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Dorado is just 15 miles west of San Juan, so on your next trip to Puerto Rico consider staying in this happening town on the Atlantic coast and check out these fantastic bars and restaurants while you’re there.

Restaurante La Terreza

Restaurant, Bar, Caribbean, Seafood

Seafood is the specialty at La Terraza
© Maxim Krayushkin/flickr

Opened in 1983, Restaurante La Terraza’s beautiful ocean view and amazing seafood has made it a favorite of both tourists and locals. Dine in the full restaurant or head up to the second floor for a more casual visit at their patio bar.

Lula's Burger Bar and Grill

Restaurant, Pub Grub

Hamburgers from Lulas are a bit of heaven
© Niklas Rhose/flickr

When you’re traveling down Carretera 693, do not miss the stop at Lula’s Burger Bar and Grill. Relax in the wonderful family atmosphere, listen to the live music and enjoy homemade burgers that are a work of art – but first start with some appetizers of fried calamari and onion rings. Save room for the fried Oreos, your tastebuds will thank you!

Kikita Guesthouse and Bar and Grill

Restaurant with Rooms, Seafood, Pub Grub, Caribbean, Gluten-free

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© ShenXin/pixabay

Consider staying in Dorado and book a couple nights at Kikita Guesthouse. Spend a day exploring Dorado or enjoying the many watersports and activities available, then relax and enjoy the wonderful view of the Atlantic Ocean while you feast on lobster and mofongo. They also have other great simple beach food like burgers and fries. Add a cold Medalla or a bottle of champagne, and finish your day in blissful serenity.

El Almendro

Bar, Pub Grub

Nothing like a Medalla at the beach in Puerto Rico
© hmboo Electrician and Ad.../flickr

On the corner of 693 and 698 you’ll find El Almendro. Open from 10pm Friday through 6pm Saturday, this is a small local hangout with ample character that’s ideal for the all-night partiers. A perfect place to stop for a couple cold ones and get the scoop on the happenings of Dorado. Keep your hunger at bay with an empanada and rice and beans. You will always find the best food at some of the smaller ‘Mom and Pop’ places. Feel like a local as you return again and again.

Bar El Deportivo

Bar, Pub Grub

Ice cold beer for a hot day
© Skitterphoto/pixabay

Popular because of their ice cold beer, this sports bar is a great place to quench your thirst after a day at the beach or just for the pleasure of a good beer at a great price. Bar El Deportivo has drink specials that will keep you there all day. Make sure you check out their live music with an emphasis on La Plena – the beat and the stories will stay with you for life.

Hoolligan Sports Bar

Bar, Pub Grub

This is a big place that more resembles a sports bar in the States. A great place to celebrate an event like a birthday or class reunion, it has a young, lively crowd and there is always music playing (merengue, salsa, reggaeton) with something of a nightclub atmosphere. It has a very long bar with plenty of seating and friendly staff to get you your drinks. You will have a ball at Hooligan Sports Bar.

El Hucar

Bar, Restaurant, Pub Grub

Tostones with mayo-ketchup
© Cuponeando/flickr

Another great place right on the water where you can get a super cold beer or a delicious cuba libre. El Hucar is an older bar that gives you that feeling of nostalgia as the bartender passes your Heineken across the wooden bartop. El Hucar also has live music or DJ, with fabulous authentic Puerto Rican food as well as your traditional pub grub of burgers and fries. When you are in Dorado, make sure you visit El Hucar.

El Chinchorro Brisas del Plata

Bar, Pub Grub

Latin Inspiration is considered to be one of Chicagos finest in Modern Latin Jazz, Salsa,Afro Cuban and Puerto Rican Bomba/Plena. The Band has an extensive career performing for the City Of Chicago and abroad. Considered to be one of the most solicited bands in the city, they recently performed for the Jazz Institute Jazz in The Park, Chicago Summer Dance, Logan Square Art Festival, Evanston Art Festival, Palmer Square Art Festival, Northern Trust Bank, National Puerto Rican Coalition Inc. and many other Corporate and Jazz club venues. This Band also performs original Latin Jazz and Salsa music with a Chicago Sound. And the Emphasis is Chicago Sound! Their Recent C.D. release is getting Lots of air play through out Chicago and abroad. Victor Garcia - Trumpet Francisco Merced - Piano Bret Bentler - Bass Osvaldo Merced - Congas Jean-Claud Leroy - Drums/ Timbal David Velez - Bongo Franklin Paz ( Optional ) - Singer John Rodriguez - Trombone Eddie Ramos - Tenor Sax
Latin Inspiration is considered to be one of Chicago's finest in Modern Latin Jazz, Salsa,Afro Cuban and Puerto Rican Bomba/Plena. The Band has an extensive career performing for the City Of Chicago and abroad. Considered to be one of the most solicited bands in the city, they recently performed for the Jazz Institute Jazz in The Park, Chicago Summer Dance, Logan Square Art Festival, Evanston Art Festival, Palmer Square Art Festival, Northern Trust Bank, National Puerto Rican Coalition Inc. and many other Corporate and Jazz club venues. This Band also performs original Latin Jazz and Salsa music with a Chicago Sound. And the Emphasis is Chicago Sound! Their Recent C.D. release is getting Lots of air play through out Chicago and abroad. Victor Garcia - Trumpet Francisco Merced - Piano Bret Bentler - Bass Osvaldo Merced - Congas Jean-Claud Leroy - Drums/ Timbal David Velez - Bongo Franklin Paz ( Optional ) - Singer John Rodriguez - Trombone Eddie Ramos - Tenor Sax

Chinchorro Brisas del Plata is the place to be for amazing live music. The talent you will experience touches the soul. Sit back with a martini, listen to the horns and guitar and feel yourself float back in time.

La Vaca Enfurecida

Bar, Pub Grub, Steakhouse

The Local Grill Parktown North
Courtesy of The Local Grill

Do not let the name fool you, this is one “mad cow” that you do not want to shy away from. Great drinks, incredible staff, and the steaks and burgers are magnificent. Make sure you try the chili too – it’s outstanding! La Vaca Enfurecida is perfect for just chilling and having a couple drinks or bringing the family for a nice dinner. Fun, enthusiastic and energetic – you’ll love your visit here.

Vinaigrette Restaurant and Sports Bar

Bar, Restaurant, Caribbean

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© Rachel Johnson/flickr

Nothing says it better than Vinaigrette’s own website: “Where food, service and excellence are the specialty of the house.” Sip a manhattan while you listen to live music, share a plate of bistec while you relax and enjoy.

About the author

After a 21-year career in the non-profit world, Kris, along with her husband, decided to take the plunge and move from snowy Wisconsin to lush tropical Puerto Rico. She now uses her degree in English & Writing doing freelance work and living the dream.

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