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    Pa Pical

    4.5 (115 reviews)
    InexpensivePuerto Rican
    Closed 11:00 am - 2:00 AM (Next day)

    Pa Pical Photos

    PA PICAL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Happy hour specials
    Good for groups

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    Coddy A.

    Pa Pical is a term ( Slang ) used in the Puerto Rican and latin community in Spanish is "para pica" or in English is "finger food" but this is not an ordinary place you will be amaze of the flavors in the empanadas, breakfast offering and incredible attention to detail. is a small little place is Carolinas, back in New York we call it a hole in the wall but is big in service and welcoming ambience. they play music in the weekend and special occations. This is not just a place for locals is for everyone because the experience so don't miss the opportunity and stop by you will be amaze.

    Matcha
    Caitlin M.

    Went here based on distance and good reviews. What a cute local spot. We had Kareliz as our waitress and she was so sweet and nice! We did our best to communicate in Spanish and English :). My mom ordered an omelet and an iced coffee and loved it. I ordered a "make your own" breakfast sandwich on Mallorca bread. The highlight for me was the iced matcha latte (Oli/Olé matcha with oat milk and vanilla syrup and a dash of cinnamon on top). The best matcha I have had. I had a conversation with the women next to me who asked me about it. They also loved it. And finally I also ordered passion fruit juice because I have never had better passion fruit juice since I have been on the island.

    Jessica J.

    Came here twice on a five day trip to PR. So delicious. Empanadas (turnovers) were bomb. Favorites: 1) shrimp 2) beef and cheese 3)lobster Drinks were also good and staff were friendly. Very fair prices.

    Shrimp empanadas
    Jonesha M.

    My group and I ate there multiple times during our stay in PR. It was in walking distance to where we stayed, It's opened late and the food is piping hot and delish. I've tried the beef, shrimp, and pizza empanadas, all great. The tsunami fries were really good too. My sister really enjoyed the fish tacos. Definitely would recommend!

    Chicken and shrimp empanadas
    Amanda R.

    Cute place, lots of locals and empanadas were great! Service is walk up and quick! Would definitely recommend if you want a quick snack or drink!

    Recommend getting the empanadas carne con queso. best empanadas I have ever had Very friendly people.

    Alcapurria de Carne
    Cristian V.

    When in Puerto Rico , drink rum, enjoy the beach and eat Alcapurrias Highlights: *Variety of fillings *Empanadas *Alcapurrias Review: The name does this spot justice, Pa Pical means to munch on. The Alcapurrias come in a variety of fillings and are fried fresh to order, pair that with a nice cold beer on a sunny day for a perfect combination. The Alcapurria was hot, crunchy, flaky and filled with a delicious ground beef mix. I can't wait to try the rest of their fillings and empanadas. Rating: 8/10 Alcapurria de Carne

    Keith E.

    Pricey for the amount of food you receive but the empanadas are delicious. Drinks are good and priced fairly during happy hour. Very laid back, can sit by the bar or inside around the corner where it's more quiet if preferred. Waitresses were very attentive and polite.

    Beer
    Deborah T.

    So you are hanging out in Isla Verde area or you are leaving the beach and need a laid back pit stop to eat some delicious empanadas.. search no more. Pa pical has the best empanadas in the area period. We have been there way more times than I want to admit and it never disappoints. We have tried all of them, well almost all of them we did not try the vegan ones but if you are a vegan you will be happy to know they have at least 4 options. Camarones: Shrimp Jueyes: local crab Are a most try! Also if you like spicy food they have and sell the spiciest sauce we have found on the island. We had the special fries with ground meat and cheese and it was ok,. They offer a great selection of local beer. Service is prompt and accommodating. Check it out

    Everyone writes on everything
    Adele P.

    We tried to go to another business down the street but they had a 2-hour wait, and when we were walking back to our apartment we passed this place and they had no wait. We both ordered ham, egg, and cheese sandwiches with coffee. After waiting more than half an hour, despite the fact that only one other couple was in there, we were given the wrong sandwiches. The bread was very well toasted with the cheese inside was not melted well. All in all it was okay, but the wait was not worth it.

    Meghna S.

    One of the cutest, rugged looking and fun small restaurant in the city. The entire place has a rough look and walls filled with graffitis that adds to the charm. The place is small and it is order at the counter. We bought a bottle of champagne with orange juice to make our own mimosas. This place has amazing empanadas; pulpo empanadas is my favorite here. Chicken empanadas were equally delicious. Just the ambience, the mimosas, the service, the music, the vibe. It is a superb place that one must try.

    Sorullitos, empanadas with meat & cheese, empanadas with Guava & cheese, passionfruit (parcha) margarita

    Better than Pinones! Food was freshly made, served piping hot and delicious! Empanadas with meat and cheese, fried corn sticks (sorullitos) with cheese and empanadas with guava & cheese. Don't be put off by the graffiti on the walls, this place is great!

    Passionfruit juice
    Sarah P.

    Delicious tostones, fries, and empanadillas! I'd go back anytime. It was definitely more of a snack place than a meal place. The juice was super tasty too!!

    Beer & Marg (get Tajin NOT SALT)

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    3 years ago

    Got into pr late and needed to eat food was great very casual atmosphere almost bar like- had fish tacos can't go wrong

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    4 years ago

    Excelente lugar, con excelente ambiente y buenos precios también. Lo máximo de ellos es que están abiertos hasta tarde.

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    2 years ago

    They have really good empanadas. The service was amazing and there was a nice evening vibe.

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    5 years ago

    Got the soft beef tacos, and let me tell ya, incredible. If you are in this area and are looking for tacos this is the place.

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    5 years ago

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    4 years ago

    So yummy! The employees are kind. This is a great local spot for Puerto Rican fritura.

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    4 years ago

    Food was so good and servers were kind. Cool place but make sure to check your cans for bugs on top of them

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    5 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    5 years ago

    The food and service is excellent, the servers are friendly and honest. My girlfriend forgot her purse and they secured it until we returned

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    4 years ago

    This place is walking distance from our Airbnb and it has such a great atmosphere and great empanadas, drinks!! Must try!

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    6 years ago

    This is a hangout spot in my neighborhood always opened and always fun! The tacos are delish

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    5 years ago

    This spot is BOMB AF!!! All the pastellitos we ordered were so good (beef and cheese, pizza, pepperoni)!! Highly recommend!

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    7 years ago

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    Page 2 of 3

    Review Highlights - Pa Pical

    Empanadas with meat and cheese, fried corn sticks (sorullitos) with cheese and empanadas with guava & cheese.

    Mentioned in 26 reviews

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    La Cueva del Mar - Mofongo with Ropa Vieja

    La Cueva del Mar

    4.4(532 reviews)
    2.4 km
    $$

    If you're looking for the best asopao on the island... your search stops here…read more I've never had something like this before. The flavor was ridiculous in the best way possible, the shrimp was perfectly cooked, and the tostones were notably fresh. 10/10- you MUST go. Out of all of the gumbo variations I've had from countless regions, Puerto Rico's is my favorite. Particularly from La Cueva Del Mar. Our server, Nicole, was an angel. She is SO SWEET. She made the experience even better!!! It was packed and very loud at 7pm on a Thursday, which is a nonissue for me, but if your party prefers a quiet meal, be mindful of timing.

    The good: Convenient location, valet parking, lively but not overwhelming environment, good music,…read moreand good drinks which is a plus. Food is usually good. The Meh: I liked this Cueva del mar in calle loiza but this experience was subpar. Prior to even ordering, I asked if their famous fish tacos would have the same coleslaw with their special sauce intermixed like it's been since 2007, but in recent visit on Dec 2025 was not the same. He stated he understood. When it arrived, the cole slaw was dry, not the same famous fish tacos i've been used to for years unfortunately. It was unnecessary for the waiter (male in his 50s with black ivy cap) to insist to try to prove me wrong stating that "it's always been this way and i've worked here for 15 years" when my mother and i have had these fish tacos since it opened originally in guaynabo circa ~2007. Mind you, i am bilingual and overheard the waiter talking to the kitchen. Their solution was to bring sauce on the side. My partner ate 1 fish taco, I ate none. When we left the establishment, the waiter went outside to stop my fiance. The waiter never approached me to apologize directly por el mal rato. I also found it extremely distasteful to have to overhear an employee (brunette) on her break (or otherwise) with her foul language near our toddler. We'll just have to stick to another location that treats customers better.

    Photos
    La Cueva del Mar - Inside

    Inside

    La Cueva del Mar - Fish tacos & Sangria

    Fish tacos & Sangria

    La Cueva del Mar - The bar area

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    The bar area

    Manzana de Java - Gelato de Galangal  Cheese flan

    Manzana de Java

    4.6(14 reviews)
    2.4 km

    Located at the edge of a residential area, parking on the street if you can find it. There are 3…read moreseatings and we had an early one. We arrived a little early so we walked around a little beforehand then sat on the bench in front until they were ready. The space is narrow. A row of tables on the right, steep stairs in the back to an intimate space for 6 people, a tiny kitchen in the back where all the magic happens. We ordered 11 dishes for 4 of us to share. The tostanos, the ceviche, I enjoyed it all. The waitstaff were friendly and accommodating. Most fascinating was the wall hanging along the right side. It was waving the entire time. Of course we asked about it, and we were told that there is no fan blowing behind it. The waving tapestry was caused by a suction from the kitchen.

    Very small and cozy spot in San Juan, praised by many. Definitely make a reservation as there is…read morenot a lot of seating but it is quite popular!! This was my first meal in Puerto Rico and basically my introduction to Puerto Rican cuisine. They offer a twist on classic dishes, which kind of threw us off but I still enjoyed most of the dishes! I really liked the asopao, empanadas, tostones, and the guanime (dessert). The other dishes were good as well, but a bit on the salty side, which I'm just not used to. The only thing I didn't like was the alcapurria, which I think you can get better ones elsewhere, but it was definitely worth trying. We got complimentary ice cream beans which was nice because I love trying exotic fruits! And the rocio de miel is a great cocktail if you're like me and you like sweeter, lighter drinks. Our server was very attentive and patient, explaining the menu to us since we hadn't tried most things before. It was a very nice experience and great introduction to Puerto Rican cuisine!

    Photos
    Manzana de Java - Bar and food prep area

    Bar and food prep area

    Manzana de Java - Seafood cocktail  Ceviche

    Seafood cocktail Ceviche

    Manzana de Java

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    Vianda - BARQUILLITAS DE ZANAHORIA - CARROT RILLETE, CROUSTADE

    Vianda

    4.8(162 reviews)
    3.7 km
    $$

    Highest culinary quality meal of our visit to Puerto Rico in a lowkey atmosphere. 4.75 stars…read more Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 4 Cost to worth it rating: 3 Opentableable: no but Resy Return worthiness: yes Eve award: best shrimp toast Highlights: - Fried chicken: so perfect crispy outside without being greasy and tender and juicy inside which is any fried chicken dream state. Warning: sauce was insanely spicy even trying a dab though. 5 stars - Shrimp toast: perfection. Crispy exterior on top and bits of shrimp naturally fused together. So SO good. 5 stars - Chocolate cake with mousse and ice cream w peanuts. 4.5 stars - Steak: top quality meat. 4.25 stars - Chorizo croquettes crispy balls of goodness packed with flavors. 4.25 stars - Snitzel: well cooked. 4 stars - Waitress: Natalia was excellent. Was willing to put sauces on the side for my son. Bonus for her warning us about spicy habanero sauce on chicken to get it on the side even for the adults. - Stellar cocktails: coconut water ice cube in one was delightful - Wine wonderful quality and unique versions by the glass - Atmosphere: dining room simple and clean approachable with art on the walls Midlights: - Pork belly: significant portions with several slices and a crispy skin layer, but was hoping for more Thai peanut sauce action. 3.25 stars - Mofongo: flavors were fine but was expecting more prominent meat and mofongo separation. Appreciated the greens to cut the richness. 3 stars Lowlights: - Curious with the sauce with the chicken being known to be insanely hot why they might not mellow it out a bit or serve it naturally on the side

    Vianda was our "splurge" meal of the trip, and it absolutely felt like it. The atmosphere is calm,…read morequiet, and classy, so I'd suggest business casual or smart casual attire. If you're staying in Condado, I'd probably just grab an Uber rather than make the walk. The service was exceptional from start to finish, and reservations are definitely recommended. This was honestly one of the calmest, most relaxing restaurant experiences I've had in a very long time. Because of that, I probably wouldn't bring kids unless they're exceptionally well behaved. It's just not that kind of restaurant, and I'd hate to be the one disrupting the atmosphere everyone else came to enjoy. The clarified espresso martini was as visually intriguing (it's completely clear) as it was delicious and smooth. The fried chicken and pork belly were both outstanding, and I'd happily order either one again. Overall, if you're looking to splurge on one memorable meal in San Juan, Vianda would be high on my list.

    Photos
    Vianda - Beets salad and sautéed pumpkin

    Beets salad and sautéed pumpkin

    Vianda - REPOLLO AL CARBÓN - FRIED ECG SAUCE, WALNUT SOFRITO, CRISPY GARLIC

    REPOLLO AL CARBÓN - FRIED ECG SAUCE, WALNUT SOFRITO, CRISPY GARLIC

    Vianda - Beans

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    Beans

    La Alcapurria Quemá - Alcapurria

    La Alcapurria Quemá

    4.5(172 reviews)
    3.8 km
    $$

    Look, were we at an alcapurria spot ordering pastelillos? Yes. Do we regret it? Absolutely not…read more We got one each of vegetariano, cebolla y queso, pollo, and guayaba con queso. The vegetariano was mid, but the other three? No complaints. But honestly, the food is only part of the story here. The vibe is everything. Salsa playing, high energy, warm service. We rolled in late and hungry, looking for sweet refuge from La Placita crowds, and they welcomed us like we belonged there. The music started out mixed, but at some point it shifted to Contra La Corriente front to back. We were enjoying our pastelillos, singing along to No Me Conoces, minding our own business when... el apagón. Not the whole Placita, just a couple spots including this one. The staff didn't miss a beat. Flashlights came out, mood lighting appeared, and nobody rushed us. We finished our food. We paid. We left happy. 5 stars because some experiences are bigger than the sum of their parts. This was one of them.

    This is not a polished, Instagram-perfect restaurant and that's exactly the point. That's why I…read morelove it so much. Tucked inside La Placita de Santurce, its a small, casual, almost hidden spot that's usually packed with locals. Think plastic chairs, outdoor tables, music playing and a constant flow of people coming in for a quick bite or drink. Feels more like a neighborhood hangout than a restaurant. I've been coming here for years and this is what I've learned, take it from a local. For a quick bite, alcapurrias are a MUST -- especially beef or crab. Also the "pastelillos" are amazing-- corn beef, chorizo, morcilla... Everything freshly made to order. Now, if you want to sit down and enjoy an authentic Puerto Rican meal, here are some of my favorites: chuletas fritas, chicharrones de pollo, bistec encebollado and carne frita-- of course with a side of rice and beans or tostones for the win. Bottom line: you come here for flavor and authenticity, not comfort. Enjoy

    Photos
    La Alcapurria Quemá - The name of the place !!!

    The name of the place !!!

    La Alcapurria Quemá - Empanadas

    Empanadas

    La Alcapurria Quemá - Alvapurria - corned beef

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    Alvapurria - corned beef

    Pa Pical - puertorican - Updated September 2026

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