Piñones puerto rico restaurants: Restaurants in Piñones | Fodor’s Travel – Conoce las especies de Puerto Rico

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March 19, 2023
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Piñones puerto rico restaurants: Restaurants in Piñones | Fodor’s Travel

Piñones, Puerto Rico (2023 Guide)

Piñones is a lovely neighborhood located in Loíza, Puerto Rico.

It’s 20 minutes from the airport and offers delicious food and spectacular beachfront views that will make you never want to leave.

I’ve lived in Puerto Rico for the last 14 years, and coming to Piñones with my dad is one of my favorite things to do on the weekend.

In this article, I will cover everything that you need to know about Piñones, Puerto Rico:

– What is Piñones?

– What is Piñones known for?

– Where in Puerto Rico is Piñones located?

– What type of street food can you find in Piñones?

– What are some things to do in Piñones?

– Is Piñones Puerto Rico safe for tourists?

– What to consider before going to Piñones?

– Frequently Asked Questions

What is Piñones?

Piñones is a natural wonderland located in Loíza, Puerto Rico.

Piñones is a beachside neighborhood famous for delicious street food and a beautiful coastline.

Route 187, which travels along Puerto Rico’s north coast and links San Juan with Loiza, will bring you to Piñones, located just outside of San Juan.

It’s a picturesque route that shows you the more rural aspects of the island.

Kiosks line the road in Piñones, serving delicious typical roadside food.

Loíza is named after Luissa, a prominent Taino leader who governed the region before to the Spanish invasion.

What distinguishes her is that she is one of just two female caciques (chiefs) known in the Caribbean.

The history of Loíza is closely tied to the history of African enslavement in Puerto Rico. The area was settled by Nigerians of the Yoruba tribe around the 16th century. Known as “The Capital of Traditions,” the area boasts a rich African heritage. It is a symbol of Puerto Rico’s culture and community.

Today, the area is proud of its Afro-Caribbean past while attempting to adapt to the fast changes of our contemporary world.

Natural beauty is one of the things you will notice immediately in Piñones compared to the high rises of other beach towns near San Juan.

You’ll note that the coastlines of Old San Juan, Condado, Ocean Park, and Isla Verde have high-rises practically right on the beach, obscuring the ocean view from the road.

As you travel through Piñones, all you can see is the coastline. Nature is really stunning and unspoiled here.

For years, development projects have been attempting to access this area, however, they have been rejected.

Community and environmental well-being are on the defense in Puerto Rico, as they are across the Americas.

Check out the video below for a walk through of Piñones:

What is Piñones known for?

Piñones is well-known for its beautiful beaches, gorgeous seafront, and hundreds of food booths.

Families and friends congregate here to play chinchorreo: leaping from one bar to another while eating mofongo, alcapurrias, and tostones and listening to music and dancing.

The area is well known as a gathering place for families and friends to gather to dance, drink and enjoy local food.

A chinchorreo is a local Puerto Rican traditional activity where groups go to small bars around the region to hang out, eat, drink, dance, and have fun with family and friends.

And Piñones is one of the most famous chinchorreo spots locals love to visit.

Many kiosks in Pinones offer fresh coconut water to visitors.

Both visitors and locals are well aware of this area as a go-to place to get fritters, fresh fish, fresh seafood, and other goodies.

It’s also a great location to enjoy tropical drinks, like coconut water, in front of the beach.

Below is a video of a couple touring the Piñones Chinchoreo spots:

Where in Puerto Rico is Piñones located?

Piñones is located in Loiza, just outside San Juan, on route 187.

How far is Piñones from San Juan?

It’s 35 minutes from San Juan and about 20 minutes drive from the Airport.

Explore the shoreline along Piñones before or after your flight from SJU.

Lastly, if you’re going on the weekends, arrive before noon to avoid high traffic and get a parking place.

You can view the distance between San Juan and Piñones from Google Maps below:

What type of street food can you find in Piñones?

You’ll find all sorts of delicious foods from food stands near this beachfront neighborhood.

Here are the top 6:

1. Pinchos

Grilled meat on a stick with BBQ sauce are called Pinchos.

Pinchos are very popular, bathed in delicious BBQ sauce; you get to pick between chicken or pork and topped with sweet toasted bread on top of the stick.

2. Alcapurrias

Fritters stuffed with seafood or meat, made with green bananas and taro root are called Alcapurrias.

Alcapurrias are fritters made in green bananas and taro root, stuffed with your meat or seafood selection.

3. Bacalaítos

Salted codfish fritters, Bacalaítos.

Bacalaítos are considered seafood pancakes.

It’s salted codfish fritter, crispy on the outside and dense and chewy inside.

4. Pastellillos

Pastellillos are one of the more popular street foods in Puerto Rico. Try the Pizza flavor if you are a vegetarian.

One of the most popular fritters you’ll find are pastellillos, which are like Hot Pockets!

Thin dough deep-fried and filled with beef, chicken, tomato sauce with cheese (often called the Pizza flavor), and even seafood!

5. Piononos

Crab Pionono.

Piononos are another delicious fritter, and one of my favorites, that you will enjoy. It’s stuffed with ground meat and made with fried plantain slices.

6. Mofungo

Mofungo is a classic Puerto Rican dish that is a favorite of many locals and visitors alike.

Last but not least, my favorite dish of all time: is Mofongo.This is deep-fried plantains mashed together, like mashed potato, but with an exciting twist.

Mofungo is made with olive oil, garlic, and pork crackling, mashed up in a “pilón” and topped with meat or seafood.

You’ll sometimes find the Mofungo as a side with your dish, or you can order a stuffed Mofongo and have it as your entire dish.

Piñones is one of those magical towns where the food is so diverse that you’ll always find something new no matter where you dine.

Below is a video of someone touring the kiosks in Piñones:

What are some things to do in Piñones?

A popular activity to do in Piñones is to visit their beaches!

Open coastline at the beach in Piñones.

Beaches like Pocita de Piñones, Paseo Tablado de Piñones, Playa Torrecillas, Aviones Beach, and Playa Piñones are popular destinations for visitors and locals to enjoy the entire day.

The beach entrance is located right next to the main road serving the food, so you can also eat next to the ocean.

Consider visiting the Piñones Mangrove Forest; it’s like seeing a new world. This is an area designed specifically for recreation and for relaxation.

The nature trail in Pinones is famous for it’s gorgeous sea views.

It’s an 11-kilometer boardwalk/nature trail that goes through the northern coastline all the way through the mangrove forest.

People often like to walk or bike through this trail.

You can rent bikes, kayaks and learn about the areas rich culture at the Corporación Piñones se Integra – COPI.

El Nuevo Acuario is known for its seafood and steak.

To fully indulge in the delicious cuisine this neighborhood has to offer; you must visit El Nuevo Acuario restaurant.

Here’s a Google Map on how to get to El Nuevo Acuario:

Is Piñones Puerto Rico safe for tourists?

Yes, Piñones Puerto Rico is safe for tourists.

When visiting Piñones, you’ll see many tourists and locals mingling at the bars and restaurants, getting their tan at the beach, and overall enjoying a great time.

Piñones is safe during the daytime for tourists.

Keep in mind that this area is located far from the hotels, resorts, and high-end clubs you’ll see in Condado and Isla Verde.

However, always remember to be respectful when visiting this neighborhood. Don’t litter, don’t cause trouble, and you’ll have a fantastic time!

I recommend visiting Piñones during the day for a fun, children and family-friendly experience.

But, if you’re going to visit at night, it’s best to stay at one bar or restaurant for the night. It can get very dark and dangerous if you decide to wander around. Avoid bar hopping at all times.

Below is a video of someone visiting Piñones’s beaches and bars for you to enjoy:

For more information about safety during your stay, check out our article Is Puerto Rico Safe?

What to consider before going to Piñones?

There are a couple of things to remember before going to Piñones.

Avoid going to Piñones on the weekends, especially on Sunday, as it is easily over crowds, and you’ll encounter nasty traffic there.

There is one road into Piñones from San Juan, so make sure to plan your trip during the week if you want to avoid crowds.

Always respect the people and the culture; the people will respect you right back.

Bring as much cash with you; many establishments only require cash.

Additionally, restaurants will likely take debit/credit cards, but food stands and kiosks prefer cash.

Take a trip to the ATM before you visit Piñones.

Avoid overdressing or looking too formal.

It’s hot and humid in Piñones; you’ll most likely suffer from heat and constant sweating.

Instead, wear light and casual clothing for excellent comfort.

Check out our 21 Essential Things To Pack For Puerto Rico article for more guidance on what clothes to bring.

FAQ section

Is Piñones worth visiting?

Yes! Piñones is worth visiting, less than 35 minutes away from San Juan.

When is the best time to visit Piñones?

The best time to visit Piñones is during the weekday morning to avoid heavy traffic and find a parking spot. If visiting during the weekend, make sure to visit before midday.

Final thoughts

Piñones is a spot you must visit during your trip to Puerto Rico.

Famously known for its beautiful scenic beaches, delicious fritters and rich history, this neighborhood is a popular destination.

Getting to Piñones is easy, it’s only 20 minutes from the Airport and 35 minutes from San Juan. You can easily take a taxi or Uber to Piñones.

However, before your trip to Piñones, read our article about the 30 Best Puerto Rican Street Foods.

If you’re looking for more things to do while staying in Puerto Rico, check out our article 45 Best Things To Do In Puerto Rico.

Article by

Miguel Concepcion

Writer at PuertoRico.com. I’ve lived in Puerto Rico for 14 years and have experienced every inch of this stunning island. Growing up in Puerto Rico has helped me truly learn about the rich culture and extensive history this island has to offer. I share my local knowledge in all of the articles that I write.

About the author

Authentic Puerto Rican Food You Should Eat When Visiting

Puerto Rican Cuisine

From elaborate tasting menus served in elegant and historic settings to atmospheric hole-in-the-walls serving traditional fare, Puerto Rico is a wonderful destination for foodies. Puerto Rican cuisine is a vibrant fusion of West African, Spanish, indigenous Taíno and American influences.

While you’ll find many similarities to Latin American cuisine, the bold use of indigenous seasonings and ingredients, combined with fresh, local produce makes Puerto Rican fare truly unique. Post Hurricane María, restaurants fostered new relationships with local farmers as consumers became ever keener to support local agriculture and celebrate food that is grown entirely on the island.

Wherever you travel in Puerto Rico, be sure to pass on the chain restaurants and tourist traps. At Platea, all our restaurant listings have been carefully curated and constantly updated by locals to connect travelers with the most authentic and memorable culinary experiences.

El Boricua / Piñones / Discover Puerto Rico

Local Specialties

Hearty dishes served with rice and beans may form the mainstays of traditional Puerto Rican cuisine but, wherever you wander, you’ll find up-and-coming chefs iterating wildly to create innovative recipes that showcase local produce, meat and seafood.

Locals and visitors never have to stray far for inexpensive staples—there’s literally a place on every corner. Near the entrance to El Yunque National Forest, the legendary Luquillo kiosks provide the perfect initiation into Puerto Rican grazing culture with over 60 establishments ranging from rustic beach bars to full-service restaurants that run the gamut of authentic Creole cooking as well as Latin American signature fare—ceviche, tamales, empanadas and guacamole.

The much-loved national dish is mofongo, deep-fried mashed plantains served with a side of seafood or meat and chicken broth soup. Among the best places to try mofongo are Santaella in San Juan and Mi Casita in Piñones.

Pork is another key component of Puerto Rican cuisine, especially in the form of lechón, a whole pig roasted over a fire for at least four hours. Around an hour’s drive south of San Juan, scores of lechoneras dot the famed Ruta de Lechón, or “Pork Highway,” where trays of succulent, tender pork are served at communal tables, and best accompanied by cold beer and live music.

Restaurant La Sombra / Source: Discover Puerto Rico

Harvested in volcanic soil, Puerto Rican coffee is world renowned for its deep, rich flavor. Over 60 percent of coffee production is dominated by Café Crema, Yaucono, and Café Rico, but a growing number of organic and sustainable brands are gaining a foothold, including Café Lareno and Cafe Di Laris. Gorgeous coffee plantations and haciendas are scattered across the island and often provide family friendly tours for coffee aficionados.

For breakfast, taste the bounty of Puerto Rico’s freshly picked tropical fruits: pineapple, coconut, mango, papaya, guava, passion fruit, carambola (star fruit), guanabana (soursop) and quenépa (Spanish lime).

Yauco Coffee Fields / Discover Puerto Rico

Must-try Puerto Rican Dishes

Bacalaitos: Codfish fritters

Source: Bacalaitos / Discover Puerto Rico

Alcapurrias: Deep-fried stuffed fritters

Source: Alcapurrias / Rafael Bisbal / Getty Images

Arroz con dulce: A sort of rice pudding, soaked with coconut cream or milk

Source:Boricua Christmas dessert / OlafSpeier / Getty Images

Arroz con gandules: Pigeon peas and rice, a ubiquitous side typically served with lechón

Source:Rice With Gandules / jrroman / Getty Images

Aguacate Relleno: Avocado filled with creamy garlic shrimp

Source: Seafood stuffed avocado / Rafael Bisbal / Getty Images

Empanadillas: Similar to an empanada but with less dough

Source: Mojito Beach Bar in Guanica / Aerovisual Media / Discover Puerto Rico

Mamposteao: A dish combining olive oil, cilantro, beans, green peppers, tomato sauce and onions

Source:Aguadilla Cinco Rest / Discover Puerto Rico

Pionono: The local specialty of Piñones, a yellow plantain dough stuffed with ground beef and deep-fried

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Pinchos: Grilled meat on a stick with garlic sauce, or similar

Source: BBQ Chicken Pinchos / Discover Puerto Rico

Pasteles: Yucca or green banana, usually filled with beef or pork and wrapped in banana leaf

Source:Pasteles en Hoja / Juan Silva / Getty Images

Tostones: Fried slices of plantain, flattened and then fried once more

Caribbean typical dish: PATACONES (also known as TOSTONES) and PICO de GALLO / Kryssia Campos / Getty Images

Tembleque: A decadent form of coconut pudding

Source: Rice Pudding Arroz Con Leche Puerto Rican Dessert / GMVozd / Getty Images

Sorullitos: Corn fritters stuffed with cheese

Source: Fried croquettes and stuffed potatoes with dip / TinaWang / Getty Images

°AQUATIKA BEACHFRONT AND RAINFOREST VIEWS LOIZA (Puerto Rico) – Apartments for rent – from 13232 RUB

Address

Carretera 187,
loiza,
puerto rico,
00772,
Puerto Rico

Show map

Description

Aquatika Beachfront And Rainforest Views apartment is located just 1. 1 km from La Pocit. Amenities such as free private parking, a heated swimming pool and an outdoor swimming pool are available on site. nine0003

Location

Carolina Beach is 4.7 km from the apartment. Fajardo is 47 km away. Guests can dine at Mi Casita and 3 Antillas, which are a 5-minute walk away. Two steps away is Avones Beach.

Approximately 15 minutes drive to Luis Munoz Marin International Airport.

Rooms

The rooms are equipped with climate control, ironing facilities and a sofa. The apartments have a kitchen, as well as a bath and shower. nine0003

Catering

Dishwasher, washing machine and coffee maker are at your disposal.

Leisure and business

All guests have access to a tennis court and a golf course on site.

Internet

Free Wi-Fi is available in all apartments.

Parking

Free private parking is available on site.

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Amenities

General

Wi-Fi
Kitchen utensils
TV
Accommodation with children

For children

Baby cots

View from room

Sea view

Amenities in the room

Relaxation area
Tea/coffee set
Dining table
Ironing accessories

Bathroom

Washing machine

Kitchenware

Dryer
Kitchen utensils

Media

Flat screen TV
CD player

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Important information

Check-in from 15:30-16:30FREECheck-out from 11:00-12:00FREE

Extra bedsThere are no cots available in a room.

Pets Pets are not allowed.

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Sorry, there are no rooms available at this hotel. Please select a hotel nearby. nine0003

Rooms and Availability

Apartments

Beds to choose from:
King-size bed
Room size:
121 m²
Max:
6 guests

Sea view
Shower
Coffee machine
org/LocationFeatureSpecification”>

Bathtub
Balcony

Details of the number

Location

Carretera 187,
loiza,
puerto rico,
00772,
Puerto Rico

Famous places of the city
Nearby
Restaurants

Park

Paseo Tablado de Pinones

1.0
km

Beach

La Posita

1.2
km

Avyones Beach

1.1
km

PR-187

Playa La Pocita

1.5
km

Campamento Pinones

Paseo Pinones

1.1
km

Boca de Cangrejos

780 m

Beach

Balneario de Carolina

1.5
km

Beach

Vivo Beach Club

1.5
km

Balneario Isla Verde

31. 3
km

Laguna La Torrecilla

1.9
km

Carolina Public Beach

1.9
km

Nature Reserve

Bosque Estatal de Piñones

2.3
km

Puerto Rico

Playa Isla Verde

3.4
km

Nature Reserve

Campamento Pinones

3.1
km

Reserva Marina Arrecife de la Isla Verde

2.9
km

Behind the Ritz Carlton (pine grove beach)

WOW Surfing School

3.4
km

Pine Grove Surfing Beach

3.4
km

Casino

Casino del Sol at Courtyard Marriott

3.4
km

Beach

Isla Verde Beach

3.9
km

Avenida Campo Rico intersección Ave. Fidalgo Diaz

Nino del Carolina Museum

4.3
km

Museum

Carolina Children’s Museum

4.3
km

Laguna de Pinones

4.0
km

Beach

Watersports 4U

3.9
km

Puerto Rico

Hobie Beach

4.3
km

Parque Isla Verde

4. 1
km

5869 Av. Isla Verde

Coral Beach Apartments

4.3
km

6063 Ave Isla Verde El San Juan Resort & Casino

El San Juan Casino

4.3
km

Shop

Pueblo Supermarket at Isla Verde

4.3
km

El Alambique Beach

4.3
km

Torrecilla Baja

Pinones

450 m

Restaurant

Mi Casita Seafood

300 m

Restaurant

Pinones.Com

300 m

Restaurant

Carmin Restaurant

390 m

Restaurant

El Nuevo0 900 Acuario 1.900
km

Transport

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Need a transfer?

You can book your transfer after you have completed your booking at the hotel.

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Address

Carretera 187,
loiza,
puerto rico,
00772,
Puerto Rico

Show map

Important information

Check-in from 15:30-16:30FREECheck-out from 11:00-12:00FREE

Extra bedsThere are no cots available in a room.

Pets Pets are not allowed.

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Transport

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Need a transfer?

You can book your transfer after you have completed your booking at the hotel.

°SAN JUAN AIRPORT HOTEL SAN JUAN 3* (Puerto Rico) – from 7533 UAH
18.437

32129,
-66.0045928955078

San Juan,
Puerto Rico

7533UAH

75 photo

75 photos

Ranking

Address

Lmm International Airport,
san juan,
puerto rico,
00979,
Puerto Rico

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Description

San Juan Airport Hotel, located in San Juan, 4.9 km from the Park of Dr. José Celso Barbosa, offers parking, a vending machine and an ATM. The San Juan Airport Hotel is a short drive from the Bosque Estatal de Piñones.