Best Cafes in San Juan, Puerto Rico
If there’s one thing I’ve learned while spending time in San Juan, it’s that this city knows how to do coffee! Whether you’re grabbing a quick cup before strolling through Old San Juan or looking for a cozy spot with strong Wi-Fi to get some work done, the San Juan metro area has plenty of amazing cafés.
All of these spots offer alternative milk options for anyone who is vegan, lactose intolerant or just doesn’t like leche de vaca and each one has its own unique vibe.
Café Colao
Right at the port in Viejo San Juan, Café Colao is perfect if you want to grab a coffee before wandering the colorful streets. It’s not really a sit-and-chill kind of place but more of a quick stop. The coffee is really good and they also have snacks like muffins and plantain chips.
Spiga Café
This spot is pastry heaven. Spiga Café has some of the most delicious pastries I’ve ever had alongside great coffee and actual meal options. The café is small and super popular so it fills up quickly. Go early if you want a seat or be prepared to grab your treats and find your own little corner nearby to enjoy them.
Finca Cialitos
My absolute favorite café in Viejo San Juan. The vibe here is cozy with plenty of seating and a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. The staff is incredibly kind and accommodating and the food is fresh and flavorful. Their coffee is grown on their own local farm and harvested weekly, which makes it extra special. They also serve delicious matcha and chai lattes which are just as good as their coffee. Finca Cialitos is an easy 100000 out of 10 recommendation.
El Coffee
Another solid spot in Viejo San Juan is El Coffee. It has a clean, minimalistic vibe. They serve croissants, cookies and matcha and they also offer Wi-Fi making it a nice place to sit down and work for a while.
787 Coffee
This is one of the best local cafés for working. 787 Coffee has multiple locations across the island and sources everything locally. The chocolate chip cookies are the best I’ve ever had and the Wi-Fi is always reliable. I’ve even uploaded long YouTube videos here without any issues. They have four different locations in San Juan so chances are you’ll find one nearby.
Gustos Café
If you want a rustic, cozy vibe with really good food, Gustos Café is a great choice. You can sit inside or outside and their coffee is just as good as their food.
Café con Che
Café con Che has multiple locations and is known for serving really good matcha with plenty of flavors to choose from (I swear i’m not a die hard matcha fan, i’ve only recently started to like it but somehow the cafes here that serve it do not miss). The atmosphere is minimalistic and it’s also a great place for breakfast if you want more than just coffee.
La Isla
This is one of my personal favorites in San Juan. La Isla has plenty of seating and a really cool atmosphere that encourages coworking. You can even buy a pass for long-term stays if you need a consistent workspace. The food is amazing and they offer good vegan options too. What makes it even more special is the apothecary store inside where you can find nuts, herbs, and other unique products.
Starbene
Located at the top of The Mall of San Juan, Starbene is the perfect stop if you’re pairing coffee with a little shopping. This café has tasty treats, great coffee and you guessed it…. good matcha. It’s also a nice spot for coworking though the Wi-Fi isn’t quite strong enough for uploading large files. I love working here and then wandering into the mall afterward for food or a quick shopping trip.
Habitante Café
This cozy café offers both indoor and outdoor seating and serves good food alongside excellent coffee. The space is on the smaller side but the Wi-Fi is very strong, making it one of the best options in San Juan if you need upload-quality internet for work!
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