I first discovered La Grieta approximately two years ago during a brief stop in Old San Juan. The…read moreatmosphere and warmth of our initial experience was so great that I made it a deliberate mission to find it again when visiting recently. We were thrilled when we finally walked through the door again after wracking our brains to remember our favorite spot in Old Town.
Upon entering, we were greeted by a young woman who, mentioned it was her very first day as an assistant to the bartender. Despite being brand new, she was warm, engaged, and genuinely welcoming, excited for us that we had made it back after several years, and impressed with our efforts.
Shortly thereafter the bartender on duty approached us mid-conversation, visibly irritated. When I mentioned that we hadn't yet decided on drinks but were being well taken care of in the meantime, she interrupted sharply to bark at us that she was the bartender and the ONLY one who could help us. The tone was unwelcoming enough that after a moment, my companion and I determined that we would prefer to move on and left without ordering.
The atmosphere is truly special, and it deserves to be matched by the experience guests receive at the bar. Our experience was simply not the vibe that night, and I truly was disappointed FOR the new hire who was doing what she should in engaging us until we could be served.
I sincerely hope to return on a future visit to San Juan and to rediscover the experience that first brought me back to La Grieta.