La Cantina Argentina — Restaurant in San Juan

So we went to the Cantina Argentina last Sunday to see what all the fuss was about, and we were pleasantly surprised not as much with the food but with the staff and ambiance. The place has excellent decor, the setting is super cozy, and the staff is magnificent. As for the food, we started with their four cheese fondu and the Argentinian sausage and a pair of Lamina Cocktails. The four cheese fondu was magnificent, the balance of the four cheese, one of the best I have ever had, and the toasted bread was just the right serving tool to lap it all up. The argentinian sausage was also very good, but their house chimichury is at another level and is a must try for any visitor. The Mina cocktails were so smooth that we ordered one to many 🤣! I highly recommend them! As for main dishes, we ordered the 12oz churrasco with a side of four cheese fettuccine and personal Lugano pizza. The churrasco was fresh and well cooked but over salted, while the fettuccine had spectacular textuer, but the sauce lacked creaminess and had way too much gorgonzola which overshadowed all other flavors. The lugano pizza, on the other hand, was totally underwhelming and lacked flavor. For takeout, we ordered a milanesa florentina with the sauce on the side and an order of sweet potatoes ñoquis with vodka sauce. The milanesa was huge it could easily serve 2 people and was well made. Their ñoquis had awesome flavor, but the sauce was flat and grainy. As for dessert, we ordered the Chocotorta, and it was the bomb (second best plate of the meal after the fondu),the flavor profile was intense and was the perfect way to end the meal. Overall, i would recommend this restaurant for people looking for a nice place to chat or hang out in small groups over drinks...

This used to be an ice cream parlor. New Owners. Completely different venue! Welcoming and bilingual. Very decorative inside with positive vibes! The seating is unique in different ways The long bar, is excellently designed to draw you to it. The Barkeep was a true professional. The menu is extensive with a variety of items to choose from. The atmosphere is cool and refreshing; relaxing and comfortable! Many Camara's were seen for your security. The Owner was on site. The wait Staff were very polite and professional. Handicap entrance and tables to accommodate. Kids are welcome, always. Vegetarian options are available. Parking on the street and paid parking lots are close by. Will be back!☘🇵🇷 Returned yesterday, the 12th of March. Ate in, had the Mussels, and chicken Croquettes. JoAnn, the owner made a house drink, which was unbelievable! Had to get Returned to La Cantina! At night, is totally different! Been here now, almost 2 hours The music was nice at first, but it continued the same, even repeat. Now, it's House music, upbeat, exciting and new! My waitress is Elimar. She is a true professional. Very attractive and attentive to her tables/ diners/ guests! Will be back, requesting her by name!☘️🇵🇷 Need to mention, un mujer Rocio. Ella Naci en Argentina. She is cute and knows her job. Gonzalo also was very professional. He opened mi Vino, continued pouring. Saludos! Wow! Menu has changed! Esparagos soup was, out of this world. This Argentina restaurant is a must when you visit P.R.; or if u live here. The Salmon croquetas and mushroom risotto will be appraised at home.Rodrigo was very...

Let me start by saying we were not ourselves having a good night, but it was made much worse by our time at this restaurant. It started by us being seated right in front of the door even after we asked to sit in two other open seats, I guess you need to have reservations for those seats. So call ahead to get reservations!

My wife and daughter do not eat dairy or gluten and the waitress could not seem to help my daughter find anything to eat, she kept suggesting pasta which of course has gluten. She seemed frustrated herself as she said she had to help another table and then walked away.

Then was the atmosphere, fine if you want a loud bar with everyone shouting to hear, no carpet with hard ceilings and walls. It became too loud and uncomfortable and not kid friendly. Eventually I had had enough and said we were leaving and we got our food to go, now the hostess did step in at this point to save the sale and she was very nice at that point once she realized we were all very upset, at this point my daughter is crying and I was ready to just walk away. We got our food outside and I paid the bill.

Ok now for the nail in the coffin. My son who is very forgiving and go with the flow just wanted pizza with pepperoni and pineapple we got the pizza back to the hotel and it didn't have pepperoni or pineapple on it just cheese tomatoes which he hates and Basil leaves. So at least for us tonight we got ok food, with poor service and loud atmosphere.

If you are looking for good food in this area try BURRITO SOCIAL which is about a block away, that place was probably our favorite Mexican...