Café Manolín Old San Juan — Restaurant in San Juan

Found this restaurant by accident in Old San Juan. Although I always look for places off the beaten path and far away from the tourist areas. When I saw this place something said it was the one. And I'm so glad I listened! It seemed populated by many of the government workers from the offices nearby. First up the atmosphere is great. The curving counter and exposed ceiling along with a smattering of tables and waiters dressed in black and white. I took a seat at the counter and was immediately seen to by a lovely older gentleman who looked as if he'd worked there all his life. I had the special of the day after eyeing the lady next to me having it Arroz Con Pollo. This came with two sweet plantains and a side of beans. All of it was delicious. I then asked my waiter if the desserts were made on premises and he told me they were and that they were excellent. So I went for the vanilla flan. It did not disappoint and since I rarely eat dessert anymore worth the splurge. When I go back to PR I will make a point of visiting Cafe Manolin again. Also the prices are excellent and a very good value for $$ and the premises are scrupulously clean (I used the bathroom and it too was fresh). I was on the island volunteering and I told quite a few fellow volunteers to...

This spot was recommended by a native Uber driver. I went there in my last day of vacation. It was a Monday therefore it wasn’t super packed.

The spot has appropriate dose of AC and it has a very chill vibe. The waitress was very friendly and understanding.

Coffee was great even I ordered decaf! It was definitely the best decaf I have had in my life thus far. For food I ordered fried pork (came with sweet fried plantain and rice and beans) and fried pana.

Their rice and beans were very tasty. It has a warm “homemade” vibe to it and I cherish it very much. Their pink sauce and hot sauce goes great with the fried pork. Their fried sweet plantain has a caramelized edge which I adore. Notably, some of their tostone pana are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside! Whereas others has a nice crunch on it. I really appreciate the combination and they were all very delicious.

From this spot, I met the most approachable, and friendly waitress in my 6 days stay in San Juan and I had the best tasting while affordable food. My check was under $19 excluding tips.

I would definitely recommend this place to everyone and I will surely come back when I visit this city.

This review will also...

The dining experience at this restaurant was nothing short of abysmal. From the moment we walked in, we were met with an air of arrogance from the server, whose condescending attitude permeated every interaction. Instead of providing courteous and informative responses to our inquiries, they responded with dismissive nods, as if our questions were beneath them. The condition of the restaurant itself was appalling. The tables were sticky and devoid of tablecloths, giving the impression of neglect and poor hygiene. Our drinks were watered down and lacked any semblance of flavor or quality. To add insult to injury, the restroom facilities were in a deplorable state, with filth and grime evident in every corner. Furthermore, the lack of proper air conditioning made the dining experience uncomfortable and unpleasant. The stifling heat only exacerbated the already dismal atmosphere, leaving patrons feeling sweaty and agitated. Overall, this restaurant falls far short of even the most basic standards of cleanliness, service, and hospitality. It is a disgrace to the culinary industry and a complete waste of time and money. Save yourself the frustration and steer clear of this establishment...