Information – English

Our home is located 10~15 mins from Luis Muñoz Marín Airport (SJU), in the neighborhood of Ocean Park, inside the Santa Teresita – Park Boulevard gated community, just east of Dr. José Celso Barbosa Park. Your lodging is a small, detached guesthouse situated right behind the main house.

The main entrance of the gated community is located on Guerrero Noble street at the Laurel street intersection.

If arriving by Uber or car, you must approach the intercom at the gate and press the button to communicate with security, identify yourself and state the address (2156 General Patton). If arriving on foot, you will find open pedestrian gates on either side of the street.

Once you pass the gate, quickly take your first right and follow this street almost to the end. Our house is the light blue one to your left.

If we’re not able to receive you, you can let yourself into the yellow gate and follow the brick path to the left of the main house. At the end of this path, behind the main house, you will find the door to your accommodations, La Casita del Ultimo Trolley.

If arriving via any airline other than JetBlue, you must go to Zone 16 for Uber pickups (Uber is the only rideshare app available in Puerto Rico – no Lyft, no Didi, etc.). To reach this zone, exit the building, cross to the outermost sidewalk, turn right and walk for a few minutes until you reach an area with metal benches, marked 16.

If arriving via JetBlue, the pickup zone is right outside the exit.

Usually, the ride should not cost much more than $15. If prices are much higher, wait a few short minutes and try again.

Local taxis are also available right as you exit.

If you plan on driving yourself, please let us know so that we may make arrangements for your parking space in front of the house.

The code for opening the door to La Casita is the last four digits of the phone number registered to your Airbnb account, followed by the asterisk key. For example, if your phone number was 123-4567, the door code would be 4567*.

To lock the door when you exit, press any button on the keypad.

The pedestrian gate you see at the end of General Patton street requires a key, which you will find inside the Casita, hanging under the mirror by the sink.

Make sure not to lose this key, as doing so will result in a $100 replacement fee.

If you don’t have the key, you can also use the pedestrian gates by the main entrance of the gated community on Guerrero Noble street, which are open 24/7.

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Please do NOT climb the wall of Don Israel’s house on the corner to get by the General Patton street gate.

Do NOT attempt to force open the road traffic gate. The area is monitored by cameras and you may be liable for thousands of dollars in damages.

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Electric rental scooters are readily available around the park by the house, and near most destinations in the area.

If you plan on arriving with your own car, please let us know so that we may make arrangements for your parking space in front of the house.

To enter and exit the Santa Teresita – Park Boulevard gated community by car, you must use the main entrance located on Guerrero Noble street at the Laurel street intersection.

Upon entry, you must identify yourself to the guard via the intercom at the gate and state the address (2156 General Patton). To exit, you must return to the main entrance. The gate will open automatically.

The road gate at the end of General Patton street is exclusively for residents.

There is one street parking space available in front of our house. Please let us know if you plan on driving during your stay, so that we may make arrangements for you to use this space.

If the space is not available, you can park across the street at Dr. José Celso Barbosa Park, outside of the gated community.

This parking lot is safe, well-lit and very close, only 3 doors down and across the street. You will need to carry your pedestrian gate key to enter and exit the community when using this parking lot.

Please do not park in front of other homes; it is an inconvenience to our neighbors.

Disruptive behavior within the community may result in fines.

Checkout time is at 11 am.

You are a guest in our home, so leave the chores to us!

Simply send us a message when you step out so that we may prepare the room for our following guests as soon as we can.

Be sure to return the pedestrian gate key to its place, hanging under the mirror next to the sink. The loss of this key will result in a $100 replacement fee.

If any item in the room has been damaged, stained, broken or gone missing, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can address the situation quickly to avoid any fees.

Objects found damaged or missing after checkout are more likely to result in fines.

Be advised that all passengers flying out of Puerto Rico must have their baggage checked by the USDA. This inspection is completed before both the line for ID check and the TSA checkpoint line. If you get to TSA without first going through USDA, you will be asked to exit and make all the lines again.

So what are they looking for?

For a non-exhaustive list of the prohibited products, follow this link.

The airport’s official website has the most up-to-date list, but it’s only available in Spanish. Go to this website and click “Departamento de Agricultura (USDA)” to view the list.

We are Marc and Franny, a family of two recently moved to the capital. Franny is from Caguas (the Creole City!) and Marc is from Raleigh, NC. We met in New York, but on his first visit to Puerto Rico, Marc fell in love with the Island of Enchantment and vowed to build a life here. (Franny’s maternal grandfather was a G.I. from Montana who also fell in love with a boricua and her island – it’s a story repeated among many Puerto Rican families!) After a few years of preparation and a string of foiled attempts, we were finally able to purchase this house and make it our home.

With your visit and support, you are not displacing, but rather helping a small Puerto Rican family pay the mortgage – Airbnb as it was meant to be. We’re usually close by and happy to assist if you need anything during your stay.

P.S. Our cousins are also running Airbnbs from their homes: one in the mountains by Carite lake and one on Vieques island. Let us know if you’d like to check them out!

Why is there a detached apartment behind our house?

Many of the houses in the Ocean Park area were built in the early to mid 20th century, when income inequality was such that many affluent people could afford to have a live-in servant. Most old houses in the neighborhood still have these former servants’ quarters in the back!

Why is it called El Ultimo Trolley?

Barbosa Park was once the site of the last stop of an electric streetcar that operated from 1901 to 1946. After that, a decommissioned trolley was parked near the beach and turned into a restaurant, further establishing this name among local beachgoers.

Make sure not to lose the pedestrian gate key, as doing so will result in a $100 replacement fee.

We may be just a few steps from the beach, but this is a residential neighborhood where many people live and work. Please refrain from playing loud music, and keep noise to a minimum when walking through the community at night.

Guests with vehicles, please do not park in front of any home other than ours, as it is an inconvenience to our neighbors.

Disruptive behavior within the community may result in fines.

If you forgot your pedestrian gate key:

• do NOT climb the wall of the house on the corner to bypass the gate.
• do NOT attempt to force open the road traffic gate.

The area is monitored by cameras and you may be liable for thousands of dollars in damages.

This is a diverse and safe community. Confrontation with any of our neighbors may result in immediate eviction.

Please turn off the A/C, TV, and other appliances before you step out.

The cost of electricity in Puerto Rico is double the U.S. national average, and higher than anywhere in the contiguous states!

Plus, the earth will thank you <3

If any item or surface in the room has been damaged, stained, broken or gone missing, please let us know immediately so that we can act quickly to prevent permanent damage and avoid fees where possible.

Objects found damaged or missing after checkout may result in fines.

You can find an inventory of items in La Casita here.

Don’t smoke cigarettes, cigars, or any type of burning tobacco inside La Casita.

Please also refrain from smoking on the path or in front of the house (Franny has severe lung disease!)

Vapes and other herbs* are welcome. Use of dangerous substances may result in immediate eviction from the property.

*Medical license is required in Puerto Rico

• Please do not unplug any kitchen appliances or touch the kitchen wall outlet.

You may use the outlets on the wall between the kitchen and bathroom, the outlets by the drop leaf table, or the outlet stand provided beside the microwave for all of your electrical needs in the front room.

• Please do not move the bed or headboard, and do not unplug the nightstand lamps.

You may use the USB ports on the bases of the lamps, or the outlet on the wardrobe wall.

If the available outlets do not meet your needs, please let us know so that we may bring extension cords or find another solution for you.

Please message us right away if there is a blackout or brownout, so that we can correctly set up our backup power systems.

The plumbing is delicate, so please only flush toilet paper, and discard any other item (yes, even so-called “flushable” wipes!) in the trash can beside the commode.

Cleaning supplies are available due to popular demand, but as our guests, you are not required to do any cleaning.

If any item or surface is heavily soiled, let us know so we can act quickly to avoid stains or irreparable damage where possible. Stained or damaged items may result in fines.

If your trash bag is full, you can dispose of it on the curb in front of the house at any time.

Long-term guests can request a weekly cleaning.

We have security cameras facing the street in front of the house, and one facing the path to your lodgings.

Please be advised that we may have to enter your lodgings in case of  an emergency. In such case, we will first call and send a message through the platform, and will knock thoroughly before entering.

Checkout time is at 11 am.

You are a guest in our home, so leave the chores to us!

Simply send us a message when you step out so that we may prepare the room for our following guests as soon as we can.

Be sure to return the pedestrian gate key to its place, hanging under the mirror next to the sink. The loss of this key will result in a $100 replacement fee.

If any item in the room has been damaged, stained, broken or gone missing, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can address the situation quickly to avoid any fees.

Objects found damaged or missing after checkout are more likely to result in fines.

The two light switches by the door control the ceiling (bottom switch) and bathroom (top switch) lights.

Floor lamp is turned on and off by pulling on the chain under the lightbulb.

Nightstand lamps are touch operated; tap anywhere on the base to turn on, tap again to dim, and tap once more to turn off.

– Please do not move the bed or headboard, and do not unplug the nightstand lamps.

The bedroom ceiling fan light is operated by remote. The remote control is in the box on the left nightstand. There are separate buttons for turning on and turning off the light.

This light works well at times, but often malfunctions and creates a strobe effect. We don’t know how to resolve this issue, so if the light is malfunctioning, simply keep it off.

We offer basic toiletries such as soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, sunscreen, bug spray, and more.

There is a Walgreens pharmacy open 24/7 within walking distance for any other items you might need.

Your kitchen has everything you might need for a short stay: dishes, glasses, mugs, utensils, knife and cutting board, coffeemaker, microwave, electric kettle and blender (we do not offer a cooktop or oven)

*note: use the cable from the mosquito raquet in the bedroom to charge the blender.

Fire extinguisher inside the cabinet under the sink.

There is a drop leaf table under the window in the front room, to use for meals or as a work space.

To set up the table, pull the tabletop up until the mechanism clicks into place.

To put the table away, find the two metal bars underneath the tabletop, press the buttons at the front end of each bar, pull the tabletop up to release the catch, then gently drop it down.

We provide a number of appliances for your convenience:

• Small hair dryer

Hanging on hook behind bathroom door

• Clothes iron

Plug in, turn handle and press steam button to operate. An orange light on the handle will indicate that the iron is heating. When not in use, place iron on its base to avoid burning surfaces. For spray option, use plastic cup next to iron to fill water compartment, push button to spray. (Note: sometimes it only turns on with the handle turned halfway, but still works very well.)

• Bluetooth speaker

Press middle button of the 3 buttons on the bottom until you hear “power on” or “bluetooth mode,” select “HM11” from the bluetooth list on your device, and play. The tuning dial controls volume. If you hear “power off” after pressing the ‘on’ button multiple times, this means the charge is too low. Use the multi cable in the right nightstand to charge.

• Bug zapper

Push the sliding button up for ‘on 1’ mode, which readies the zapper to engage by pressing either the small push button above, or the large bar under the thunderbolt symbol. The racket will glow when engaged. Push sliding button down for ‘on 2’, which keeps the racket constantly engaged.

Keep out of reach of children. Touching the net while the zapper is engaged is very painful!

Kitchen appliances include a coffeemaker, microwave, electric kettle and blender. No cooktop or oven available.

The height and direction of the shower are adjustable, and the shower head is detachable.

The detachable shower head is magnetic. To detach, simply pull. To reattach, align until magnets fall into place.

To adjust shower arms, lightly turn the handles on the hinges counterclockwise to loosen, adjust to the desired position, then turn clockwise to re-tighten.

The hinge closest to the wall adjusts height, and the one closest to the shower head adjusts direction.

The hinges only need slight loosening to adjust. Turning the handles too much could cause damage.

We provide a beach blanket, small quick-dry beach towels, a cooler bag and insulated mugs for optimal beach enjoyment!

Beach chairs may be available upon request.

Guests are responsible for bringing back all borrowed items. Lost items may result in fees.

Whether you’re working remotely or streaming your favorite shows on a rainy day, our high-speed gigabit WiFi will meet all of your connectivity needs.

You can connect to the WiFi using a QR code you will find on the kitchenette shelf, or directly with the following login information:

There is a TV in the bedroom equipped with a Roku in Guest Mode. This allows you to set your checkout date and login to all of your streaming services, with the comfort of knowing all of your data will be cleared from the device when you leave.

Alternatively, there is a Chromecast connected to HDMI 1, so you can stream from all of your services using your devices and cast on the big screen. Click here to learn more about how to use Chromecast.

The TV remote is inside the box on the left nightstand.

Our recently installed mini-split air conditioning system will keep you fresh and cool.

The bedroom has a ceiling fan and screened windows for those who like to keep it natural.

The remotes for A/C and ceiling fan are inside the box on the left nightstand.

Standing fan may be available upon request.

In the front room, there is a set of outlets on the wall between the kitchen and bathroom, another by the drop leaf table, and an outlet stand beside the microwave.

In the bedroom, you will find USB ports on the bases of the lamps, and a set of outlets on the left wall.

Please do not unplug any kitchen appliances or touch the kitchen wall outlet. Please do not move the bed or headboard, and do not unplug the nightstand lamps. If the available outlets do not meet your needs, please let us know so that we may bring extension cords or find another solution for you.

The charger for the bug zapper on the right nightstand can also be used to charge the mini blender. The bluetooth speaker can be charged with the multi charger in the right nightstand. The multi charger works with most cell phones.

Washer & dryer is available for long-term guests, and may be available for short-term visitors upon request. Message us through the Airbnb platform for details.

There is a foldable drying rack under the wooden bench in the bedroom.

Please let us know if you will be using the extra bed, so that we may provide extra linens and pillows.

To set up the extra bed, lift the seat part of the frame up off the ground and gently pull toward you until the frame is fully extended flat.

To put away, lift the light end of the frame up off the ground and gently push it forward. The backrest will lift automatically. Continue pushing gently until the middle legs fall into place at the back of the frame.

If the frame doesn’t lift easily, you’re grabbing the wrong end! The process does not require much strength. If you’re having difficulty, please don’t force it, and let us know so we can assist you.

There is a first aid kit under the right nightstand containing basic items and some over-the-counter medications.

We are not responsible for any injuries suffered during your stay, or any adverse reaction to any of the amenities provided.

Behind the bathroom door you will find 2 umbrellas inside their carrying cases. Not just for the rain – they offer SPF protection as well!

In the left nightstand, you’ll find French-suited playing cards, Spanish brisca cards, and a set of mini dominoes.

Luggage storage is available upon request. Message us via the Airbnb platform (or holler if you’re already here!)

Uber is the only rideshare app operating in the area (no Lyft, Didi, etc.). You can generally get to popular areas like Old San Juan and Santurce for under $20.

We also have traditional taxis. You can call Taxi Service PR at (787) 382-6220.

The Línea de San Juan bus is free, with Route 1 stopping at the south side of Barbosa Park and going to Condado and other popular areas of Santurce, like the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) and La Placita de Santurce. Route 5 going to Old San Juan connects to Route 1 at various points on the western side of Ocean Park and Condado. The nearest stop for Route 5 is a 20+ min walk away, near To Go Condado 44 convenience store.

Buses run approx. every 20 mins, from morning to early evening. There is no official schedule, but current bus times can be seen on Google Maps. The free bus is dark blue.

You can obtain a public transportation guide by making a donation of your choice to local investigative journalist Bianca Graulau, here.

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Additionally, there are many electric rental scooters always available around Barbosa Park, as well as most destinations you might want to ride them to.

Our home is located within a gated community that is patrolled 24/7. The beach just outside the gates is well-lit, sees regular police drive-bys and stays relatively crowded through the night.

McCleary street is generally safe to walk at all hours, as is Loíza street further down where businesses are concentrated (when returning late at night, we recommend taking McCleary to avoid the dark patch of Loíza).

The Metropolitan Area is generally as safe as most large US cities.

Use common sense and treat the people and properties around you with respect to avoid any problems.

Atlantic coast beaches are known to have very dangerous currents.

We recommend seabathers remain standing close to shore, and discourage swimming. Never enter the water on your own or without someone keeping an eye from the shore. Educate yourself on what to do if caught by a riptide.

It’s mostly safe to leave phones and wallets in your beach bag on the shore, but do keep an eye on your belongings.

Beaches in this area are often affected by large seaweed deposits caused by uncontrolled Sargasso blooms in the ocean. They aren’t unsafe, but they can make beaches unsightly and smelly. Check current news reports when planning your visit if this is a problem for you. You can also visit beaches that are protected from debris by reefs or rocks, such as Aviones (15 mins. by car).

Due to the recently enacted Code of Public Order, businesses in the municipality of San Juan can only serve or sell alcohol from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. from Sunday to Thursday, and until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday (+ Sunday if Monday is a holiday). Most establishments close up even earlier to avoid fines.

Isla Verde, located in the municipality of Carolina and within walking distance, has a few late night offerings.

Alcohol consumption outdoors is legal in Puerto Rico.

There are no venomous spiders or snakes on the island, so you have nothing to fear!

Except for…

– Mongooses – Usually only seen in rural areas, they can be dangerous if infected with rabies.

– Mosquitoes – They carry dengue, chikungunya and other diseases. If you feel very sick after returning from travel, see your doctor right away, and be sure to tell them where you’ve been in the past weeks.

The anole lizards on the walls, the wiggly ground lizards and big iguanas, all are harmless. You will unfortunately see the occasional cockroach – in dirty city streets, but also in vegetated areas (their natural habitat). We ask your cooperation in keeping La Casita vermin free, by storing all food in the refrigerator or discarding it quickly.

Allergy warning: There are a few colonies of stray cats (spayed and neutered!) wandering the neighborhood. If you suffer from very severe cat allergies, this may not be the best place for you.

Please be advised that all parts of Puerto Rico experience frequent power outages. The Ocean Park area is also prone to episodes of low water pressure or service cuts with very short notice. Our internet service is the most reliable (fiberoptic) but even so, we have had service interruptions in the past.

We have solar power and a generator, and we will do everything we possibly can to assist you through any inconvenience, but we cannot be held responsible for any unforeseen issues of this nature.

Hurricane season extends from June until the end of November. Puerto Rico is impacted by a major storm every 3 to 5 years. Due to climate change, storms have become more frequent, form more rapidly, and are more destructive in recent years. In the event that a hurricane warning is announced during your visit, we strongly encourage our guests return to their homes. If that is somehow not possible, we cannot guarantee your comfort or safety any more than we can our own, but we are experienced, well-prepared, and we will do what we can.

Warning: Atlantic Coast beaches are known for their dangerous currents. Please use plenty of caution and never enter the water alone or unsupervised.

• El Ultimo Trolley (1 min)

Our nearest beach is easily accesible in two ways:

Use the General Patton street pedestrian gate key to get to Barbosa Park.

You can also access another, usually less populated side of the beach on Guerrero Noble street from the main entrance to the gated community.

• Ocean Park (8 min)

If the tide allows, you can access this beach by walking west on the shore of Ultimo Trolley, but the water level is often too high.

Entrances to this beach are located within the Ocean Park gated community to the west of Barbosa Park, which is always open to pedestrian traffic. The nearest entrance to the community is a pedestrian gate on the northwest corner of Barbosa Park, on the south sidewalk of Park Boulevard/España street. All pedestrian gates are open from early morning to about 6pm. During later hours, you must use the main entrance on Santa Ana street, near McLeary Mini Mart (15 mins).

If the water level allows, the nearest beach access point is on Tapia street. There is also access from inside Uvva restaurant located on that corner (they let you keep your stuff there if you patronize.)

Sometimes the water comes right up to the wall at Tapia street, in which case you can enter the beach a street or two down, from San Miguel or Santa Cecilia streets.

Elena street has a boardwalk entrance, convenient for wheelchair and baby carriage access.

• Watering hole at Unidad Community Forest & Park (12 mins)

On Inga street across from Mar del Caribe Seafood and Sabor Frappé and next to the skate park is an entrance to a small community park, at the end of which you’ll find shallow pools on the shore created by the ruins of old piers and buildings. These are perfect for sitting and relaxing with drinks on a hot day. The ocean barriers make this an ideal wading pool for small children and dogs, but we recommend bringing water shoes and keeping an eye out for rusted metal and other debris.

• Isla Verde (15 mins)

The path from Unidad Community Park goes all the way east to Isla Verde beach uninterrupted. Between the shallow pools at Unidad Park and Isla Verde beach proper, there is an area of the beach sheltered by rocks that’s a bit safer than the open ocean. This area is also accesible from Loíza street, to the left of Plaza del Mar condominium, kitty corner of Bistro Café.

The more popular areas of Isla Verde beach are further east. The next street entrance after Plaza del Mar condominium is a 10 min walk down, next to Puerto Rico Memorial Cemetery (an old cemetery that can be fun to explore) across from SuperMax supermarket. This creates a long stretch which has no concessions and is difficult to access for people coming by car, so it tends to be less crowded.

This entire area is well sheltered from the sun in the afternoons by both vegetation and an unbroken row of waterfront condominiums.

A bit further east is the most popular part of Isla Verde beach, El Alambique. There is plenty of street access for this area, the most happening part being over by the entrance across from the Burger King.

Your nearest morning coffee is Donostia just across the park (3 mins). Note that they are closed Monday, Tuesday and some Wednesdays .

• Café con Cé (20 mins, worth it) 

Well-made coffee in peaceful outside seating, with decent WiFi for working and fantastic ambiance for relaxing and people-watching

• Kasalta (13 mins) 

A Puerto Rican institution where you can sample all kinds of traditional baked goods

• La Coffeetera (14 mins)

Great place to relax with a cup on a slow morning until lunch – which is excellent

• Café Regina (24 mins)

Light & sophisticated vegan- & veggie-friendly fare.

• 787 Coffee (20 mins)

Shop selling decent coffee & light bites, as well as coffee beans to take home.

• Tostado* (20 mins)

Cute ambiance, breakfasty menu.

Restaurants open from early morning to afternoon:

• Donostia (3 mins)

Not just our nearest, but our favorite breakfast in the area!

• La Botánica Wellness Hotel (19 mins)

Exquisite plant-based breakfast made with all local and fresh ingredients. Only open to public Saturdays, after optional 8 am all-levels yoga class.

• La Coffeetera (14 mins)

Delicious and hearty breakfast with excellent service.

• Cafe Regina (24 mins)

Light & sophisticated vegan- & veggie-friendly fare.

• Berlingeri (14 mins)

More varied and substantial veggie-forward menu.

• Dulcesalado (18 mins)

Bougie hotel brunch.

• Bistro Café (17 mins)

Slammed (and slammin’) brunch spot with ENORMOUS portions.

• Uvva (8 mins)

Bar none the best ambiance of all nearby spots; a jungley hideaway right on the beach. The catch? The food quality yo-yos between okay and disappointing. We’re holding out hope that they’ll get it together. Maybe they already have? Let us know!

• Tresbé (20 mins)

A collection of 4 spots: Breakfast, sandwiches & smoothies at the wagon, poké & other Asian fare at Tres Palillos by the bar, sweet treats at the coffee shop Café con Cé, and the best day-drinking spot smack in the middle. Breezy outside seating, great people watching on vibrant Loíza street, and a bonus, super-cool vending machine selling pieces by local artists.

• SuperFoods (10 mins)

An unassuming hole in the wall serving up fresh, healthy fruit & veg-forward nourishment.

• Tostado* (20 mins)

Cute spot, satisfying brunchy fare.

• Kasalta (13 mins)

Classic Spanish-style deli serving breakfast, Cuban sandwiches, tapas & more.

• Número Uno Beach Club (13 mins)

The menu is spendy and underwhelming, but the location can’t be beat: on a beanbag in the sand, right on Ocean Park beach. Wait times are long and order minimums are high, but it’s not a bad way to spend an afternoon.

• Bebo’s Café (25 mins)

Once-great, now-overhyped, but still pretty darn good.

• Los Pinos Café (7 mins)

Newly opened branch of a classic and storied 24 hour diner. Real Puerto Rican home cooking, nearby, all day and all night.

• Unpopular opinion: Don’t go to Lela’s.

They show up on every tourist guide for some reason, but the few times we have been, the food was just okay, the kitchen was slower than molasses and everything came out cold, even though they were almost empty.

Restaurants open for lunch & dinner:

• La Cueva del Mar (18 mins)

The spot we always take our friends who visit. Classic Puerto Rican seafood dishes deliciously executed in satisfying portions. So good, it’s hard to believe it’s a chain.

• La Casita Blanca (22 mins)

The realest Puerto Rican soul food served in an antique and homey atmosphere. Sister restaurant of Casita Miramar, an upscale eatery in another Santurce neighborhood. They don’t take reservations and there’s usually a wait, so be sure to arrive early.

• Raíces Urbano (15 mins)

One more creole cuisine joint for the list, a recently opened outpost of the restaurant that kicked off the traditional-food-as-fine-dining trend. Time-honored recipes, elevated.

• El Chingón (14 mins)

Mexican food for a change of pace. Not traditional, but thoroughly delicious.

• Barbacoa (9 mins)

Barbecue. ‘Nuff said.

• Burger & Mayo Lab (13 mins)

Our favorite burger joint in the area. 

• Pirilo (13 mins)

A sit-down pizza chain with a long history in Puerto Rico. It’s a heavier affair than a New York slice, but it doesn’t disappoint.

• Kasalta (13 mins)

If Kasalta for breakfast is a bakery, and for lunch it’s a Cuban sandwich deli, for dinner it’s a venue for classic Spanish tapas like chorizo in wine, vinegar anchovies and Galician soup. 

• La Preñá (21 mins)

Cheap and tasty creole style arepas in a casual environment 

• SuperFoods (10 mins)

Veggie and vegan friendly options can be hard to find here, so it might be useful to note this spot is open until early evening.

• Los Pinos Café  (7 mins)

Newly opened branch of a classic and storied 24 hour diner. Real Puerto Rican home cooking, nearby, all day and all night.

Going Out Out.

• Yoko (22 mins) 

The sushi restaurant Bad Bunny sang about. Open for lunch on some days if you can’t get in for dinner.

• Buenos Ayres (10 mins) 

Upscale Argentinian with extensive wine selection.

• La Botánica Wellness Hotel (19 mins)

Phenomenal plant-based dinners made exclusively from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Open to the public only on Fridays from 7pm (check social media)

• Sabrina (20 mins) 

Stylish haute cuisine. Open for lunch on Friday and Saturday.

• Dulcesalado (18 mins) 

Early dinner at a chic boutique hotel.

• La Casita Blanca (22 mins)

Homey feel by daylight, date night vibes by twilight. Open for early dinner Fridays and Saturdays

• Raíces Urbano (15 mins)

Enjoy a clubby nighttime atmosphere in the back garden after your meal.

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Our favorite neighborhood bars

• 173° (30 mins)

The furthest entry we dared to include, but we promise it won’t feel like a hike if you’re barhopping down Loíza street. This is the best spot on the island for classic cocktails in our opinion. The ambiance is not quite as good as the drinks, but it’s still pleasant and mature. They also serve fantastic-looking dinners that we haven’t had a chance to try yet. The best part? Because they’re attached to a hotel, they’re allowed to serve alcohol later than other establishments under the Code of Public Order. They’re open until 1 am, and the kitchen is open late too.

• El Tap (14 mins)

Here you will be greeted by an entire wall full of names of dozens of hyper local microbrews, all available on tap for your sampling pleasure. The surroundings are clean and modern, creating a pleasantly casual yet stylish mood.

• SuperDuper (22 mins)

It’s operated like a convenience store, but to its patrons, it’s a bar! You purchase your drinks at the counter, but rather than walking home with them, you sit outside and drink. The wide variety of drinks available definitely set it apart from your average bodega. Note that if they open a bottle for you at the counter, you have to finish it inside the property… but if you open it on your own just outside, you can walk with it where you please.

We highly recommend Ocean Lab beer, brewed very close by in Isla Verde. Nearby restaurants and supermarkets carry a few of their beers, but SuperDuper has a wider selection. (You might also enjoy an outing to the brewery at Vivo Beach Club.)

• Tresbé (20 mins)

We keep having to mention this super chill outdoor space because it really does have it all: coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner, AND a nice bar. They have a small selection of beers and can mix basic cocktails for you to sit back and relax with while you take in the vibe of Calle Loíza from noon to night.

• El BarBero (27 mins)

(We haven’t been there yet, but we’ve been meaning to cause it looks cool! We’ll update when we do.)

• ? (28 mins)

This place has all the rich speakeasy atmosphere we had been yearning for. The cocktails are as refined, refreshing and modern as anything you’ll find in places like La Factoría, and without having to endure the screeches of 3 simultaneous bachelorette parties all around you! What’s with the question mark? This bar opened only recently and the word hasn’t spread yet, so even Fridays and Saturdays are quiet and cozy for the time being. We can share the name with our guests, only if you pinky promise not to blow up our spot on social media.

There is a Walgreens Pharmacy open 24/7 within 15 minutes’ walking distance.

The nearest grocery store, Supermercados Plaza Loíza, is a 9 minute walk away.

There are also two 24hr grocery stores, Super Max de Diego & SuperMax Isla Verde, 25~30 mins away.

Lastly, there is a service called RonPon that allows you to order groceries and alcohol via app.