7 Essential Brunch Spots in the Puerto Rico Metro Area
Your Puerto Rico weekend getaway should start with the most important meal of the day–brunch! The Caribbean island takes brunch very seriously, providing a myriad of places to give your palate the ultimate culinary experience. Do you like salty, sweet or a mixture of both? Here are brunch spots in the San Juan area that will satisfy what your taste buds crave.
A go-to spot for locals, Mercado La Carreta is conveniently located in Old San Juan. Brunchers can enjoy a charming outdoor scene with a table overlooking Plaza de la Barandilla just across the street. Elevate your brunch game with its modern-meets-traditional atmosphere and delicious, locally sourced produce. The restaurant also carries specialty coffees from the award-winning local producer Gustos Coffee–it’s definitely worth a taste!
Recommendations: The Mallorca Sandwich, a homage to Puerto Rico’s famous sweet bread, and the Beer Batter Chicken and Waffles (a perfect combination of sweet and salty).
100% recommended! SO SO GOOD! My favorite brunch place in Old San Juan. They have a croque madame that’s amazing and a Jíbaro Platter with pork, rice and beans, amarillitos (sweet fried plantains) and a fried egg that’s to die for. They also have natural juices!
– Local foodie, Gigí Nieves Bosch
This small restaurant located in the neighborhood Isla Verde offers a rich variety of breakfast, lunch and, of course, brunch. It’s one of the most popular places on the island. Bistro Cafe stands out for its artsy decorations, as well as creative dishes and drinks with flavors that will whet your appetite.
Recommendations: The Oreo Pancakes, Nutella French Toast and Stuffed Avocados. Don’t leave without ordering a Mojito, Mimosa or cup of Cappuccino Crème Brûlée.
This place is really good and they’re known for their big portions. But they get VERY busy, and either you have to wait a long time for a table or get there early because they don’t take reservations. They’re in Isla Verde which is in the middle of a tourist area, so location is great.
– Local foodie, Gigí Nieves Bosch
This hidden gem’s laid-back atmosphere appeals to families. Café Sí o Sí, with its motto of creating “a magical place,” has become a weekend ritual go-to spot for relaxing and enjoying a good meal.
Recommendations: All-in-One, Time-Out and In-the-Clutch French Toast. These dishes go well with a rich Creppucino, which mixes coffee with cheesecake, crepe or any other add-ons.
Hours: Wed–Fri, 8:30am–2pm; Sat–Sun, 8:30am–3pm
In the heart of Dorado, just steps from the city’s public square, this rustic restaurant combines classic Puerto Rican cuisine with an elegant ambience.
Breakfast staples—waffles, pancakes and eggs Benedict—are creatively infused with Latin American and Puerto Rican flavors. Here, you’ll get the full cultural experience.
Recommendations: Chilaquiles and Grecafé Benedict are must-tries
Hours: Thurs–Sun, 9am–2pm
If coffee is your thing, this is the place for you. Hacienda Carrión’s mission is to make every cup of joe perfectly balanced.
You can combine its aromatic 100% Puerto Rican coffee with a variety of breads, desserts and exquisite dishes. Located in the island’s second most populous city of Bayamón, it’s the perfect spot to break for coffee.
Recommendations: A tall cup of coffee goes well with its bestseller Pumpkin Pancakes. The famous Quesabirria is slow-cooked beef folded into a tortilla with a lot of cheese. The taco-quesadilla hybrid can be dipped in consomé (beef broth) or any traditional Mexican sauce.
Hours: Mon–Fri, 6:30am–3pm; Sat, 7:30am–3pm
In Río Piedras, Mrs. Potts Bake Shop & Bistro offers not just brunch but a gourmet and unique food experience. Its menu features entirely organic, natural, fresh and local products. The vegan options and assortment of artisan breads are also worth tasting.
Recommendations: The Ricotta Stuffed French Toast, Huevos Rancheros, and array of donuts such as the Maple Bacon Old Fashioned Style Pumpkin Donuts.
Hours: Thurs–Mon, 9am–3pm
In Plaza Suchville in Guaynabo, you’ll find this cafe and bistro concept within a bohemian, cozy and vintage space. The restaurant stands out for its attentive service.
In addition to a tasty brunch, Cocina 5Diez has all kinds of other meal options: vegan, lunches, tapas, wines, beers and drinks.
Recommendations: Lobster Avocado Eggs Benedict and Red Velvet Waffles.
Hours: Tues.-Sat, 8:30am-4pm; Sun, 9am-3pm
Did you pick one to visit this weekend?
Your weekend needs to get started the right way and what better than brunching at one of our recommendations? We put together these delicious spots so you’re well on your way to a leisurely Caribbean grub!
Use this map (and save it) to find out which option is closest to you.
Editor’s Note: Yana Faris wrote a separate Spanish version of this article.
