The Best Cafés in and Around San Juan
Nothing compares to the delicious aroma of a good cup of coffee. Luckily for visitors to San Juan and its surrounding metropolitan area, there are plenty of cafés offering the chance to taste fine blends from Puerto Rico. Check out the following to satisfy your caffeine cravings.
1. Cuatro Sombras
Coffee Shop, Cafe, Caribbean
Located at Recinto Sur Street in Old San Juan, Cuatro Sombras (‘four shadows’ in English) serves coffee which is harvested in the southern Puerto Rican town of Yauco, before then being processed through their on-site micro-roaster. In addition to visiting the bricks-and-mortar store in the historic San Juan district, it’s also possible to buy their coffee and coffee mugs on their online store.
2. Gustos Coffee Co. Miramar
Cafe, Coffee Shop, Caribbean, Pastries, Coffee, Puerto Rican, Dessert
Founded by Daniel Omar Torres and Grisel Leon in 1999, Gustos Coffee Co. has two standalone cafés, but that’s not all. They’re also coffee merchants, with a roastery and offer professional barista training. Their quality beans can be found in other coffee shops, bakeries, hotels, and restaurants. If you’d like to take some home yourself, look out for Gustos Premium and Casa Grande, available to buy in-store or online.
3. Café Cola'o
Coffee Shop, Cafe, Caribbean
Visit Café Cola’o along the San Juan Bay and enjoy a cup of coffee with a beautiful view. This café specializes in Puerto Rican coffee and its founder, Erica Reyes, is the daughter of coffee growers. Courses are available for baristas, traders, and coffee aficionados, so make sure to sign up if interested.
4. Café Puerto Rico
Restaurant, Cafe, Caribbean
5. Bistro Café
Cafe, Restaurant, Puerto Rican, Cocktails, Wine, Beer, Fast Food
Located in Isla Verde, Carolina, close to San Juan, Bistro Café serves up ‘the best brunch in Puerto Rico’, with all-day breakfast and various types of coffee. Open since 2011, the café has predominantly positive reviews on their Facebook page and more than 20,000 likes.
6. Café Don Ruiz
Cafe, Coffee Shop, Coffee, American, Fast Food, Vegetarian, Dessert, Pastries
Check out Café Don Ruiz inside of the historic Cuartel de Ballajá, an architectural landmark in Old San Juan which was once military barracks. The café is named after coffee grower Eugenio Ruiz, who was known as Don Ruiz. Menu items include pastries, breakfast and brunch food, as well as different types of coffees. It’s also possible to buy some of their products online.
7. Caficultura
Restaurant, Cafe, Caribbean
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