Step in and immerse yourself in the rich flavors of comida criolla with all its traditional accompaniments from the folkloric skirts and shirts of the wait staff to the Puerto Rican music pumping through the rustic dining room (it has a countryside look, its walls hung with art by locals artists and artisans). If you're with a group, the mixed Puerto Rican appetizer platter is a great introduction to this cuisine: stuffed fried plantain fritters, codfish fritters, and assorted empanadas (turnovers) of beef, chicken, fish or shellfish. Don't pass up the plantain soup though; it's the embodiment of simple deliciousness as is the stuffed mofongo entrée (a garlicky plantain casserole filled with Creole chicken, shrimp, breaded pork, skirt steak, or mahi mahi). While prices are not cheap, the kitchen knows its stuff. Sure there's a level of show at this place, fueled by its location near the cruiseship docks. Raices started in Caguas, way off the beaten tourist path, however, and all its locations have a strong local following. Rest assured, the comida criolla here is the genuine article.
San Juan
Travel Guide
San Juan› Restaurant
Raíces
Calle Recinto Sur 315
Our Rating
Neighborhood
Old San Juan
Hours
Mon–Fri 11am–4pm and 6–11pm, Sat 11am–11pm, Sun noon–10pm
Transportation
Bus: Old City Trolley
Phone
787/289-2121
Prices
Main courses $10–$26
Cuisine Type
Puerto Rican
Other
Reservations not necessary
Map
Calle Recinto Sur 315 San JuanNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.