9 Best Restaurants in El Yunque and the Northeast, Puerto Rico

This laid-back spot has elevated Puerto Rican street food to an art form, thanks to two New Yorkers (one Puerto Rican) with restaurant pedigrees who decided to leave the big city and open a new spot dedicated to barbecue in an old gas station outside the Conquistador Resort. Highlighting products obtained from local fishermen and farmers, and smoking their own meats in an outdoor kitchen, Idalia García and Kevin Roth's awesome joint is one of Puerto Rico's don't-miss culinary treats. Settle into one of the mismatched patio tables—be it teak, cedar, or concrete—order up a cocktail, and get ready to feast.

A brunch spot with a twist, at Chupacabras you have the option of painting a canvas while you dine and take the souvenir home with you. Learn about the chupacabra legend while dining on breakfast staples like their namesake French toast and breakfast platters. The fresh-brewed coffee and flavored mimosas are a hit, with options like tamarind and Caribbean cherry.

This bright and inviting corner café serves breakfast and brunch. You'll likely be greeted by the owner on the your way in. Tasty menu items include the Don Tito, a waffle sandwich with grilled ham, cheese, and bacon, and their indulgent pancakes, a feast for the eyes and stomach.

Forget McDonald's and Taco Bell; in Puerto Rico, a beachside kiosk like this one is the place to go for fast food. El Kiosko Boricua ticks all the boxes for fried Puerto Rican goodies, with alcapurrias, arepas, and bacalaítos among the items on offer. Wash it all down with fresh coconut water or the local beer, Medalla.

One among the ever-changing cast of restaurants along Route 187, the New Aquarium, like its neighbors, won't win any awards for decor and design. The setting here is decidedly laid-back, with plastic tables and chairs serving as the humble backdrop for some stellar seafood. Vegetarians should request the special meatless mofongo. The service is friendly and attentive, and the location—a literal stone's throw from the Atlantic—can't be beat.

Panoramic views and classic Puerto Rican recipes take centerstage at this open air restaurant that is popular for events and photoshoots. The stuffed mofongos come in every variety, from skirt steak to octopus. It is family friendly with a children's play area. On occasion, they have live music. 

This restaurant is locally owned and family run. They have a popular brunch menu with a variety of breakfast burritos, a waffle sandwich, and frittata for two. They recently completed an outdoor expansion to include a taco bar and pizza oven. The establishment is dog-friendly.  

Humacao and its neighboring towns have plenty of humble spots where you can pull up at a table and order traditional Puerto Rican fare. While the name is more evocative of Costa Rica than Puerto Rico, the menu's heavy emphasis on all things plantain will reassure you of your Caribbean location. This place is nothing fancy, but locals rave about its mofongo and fish.