Plaza del Mercado /JGU
Restaurants & Clubs August-2006, By:Travel and Sports Staff
La Placita
Hidden Restaurant District
La Placita is also a major Farmers Market, where chefs and “regular people” go to buy locally grown/manufactured products as well as the excellent fresh fruit shakes (batidas). The vegetable and fruit stands open daily at 6am. There is a free trolley service from Loíza St. In addition to being a historic local, the whole area now has free WI-FI internet access.
For an unforgettable change of pace in the heart of metropolitan San Juan visit La Placita in Santurce. By day, this compact neighborhood offers the yesteryear atmosphere of Puerto Rico’s small towns and marketplaces; by weekend nights, it resembles a movie set for carnival revelry, without the costumes. At all times, it’s a great place to sample the best of island food.
Most of the streets surrounding La Placita remain little changed from when they were built a century ago. A couple of bars border the market, and small eateries have always been here to feed hungry farmers and shoppers. The oldest, El Popular, opened its doors 45 years ago. Known as fondas, these places serve delicious rice and beans accompanied by chicken, meat or fish. Open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 p., they offer homestyle Puerto Rican cooking at modest prices. In recent years, more sophisticated restaurants have sprung up. Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner (11am to 11pm), they showcase an array of cuisines, including creole, international, Angus steaks, fish, Brazilian and Mexican. A small eatery on the plazoleta, El Coco de Luis, serves up such traditional Puerto Rican snack food as chicharrones de pollo (chicken cracklings) and ensaladas de mariscos (seafood vinaigrette).
On weekend evenings, from Thursday through Saturday, the streets surrounding La Placita come alive as thousands of young professionals in casual attire descend to enjoy the small-town, open-air, festive-friendly atmosphere. As is befitting any Puerto Rican party, there is usually live music somewhere in the vicinity.
Nearby attractions include:
• Museo de Arte Contemporáneo - Ave. Ponce de León
• Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico - Ave. de Diego
• Centro de Bellas Artes - Ave. Ponce de León
• Central High School - Ave. Ponce de León
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 Casa Grande Café 787-894-3939
Utuado. Jungle Jane's is located at Casa Grande Mountain Retreat. Dine on the veranda in a stunning mountain setting. Comidas criolla and more contemporary dishes are on the menu. Try homemade pasta and shrimp or grilled salmon in a mango-papaya sauce.
 Grille Room, The 800-4-RIOMAR
Río Grande. Enjoy traditional fine dining in a warm and inviting club atmosphere with sensational views of our golf courses and the Ocean. Our steakhouse style menu features succulent steaks, chicken and fresh grilled seafood and an extensive wine list.
 Liquid Bar at Tangerine 888-265-6699
Carolina: Isla Verde. "Liquid" is the Water Club's main bar and sizable lounge. Instantly discovered by the trend setters, "Liquid" is the fashionable "in" spot in a city famed for vibrant lifestyle and nightlife. There is a late night DJ to keep things going.
Marbella 800-4-RIOMAR
Río Grande. Enjoy spectacular buffets and traditional table service in a relaxed ocean-view setting. Sample a diverse menu, featuring everything from salads, soups, and sandwiches to fresh seafood and prime steaks.
Palio 800-4-RIOMAR
Río Grande. Our AAA Four Diamond award-winning restaurant incorporates authentic Tuscan flavors, rich spices, homemade pastas and the freshest meats, poultry and seafood into its Northern Italian menu. Reservations required.
SeaBreeze 800-4-RIOMAR
Río Grande. Dine al-fresco at this casual poolside restaurant, serving a full luncheon menu, snacks and tropical drinks. Casual dress or beachwear suggested.
Shimas 800-4-RIOMAR
Río Grande. Delight your taste for the Orient at our Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar, serving authentic Japanese sushi, plus a wide array of tantalizing dishes from the Far East. Reservations required.
Tangerine 888-265-6699
Carolina: Isla Verde. "Tangerine" serves American Asian cuisine overlooking the Atlantic and is the creation of well known Chef Nelson Rosado. "Tangerine" recently made the Conde Nast Traveler "Hot Tables" list of 75 of the most intriguing new restaurants in the world.
Wet Lounge and Sushi Bar 888-265-6699
Carolina: Isla Verde. Day and night, the rooftop exotic bar and lounge aptly named "Wet", with the best sushi bar on the island, offering a panorama of San Juan's most dazzling views, the vast expanse of the Atlantic and the buildings of the capital city.
Marketplace
Platos Restaurant & Bar 787-791-6868
Carolina: Isla Verde.
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