La Tortuga Bistro Bar — Restaurant in San Juan

Service was so poor that we left before we got our food. We walk in, at noon. There are three (3) other tables, one waitress, and one bartender serving nobody. Just to be clear, that’s a 2 to 3 front of house staff to table ratio, and the restaurant is dominated by a giant prominent and fully stocked illuminated bar.

Now, with that in mind:

We waited 20 minutes for the waitress to come take our drink order. She seemed a bit lost, but eventually came by and informed us that the “bartender isn’t serving cocktails” (really) — she said we could order “rum, and some soda or juice”. What?

We just ordered water and some food. Our water came around 10 minutes later. During the remaining 20 minutes, we watched as the waitress failed to pick up someone else’s increasingly cold food from the pass. Oddly, she did serve the other two tables what looked like cocktails in plastic cups — though only one by one, very very slowly, often interrupted by conversation with prospective patrons at the door. It was painful to watch.

Why would she tell us they weren’t serving drinks and then serve others? Why wasn’t she picking up food from the pass? Why wasn’t the bartender helping and (allegedly) not making cocktails? Why were all the drinks and food served in plastic? Is this a school cafeteria? It wasn’t even busy!

We watched, confused, and then decided to leave a $20, cut our losses at 50 minutes, and...

During our recent visit to Old San Juan, my spouse and I stumbled upon a gem of a restaurant that turned out to be a highlight of our trip—La Tortuga. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm smiles and an inviting atmosphere that immediately set the tone for a memorable dining experience.

The staff at La Tortuga didn’t just serve us; they guided us through their menu with genuine enthusiasm, recommending dishes that showcased the best of Puerto Rican cuisine. Taking their advice, I opted for the carne fritas, a choice that did not disappoint. The dish was nothing short of perfection—tender, juicy, and expertly cooked, each bite bursting with flavor.

Our meal was complemented by an expertly crafted cocktail. If you visit, I highly recommend trying the Hurricane. It was the perfect blend of flavors, refreshing yet potent, embodying the spirit of the island.

La Tortuga offers more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The combination of excellent service, a welcoming ambiance, and delicious food made this a place we’ll definitely return to on our next trip to Puerto Rico. If you’re in Old San Juan, don’t miss out on this...

La Tortuga Bistro Bar in Old San Juan, PR, is an absolute gem! The atmosphere is inviting and laid-back, drawing in a diverse crowd of patrons. The live acoustic music feels more like a concert, adding to the overall ambiance. I recently attended what seemed like a private party and was pleasantly surprised by the warmth and friendliness of everyone present. This establishment has quickly become my favorite bar in Old San Juan, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone in the area.

Tonight's performer, Luis Feres, is truly phenomenal—a must-see talent!

I must also commend the owners for their incredible attentiveness and kindness, as well as the servers who provide top-notch service. La Tortuga Bistro Bar truly offers everything you could ask for in a bar—great drinks, great music, and exceptional hospitality.

Experiencing true Puerto Rican hospitality in such a beautiful building and setting is a treat not to be missed. If you want to immerse yourself in the spirit of Puerto Rico without leaving Old San Juan, this is the...