Traveling from California and randomly stumbled across this spot, and I'm so glad I did! Jay C, was super helpful and even gave us some recommendations for places to check out while we were in town, which ended up making our trip even better. The sandwiches were absolutely delicious and the overall experience was great from start to finish. If you're in the area, I'd definitely recommend stopping by! read more

Cafe Tropical, San Juan is the best local joint right across the street from our hotel, Caribe Hilton. They are open late, have a fantastic menu and great service! Manny is fantastic! - Alitas Tropical (wings) - Fried cheese (with guava sauce, delicious) - Mofongo Relleno, Skirt Steak with chimichurri - Dufungo Relleno, Chicken with creole seasoning - Breakfast: Mallorca Sandwich, Passion Fruit Juice, Tamarind Juice read more

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Great place to grab breakfast if you're staying nearby. Walk up with some indoor but mainly outdoor seating. The place is adorned with cute tourist knick knacks from PR and other notable locations and has a beachy vibe to it. Breakfast until 11 but certain items like mallorcas can run out! While staying at the Hilton Caribe, I decided to have breakfast here every day, as it seemed much more authentic. I'm really glad I did this as it was also much more affordable! Service is quick. The first day I ordered 2 empanadillas (one chicken and one meat with cheese) and a cortadito to go, which you can do at the counter. I also grabbed a mayo/ketchup mixture, and a little container of hot sauce. These were nice and fueled my dad and I for a wonderful morning at El Yunque. I wish they had more filling in them. The next day I returned with my dad and we had a sit down breakfast, ordering Diet Coke, coffee, and 2 mallorcas (sausage, egg and cheese and an egg and cheese). These were my first time having mallorcas and they did not look like other ones I've seen, nor did I really enjoy them too much, but I'm glad to have had the experience. I now know, after speaking to more locals, that I should have ventured further away from San Juan for a more authentic breakfast experience, but nonetheless, I think this is a preferred option over an overly priced hotel breakfast and was extremely convenient. read more

Café Tropical - Empanadillas - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

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Looking for quick bites in the Carolina area, Tropical Coffee Bar has a variety of Puerto Rican food items to enjoy. Located near the beach by the Condado lagoon, you can buy tasty empanadas and plantains for easy and fast meal or a full sit down entree like shrimp creole. To Go orders or outdoor dining, there are several beverage options available as well. It's a one stop shop with quick service on the go or on site. A good option for Puerto Rican food cravings read more

Café Tropical - Ropa Vieja and Chicken & Cheese Empanadas - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

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The food was excellent and authentic to Puerto Rico. The staff and service were very good. The food was made fresh to order and served nicely and hot. They do have some indoor tables but the main seating was mostly outdoors and it was a beautiful summer day so it was breezy and enjoyable too. They also have a small market inside where you can get souvenirs and keepsakes. The store has lots of essentials that travelers could use especially because many people forget about them and need them and since they are in such close proximity to so many hotels and a major resort they are perfectly located to stay in business for many years to come. I will definitely be coming back here many more times in the future. Come visit them, you won't be disappointed. read more

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I've been here twice. Once for breakfast which I had a sandwich and it was delicious. For lunch I had the Cuban sandwich which was really good, a tad salty but good. read more

Love the fried pork chop and rice and plantains. Service was great and friendly. Super fast . It was delicious would come here every night . read more

Café Tropical - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

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Was in San Juan for the weekend, favorite spot from the whole trip Service 10/10 Food 10/10 Customer service 10/10 Cafe con leche 15/10 read more

Staff was great and the food was so good! The mofongo was the perfect texture and the ajillo sauce was perfection. read more

Café Tropical - Mofongo was perfection . - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

The food, service, and ambiance were all stellar here! Really nice employees and cute shop they got. read more

Café Tropical - Empanadillas - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Stayed across the street at caribe Hilton and this place was perfect for a quick lunch! Very reasonably priced and the food was sooo good! The empanadillas were (especially the ropa vieja). They also have a little store attached where u can get drinks and snacks to bring back to the hotel for much less then the hotel! We frequented this spot at least 10 times on our 5 day trip! The few outsides seats had an amazing breeze! Def will be back when we go back!!!! read more

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Alright this place was freaking Aweosme. Everything we had here was 10/10. I got a Cuban sandwich for breakfast and easily the best Cuban sandwich I've had on some really perfect fresh baked bread. Went back to try their "Best Pina Colada in San Juan".. and wow it literally was the best Pina Colada I've ever had in my life. So went back one last time for a snack, got their beef empanadas and their carnitas quesadilla. The empanadas were also best empanadas I've ever had and the quesadilla was pretty great too... Overall the Cuban sandwich and empanadas won me over, it's a good place to grab a beer and relax. Will def return. read more

Café Tropical - Cuban sandwich - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

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The wait staff was really rude, they didn't have a lot of what they had listed on the menu, we waited for 45 minutes for our quesadillas and juice and we couldn't believe how much it cost!! We had to keep flagging down the waitress to pay and she acted like we were completely inconveniencing her to pay our bill after spending an hour and a half there. The tables were dirty when we sat down. The service was slow, but then she literally took my plate from me while I was still eating! read more

The steak tacos were amazing and so was the service! Will definitely be back again..... and again!

Stopped in after arriving in the morning. We were at the Hilton Caribe to try the Pina Coladas however they don't open until 3p so food first! So glad we stopped in. The pollo Mofungo was fire!!!so far it was the best we've had. We also tried a few of their empanadas which were good but the Mofongo was the true winner. Prices were actually very good considering they are right across the street from the Hilton. read more

Café Tropical - Camaron empanada and carne - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

The service is fantastic! Miguel is outstanding! We loved the skirt steak, and the yellow rice. The drinks were great also

The best Cuban sandwich on the island of Puerto Rico... period, hands down, case closed. This is a locals, hole in the wall joint, with chairs and tables that don't match, birds flying all over the place, a 1974 menu board, and tropical music playing in the background. If you can't come here and relax, you're hopeless. My coffee Con-Leche was amazing, and the sandwich was 5 Star. Wait staff are all young locals with a smile, and yes they speak English! Honestly, you have to come see this place. (Morton's Steakhouse is across the street if you just can't see yourself being a kid again and enjoying the simple things in life). read more

Café Tropical - Coffee con leche and the Cuban Guy! - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Is an ok place to, nothing that you can go wow !!! ... sampler we order was ok but not great , staff is semi friendly and food was to expect better , place is small with an adjecent licor store read more

Café Tropical - Sampler - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

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Agree with the other reviewer to not let the exterior turn you off. Also the business name is Tropical Coffee so hard to find on Apple Maps (ok on Google). This is great cheap Puerto Rican food. Outdoor patio is lovely with warm ocean breezes. The mofongo was so delicious and all portions were huge. One downside was the music was really loud. Service was great despite it being a busy time. read more

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Stopped by for a quick bite near the Hilton. I had some tacos and a chicken dish with sauce. The tacos weren't authentic but were filling. The chicken was just okay, though the rice and beans were delicious. The margaritas were quite good. Overall, it was a decent experience. read more

Everything here is delicious and amazing service is provided! Great place to hang and get drinks. read more

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Jay C was awesome. Had dinner and breakfast here and it was delicious. Highly recommend and not to expensive. coming back soon. Nice breeze makes experience even better. coffee is slamming.They have bar next door as well. read more

Great coffee. Quick breakfast. Food is great. Service is excellent. Perfect local ambiance.

Walked in from the beach and glad we did! We were seated quickly and the food was at our table in a reasonable amount of time. Fast for a busy PR evening. Great drink selection and food was delicious. You can get traditional foods or a simple option like quesadillas - all very tasty! read more

My Sister and I went to PR for my Birthday and stayed across the street at the Hilton. As we drove in we noticed the Cafe Tropical. We were soooooooo happy we did. We ate there for breakfast, lunch and dinner and cocktails. The FOOD was authentic and fresh. Service was amazing. During the day JC and Louis took care of us and in the evening Manuel did. We even brought food back home to share with our significant others because it was so delicious. This place is a MUST. Also has an amazing ambiance as there is an ocean view. read more

Nice cafe close to several hotels and next to Escambron Beach. My friend and I stopped by here for a brunch time snack and drink. It was pretty empty when we arrived and were greeted by our server almost immediately. We decided to split a beef quesadilla and opted for passion fruit mimosas. Let me tell you, I think this was the best quesadilla I ever had in my life. So much meat and while it was very greasy, it was absolutely what I was hoping for. Very reasonable prices considering the area and friendly staff members. read more

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Friendly servers Excellent food ...we had chicken quesadilla and chicken Cesar salad ...both were tasty Happy music read more

Food is decent for a Puerto Rican bodega-level restaurant. Came here a few times because it's across from our hotel. They're always out of food, the music is offensive-level with explicitives... was willing to overlook both of these conditions but the last time we came, we asked for a menu twice and the waiter had it in his hand but got upset and offered it to me but pulled it away from me and walked away in front of other guests who were also astounded by his rudeness. Manager had to come and smooth it over. read more

Arrived April 2, 2024 We had breakfast there every morning after the first morning at Caribe Hilton. The breakfast and all the food there were so much better. The wait staff was attentive, and the service was good. The music playing in the background was not too loud but just right. It was fun, and we recommend everyone try this restaurant. Always remember you are in the Islands, and they work on Island time, so when it says it opens at eight, give it 30 or a little more for them to get ready. read more

This place is located across the street from the Caribe Hilton. Several weeks ago, I decided to give this place a try after playing tennis at the Hilton. All I wanted was some coffee and toast. The place had one couple sitting at a table waiting for service. I was met by a server who could care less how long I waited -- about 15 minutes before even being offered a glass of water. There was no greeting and was treated like I was interrupting her day. Not knowing what the waitress was going through, I left a 20% tip and decided to come another day. A week later I went to the restaurant again and after 20 minutes of being ignored in an empty restaurant, I got up and left. Again, giving it the benefit of the doubt I tried it 3 more times with no change in attitude by any of the servers. No mas!!!! The service is lousy and food that I managed to get served on two of the occasions was mediocre at best. I eat out a lot, spend a lot of money at restaurants, tip well, and always treat the staff at the restaurants with respect. I will not be going to this place again. read more

Local cafe just across from the Hilton hotel. Breakfast was reasonably priced and served quickly. I had an omelette, local fruit juice, and hot chocolate. All was tasty. read more

Café Tropical - Local fruit juice, not on menu. - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Stopped here for lunch while waiting for our hotel room to be ready. I ordered two types of empanadas (chicken & cheese; ground beef & plantain) and an iced mocha. My husband ordered fried pork with onions. The ground beef & plantain empanada was delicious. The iced mocha was exceptional. No frills, but a great coffee. I'm looking forward to returning later this week to check out the breakfast menu. read more

Don't miss this place! Especially if you're staying at the hotels nearby and are looking for authentic Puerto Rican fare. The Mofongo is simply amazing, and the drinks are fantastic! read more

Café Tropical - Empanada - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

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We went for breakfast and lunch here while staying at Caribe Hilton. Very convenient, great prices and service. read more

Café Tropical - Latte and Ham, egg & cheese - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

I came here for breakfast/brunch during a recent stay at the Caribe Hilton in March. The people that work here are kind and attentive. The food is very inexpensive and DELICIOUS. The cafe is connected to a small convenience store that has limited selection but very good prices and super convenient compared vs walking to Walgreens on Ashford Ave. This will be my new go-to spot for breakfast or a quick lunch when staying in the Condado area. read more

If I could get an Empinada with steak that comes on the mofonga, that would be ideal. Empinada breading is so good. Great service. 3 - Empinada, Beef 5 - Empinada, Chicken 3.1 - Empinada, Pizza 4 - French Fries 4.5 - Mofonga, steak. 4.2 - Pork Chop 4 - Tacos, ground beef. (Friend got it) read more

I was looking forward to eating here since it's right across the street from the Caribe Hilton and read good reviews. Well - an order of 2 empanadas, salad and chicken wings should not take over 40 minutes. After 20 minutes we were informed that they were out of the empanadas we ordered so we ordered something else which took another 10 minutes. Another 10 minutes and the salad finally arrived, no dressing, plates or silverware and the chicken wings must have flown the coop because they never arrived and it was time to exit. The waitress couldn't understand when I paid her for the empanadas why we were leaving and didn't really seem to care ... read more

We seemed to be an inconvenience when we came in to order breakfast. No smiles served and our waitress looked like she was completely miserable and forced to be there. To top it off the food and coffee are mediocre. read more

Had a beef and pizza empanada, and amarillos. For the price, I'm pretty happy with what I got! Amarillos were really good! The location is nice since it's so close to the beach. read more

Café Tropical - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

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They are friendly but service is slow. Don't be in a rush if you come here. I got the fish tacos and the fried fish was light and crispy but the rest of it was meh. I ended up only eating the fish part. They did not have any fries/papa fritas even though it's on the menu and it's a staple in the country. The outdoor seating is great for people watching. read more