Bistro Café — Restaurant in Carolina

We visited Bistro Café in Puerto Rico for brunch—my fiancée, our 7-month-old son, and I. Our first server, Andrea, was absolutely wonderful—kind, attentive, and welcoming. She made us feel right at home on our first day visiting the island.

The food was outstanding—truly some of the best meals I’ve had in Puerto Rico as a first-time guest. I got two pieces of avocado toast, one pancake order with scrambled eggs, an orange juice, and a Coquito martini. The chefs deserve serious credit—the food was to die for. The atmosphere was cozy and vibrant, and even the host staff was warm and friendly.

Unfortunately, midway through our meal, our server was switched, and the experience took a sharp turn. When I asked for the check, I mistakenly thought the total was $72 (it was actually $82), so I left a $12 tip. As I was getting up with my son, the new server aggressively confronted me in front of other guests about the tip, pointing to the receipt and questioning whether I understood that a 15% tip was the bare minimum. My fiancée and I were shocked by the hostility and tone over what was clearly an honest mistake.

I explained I only had $100 bills and didn’t fully realize the error, but she came back with change, essentially demanding more tip. Out of embarrassment and a desire to avoid further conflict, I ended up paying $100 total for a modest brunch. What should have been a peaceful family outing turned into a deeply uncomfortable experience.

Despite being a former bartender in some of NYC’s most prestigious venues, I’ve never been confronted like that over a tip. I want to reiterate that Andrea, our original server, was fantastic—and the food was exceptional—but the second server’s behavior completely soured the experience.

Guests should never feel obligated or pressured to leave a large tip. Not everyone has the resources, and some people simply want to enjoy a meal out with their family without being shamed or judged. Dining should be about hospitality—not humiliation. Unfortunately, I won’t be returning to...

If I could give this place 10 stars, I absolutely would. I don't care if you take a day trip here just to eat here, DO IT! There are not enough words to describe how perfect everything was!

There was a wait which they told us would be 25 mins but it was less than 15 minutes. During that time we were able to walk about 2 minutes down the road to a very cute skateboard park with beautiful art and get lots of great pictures.

I would definitely advise looking at the menu before you get there because it can be very overwhelming as the menu has so many different options!! Their Instagram also has great pictures and descriptions. Our waiters were very patient with us, didn't rush us, answered all of our many questions and clarified all our menu options and checked on us often.

Mimosas were 2 for 1 so I got a mimosa and ordered the eggs and bacon with a side of pancakes with fruit and they let me sub for the Oreo pancakes! It was nice to be able to get a sweet and savory option in one plate. The plating was beautiful! The bacon was crunchy, the eggs with cheese were so good, not overseasoned, not bland. The pancakes were perfection. You didn't need the syrup or extra sauce but they definitely enhanced the flavor! I loved every bite and didn't want to stop eating. The portion sizes were huge! More than worth the money.

After the meal I ordered a mocha with caramel because they were so cute I couldn't leave without it. They decorated my to go cup just as they would the regular cup! It was so good!

This place was phenomenal! I would choose it over and over and over again! We didn't want to eat again until dinner, we were so full and we walked around old San Juan all day! Do not skip...

Bistro Cafe is a quaint and charming eatery that offers a delectable array of dishes that are sure to tantalize the taste buds of any food enthusiast. From savory soups and salads to mouth-watering entrees and decadent desserts, this cafe truly has something for everyone. However, while the food at Bistro Cafe is undeniably delicious, there is one aspect of the dining experience that leaves much to be desired - the wait time.

Upon arriving at Bistro Cafe, patrons are often greeted with a line of hungry diners eagerly awaiting their turn to be seated. While this may be a testament to the popularity of the cafe, it can also be a source of frustration for those who are not keen on standing outside for an extended period of time. The lack of seating or waiting area inside the cafe only exacerbates this issue, leaving customers to brave the elements as they wait for their table.

For some, the wait may be a minor inconvenience that is easily overlooked once they are seated and presented with the delectable menu offerings. However, for others, the wait time can detract from the overall dining experience and leave a sour taste in their mouths. After all, no matter how delicious the food may be, no one wants to start their meal feeling frustrated and impatient.

In conclusion, while the food at Bistro Cafe is undeniably great, the wait time for a table can be a major drawback for some diners. It is important for the management of Bistro Cafe to address this issue and find a solution that allows customers to enjoy their meal without the added stress of waiting outside. By doing so, Bistro Cafe can ensure that their patrons leave satisfied and eager to return for another delicious...