Stopped by for a quick iced coffee and cookie...and thats exactly what I got. Both were very good. Both indoor and outdoor seating available. Located in the Cuartel de Ballaja (Quarters). Bathrooms available there as well. Friendly and efficient service. read more

Cafe Don Ruiz - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

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Was recommended this restaurant by a friend. We went here for brunch, and it was great! Friendly atmosphere, great location, and the guava croissant was amazing. read more

For your information, this coffee shop is located inside a museum, so you need to enter into the gate first (which is free to enter) to find it. I've noticed that many people tend to order hot coffees even though it's really hot outside. But I was craving a nice cold iced coffee. They offer iced options and even speciality coffee beverages as well, so it was just what I was looking for. I personally opted for the HAZELNUT CREAM MOCHA. I tasted the hazelnut flavor. It was a nice non-artificial tasting flavor. It had the right amount of sweetness. So, I personally really enjoyed it! You can escape inside to find cool air inside and a pretty wall art while you wait inside. You can also find small coffee bags that have roast dates on it to buy! Although I didn't get to try many coffee shops around town as I would have liked, this one was quite memorable. read more

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Coffee was needed after our long delayed flight! We got our rental car and headed for San Juan! This coffee place is inside of a huge courtyard building near the Fort. It was a beautiful building. The coffee place is small but the prices are good and the coffee was good! there was even a cat inside. read more

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Tried the breakfast croissant (though they were out of croissants and served it on what I believe was a ciabatta roll, labeled as "original bread"). Surprisingly, it worked really well! The sandwich came with turkey, spinach, onions, peppers, pesto, and cheese, flavorful and satisfying without feeling too heavy. The pesto added a really nice touch . At $14.99, it's definitely on the pricier side, but considering it's in the San Juan tourist area, it's pretty understandable. Good quality, decent portion, and a solid breakfast option when you're nearby. I'd come back and try it again, hopefully next time they'll have the croissant! read more

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One of the best cafes in old san juan. Location is hard to find but its near the museum of the americas and behind a church I think. I stopped by on a walking tour. we were starving. I got a guava pastry and scarfed it down without taking a picture. The creamy coconut latte was bomb. Very island coffee drink. Customer service was so friendly and helpful. read more

Cafe Don Ruiz - Creamy coconut - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

This place is soooo nice and tucked away. The panini sandwiches were amazing and the caramel macchiato was just right. Service was quick! HIGHLY RECOMMEND! read more

This is very conveniently located close to the Castillo San Felipe del morro which I think is what provides it much clientele. Pictured is my daughter's "French toast". The fruit was good but that was literally just white bread with little else. What was delicious was an almond croissant that I got from there. I'm sure there are better places in the area read more

Cafe Don Ruiz - French toast - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

I had bookmarked Cafe Don Ruiz in Yellp because ir was well rated. I got to the area, but I couldn't find it. That's because the only way to access it is through the gran courtyard of the Museum of the America's. Who knew? They only use Puerto Rican coffee. My black iced coffee was pretty good. Unless I was visiting the museum specifically, I'd be unlikely to return because it takes a while to get to since there is nearby street access. Four Stars read more

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Delightful coffee shop with beautiful flowers, pillows, and wallpaper tucked in the Museo de las Americas. I tried the creamy coconut latte, and it was incredible! One of the best coffees I've ever had. Cafe Don Ruiz seems very serious about providing high-quality coffee. I was very impressed. And it doesn't hurt that it's so pretty inside. read more

Cafe Don Ruiz - coconut latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

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Service was great. Accommodating and friendly. The coffee was good. We had some paninis and the bread was AMAZING. It's within a plaza that is still being remodeled(?) There is some construction outside, but doesn't affect the coffee shop at all. read more

Cafe Don Ruiz - Latte frío - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

I love this "hidden" cafe in Old San Juan. Coffee was amazing and the ham and cheese sandwich was great

Great little cafe hidden in the Museum of the Americas in old town San Juan. We grabbed coffee here after touring the fort, when we needed to cool off. They also had some great lunch and snack options - we grabbed the almond croissant and were not disappointed. The coffee was particularly good as well. read more

I've been visiting Cafe Don Ruiz a lot lately on my trips to Puerto Rico. I absolutely love the ambiance of this cafe, both inside and out. The outside seating is super pleasant: you are inside the courtyard of the Museum of the Americas, which is a very old building and is shaded and a bit cooler than the street outside...there are also often one or more cats roaming around that might let you pet them. The inside is nice too, usually air conditioned very well. The coffee here is above average; maybe not the best in San Juan or even Old Town, but still really good (and yes, they have non-dairy options). They have food options too, although I've never tried them. Service is usually fairly quick and prices are average. This cafe is definitely worth a visit to escape the heat while you are in Old San Juan! read more

Great coffee, good service, deeply challenging location to find. Both Google maps and Apple Maps had absolutely fits trying to point us in the right direction--what you need to know is that you need to go into the courtyard of the museum and eventually you will stumble across it.... read more

Get the Mallorca! It's delicious! The coffee is fantastic and service is great. But that sandwich stole my heart. I had the ham and cheese.. comes in the fluffiest brioche bread warned and dusted with powder sugar. It's a must! Bonus the coffee shop is located inside the museum! read more

Cafe Don Ruiz is a chain coffee shop but it had We almost gave up looking for it because it was hidden inside the building where all the doors were closed except for the construction entrance. So glad we went the extra mile to find it because the mallocra and coffee hit the spot on a humid day. They also have some tea blends and a decent simple lunch menu. read more

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Amazing and delicious coffee right near the forts. I stopped by right before closing and ordered iced cafe con leche and a hot version with almond milk. Big and spacious inside the coffee shop, friendly service and delicious coffee. Loved drinking the iced coffee while exploring the forts! read more

Cafe Don Ruiz - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

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Delicioso coffee, pastries, and sandwiches at this cozy cafe with cushioned couches and a mini museum showing coffee machinery. Lovely patio in the enclosed historic square. Friendly service. Pistachio vanilla latte was outstanding. read more

Cafe Don Ruiz - As is true everywhere in the city, cats are part of the Old San Juan experience. Just hanging out and enjoying the vibe. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Hard to find, but good coffee. Breakfast pastries were pretty good. Indoor and covered outdoor seating.

Stopped here on a food tour. This cafe is located in a corner of a historic building. The coffee was excellent and the Mallorca was very good. Would definitely return to this cute place. read more

Cafe Don Ruiz - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

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I highly recommend the iced coconut latte with Irish cream for $6.75. It's so creamy and has great coconut flavor. They have a variety of flavors. Flavors are an extra $0.75. You can get these coffees hot, iced or as an ice cream. The service is fast and they have both indoor and outdoor seating. read more

Great staff that handled a crowd really well. The cappuccino was art m, and the eggs and toast were delicious. This place is in a museum courtyard, well shaded and relaxing. read more

Great spot for coffee and very good chocolate chip cookies. The atmosphere is largely d back and chilled. They also have a very very laid back cat that adds to the vibe. Service was fast and pleasant. Definitely a place to go to more than once. read more

Came to Cafe Don Ruiz to get a quick bite to eat and it was not good. The food is very average. I ordered an iced coffee and was served the wrong drink. I was served a iced latte and when I asked what kind of milk was in it (because my order shouldn't have had milk) the barista said they didn't know. She had just made the drink so I would have guessed she would remember it. She told me it had to be cow's milk if I didn't specify what milk I wanted when I ordered... My drink shouldn't have had milk to begin with. Bad service and mediocre food. I wasn't a fan. read more

Cafe Don Ruiz - Unknown iced drink - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

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Don Ruiz Cafe is located inside the courtyard of the Museum of the Americas. That is important to know if you are walking and try to use your mapping app - we were very confused until we luckily saw their small sandwich board sign at the museum's entrance! They have a cozy seating area indoors with A/C and umbrella tables outdoors with comfortable chairs. You order at the counter from a selection of excellent coffees, sweet and savory pastries and sandwiches. The coffee bar has a mirror overhead so you can actually watch the baristas preparing your drinks! Don Ruiz makes a signature pastry called a mallorca which similar to a croissant but is round and flat and split in the middle to be filled with butter or cheese, or cheese with either fruit or ham. Each one is prepared to order and served warm with a sprinkling of powdered sugar. I have never had anything quite like it before. A real treat. This was a great first stop on our first day touring Old San Juan. Now on to the Museum de las Americas! read more

Quick and delicious place to get a quick bite to eat when at Castillo San Felipe del Morro. A coffee shop with sandwiches!

Excellent food. Good and helpful service. We are wandering around Old San Juan and will come back if we find it again. Coffee and smoothies exceptionally good read more

Cafe Don Ruiz - French toast and omelette with coffee, and strawberry banana smoothie. All was excellent! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

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Second time here and they haven't disappointed me. The café con leche is perfect! Cheers read more

Cafe Don Ruiz - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Super long lines, Wi-Fi doesn't work, Service was very slow. Drinks were good. Randomly found this place while hang out in old San Juan. Coffee shop is inside a really old building next to a museum. The place was super busy even on a weekday, we had to wait in line for a very long time to even place our order. The drinks were pretty good. They do have some fancy equipment in there and knows how to make coffee. But the portion size is super small. Definitely a bit pricey. Service was super slow. And the Wi-Fi does not work at all. We had been to this place two times in the past six months and both times Wi-Fi did not work. Not a fan. read more

A coffee shop in the museum? Oh yes! We love coffee and visited this coffee shop after seeing the good reviews. We got a rose latte and a cold brew. While the cold brew was nothing really special (kind of bland for some reason), the rose latte was so flavorful and floral. We enjoyed our coffee break here - a good option to fix your caffeine need in old San Juan. read more

Cafe Don Ruiz - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Okay y'all: Wonderful little coffee shop in the heart of Old San Juan, though a bit hard to find because it's nestled in a courtyard, inside a building. Coffee: I had a wonderful iced coffee, very flavorful and although I normally like sugar, the flavor of the coffee was perfect and didn't need any additions Verdict: Yep! read more

Cafe Don Ruiz - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

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This was probably the best cafe we went to in San Juan! The pastries and breakfast sandwich on a croissant were delicious and the coffee was amazing. Such cute history in the shop as well! read more

Cafe Don Ruiz - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

They know coffee!! Tucked away inside plaza, great spot to sip coffee in the shade. Yummy baked goods too

Give me a Mallorca and some iced coffee and I'm in heaven! The Mallorca was amazing! Sweet yet savory. Whenever I am in PR I have to have one. We walked from the Fort and it wasn't a bad walk at all. This is a cute place to chill and take in the scene. read more

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Great coffee find near Castillo del Morro and it even sports a Yelp check-in offer! Nestled inside Ballaja, the building itself has such cool history, originally built in the 1860s. The coffeeshop isn't giant, but there are some tables inside as well as outside facing the plaza. I ordered an espresso machiatto and the coffee tasted great. They use single origin coffee from Yauco, the most famous coffee region in PR. They roast some of the beans onsite and it's fun to look around the shop! Besides coffee, they have food and we tried a ham mallorca. It was like a ham and cheese sandwich on sweet bread dusted with powdered sugar. Definitely recommend trying (and ordering two because after one bite, I regretted sharing). The service was very friendly and they have free wifi which comes in handy because our service went away once we entered Ballaja. Would totally stop by here anytime I'm in Old San Juan! read more

Cafe Don Ruiz - Mallorca with ham and cheese - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Perfect coffee doesn't even begin to describe it! We ordered one of their specialty coffees. We wanted the vanilla rose, but since they were out of rose, they substituted it for hibiscus. The resulting cuppa was just delicious. Smooth coffee, right amount of milk, fluffy foam and that balance of sweetness between the vanilla and hibiscus. Wow! The history on the wall states their coffee comes from the Yauco region of Puerto Rico and their coffee bean is valued as one of the best in the world. I'll have to concur! Even better than the coffee, was the customer service. There was only one barista/cashier (I believe the owner), but he served us with a smile and also answered all of our questions. He also made us feel so welcome by engaging us in a short conversation. Ambiance is very relaxing. You can sit indoors if you want to stay out of the heat, otherwise there's courtyard seating. Even inside, there are two spaces, one with music and the other is slightly quieter. Take your pick! This was a great experience overall! read more

Cafe Don Ruiz - Vanilla hibiscus latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Literally a hole in the wall cafe. Took me forever to locate it in old San Juan. The coffee was absolutely delicious. Very similar to Mary lou and PS gourmet coffee in US. I tried the coco banana tropical iced coffee and it was delicious. Must try! read more

Cafe Don Ruiz - The tropical banana coco coffee and caramel iced coffee with whipped cream - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

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Love the ambiance in this small coffee shop. Amazing coffee and sandwiches with great & quick service. read more

Cafe Don Ruiz - Jamon y Pavo sandwiche - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

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First of all want to qualify my review in that my wife and I aren't coffee drinkers and this place looks to be primarily a coffee shop. We ordered a veggie Mallorca (PR version of Monte Christo) and a breakfast burrito with ham and veggies. Both were fresh but flavors were just ok. Mallorca definitely needed a meat or more salt to bring out flavors. Service and ambience were great as the shop sits in a very old Spanish looking plaza in Old San Juan. Perhaps the coffee is the main attraction of this place but food was only slightly above average. read more