While visiting the island on Mother's Day weekend, my mom wanted something authentic and away from the crowds, yet close enough to our airbnb. Found this gem of a place through Google maps and so happy we did! It was her first time visiting the island and she was welcomed to a great meal.
It's my understanding that in order to get good lechon you have to go out of the San Juan area, but I don't think I could've asked for a better option here! Small family run outdoors joint in the heart of San Turce, we were welcomed like we were part of the family! When you arrive you see a huge table covered in various pieces of lechon and a small buffet area with various sides of the day. After a walk thru of the offerings we ordered and were treated to homemade pitorro shots with the family (amazing and lucky). We sat in a table under some canopies to escape the heat and proceeded to enjoy our meal.
The lechon skin was crispy, citrusy and filled with flavor despite the little to no meat! The meat itself was also booming with that sofrito-citrusy taste so much of the cuisine is known for. To be honest, I came in not wanting any pork, but I couldn't help to dig in. The morro was also delicious and tasted like home cooking. We also ordered pasteles without la oja (name slips my mind) and the masa was amazing! I only wish they were chicken or beef, but the pork worked well here too.
Overall, I would come back here. A nice local hangout, I'm sure at night it's lit especially since they share the lot with a cocktail type of business. Area is a little sketchy aka not gentrified, but overall you can tell it's a hometown favorite with the people coming/going being the locals.
Gracias! read more