SuperMax — Local services in San Juan

🇵🇷 I’ve shopped at SuperMax for years and I can offer some tips if you’re somewhat new to trying Puerto Rican local favorites sold here:,

First of all, when it’s really hot outdoors and you want to cool off with a locally-made individual frozen treat, ask an employee where you can find SuperMax’s mini-freezer full of “Limbers”, these are Puerto Rican Ice Pops that are creamy, delicious and very very affordable. Try the Coconut 🥥 flavored one or Maní 🥜 a peanut flavored one. Though all of the flavors offered are delicious! Enjoy one while checking out the scene in Plaza de Armas, right outside.

The coffee section here is terrific, one of the most popular brands is “Yaocono”, Pro Tip: if you buy either the decaf or regular “Instant Coffee” ☕️ version and add 2 teaspoons to a mug of hot milk, it’ll make the most delicious cafe con leche you can make at home. Try it! Puerto Rican Coffee also makes a great gift, buy Yaocono!

For breakfast treats, head to the small bakery area across from the dairy aisle, and buy a container of ”Quesito’s”, a sweet ricotta cheese filled pastry popular in Puerto Rico. Guava-paste filled pastries are popular too. If it’s someone’s birthday and you need a nice little cake that tastes fantastic, get one of the square frosted frozen ones made by Pepperidge Farm - you’re not going to find any retail cake bakeries in this area. Not yet.

For a warm Puerto Rican Breakfast cereal to make at home, try the packaged “Crema de Maiz” it’s similar to “Cream of Wheat” but it’s made from Cornmeal 🌽. You’ll need to buy milk to prepare it. It usually comes in a mix with sugar already added.

For a savory snack, buy a bag of fresh Puerto Rican peanuts 🥜.that are still in their shell, they’re usually found across from the produce area, in the same aisle.

Don’t buy the popular bread 🥖 known as “Pan Sobao” if you don’t eat pork, check the ingredients because many of them include it!

Of course, if you’re buying beer, try support the local brands and buy “Medalla” I think “Magda” is local too but it tastes a bit heavier. The fruity alcoholic juice-pack drinks made locally are all terrific and great to have on hand, They are mixed drinks (Mojitos, Sangria, etc.)

The pre-made packaged flan (Creme Carmel) is very good, it’s sold in the dairy aisle. There are many Puerto Rican made cookies and for some reason saltine-like crackers are very popular and packaged in collectible tins.

In the freezer section you’ll find various Goya brand appetizers , “Surullos” are corn fritters that are baked or fried and usually eaten with “MayoKetchup” , a Squeeze bottle type of dressing that combines mayonnaise ketchup and garlic. You can get that here...

The supermarket located in Old San Juan is a true gem for both locals and tourists alike. As the only store in the area that offers a comprehensive range of products, it has become an indispensable resource for residents and visitors seeking convenience and variety. In this review, I will highlight the reasons why this supermarket deserves high praise.

First and foremost, the supermarket's greatest strength lies in its ability to cater to all needs. Regardless of what you're searching for, you're bound to find it here. From fresh produce to pantry staples, household items to personal care products, this supermarket has everything under one roof. It eliminates the hassle of visiting multiple stores by providing a convenient shopping experience.

The quality of the products available at this supermarket is consistently outstanding. The fresh produce section showcases a vibrant assortment of fruits and vegetables, ensuring that customers have access to the freshest and finest ingredients. Additionally, the shelves are stocked with a wide range of local and international brands, providing a diverse selection to suit every preference and dietary requirement.

One of the standout features of this supermarket is its commitment to customer service. The staff members are friendly, approachable, and always willing to assist. They are knowledgeable about the products and are ready to offer recommendations or answer any questions. Whether it's locating a specific item or providing information on product origins, their dedication to customer satisfaction is evident.

The supermarket's location in Old San Juan adds to its allure. Situated in the heart of this historic district, it offers a convenient shopping destination for both residents and tourists exploring the area. Its presence allows visitors to stock up on essentials or indulge in local delicacies without venturing far from the main attractions.

Lastly, the supermarket's prices are reasonable considering the convenience and variety it provides. While some items may be slightly higher in price compared to other stores on the island, the accessibility and convenience it offers make it a worthwhile choice.

In conclusion, the supermarket in Old San Juan stands out as an exceptional establishment. With its comprehensive range of products, commitment to quality, excellent customer service, and convenient location, it has become an indispensable resource for both locals and tourists. Whether you're in need of everyday essentials or specialty items, this supermarket is the go-to destination for a seamless and satisfying...

If you’re vacationing in Old San Juan, this is the place to get whatever provisions you need to make your stay go smoothly. Here you will find everything a full-range grocery should have—fresh produce, fresh meat, and a reasonable selection of each of a wide variety of foods, drinks, household supplies, beer, wine, and liquor, as well as a pharmacy. They did not have every brand we were looking for, but we almost always found a similar, and often better, product in stock. (Until I shopped here I honestly did not know that Häagen-Dazs ice cream comes in half gallons. Isn’t chocolate chocolate chip so rich that 1.85 liters is approaching critical mass? Is that safe to handle without special protective gear?)

As for the prices, they might be a bit higher than the bigtime grocers back on the mainland, but there’s a problem those grocers haven’t solved. That is, they have never yet gotten that product to Old San Juan—and specifically not at the instant I happened to be in Old San Juan. Having to fly back home, go to their store, get it, and fly back here will cost me a lot more than the few cents more SuperMax charges to deliver it to me right here, right now. And the 18-wheelers with extra-long refrigerated trailers my local grocer uses to ship supplies from their warehouses to their stores not only would have trouble crossing the ocean to get to Puerto Rico but also would never be able to make even the first turn into the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan. I will gladly pay extra, even if only to avoid going another 5 miles to find the same stuff at a warehouse grocer elsewhere in...