Degree 18 Juice Bar — Restaurant in Río Grande

Degree 18 gets its name from the latitude of Puerto Rico. It is a vegan restaurant that makes some amazing smoothies. I have a secret to share with you later about what the restaurant really is. When you are in Puerto Rico and want something cool and refreshing (trust me if you are in Puerto Rico you will want something cool and refreshing) then the place for you to go is Degree 18.

My wife and I caught a late lunch there today. She tried the Coqui Verde with made to order Hummus and a Vegan Empanada. The fresh ingredients really come through. It is almost like you picked your own veggies and fruit, but I am getting ahead of myself.

I went with the Costa Azul Acai bowl topped with Peanut Butter and coconut flakes. It was delicious and filling. We had a light dinner because by 6:00 we were still not hungry.

Now, I want to let you in on my secret. The restaurant is a front for an organization that gives to the community. Charlie opened the restaurant before the island was struck by a category 5 hurricane that wiped out about everything. Charlie organized a fund raiser and passed out $20,000 worth of water purification units across the island. Even though his business was hit as hard as any, he never laid off a single employee.

As he rebuilt he made sure that his restaurant could contribute even more in the likely event of future storms. The restaurant gets its water from rain fall that is processed by an industrial reverse osmosis plant. If needed this plant can produce 1,000 gallons of drinking water a day. He is in the process of converting to solar electric so he can keep helping even if the grid goes down again.

Now, about picking your own fruit and vegetables. Charlie has been composting and is nearly ready to start growing his own vegetables. He already has bananas, passion fruit, a vine form of spinach, papaya, arcerola, and turmeric. He imagines a time when you can pick your own vegetables from his garden for your meal.

If we all lived our lives and ran our businesses with the same concern for individuals and our planet that Charlie does, the world would be a much better place.

Go there to eat, but be sure you get Charlie talking about...

From the moment I stepped into 18 Degree, I knew I was in for a unique culinary experience. This vegan juice bar is not just about food and drinks; it's about a lifestyle - healthy, sustainable, and utterly delicious.

Let's talk about their juices first. The unsweetened, spicy kick of ginger in their juices is a game changer. It's rare to find a place that gets the balance just right – flavorful without being overpowering, and light enough to leave you feeling refreshed and energized.

The food at 18 Degree is nothing short of exceptional. The grill-cooked empanadas, stuffed with lentils and served with vegan cheese, are a standout. They strike a perfect balance between hearty and healthy, with a satisfying warmth that lingers on the palate. The burger bowl, brimming with greens and complemented by vegan cheese, is a testament to how delicious and fulfilling plant-based eating can be.

But let's not forget the hummus - warm, freshly made, and perfectly paired with crisp carrots. It's a simple dish elevated to new heights by the quality and freshness of the ingredients.

The garden seating area is a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Nestled in the shade of banana trees, it's a work in progress, but this only adds to its charm. The cool, tranquil environment is ideal for savoring the flavors and taking a moment to relax.

In conclusion, 18 Degree is not just a food place; it's a destination for anyone who appreciates great taste, health-conscious eating, and a serene atmosphere. Whether you're a long-time vegan or just exploring plant-based options, 18 Degree is a must-visit. This is not just a review; it's a heartfelt recommendation to experience the culinary delight that...

The burger was overly season ,kinda chunky and hard to consume it with the full pieces of beans in it. I would prefer it to be grind in a paste so its texture is homogeneous.The chips where fine i personally wouldn't go there again but if your okay with it having beans then you could eat it. Was kinda disappointed because it didn't taste like burger and the season way to strong with the smell and pigment. I tried eating it by scraping the seasoning off but i ended up eating it without the meat. I also would prefer if they had drinks that are fruit based without vegetables since i really wanted to order something fruity but everything had vegetables in it. Customer service 10/10 the people in there super nice and chill. Honestly the workers are very talkative and make sure that everything is okay with the establishment.Even though the floor could use some cleaning the content like tables and utensils where very clean. Keep in mind this is just my opinion and I'm not a vegan so i still recommend you giving it a go...