If you are looking for authentic Cuban and Puerto Rican cuisine then Ropa Vieja Grill might just be the place for you. Ropa Vieja (Spanish for Old Clothes) is located in the Condado district of San Juan and is a medium sized restaurant that is popular with locals as well as visiting tourists. The décor is plain with white walls intermixed with the odd splash of color and small pieces of art work.
The restaurant has two main areas. As you enter to the right there is the main bar area, that includes a couple of large round tables and several tables for two. The tables for two are bar height tables and chairs. The left side of the restaurant is the main dining area that has a selection of tables which can be placed together to accommodate large groups. Usually there will be live music playing, but this is very unobtrusive and adds to the ambience of the restaurant.
The menu is extensive and features classic Cuban and Puerto Rican cooking including Ropa Vieja (shredded meat). Appetizers include fried ham & cheese croquettes, calamari, chorizos and my personal favorite risotto with chicharrones (fried pork skin). Entres (too many to mention them all) include chicken with rice, risotto with black beans, fresh seafood, rack of lamb with dry fruit and vaca frita (literally fried cow) Cuban style. As a side dish I strongly recommend the mofungo. Desserts include various flavors of flan, crème brûlée and the Puerto Rican tres leches.
Ropa Vieja Grill is located on Ashford Avenue in the Condado district. I would suggest that you consider making a reservation as it becomes quite busy after 7pm.
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