Readers’ Choice 2025 Food and Drink Winners

Readers' Choice 2025 Food and Drink

Food and Drink – The Places Defining Local Flavor

From cafés and bakeries to restaurants, bars, and food trucks, the West offers a dynamic food and drink scene shaped by creativity, tradition, and consistent quality. Our 2025 Readers’ Choice Food and Drink winners represent the places our community trusts for great meals, standout flavors, and reliable service. These selections highlight the teams and kitchens that contribute to the region’s identity and continue raising the standard for dining in the West.

Food and Drink Winners-Rincón, Aguada, Añasco

Best Coffee Spot

Coffee shops serving top-quality brews in Rincón, Aguada & Añasco.

Once again, this year, La Cafetera comes out on top. This beloved Rincón coffee truck draws a steady crowd with its creative espressos and frappes. It’s a favorite stop for coffee lovers looking for something a little extra in every cup.


Best Breakfast

Breakfast spots offering delicious morning meals across Rincón, Aguada & Añasco.

Mimosa Brunch has long been a beloved community favorite for its fresh, farm-to-table breakfast offerings. While their permanent location was recently impacted by fire, Chef Charlotte is keeping the flavors alive with pop-ups around the island. Stay tuned to their social media for updates on locations and how to support this local favorite as they prepare to reopen.


Best Lunch on a Budget

Tasty and affordable lunch options in Rincón, Aguada & Añasco.


Best Place for Fresh Juice/Smoothies

Fresh juices and smoothies made with quality ingredients.


Best Happy Hour Spot

Places with the best food and drink deals during happy hour.


Best Place for a Sunset Cocktail

Places to enjoy a cocktail with sunset views.


Best Cheap Date Spot

Casual dining options perfect for easy, affordable meals.

Taquería Vatos Locos in Rincón is a go-to spot for affordable, flavorful Mexican dishes. Known for its lively atmosphere and great drinks, it’s a favorite for couples looking for a casual, fun night out without overspending.


Best Splurge

Fine dining restaurants for special meals and experiences.

Parrillería Vacas Gauchas is a beloved family restaurant with 13 years of serving some of the finest steaks on the west coast. Known for its expertly grilled cuts and standout dry-aged selections, it’s a true destination in Rincón. Their Culinary Institute of America–trained chef elevates every dish with skill, precision, and big, memorable flavor.


Best Spot for a Romantic Dinner

Restaurants with intimate settings and memorable meals in Rincón, Aguada & Añasco.

La Copa Llena offers oceanfront dining with a menu inspired by global flavors, paired with a thoughtfully curated wine list and creative cocktails. It’s a mix of casual elegance and stunning views.


Best Family-Friendly Restaurant

Restaurants with welcoming spaces and menus for the whole family.

Cowboys Cantina & Outside Grill in Rincón is a favorite for families. Known for its wood-grilled Certified Angus beef, flavorful ribs, and casual open-air setting, it’s a spot where everyone can enjoy great food and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.


Best Place to Get Food Like Grandma’s

Traditional home-style Puerto Rican dishes with authentic flavors in Rincón, Aguada & Añasco.

El Despecho, a locally owned spot in Rincón, offers authentic Puerto Rican dishes with a modern touch. Known for its mofongo and traditional favorites, paired with flavorful cocktails, it’s a go-to for locals and visitors seeking home-style Puerto Rican cooking in a welcoming atmosphere.


Best Ice Cream Spot

Ice cream and frozen treats in Rincón, Aguada & Añasco.


Best Mexican Food

Spots serving the most flavorful and best Mexican food in Rincón, Aguada & Añasco.

Already a favorite for an affordable date night, Taquería Vatos Locos is dedicated to preparing both traditional and non-traditional Mexican dishes using the freshest ingredients. Their specialties include tacos made with fresh tortillas and the crowd-pleasing Birria, making it a go-to spot for locals and visitors craving bold, authentic flavors.


Best Asian Cuisine

Places serving Asian-inspired food across Rincón, Aguada & Añasco.


Best Mofongo

Local favorites known for classic and creative mofongo in Rincón, Aguada & Añasco.


Best Pizza

Mi Familia’s Pizzeria is a go-to spot for brick-oven pizza and cold draft beer in a relaxed, outdoor setting. With plenty of bar seating, multiple TVs, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to enjoy great pizza and good company.


Best Wings


Best Fish Tacos


Best Burger

Already a favorite for families, Cowboys Cantina & Outside Grill in Rincón also takes the top spot for burgers. Known for its wood-grilled Certified Angus beef and hearty American fare with a Puerto Rican twist, it’s the go-to spot for a satisfying burger in a relaxed, open-air setting.


Best Empanadillas


Best Steak


Best Vegan/Vegetarian Menu

Mandala Indian Fusion in Rincón blends modern Indian cuisine with fresh Caribbean ingredients. The food truck offers thoughtful, flavorful dishes with plenty of vegan options, focusing on meals that nourish the body and invite a relaxed, mindful dining experience.


Best Fresh Seafood


Best Mojitos

Located in Añasco, Mahi Mahi Restaurant is famous for its mojitos, with over 30 fresh and flavorful options. In addition to their expertly crafted drinks, they serve fresh local fish and Certified Angus meats, making it a well-rounded spot to enjoy good food and exceptional mojitos.


Best Craft Cocktails

Both located in the heart of Rincón, surrounding the public plaza, Gylro and Rincón Beer Company are go-to spots for chill vibes and great drinks. Gylro offers a Mediterranean-inspired patio, gyros, craft cocktails, and live music, while Rincón Beer Company pairs fresh local brews with cocktails inspired by Puerto Rican history and a menu of island-style bar food.


Best Bar for Locals

Rincón Beer Company has been a beloved local spot for years. With welcoming staff and a warm, creative atmosphere, it’s a place where locals feel at home and the community comes together to relax, connect, and enjoy good times in the heart of town.


Best After-Work Spot

Mediterráneo Restobar in Aguada, is located on Carretera 2. With plenty of parking, is a convenient stop for after-work drinks and bites. Its menu features premium Black Angus steaks, fresh seafood, and creative cocktails, making it a relaxed spot to unwind.


Best Sunday Chinchorreo Stop


Best Bakery


Best Food Truck/Stand

Not just a favorite for coffee, La Cafetera is a go-to food cart in Rincón for a delicious breakfast, artisanal espresso, fresh juices, and creative frappes. It’s known for its authentic flavors and welcoming vibe, making it a must-stop for coffee lovers and breakfast fans alike.


Best New Food or Drink Spot (Opened in 2025)

Bursting onto the scene in 2025, El Atiko brings a fresh experience to the heart of Rincón. In a vibrant rooftop setting, it offers a unique atmosphere where locals and visitors can enjoy creative cocktails, flavorful dishes, and a lively view of the town below. With a vibe that’s part Miami, part Florence, and unmistakably Rincon, it’s a must-visit spot for a memorable night out.


Best Overall Service

Recognized for its service, Mediterráneo Restobar delivers a consistently attentive and professional experience. From perfectly cooked meats to seafood, mofongos, and homemade desserts, every visit is complemented by well-prepared drinks and a friendly, accommodating staff.


Best Chef

With over 14 years of experience in the culinary industry, Joerick Rivera has honed his craft working alongside master Japanese chefs in the United States. Deeply inspired by Japanese culture and culinary traditions—especially the art of sushi—he is committed to honoring authenticity while embracing innovation.

Joerick is passionate about proper fish handling and sustainability, working closely with local fishermen to source and highlight more than 60% of his seafood from the rich waters of the Caribbean. His vision goes beyond the plate: he strives to position the west coast of Puerto Rico as a rising hub for Japanese cuisine by blending local ingredients with premium products from Japan and the U.S.

Under his leadership, Bakku Japanese Eatery & Crudo Bar has earned multiple recognitions, including being rated among the top restaurants in Puerto Rico and receiving awards for culinary excellence, creativity, and elevated dining experiences. Bakku has quickly become a reference point for Japanese cuisine on the island.

In addition to Bakku, Joerick is also the creator of Pa’l Monte, a Puerto Rican restaurant he opened ten years ago in Rincón. Today, Pa’l Monte stands as a vibrant cultural and culinary landmark—a community-driven space that celebrates Puerto Rican flavors, traditions, and hospitality for the people of Rincón.

Through both of his restaurants, Joerick works to create not just meals but meaningful, educational, and cultural experiences that elevate the culinary identity of Puerto Rico’s west coast.


Best Bartender

Julio Soto (Julito) brings 25 years of mixology experience. A former owner of Bohío de Papá Andrés in Añasco, he has been part of the Mediterráneo Restobar team since the restaurant first opened. His talent and charisma have helped make the bar a favorite among many locals and visitors.


Best Overall Place to Eat or Drink

The restaurant at Casa Isleña, a boutique hotel in Rincón, offers an exceptional waterfront dining experience. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients from island-caught fish to top-quality meats and produce bring both brunch and dinner menus to life. With ocean views, live acoustic music, and a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere, it’s a destination where every meal feels special.

Food and Drink Winners-The Rest of the West
(Not in Rincón, Aguada or Añasco)

Best Coffee Spot


Best Breakfast

Located in downtown Aguadilla, Celeste & Co. is known for its brunch with international (primarily European) flavors. Alongside house-made pastries and expertly crafted cocktails, it offers a refined and inviting atmosphere, making it a go-to spot for a memorable breakfast, brunch, or lunch.


Best Lunch on a Budget


Best Place for Fresh Juice/Smoothies


Best Happy Hour or After Work Spot


Best Place for a Sunset Cocktail


Best Cheap Date Spot


Best Splurge


Best Spot for a Romantic Dinner

Best Family-Friendly Restaurant


Best Place to Get Food Like Grandma’s


Best Ice Cream Spot


Best Mexican Food

Located in Mayagüez, The Birria Factory brings authentic Mexican flavors to Puerto Rico with traditional Jaliscan birria made from grandma’s original recipe. Their tacos, quesabirrias, and esquites, paired with house-made sauces and fresh ingredients, make every bite a flavor-packed experience. A little piece of Mexico on the island.


Best Asian Cuisine


Best Mofongo


Best Pizza


Best Wings


Best Fish Tacos


Best Burger


Best Empanadillas


Best Steak


Best Vegan/Vegetarian Menu


Best Fresh Seafood


Best Mojitos


Best Craft Cocktails

Located in downtown Aguadilla, Timber & Blues is a speakeasy-style bar and cigar lounge offering expertly crafted cocktails. With multiple bar spaces, a dedicated cigar lounge, and a menu of pizzas, pastas, and tapas, it’s a spot where drinks, food, and a lively weekend DJ come together for a full evening experience.


Best Bakery


Best Food Truck/Stand

Located in Mayagüez, Pa’ Donde Abel is a food truck serving fresh Puerto Rican cuisine with a modern twist. From wings and nachos to quesadillas and classic criollo dishes, each bite is packed with authentic Boricua flavor. Quick service and a friendly, family-oriented vibe make it a local favorite.


Best New Food or Drink Spot (Opened in 2025)


Best Overall Service


Best Chef


Best Bartender

A proud Rincoeño with more than 26 years in the food and beverage industry and a full-time bartender since 2009, Antonio brings skill, technique, and passion to every drink. Known for his mastery of classic cocktails with modern twists—clarifications, infusions, foams, and more—he’s a favorite behind the bar. He has worked in several well-known local establishments, including the now-closed Horned Dorset. His dedication and talent have also earned him notable accolades, including the 2018 Copa Serrallés and recognition in national and international competitions.


Best Overall Place to Eat or Drink


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