It is no secret that I love food. A good meal and nice drink can make me a very happy girl. Luckily, San Juan is full of great restaurants. I’ve mentioned a few great spots in previous posts, but I’d like to note a few more fantastic meals.
Cute, clean interior
I found this bistro through Yelp. I was actually looking for The Mezzanine, its sister bar/restaurant, but came to this door first. The interior is charming, with high, beamed ceilings, clean white walls, and classic paintings. Modern chandeliers, a carousel horse, and jazz music add extra character. The menu had a lot of delicious options, but I went for a Grand Mimosa, a traditional mimosa with a splash of Grand Marnier, and a chicken-pesto sandwich. The sandwich was served on a pita with vibrantly red cherry tomatoes and a light side salad. The pesto was made with flavorful basil, and the vegetables were the freshest I’ve had in months! It was a simple meal, but incredibly satisfying.
Delicious lunch
Love the style
Charming seats in the window
I first went to the Mezzanine with my parents for pre-barding cocktails. I had a delicious cocktail called a Peridot, my dad had a Bloody Mary, and mom ordered a champagne cocktail. All of the drinks were delicious, but I think mine, made with gin, orange, basil, and gingerale was the best. The setting was so cozy, with mismatched paisley chairs, checkered floors, draped windows, and wooden moldings, and the drinks were so great, that I promised the sweet waitress I would return. True to my word, I went back twice! The first time I took a group of cast members for my birthday brunch. I splurged on the bottomless brunch, including two tapas dishes and unlimited mimosas. I opted for the ginger mimosa, made with ginger beer, and ordered albondigas—sweet and tangy meatballs, and banana bread French toast. On my next visit with a friend from Texas, I had passion fruit mimosas, a sort of egg pizza, and the albondigas. We were the only guests at the time, so the chef also treated us to bruschetta with a raspberry infused vinaigrette. All of the food was incredible, and the staff was always warm and inviting.
Fantastic drinks
So much yummy food!
I’ve written about the modern Mexican cuisine at La Madre before, but have to mention it again! I went there recently with one of my best friends from the cast, and tried the white sangria. It was so good! It had a distinct mango flavor, but was not too sweet. For my meal, I order Las Migas. The eggs scrambled with chorizo and chopped up tortilla were delicious on their own, but the sides of guacamole, pico de gallo, and black beans made them even better. If I could’ve, I would’ve licked my plate! I have not yet ordered the French toast, but plan to if I have the opportunity to return.
I’m looking forward to another few meals in San Juan! It’s been a wonderful turnaround port, and I will miss it greatly when I go home for vacation.
waltzing on water 