El Jibarito — Restaurant in San Juan

EL JIBARITO.

CUISINE: Puerto Rican, Caribbean, Latin American.

ATMOSPHERE : El Jibarito offers an authentic and inviting atmosphere that truly captures the spirit of Puerto Rico. The decor is traditional, featuring rustic wooden furnishings and vibrant local artwork that creates a warm and homely environment. The casual and welcoming setting makes it an ideal spot for both tourists and locals seeking a genuine Puerto Rican dining experience. There is no formal dress code, allowing guests to feel comfortable and relaxed.

SERVICE: The service at El Jibarito is known for being friendly and attentive. From the moment you walk in, you are greeted with a warm welcome and a genuine smile. Gabriel, who took care of my table, did an exceptional job. He was knowledgeable about the menu and offered excellent recommendations, making the dining experience even more enjoyable. The service was efficient and professional, ensuring that our needs were met promptly and with a friendly attitude.

FOOD: El Jibarito is renowned for its delicious and authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. Some of the standout dishes include:

-MOFONGO: A classic Puerto Rican dish made from mashed plantains, seasoned with garlic, and filled with your choice of meat, seafood, or vegetables. The mofongo at El Jibarito is particularly flavorful and well-prepared.

-El JIBARITO SANDWICH: A unique and hearty sandwich made with plantain instead of bread, filled with your choice of meat, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. This sandwich is a delightful and flavorful twist on traditional sandwiches, showcasing the creativity of Puerto Rican cuisine.

-LECHON ASADO: Slow-roasted pork that is tender and juicy, served with a side of arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas). The seasoning is perfect, highlighting the rich flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine.

-TOSTONES: Crispy twice-fried plantain slices served with a garlic dipping sauce. These make for a perfect appetizer or side dish.

DRINKS: El Jibarito offers a selection of local beverages to complement your meal. The bar features classic Puerto Rican cocktails such as Pina Coladas and Mojitos, made with local rum. There is also a good variety of local beers and soft drinks available, don't forget to try "parchita" passion fruit juice.

Overall Experience: El Jibarito is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the true flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine in a friendly and relaxed setting. The combination of excellent service, delicious food, and a charming atmosphere makes it a top choice for both locals...

My husband and I came here on Thursday 2/13, after being recommended by a local. When we were greeted we were told it was cash only due to the system being down, no problem we have cash! We were sat right away. The menu is only available by QR code, my husband's wouldn't load so we could only use mine. We were asked what we wanted to order, and we explained to the man we'll order our drinks but needed a moment to pick our food. No problem. It was a while since we saw the guy come back. Eventually he came up to the counter near our table and we informed him that we were ready. He looked at us annoyed and said one minute and proceeded to walk around the restaurant and take orders of other people. We told the hostess we were ready since he was still outof sight. We hoped the food would at least make up for how rude they were. We ordered the garlic chicken to share and also two apps, alcapurria and the bacalaítos. The alcapurria was doughy and chewy, which isn't how it is supposed to be. The garlic chicken was tasty, the side salad was a little pathetic looking, and the tostones were boring. We honestly couldn't wait to leave.

Other patrons that had been eating and had arrived before we had gotten there were also waiting for their checks. Turns out the servers never informed them while they were eating the system went down and that they were going to need cash. We witnessed a server arguing with the lady from the table next to us saying to go to the ATM up the street acting like the lady didn't want to pay on purpose. It wasnt her fault the system was down and that she wasn't informed of the issue prior to asking for the check. I also saw the same thing happen to another gentleman that was eating there with his son.

When we received our check we were charged for things we didn't order. Had them correct it, paid and left. I understand it can be stressful to have your system go down, but taking it out on customers that are there to eat your food is...

We visited El jubarito because a local recommended. We tried on 3 different occasions, 3 different days, but it was absolutely filled with a waiting time of 40min plus, so we went to another restaurant. However, we really wanted to try it. On the fourth and last chance, we were able to secure a table in 10 min. I called them to reserve, but they only take in person reservations. The person on the phone said that the restaurant was crowded after 5 pm, and it was right. We got there at 4:45 pm. Although the food wasn't bad, the portions were extremely ridiculous for their price. It's like when you open a bag of chips....most of It is air. It was our first time in Puerto Rico. We tried a different restaurant every time we dinne out. We had too much anticipation for el jibarito due to their high demand, but we left with a sour taste in our mouth. Since we've never tried Mofongo before, my son tried their beef Mofongo. It was a joke. It is like a one single tostito made out of green plantain in a round shape completely hollow underneath with 3-4 tiny squares of juicy meat to complement. I tried myself the chicken in garlic sauce ( Pollo al ajillo). Again, the taste was not bad, but only 2-3 pieces in a diminute bowl with a tiny portion of rice. We had a flight back home that night. I still had to get food from another place to fill out the need. I am sorry, but when I go back to old San Juan, we will pass on the jibarito. I would happily return to other establishments. Still today, I feel like we never got to eat the real mofongo. I don't lose hope, but I regret passing on it in many other establishments. Instead, I waited for what I thought was the special place for the occasion. They didn't deliver. I don't know if their popularity took a toll on their head, but that is also how you...