Our tour group stopped at El Buen for lunch. There were 14 of us. The service was excellent. They were quick to take our orders. Our orders came out in a reasonable amount of time. I had the octopus salad. It was exactly what I needed. The lettuce was crispy. The tomato was fresh. The octopus was tender. My husband had the plantain soup. He enjoyed it. Our group returned for dinner. The service was outstanding. The food was once again delicious. I would strongly recommend eating at El BuenCafé. read more

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Excellent food, from breakfast to dinner, excellent service and hours starting early in the morning!!

Viernes 5 de septiembre de 2025 segunda parada técnica antes de llegar a Rincon!! Aquí es un lugar para poder comer algo y claro snakiar y tomar café. Local de muchos años establecido. Amplio estacionamiento. Es una parada obligatoria en Hatillo. read more

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We went to get authentic arroz con pollo. The rice was a bit dry, habichuelas were great, the chicken pieces were embarrassingly small. It appeared that the rice and chicken were cooked separately but served together. The typical criollo taste just wasn't there. read more

The service was excellent and the staff are very helpful with the menu. The atmosphere is very nice! You able to enjoy some quesitos and coffee with the family. They do have a whole menu with a variety. If you go to the town of Hatillo make sure to stop here... read more

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The service was great. The food was pretty bad. I've been wanting to come to this place for years. Now I know why my intuition was like, naw. I had Los pastilillos de dorado , I could not find the dorado in them. La sopa de plátano, was watered down, the white rice was old, even the pique de la casa was not hot. Super disappointed. I will never eat there again. Bummer. read more

Glad we stopped at this place. Instead of food from the menu, we chose to order from warming station with variety of Puerto Rican home style dish. We got some kind of stew beef, chicken and pork. Great wholesome meal before heading to our destinations. The staff were helpful and eager to explain the dishes. read more

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We stopped for appetizers and found the food good. The staff was nice and helpful. The restaurant is large with separate areas, and all looked clean and in good repair. Definitely will visit again and have a full meal. read more

It wasn't great. I would suggest going else where If you can. We were starving and it was late. So no choice but too eat here. This wasn't my pick but it was the only thing around us at this time. The food was over salted. Which ruined the fish. It's a diner style so don't expect miracles lol read more

This spot is a MUST if you're making your way from San Juan or Arecibo to Rincón or Cabo Rojo. The service was great and prompt, which is something that most restaurants in PR cannot brag about. Antonio was a very attentive waiter and was nice enough to explain several items in the menu being that were from NY and know very basic Puerto Rican food items. There is very fresh fish daily, right at the front there's a daily catch list and they prepare the fish to your liking with choice of sauce. Rice and beans "mamposteado" really delicious side. We had the passion fruit and strawberry mojitos since they were out of fresh kiwi. My favorite was the passion fruit! read more

El Buen Cafe - Seafood Near Me - Hatillo, Puerto Rico

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We picked the restaurant because we where in the middle of nowhere and really hungry. The name helped too. My rating was mostly based on the service and some on the food. As we walked in I saw cookies. I was so happy. I haven't had a cookie in a week and so I bought some to eat . I was in the mood for something sweet. Those where the hardest cookies I ever had. I/we had a hard time breaking a Piece off with my hand. We where starving so still ate the thing. It did not have much flavor. So I asked the waitress why where the cookies so hard. She said that they are a traditional hard cookie of the country. I learned something new today. I ordered Mofongo stuffed with ropa bieja. It was OK. It looked like a little plantain bowl with meat in the center. It came with a little salad. The mofongo portions was big. They brought our order one at a time. As in maybe 5 to 7 minutes later from the last. We where five so by the time the last person got served the first person finished. The restaurant had a pastries. They looked all good. But I was scared to try after the cookies I had lol. read more

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Such a amazing experience here. The customer service was excellent! I had the pulpo salad and have to say that it was AMAZING!!! Almost as good as my moms! This a place I would love to visit again and share with friends! read more

El Buen Cafe - Pulpo (octopus) salad with mofongo. - Seafood Near Me - Hatillo, Puerto Rico

Service was not great. When I walked in there were several employees standing near the cash register chatting with each other. I tried interrupting to see about getting a table (place wasn't full, no customers ahead of me; employees were just standing there chatting with each other), but they ignored me. Another employee came over from the dining area and asked if I needed a table. I finally got a table, and the waitress was pleasant (unlike the three male employees who ignored me when I came in). Food was pricey. I got the grilled chicken with yellow rice and tostones. My wife got an onioned stake with mofongo. It was saltier than we'd like, and there was way too much garlic in the mofongo, almost to the point of making it unpalatable. Overall, the high prices didn't justify the food or experience. You can get the same food from any of the dozens of nearby restaurants and food trucks for half the price. read more

El Buen Cafe - Seafood Near Me - Hatillo, Puerto Rico

Convenient location right off the highway. We were excited to find that not only were they open on Christmas Day, but they had delicious pasteles available! We enjoyed some pasteles and coffees, all of which were excellent. Service was quick and friendly. The bathrooms were very clean as was the overall establishment. Some beautiful colors and décor! Parking was easy in the lot right out front. Great pit stop! read more

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My sea bass was well cocked and properly seasoned. Rice with red beans were typical, not phenomenal. Dinning area needs some remodeling but for a cafeteria look was acceptable. We got at 2pm and the options were already limited. Thus, get early and there would be more options. Service was a bit disorganized. read more

El Buen Cafe - Seafood Near Me - Hatillo, Puerto Rico

If I could give 0 stars I would... I believe strongly in my parents heritage and the foods I was raised eating so yes when it comes to Puerto Rican food ... I'm a foodie... So let's get to it... the restaurant looks nice and is centralized in a major thoroughfare area where it gets business... It apparently does well in business since they have a little hotel next door (but that's a different review for a different day)... Back to El Buen Café... the first time I went there ... the service was great the food was great and the atmosphere was great... Now it has some serious issues with all that I just mentioned food service atmosphere, I walked in...was advised we could sit wherever we wanted... we sit we wait ... we wait ... we wait zzzz ...at this point I was getting ready to leave and then the server showed up ask what we would like we placed our orders and dad requested simple... yellow rice with shrimps, all iI and spouse requested Edda scrambled with bacon and toast.... And we waited... finally everything came out... my dad said his food was ehhhh they gave him a giant plate of rice and only like four shrimps... seriously for that money... as for my breakfast... I could have done a better job at home... Just truly disappointed that they have left the business go to pot because no one give a darn to seriously work and make something better from where they started... the food was warm if that... the good thin my dad said was the beers... Heineken... But I always tell you as I taste it... It's up to you to decide how you want to go at it if you visit Puerto Rico... I am a direct descendant of the Taino Indians which lived her and my grand mamas French influences... food should be enjoyed.... read more

Restaurant El Buen Café in Hatillo is a great place to go for delicious food that is well prepared. I really like their sandwiches, seafood, and Mofongo. Everything is flavorful and tastes really good. The staff here is very kind and accommodating. Good place to stop for a quality meal. read more

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This restaurant is conveniently right off the highway. As you come in you may think you are in a cafeteria but trust me the food is good. You have the option of dining from food they have already prepared for the day or you can order off their menu if you prefer to eat something different. Since we made it in after most of their daily options were finished we had to order from the menu. I had the biftec encebollado (steak & onions) with white rice and my girlfriend had the Mofongo with chicharrónes de pollo. We enjoyed our meal. The portions were plentiful and very flavorful. The staff was quick to take care of us and we were very pleased with our choice. read more

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Conveniently located along PR-2 highway in our way to the western side of the island, we stopped for a light lunch. We all had a Christmas specialty food, namely masa pasteles filled with pork and veggies that are wrapped in banana leaves and poached. With freshly squeezed orange juice and delicious cafe con leche. They also honored a 10 % Yelp discount online voucher! read more

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Wonderful experience. Found this place by chance while traveling. My meal was great, the buttery shrimp. But the red snapper stole the show. Will try it again while I'm in town. read more

Decided to stop here for a bite on my way home from SJ. Very attentive hostess got us a table in no time. Waited for the waiter for 10 minutes and nothing. We were observing her, she was doing nothing, just chatting with one coworker. Hostess tells her we are waiting for our order to be taken and nothing happened. She finally decides to take care of waiting customers but ignored us. Even went to service a couple that arrived well after we did. Regardless of how good their coffee may be, their lack of attention to customers makes them a place where I won't bother to stop ever again. If you are looking for good service, this is not the place for it. read more

Truly a delicious treat on Friday night in Puerto Rico! Quesitos, pastelillos, & a cold Medalla in a bottle! Never could I find something so good in the states. This place has the cheesiest quesitos and coldest cervecera! I will always come back for more of these amazing sweet treats! read more

El Buen Cafe - Seafood Near Me - Hatillo, Puerto Rico

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Enjoyed the Paella, pleasant atmosphere. Would recommend it to anyone. I'll definitely go back when I'm in the area.

This is a hidden gem if you're traveling in the north west side of Puerto Rico. We stopped here on our way to Crash Boat beach in Aguadilla. It was great food overall. We came here for early breakfast and had great fast service! I recommend the "cafe con leche", the oatmeal and the Spanish omelet. The toast and other omelets were great as well. All the food was very fresh and tasty. We had the freshly squeezed orange juice which I also recommend. They did have other selections of fresh squeezed juices that I will try next time. Again highly recommend!!! read more

El Buen Cafe - Outside the restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Hatillo, Puerto Rico

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Stayed at this hotel for 3 days while visiting relatives on this side of the island. Hotel staff was very friendly quick check in and check out. It was very clean maid staff very efficient. Pool was lovely and never crowded. The room however was very dated. No iron or board no hair dyer and they charge you if you get make up on towels an wash cloths or sheets. The air conditioner worked great. Their was no noise that we could hear at all. No elevator for second floor access. The door keys were like house keys no key card. No phone was in our room. I paid $300 for 3 days so it was cheap. I would stay for a short stay like a day a or two but for the area it was okay. If you want upscale this place is not for you. But overall my experience was okay. read more

Old fashion cafeteria that needs a little TLC... Please don't serve me day old donuts! Yuk. read more

El Buen Cafe - Seafood Near Me - Hatillo, Puerto Rico

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Great people, great food, awesome service! The coffee is good and breakfast is superb! You can order with no rush and the staff is friendly. The day we visited the cafe, they're supporting Multiple Sclerosis cause. Great service read more

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Absolutely amazing cafe in Hatillo, have stopped here many times on my way from San Juan to isabela. The owner Hector is as friendly as it gets, and the coffee can't be beat. The ultimate go to items here though are the egg and cheese sandwiches along with some pastelitos, my favorite is the quesito... it's to die for. Just go here and be happy if you get the chance, can't miss!!! read more

This place is amazing. The food is really good and reasonably priced. The coffee is amazing. Food came at a reasonable time. Great selection of dishes and pastries. Plenty of seating. We visited this location on July 27th. It was busy but all tables were spaced well enough so we wouldn't feel uncomfortable. Entire staff was wearing a mask. Staff was professional and courteous. read more

This review is solely for the restaurant and NOT the hotel. The food is amazing, great prices and the staff all friendly. The arroz con gandules are amazing and we had pernil and pollo Asada and amarillos and all were perfect! read more

El Buen Cafe - Seafood Near Me - Hatillo, Puerto Rico

Buenos Recuerdos, como siempre servicio De primera por Mr. Emanuel, comida con el mismo gusto y sazon Dr antaño

Nice place to stop and grab some grub on the way to your destination. Great service, cafeteria style. read more

El Buen Cafe - Seafood Near Me - Hatillo, Puerto Rico

Had breakfast after a nite at the hotel and the coffee was excellent , had the zorullos order was good too. Had scramble eggs and bacon and toast a lot for 5 bucks hearty food all fresh. My friend had freshly squeezed OJ nothing like Minute Maid you can tell they just did it by hand not that acidity carton juice all fresh and worth the money. read more

This used to be a place where you could come and relax whilst drinking your afternoon coffee but the pandemic has changed this place for the worse. You are now denied dining-in if you don't have a vaccination card. The employees were very unhygienic. They were picking up napkins from the floor and putting them back on the table. read more

Excellent food and service. Had my family of nine people with me and we had a great lunch. I even had my dog with me which place is pet friendly!! read more

I had chicken mofongo with garlic and oil, I loved it. My husband had the beef sancocho buen bueno. Lo recomiendo.

Giving it a 1 star for take out service! Ordered a bacon egg and cheese sandwich that took 45 minutes and it wasn't busy! Got my sandwich and the egg was fried hard and browned and very dry I almost choked on it! read more

Wonderful coffee (Alto Grande), fresh traditional pastries, and nice food selection. I wish they offered smoothies but they do have fresh juices available, and they also have a selection of Puerto Rican treats and honey. Outdoor seating is available. Stop by here while on your way west, it is a lovely place. read more

I guess the PR Tourism Company hasn't visit this place in a while because the "Meson Gastronomico" certificate should be removed. One side is a cafeteria that appears to be from a Hospital. The other is the "restaurant". No decor, service is the same expected at a local bar, food well below average. Avoid at all cost. read more

I guess I will review both the hotel and the cafe here. The hotel was fine. Pretty cheap, nothing too special. Has a roadside motel feel. Okay, it is a roadside motel. But most importantly, it is clean. The cafe is fine for a quick lunch. The food is prepared and kept warm in steam tables. It is kept quite hot. We had some pork chops that were actually quite tasty. But for steam table food, it was a bit overpriced. Considering that in NYC, you can eat more amazing steam table food cheaper, I can't say you're missing out if you don't try something else in the area (I can't say that you're not missing out either - we didn't really try anything else!). I will say that the beach next to the hotel, a public beach down a small dirt road right off of PR-2 is our favorite beach that we've visited in two trips to Puerto Rico in the past year. It is small and the sand isn't great. Lots of shells and rocks. But what makes it quite unique is that there are some rock formations surrounding in a large pool of shallow water, blocking some rough waves from a very calm, crystal clean natural swimming pool. It is a great place to walk out to the rock and see some of the little wildlife growing there. There are plenty of fish in the shallow water that is great for swimming. Not crowded either. So, my stars here are for the business, and the beach is natures doing not theirs, but I highly recommend the hotel if you're passing through and spending the night because the beach makes staying here more than worth it. read more