La Central by Mario Pagán
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Go only for the Bar (with Laleishka). The front Hostess doesn't care, Picanha was subpar / low quality meat, expensive Sides that are no better than Publix prepared food (we had the Parmesan potato), Appetizers OK, but expensive for what they are. Just go for the Bar! We did had a great experience with the Bartender, a true Mixologist!
This review is for the exterior bar area. Service was a little slow here. We sat in the outside bar area. Took a few minutes to be asked if we wanted anything. It looked like it was closed, it wasn't. The drink were well made. When we wanted another round, took even longer for someone to come outside to work the bar. It's located in a perfect spot to look at the screens in El Districto T Mobile.
They were terrible. Chairs dirty. They prioritized natives over others when we were there first. Bread came out weird we had to ask since food took forever. My friends enjoyed their Bacardi flights very strong. My lamb chops lacked seasoning and i requested well done and it wasn't. Asked for a butter sauce it was just butter. The best thing was Brussels sprouts. Told them it was my birthday dinner didn't acknowledge.
We went here on a Saturday night and were able to get seated right away. We had a terrific waitress who familiarized us with the menu. We shared the octopus appetizer which was delicious and the Caesar salad which was very big and delicious. For our mains, I got the scallops with corn which was fabulous and my husband got the pork chops which he said were the best he's ever had. Then we came back the next night and had 2 recommended desserts which were yummy. Highly recommend this restaurant!
Great service and ambiance. We had the branzino, the pork chop, the half chicken, the tiny alcapurria things (they call it something else), a few cocktails and one dessert we split between all four of us because we were too full to eat one each. We would go again. We were very comfortable and cared for by the staff
I only came here for the cigar lounge that why I gave it a five star. The cigar lounge is located upstairs above the restaurant where it has it's own beautiful private room. The room has humidors and cigar accessories to use and you can order drinks and food from the restaurant. The service is excellent and attentive without being pushy. I would definitely return again.
After cluelessly wandering, I was drawn to La Central. Great for tapas or full course meals. Very friendly customers. My bartender made me a unique rum-ito. Hit the spot with my small plate selections. You will love the vibe.
I sat at the outside bar at a table, which had a great ambiance thanks to live music playing in the center. Unfortunately, the service was extremely AWFUL. It took 20 minutes before my waiter--who was also the bartender--to take my order after I have to FLAG HIM DOWN. While the food came out fairly quickly, I then had to wait another 15 minutes just to get silverware and a dinner plate- I had to FLAG HIM DOWN by going to the bar to remind him that I needed these items. Eventually, I had to go to the bar myself and ask again. After finishing my meal, I asked for the check--but my waiter never returned. I waited 35 minutes. During that time, I observed a table of Black women who were seated and left after experiencing the same lack of attention. Not long after, a group of Puerto Rican and white women were seated, and they were greeted immediately with menus, conversation, and prompt service. While I continued to wait, their drinks and appetizers had already been served. Frustrated, I went inside to speak with a manager about the poor service and to get my check. He simply printed it and walked away--no apology, no explanation, no attempt to make it right. I would not recommend this place to anyone visiting, and I will never return.
I could not have been more impressed: service, cuisine, ambiance. Went there with a party of 15 for a birthday. Zero complaints! If you're in Puerto Rico, it's a must go!
Soooooo delicious! The octopus stole the show! Highly recommend . The service was great and ambiance was enjoyable ! I look forward to going back when I'm back in town
Celebrating graduation 2025 with family, food was incredible, there was live jazz lounge.
Located in the Distrito T-Mobile. Easy parking, great vibe with live music next to the restaurant. We didn't have restaurants but La Central was able to squeeze our party of 3 in which was great! We started off with with cocktails (Buscando Guayaba and El Cortadito). The Buscando Guayaba was tropical with just the right flavors! The El Cortadito is a Puerto Rican version of an espresso martini. So good! We received complementary bread with herbed butter. Just what my belly needed! We ordered a couple of appetizers (pasta y queso and octopus on refrito black bean hummus). Who doesn't love warm cheese and guava?! The pasta y queso was amazing! So rich but so good. The octopus was amazing too! Charcoal grilled octopus with black bean hummus! Hello! For dinner, we orders the picanha and the beef filet. My colleague/friend ordered the picanha just like me! We ordered a side of chimichurri sauce to top on the steak. Her steak came out perfect. There were a few hiccups with my order. There was a hair on my steak. The reorder of my steak was too rare. The restaurant was great about remaking my meal and then cooking my new steak. We ordered a handful of sides, which were amazing. The mushrooms were my favorite. For dessert, we ordered the chocolate hazelnut rum cake. Amazing! 5 stars for food hands down. Overall, service was great. Mistakes happen - hair and rare steak. I was surprised they didn't comp a dessert or remove the item. That was my only feedback. By the time my food came, I was pretty full. My friend shared her steak with me and I filled up on sides.
Distrito TMobile is so loud that I was amazed that the restaurant was significantly quieter inside. We sat at the bar for cocktails and an app and the bartnenders were friendly. The tartare had really good flavor (which contributed to my higher review) but for being a tartare the cuts were pretty big and sometimes got like little chain of tuna chunks . The Central75 was good but the Mete Caña was a little bland and couldnt taste the tamarind or rum, and the egg white wasn't properly frothed and broken
15 days ago
My wife and I visited San Juan and found La Central on date night. What a great spot! The food and service are fantastic! I ordered my typical old-fashioned and just by chance got to see it being prepared. What a treat! The bartender mixed while the server finalized the preparation by manually marking the ice cube with the restaurant logo, peeling the orange and twisting the garnish and adding a cherry. Finished product was great! We ordered an Empanada appetizer and both had Filet Steak. I had sweet plantains prepared in a sweet cinnamon sauce and my wife had Parmesan potatoes. Both were delicious! Big fan of La Central! read more
2 months ago
Walked into La Central without a reservation and was able to snag a great round table. The space is beautiful--a nice nod to Puerto Rican culture--and the drinks were excellent, well-crafted all around. There were four of us, and we shared the tomahawk steak along with sides (potatoes, Brussels sprouts) and some oysters. Flavor-wise, everything was solid. That said, I'm big on temperature! Especially at their price point. The steak we ordered medium rare came out very rare and lukewarm, not hot, and the Brussels sprouts weren't hot either. When we mentioned it, the server seemed to anticipate the issue, which made it feel like the food may have been sitting. To their credit, they tried to make it right, bringing out additional dishes (including their arroz con con with an egg on top) and were very apologetic, which I appreciated. Still, the bill was over $400 without extras, and for that level, consistency matters. Not quite a 5-star experience, but it has the potential to be with better quality control in the kitchen. read more
Go only for the Bar (with Laleishka). The front Hostess doesn't care, Picanha was subpar / low quality meat, expensive Sides that are no better than Publix prepared food (we had the Parmesan potato), Appetizers OK, but expensive for what they are. Just go for the Bar! We did had a great experience with the Bartender, a true Mixologist! read more
This review is for the exterior bar area. Service was a little slow here. We sat in the outside bar area. Took a few minutes to be asked if we wanted anything. It looked like it was closed, it wasn't. The drink were well made. When we wanted another round, took even longer for someone to come outside to work the bar. It's located in a perfect spot to look at the screens in El Districto T Mobile. read more
They were terrible. Chairs dirty. They prioritized natives over others when we were there first. Bread came out weird we had to ask since food took forever. My friends enjoyed their Bacardi flights very strong. My lamb chops lacked seasoning and i requested well done and it wasn't. Asked for a butter sauce it was just butter. The best thing was Brussels sprouts. Told them it was my birthday dinner didn't acknowledge. read more
We went here on a Saturday night and were able to get seated right away. We had a terrific waitress who familiarized us with the menu. We shared the octopus appetizer which was delicious and the Caesar salad which was very big and delicious. For our mains, I got the scallops with corn which was fabulous and my husband got the pork chops which he said were the best he's ever had. Then we came back the next night and had 2 recommended desserts which were yummy. Highly recommend this restaurant! read more
3 months ago
Great service and ambiance. We had the branzino, the pork chop, the half chicken, the tiny alcapurria things (they call it something else), a few cocktails and one dessert we split between all four of us because we were too full to eat one each. We would go again. We were very comfortable and cared for by the staff read more
1 year ago
I only came here for the cigar lounge that why I gave it a five star. The cigar lounge is located upstairs above the restaurant where it has it's own beautiful private room. The room has humidors and cigar accessories to use and you can order drinks and food from the restaurant. The service is excellent and attentive without being pushy. I would definitely return again. read more
After cluelessly wandering, I was drawn to La Central. Great for tapas or full course meals. Very friendly customers. My bartender made me a unique rum-ito. Hit the spot with my small plate selections. You will love the vibe. read more
1 year ago
I sat at the outside bar at a table, which had a great ambiance thanks to live music playing in the center. Unfortunately, the service was extremely AWFUL. It took 20 minutes before my waiter--who was also the bartender--to take my order after I have to FLAG HIM DOWN. While the food came out fairly quickly, I then had to wait another 15 minutes just to get silverware and a dinner plate- I had to FLAG HIM DOWN by going to the bar to remind him that I needed these items. Eventually, I had to go to the bar myself and ask again. After finishing my meal, I asked for the check--but my waiter never returned. I waited 35 minutes. During that time, I observed a table of Black women who were seated and left after experiencing the same lack of attention. Not long after, a group of Puerto Rican and white women were seated, and they were greeted immediately with menus, conversation, and prompt service. While I continued to wait, their drinks and appetizers had already been served. Frustrated, I went inside to speak with a manager about the poor service and to get my check. He simply printed it and walked away--no apology, no explanation, no attempt to make it right. I would not recommend this place to anyone visiting, and I will never return. read more
9 months ago
I could not have been more impressed: service, cuisine, ambiance. Went there with a party of 15 for a birthday. Zero complaints! If you're in Puerto Rico, it's a must go! read more
1 year ago
4 months ago
Located in the Distrito T-Mobile. Easy parking, great vibe with live music next to the restaurant. We didn't have restaurants but La Central was able to squeeze our party of 3 in which was great! We started off with with cocktails (Buscando Guayaba and El Cortadito). The Buscando Guayaba was tropical with just the right flavors! The El Cortadito is a Puerto Rican version of an espresso martini. So good! We received complementary bread with herbed butter. Just what my belly needed! We ordered a couple of appetizers (pasta y queso and octopus on refrito black bean hummus). Who doesn't love warm cheese and guava?! The pasta y queso was amazing! So rich but so good. The octopus was amazing too! Charcoal grilled octopus with black bean hummus! Hello! For dinner, we orders the picanha and the beef filet. My colleague/friend ordered the picanha just like me! We ordered a side of chimichurri sauce to top on the steak. Her steak came out perfect. There were a few hiccups with my order. There was a hair on my steak. The reorder of my steak was too rare. The restaurant was great about remaking my meal and then cooking my new steak. We ordered a handful of sides, which were amazing. The mushrooms were my favorite. For dessert, we ordered the chocolate hazelnut rum cake. Amazing! 5 stars for food hands down. Overall, service was great. Mistakes happen - hair and rare steak. I was surprised they didn't comp a dessert or remove the item. That was my only feedback. By the time my food came, I was pretty full. My friend shared her steak with me and I filled up on sides. read more
Distrito TMobile is so loud that I was amazed that the restaurant was significantly quieter inside. We sat at the bar for cocktails and an app and the bartnenders were friendly. The tartare had really good flavor (which contributed to my higher review) but for being a tartare the cuts were pretty big and sometimes got like little chain of tuna chunks . The Central75 was good but the Mete Caña was a little bland and couldnt taste the tamarind or rum, and the egg white wasn't properly frothed and broken read more
Not sure how this restaurant isn't rated higher. 10/10 I would recommend. Everything from the ambiance, the food, service, accommodations were amazing. Highly suggest the mortadella and octopus for apps. The filet is out of this world (sorry for the half eaten pictures! It was too good). Sounds odd, but the rolls were also amazing - - and I am not usually a bread person. Highly suggest this as a top if you are in the area read more
3 months ago
When visiting the T-Mobile District, we dined in at the La Central by Mario Pagán restaurant. We opted to sit at the bar and our bartender was great! I tried the Buscando Guayaba and loved it so much that I ordered 2. The appetizer was on the small side like a tapa, but the short rib montadito was flaky and flavorful. I do not think it is worth $18, but it was a good recommendation. For my entree, I tried the steak cobb salad and it was one of the best salads I've had in a while. While I do wish they would have served the steak fresh and warm rather than chilled on top, the fresh ingredients paired well with the crispy onions, fried cheese and avocado. I ate the whole salad. The restrooms were clean and had cloth-like disposable napkins. The ambiance was nice and upscale. This would be a good date night spot. I'd recommend if you were in the area and wanting to do something at a nicer restaurant. read more
1 year ago
Solo fuimos por unos cócteles y fueron los mejores mojitos de guayaba que hemos tomado, el lugar es hermoso, el baño se lleva el premio a la originalidad, una vez que regresemos probaremos la Comida sin dudas ! read more
Came here for the cigar lounge. Nice and private with full service. Small cigar selection but very nice ambiance and good view of the restaurant. Drinks were great. We had their version of an old fashioned and the cuba libre. Coolest bathrooms ever! I'll update review if I try the food. read more
Great elevated Puerto Rican food. I loved how they took the tradition of the already amazing culinary culture and do something spectacular. The bread at the beginning was a reflection of what the rest of the dinner was going to be, delicious. read more
2 years ago
This place is a great stop here in Puerto Rico! The have a beautiful cigar lounge! The food is delicious and the drinks are amazing especially my favorite Rum y Tabaco! A must try with a nice old fashioned twist. The outside bar seating is so nice to enjoy a nice quick meal also. Today I got enjoy a nice lunch right outside with beautiful weather. The bartender Jesus was so professional and knowledgeable on excellent recommendations. I chose the steak salad today was taking a risk since I didn't see any photos of it on Yelp. I wanted to get an idea of what it looked like. Jesus convinced me that it's one of his favorites and he was right!! Finally get to put a picture on Yelp of the salad for others to enjoy! read more
We came to this venue to celebrate my retirement and what a find. First the staff, the manager Aquiles is a very energetic and approachable individual. He came to our table to inquire about our experience and after the dinner he help clear the table. When was the last time you saw that? Our waitress May was amazing, this lady knows her menu and the diverse culinary offerings. She answered our questions and made very informed suggestions. When you come here she is your point person. She suggested a tobacco infused rum Old fashion, the Ron y Tabaco, and even gave suggestions as the best way which happens to be our all- time favorite, Ron del Barrilito Three Stars. The bartender Sam helped us understand the intricacies of the drink, amazing in its seemingly simple complexity. This restaurant is located at the District T Mobile, a young and trendy venue with a menu to satisfy anyone. Our dinner selections (thanks to our expert waitress May) was out of this world well cooked and better presented. A must when you come to Puerto Rico. Certainly we will be back! read more
2 years ago
Picanha, Caesar salad amazing Diverse menu Jose at the bar was great (I hope the US doesn't delete my Diverse comment). read more
7 months ago
The chicken was moist, juicy and flavorful. The ambiance was nothing short of amazing. Sever was punctual and attentive. The branzino cooked to perfection! read more
5 months ago
5 months ago
1 year ago
Food was outstanding. The server at the bar made it known and said verbatim that tourists come off as calculated in how they speak and are as people. This really hurt my feelings as a half Puerto Rican and also being on my honeymoon. Regardless, not all "American's" are the same. I wish restaurants knew how much we love everyone regardless of where they come from. read more
1 year ago
The food was delicious and the atmosphere was beautiful. I loved everything for my birthday. The bread pudding was amazing!! read more
2 years ago
Good drinks bar service was great didn't get to try the food but so far the ambiance is good:) read more
This place was wonderful. Let me start by saying the bar is amazing! The service was impeccable. I came here with one of my colleagues and we enjoyed it from beginning to end. I ordered the swordfish and he got the 7 ounce steak. The server was very knowledgeable in the menu items, and she even took notes that I was pescatarian and make sure to recommend think that fit within my diet . I also got a Moscow Mule and that was delicious. Of course the ginger beer a strong, but they did not short hand on the vodka. read more
The coffee-rubbed lamb chops were delicious and a very generous portion. We didn't have a reservation so we ended up sitting on the patio which was fine but it was loud since there was a DJ playing in the central plaza nearby. Not an issue for us, but just something to keep in mind if you come on a weekend. read more
7 months ago
1 year ago
8 months ago
I am a beef eater by nature and eating steaks outside of Texas is always a hit or miss but the 7oz filet here was really good and I felt like I was eating a steak back home. The Parmesan crusted potato's were a nice touch and my spouse enjoyed their half chicken with asparagus and mashed potatoes. The experience was made even more pleasurable with the impeccable service which included great attention to detail. Our glasses of water never went empty and the waiter did an incredible job describing the meals and desserts. The music was good but not too loud and the modern decor created a nice and relaxing ambiance. I would highly recommend visiting if you're in Puerto Rico. read more
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