Summary
Authentic Puerto Rican Cooking at El Jibarito
For authentic Puerto Rican cooking, El Jibarito serves traditional and tasty classics every night. The food is affordable, the ambiance is convivial, and the location on Sol Street makes it a welcome destination in Old San Juan.
This restaurant offers basic yet flavorful food in a prime location in the historic old city. The colorful decor reflects the rich local culture. Although the service can be on “island time,” it is consistently friendly. For true comida criolla, or Puerto Rican home cooking, head straight to El Jibarito.
El Jibarito is located at 280 Sol Street in Old San Juan and is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm. For more information, call 787-725-8375. Since its inception with a modest budget of $150, El Jibarito has represented Puerto Rico’s culinary and cultural roots for nearly 40 years.
Review of El Jibarito Restaurant in Old San Juan
Old San Juan features many chic and pricey eateries that serve delicious fusion flavors and modern interpretations of classic Puerto Rican cuisine. However, there are also a few spots in the old city where you can enjoy basic, flavorful, and traditional comida criolla, and El Jibarito is one of these hidden gems.
Tucked away on Calle Sol, a quiet residential street in the northern part of the city, El Jibarito celebrates Puerto Rican traditions in various elements, from its name (Jíbaro refers to the mountain folk who farmed the land for hacienda owners in the 18th and 19th centuries) to its decor, which includes bright facades in tropical colors and vibrant paintings depicting the island and its people. The food is displayed cafeteria-style at the end of the restaurant, reinforcing a casual atmosphere.
This establishment is not designed for a sophisticated night out. Instead, you can take a seat at a communal table, peruse the menu, and revel in the lively local ambiance.
As for what to eat, the menu features all the usual suspects of Puerto Rican cooking. Classics like Chillo Frito, Fricasse de pollo (chicken stew), churrasco (skirt steak), and other hearty dishes highlight the offerings, all accompanied by options like mofongo, tostones, and amarillos. The flavors are simple yet rich, making it a quintessential Puerto Rican dining experience in the old city.
