Barbacoa Puerto Rico — Restaurant in San Juan

Barbacoa Smoke House and Eatery: Where Culinary Magic Meets Unbeatable Libations

As I ventured into the culinary haven known as Barbacoa Smoke House and Eatery, I was immediately struck by the alluring array of libations that graced their menu. From the moment I perused the drink selection, featuring an impressive lineup of vodka, whiskey, rum, cordials, and beers, I knew I was in for an exceptional dining experience.

To kick things off, I had the privilege of indulging in their Ginger Thai Chicken Wings, and I must say, they were nothing short of finger-licking delicious. The infusion of ginger and Thai flavors in the crispy yet tender wings was a symphony of taste sensations. Each bite delivered an explosion of perfectly balanced sweet and spicy notes, leaving me craving more.

Next on the agenda were the Baby Back Ribs, and my taste buds could hardly contain their excitement. These ribs were a revelation, cooked to absolute perfection. The meat was fall-off-the-bone tender, smothered in a delectable barbecue sauce that struck a harmonious balance between sweet and smoky. It's safe to say that these ribs were indeed to die for.

The pièce de résistance, however, was the Smoked Brisket. This dish catapulted me into a flavor dimension I never thought possible. The brisket was a masterpiece, boasting a rich smokiness that permeated every fiber of the meat. Tender and juicy, it practically melted in my mouth, leaving behind an unforgettable smoky aftertaste.

Behind these culinary marvels stands none other than the PitMaster Chef Angel Antonio Muñoz, a culinary genius in his own right. His mastery of the smoker and unwavering dedication to the craft were evident in every bite. Chef Muñoz's culinary prowess was only amplified by the exceptional team that supported him, making the dining experience truly remarkable.

As if the food alone weren't enough to entice you, the atmosphere and location of Barbacoa are equally praiseworthy. The restaurant exudes a welcoming vibe, and its cleanliness is a testament to the attention to detail that the establishment takes seriously. Perhaps most impressively, Barbacoa is pet-friendly, ensuring that all members of the family can partake in the dining adventure.

In conclusion, if you are seeking a dining experience that combines an astounding selection of libations, mouthwatering dishes such as the Ginger Thai Chicken Wings, Baby Back Ribs, and Smoked Brisket, all under the watchful eye of the culinary maestro Chef Angel Antonio Muñoz, Barbacoa Smoke House and Eatery is the place to be. It's a culinary journey that you won't soon forget, offering not just great food, but an all-encompassing, enjoyable experience that's worth...

We arrived at a good time since there weren’t many people. The smell from outside the restaurant whetted our appetite. We sat down and mentioned that it was our first visit so they could explain their dishes and the basics of how things worked.

We ordered mojitos and brisket and pulled pork croquettes while we continued looking at the menu. We chose the sampler, which includes three meats to choose from five options, plus two sides. We selected brisket, pulled pork, and smoked pork ribs with coleslaw, mac and cheese, and, additionally, we ordered fries.

Once the food started arriving, the issues began. They brought pulled pork and pastrami croquettes instead of the brisket ones we ordered. We pointed this out to the waitress, who said that if brisket croquettes weren’t available, she would have told us. My wife and I exchanged looks since we were sure we had ordered brisket croquettes. Anyway, they weren’t bad, but they weren’t what we had asked for.

We kept drinking mojitos and tried a recommendation—adding ginger to the coconut one.

When the main dishes arrived, everything we ordered was there. However, as we started eating, we noticed that the meats were either cold or just lukewarm, not hot. The smoked pork ribs were still very good despite being lukewarm. The brisket was also lukewarm, and while one piece was tender as it should be, the other was a bit tough. The pulled pork was completely cold, so we asked them to heat it up in the microwave so we could eat it.

The coleslaw needed salt and a little sugar. The mac and cheese also needed salt. The homemade fries were just average.

We ordered a takeout portion of the ribs, which turned out to be the best meat on the platter.

For dessert we chose key lime pie. It was nearly frozen but had good flavor.

When it was time to pay, the total seemed a bit high, but I paid and asked for the receipt. The waitress told me that the handheld machine was out of paper, so I told her I needed the receipt. She replaced the paper and handed me a long receipt, which I folded and put in my pocket.

When I got home, I took it out to check it and realized it wasn’t my receipt—it belonged to another table and was only $70. I had paid $210, including a 20% tip. The total still doesn’t quite add up because taxes increase the price of liquor more than food, and tips are calculated based on the subtotal before taxes.

I don’t think I’ll...

DO NOT GO HERE, especially after dark. We made a reservation for 6 people at 6 pm. The restaurant had 3 other tables and was not very busy. When we basked questions about the menu, before we ordered, the manager told us they were out of a few items. Then the manager made each drink one at a time and never came back to refill drinks, bring water, or check on the table. When we ordered our food, we were told half the menu was not available. After 1 hour and 25 minutes, we still had no drinks, no appetizers, or entrees. So we all agreed to leave and go elsewhere. When we asked the manager for the check, he refused to give it to us and DEMANDED we pay for the food we DID NOT get. I offered cash for all the drinks, and he still refused to give the check, and he said he was calling the POLICE. The restaurant's front door is locked, and you have to be buzzed in and out (hence why you shouldn't go after dark). We thought they would not allow us to leave. After waiting another 30 minutes without food, the check, or the police, the manager gave the check. He was rude, argumentative, and had all-around bad customer service. He even tried to bring out the food while we were forced to wait for the "police" to never show up, 2 hours after our reservation.

The neighborhood is sketchy. Lots of police and speeding cars nearby. I do not recommend this place at all, especially after dark.

The only positive was the very kind and...