DINING
Aguaviva: A San Juan staple for seafood enthusiasts who will enjoy the fine creations of chef Hector Crespo as well as the cocktail menu, in a sea-like decor dominated by a jellyfish-shaped blue light feature.

Bebo’s Café: Head to this down-to-earth San Juan eatery for a taste of the local specialities.

Bodega Chic: French cuisine with Mediterranean and Caribbean influences in a decor reminiscing of Old San Juan’s past bohemian atmosphere.

BLT Steak: To satisfy your meat cravings during your stay in the capital, head to this branch of the famous American steak house chain.

Chez Shack: Owned by Hugh Duffy, who contributed to the success of 1960’s group the Mama’s and the Papa’s, this modest pink shack is actually home to a highly popular restaurant and live reggae music hub. Experience one of its lively Monday grill nights and make sure to taste its famous baked crab cakes.

Duffy’s: Owned by Hugh Duffy’s son (see Chez Shack, above), this beachside spot is an equally popular hub for tourists and locals alike, who enjoy spending a leisurely afternoon sipping on cocktails and tasting upscale bar snacks. Located in Esperanza, Vieques.

El Jibarito: Although the decor might not give you the best of first impressions, this place in Old San Juan is a great spot to enjoy authentic Puerto Rican dishes, which the owner’s wife is reputed for cooking to order and in generous portions.

El Toro Salao: Located at the heart of Old San Juan, this tapas place is a nod to Puerto Rico’s Spanish heritage, offering tasty dishes to be enjoyed in the charming setting of an old townhouse.

La Mallorquina: In San Juan, this 160 year-old eatery offers the experience of the cocina criolla, serving staple dishes of the authentic Puerto Rican family cuisine.

Marmalade: If you’re celebrating a special occasion or fancy a special treat, head to this highly reputed eclectic restaurant in San Juan, and enjoy some of the finest cuisine and wines in Puerto Rico.

Pamela’s: Enjoy the best of the Puerto Rican culinary heritage in this restaurant specialising in the fusion of Caribbean, African, Asian and European flavours. Located at the Numero Uno Guest House, in San Juan.

Panza: Fine dining in equally fine settings at this restaurant located in the Chateau Cervantes in San Juan, where Caribbean flavours add a modern twist to staple gourmet cuisine dishes.

Pikayo: Located in San Juan, this place is reputed for its innovative Puerto Rican cuisine fusing Spanish, African, and Indian flavours, as well as its vibrant atmosphere.

Pure & Natural: Vegetarians and vegans will enjoy visiting this beautifully decorated café located in San Juan, offering a menu of fresh food (including non-vegetarian options) and juices.

Shipwreck Bar & Grill: Located in Rincón, this pirate-themed restaurant is ideal for those looking for simplicity and large portions, with a menu specialised in seafood as well as bar staples such as burgers and salads.

Tasca El Pescador: If you’re looking to find out where the locals go, head to this modest eatery located near the historic Plaza del Mercado, serving Puerto Rican dishes made with the fishermen’s catch of the day.

The Primavera: For a fine dining experience in Rincón, book a table at this gourmet restaurant located within the compound of the luxurious Horned Dorset Primavera resort, serving a nightly-changing menu of French and Caribbean fusion cuisine.

Ummo Argentinean Grill: Carnivores will appreciate the menu of this restaurant located in San Juan, and specialised in the satisfaction of your juicy meat cravings.

CRAFT BEERS
Beer fans - you’re in luck! A recent increase in the local demand of craft beers has resulted in the opening of microbreweries around Puerto Rico, as well as the creation of pubs specialising in both local and international beers. To take a break from the rum-based beverages, head to one or several of the establishments below.

La Taberna Lúpulo: Take a trip to where the Puerto Rican beer craze all began, and explore the endless possibilities of the ever-changing and extensive beer menu, which includes no less than 30 beers on tap. Don’t know where to start? The knowledgeable and friendly staff is there to help you demystify it all. Located in Old San Juan.

Bros Brewhouse: Head to this place in Aguada to enjoy both a relaxed atmosphere and a selection of local brews, including the bros’ very own acclaimed creations: La Niña (wheat ale), La Pinta (IPA), and La Santa Maria (Belgian style).

Taberna Boricua: In San Juan, this bar offers no less than 200 choices of bottled beers as well as 15 choices on tap, and features a beer garden. And if you feel somewhat overwhelmed bythe large selection, the friendly staff is there to help you with your choice.

Rincón Beer Company: If you’re dying to get your hands on the local brew but your traveling partner won’t settle for anything else but a cocktail, head to this place in Rincón. Offering the perfect compromise with both cocktails and the creations of local microbreweries (bottled and draft) on the menu!

The Beer Box: A beer shop and café with a selection of over a hundred bottled brews with both local and international choices. Located in Aguadilla.

SALSA
Whether you’re an accomplished dancer or total novice, Puerto Rico has a lot of exciting clubs where you can succumb to the mesmerising beats of the local salsa - a great way to get a feel of the authentic Puerto Rican nightlife! Mingle with the locals, and learn some great moves at the places below.

In San Juan: the famous Nuyorican Café, La Placita de Santurce, Marullo Bar & Tapas, La Hoja Eco Bar, Yuka Bar, El Balcón del Zumbador. 

In Ponce: La Clave, La Terraza, La Guancha, Dora Colón Clavell Park

CASINOS
Metro Area: If you happen to be feeling lucky, Puerto Rico is home to a large network of resort-based casinos offering gambling thrills all around the island.

As expected, it is in the capital of San Juan that the largest concentration of the island’s best casinos can be found: the Sheraton Convention Centre in San Juan; the Embassy Suites, Ritz Carlton and Courtyard by Marriott in Isla Verde; La Concha Renaissance and San Juan Marriott in Condado; and the El Tropical Casino in Bayamón.

Other Casinos: However, those staying outside of the capital will also find some world-class gambling facilities to enjoy around the island.

Outside of the Metro zone, you will find a casino within the compound of the Manati’s Hyatt Place, located on the Northern side of the island. On the West coast, try your luck at the Courtyard by Marriott in Aguadilla, as well as at the Holiday Inn and Mayaguez Resort in Mayaguez. On the East coast, you will find a casino in Humacao, Caguas, and Rio Grande.

If you happen to be on the southern end of Puerto Rico’s main island, Ponce is the place where you’ll find all the casino fun - head to the Hilton, Ponce Plaza, or Holiday Ponce.