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This restaurant is a true definition of tourist trap. I came with six of my girlfriends expecting authentic Puerto Rican food, and I was disappointed I ordered the bacalao that was very bland. Absolutely no flavor. One of my girlfriends ordered a sirloin that looks like they just boiled it with no seasoning. My root plants or batata was overly boiled. It was excessively dry. I'm trying to save you guys if you want authentic Puerto Rican food this definitely is not the place. The OK to be fair. The fries were good. That's about it. One of my friends said soup was good but she still will not come back there again.
We stopped in for lunch while walking in Old San Juan. The place was very busy, with most tables full, but we happened to catch a table just as a group was leaving. Most seating was for 2-4 guests and it was pretty tight, though I'm sure they could move tables together for large parties if needed. We were greeted very quickly and the staff quickly reset the table for us before we sat down. My husband and daughter had the pulled pork and they loved it (on a sandwich and on tostones). They were out of spinach empanadas and there are not many vegetarian options on the menu, so I ordered the manga fries. I'm not sure what the name of the root vegetable is that was served, but there was a familiarity to cassava (I don't think it was cassava based on the purple flecks in it). They were fantastic. I could have eaten 5 trays of them. My daughter also ordered a serving of beans and rice and she devoured them. Overall, it was a win for the family.
We were looking for a lunch place and El Jibarito and Deverdura had long waiting lines. So we walked up to Calle San Sebastián, and we found this cute bistro that had several open tables and no wait to be seated, with good reviews. So we decided to give it a try, and we were glad we did. My better half had the pulled pork sliders and I had the bacalao(cod) salad with viandas(root vegetables). And we ate these delicious plates with ice cold Medalla beers. Nice portions, reasonably priced, and the ambiance was casual elegant, with service to match.
This place was a great start to a night out in old San Juan. Sat at the bar strictly for drinks but the menu won us over. The pulled pork sliders were on par with some of the best pulled pork I've had from Texas. The chicharrones crispy and juicy. And the side of baked beans, chefs kiss. Come for the drinks, stay for the food.
Me and a group of friends walked in this restaurant while taking a stroll through San Juan. Maybe it was the turtle outside that caught our attention lol. We got to sit in the back by the window that over looks the streets so that was pretty cool as well. The food and the service were pretty solid as well. If you're in the area give them a try.
La Tortuga Bistro Bar is an adorable restaurant in Old San Juan, PR. I and my travel partner stopped by to cool off and enjoy a drink while visiting Castillo San Felipe del Morro. Everything about this restaurant is calming from the decor to the soft bossa nova music drifting from the speakers. Our waitress was very attentive and helpful, and my piña colada was probably the best I've ever had! It was so good. My travel partner tried a mule colada which was just as delicious. This is definitely a restaurant I want to visit again in the future. Highly recommended for drinks!
3 months ago
We had been visiting the forts and wandering around Old Town all afternoon and were starving. My husband and I will eat nearly anything, but we had to find a restaurant that offered something for our vegetarian daughter and picky eater son. Haha. When we saw this place and the menu we decided to try it. Our server Kike was great! Very friendly and efficient. He also made the BEST n/a mojito I've ever had. It was so perfectly limey and minty and refreshing. It was days ago and I'm still thinking about it. lol. We ordered sliders, a plain cheeseburger with fries, cheese pizza and rice and beans. Everything was delicious and I thought the prices were reasonable for being in a touristy area. I loved the open air dining and the cute little bar area. read more
In our last few hours in Puerto Rico, we walked by La Tortuga and decided to stop in. Out of the seven days of our trip, this was the most "Americanized" place we visited, and had the most foodie creativity. It is one of my recommended spots in PR, especially for when you're getting a little mofongo'd out. Many of the spots you'll see in San Juan are "bars" (more like "drink stations for tourists") that serve some select foods. La Tortuga stood out as it's a restaurant that also happens to have a bar. In our weeks visit, that was the first one we had seen! The service was friendly and fast, with all speaking fluent English. The restaurant is geared towards tourists with an English menu, but prices weren't gouging and the food was delicious. I was craving one last beef empanada before our flight home, and was disappointed to see that these were alternative versions of empanadas... but, was happy to see they were cubano- a hybrid of two of my favorite things! The cubano empanada was grilled as opposed to fried, which was *delicious*. An absolute must try in SJ. My husband ordered the bacon and egg breakfast sandwich- no flavor. Do not recommend. However, I also wouldn't recommend ordering American food outside of the mainland :) I ordered the tostones montaditos... arguably the most flavorful dish I had ordered in PR so far. Absolutely delicious! The pulled pork was rich, topping three plantain chips were more than enough for me for a meal. read more
11 months ago
This restaurant is a true definition of tourist trap. I came with six of my girlfriends expecting authentic Puerto Rican food, and I was disappointed I ordered the bacalao that was very bland. Absolutely no flavor. One of my girlfriends ordered a sirloin that looks like they just boiled it with no seasoning. My root plants or batata was overly boiled. It was excessively dry. I'm trying to save you guys if you want authentic Puerto Rican food this definitely is not the place. The OK to be fair. The fries were good. That's about it. One of my friends said soup was good but she still will not come back there again. read more
We stopped in for lunch while walking in Old San Juan. The place was very busy, with most tables full, but we happened to catch a table just as a group was leaving. Most seating was for 2-4 guests and it was pretty tight, though I'm sure they could move tables together for large parties if needed. We were greeted very quickly and the staff quickly reset the table for us before we sat down. My husband and daughter had the pulled pork and they loved it (on a sandwich and on tostones). They were out of spinach empanadas and there are not many vegetarian options on the menu, so I ordered the manga fries. I'm not sure what the name of the root vegetable is that was served, but there was a familiarity to cassava (I don't think it was cassava based on the purple flecks in it). They were fantastic. I could have eaten 5 trays of them. My daughter also ordered a serving of beans and rice and she devoured them. Overall, it was a win for the family. read more
We were looking for a lunch place and El Jibarito and Deverdura had long waiting lines. So we walked up to Calle San Sebastián, and we found this cute bistro that had several open tables and no wait to be seated, with good reviews. So we decided to give it a try, and we were glad we did. My better half had the pulled pork sliders and I had the bacalao(cod) salad with viandas(root vegetables). And we ate these delicious plates with ice cold Medalla beers. Nice portions, reasonably priced, and the ambiance was casual elegant, with service to match. read more
1 year ago
Great customer service. Staff was really nice. Empanadas and drinks were tasty. Just a heads up, no AC BUT they have ceilings fans! read more
1 year ago
7 months ago
The empanadas are out of this world. Absolutely incredible flavors. The waitress was very friendly and helpful with drink recommendations. The food came out fast. It is a beautiful and refreshing restaurant you must try! read more
1 year ago
This place was a great start to a night out in old San Juan. Sat at the bar strictly for drinks but the menu won us over. The pulled pork sliders were on par with some of the best pulled pork I've had from Texas. The chicharrones crispy and juicy. And the side of baked beans, chefs kiss. Come for the drinks, stay for the food. read more
4 months ago
Me and a group of friends walked in this restaurant while taking a stroll through San Juan. Maybe it was the turtle outside that caught our attention lol. We got to sit in the back by the window that over looks the streets so that was pretty cool as well. The food and the service were pretty solid as well. If you're in the area give them a try. read more
1 year ago
The atmosphere is fantastic, food was delicious and came out quickly. Mauro was amazing and attentive! read more
La Tortuga Bistro Bar is an adorable restaurant in Old San Juan, PR. I and my travel partner stopped by to cool off and enjoy a drink while visiting Castillo San Felipe del Morro. Everything about this restaurant is calming from the decor to the soft bossa nova music drifting from the speakers. Our waitress was very attentive and helpful, and my piña colada was probably the best I've ever had! It was so good. My travel partner tried a mule colada which was just as delicious. This is definitely a restaurant I want to visit again in the future. Highly recommended for drinks! read more
4 months ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
After walking up and down through old San Juan we found this place. A lot of places are bars but still sell food. I stopped and asked them for a menu and we immediately sat down. It was a great lunch too!!! No complaints at all. read more
10 months ago
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2 years ago
Beautifully restored corner bar and restaurant. We came early afternoon and sat at the bar. The staff was super friendly and answered all of our curious questions. The empanadas (which means they're baked, not fried - empanadillos means fried we learned) are AMAZING. Handmade in the restaurant each day. The Cubano and four cheese are worth writing home about. Stuffed to the max, folded artfully, and flavors that work wonderfully together in every bite. Honestly, the dough alone was tasty, The drinks are mixed beautifully. We tried their signature Mule Colada - *chef's kiss*. They have been working to perfect the recipe and have hit a home run. Unique but different. Of course, they make a classic but even they recommend going with the original at Borrichina. Do not pass this place by without stopping for an empanada or a colada. Get it to go if you must! If Javier is working then ask him to mix your Mule. PS if you're sitting at the bar then lean over a bit and check out the elevator to the second floor. Half their kitchen is actually upstairs and they have an *interesting* lift to get to and from. read more
2 years ago
Amazing Bar! This place was a great vibe, modern look with the old school San Juan feel to it. Live Music was great, drinks were really good, top shelf liquor. The owner was very friendly and welcoming. Bonus points for having a back up generator that kept the party going when the power went out in the whole area. Next visit will def be stopping by here! read more
2 years ago
The best service I've had in Puerto Rico. Hands down he even got a 20$ tip. So kind and the best food you can eat down here!!! Most definitely recommend Jo was the best bartender ever !!!! read more
4 years ago
Great place to get some breakfast and drinks. They actually serve breakfast all day and are one of the few places where you can get some veggies as in eggs and veggies. I had the choripan which came with a side of taro chips. I thought the choripan was a bit too salty for my taste. The taro chips were tasty but the batch I had was super oily. I would come back to order the eggs and veggies. I also order the espresso and rum which was a great way to start my day. read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
We had the Chorioan, spinach and cheese empanada, and the Cochinito. All were so delicious!!! A little too much cilantro for us but didn't deter us from eating everything. Laid back yet classy atmosphere, nice breeze with open doors. read more
2 years ago
4 years ago
Awesome place. Always willing to satisfy patrons. Great location near El Morro fort and on the midst of the Old City of Old San Juan. read more
3 years ago
4 years ago
This place is under new administration & all I can say is WOW!!!! This was their first day open and everything was on point. Pizza was delish with a nice twist in flavors. Staff was extremely attentive, helpful & fast. Can't wait to go back & try their full menu. We need more places like this... good food, great service & good vibe!!! Btw... the place looks AMAZING!!! read more
7 years ago
The group that I was traveling with made this the meeting point to leave but first frozen Passap and Empanadas con Pollo!!!!! The staff was nice and the prices are very reasonable. The music was bumping and you could catch up on a soccer game or two! read more
4 years ago
This place is such a hidden gem amongst all the tourist traps in old San Juan. The owner and chef clearly care about the business and the food being served. Try the signature pizza you would be wowed. 10/10 recommend. read more
3 years ago
We only stopped here for a minute on a culinary tour. We didn't even go inside but they brought out these pastries that were unbelievable. Pastelitos - puff pastry stuffed with cream cheese and guava and then covered in a light caramel glaze. I wish we had time to go back and try some of their other food. If you have a minute, stop in and get a pastry to go. read more
3 years ago
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More info about La Tortuga Bistro Bar
Calle San Sebastian 116
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901
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(787) 725-1062
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