Amazing! Great food and prices! You can view the beach while sippin on the most succulent drink from the bar.

Lots of places to eat, live music and natives. There was also a beach but it seemed to rocky to swim in. I mostly came for the Pinchoa because they're delicious. Be careful coming at night because of the bugs... Mosquitos to be exact. The bar tender had bug repellant and was spraying people down. It's a cool atmosphere to come and see where the natives hang out. read more

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Yelp 100 Challenge 2017: 15/100 Piñones is a "barrio" (neighborhood) about 10-15 minutes away from the SJU International Airport. It's takes up part of two cities, Carolina and Loiza. Piñones is know for being the best "local flavor" to get the best fried or grilled "anything" in the Metropolitan area. If you have heard of Puerto Rican "bacalaitos (fried codfish mix), alcapurrias (stuffed friend plantains), pinchos" (shish kabobs) and great inexpensive cocktails in a fun environment, you need to go to Piñones. This area is known for being on the coast, with several popular and isolated beaches, more than 100 food kiosks and several restaurants and a great place to party or just chill. Grab a "bacalaito" with a cooled fresh coconut to sip on before or after visiting one of the local beaches...Dance "salsa" while enjoying the sea breeze. Whatever you do, make sure you grabe something to eat. My family has developed a tradition of always stopping in Piñones when picking somebody up at the airport... I always expect to visit this place and grab some grub. If you like fried and/or grilled food, I promise you won't regret it. You should know Piñones is well known for their street kiosks, great food, perfect location (surrounded by at least 5 beaches) and great, sometimes live music for guests to enjoy... Also, most restaurants and kiosks have a full bar and cocktails are inexpensive. Finally, if going during the weekend, try to make it there before 11:30am, since this is frequented location by many locals. read more

If you want authentic Puerto Rican food this is where you need to go! you get to experience the food and culture, plus the amazing views. The food is prepared right in front of you, there's a bunch of different little restaurants to choose from. My favorite place to go eat, definitely a must try. read more

Piñones - Local Flavor Near Me - Loíza, Puerto Rico

Gorgeous views, authentic food. Such a great part of PR. Definitely cannot wait to go back. read more

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Getting out here without a car and no idea where we were going to get bike rentals was a nightmare. We came so close to heading back to Condado, but are so glad we pushed ahead. Pinones was a highlight of our Puerto Rico vacation. We hope the following post is helpful for the tourist without a car: How to get there: If you are staying at a hotel, ask the valet to hail you a taxi and tell the cab driver to go to Pinones. Most cabs, thanks to the awful traffic to get there, aren't going to want to take you and using the valet to strong arm them into it is super helpful. Agree on a price before you get there! The ride should set you back about $30 coming from Condado, less if you are in Isla Verde, more in you are in Old San Juan. We read online that you could take a bus there for $0.75, but we got a late start to the day and wanted to get there ASAP to bike before sunset and were unsure about how long the bus would take. Once there: As soon as you get there, there's a bike rental place on the south side of the highway. It's the only one we saw there and it's a large wooden barn type structure. Be warned, have some Spanish or pantomime skills ready as the staff does not speak English, but were really friendly. Also, bring lots of cash, the rental is cash only and most food places as well as the cab ride are cash only. My Spanglish got us through getting a tandem bike rental which was $12 for the first hour and then $10 each additional hour, a cheaper option than 2 separate bikes since we were low on cash. Regular bikes are $8 each for the first hour and then $6 more each hour after. With no major stops, the entire path (6 miles round trip) takes about 2 hours with breaks and photo ops. We would recommend renting the bike 3 hours to take a break at one of the many beaches you will pass. The path is also beautiful to walk, but definitely bring bug spray!! The path and Pinones: You will bike or walk through multiple amazing ecosystems ranging from beach to high grasses to pine forest and palm forest. It's an easy, relatively flat path that alternates between pavement and board walk with incredible vistas. The beaches along the path are great for swimming and relaxing as they are protected by rock reefs that decrease the waves and are preferable if you have young children. After your hike or bike ride, there are numerous kioskos and restaurants to grab a bite at. We found one right on the beach that took Visa so while waiting for our cab we grabbed a few Medallas and a shrimp mofongo that was the best we had in PR. Getting back: Have some cab numbers on hand! Like previously stated, the cabs are not fans of driving out here so it may take a few calls before they will come get you. We offered $30 to get back and with the help of a restaurant employee calling a friend, we were able to return to Condado with minimal headache. We hope this advice makes for a 5 star trip for you and the headaches we endured are avoided! read more

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I had the night of my life in Piñones!!! We got there quite late, so much of the revelry was gone. Just some locals hanging out with music an beer. I forgot the name of the place we went to, but if I recall, it was the first kiosk on the left after coming over the bridge (coming off rt 26). Get mofongo! And lots of it!! Ask for your mofongo with "criollo"/creole sauce. The authentic way. We got fed, drunk off Medallas (the local beer), and danced to bachata under the stars! I also got ate up by mosquitoes so bring your spray! Next time, this is going to be our first stop when we land! read more

This place is dead in the daytime, the waves are too dangerous for amateur surfers, and the sand fleas (or noseaums -- sp?) are atrocious. I got bitten, found out I was allergic, and was hobbled for at least five days. I will NEVER come back. read more

There is a whole string of kiosks in this area. They serve all kinds of different fruits and foods. Unfortunately, I think they are more catered to later in the day. We came by around lunch time and a lot of them were still closed. It's a neat little area, and seems like it might be a lot of fun at night. read more

If you'd like to try some of the traditional "frituras", or fried foods, of Puerto Rico... this is definitely a place to check out. The drive from San Juan is less than 30 minutes... depending on traffic. There is the beach where you can park for $3.00 and buy food from the kiosks right on the beach. If you don't feel like going to the beach and/or paying parking, then drive past the beach and just over a little bridge and that's where you'll find and entire little town of kiosks. Most will have a space for a few cars to park next to them. You will also find fresh coconuts here where they will chop off the top for you and pop in a straw. The only unfortunate thing was that we tried going back a second day and the road was so congested before the bridge that we had to make a u-turn and head back. I think it might have been a holiday and apparently everyone else had the same craving that I did. Bummer! Can't wait to go back! read more

Pinones should be a must go to destination for more tourists when in Puerto Rico. You would need to take a car to get here or maybe even a cab but it is worth the ride. The food is stellar. It is a great after beach spot to get a quick bite to eat. Its cheap too!!! One spot I particularly liked was not one of the 'food stands' but a restaurant just up the hill when you first enter called Rogers. I had the best alcapurrias I have ever eaten at Rogers. I also had the fried Marlin, which was UNREAL! SOO tasty, I never had marlin before and was very happy with my meal. The food stands are also fantastic. Fried food galore! So yummy. I highly suggest hitting up Pinones for a bite to eat, especially if you are staying in Isla Verde, as its just up the road a ways. read more

Unfortunately Monday is not the best time to go to this town with these food shacks. It is true the beach is pristine and beautiful. But the stalls with the food were hit and miss on this Monday. Also important to note the bathrooms are few and far between. At first glance as you come in on the road out of Carolina into piñones in route to Loiza you are struck with how much it's sort of looks like a shantytown. These shacks have open barbecue pits and they line the street on both sides. The kiosks are decorated with flags, graffiti art, pictures of local beers and other kinds of Spanish cuisine plastered on to the sides of these wooden sheds. Just a typical tropical Community hugging the northern coast of Puerto Rico and the Atlantic Ocean. I heard that on the weekends this place is jumping with "locals". I would love to have felt that and seen that. It must be a spectacle in deed with throngs of families eating good food , listening to great music in the most beautiful tropical Caribbean setting. I could see it now with lights adorning each of the shacks and the smells of all the food wafting in the air and carried in the breeze. But sadly that was not so this noon time on this Monday. So I will try for another time and I will not be alone, I will come with my peeps and we will party down. I only hope that between now and then we can get a few very nice bathrooms put in place. read more

Came here to chill on the beach and kick back...stopped by the kiosks got a fresh coco which was chilled and cold and got some shrimp and crab emapandas and then took my beach chair to the beach and just chilled and enjoyed the ocean breeze and sound of the waves. This is a must go for me every time I am in PR. read more

Piñones is great choice for vacation Day 1 in Puerto Rico. It really gives you that authentic feeling of being in Puerto Rico, and snaps you into your senses that you are in the Caribbean enjoying some of the best local fare you will have the entirety of your trip. Almost all of the kiosks are sea side and offer a range of Puerto Rican favorites such as alcapuria, papa rellenas, pinchos and cocktails. There are a lot of homeless dogs hanging around a lot of which are sick, but sadly you will see that all over P.R. as it is the "Norm" over there. The only thing I would suggest would be to make sure you get a receipt and triple check it before paying. The one trending downside to PR is that there always seems to be an error on the bills, and lets just say that the error is never in the customers favor. read more

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Went there on a weekday so it was pretty quiet. Catch the 45 in front of the cockfighting arena. $0.75 exact change. Make sure to ask the driver if he is going towards Pinones. Buses come by every 30 mins or so but it is no guaranty. We shared a cab with someone else at the bus stop who was tired of waiting $15. The cab dropped us off just after the bridge. Went to 2 stalls Guayane and Donde Olga or something like that. They were ok. Prefer the stall at the Santurce market but I didn't get to go there this trip. There was also a free Carolina bus that runs from the Carolina Beach (before Pinones) to Isla Verde. It says Carolina SITRA or something instead of the regular dtop ones. Much better to drive so you can see who is frying up fresh stuff. I believe there is another beach past these stalls closer to the Pinones mangrove park where there are real kiosks most with no seats. Maybe those are better. read more

I'm a relocated local. :-) I moved to the continental U.S. 4 years ago. What you've read is true: it's very local, beachy, casual, no dress code for the kioskos or food stands. And the food is awesome! A must do for sure! Grab your flip-flops and head out. -----------------------------------Ahora en Puertorro----------------------------------- Alguna gente podrá decir que no es fino y lo que sea, pero la realidad del asunto es que se come bueno de verdad en Piñones. Y lo bueno es que si acabaste un día de playa, no tienes que siquiera sacudirte la arena del traje de baño, y ya estás senta'o comiendo ¡mariscos, nada más y nada menos! "Caché" at its best! :-D read more

Excellent representation of authentic Puerto Rican home cooking or street food. Kiosks, shops and stands are well priced and eager to satisfy. Ordered three items for lunch for $6 and completely satisfied two. Would suggest avoiding the restaurants in the area, as in my opinion, they are overpriced for the same, or lesser quality items. This area is worthy of a day or half day trip at the least. read more

Excellent spot for authentic PR food! Can get busy so be prepared for a bit of a wait. Right next to ocean so view is spectacular!! Highly recommend if you are in town. read more

Absolutely love this area of Puerto Rico! It is definitely a locals' area and there are tons of options for cheap drinks and food. The buildings are humble and there is some trash along the roads/beaches - BUT - this part of PR should be experienced by everyone who visits. We spent a wonderful afternoon hopping from one place to the next - trying all the local grub and tasty beverages. The staff at all the restaurants were extremely friendly, despite our language barrier. My suggestion is to have the phone number of a local cab company/driver, so that you can call for pick-up when you are done. (We didn't see any cabs in the area - due to it being off the beaten path for tourists) LOVE IT! read more

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Long story short....Pinones is close to San Juan so it is really easy to get to. It is full of restaurants, kioskos, shops, music....basically its a great place to hand out during a day trip. The view is beautiful, the beach is swimable, and the ambiance is fun. Make a day trip of it and gord yourself with fried food and more fried food. read more

If you are searching for authenic Puerto Rican food, this is the place to go. Nestled along the beach, open air food kiosks and some larger traditional restaurants are cooking up the best of fried everything, and delicious sea food. This location is only 15 minutes away from the Condado area, and is close to the airport. On a sunny day, hang out at the beach, and grab some good food, and enjoy your day. You will appreciate the experience. read more

My favorite place in Pinones is Puerta Del Mar.Great service and awesome food. Everything on the menu is reasonably priced and drinks are amazing too.Great place for locals and tourists . read more

I went during the weekday a few times and it's peaceful and amazing. Grabbed a whole lot of food from the kiosks and an​ agua coco and took it across the street to the beach. This place was my heaven read more

A lot of locals told us to visit this place and I'm glad they did! When traveling I like to experience what the people that live there enjoy! My wife and I visited the shops and then had an awesome seafood lunch! If you're in vacation give this place a shot! read more

Awesome beautiful place, es mi pedazo de cielo, como extrano mi isla... There is nothing like home... love it

Ok so I'm giving this 4 stars because of the trash washing up on the beach and the glass in the sand. Putting that aside, this is where the locals go! We had a blast and we ate and drank all day long. We took a cab from old San Juan and paid $40 each way. We had a group of four so it wasn't bad. There are so many bars and food vendors that the choices were endless. We ate at Soleil and the prices were awesome but the churasco was so tender and delicious. Our tab came to 110 for three meals and too many drinks to even mention. Great prices! Keep in mind there are rocks in the water so if you want to swim it probably won't happen here. People come here to eat, drink, chill and have fun. read more

Great spot recommend by the locals. Amazing food, lots of shops, all along the beach!

Went to Pinones twice while in Puerto Rico.. Loved it both times! one night we had Garlic Shrimp and fried fish with tostones and mofongo and the other night we enjoyed random stuff.. Empanadas, bacalaitos, pinchos... Wow! Def will go again! and again! and again! Lol! read more

The best and cheapest food ever!!! Go to Donde Olga best pulpo salad and alcapurrias!!!

We visited Pinones one evening for dinner at a kiosk. It was quite a unique experience. There is a nice boardwalk along the beach and several bars and restaurants along the road. We stopped by the one with the most people as there were several stands that were fairly empty. We tried the mofrongo (beef and crab) as well as the grilled chicken skewers and Medalla beer. All was delicious. My wife felt a little out of her element, as it was very apparent that we were not from PR and we were one of the few tourists in the area. We had no issues though. It was a neat experience of local food and culture. I would have liked to stop by during the day and ride bikes along the boardwalk. Next time! read more

A MUST GO WHEN VISITING PUERTO RICO. fresh mofongos and bbq chicken skewers. on the beach. can't beat that! alright, the truth is, it's a little shady - a small two-lane road, random horses walking along the side, basura-filled path, and GASOLINA PARTY IN A POUCH signs everywhere... but if you go during the day, it's totally safe and well worth the trip. just go to a shack where you see a throng of locals flock to, and you'll be all set! read more

Pinones food is definitely better than Luquillos. The issue is that all of the kiosks are spread apart (except for one area that we stumbled upon). The waters are even more clear and beautiful than Luquillo so go if you have a chance! read more

Great beaches, beautiful boardwalk to hike or bike on and get food shacks. Get away from the other gringos and experience Puerto Rico with the locals. read more

Beautiful & magnificent place! Highly recommended especially eating at one of the food kiosks they had along the rode side. The beach is nice and full of tiny sea creatures swimming around in between the rocks on the side. read more

The entrance to Piñones is as far into the town as I've gotten. But, this is a nice stop before driving further to the west side of the island. We've made it a tradition to make this our 1st stop right out of the airport. Fresh fruit smoothies "frappes", chicken pinchos, empanadillas de carne, a cold beer, or any of the fried snacks you can order with either fish, chicken, or beef. Friendly people. read more

What can you say the beaches are beautiful and the array of seafood restaurants is outstanding. My husband and I visit Pinones every time we are in PR. read more

First - do not put this address into your GPS, it will bring you to a small farm. This is NOT a farmers market. It is a board walk with lots of local restaurants along the beach. Second, this is a highly underrated activity. It is just outside of San Juan. We rented bikes and biked along the trail. Be sure to stop for coco frio and pinchos along the way. The views along this board walk are amazing. read more

This is 1 of my favorite ghetto places in San Juan. My husband and I pack a cooler of beer, purchase authentic PR fried foods, head over to one of the calm beaches -- we eat like kings, drink like fish and wake in the water with no worries man. This is what I call paradise. Piñones I love. read more

The drinks are very cheap here. The fried food is excellent especially the alcapurrias. The prices are decent for the fried food in the other hand main meals are a little pricier than other places in the island. The mofongo with shrimp and steak taste excellent but had way too much oil. read more

I LOVE this place!! It is a great area to swim, there's a rock formation that causes a natural tide pool and it's typically really warm and little to no waves. It's kind of on the shallow side 5 feet at the deepest end so it's a great place to bring children. You can walk along the rock formation and find all kinds of sea creatures. there's a slope to get into the water so it may be tough for disabled or older individuals. There is parking. The kiosks that line Pinones are fabulous places to stop and sample local cuisine!! The food is cheap and delicious!!!The only reason this place doesn't get 5 stars is because like much of Puerto Rico the land and the animals aren't cared for properly. It is truly sad to see trash overflowing or strewn about the beach and to see these satos (the street dogs) wandering around looking for food , it breaks my heart!! anyone who visits the island must be sure to leave it better than they found it!!! Pick up a few pieces of trash!!!!! It can be sketchy at night and just like in any city you should use common sense about your valuables. But we've been coming for years and have never had any issues! read more