Readers’ Choice 2024: Food and Drink Winners

Readers Choice Winner Food and Drink

Food & Drink 🍴 – A Culinary Journey Through Local Flavor

The Food & Drink category showcases the best local spots to eat, drink, and unwind. This year’s winners represent the top choices for coffee, casual meals, drinks, and everything in between.

Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch, enjoying drinks with a view, or treating yourself to a special night out, these places deliver great food and good vibes. From family-friendly favorites to hidden gems, our food scene has something for everyone.

La Cafetera winner

The votes for the Best Coffee Spot, one of the most competitive categories, have spoken! And the winner is La Cafetera, a coffee cart that’s perfect for enjoying a delicious breakfast, artisanal espresso, natural juices, and frappes. Located in Rincón, PR, on Road 115 at Calle Las Fábricas, La Cafetera has won everyone over with its authentic flavor and welcoming atmosphere. Open every day, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a fresh and tasty drink. Definitely the spot for coffee lovers! ☕🍹

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La Cafetera winner

La Cafetera was not only recognized as the Best Coffee Spot, but also won the title of Best Breakfast. With a set menu featuring irresistible options and some seasonal specials, La Cafetera offers a variety that pleases everyone. You can enjoy waffles and bagels made in Puerto Rico, a delicious peanut butter and jelly French toast, breakfast burritos, homemade biscuits, Danish pancakes, acai bowls, and their already-famous “Morning Glory.”

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Sabor y Vida-Food and Drink winner

The title of Best Lunch on a Budget goes to Sabor y Vida, a standout spot offering a fresh and delicious alternative for food that feels like home. Conveniently located on Road 115, km 12.2, this restaurant serves up a variety of grilled dishes, including pork chops, ribs, chicken breasts, fricassee chicken, mahi-mahi, salmon, codfish, and the steak of the day.

Every lunch comes with your choice of sides, such as white rice, beans, rice of the day, mashed taro, pickled cassava, house salad, tostones, sweet plantains, or root vegetables.

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The votes for Best Place for Fresh Juices/Smoothies left no doubt: La Cafetera, the most popular coffee cart in the area, was chosen as the favorite in this category as well.

Celebrating their 3rd anniversary this year, they offe natural juices and frappes perfect for refreshing your day. Whether you’re looking for a juice to detox your body, boost your hemoglobin, lower your blood pressure, or simply enjoy a healthy treat, La Cafetera has what you need.

Besides their famous coffee and breakfasts, their selection of fresh juices and smoothies provide a revitalizing and delicious experience. Stop by and enjoy the best of Puerto Rico in every sip!

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Dugout

Dugout has clinched the title for Best Happy Hour, thanks to its mix of good vibes, delicious drinks, and exciting events.

Located at Avenida Vista Mar Suite #9, Dugout is the place to be for weekly happy hours, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere that keeps the energy alive.

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What's Up Rincón-Villa Cofresi-Food and Drink winner

What better way to celebrate an iconic landmark than by honoring Hotel Villa Cofresí, Rincón’s very first hotel, as it marks its 60th anniversary this year?

Beloved by both locals and visitors, this historic gem has been nominated across numerous categories, and it’s easy to see why. With its inviting restaurant, lively outdoor bar, frequent special events, and home to the world-famous Pirata drink, Hotel Villa Cofresí offers something for everyone.

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Taqueria Vatos Locos-Food and Drink winner

Our readers chose Taquería Vatos Locos as the Best Cheap Date Spot.

Located on Calle Muñoz Rivera, in Plaza de Rincón, Taquería Vatos Locos brings the authentic flavor of Mexico to Puerto Rico.

In the heart of Rincón, this vibrant spot offers an incredible variety of Mexican dishes. With a lively atmosphere, and a fully stocked bar, it’s the perfect place to enjoy an affordable yet delicious date.

Enjoy artisanal tacos made with fresh ingredients and homemade tortillas. With authentic creations from the Mexican Cantina, you’ll feel like you’re in Mexico!

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Winner Food and Drink-Bakku

Bakku, the ideal place to enjoy a unique culinary experience in Rincón.

This sushi and crudo bar restaurant offers top-notch Japanese cuisine with an open concept, allowing you to watch the chefs in action as they prepare their delicious creations.

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Bakku-Food and Drink winner

If you’re looking for an intimate and special place for a romantic dinner, our readers have once again chosen Bakku Japanese Eatery and Crudo Bar as the perfect option.

With its warm and cozy atmosphere, complemented by soft lighting, Bakku offers a unique experience that combines high-quality Japanese cuisine with a relaxing environment, ideal for a special night with your partner. This sushi and crudo bar transports you to a space filled with exceptional flavors and attention to detail.

Whether you prefer delicious sushi or crudo dishes, every bite at Bakku is an explosion of flavor and freshness.

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a magical evening at Bakku, where food and ambiance come together to create an unforgettable experience.

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Mi Familias-Winner Food and Drink

The readers have spoken, and Mi Familia Pizzería has earned recognition as the best family-friendly restaurant in the area. Located on Carretera 413, km 4.2, this restaurant is the perfect spot to enjoy a family meal. From your seat, you can watch chef Gaby Carrero create gourmet pizzas using fresh dough and homemade marinara sauce. His specially designed Italian brick oven ensures, with Gaby’s unique touch, a thin and light crust that perfectly complements the fresh ingredients and flavors.


The menu offers small plates including mozzarella sticks, wings, meatballs, and salads, which are ideal for sharing. The 12- or 16-inch pizzas include options like La Reina, Tres Carnes, Veggie, La Verde, Shrooms, and Chovolone.


For those who prefer pizzas without marinara sauce, Mi Familia Pizzería offers white options like Emmy’s, King James, BC2 (spicy), or Pesto. Additionally, any 12-inch pizza can be made with a cauliflower crust.

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Food and Drink winner-Pa'l Monte

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Tip-Top

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Taqueria Vatos Locos-Food and Drink winner

The readers voted, and Taquería Vatos Locos has won the title of Best Mexican Food! In addition to being recognized as the best spot for an affordable date, this restaurant has become the ideal place to enjoy authentic Mexican flavors in Rincón.
At Vatos Locos, variety is key: from delicious snacks like tostadas, jalapeño poppers, poblano cheese, flautas, pico de gallo, guacamole, to nachos and the classic fried cheese. The authentic tacos include carnitas, al pastor, chorizo, asado, ceviche, baja cal fish, lamb birria, beef birria, chicken tinga, burritos, chimichangas, and birria.
With its vibrant atmosphere and a menu full of unique creations, Taquería Vatos Locos is the perfect place to enjoy authentic Mexican food that makes you feel like you’re in Mexico! Swing by and live the experience!

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Food and Drink winner-Bakku

Once again, the readers have voted, and Bakku takes another title: Best Asian Food. This restaurant stands out for offering a unique experience with its fusion of fresh dishes and authentic flavors that have won our readers’ hearts.
Their Cold Tasting features delicacies that include tartar, octopus carpaccio, and hamachi tiradito, perfect for starting a winning gastronomic experience. If you prefer something hot, the Korean BBQ short ribs and crispy salmon tataki are irresistible options. Additionally, don’t miss their nigiri, sashimi, and the chef’s original and unique rolls, designed to surprise.
With an elegant and cozy atmosphere, Bakku offers much more than Asian food; it provides a complete culinary experience that will leave you wanting to come back. Don’t miss the chance to try the best Asian food in the area!

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Mofongo, one of Puerto Rico’s most iconic dishes, has earned a special place in the hearts of both locals and tourists. This delicious dish is made with green plantains (cut into pieces and fried or boiled in broth), and then mashed with garlic, oil, and pork cracklings or bacon. This technique creates a mix that absorbs the flavors of its accompaniments. Traditionally served with fried meat and chicken broth soup, mofongo can include a variety of ingredients such as shrimp, chicken, or octopus, creating a unique experience with every bite.
This year, the Best Mofongo was a tie between two places that prepare it with a unique and authentic touch: Red Flamboyán and Pa’l Monte. Both places stand out for offering a delicious and genuine version of this traditional dish, and we invite you to try them and decide which is your favorite!

Red Flamboyan-Food and Drink
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Pa'l Monte-Food and Drink winner
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Mi Familias-Winner Food and Drink

Mi Familia Pizzería takes another top spot for Best Pizza. With its menu of artisanal pizzas, this family restaurant on Carretera 413 km 4.2 in Rincón has won over the palates of both locals and visitors alike.
At Mi Familia Pizzería, you can enjoy a wide variety of 12- or 16-inch pizzas, with both classic and creative options.
But that’s not all! In addition to great pizza, they have craft beer on tap and multiple TV’s. According to our readers, it’s the best place to watch a game (Nightlife and Entertainment). If you haven’t tried it yet, we invite you to visit and be part of this delicious tradition!

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Blackies Pub

What makes wings truly the best? It’s all about the perfect balance—a crispy exterior, juicy interior, and the ultimate combination of sauces and dressings. With just the right seasoning and frying time, each bite delivers a burst of flavor and crunch.

For these reasons, our readers crowned Blackies Pub as the best wing spot. Nestled on Carretera 413 in Barrio Puntas, this roadside gem has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of wing enthusiasts.

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Food and drink winner-La Cambija

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Gas Burgers-Food and Drink winner

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Kaplash

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Food and Drink winner-Cowboys

Our readers have crowned Cowboys as the place for the best steak. Specializing in Certified Angus Beef® cuts, this unique restaurant in Rincón is known for its tender, juicy, and flavorful steaks. Each steak is cooked to perfection, showcasing the exceptional quality of the meat. You can also enjoy their mouthwatering ribs, cooked with the same care and paired with their homemade BBQ sauce to enhance every bite.

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Sana Farm to Table-Food and Drink winner

Our readers have awarded Sana Farm to Table Restaurant the title of Best Vegan/Vegetarian Menu. This Rincón-based restaurant stands out for its menu of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, offering a variety of vegan and gluten-free options.

Located at Carr. #413, Bo. Puntas, this spot is perfect for brunch or lunch. Their vegan options include gazpacho, summer rolls, farm-to-table salad, quinoa salad, seaweed salad, vegan tacos, vegan poke, and vegan burgers.

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La Cambija-Food and Drink winner

Our readers have named La Cambija a double winner, earning the title of Best Fresh Seafood. This beloved Rincón restaurant is known for its daily catch, offering an array of mouthwatering dishes like seafood empanadillas, fish skewers, grilled fish, burgers, burritos, and tacos, all showcasing the finest local seafood.
Located on Calle Cambija, La Cambija provides the perfect setting to savor fresh seafood in a laid-back atmosphere. Don’t miss out on the chance to indulge in their delicious, freshly prepared dishes!

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Mahi Mahi Bar and Restaurant

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Rincón Beer Co-Winner Food and Drink
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Rincón Beer Co-Winner Food and Drink

No, you’re not seeing double…unless you’ve had too many craft cocktails? This local brewery is beloved not just for its cool vibe but for its dedication to the community and the environment. It’s no wonder they’ve become a cornerstone for Rincón locals.

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Rincón Beer Co-Winner Food and Drink

When the workday ends, Rincón Beer Company begins! With expertly brewed craft beers and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s the ideal spot to unwind and connect after a busy day. Their passion for the craft and the community shines with every award they’ve earned. It’s no wonder they’re dominating this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

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El Patio Familiar

Our readers voted El Patio Familiar as the Best Sunday Chinchorreo Stop. This top pick serves up a variety of crowd-pleasing picadera, including seafood empanadillas, nachos, quesadillas, burritos, skewers, burgers, chicken bites, fried pork, and more.

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Panadería Eileen

Panadería Eileen earned the title of Best Bakery in Aguada. Located on PR-115 in Barrio Río Grande, this beloved spot is a favorite for fresh bread, delicious pastries, diverse breakfast options, and a daily lunch menu that satisfies every craving.

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Añasco Bakery

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Rincón Bakery

Our readers’ top pick, Rincón Bakery, has it all. Enjoy sandwiches, breakfast options, soups, wraps, fritters, pastries, and cakes for any occasion. They also offer beers, spirits, and essential grocery items.

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Rancho Carbón Express

If you’re driving along PR-115 in Aguada, you’ll spot a line along the roadside that speaks for itself. If you roll down your windows, your car will fill with the mouthwatering scents of charcoal and spices. There’s a reason our readers picked Rancho Carbón Express as the best food truck in Aguada. You can’t miss trying their ribs, arroz con gandules, roasted sweet potato, root vegetables, kan-kan chops, and famous chicken!

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Food and Drink winner-CHRISin Limites

Situated at Carr. 115 km 12.2, right across from the entrance to Hotel Rincón of the Seas, CHRISin Límites is a food truck led by chef Chris, who uses his business to raise awareness about Down syndrome. His menu features creative dishes with names inspired by the syndrome, including Mosaico, Trisómico, Wasachos, Tacos SD, and Ensalada Cromosómica.

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Sushi by Loon Fu

Sushi by Loon Fu offers an exceptional selection of Asian-inspired dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Located at Carr. 115 km 71, this food truck serves a variety of sushi rolls and main dishes. The menu includes Thai Rice, Lomein, Egg Rolls, Dumplings, and much more. Every bite guarantees an unforgettable experience, which is why our readers have chosen it as the best food truck in Añasco!

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Food and Drink Winner-Vino Viejo
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