5 delicious BBQ restaurants in Puerto Rico
Learn about 5 BBQ restaurants you should check out in Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico’s barbecue scene is nothing to sleep on. The island hosts some of the finest smoked meats from the southern town of Guayanilla to the bustling, metropolitan San Juan. Here are five BBQ spots that offer a mix of flavors and styles to keep in mind when in Puerto Rico. Keep in mind that this is just an introduction; Puerto Rico has a great culinary scene including BBQ and more.
Located right in front of the historic La Placita de Santurce, this restaurant is known for its warm hospitality and delicious fare. This family-owned spot serves up Memphis-style dry-rubbed ribs, Caribbean Brisket, and Pulled Pork Stuffed Avocados. With vegan options also on the menu, there’s something for everyone. The lively atmosphere, complete with occasional live music, adds to the vibrant dining experience. According to their website, Tripadvisor ranks it among the top San Juan BBQ restaurants.
2. Fuentes BBQ
For over 60 years, Fuentes BBQ has been a beloved staple in Alta Mesa, San Juan. This spot is renowned for its authentic Puerto Rican BBQ, featuring succulent BBQ chicken, grilled chicken breast, their famous mofongo, and more. Complement your meal with rice and beans or a variety of sides like fried pork, breaded steak, and flour-breaded shrimp.
Opened in 2018 in the Calle Loiza area of San Juan, the restaurant offers a unique fusion of Korean and Puerto Rican flavors. The interactive dining experience allows families and friends to cook their own meals at the table, making for a fun and engaging outing. The menu features authentic Korean dishes like bulgogi and kimchi, sometimes with a local twist.
4. La Estación
Since 2006, this family-owned restaurant has been serving what they call Nuyorican BBQ, a blend of traditional American BBQ and Caribbean spices. If you’re up for a drive outside San Juan, head to Las Croabas, Fajardo, where the chefs cook over wood fires and natural charcoal. Their dishes use local ingredients, and the restaurant — once an abandoned Esso gas station — now features a vibrant indoor/outdoor space perfect for any occasion, with a full bar offering fresh fruits and local microbrews.
5. La Manada Ribs V8 The Place
La Manada, as it’s often called locally, is a hidden gem located in Guayanilla. Specializing in smoked ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and their award-winning Manada Burger, this family-owned smokehouse has made a mark on the island’s BBQ scene, even representing Puerto Rico at the World Food Championships in 2016. The nature-surrounded setting provides a perfect backdrop for enjoying exceptional BBQ with family and friends. For a memorable BBQ experience with a local touch, La Manada is definitely worth the trip. Note that they are only open on Saturdays.
David Arias is a Puerto Rican freelance journalist in the San Francisco Bay Area, specializing in local politics, law enforcement, housing, migration, and the independent art scene. He holds a master’s degree in mass communications from San Diego State University and is originally from Logan Square, Chicago. David also serves as a communications specialist for UC Davis.