Finca Cialitos — Restaurant in San Juan

Coffee: great. Barista: not so much.

My girlfriend and I came here twice over a few days. The coffee was delicious and well-made, and the interior design was inviting, soft light filled the room, bossa nova playing over the speakers. Very nice. However, the soft-spoken gentleman with glasses and a pretentious attitude (or possible social maladjustment) came over and let me know I was not welcome to look through the books and things they had for sale. He then told me to put the book I was looking through back on the table because he knew that I wouldn’t buy it, and ordered me I needed to sit down. I was subsequently told that I was not welcome back. I’ve been a barista and counter-service worker for 8 years, so I am completely aware of the frustrations and woes of this type of environment. But never in my time of work have I told someone that they aren’t allowed to look at things for sale that I assumed they wouldn’t buy (classism?), nor have I barred someone from coming back for anything of the sort. Maybe this was a San Juan cultural faux pas on my part. If so, my bad. But it seemed abrupt and over-reactive of...

This wonderful place was one of my favorite parts of staying in Old San Juan. We went here late mornings and lingered over the best coffee ever, the beautiful old arched walls and ceilings, and the chill vibes of the staff. I got lots of work done and read The Gulag Archipelago, looking up through the giant windows at the cobbled streets and thinking about thoughts but dark and light. Point is, this is a real cafe for cafe culture, but it's also amazing coffee -- the owner has his own farm where he grows the coffee, then roasts the beans in the back of this cafe and then sells the delicious latte to you. I don't actually like espresso drinks very much but here I drank my whole one down every time, so smooth and delicious. And when I mentioned to the owner about giving his coffee bean to friends back home with cafes, he told me he didn't need that, now that he has his own place. A wonderful guy who wants to...

Iced Coffee on a HOT day. A few days back a I had the best breakfast of my life at the restaurant next door (clink on my link to find out more). After that meal I walked by this coffee shop and it looked awsome but I was full so I put it on my list of places to check out. So yesterday I was in the area and I decided to stop in. When you walk threw the the door the smell of wonderful coffee and assorted baked goods hits you in the face. You are feel like you are transport to a different place. It is so quiet and relaxing inside. They have great big windows and very comfortable chairs so you can relax and watch the city walk by without the noise. I ordered an iced coffee and it was amazing. I will definitely be returning to this place. If you would like to see other places I have visited and see what I thought of them please click on my profile. I hope this review helped.

*update - best ice coffee....