogon De Abuela is another option you’ll have with Rancho Marina as your other choice. While I’ve been to both, I’d give the recommendation to try Rancho Marina. However, if you come two times then give Grandma a shot That sounded bad, didn’t it? Judges? Was purely innocent, I promise! 😉. When editing a lengthy post, reading things a second time makes me re-think a sentence. This one made me laugh for some reason, so it stays. Grandma likes lovin’ too. Twice! (Who’s abuela doesn’t?). Brunch/Lunch/Early Dinner.
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Salt & Pepper Restaurant
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Fu Hou Sushi Bar & Restaurant
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El Kampestre – From the first impression, this restaurant is right in front of a very busy road in Toa Baja and looks tiny inside. However, once you’re inside it’s a good local and authentic Puerto Rico good home cooking. The mamposteo rice and churrasco is from another world. Inexpensive, good, local, hard to find spots for travelers and tourists.
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Parrillón De Los Artistas
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La Colina 360 Restaurant
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[title size=”2″]South Shore[/title]

*Featured Pick (Boqueron): Miski Mikuna – A little out of the way from the area after you finish your Day 2 Adventure, but the food here is amazingly delicious. Peruvian and International cuisine. Price Range: $15-25. Located in Boqueron.
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El Ancla
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El Negocio De Panchi
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Cafe Cafe Cocina Criolla Espresso Bar
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La Casa Del Chef
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La Cava
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Lola Eclectic Cuisine
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Las Tias
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El Barril De La Mulata
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Pito’s Seafood Cafe
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Panorama Sky Lounge
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Tanamá at Holiday Inn Hotel
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ristotto-ponce
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Alexandra Restaurant
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Brisas Del Mar
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La Casa De Los Pastelillos
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King’s Bakery
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[title size=”2″]Cordillera Central Mountain Region[/title]

*Featured Pick (Cayey):  Lechonera Los Pinos – Pig / Lechon Row! Featured on Food Channel! Local culture.  Real people.  What more do you want in Guavate, Puerto Rico?
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Restaurante Las Garzas
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Restaurante Vida Ventura
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Hacienda Maribó
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Restuarante Asador Isla Bonita – Majestic views. Good local Puerto Rico food. Aibonito has a great restaurant, and from here you can also take tours to see El Canyon De San Cristobal – Puerto Rico’s biggest & prettiest waterfall.
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Tio Pepe’s
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Aviones Cocina Creativa– Eat inside a plane!
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La Vecindad Del Chavo Bar & Grill – There was once a very popular Spanish sitcom television show called “El Chavo” which was very popular for many Hispanics. This restaurant honors those characters and is actually a good outdoor place to enjoy drinks at the bar, food, and let your kids run around. Local live music on weekends, and Sundays is the day to go.
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The Sand And The Sea
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El Lechón De La Piedra Escrita – Definitely the place to eat and hang out when visiting the sacred written rock “piedra escrita” by the Taínos. Good local Puerto Rico food in the mountains.
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Restaurante La Fragua
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Casa Bavaria – Come here during Oktoberfest and enjoy Puerto Rico´s best yearly party. Good drinking going on here, and German food to boot. Just up the street though is one of my best and favorite restaurants in the mountains.
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Los Amigos Restaurant – My best friend in the island who I first met brought me here and and I just loved it. Perfect views out to the ocean and the misty mountains take on a new form here. The food is typical local Puerto Rico food – try the longaiza and chuletas de puerco! I can’t find a Trip Advisor reviews link for this spot, but it’s further up the road from Casa Bavaria. [fontawesome icon=”home” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#20b5cc”] [fontawesome icon=”food” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”#6d6d6d”]
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*Featured Pick (Culebra): Dinghy Dock – It’s my favorite restaurant in Culebra. Right next to the lagoon with fantastic views and laid back ambiance. Very pricey, but still fantastic when you’re on vacation in Culebra. Come in with the expectation that time is not a worry, and you’ll be okay.  Cool spot for lunch as well.  Culebra is another paradise onto itself.
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Gio By Gio Gastro Bar
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Guava Restaurant at Club Seabourne – See one of Puerto Rico’s Best Chefs Maira Isabel

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Zaco’s Tacos
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Carambola Island Restaurant
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W Retreat & Spa Vieques – See one of Puerto Rico’s Best Chefs Fernando Coppola as well as one of the Best Mixologists: Arelis González
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My 3 Top Favorite Restaurants Because There’s A Story!

 

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The Meatball Company – Got balls? One of the greatest things about Austin, Texas is how the culture thrives and plans their social outings around heading for the city’s famous and notorious food trucks for some delicious culinary feasts. Yareli Manning spent some time exploring the foodie world of Austin, and has brought it back home to her native Puerto Rico where she is considered a top notch and up & coming culinary artist. Manning’s latest food porn for the masses is called “The Meatball Company” – a nifty food truck with style. I’ve gotta say when you’re traveling to Puerto Rico make it your best effort to try the assorted combination of meatball sandwiches & other daily specials that you can’t even begin to imagine how good they taste. Dare I say it? Yes, why not. It’s simply an explosion of savory flavored balls in your mouth. The moniker of the company is asking if you’ve got balls to give it a shot. Well, do YOU? Open Monday-Fridays from 11:00AM-2:30PM in the Hato Rey “Golden Mile” District (Metro Area) on Calle Uruguay & the corner of Bolivia street. Food Truck. (787) 398-3305.
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Mango’s Restaurant-Yeah, Mango’s 🙂 – It’s #2 on this list for personal reasons, but the food here is exotic and delicious. Ever wonder why some places for you, you just draw the best experiences consistently? We all have one. In my case, it’s “Mango’s” in Ocean Park. There’s another great story of how we met at this restaurant, but that’s for elsewhere in the book. The story’s a song. For now let’s just say that it’s a pretty fun atmosphere here, and I celebrated a Miami Heat championship in 2012 here so I love this place. The bathroom has the perfect quote on life, on a mirror, with the Buddha facing you, and yet backwards. You have to look at the reflection to reveal the words. “One good thing about music. When it hits you, you feel no pain.” The food is perfect for appetizers & excellent dining. The drinks of course are why you’re here. Cool outdoor bar / patio area to lounge, or choose to be inside in a cozy bar setting. Get’s crowded and fun on weekends. Did I say this place has great vibes? It kinda does….(see Puerto Rico Adventures Revealed Travel Guide for more from information) Price Range: $5-19. Cuisines: Caribbean / Cafe / Grill.
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Raíces – The restaurant above is my own plug for my book.  The 1st one is a great friend and her food truck rocks and why not write about her and put her restaurant #1?  This pick and the ones in this aforementioned list are for TRAVELERS who want to see new worlds and taste authentic local flavors. For me, since it was my first culinary impression in this country and I feel that’s a cool place to share with those traveling or coming to Puerto Rico for the first time. It´s different. It´s unique to us. To us outsiders, it’s our first impression (Old San Juan) of Puerto Ricans and how it must have been like in this land going back to the past – where the Taíno´s come from. It´s our first impression of the ¨people.¨ I guess its the waitresses outfits and giving, generally good demeanor, and seeing the joys of how they express life while helping others that first got my moment´s attention at Raíces back in 2007.

I remember “her” telling me to go find: 1) Jobos Beach. 2) Río Tanama (wow) 3) Río Tinajas (Day 1). This was when I had no idea my life would lead me to this island 3 years later, only to see myself now 4 years later and writing about it. I kept that napkin where she wrote those places down and I still have it and remember it today. I did it! I did see and live all those places – and am happy to share them in my upcoming book. Places are memories. Places have energy. Places, help tell a cultural story. Places, have beginnings. Places, go somewhere. Places, have a direction. Places have their place. Places remind us to go forward confidently in the direction of our dreams. The roots or raíces, have a beginning. How far we grow is up to us. The Place? Well, that’s different for all of us to imagine.

Even though this restaurant is “touristy” restaurant, it is a tremendous spot to try authentic Puerto Rican cuisine for the first time. The charm of the lady waitresses dressed up (as mentioned) in cultural clothing of the island from the past makes the ambiance feel like you´re going back to the past – hence the name Raíces. We always take our friends and family here 1st. Nobody has complained eating here not once. Food is delicious, especially the Mofongo filled with Churassco (skirt steak). Raíces means “your roots” in Spanish, and was the very first restaurant I ate at when I first visited Puerto Rico – which I still love it today. Duh, all my friends and family have eaten here with me. That’s priceless to me. #3 by far. Below there´s a a major shout-out below from the voices of Puerto Rico “People” of other great restaurants you can find en la isla. Price range: $5-25. Cuisines: Puerto Rican, Latin. Located in Old San Juan.
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Why Santurce Es Ley Is Puerto Rico’s Best Cultural Festival

One of the first things I noticed when I moved to Puerto Rico which caught my immediate attention was the neighborhood called Santurce in the Metro Area.  It caught my attention because it was not the “glitzy” or “glamorous” tourist traps you see in Old San Juan, Condado, and Isla Verde. I first sensed and thought that this is where the “real Puerto Ricans” were.  Back in 2010, you could sense and feel the energy that the Santurce neighborhood had early artistic seeds with some of the amazing public displays of art you saw here and there in between dilapidated buildings and the “downtrodden” neighborhood.  To the casual traveler our tourist like myself,  that could easily give a bad first impression.

However, the art spoke to those willing to see.  I noticed it then.  In 2010 if you looked closer there was a story beginning to take shape in some of the artwork going up on buildings with some powerful messages of hope and perseverance no matter what.  The political messages and social commentary were subtle, loud, and spoke in deep layers.  This art community was organizing right under our noses, and the locals and many dedicated artists of the Santurce area were making big plans to reshape the image of Santurce, and possibly, (why not?) – that of  Puerto Rico’s image itself as a whole country that’s rich in art, culture, and beautiful people.

Today, in 2014, you’d have to be blind not to see the beginning of this town’s new renaissance as evidenced by the 5th annual Santurce Es Ley Art, Music, & Culture Festival that is run by event organizer and gallery owner Alexis Busquet.  What began 5 years ago when a few art gallery owners dedicated their efforts to paint a mural on a decaying building, has grown into an up & coming international arts/music/and culture festival.  Perhaps why I sensed this potential in 2010, and saw it clearly today in 2014 is because it reminds me of my hometown’s own success story in the Mid-Town Miami / Wynwood Arts district.  There wasn’t a soul that would go into that neighborhood in the 1980’s and 1990’s as it was considered “at your own risk” to step foot in that region.  It wasn’t until some artists decided to paint a few buildings with genuine and authentic art that Mid-Town Miami and Wynwood completely blossomed into what is today – the art beacon of the world that hosts the famous Art Basil Festival with world renowned artists showcasing their visions.

The economic impact of the potential of this up and coming arts festival in Santurce is not to be underestimated. There’s no reason that we are not witnessing the same phenomenon in Puerto Rico today with the Santurce Es Ley Festival that I witnessed in Mid-town Miami.  I wouldn’t be surprised if the 10th anniversary in 2019 that this event could truly turn into an international arts festival and showcase this region to the world.  It’s just a hunch I have because the two neighborhoods are similar from my experience, and I’d love nothing more than to see this happen in Santurce and for this event to succeed and take off in these coming years.

Even the people of Ponce (south shore) are impressed with Santurce today.  They typically say that “Ponce is Ponce, and the rest of the country is a parking lot.”  This is meant as a joke, but when you walk around today you saw t-shirts saying that “Ponce is Ponce and Santurce is the Law” as a nice nod towards what is happening with this art festival.  It’s good to see a country unite because of art and the possibilities for Puerto Rico’s future.

The Event Information

The Santurce Es Ley Festival is being held this year on August 8, 9, and Sunday the 10th.  It is free and completely open to the public beginning at 11:00 A.M.  The location of the festival is technically Santurce, but is located closer to the Miramar district in the Metro Area on Calle Hoare and Calle Cerra.  Bring your camera, and comfortable walking shoes, and park near the outskirts of these streets.  As you walk on Calle Cerra you will instantly feel the great vibe and energy emanating from the people, the artwork on the buildings, and the many open art studios that you can check out and explore.  There’s even a music stage where great local bands are playing, and it was great to see the young crowd not taking pictures or selfies and actually listening to the music.  The Medalla beers are cheap ($1.50), you can grab local street food such as empanadillas, and have a great time hanging out and talking with friends.  Odds are, if you’re a local you probably will run into some friends as well along the way.

Map of Area

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The Arts

In terms of the art you’ll see at Santurce Es Ley Festival, well, that’s a whole other story and something to see for yourself.  There are over 100 artists (both local and international) that are being showcased throughout the weekend.  There is art that asks questions.  There is art that is whimsical.  There is art that begs to be explored deeper.  There is art that’s a mirror.  There is art of where Puerto Rico came from.  There is art where Puerto Rico is.  There is art where Puerto Rico is going.  Writing about art is like dancing about architecture.  Or something like that.  I can’t do it justice.  Just check out the Santurce Es Ley Festival.  If you can’t this year, then come in 2015!   See our pictures below to get a sense of the great artistic talent, but you’d have to come firsthand to the festival and immerse yourself entirely in this canvas called Santurce.  For more history, museums, and restaurants to check out in Santurce please see Metro Area Sights – Santurce Puerto Rico.

“Don’t want to be an actor pretending on the stage
Don’t want to be a writer with my thoughts out on the page
Don’t want to be a painter ’cause everyone comes to look
Don’t want to be anything where my life’s an open book

A dream… it’s true
But I’d see it through…
If I could be…
Wasting my time….with you”

-Anastasio

Photo Gallery of Santurce Es Ley Festival

 

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The Secrets Of Camping in Puerto Rico- Part 1 (The Process)

Camping in Puerto Rico is a wondrous experience and there’s no other place in the world quite like camping in sandy beaches, tropical forests, mountain lakesides, underground rivers, and even some caves in this awesome island. You will need to have a car for sure to get to these places. We love camping and it is part of our lives and lifestyle. Since I moved to Puerto Rico it was pretty hard getting all of the necessary information in one place, so we hope this section of camping helps you plan your logistics if you plan on camping in the enchanted island.

Process to Reserve Camping sites

First and foremost and yes this will be in capital letters and bold typeface because it is important. IN ORDER TO CAMP IN PUERTO RICO, YOU MUST APPLY A MINIMUM OF 10 DAYS PRIOR TO YOUR ARRIVAL DATE. This is really important because you just can’t land in San Juan and head out and camp out anywhere because you will get fined very easily or worse- drive all day just to come to a campsite that has it’s gates locked and you have nowhere to go. In order to camp in Puerto Rico, you definitely have to preplan your trip and logistics.

There’s a process that’s involved, and yes, it’s a bit of an adventure in and of itself because the websites are all in spanish and more than likely the person you will call on the phone probably only speaks spanish. So keep this in mind and try not to get frustrated. Patience is the key, and isn’t that what camping teaches us anyways?

Here’s the breakdown as detailed as we can. Camping has been thoroughly mentioned in other sections throughout this book (North Shore Sights, East Shore, Adventure Days etc), but we’re going to list everything in one spot and by region to help you with logistics. If you see our Cordillera Central chapter of the book you will find the detailed logistics to have a 3/4 day trip along the mountains of Puerto Rico on a camping expedition along “La Ruta Panorámica” or Panoramic Route of Puerto Rico where you can spend a night each night camping in some of the best spots on the island.

If you’re truly adventurous and plan on camping on your own in areas that are not designated as “official” we truly believe you’re taking an unnecessary risk. Sure you can pull it off on one of the beautiful natural beaches (especially in the Northeast) and you can enjoy a great sunset and sunrise, however you’re also running the risk and prime area for thieves and you’re going to make very easy targets. We highly recommend doing it legally, and there are absolutely great facilities around the island in all sorts of landscapes and most importantly you will feel safe and secure in these areas.

Puerto Rico Agencies that run and maintain Campsites

Did we say you have to call ahead at least 10 days prior? We would say at least 20 just to ensure you get through on the phone and have enough time to submit your applications to obtain the permits. It’s not an easy process by far, and we certainly hope it improves in the future. Camping in Puerto Rico is basically divided into two groups that are run by the government.

The first group that runs campsites is the Department of Natural & Environmental Resources (DRNA). The DRNA basically runs 8 state forests camping locations as well as 3 wildlife refuges. We’ll list them all by region and logistics below. You would have to call ahead, and fill out the application and send back and then physically pick up the permits!  (Note:  Puerto Rico Revealed offers our clients this service for them before you get here.)

Their website is in spanish (as well as most of the people on the phone) and not the best source to help travelers as much as they do make the greatest of efforts to be of service.  Regardless, the link will show you the forms you need to fill out after you go through the following process:

The Steps:

1. Call DRNA Information: Phone: 787-999-2200 x 5156 (Mon-Fri) Fax: 787-999-2303

2. Let them know the dates you are considering and which specific campsites.  Usually you will have to leave this information without any confirmation for a couple of days.

3. DRNA looks at their system to ensure there is space.  They contact you a day or two later. (Paitence guys, they will soon accept this process online and without you needing to physically go to their offices to pick up the permits).

4.  After they confirm dates and campsites, you have 5 business days to physically give them the filled out application (link above), as well as give them the payment – in order to receive the official permit.

5.  Go to their Physical Address to make it all happen:  (For tourists and travelers that want to camp, we seriously encourage you to use our services).
Edificio Cruz A. Matos
Carr. #8838, KM 6.3 Sector El Cinco
Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico 00926
Directions:
Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales
Carr 8838, San Juan, 00927, Puerto Rico
http://goo.gl/maps/mtp3a

Postal Address (To Mail Back Forms)
Departamento De Recursos Naturales y Ambientales
P.O. Box 366147
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936

Applications & Forms Links + DRNA Website:

Campsites in Puerto Rico

DRNA Campsites

-State Forests-

Aguirre Forest (Guayama)
Cambalache State Forest (Barcenoleta)
Carite State Forest (Patillas)
Guajataca State Forest (Quebradillas)
Monte Guilarte State Forest (Adjuntas)
Susua State Forest (Yauco)
Rio Abajo State Forest (Arecibo/Utuado)
Toro Negro Forest Reserve (Cordillera Central/Villalba)

-Wildlife Refuges-

Isla De Mona Wildlife Refuge (Mona Island)
Lago Luchetti Wildlife Refuge (Yauco/Ponce)
Reserva Natural Isla Caja De Muertos (Ponce)

National Parks of Puerto Rico

The second group that runs campsites (and vacation rentals!) is the National Parks of Puerto Rico. They offer 8 different camping areas mostly located along the coast and on beaches, as well as a couple of our favorites in the mountains. The National Parks of Puerto Rico has an easier process in the sense that each of the campsites administers their own permits, so you would have to call each one independently and show up the day you reserved. They also offer what they call “vacation centers” that feature cabins and really nice facilities and amenities if you don’t want to tent camp. See the end of this section for their information on vacation centers. We prefer tent camping, and here are the list of natural campsites the National Parks of Puerto Rico maintains.

National Parks of Puerto Rico Campsites (Compañía De Parques Nacionales)

La Monserrate (Luquillo / Beach)
Seven Seas Beach (Fajardo)
Sun Bay (Vieques Island / Beach)
Punta Guilarte (Arroyo / Beach)
Tres Hermanos National Park (Anasco / Beach)
Cerro Gordo Beach (Dorado)
Monte Del Estado (Maricao / Mountain)
Camuy Cave Park (Camuy / Mountain)

National Parks of Puerto Rico Information:
Phone: 787-622-5200 x 370 or 122 (Keep in mind you can call each of the above listed parks individually to reserve)
Website: http://www.parquesnacionalespr.com/

*Update 2016 Ways To Win The War Vs Mosquitos:

Puerto Rico.  Zika virus and what to do if you travel?  Just to alert you guys, it’s still way super safe and statiscically speaking the odds are in your favor that you will still have a great time Camping in Puerto Rico if you take some precautions.

Let me be straight up.  Mosquitos do exist in Puerto Rico.

How to win?  (I’m just doing this myself in our backyard and it’s done wonders on my daily battle vs. mosquitos)

Check out this great article.  Citronella.

SEE PART 2 – DETAILS OF ALL CAMPSITES INSIDE:

Please See Camping Part 2 Article!

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Who Else Wants Views Of Ocean Park, Puerto Rico?

I once had a dream when I lived in Miami (where I’m from – Go Heat!) that I would be writing and living in a place that had an “ocean view.”  That was 7 years ago.  It turns out that view came after four years exploring the island of Puerto Rico and obviously with a story worth sharing – at least from my point of view. I was and am still grateful to write a major portion of my upcoming interactive book “Puerto Rico Adventures Revealed” with the views I had from Ocean Park Puerto Rico.   I guess I understand now why it’s all about the view and breeze sometimes…

“If we could see these many waves
That flow through clouds and sunken caves
She’d sense at least the words that sought her
On the wind and underwater”

“Waves” – Anastasio

Ocean Park is situated just down the shore of Condado and before you get to Isla Verde.  It’s probably the part where most tourists will feel like you’re in the “real Puerto Rico” because it’s not perfect but great enough. Ocean Park also offers the most accessible and nicest beaches while you’re traveling in San Juan. Once Ashford Avenue turns into McCleary Avenue you will know you’re in the Ocean Park district.

This laid-back neighborhood is mostly a residential area that is upscale in some parts and yet downtrodden in others with roaming dogs seemingly everywhere. You’ll notice Puerto Rico is like this in many parts, but don’t let that fool you. The neighborhood itself is charming and you can easily feel comfortable walking around from place to place where the locals are quick to help you with any questions you have.

Ocean Park also offers many shops, restaurants and bars to hang out at. In fact, there is also a pseudo “bar” located at one of the gas stations where you can purchase your drinks.  You can also get shaved ice cream of the fruit of your choice from a local vendor/kart that’s right in front of the beach.

One of the best surf shops in the island that also sells great clothes is Tres Palmas Surf Shop located at 1911 McCleary Street. When you see this surf shop as well as the Mini Market, turn left in the residential neighborhood to park at the beaches where most of the locals hang out.  Stock up for the day at the local convenience store as you drive into Ocean Park (yellow building).

Ocean Park

Ocean Park Metro Area Sights

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BEACHES

The beaches at Ocean Park are popular with locals and you’ll see kite surfers out in the distance flying through the waters, or you can see the paddle ballers doing their thing on the shoreline. If you’re lucky you may also see some Puerto Rican musicians walking the beaches while playing their instruments. The Ocean Park beaches are one of the best in the tourist areas for people watching and spending a day here relaxing under the Puerto Rican sun.

Another option for a great beach and park that provides “less parking hassles” is further up on McCleary Avenue. Look for Parque Barbosa – a place you can’t miss once you see the jogging track and many open parking spaces. Parque Barbosa is nestled right on the beach and makes a great place where you can get your jog or workout in and have a picturesque beach literally within walking distance for you to enjoy and relax in afterwards.  There’s also some showers there if you want to rinse off.

Punctuating the area are a few bed and breakfasts inns and boutique hotels located in the Ocean Park district that make for a distinctly different experience. Wind Chimes Boutique Hotel is one of them, Acacia Boutique on Calle Taft, and Mont Caribe Guesthouse, and Hosteria Del Mar are others.  Numero Uno Guest House is also highly recommended if you want to stay in the Ocean Park region.

The highlights of places to eat in the region are Mango’s Restaurant (where I met my girlfriend – and good local cuisine/good drinks), Kasalta Bakery (the most amazing Cuban deli), La B For Burro – a unique and quaint Mexican restaurant, and Pamela’s Restaurant – where you can eat on the beach and take in the views albeit a bit overpriced.  Click on the links below for Trip Advisor Reviews.

Further east and right before getting into Isla Verde is Punta Las Marias – where there are other great restaurants to choose from. Rosalia International Cuisine is one of our favorites better geared towards night time dining (although we just heard they closed and there is now a Burger Place now). Also be sure to check out Inca Chicken (Peruvian), and Little Italy Pizza Restaurant. If you’re a healthy & food conscious eater be sure to check out The Garden Restaurant.

In the interactive travel guide, you can pick and choose from various “Adventures & Activities” Chapter that Ocean Park, Puerto Rico has to offer.

HOTELS/LODGING & GET YOUR VIEWS HERE!

*Wind Chimes Boutique Hotel:   Trip Advisor Reviews of Wind Chimes Boutique Hotel

*Acacia Boutique:  Trip Advisor Reviews of Acacia Boutique

*Mount Caribe Guesthouse:   Trip Advisor Reviews of Mount Caribe Guesthouse

*Hosteria Del Mar:   Trip Advisor Reviews of Hosteria Del Mar

*Numero Uno Guesthouse:  Trip Advisor Reviews of Numero Uno Guesthouse

Dining

RESTAURANTS IN OCEAN PARK

*Mango’s Restaurant:  There’s a great story of how we met at this restaurant, but that’s for elsewhere in the book.  For now let’s just say that it’s a pretty fun atmosphere here.  The food is perfect for appetizers & excellent dining.  The drinks of course are why you’re here.  Cool outdoor bar / patio area to lounge, or choose to be inside in a cozy bar setting.  Get’s crowded and fun on weekends.  Price Range:  $5-19.  Cuisines:  Caribbean / Cafe / Grill.  Trip Advisor Link

*Kasalta Bakery: A delightful Cuban bakery with about as many choices as you can imagine.  Sweet tooth?  Breakfast?  Sandwich?  Coffee?  This place on Ocean Park has it.  A tad bit pricey though and slightly expensive, but still some of the best food in Ocean Park.  Try the ternera sandwich with angus.  Excellent.  Also the Cubano Sandwich is a specialty.  Price Range:  $7-25.  Cuisines:  American, Spanish, International.  Trip Advisor Link

*La B De Burro:  Small and tiny, but don’t let that fool you it’s a great Mexican restaurant.  Try the burritos and have a great and casual conversation with a friend.  Price Range:  $5-14.  Cuisines: Mexican.  Trip Advisor Link

 *Rosalia International Restaurant:   By far one of the best restaurants when it comes to absolutely delicious plates.  Great environment, excellent customer service, and good music playing in the background.  What more do you want?  Great presentation of food also.  Located at Las Marias between Ocean Park and Isla Verde.  Update:  We heard it just closed.  Sad to hear as owner provided beyond excellent service.  Price Range:  $12-30.  Cuisines:  International/Caribbean.  Trip Advisor Link

*Pamela’s Restaurant:  A restaurant literally on the beach.  Nice outdoor bar overlooking the beach.  Good food but a bit pricey.  Can’t deny though this is the perfect place for a $5 Medalla Beer.  Price Range:  $25-50.  Cuisines:  Caribbean, Contemporary.  Trip Advisor Link

*Pa’l Cielo:  This is a place where the creative and artistic people hang out.  Come later during a Friday or Saturday night for a good crowd.  Pseudo restaurant and nightlife by the end of the night.  The food is absolutely delicious – especially the ceviche.  The appetizers at this place are great.  However, just know that there is no air conditioning.  Nothing but the fans and breeze.  Gets hot in here.  Price Range:  $6-20.  Cuisines:  Caribbean, Peruvian.  Yelp Link

*La Cueva Del Mar:  If you want good seafood and great restaurant to hang out in with fun vibes this is it.  You can eat so good here for a modest price.  Plus, most of the locals hang out here as well so it’s fast becoming the “hang out” spot.  Price Range:  $4-20.  Cuisines:  Seafood, Caribbean.  Trip Advisor Link

*The Garden:  The place to go if you’re vegetarian or looking for healthy eating alternatives.  Nice ambiance in here.   Breakfast/Brunch, Late night.   Price Range:  10-25.  Cuisines:  Healthy.  Trip Advisor Link

*El Conde Pasta y Pizza:  It’s kinda hidden if you don’t know where to look.  Located on the 2nd floor next to the Shell Gas station on the fork of the road between Ocean Park and Isla Verde.  Great spot for pizza.  Tomato and basil pizza is tremendous.  Price Range:  $5-19.  Cuisines:  Pizza and pasta.  Trip Advisor Link

*Little Italy Pizzeria:  Another one of our favorite pizza places in Ocean Park.  Try their thin crust chorizo pizza and you will not want to stop.  The bottle of sangria is the best on the island.  Price Range:  $7-19.  Cuisines:  Wood brick oven pizzas.   Trip Advisor Link

*Inca Chicken:  Don’t let the name fool you this is not a fast food place when you first notice it.  It’s an excellent Peruvian restaurant that specializes in the most amazing chicken you can ever have.  Try the 1/4 chicken with the white rice and beans.  Price Range:  $8-20.  Cuisines:  Peruvian/Chicken.  Trip Advisor Link

*Super Foods:  For the healthiest and most delicious smoothies with fruits and and a completely organic menu.  This is not so much a restaurant as a quick stop to grab some powerful food.  Delicious shakes. Try the Acai Shake.  Price Range:  $5-15.  Cuisines:  Health shakes.  Trip Advisor Link

*Si No Corro Me Pizza:  Literally translates to if I don’t run they’ll trample me.  Quaint and perfect little spot for delicious pizza.  It’s a tiny place but a great spot for hanging out.  Price Range:  $14-30.  Cuisines:  Pizza/Italian.  Trip Advisor Link

*Tresbe Food Truck:  This yellow food truck in the middle of Loiza Street is a perfect outdoor spot to order great Caribbean food.  Try the fish tacos and the empanadas. Food tours come here it’s getting to be that good.  Recently I had a friend from Puerto Rico visit me from Canada (who now lives in Miami) and he ate here 1st thing after arrival, and last thing before heading to the airport.  The FISH TACOS ARE THAT GOOD!  Price Range:  $3-20.  Cuisines:  Caribbean.  Trip Advisor Link

*Under The Trees:  Located in the plaza at the Doubletree Hotel at the end of Loiza Street, it boasts a terrific ambiance and delicious food.  They serve in the style of buffets so you can have your choices.  The Mojito’s and drinks are also just right at this place.  Price Range:  $10-25.  Cuisines:  Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch, Dinner – Eclectic Cuisine.  Trip Advisor Link

*Molinas Native Cuisine:  We haven’t been here per say except once to say hello to the owner for one quick second when I was working another job selling payroll technology.  The restaurant is super small, yet all we hear is that the food is tremendous and the prices are inexpensive.  Good spot for breakfast as well.  UPDATE:  We recently came and ate here and the service and food were beyond exceptional.  Try the “Rabo Encendido” or Ox’s Tail.  The meat just comes off the bone in the most savory of ways.  Price Range:  $7-20.  Cuisines:  Latin.  Yelp Link

*Fleria Greek Cafe:  A completely different place to grab a bite to eat.  Try some greek food near Calle Taft on Loiza if that’s the mood that strikes you.  Price Range:  $10-25.  Cuisines:  Greek.  Trip Advisor Link

*Panuchos:  Late night Mexican restaurant on Loiza.  Price Range:  $3-10.  Cuisines:  Mexican.  Trip Advisor Link

*Kamoli Kafe & Boutique:  On Calle Taft, it’s a nice outdoor restaurant/cafe/boutique/slash/casual hangout.  Price Range:  $5-20.  Cuisines:  Cofee/Tea/Appetizers.  Yelp Link

*Caba Wine Bistro:  Trip Advisor Link

*Silk:  Asian food and elegant environment under the Doubletree hotel at the end of Calle Loiza.  Price Range: $15-40.  Cuisines:  Asian. Trip Advisor Link

*Basilio’s:  (Formerly known as Bebo’s Cafe).  If it’s the same restaurant, then it’s good food and typical Puerto Rican cuisines at an inexpensive price.  Sort of like that restaurant you can always count on for serving hearty inexpensive home cooking type food. If you haven’t eaten MOFONGO, you haven’t traveled to Puerto Rico.  It’s just the truth.  So here’s a great place to try! Price Range:  $4-15.  Cuisines:  Puerto Rico typical. Trip Advisor Link

 

Nightlife

 

NIGHTLIFE

*El Bar Bero:  Trip Advisor Link
This is the local bar hangout for the up and coming professional/artistic local crowd of Puerto Rico.  It’s a tiny bar with a “it’s a barbershop/bar” concept – thus, El Bar Bero.  The Haircutter.  Except it’s a better play on words and bar than one named Haircutters Bar.  Not the same flow in English.  Sings better in spanish.  Anyways, cool little bar to try a Medalla.

*Marimba House of Jazz & Blues:  Facebook Page

*The Plan B:  The Plan B sometimes works out is the theme of this bar/restaurant.  What’s cool about this spot is the decor of musical legends and artists.  The Plan B is known for it’s pizza, it’s live music, and people watching.  Fun nightlife environment unless you don’t have a a pulse or are bored.  My favorite artpiece of course in the bar is the Woodstock artwork.  Cool bar.  I love this place.  Price Range:  $6-16.  Cuisines:  Pizza.  More of a hangout/bar scene just as El Bar Bero right next to it. Trip Advisor Link

Directions

DIRECTIONS

Ocean Park
http://goo.gl/maps/chYNo

 

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The Caves In Puerto Rico You Fear To Enter Hold The Treasures You Seek

Along the north shore of this tropical paradise there are a ton of options of beautiful gems to check out.  You can go dizzy with what to choose to do if you only have 1 day in the region. The north shore sights are plenty and stores within it many treasures to check out.  It is a wild and rugged landscape with gorgeous ocean views with a mixture of the mountainous karst country.  It’s a combination of an urban setting (not as crowded as the Metro Area), but with the right touch of nature.

For the purposes of our Puerto Rico Adventures Revealed book, the north shore consists from the regions of Arecibo/Utuado and along the coasts of Dorado and finally ending in the Bayamon/Guaynabo region.

A helicopter tour operator once mentioned to us that the north shore with it’s rocky shores and rough waters with awe inspiring waves is the best scenic spot on the island.  We’d have to agree.  It’s two main rivers flow from the central mountains to the ocean on the Atlantic Side.  Río Tanamá and Río Camuy near Utuado/Arecibo/Lares/Camuy/Hatillo region are it’s absolute stars with hundreds of awe inspiring caves to be explored.

Finding a beach to swim at is quite challenging, but rest assured there are unique natural spots to explore.  Even the beaches that are not “swimmable” are still quite a sight to see when watching the forces of crazy waves crash upon the shoreline.  It’s worth the drive to this area just to see the karst country.  Puerto Rico is blessed in that there is an enormous beauty to it and is best exemplified in this region with green and white hills that appear to be rising and falling from the sea.

What is the karst country?  Karst is the unusual land topography that makes the rock formations odd and interesting in this region.  Karst is formed when water (rain) sinks into the limestone and erodes larger basins – which make “sinkholes” and create the huge underground cave system in the area you see today.

These erosions in the land leave only standing those peaks that have not yet fallen with the erosion of the limestone. These hills are called mogotes, and they are interesting if you look at them from the perspective that the highest peak you see today is certainly way below the level of the peaks that stood on the limestone ground many, many, many years ago.  The Arecibo Observatory of course was built on one of these very sinkholes so you can get an idea of the size and scope of the “collapse.”

Imagine the peaks collapsing into giant sinkholes and you get the idea.  It’s not the hill that’s collapsing but rather the holes in the limestone that have been changing over eons of time and thus you get this odd beauty of nature.  When the “mountain falls upon itself” so to speak, the peak becomes the beginnings of the caves we can see today.

There’s literally only two other places on earth where the rock formations look like those of Puerto Rico.  In the Dominican Republic and in the region now formerly known as Yugoslavia.  So understand you’re in pristine creative lands when visiting!

You can feel a sense of scale in this region, specifically if you’re rock climbing in this area.  Go to Adventures & Activities section for more specific information on where to rock climb in this majestic area.

One of the highlights not mentioned in our expansive “5 Day Adventure” section is the mystical Rio Camuy Caves located south of Arecibo and just north of the town of Lares.  One of it’s well known caves is also known as “Cueva Clara” which translates to Clarity/Bright/Famous Cave.  It surely was formed in stunning fashion and a must see, and it was made into a national park after it was documented in an expedition in the 1960’s that showed that this region had something unique in it’s vast cave system and underground river that marks this region.  The public only gets to see 1 cave and a portion of the sinkhole.  Those who travel and explore see more.  See:  “Adventures & Activities Section.”

“It is fatal to know too much at the outset:  boredom comes as quickly to the traveler who knows his route as to the novelist who is over-certain of his plot.  Travel into the unknown till the ends of the earth.”

-Paul Theroux

CAMUY CAVES PUERTO RICO

The town of Camuy itself is a throwback to the older days of a much more tranquil lifestyle.  There are small one-way roads and stores that sell such things as incense and other assorted offerings for the saints of their beliefs.

However, most primordial and ancient of all is one of the largest cave systems in the world that runs through it.  The Río (river) Camuy flows underground  about 350 feet deep through miles of limestone from the Cordillera central region towards the Atlantic.   The river itself is known as the third largest underground river in the world and it flows past and through caves, canyons, and of course the sinkholes in the region in the course of the past millions of years.

Over 2,000 caves have been discovered in the karst region, and one area was developed into a tourist attraction in 1986 after having been found by speleologists in the 1950’s who were lead to the site by local kids.  To see the rest is a journey and rich experience onto itself.  The caves in Puerto Rico are actually the best kept secret on the island, as there are many beautiful ones besides the one that was turned into a tourist park.

THE TOURIST PARK:

The Rio Camuy Cave Park is a sight to see even if you have to brace through the crowds.  The park includes the views of three massive and enormous sinkholes and the one cave mentioned above- Cueva Clara.

It’s clear that upon first coming here that this had to have been considered a sacred place as surely the Taino Indians must have been here.  In fact, that’s been the case as many artifacts have been found throughout the area and you can sense this might have even been one of their “cathedrals” so to speak.

Entrance for adults is $15, $10 for children under 12, and free for senior citizens over 75.  Open Wednesday-Sunday from 8:00AM-3:30PM.

Trip Advisor Link 

Park Information:  If it rains the park usually closes so make sure to call ahead.  Also closed on most major holidays.  Allow yourself 1 to 2 hours to fully gain the whole experience.  Phone number is:  787-898-3100.

PARKING / RESTAURANT ADVICE

When arriving at the parking gate, you’ll will more than likely encounter two people.  The first person is of course the person who is taking your $3 to park.  The second guy is the interesting character.  The two times we’ve been to this park this has been the exact conversation:

Character:  <Looking at you straight in the eye all intense>  “You will be hungry afterwards.”

Me:  “Um, yeah, I guess.”

Character:  <Silence.  Still maintaining eye contact and walking straight to your car window while leaning down> “Come to this restaurant afterwards.”

Me:  “Um, yeah, I guess.”

Character: <Jedi mind trick hand gesture as he backs away> “It’s my restaurant.  Restaurant El Taino.”

Me:  “Um, yeah, absolutely!” <not knowing why I just agreed>

We went there after our first trip and it was not a great place to eat, and the ambiance was severely lacking.  The restaurant looks like an enclosed boxed gym and the service was poor.  It’s rare for us to write a bad review, but I have to say that this was one of the worst dining experiences I’ve had.

What made matters funny to us is that every single person we saw at the Rio Camuy Caves park was eating with us afterwards.  His Jedi mind tricks are indeed powerful.

On our 2nd visit, we kid you not he was there again and we had the same exact conversation.  Only this time, we didn’t go.  We went to another far better restaurant instead.  We’re guessing this is a thing and how he gets people to go to his restaurant.

If you don’t see him consider yourself lucky in an odd way because we are the ones who will give you the good restaurant advice!  We’ll reveal our awesome restaurant choice in a few more paragraphs, which is just down the street from the park.

INSIDE THE PARK – WHAT YOU WILL SEE:

Pay at the ticket booth and enjoy the gift shop and 10 minute movie while you wait for the next trolley train to take you to the attractions.  Cueva Clara is only accessible by trolley as it is a long, long, long hike down.  The trolley itself is a fun ride as you sink deeper and deeper through the lush vegetation and moist air.  You can see all types of flowers and fruits including bananas, ferns, and orchids.  It’s as if you’re in a butterfly garden paradise of an upside-down mountain / or inwardly inverted (however you want to put it).

The grand cathedral entrance to Cueva Clara is not fully admired until you walk a few steps past it and look backwards.  It’s quite a sight to see as it looks straight out of a mystical scene in a fantasy movie.  I half expected Gandalf to come walking out of there or something.

The park provides tours lead by informative and entertaining tour guides, or you can opt for the headphones tour available in english or spanish.  We prefer to kinda be on our own and take the whole place in and standing back from the crowds.

FACES AS ROCKS

 

What do you see?

What do you see?

The cave opens up to a brilliantly lit room (the cave has another opening on the opposite side), and the first fun game of the day is to see objects or people in the rock formations and stalagtites and stalagmites. As you walk in and look above the impressive cave opening (which is over 170 feet and 695 feet long), you can clearly see an Indian Rock Face overlooking the entire cave.  It’s completely eerie once you see the exact replica of an Indian looking down at you from the cave where many Taino’s were here many years ago.  Sort of like they’re still here?  Who knows but it’s completely cool that there are formations of faces and animals literally all over this place if you see with a new perspective and set of eyes.

It takes about 15 minutes to come to the other opening where you are encountered with another impressive opening to another sinkhole and a natural water spring cascading down from above.  Take a sip of the water it is amazingly fresh and clean.  As natural as water can get.  You can hear and glimpse the river below you as it rushes under dark openings into cave systems leading to other “unknowns.”

The sinkhole itself is off limits to tourists, but you and get a sense of perspective how big this hole is. It’s quite a beautiful sight.  There are other sections to explore in this area that are closed to tourists unless you book with licensed professionals to see other parts of the cave such as Tres Pueblos Sinkhole, Cathedral Cave, and Spiral Cave.

On your walk back make sure to look out for bats, crickets, spiders, and other assorted creatures.  In fact, it’s rumored that there are close to a million bats living here!

Dining

DINING

Head back to the parking lot and by this time we’re definitely sure you’re hungry!  Head past the gates and make a left onto PR-129.  Yes, pass the infamous El Taino Restaurant we mentioned earlier.  You’re looking for the best kept secret of where to eat lechon (pork) that is not in Guavate!  Trust us!  Have some pork with arroz (rice) con gandules and maduros (sweet plaintains).  You can’t go wrong.  

Rancho T Restaurant:  Yelp Link

Directions

DIRECTIONS

Rio Camuy Cave Park

Route 129 Km 18.9,HCO 2 7865-A,Camuy,00627, Puerto Rico

http://goo.gl/maps/ZvfdA

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Change Your Channel & See Window Cave In Puerto Rico

What is it within our hearts that makes us want to travel, explore, and see beyond what we can wildly imagine?  What makes you want to come here?  What makes you read the next sentence?  Your next thought.  What is our experience?  What do we all have in common?  Life.  Experiences.  Love.

Which is why, without a doubt, come to Cueva Ventana and change your channel to the “Window Cave” or “Eye of the Island.”  Of all the caves in Puerto Rico, this is one of the prettiest (although sometimes crowded).

You’re heading towards the northwest corner of Puerto Rico, driving west on PR-22 towards Arecibo/Utuado and taking PR 10-down south about 10 minutes till you see a Texaco gas station on your left. You’ll see the signs you can’t miss it.  Park at the gas station and grab your gear for the 25 minute hike.

There are places we see in photos that immediately leap out at us and we just absolutely know we will be there. For me, one such place has been Cueva Ventana. The journey and the path up the hill. Walking, breathing, sweating, thinking, adventuring, experiencing. Climbing….

This place will bring you those things and much more, if you allow it. Even if there’s too many people here in your opinion when you visit. Perhaps it won’t bring you anything at all save for at least a pretty great view once you get past a little darkness.

It just depends on your point of view that day I suppose…

“It is by going down into the abyss that we recover the treasures of life. Where you stumble, there lies your treasure. The very cave you are afraid to enter turns out to be the source of what you are looking for. The damned thing in the cave that was so dreaded has become the center. You find the jewel and it draws you off. In loving the spiritual, you cannot despise the earthly.”

Joseph Campbell

Cueva Ventana Puerto Rico – a metaphor if you will.

Why not?

Because if you really think about it – this trip – down to every last detail you may have missed… parallels the story we tell of our lives, doesn’t it? Why are you traveling to Puerto Rico?

There’s a reason this metaphor goes as far back with philosophers such as Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave” from his work in The Republic to modern day epics like Star Wars when Luke enters the cave to face what he’s most afraid of.

Luke:  “What’s in there?”

Yoda:  “Only what you take with you.”

It’s not just about “hey, let’s go see a cave” – it’s about you going within.  It’s about getting lost.  A cave is both metaphorical and literal.  There’s a lot to explore in Puerto Rico but this is one of the easiest and a very rewarding one.  It’s about facing our fears.  It’s about being in the middle of where you want to be.  It’s just a step outside your comfort zone. It’s about being in the unknown, yet knowing, that at the end of this, at the very least, you’re getting a pretty wonderful view and that you’re going to get there with somebody special by your side.  It’s personal and different to each of us.

Now, on another note and getting back down to earth. Some facts about Cueva Ventana. This place is beautiful to say the least and will give you those awe inspiring photo moments we all love. This place is also sacred as in Taino Indians were here way before the Spanish came to Puerto Rico.

CROWDS:

One note about getting here, as we’ve been here many times and during different points in life. We cannot tell you enough times that you have to see this place without the crowds if you can.  Sure, it’s still not that bad if you have people here (people are courteous and take turns getting all the way to the front so you can take your pictures) – but wow, having this place to yourselves it’s what it’s all about.

The best times for this are obviously weekdays as early as possible or an hour before sunset. But if you’re itinerary does not allow this it’s still a great trip to be had and you just may get a few moments to yourself at the edge of the stunning views that look over the countryside and Rio Tanama.

COST:

The first few times we came here this was a free place to check out. However, due to the advent and popularity of people posting pictures on social media this place even became popular with the locals. Soon, they started charging about $5 to enter and made various improvements to the trails leading up to the cave and have maintained the property in a pristine state. On our last visit, we feel it got a tad ridiculous with the price increase to $10 and having to wear a helmet. Some things in our opinion should be free or at least reasonably affordable. It’s still quite a view for $10, however we did want to note that it wasn’t always like this.

THE HIKE:

You have two options to get to the “eye of the island.” Your first option and most adventurous route is to go under a tree hole (yes, look for the tree with a hole), and like Alice step into the looking glass. Come out at the other end and re-enter the darkness of the cave. This opening is where your other hiking option is (less strenuous). Once inside the dark cave, stay along your right hand side throughout. Bring your headlight. You’ll soon see a slither of light towards the right and make your way there. Now it’s up to you to see what you want to see.

MORE INFORMATION:

http://cuevaventanapr.com/

DIRECTIONS – PR10 SOUTH – ARECIBO/UTUADO

Puerto Rico 10
http://goo.gl/maps/9eoOv

 

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Santurce, Puerto Rico Is The Artistic Heartbeat Of Island

One of the most overlooked areas by tourists visiting Puerto Rico is the area known as Santurce.   Santurce Puerto Rico is one of the most densely populated places on the island, and while it is not considered one of the “nicest” neighborhoods, it is today blossoming as the artistic and cultural hub in the San Juan / Metropolitan area.

 

santurce

Mumbai Indian Cuisine and Puerto Rico Art Museum

Santurce is located just south of Condado “after the bridge/expressway” and runs east to west all the way towards Miramar.  It is known today as a local hangout for many artists – as evidenced by new galleries springing up and the artistic graffiti that adorns the buildings pretty much everywhere you look.  Santurce is also home to a place called “La Respuesta” or “The Answer” which is a pretty distinct bar and live music venue where the most talented local musicians come to play in all diverse forms to all types of crowds.

The history of Santurce is important to Puerto Ricans as this was originally settled by Taino Indians, and later African slaves after the Spanish took over in the 1500’s.  Naturally, Santurce grew into a diverse population years afterwards as it lies just outside Old San Juan and Condado.  Unfortunately, Santurce has had an up and down history of rising to economic vibrancy on the island only to watch it collapse and fall during the 1970’s and 80’s.

Today, however, Santurce is enjoying a renaissance of sorts as many new businesses and restaurants/shops are opening along with new residential developments.  It is becoming obvious to the locals that Santurce is now the place for Arts and Culture as you can see top theater productions in the area, as well as two of Puerto Rico’s best museums showcasing amazing artwork.  Please see article about the yearly Santurce Es Ley Art/Music/Culture Festival for more detailed information about Santurce Metro Area.

 

Museums in Puerto Rico

Museums and Art in Santurce

It is a local neighborhood that has its attractions and destinations sort of scattered – so it’s hard to just park and walk, but it can be done.  The “Avenue of the Arts” of Santurce has some highlights including the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rico Museum of Contemporary ArtCentro de Bellas Artes / Luis A. Ferre Performing Arts Center is the place to go for plays, concerts, or theater.  Teatro Francisco Arirvi also offers an excellent venue to catch local artists and plays.  

The “Avenue of the Arts” is along Avenue Ponce De Leon and as mentioned earlier is scattered with good restaurants to check out.  Head towards the intersection of Ponce De Leon and Avenue De Diego for your best options within walking distance.

Dining in Puerto Rico

Restaurants in Santurce

By far the best restaurant in this region is Mumbai Indian Restaurant.  If you’re looking for a perfect spot to take your significant other look no further.  Along the same road is Bistro de Paris that has a touch of being in France. Check out Gia’s Pizza if you’re in the mood for a nice pizza parlor as well.

Along the road and further east on Ponce De Leon mark two restaurants worth mentioning:  Libros/AC (a bookstore and restaurant in one with excellent food), and Abracadabra (live theater plus amazing and magical ambiance inside).  Abracadabra is best known for its brunches on the weekend after 10:00AM.  Libros/AC is one of the few bookstores in the San Juan area where you can grab an actual physical book.

For your nightlife options, there are mostly bars here and there but your best bet is to check out La Respuesta and see their calendar of events to catch some of the best bands and local music of Puerto Rico.

An odd fact about Santurce is that due to an abundance of crabs in the area, the district is also known locally as Cangrejos.  In fact, their local semiprofessional basketball team is called Los Cangrejeros de Santurce (Santurce Crabs).

Directions in Puerto Rico

DIRECTIONS:  Getting to Santurce


 

299 Avenida De Diego, San Juan, 00909, Puerto Rico
http://goo.gl/maps/BDtHb

 

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