Restaurants near San Juan Marriott (moderately priced!)

We are looking for a moderately priced restaurant near the San Juan Marriott on Ashford Ave. Last year, due to a late arrival and no familiarity with the area, we had to eat the very high priced Marriott. Thanks for your help!

Nisky

Hi nisky,

What do you mean by moderately priced? We had a wondeful dinner at Ajili-mojili (5 min. cab, 10-15 min. walk from the Mariott) and paid a moderately-NYC-priced $95.00 for two.

When you make a right out of the Mariott, and walk a few blocks you'll run into a Wendy's and a Subway (I think). There are quite a few restaurants in the area I was not familiar with. Check with the Concierge in the Mariott for other suggestions.

We are looking for something better than Wendy's and less expensive than $95/couple. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Nisky

There is a wonderful restaurant in Isla Verde in the hotel zone called the Metropol that serves lots of local favorites with a huge menu for under $20pp.... Give them a try- we liked them alot and heard about them here on these boards.

I'll be at the Marriott next week and have done a lot of research on this very same question. Here's what I came up with (directions from Marriott):

Angel Café

1106 Ashford Ave. (.3 mile from Marriott; go right/west out of hotel)

$11-$20

Excellent authenic Puerto Rican Food.

Very casual & inexpensive restaurant

Closed on Tuesdays; open 8 am - 10 pm

Bebo’s Café - highly recommended

Calle Loiza 1600 (near the Pueblo Supermarket)

Walk east on Ashford (.4 mile); turn right on De Diego (.1 mile); turn left on Calle Loiza (.1 mile)

$7-$15

Cielito Lindo

1108 Ave. Magdalena

$8-$20

Mexican food

Easy walking distance from the Mariott - turn right and walk along Avenida Ashford until you get to Avenida Condado. Make a left, walk one block, then make a right on Calle Magdalena. Cielito Lindo will be on your left before the Island Breeze.

Dannys International

1351 Ave Ashford - a block to the left/east of the Marriott

$11-$20

Pasta, Pizza, Italian sandwiches

Breakfast, lunch, dinner

La Patisserie de France

1504 Ashford (.6 mile from hotel - go left/east)

French / Deli

Omelets served until 11am

Sandwiches, bakery items

Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Up to $10

Tijuanas Bar and Grill -- Used to be called Don Andres?

- across from Danny's - 1 block east of Marriott

1350 Ave Ashford

$11-$20

Mexican

Lunch, dinner

We've eaten here - good food, good value

Latin Star

1128 Ashford Avenue (go right/west - next to Walgreen's)

Condado, SJ

Less than US$10

Outdoor restaurant

The food is excellent and fresh

Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Stone Crab Alley and Hurricane Room

1214 Ashford Avenue (across from Marriott)

$10-$20

Outdoor seating and music

El Tropical Restaurant - NOT recommended

1214 Av. Ashford (across from Marriott; shares building w/Stone Crab)

$8 to $12; $12 to $20; $20 to $30

Cuban, Caribbean

Lunch, dinner

Via Appia

1150 Ashford Avenue (go right/west)

$9-$16

Mon-Fri 11am-11pm; Sat-Sun 11am-midnight

Late night snacks, pasta, side dishes and pizza (salads & sandwiches available during lunch).

Metropol

Av. Isla Verde - $12 taxi?

Cuban-Puerto Rican fare.

$10-$30

Huge portions, excellent value

Lunch, dinner

Hope this helps!

Thanks, everyone, for the great suggestions. When we return from our cruise in late February, I'll post our feedback.

Nisky

I stayed at the Marriott in December -

there are a bunch within a couple blocks of the hotel - going either direction out of the hotel. We ate breakfast at the little place right across from the Marriott that also serves Gelato ice cream - pretty decent breakfast for the price.

There is also a Walgreens 1 block away - game in handy for last minute purchases (including a case of bottled water I brought on my cruise).

Have a great cruise!

I'll be at the Marriott next week and have done a lot of research on this very same question. Here's what I came up with (directions from Marriott):

Great information Annette. I hope that you will post an update when you return.

AZenisek- really enjoyed your restaurant info on places near Marriott. we are trying to plan a precruise party the night before our cruise on Destiny in late Feb. and we know next to nothing:eek: about the area. I have copied your data and plan to take it with me to San Quan!!:D Thanks again!! P.S. do you think we can just walk in to one of these places on a Saturday night or do we need reservations? We will be a party of, at least 8!

A few observations from a "local" :)

Bebo’s Café - highly recommended

Wouldn't walk there at night. Daytime it's ok

Dannys International

Very casual, inexpensive, good pizza.

Tijuanas Bar and Grill -- Used to be called Don Andres?

It's now called Yerba Buena, cuban, excellent food! Very pleasant covered terrace.

Stone Crab Alley and Hurricane Room

El Tropical Restaurant - NOT recommended

Both of these closed last year (maybe even 2 years ago for Stone Crab Alley??). El Tropical has another branch in the 'burbs (way too far to go in a cab) and it's a local favorite, always crowded. Don't know why it's not recommended... though it's a moot point, since the one in Condado is closed anyway :D .

There's another restaurant there now, but I can't remember the name right now. And if you're a Starbucks fan, there's one right across the street from the Marriott, right next to this building.

Metropol

Av. Isla Verde - $12 taxi?

I wouldn't spend all that money and time to get there, there are plenty of restaurants right in Condado.

If you're looking for Cuban food another excellent restaurant is Ropa Vieja, a 15 min. walk along Ashford Avenue (turning right as you exit the Marriott).

Just my opinion! Enjoy your stay here.