Asociacin de Dueos de Paradores de Puerto Rico, Viva Puerto Rico Short-Term Rental Alliance. In real life on salsa nights, locals fill the floor and dance salsa to the music. Shortly after the steamy days turn into cool evenings, the rhythm of cocktail shakers can be heard along cobblestoned streets. San Juan. The great food, beer selection and reasonable prices make La Taberna Lupulo must stop on any bar hop in Old San Juan. per night. In Old San Juan do the forts, walk around there are dozens of small shops and museums. 11) Walk the Paseo del Morro. The signature cocktails successfully combine some unusual flavors try the Classy Lassie which blends Scryer rum with Port wine, lemon and honey, or the Claude & Sherry, a playful riff on an Old Fashioned. One of San Juans most stylish rooftop bars, Arya is located inside the award-winning O:LV Hotel, one of San Juan's most stylish stays, in the ritzy Condado neighborhood. Old San Juan: The Best Place in Puerto Rico - See 16,606 traveler reviews, 12,717 candid photos, and great deals for San Juan, Puerto Rico, at Tripadvisor. You never know when you might find your next favorite cocktail. Getting Around The main portion of the resort is easily walk. A stand-out is the Santurce Daiquiri, which blends aged Don Q Reserva (Puerto Ricos top-selling rum, produced in Ponce) with apricot brandy. Voted one of the top 50 bars in the world four years in a row, La Factora is an absolute must-visit for the cocktail aficionado. Hardcore rum aficionados can tour the distillery (see online for timings, $15) and sample rum direct from the Port and sherry finishing barrels. Old San Juan knows how to party no doubt about it. Feel free to. The seductive backdrop to Daddy Yankees cult hit Despacito, La Factoria packs in the crowds all week long. Your hardest task will be choosing from over 200 entertainment options including casinos, nightclubs, lounges, music venues, plays, and cultural events held throughout the year. Best for classic aperitifs and old-school glamour. See Night Tours below. And while there are plenty of sand-in-your-toes spots to choose from, the island's drinking scene is a lot more diverse than that, so ditch those images of Margaritaville dancing in your head. Sample Puerto Ricos cocktail scene in the Metro region from Old San Juan to Santurce, and more. Pros: This Hilton has all the amenities of a remote resort while still in close proximity to San Juan's attractions. If youre looking for a spot to bring a date, this is the place. WebBars & Clubs Open now By Saint-le-1 Stopped by El Batey for a beer after a morning of sightseeing in Old San Juan. Mingle with locals in the neon-lit lounge or head out onto the patio and try one of the house cocktails. The citys best bars have extensive lists that resemble (and surpass) Manhattan cocktail dens, pouring island-inspired takes on classics as well as inventive new creations. Aerial view of La Perla neighborhood in Old San Juan. There are also a handful of good local beers. We hope you made some time to have a tour of Castillo San Felipe del Morro, best known as El Morro, the most visited and beloved landmark on the island of Puerto Rico. Set in front of Condado Lagoon, ARYA Rooftop is the crowning jewel of the adults only O:LV Fifty Five Hotel. Club Spritz, located along the tight pedestrian road of Calle Tetuan, delivers Aperol Spritz and more. We dont accept payments in exchange for favorable reviews. By night, when most people are dining around the city, one of the most mesmerizing sights is enjoyed by a few friends and families that sit on the grounds enjoying a bottle of wine and good conversation with the absolute best sight in the city at night. A San Juan institution for more than 50 years, El Batey is the quintessential boozy dive bar dimly lit, unpretentious, inexpensive and with an authentic backstory. Sunset is prime time to swing by. San Juan Tourism San Juan Hotels Bed and Breakfast San Juan San Juan Holiday Rentals Flights to San Juan Dim bar lights shine past crowds and spill onto the sidewalk. A central location, ice-cold Medallas, and all-round good vibes make this an ideal spot to wind down after a long day of sightseeing. The holiday menu in Puerto Rico includes local favorites like pernil, arroz con gandules, pasteles, tembleque, and arroz con dulce. This is, You can enjoy a cigar with aged rum or single-malt scotch neat at. WebSan Juan Vacation Rentals. Strong cocktails, soft reggae, and sweeping ocean viewswhat more could you want? All of it brings locals out in droves. The capital of Puerto Rico offers quite a few options where you can enjoy your lunch, brunch, dinner or cocktail with a view. Million dollar view for a few bucks. Plan your perfect budget honeymoon with this guide to cheaper destinations that you might not have considered. Whether youre into European beer, American craft beer, whatever, Taberna Lpulo has what youre looking for. But when the sun goes down and the market shutters its doors, the streets around La Placita come to life. Spend a night in a Humphrey Bogart movie and enjoy the music, cocktails and food at this amazing lounge and piano bar. Best hikes in El Yunque National ForestTop things to do in Puerto RicoBest places to visit in Puerto Rico, This article was first published June 2019 and updated January 2022. Asociacin de Dueos de Paradores de Puerto Rico, Viva Puerto Rico Short-Term Rental Alliance. Bonus Tip: The owners of La Factora also run several other bars around San Juan, including La Cubanita and El Desvo right next door, Jungle Birdin La Placita de Santurce, and Caneca in Lote 23. Gallo Negro. Read full review. KUMO Rooftop 2. 2023 Discover Puerto Rico. In Puerto Rico, we call ourselves Boricua, a unique name honoring our Island heritage and the vibrant spirit of our people. Black, wrought iron lanterns light up and radiate a golden glow to the cobblestone streets and making the colorful buildings more subdued. Your night out in La Placita should start with dinner, mostly because there are so many good restaurants to choose from including some of San Juan's trendiest places. By the time youre done with the tour, we are confident you will have a new favorite drink and city. La Factoras sixth-anniversary celebration can best be described as such: two nights, ten guests and lots of Covering the top floor of the hotel, Bar Catedral Rooftop comes with a lush and quite casual setting, but the spectacular views of Old San Juan are anything but casual. Of course, common sense is always advised when traveling to any destination. Historic sites, culinary experiences, outdoor adventures, and beautiful beaches. Today, the bar has transformed into a cocktail bar with homemade bitters and fresh juices, all while maintaining its local atmosphere. from Old San Juan. offers tropical cocktails and a great whiskey selection (try one mixed with coconut water). Bar, Cocktails, Wine, Beer. It wasnt long ago that youd see locals buying goods from the bodega that was La Cubanita. The gin and tonic is particularly good. WebLa Terraza de San Juan. On the weekends the space gets pretty rowdy when there's live music and brunch. There are lots of refreshing tropical cocktails like the Sunsetrita, a watermelon- and peach-infused margarita, and the Passionista, a mix of vodka, passionfruit, and grapefruit, with a splash of Sprite. Searching for a night out with unique cocktails, fine whiskey, or local craft beers? If it's crowded put your name in for a table and hang out at El Adoquin del Patio until your table is ready. The bar is famous for taking Puerto Rican mixology to the next level and the cocktails are refreshingly simple but masterfully made. Everything is Marilyn Monroe themed (hence the name) and it's a great vibe. La Penltima, a colorful cocktail bar and restaurant in Santurce. Instagram-worthy cocktails, dazzling lagoon views and an inspired all-day food menu draw a stylish crowd around the clock. San Juan Nightlight and Bars For a Speakeasy La Factoria For a Dive Bar El Batey For a Pina Colada La Barrachina For Tiki Cocktails Jungle Bird For A At Front Bar, you can sit by the open doorways, sip a Lavender Mule or Spiced Old Fashioned and watch the people strolling through Calle San Sebastin. Opening and closing times at bars and clubs in La Placita vary, but many bars open around 9 or 10 p.m. and stay open until 5 a.m. Many of the Metro areas best cocktail bars orbit La Placita de Santurce, a centuries-old farmers market that transforms into a lively nightlife hub after 5pm. On-site amenities: Restaurant, bars, pool, tennis, beach, game room. Visitors often speak of the warmth and spice for life they feel when visiting our capital city. Few things compare to dancing 'til you drop. La Placita is across the board one of the best places to go dancing in San Juan. These are typically small locales, so most of the dancing happens in the street, transforming La Placita into a giant block party. Which are the best rooftops in San Juan? All rights reserved. If youre in San Juan on a Sunday night, be sure to take a walk along Paseo de la Princesa and enjoy delicious food and drinks from local kiosks, live music, art pieces from local artisans, and the sunset over the San Juan Bay. After 11pm, the salsa dance hall is the place to be. Rich in history and ambiance, VC Lounge is the sophisticated lobby bar at the storied Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, which has been luring the great and the good since 1919. Theres also a bonus bar in case youre headed to the west coast of the island. Though the restaurant is known for its farm-to-table tapas, the cocktails alone are worth the trip to Rincn. Overwhelmed by choice? WebThe Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan is the main airport on Puerto Rico. TheMezzanineis a unique cocktail lounge at the center of San Juan. They also have daily lunch specials, brunch on Sundays, and salsa dancing on Thursday nights. 40 romantic rooftop restaurants. Drawing influences from across Puerto Rico and the world, creativelocal bartenders have embraced island ingredients and innovative techniques to reinvent the citys cocktail culture. The blue skies become dark and starry and the only blue youll see on the water are dinoflagellates creating a natural fluorescent show, sure to be one of the highlights of your vacation in San Juan. San Juan is a real place, loved and enjoyed by residents who love celebrating their culture, mingling with friends, and simply celebrating life. San Juan Tourism San Juan Hotels San Juan Bed and Breakfast San Juan Holiday Rentals A bartender mixes cocktails at Gallo Negro. A drink at El Batey in San Juan is a journey into the world of Hunter S Thompson Tribune News Service / Getty Images, San Juan's hottest bars for cool cocktails and tropical nights. San Juan Tourism San Juan Hotels San Juan Bed and Breakfast San Juan Holiday Rentals San Juan Packages Flights to San Juan Get to grips with Puerto Rico's eclectic cuisine with this guide to the very best dishes and drinks that you just have to try. Don't miss the Asian-Puerto Rican bar bites by Chef Paxx Caraballo. The atmosphere here is always fun and Douglas is a stop on our Old San Juan bar hops regularly. Arroz y habicuelasare the staple side dish in Puerto Rico. The pia coladas are great, too. From elegant speakeasies serving inventive craft cocktails to beer beers with rotating local brews, there's a bar in Puerto Rico to suit every taste, mood and price point. Theres usually a mixed crowd LGBTIQ+ locals and tourists at Chueca Bar and Tapas. From chic waterfront terraces to backstreet bars hidden between the souvenir shops, here's our pick of San Juan's hottest watering holes. You may watch the sunset from one of the squares and parks overlooking the bay and Paseo de la Princesa. Puerto Rico is a rum island. It's one of those rare bars that feels artsy and cool without being the slightest bit pretentious. La Verguenza is on Calle Norzagaray close to the forts, museums and farmer's markets in the area. Did you know that the pia colada is Puerto Rico's national drink? San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico, which is an unincorporated territory of the United States, found in the very center of the Caribbean. Junior's Bar 2 Gay Bars Frequently Asked Questions about San Juan What are the best places for gay clubs & bars in San Juan? There are tacos to soak it all up tooget the al pastor. Take a culinary road trip to the mountains. Enjoy traditional Puerto Rican comida criolla at La Alcapurria Quem in La Placita de Santurce. La Vergenza 7. This isn't a hip, sceney cocktail bar, and that's precisely why we like it. In the wake of Hurricane Mara, owners Garrett Robinson and Derek Schwarz built Scryer from the rubble of an infamous punk-rock hangout, and shifted the focus to small-batch, cask-seasoned rums. Tamboo is the quintessential Puerto Rican beach bar: perched on the sand with sweeping views over a gorgeous surf beach in Rincn. If you're looking for something radically different, a little further up the same street is Mai Pen Rai, an elegant Thai restaurant with a top-notch cocktail selection. WebThis complete guide will help you find the best rooftop bar San Juan. It would be a good idea to learn some of the basics before you arrive; Puerto Ricans everywhere will appreciate your attempts to use Spanish, and if they see you trying, they will usually go out of their way to help you as best they can. Located in the heart of the city center, the atmosphere of La Central is intimate and relaxed. From luxurious rooftop lounges at hotels, often also equipped with rooftop pools, to more charming terraces in Old San Juan, where you can enjoy both the atmosphere and tastes of the genuine Puerto Rico. Come when you need a break from fruity, umbrella-topped, tropical cocktailsor when you just want to rub elbows with locals and off-duty cruise-ship crews. There's also an extensive wine and Champagne menu featuring some big-spender bubbles; this is that sort of place. Edrick and Stephen are often found behind the bar, creating custom cocktails and tropical aperitifs such as the Caribeo, made from aged Bacardi, passionfruit and cayenne pepper. This hotel features an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace. Best for salsa dancing and mind-blowing mixology. WebNeighborhood: Condado. Eter Rooftop & Lounge 3. Colonized by the Spaniards, Helmed by Jos Santaella, one of Puerto Ricos top chefs, Santaellas wood-paneled bar is one of San Juans most inviting spots for an early evening cocktail. Feel free toContact UsThis guide is researched, written and published independently of advertisements. Marmalade Restaurant & Wine Bar: As advertised - See 4,975 traveler reviews, 2,084 candid photos, and great deals for San Juan, Puerto Rico, at Tripadvisor. If you want a more lowkey ambiance, go through the red door to Vino, a wine bar serving wine by the glass or the bottle as well as cocktails and plates to share. This is a curated list of bar, club and nightlife experiences in Old San Juan created by local guides. How to get there on a budget, the least expensive time to go, where to find cheap eats and how to save money on attractions and accommodations. There are a few clubs, like Mijani The Club(256 Calle Dos Hermanos)with a house DJ, live salsa on Thursdays, and all-night happy hour. Campos spoke 6 languages and earned a degree from Harvard where he would have graduated valedictorian had he not been discriminated against for his mixed racial heritage. Should hunger strike, the tapas menu features Spanish-inspired classics such as Jamn Ibrico and croquetas de bacalao (salt cod croquettes). Bar Catedral Rooftop 6. San Juan Smokehouseserves up heaping portions of pulled pork, brisket, BBQ chicken, and Memphis-style dry rub ribs smoked in hickory. There's also a small wine list featuring mainly Spanish and Chilean whites. Just a block away you'll find La Alcapurria Quem, a casual eatery serving fritters like alcapurrias and pastelillos, as well as heartier dishes like mofongo, carne frita (fried pork), serenata (salted cod with root vegetables), and other traditional dishes. That said, you havent experienced Puerto Rican rum until youve had them all (or close to them all). Located right at the heart of San Juans newest entertainment venue, at Distrito T-Mobile, you can enjoy people watching or catch whats being projected on the giant screens of the main plaza while sipping on a signature cocktail. Relax with a drink at the poolside bar and enjoy perks like free WiFi. + Castillo San Felipe del Morro - San Juan, Puerto Rico. The best way to beat the head is to embrace it, Spritz in hand. A cozy little tiki bar hidden on the edge of La Placita, Jungle Bird serves up fun tropical vibes; think, bamboo furniture, big leafy plants, sexy mood lighting, and gorgeous cocktails. Plaza de Armas (literally, square of arms). Branded as the only rooftop bar and restaurant in Piones, SunCity Rooftop Beach Bar & Restaurant offers a great mix of food, drinks, views, fun and sports. Opened in 2013, it has a We welcome your feedback. Youll hear the sounds of salsa, flamenco, jazz, and classical music coming from restaurants, lounges, and cocktail bars. The time I checked it was #5 on Frommer's list of best bars in the world. San Juan offers the most festive and vibrant nightlife in Puerto Rico from elegant lounges to laid-back bars. SunCity Rooftop Beach Bar & Restaurant 1 KUMO Rooftop $$$$ | 10th floor | Isla Verde Panoramic views Earthy Japanese flavours All rights reserved. How to make the most out of your time in Old San Juan, even if you just have a few hours. Beach Bar 8 Gay Bars By Chaim1959 Our table was a perfect view of the beach and ocean. San Juan. There's also Club Vibra(251 Calle Duffaut) which hosts all-night parties blasting reggaetn music, while also serving as a sports bar and hookah bar. The seating next to the bar has a rainforest feel to it. San Juan rooftop bars 1. 2014 - 2023 VinePair Inc. Made In NYC. Chef Mario Pagn, one of Puerto Rico's top chefs and a former Next Iron Chef competitor, pulls out all the stops at Sage in the O:live hotel, easily the best steakhouse in San Juan. Busy squares in Old San Juan during the day, become more quiet and romantic at night, where couples and families simply enjoy each others company often serenaded by the music of local artists that show up to entertain. 262 Calle del Sol, Viejo San Juan, San Juan, 00901. Travel back in time to another era without sacrificing modern comforts. Since its inception in 2013, La Factora has electrified San Juans bar scene, to the level that a visit to its hallowed dance halls is now a rite of passage for travelers and locals. Live music is played most nights of the week and live jazz can be found on Thursday & Saturday nights. Top 10 activities in San Juan 1- The esplanade of the National Historic Site of San Juan Visit Fort San Felipe Del Morro, at sunset over the fortifications. These locations around the Island serve innovative takes on the classic Puerto Rican drink. Its well worth sampling Santaellas flavorsome appetizers especially the goat cheese quesadilla drizzled with white truffle oil and the ahi tuna skewers. Bar.C.Lona Rooftop 5. Located on an exclusive corner of Isla Verde Beach, KUMO Rooftop is found on top of the modern and earthy Aire de O:live. With a pleasant climate year-round, San Juan is really a prime spot for al fresco dining and drinking, and there are quite a few great rooftop available. Start your evening with an artisan cocktail at La Barrita del Lado. Not far from Barrachina is Old San Juans best cocktail bar, La Factora. Masterful mixologists put their own creative stamp on the classics. In the surrounding streets of Santurce, award-winning mixologists shake and stir everything from umbrella-topped tiki concoctions to artisanal rum cocktails in trendsetting bars and sultry speakeasies. Saying disfruten to a group of people is also appreciated; it means have fun, because the goal in life for Puerto Ricans is to have fun. Graffiti and messages from locals and passersby are markered onto the walls. Mar 28 - Mar 29. The signature drink, the Lavender Mulea mix of vodka, ginger beer, and homemade lavender infusionis the perfect way to kick off the night. From the San Juan Gate, the flat walkway skirts the city walls. If you dont want to leave the land of cocktails, the bar has a list of beer cocktails and Boilermaker suggestions. Drink Mojitos or Spritzes and snack on cheese and charcuterie. For those who dont wish to cut time away from the beach, the tours also include some sightseeing around the city. It makes all kinds of "Best of" lists (Frommer's, etc.) This article was updated on March 7, 2021, CLICK HERE TO GET THE OLD SAN JUAN BEST BARS, CLUBS & NIGHTLIFE MAP. Chef Jos Santaella elevates local ingredients and comida criolla(creole cooking) to fine dining with creative touches and international flourishes. Covering the barrios (neighborhoods) of Isla Verde, Old San Juan, Condado, Santurce, and Hato Rey, you can pick your party spot by location, theme, your mood, or the venues reputation. Nestled in the heart of Old San Juan, in a restored 19th century colonial-style building, the Decanter Hotel holds a prime location, and also offers a prime rooftop experience. You can get lost for hours sipping Spiced Old Fashioneds made with the finest Puerto Rican rum and speaking with the skilled bartenders. The top places where you can experience the history of the Island. Be sure and check out the full interactive map below to ensure your next Old San Juan bar-hopping outing realizes it's maximum potential :). It's close to the forts and the museum on Calle Norzagaray so it's a great place to stop if those attractions are part of your day. Walking tours of the city dont end at sunset, you can enjoy the Old City safely at night and see it in a whole new light. But which is the best rooftop bar San Juan? Shoot a game and experience real PR at El Batey. The rooftop menu includes a large selection of handcrafted cocktails, an extensive wine list, sangria and a wide range of tapas, all offered with a personal and elegant service, combined with a relaxing atmosphere. We welcome your feedback. It's dark, rough, and grimythe floor is perpetually sticky with spilled drinks and the room smells mustybut there's a vintage jukebox, a pool table, and a grungy charm that will make you want to stick around. La Placita de Santurce is about a 10-minute drive from Old San Juan and about 7 minutes from the Convention Center/El Distrito T-Mobile district. It is also a lovely place to meet locals and interact with them over beer and food.