The 16 best spots for fried chicken in San Juan (2024)

My wife and I went here based on a friend’s recommendation and although my wife really enjoyed the red snapper my dish didn’t do much for me.After a couple days of eating heavy dishes I went with the basic chicken breast for something on the lighter side. My main problem was the lack of seasoning/flavor. It was just a simple grilled chicken breast with beans and white rice. The beans and plantains brought life to the dish fortunately but not enough for me to order this again

The Special Sampler is definitely a must-have. It offers 10 different items to try. Their dough is sweet, which makes the fried calamari and fried fish taste unusually delicious. The fried fish fillet is my favorite, super tender and not fishy at all.Paellas are their specialty. We ordered the one with meat, but it still had fried fish, shrimp, octopus and calamari in it, just like a supreme paella. The beef and pork were very juicy and tender. The fried plantain in this dish was similar to the ones at Chinese buffets, nicely caramelized. Highly recommend you ask the rice to be cooked soft.Though both the sampler appetizer and the paella said for two, they were enough to feed three to four people. At the birthplace of Piña Colada, we had to try the original recipe and it was phenomenal as well.

Let me preface this by saying Puerto Rico is not a foodie locale In my opinion. This was by far the best meal we have had in 6 days and we are eating at restaurants that have high regard here. You have to come between 6-6:15 to stand in line to get on the list for the same evening. Then you get a reservation for an hour or more later. The Paella Marinera was flavorful. The lobster overcooked. The whole fried snapper was over fried to the point of fish jerky. Nonetheless it’s the best meal we have had in PR so give them a 4. The service was good. Ambiance good too.

Best Pina colada I have ever had. It is so creamy and smooth. The bartenders seemed kinda wore out and had scowls on their faces. They did comment that it had been a very busy day! Worth waiting in line for. They have a to go option as well. Definitely visit and wait. I would go back! Side note the food looked amazing but we did not eat there.

The chicken and shrimp with mofongo was excellent!On to the not as great… the host stand was chaotic, and it seemed to set the tone for our entire experience. We sat at the bar for an hour, in an empty restaurant, waiting for a table. Bar service was more “high volume” energy than dine-in. Simple acknowledgement would have gone a long way.The piña colada was good! They claim to have made the first. I’m sure the story is fun.With little to no eye contact or conversation for almost 3 hours, we felt like more of a bother than guests here.

We were drawn to Barrachina for the luggage storage after a cruise. The stored our bags for free. We of course had to try one of their famous pina coladas , and it was delicious! Our friends tried the grouper and shrimp which they enjoyed a lot as well. The staff was friendly and efficient. Will definitely pay them another visit when we are back in Puerto Rico!

This place is definitely for “tourist”the food is bland no taste at all! We came for the red snapper and we all wanted the 24oz but they didn’t have neither 20oz or 24oz, and the only size they had was 32oz. We all got played because we had to get the bigger size, a bigger bill and fish had no taste for that price! The beans were good and had flavor and that’s it! We put salt, pepper and squeezed lime on our snapper and still no taste just fish! It was fresh and cooked correctly but no seasoning no nothing! For the place who invented the Pina colada it was lacking. Pina colada is not strong at all, it’s sweet and watery! The Long Island iced was missing the liquor even though the drink is made of 5 liquors it self! We definitely didn’t finish it all our food and took it back home to put some seasoning, sazon, everything to get the snapper to have flavor, which we did! But I shouldn’t have to go to a restaurant to order food I would have to season it later on at home! Go there to say you been there but that place is a no go after the first time!

One of the best dishes we had in San Juan. The food is delicious. Prices are a little bit cheaper than in the rest of the town. Staff is very polite and helpful. We waited 1h to receive a table. It's better to make a reservation before due to the high demand. I definitely recommend it.

We came in and hosted said it was hour wait. We waited 40 minutes and was seated. I didn’t understand because there were empty tables everywhere but they didn’t have a lot of servers. I don’t drink Pina Colada’s but mine was good. The service was great and my first time trying Puerto Rican food, but I enjoyed it.

Creole sauce on the grouper was perfect. Being from New Orleans where creole food rules, I was hesitant to order this based on a review I read. It was delicious, not too overpowering with the tomato base. The spices and seasoning made this dish. The beans were delicious as well. My husband ordered the steak medium well, but came to him a little pinkish red.Service was also good.We noticed it’s a small place, where you sign up for a time and they call you when your table is ready.

Wait.. the original place that created the Pina Colada... Yup .. so worth it.. we arrived when they opened and the server let us into the bar area to have a drink first.So imagine the first Pina colada to touch your lips... yum... so good...Enjoy!

They had a little chain at the entrance and that threw me off. But the greeter was doing his job well. Gave us seats that kept my auntie not too AC chilled. The servers were great! Older gentleman, he was warm ! And the young lady was just the sweetest. Service was tight. My plantains and one of the girls food could have been warmer. The design was beautiful.

A bit of a wait, to be expected at the alleged home of the piña colada. Staff was great sd the drinks came out quickly. The piña colada was outSTANDING.We ordered the sampler for two and the mega sampler for our other friends. Then we ordered a seafood mofongo. Get the sampler OR an entree; either will be enough. Both are too much. Food was definitely good though :-)

The food was ok. The sampler was amazing!!! The chicken tenders were on point! So juicy and made to perfection… everything else was just ok… i got to try Mofongo finally- for $22 I will say it was a huge disappointment!! Thank God my wife got a dish we both could eat out of. Might be back in the future but we’ll see. More places to try

What can I say? We enjoyed dinner to the fullest, starting with a diverse appetizer called the special sampler and delighting our palates with the mixed paella—what an explosion of flavors. One of the best places to eat in Old San Juan.

Just another overrated place , while this might be the birth place of piña colada , it’s certainly isn’t worth all the effort of waiting an hour plus for the table . Don’t get me wrong the drink was differently delicious in its own way but just not a perfect modern pina colada ( somethings should just remain in the past ). The food well it’s digestible.. full stop . The service… let’s just say it’s like you’re begging them to serve you .

I must say it took me several attempts to get a table at this restaurant. Worth every minute and penny. Beautiful outdoor and indoor seating . Great service and the food was amazing. FYI it's where the Pina Colada was invented. Best times to get a table is between 12pm and 3pm.

The birthplace of Pina Colada.It's popular place so expect long wait during meal time. Or you can order PC to go as well.Great service, PC tasted pretty good.Kan Kan Pork is bigger than the first one we had and cheaper as well. Tasted crispy outside and juicy inside. The sampler plate with all the fried goodies gave you many taste of PR cooking. The fried fish was also delicious, a must have if you have the room.

The piña colada’s are phenomenal. I’m not generally a fan but wanted to try one at this iconic birthplace of the sweet frosty libation. Delicious. Service was great and the atmosphere is classic. We sat outside and the whole patio vibes great energy. The sampler appetizer was really good, lots of food to share & nice variety. Our dinner entrees were good but not really anything outstanding. My snapper was a bit dry as was the salmon. The boys loved the mahi-mahi. Overall a fabulous experience for our first dinner out in Puerto Rico.

I didn't eat, but I gave their Pina Colada's 5☆'s. Great customer service and THE BEST, strongest, and most addictive drink I've ever had in my life! Now, it's not for everyone. If you don't like sweet drinks, it's not for you. But it was so hot in San Juan that after walking (via taxi) from the top from Castillo San Felipe del Morro down to the shopping district, we just had to try this world famous Pina Colada. Please don't change the locks on your doors, I will be back! 🤣... So, if you're ever in San Juan, please give Barrachina a go! The food looked excellent, by the way. Walkable from the cruise port.

The Pina coladas were amazing. Fresh and delicious. However, this is probably some of the worst service I have ever seen. Bartenders had people waiting for ToGo drinks and just ignored them and bar customers. People waited up to 25 minutes just to be served.We sat at the bar and it took over 20 minutes for us to get a drink....a refill longer. The female bartender had a terrible attitude and I watched her put her finger up and "Shhh" someone asking a question about the price of the drink she just bought.The building is huge and has a cool vibe. The food was ok. We got chicken wings that were more breading than chicken and not cooked enough. The appetizer platter wasn't anything amazing and pretty much bland fried food.It was a nice to see and say we had a Pina colado from the place they were created...and we will get them somewhere else from now on.

My wife and I were just walking around and happened among Barrachina. The food was excellent as well as the customer service. The Pina Colada was the best we have had since being in Puerto Rico.

This was the best meal we had in Puerto Rico! We took Old San Juan’s free walking tour, and our tour guide told us to try this place. My boyfriend got the whole fried red snapper and it was AMAZING. I got the skirt steak which was seasoned absolutely deliciously. This is a must-go.The only down-side is that the hostess is kind of rude and sassy. She definitely was a downer. But once you get past the hostess stand, the entire experience is fantastic.

Our visit was 9 July 2023 for a business trip. We were a party of 9. The place was nice and you can tell it was very popular. The reviews did not let us down. The décor was nicely done, staff were pleasant and professional, the little band that came through was nice and the food was real good. We had a time for all of us to find parking and you will have to walk to place. It’s a popular area with all the sites. Felt safe, but we did have 5 guys with us. If back in this area, we would stop back. Two of the guys were familiar with this place.

In the bustling city of Barcelona, amidst the vibrant nightlife and bustling streets, there is a hidden gem that stands out among the rest - Jorge, a bartender who has captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike with his exceptional skills and warm personality. Jorge's talent behind the bar is truly unparalleled, as he effortlessly crafts co*cktails that are not only delicious but also works of art.From the moment you step into the cozy bar where Jorge works, you are greeted with a smile and a welcoming atmosphere that instantly makes you feel at home. His passion for mixology is evident in every drink he creates, as he carefully selects the finest ingredients and meticulously crafts each co*cktail with precision and care. Whether you prefer a classic martini or a unique concoction of his own creation, Jorge's creations are sure to impress even the most discerning of palates.But Jorge's talents extend far beyond his skills behind the bar. During my visit, he also provided me with some invaluable local insight on other hidden gems in the city that I simply had to check out. From quaint tapas bars tucked away in narrow alleyways to rooftop terraces with stunning views of the city, Jorge's recommendations were spot-on and truly enhanced my experience in Barcelona.One particular recommendation that stood out was a small, family-owned restaurant that served traditional Catalan cuisine. Thanks to Jorge's suggestion, I was able to indulge in some of the most delicious dishes I have ever tasted, all while soaking in the authentic atmosphere and hospitality of the locals. It was an experience that I will never forget, and one that I owe entirely to Jorge's expertise and generosity.In conclusion, Jorge the bartender is a true gem in the bustling city of Barcelona. His exceptional skills behind the bar, warm personality, and invaluable local insight make him a standout in a sea of talented mixologists. If you ever find yourself in Barcelona, be sure to seek out Jorge and experience his phenomenal co*cktails and recommendations for yourself. You won't be disappointed.

Been here a few times. So much history behind this place. Love the Pina Coladas!! Food and service was exceptional. This place is a must if you are anywhere close. I highly recommend this place. Simply fantastic.

The place look great, lovely atmosphere but not worth the wait. I wish wish wish I could give them five stars, but I can’t. We were so excited to be there and see what all the hype was about. It actually looks like they run a pretty tight ship just from communicating with the maitre d. Maybe it was an off day for them but our server was either overworked or not in a good mood. The restaurant was not that busy and we still had a ridiculously long wait to get water or any kindof service. The appetizer was very delicious and Everything else was lackluster. I know what Puerto Rican food taste like I’ve eaten it all my life and that was not it. Unfortunately, I tried a basic dish that had salmon on it, and the salmon was like a brick and way overcooked and sides bland. The other dish was also disappointing. Maybe the next time we are in town we will try it again to hopefully get some redemption and enjoy a good meal there. Hopefully it’s not because it’s such a touristy section and the authenticity has been diluted.

Pina coladas made from fresh ingredients daily, not from a mix. They were great. 😀Food was flavored nicely.Wait time was about 30-40 minutes for lunchtime but plenty of shopping near to pass the time.

My friend and I came here on 6/10 and it was so worth it! We tried to go the day before but it was too crowded. We put our names in and got in 30 mins later, meanwhile we were perusing the stores nearby. (They don’t take reservations) our Uber driver said it was the best restaurant to go to and he was surely right! This is the birthplace of the PIÑA COLADA and they still use the og recipe (which tastes so much more naturally sweet)! Happy 60th birthday PC! If you want real Puerto Rican food, you have to come here. the wait is worth it and there are shops to keep you occupied! We had the puerto tican sampler, chicken mofongo, and you guessed it! Our waitress was so sweet and everything was just perfect - the food, the timing, ambience, and all! 10/10 would recomendable !! (Only a 10 min walk from San Felipe del Morro)

Honestly the food was fantastic and the staff was great. But the crowd can be a hit or a miss. We were seated right next to group of over a dozen you guys who were incredibly loud. Had a hard time hearing my server who was very friendly and nice.The portions are big and the pina colada is worth the hype.

There’s reason this place is always busy! My wife and I had a great time getting our late lunch here. We went around 2:30pm but waited approximately 30 more minutes to get a table instead of sitting at the bar. It was beautiful and delicious. We started off with getting the Puerto Rican appetizer starter, then ordered the snapper and grouper dishes. Afterward, we topped it off with two Pina Colada drinks. We actually came back two days later to get two more drinks before heading for the airport!

The birthplace of the Pina Colada! Loved the atmosphere and the Pina Coladas! We did the appetizer platter. Loved the coconut calamari and the fish bites, . Everything else is a little too fried and didn't have much flavor. Highly recommend stopping in for a drink. They have to-go bar if you can't get a table. Loved the little courtyard and fountain.

Food was served hot and as ordered. We hadthe grouper fillet, seafood mofongo, and steak mofongo. The Puerto Rican sampler appetizer was a good starter. Of course, we had Virgin Pina Coladas with the meal.

Courteous staff, and very tasty food. The soup of the day, a sancocho, was fantastic, with chicken, sausage, plantain, etc. The mofongo with beef was very good as well, and the pieces of beef were tender. While Barrachina may be touristy, I don't think it's suffered for it at all.

They’re known for their piña coladas, and there’s a reason. It was the best I’ve ever had! My husband and I also ordered the paella because it said it was for two people, but I’d recommend bringing two more people to share it because it was HUGE, and we couldn’t finish it. The only thing I wouldn’t recommend is going on a weekend because we had to wait an hour - still worth it, though!

I liked the nice atmosphere and good service. The food was okay, but not amazing. The shrimp mofongo was decent but could be better, and the shrimp lacked something special. The red snapper was dry. Still, I might go back just because I really enjoyed the atmosphere.

Delicious foooooooooooood! We ordered a little bit of everything and of course also ordered the famous piña coladas. Beautiful decor and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.

There was a hair inside the empanada. Waitress solution was to just replace the empanada. Porkchops where so dry it was difficult to cut them. No flavor except for a spoons worth of onions on top. Dry bland fish. The Pina coladas are just OK. Maybe they invented it but they certainly didn't perfect it. Avoid this place not worth the hype.

The courtyard is beautiful, but there is limited seating. We were sequestered to a very dim and loud side room with no character or natural light. Our server was kind and attentive, but the food was terrible and very expensive. We got the large sampler, garlic shrimp, fries, and garlic shrimp. The large sampler was $30 but nothing seemed fresh but possibly can from a package from the super market and thrown in a fryer. I forgot to take an initial picture of the food. I’m baffled how they have gotten so many positive reviews. Our bill was $75 for some appetizers, and one of the most disappointing food experiences in PR.

This, surprisingly, was my favorite restaurant while in San Juan, but it still wasn’t worth 5 stars. The food was more flavorful than other places, but I wish the portions were bigger. We waited a very long time for a table, but when we got one, the restaurant wasn’t even full. However, the piña colada is 100% worth it. This restaurant says it is where piña coladas began, and they do live up to the hype!

It is very recommended, not only in the atmosphere but also Pina Colada are top notch, super tasty, and every bite. Will be back as next time in San Juan. Visit, and you won't regret

I was informed by a friend of mine that's Puerto Rican and he Told me this is where the Piña Coladas were invented 60 years ago. I didn't get a chance to go until the very last day right before my flight back to america, I didn't get there soon enough, It was a 50 minute Wait just to get a table. So I just decided to go to the bar.And tryThe original Piña Colada (and got the recipe). But everybody I've talked to that was eating there or has ate there told me it was excellent and definitely a five star meal.

We checked out this spot because of it's Piña colada reputation and it didn't disappoint. The food was also amazing and the wait wasn't terrible. We walked around the area while we waited. We had a guy serenade my wife and it make the experience even better. Don't pass up this spot when in PR. Definitely recommend it.