Lares, "el pueblo del Grito," is waiting for you with history, flavor and corners only a local knows. Sandra Sifontes, a Lares native, shares her favorite spots for your next day trip to this mountain town, also known as the "birthplace of ice cream shops."
Step into the past at this landmark coffee hacienda established in 1830 by French settler Juan Bautista Plumey. The property was once one of the most important coffee farms in Lares. It was later restored to preserve its heritage and converted into an inn, café and museum.
Access is by appointment only, at (787) 897-8181 or by visiting haciendalealtad.net.
This 115-cuerda estate includes a large manor house suited for weddings, quinceañeros, anniversaries and private events.
It is also home to the roasting operation for Café Oro, produced from the harvest of more than 150,000 coffee trees, along with other crops such as cacao and plantain.
From there, you can stop by Caffelatte, a family-friendly space with a warm, relaxed atmosphere where, in addition to a range of coffee preparations, you can enjoy a full menu that includes breakfasts, sandwiches, burgers and more.
At the heart of Lares stands a stately 1932 mansion designed by engineer Don Francisco Levy González. The complex, known as Mansión Levy, was originally conceived as a hotel and casino, though that project never came to fruition. Nearby, the Santa Rosa spring flows, and it was this spring that led to the establishment of the country's first water bottling plant.
The ruins of the site can be visited today, and the spring still flows. During rainy periods, surfaces at La Rambla can become slippery; proceed with care.
Travel back in time at this museum, which holds an extensive archive of historical documentation. The exhibit includes Taíno ceramics, bulletins commemorating the Grito de Lares, Puerto Rican art and a mural dedicated to statesman Ramón Emeterio Betances.
Since 1998, founder Ivan Ruiz has brought the essence of Old San Juan up to the heights of Lares. The restaurant offers a varied menu with an emphasis on quality meats, complemented by a wide selection of wines, beers and rums at the bar. The atmosphere is well suited for family gatherings. A tip: don't leave without trying the burgers and churrasco.
This well-known spot is a stop for every visitor. Since opening in 1968, it has stood out for offering more than 500 innovative and surprising flavors, such as "Arroz con Habichuelas," "Arroz con Gandules" and "Maíz," among many others.
Note: The ice cream shop is located in the center of Lares. Take the opportunity to walk around Plaza de la Revolución and browse the local crafts.
In addition to offering a sweeping view of la Cordillera, this lookout point has a variety of food options worth trying.
Viking Burgers: A burger spot serving house-made patties with fresh beef, hot dogs, papas locas and more. Try the mini burger skewers or order one of their sharing boxes for the group.
Pizza En Leña: As the name suggests, these pizzas are made in a wood-fired oven. The standout is the Lareña, with guava sauce, ham and bacon.
El Chef: A restaurant with a classic criollo menu. Try the stuffed mofongos with the house Chef sauce.
La Tetita Larena: This kiosk serves limbers as a refreshing dessert option, with a variety of tropical flavors as well as sweet and dessert flavors like cheesecake and chocolate.
🍽️ Where to eat well
El Cepo offers a privileged view of the island's mountains, along with attentive service and authentic home-style criollo cooking. Standout dishes include premium cuts made with local products, alongside a selection of cocktails and wines.
This spot serves tacos, quesadillas and a Puerto Rican-Mexican menu. Some of its most popular dishes include alcapurrias de birria and mofongo with pork belly. They recommend pairing the latter with chicken broth.
This train-shaped spot has a menu of breakfasts, sandwiches, wraps and salads. Among its standout dishes is the Desayuno Ciento 11, with eggs cooked to your preference, a choice of pancakes, waffles or French toast, and a side of bacon or prosciutto with buttered toast. You can pair your meal with a hot or iced coffee, or their strawberry matcha.
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
