Panadería España — Restaurant in Carolina

Update Feb 23, 2022:

We returned to the area after our 7nite Royal Carribean cruise. This is currently our fav restaurant in the area, it's become our daily lunch spot 🤤

Ate here Sun 2/20/2022, my sister & hubby grabbed a table & went to order our foods - we tried the Pastrami $10 (our fav sandwich here = juicy & very flavorful!!), Media Noche $8 (like a slightly smaller Cuban with diff bread), coffee w/milk $2 & couple desserts.

We tried to come back on President's Day 2/21/2022 at lunchtime but they were SUPER busy - line outside & inside as well. They limited the # of folks going in.. so we departed to pickup groceries & snacks instead.

We returned Tues 2/22/2022 ~3:30PM, found a table & ordered a Pastrami $10, a Media Noche $8 & couple desserts. Delicious!

We returned Wed 2/23/2022 ~2PM, we ordered our meals to go. My sister ordered a Pastrami $10 & dessert. I ordered 2 desserts (coconut flan & another the gal behind the counter recommended) & Pastelón $14 aka Puerto Rican plantain lasagna (with salad on the side instead of rice) - I saw several customers ordering/eating it the day before & 1 of the english speaking customers in line with me said it was was 1 of his favorite dishes here. Different & delicious!

We plan to come tomorrow for lunch after we check-out of our rental apt.. before heading to the airport to catch our flight back home to the states. 👍👍

3 of us came for lunch - I ordered 3 diff dishes for us all to split & share. Fast service. Portions are HUGE - we were stuffed.. could've easily shared 2 dishes 😂. We plan to come back to try some pastries.. lots of cakes & pastries display windows 🤤

Caldo Gallego $12 (picked the grande size - the soup comes with 3 slices of garlic bread) Cuban sandwich $10 (cashier lady said the Media Noche has same meats but different thinner yellow bread.. like a smaller version of the Cuban) Bistec sandwich $10 (cashier lady said this was her favorite & it's what she always gets) Tall Coke can or bottle of Water $2 each

Cuban sandwich is super meaty & delicious - even better dipped in the Caldo Gallego as au jus. Caldo Gallego is super meaty & the broth is rich.. garlic bread is crunchy, garlicky & hits the spot. Bistec sandwich was meaty as...

We visited Panadería España in San Juan based on a strong recommendation from a friend who’s from Río Grande, and the food definitely lived up to the hype. The pastries—especially the quesitos con guava and the cinnamon rolls with guava—were absolutely delicious. I also enjoyed the sopa gallega, which was rich and flavorful, though a bit on the salty side for my taste. The jamón serrano and queso manchego sandwich was good as well. The coffee was excellent—bold and strong if you like it black (which I do), but also great with milk. I had it both ways and really enjoyed it.

Now, as much as we loved the food, the service was another story. I completely understand that the place is very busy and working under pressure isn’t easy—but that doesn’t justify the lack of friendliness or basic courtesy. During both of our visits, the staff seemed annoyed when we asked questions about the menu items, which is especially tough when you’re a tourist unfamiliar with the place.

On our second visit, which was just before heading to the airport, we asked one of the employees to pack our pastry box properly using the special paper they have. He ignored the request until my wife handed him the paper directly and explained why we needed it packed well. He still responded with an unfriendly attitude, which left a sour taste at the end of an otherwise enjoyable trip.

Overall, the food and pastries are very good—but the poor service really took away from the experience. It’s disappointing because this place has great potential, but I’m honestly not sure if we’ll return. Good food should be matched with good customer service, and unfortunately, that was...

Panadería España has effortlessly secured its place as one of my favorite spots to indulge in delectable treats and hearty meals. This charming bakery has consistently delivered a dining experience that captivates the taste buds and leaves patrons coming back for more.

The variety of food options at Panadería España is nothing short of impressive. From savory delights to an irresistible array of desserts, the menu caters to diverse palates. The steak sandwich, a personal favorite, never fails to amaze with its perfect blend of flavors and succulent meat. The potato and ham soup, an unexpected star on the menu, deserves special mention for its OMG-worthy deliciousness—a comforting bowl that warms the soul.

One of the few drawbacks, though minor, is the challenge of finding a parking spot, as the bakery is consistently bustling with patrons. However, the inconvenience is easily outweighed by the delightful gastronomic experience that awaits inside. The sheer popularity of Panadería España speaks volumes about the quality of its offerings.

The bakery's ambiance is welcoming, and its spacious layout accommodates a large number of customers. Despite the crowds, the staff manages to provide attentive and friendly service, adding to the overall positive experience.

Whether you're a local or just passing through, Panadería España is a culinary gem that demands a visit. The mouthwatering food, coupled with the bustling atmosphere, makes it a destination worth navigating the parking challenges. Your taste buds will thank you for the gastronomic journey through the delightful offerings at...