el Refrán

3 months ago

After reading several reviews, we decided to give this restaurant a try while vacationing in San Juan. We were not disappointed at all!! I was prepared for a wait to be seated but we walked right in and they sat us after clearing a table. Our wonderful waitress Natasha helped us solidify our decision to try the Mofongo Surf & Turf which has me wanting it every other day now, LOL! Big ups to the chef who cooked everything well! The shrimp were cooked properly as well as the steak!!! The rice and beans (ARROZ BLANCO & HABICHUELAS) were absolutely delicious as well. The cod fritters were unexpectedly spherical and not like flat disc which is what I thought they would be based upon other photos. They were good just needed more seasoning...BUT that could be because I am used to over seasoned food in the main continental USA, LOL!!! Oh Natasha mentioned that the Strawberry Passionfruit lemonade was delicious so we tried that too and MY...MY...MY it was superb!!! The staff were very friendly and the music was great!! The only thing I will prepare you for is there is no AC only fans so you will sweat, but once your body acclimates to the atmosphere you will be good to go! Ladies make sure you have good setting spray because your makeup will become very dewy in a matter of seconds. I will definitely return to El Refran when I return to visit San Juan.

4 months ago

One of the best dinners we had in Puerto Rico. The servers were very nice and patient even though it was very busy. It is a very small restaurant. We ordered churrasco (flank steak) and pork chops. Very tender, delicious and well season. We ordered as side grilled vegetables and they were the best in the island. I highly recomend this restaurant. They can improved a little bit the ambience.

a month ago

After reading a ton of great reviews my girlfriend and I decided on this spot for our first dinner out in San Juan. The grilled chicken breast was juicy and well flavored. Grilled veggies were yummy as well as the rice and stewed beans. Shrimp was delicious and tostones were to die for. The hot cucumber margarita was also phenomenal and packed a spicy punch! The space is small but homey and the service was wonderful. Will definitely recommend to folks.

4 months ago

Best authentic Puerto Rican Food that we had the whole trip. We all ordered something different and the portions are huge! I had the Grouper with amarillos (sweet plantains), we had tostones and sampler empanadas for apps and a mezcalita for cocktail. Heads up, it is a small place, but worth the wait and the food comes out very fast, the chef stopped by on her way out to make sure we liked our food, which was an added bonus, and of course we loved everything! We had a group of 7 and Michaela not only gave us great service, but also made us great cocktails at the same time she was serving other tables. This place is amazing and a hidden gem, please stop by to support this local spot!

3 months ago

This place is honestly outstanding, I got the mamposteao tacu tacu with steak and I truly have no notes. The steak was perfectly cooked and the rice underneath was fire! Such a cute spot 10/10 would go again.