Don Ruiz Coffee — Restaurant in San Juan

Don Ruiz Coffee is more than just a café—it’s an experience that combines the rich history of Puerto Rican coffee with incredible flavors and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re a die-hard coffee enthusiast or just looking for a cozy spot in Old San Juan, Don Ruiz delivers in every way.

The coffee here is exceptional, made from 100% Arabica beans grown in the mountains of Yauco. Every sip is a testament to their dedication to quality and tradition. Whether you prefer a bold espresso, a smooth pour-over, or one of their specialty drinks, you’ll be amazed by the rich, complex flavors. Pair it with one of their fresh pastries or a savory sandwich, and you’ve got yourself the perfect start (or break) to your day.

What sets Don Ruiz apart is the unique coffee museum located within the café. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the family’s four-generation legacy and Puerto Rico’s coffee history. You leave not only with a satisfied palate but also with a deeper appreciation for the art of coffee-making.

The staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to recommend a drink or share insights about the beans and brewing methods. The ambiance is warm and inviting, with a mix of historic charm and modern comfort that makes it hard to leave.

If you’re in Old San Juan or Caguas, Don Ruiz Coffee is a must-visit. It’s the perfect spot to relax, enjoy world-class coffee, and soak in a little bit of Puerto Rican culture. Highly...

Perfect coffee doesn't even begin to describe it! We ordered one of their specialty coffees. We wanted the vanilla rose, but since they were out of rose, they substituted it for hibiscus. The resulting cuppa was just delicious. Smooth coffee, right amount of milk, fluffy foam and that balance of sweetness between the vanilla and hibiscus. Wow! The history on the wall states their coffee comes from the Yauco region of Puerto Rico and their coffee bean is valued as one of the best in the world. I'll have to concur!

Even better than the coffee, was the customer service. There was only one barista/cashier (I believe the owner), but he served us with a smile and also answered all of our questions. He also made us feel so welcome by engaging us in a short conversation.

Ambiance is very relaxing. You can sit indoors if you want to stay out of the heat, otherwise there's courtyard seating. Even inside, there are two spaces, one with music and the other is slightly quieter. Take your pick!

This was a great...

Love the ambience of the place, really calm and cool. When we came it we thought there would be more food to pick from, but it is a cafe tho so not mad at that. Disappointed at the customer service, we came in confused not knowing where to look for a menu or what to choose. All that we got was a indirect good morning that wasn’t even with eye contact. We came to the counter, we were looking at the menu in the chalk board. Out of the 3 employees not a single one asked us what we were looking for, what they could help us with or if there was anything they could help us with. The 3 were just in a have fun mood. Point is, we left looking for another place. What people don’t know is that, most of the times what sells the items is the employee selling the item. Doing whatever it takes to please the customer and making sure that the visit is wonderful. Great...