Start the new year with a new dining experience in Puerto Rico. The following are the top ten popular restaurants for January 2008. Try someplace new this week!
1. El Charro – This small restaurant tucked away in the Puerta de Tierra neighborhood of San Juan offers well-made traditional Mexican food. Enjoy queso fundido (melted cheese fondue) or pico de gallo with your chips and salsa while drinking a great-tasting margarita or cold beer. Select from enchiladas, burritos, tacos, fajitas, ceviche and more. El Charro is closed on the weekends, so you’ll need to treat yourself during the week.
2. Terra Campestre – Serving their creative style of authentic Puerto Rican food in Guaynabo, Terra Campestre offers classic appetizers (like meats and cheeses) and salads to start you off right. Chicken, pork and fish make up the main entrees, but there are also grilled churrasco, mofongo and other traditional country foods. Be sure to make room for some fresh dessert.
3. El Mariachi – Located in the Condado district in San Juan, this Mexican / Puerto Rican restaurant serves a wide variety of authentic dishes. Start with tasty nachos or fresh fish ceviche before moving on to traditional tacos, burritos, or fajitas. Or try their take on chicken cordon bleu (chicken stuffed with Serrano ham and manchego cheese), Mahi Mahi in chutney of banana and white wine sauce, or even a seafood paella. Many choices and flavors for everyone.
4. Good Four Seasons – Also located in Condado, San Juan, this Chinese / Japanese restaurant offers a good variety of traditional dishes. From spring rolls to hot and sour soup, fried rice to lo mein, and numerous pork, chicken, beef and seafood dishes on their Chinese menu, combined with sushi and tempura from the Japanese side, you will find many ways to satisfy your Asian food desires. As one reviewer states, “Good chinese food, but the best is that they deliver!”
5. Danny’s International – An Italian and pizza restaurant in the Condado area of San Juan, Danny’s International always draws a crowd. Come early for breakfast (they open at 7:00 am) for pancakes, eggs, omelets or just a bagel and coffee. Enjoy lunch and dinner from their pizza menu with over 30 toppings and many unique combinations, hot and cold sub sandwiches, cheesesteaks, burgers, and a whole lot more.
6. Metropol – This popular Cuban restaurant has several locations in Puerto Rico, including Isla Verde (Carolina), Hato Rey (San Juan), and Fajardo. They offer a wide selection of chicken, pork, seafood and beef dishes. If you can’t decide, there is always the Fiesta Cubana, which is a selection of typical Cuban dishes: congri, tamale, pork, cassava, pot roast and shredded beef. Daily specials, tortillas, great desserts and a kid’s menu round out their menu. A reviewer states that “It’s a great place for cuban food, my family and I go there quite often. The congri is the best.”
7. Jibia by Chef Frank Maldonado – Serving Puerto Rican and International dishes in the Caparra Terrace of Rio Piedras. Start with a Caesar salad or even escargot, then move on to salmon, pork cops, or one of their risottos. Daily specials and sushi on Monday’s and Saturday’s ensure that every day you can try something different. Also available for birthday, wedding, and anniversary parties, as well as orders to go.
8. Faccio Pizza – With numerous locations around Puerto Rico, Faccio Pizza is always popular. Over 20 toppings available (including uncommon ones like octopus and tuna), or try one of their combinations. Non-pizza eaters will find a large selection of pasta or classics such as chicken parmesan. Finish with a cold cerveza and some desert. Great for the whole family.
9. Mejico Lindo y Que… Rico – Mexican food served deliciously in the Puerto Nuevo area of San Juan. Begin with what a reviewer calls “excellent soup” or a plate of nachos with the works. Select from numerous versions of burritos, chimichangas, salads, fajitas or combinations of tacos, enchiladas or flautas. Try something a little different with a steak or shrimp dish, and finish with a flan, fried bananas, or fried ice cream. A kid’s menu is available.
10. Paellas y Algo Mas Catering and Take Out – Located in Caparra Terrace, this restaurant delivers fine catered dishes, focusing on Puerto Rican style. Choose from traditional dishes such as mofongo, croquetas or one of their many styles of paella (they have more than a dozen varieties). Additionally, other dishes are available like pastas, sandwiches, salads and even deserts. You are sure to find something you like, whether you are buying for one, for a family dinner, or to cater a party.
