Café Lucero — Restaurant in Ponce

Came in for lunch and coffee/dessert. Unfortunately, I ordered the calamari and it was horrible. The aioli sauce was delicious, but the calamari were soggy and extremely chewy. I could not eat them at all. They tasted like frozen prepared calamari (which is not uncommon, that wasn’t the issue) that had been frozen and drefrosted several times, thus making the breaded coating very soggy and the calamari like rubber. It made me question if their freezers were working properly, and so I didn’t want to take a risk and order food. So we settled for some coffees (delicious and very smooth. I take my coffee with no sugar and these lattes were perfect) and a cheesecake. The cheesecake wasn’t fresh, but I’m not at a bakery so I didn’t expect the most fresh desserts, so I didn’t bother to complain.

All in all, the place is beautiful, the service was decent (a little slow but typical for Puerto Rico…. Island time is a real thing). The staff were friendly and accommodating. So, I may have just come on an off day or their freezer may have just been on the fritz.

I would probably come again for a coffee when I’m in the area. I may try the food again, but not likely. Perhaps if I come with someone who has a “favorite dish”...

Great place to visit when you wanna relax.

Café lucero is a restaurant/coffee shop hybrid that's near the beach area.

Inside you'll find it's a beautiful place. It's nice and cool (which considering Ponce's heat, a big plus), spacious, and you'll likely be welcomed by 80s or 70s music.

As for service, a server receives you at the entrance, and they lead you towards your table.

As other reviews mention, service here is slower than usual (35-45 minutes for the food, even if it's simple) so I recommend you don't come in here too hungry or in a rush.

The food is top notch. Usually if you pick apart a sandwich, the ingredients are disappointing, but my waffle sandwich was excellent. Everything, from the fried chicken, to the eggs, everything was tasty and pretty to look at.

Prices are higher than your average brunch. The non-brunch meals are also high. I didn't mind because the ambiance was wonderful, but it's not a cheap eat either.

Overall, a really good experience. Good food, beautiful place, high prices, but high...

Food was good, filet migñon is good quality but poorly seasoned. Now, the risotto was overwhelming because it had A LOT OF ONION it was more onion then rice and the pieces were big. The fried cheese needs some work, it was lightly fried not crispy like in other places. Guava sauce was great. My husband enjoyed the churrasco with risotto but again too much onion in it. Lobster empanadillitas were very salty it definitely needs work. Pina colada was amazing so far the best I have had in PR with alcohol, good job on this item. The waiting time for the food was pretty frustrating it took for ever to get our meal but when we got it was very hot u could see it was just made and thats great. Overall its a good restaurant. I gave 2 starts because the risotto killed me with those huge chunks of onions. Coffee flan...