Tropical Taste Restaurant — Restaurant in San Juan

I am very disappointed that I trusted the past reviews to have chosen to go here. I was there for a late lunch yesterday around 4 pm. Not only was the service bad the waiter was outright rude. I asked for iced water. He was like we only serve bottled water, his attitude was like don’t think ordering water would be free. Then I am waiting for 10 minutes i don’t get the water. Finally I had to ask another waiter to bring it for me. The shrimp soup I ordered was taking for ever to come. After about 30 mins when I ask the waiter about it, he says we have 20 orders ahead of you. Points to a table behind me with about 8 people and says once they get their order you will get yours. I said didn’t they come after me, he says no, you can check our security cameras. I said why didn’t you let me know that there is a long wait for the food. He said “I don’t have to let you know that” I was not going to tip him but later found out when i got the bill, 18% tip was automatically charged. Food was not that great either. I also overheard the table next to me with a large group complaining that their order did not come together. Some had to watch the others in the same party eating while they had to wait for their order. Pleas...

This location is in the back half of a jewelry store which I noticed is typical of a lot of places in the old San Juan area but none of them lived up to the experience that my family and I had while eating in tropical taste. We were greeted and directed by the store employees that showed us to the restaurant where Emanuel greeted us right away. Very enthusiastic and genuinely kind person. The atmosphere feels very lively and there’s no long waits for food or drinks. My passion fruit margarita was divine and my wife got a local drink that she enjoyed called Coquito. Our orders were brought out all at the same time but hot which is unique to find in any restaurant given that we ordered 7 separate entrees. We’re going back at least once or twice more before the end of our visit/ it’s a must hahah the table sitting diagonal to us spoke to the chef who was very well received by the surrounding tables who also threw compliments his way. I heard it described as a hidden gem in the back of a jewelry shop and I knew that I’d have to leave a review and share because that’s honestly the best way to describe our meals and overall experience!...

Great food and atmosphere, but poor handling of a situation

We recently visited this restaurant, and the food and atmosphere were both excellent. Unfortunately, due to a crisis we were dealing with (one of our friends had their flight canceled just an hour before leaving), we accidentally forgot to leave a tip. It was a genuine mistake—no excuses, just an oversight in the moment.

However, the way the server approached us afterward really took us by surprise. He brought a second receipt and asked, "Was the service that bad that you left no tip?" We were completely blindsided, as we hadn’t realized our mistake (i would not stay seated after not leaving a tip that's embarrassing). If we had noticed, we would have gladly corrected it, perhaps by purchasing something small to add the tip. I understand the frustration, but it could have been handled more tactfully, given that it was an honest mistake on our part.

Despite this, we still had a great experience overall. I hope the management takes this as constructive feedback to handle similar situations more professionally...