Old San Juan Cafe - Reading, Pennsylvania

Discovering Old San Juan Cafe: A Taste of Puerto Rico in Reading, PA

Nestled in the heart of Reading, Pennsylvania, Old San Juan Cafe brings a vibrant taste of Puerto Rico to the Keystone State. This hidden gem, located at 808 N 9th St, offers a unique dining experience that transports patrons to the tropical islands with every bite.

Main Services

• Puerto Rican Cuisine: Old San Juan Cafe specializes in authentic Puerto Rican dishes, allowing diners to explore the rich flavors and culinary traditions of the island.
• Nuevo Latino Cuisine: In addition to traditional Puerto Rican fare, the cafe also offers Nuevo Latino dishes, presenting a modern twist on classic recipes.
• Takeout: For those on the go, Old San Juan Cafe provides a takeout service, perfect for enjoying your meal at home or on a picnic.
• Dine-in: The cafe features a warm and inviting dining area, where customers can relax and savor their meals in a cozy atmosphere.
• Delivery: Old San Juan Cafe offers delivery services, ensuring that their delicious food can reach your doorstep with minimal effort.
• Fast Service: The cafe is committed to providing efficient and speedy service, ensuring that patrons can enjoy their meals without waiting too long.
• Local Specialties: Old San Juan Cafe prides itself on serving local specialty dishes, allowing customers to sample the best of both Puerto Rican and Pennsylvania flavors.

Location and Access

Old San Juan Cafe is conveniently situated at 808 N 9th St, in the heart of Reading, Pennsylvania. The cafe is easily accessible by car, with nearby parking available on 9th Street and the surrounding area. Public transportation users can take advantage of the nearby Reading Public Museum stop, which is approximately a 5-minute walk from the cafe. For those traveling by bike, there are bike racks located outside the cafe to secure your vehicle during your visit.

Featured Characteristics

• Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner: Old San Juan Cafe caters to customers throughout the day, offering a varied menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. From traditional mofongo and bacalaítos for breakfast to hearty asopados and lechón for dinner, there's something for everyone.
• Comfort Food: The cafe specializes in serving hearty, comforting dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Their menu is packed with flavorful options that will leave you feeling full and content.
• Quick Bites and Small Plates: For those looking for a lighter meal or a quick snack, Old San Juan Cafe offers a selection of small plates and quick bites, such as empanadas, tostones, and croquetas.
• Dessert: No meal is complete without a sweet treat, and Old San Juan Cafe delivers with a range of decadent Puerto Rican desserts, including tiramisú, arroz con dulce, and pastel de guayaba.
• Coffee: The cafe takes pride in serving freshly brewed coffee, ensuring that customers can enjoy a perfect cup to accompany their meal or as a pick-me-up throughout the day.
• Solo Dining and Group Gatherings: Old San Juan Cafe caters to both solo diners and large groups, with a layout that offers intimate tables for one and spacious areas for larger gatherings.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: The cafe is committed to ensuring that all customers can enjoy their dining experience, with wheelchair-accessible entrances and car parking available.

Practical Information

Address: 808 N 9th St, Reading, PA 19604, United States
Phone: 6106853081
Website: [Not specified]
Hours: Monday - Thursday: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Friday - Saturday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Sunday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Price Range: $11 - $30 per person

Positive Aspects from Reviews

With an impressive 881 reviews on Google My Business, Old San Juan Cafe maintains an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. Customers consistently praise the cafe's authentic Puerto Rican flavors, excellent service, and welcoming atmosphere.

Many patrons rave about the cafe's signature dishes, such as the mofongo, lechón, and alcapurrias, highlighting the rich and vibrant flavors that transport them to the Caribbean. The breakfast menu is also a hit, with customers enjoying the hearty options like the huevos rancheros and tostones with eggs.

In addition to the delicious food, customers appreciate the friendly and attentive service provided by the cafe's staff. The welcoming atmosphere, coupled with the quick and efficient service, ensures that patrons have an enjoyable dining experience.

Old San Juan Cafe's commitment to providing authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, coupled with its convenient location and excellent service, makes it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike. Whether you're craving a hearty breakfast, a quick lunch, or a delicious dinner, Old San Juan Cafe has something to offer everyone. So why not pay them a visit and experience the taste of Puerto Rico in the heart of Reading, Pennsylvania?

👍 Reviews of Old San Juan Cafe

Mar

4/5

Went in today around 1:30 for lunch & immediately was hit with the smell of good food. I ordered the Sancocho with white rice and sweet plantains with a bacalaitos. Everything tasted amazing only small complaint would be i wish the sancocho had root vegetables (name, malanga, batata, etc) And the bacalaitos were different from what i’m used to. Typically in puerto rico they are skinny & crispy other than the food tasted very seasoned & fresh. The place was clean and the atmosphere was friendly, felt right at home. the staff were more than beyond helpful & generous with the portions! They also have pastry window, i managed to grab the guava & cream cake it was delightful! They have an assortments of drinks also, Would recommend & i’ll be back soon! Thanks for having me!

Noell B.

4/5

I ordered Pastelon and it was yummy, not just like in Puerto Rico but wonderful

Maita A.

1/5

when to get a tembleque and it was old and moldy super nasty to try to sell this type of stuff

Jennifer L.

5/5

I had catering done for my baby shower. The price was reasonable. Food was so good there were no left overs. I also come here for take out on occasion and the staff is really sweet and my food and desert option is always good.

Reinaldo M.

1/5

Not a typical Puerto Rican Restaurant. I did not like the food at all. No taste or quality. I will never go back in again. The prices were too high for the quality of the food. The day i went in the place was empty. No customers but I know why now. Worst Puerto Rican Restaurant in The city of Reading. All 00000 stars. Do not waste your time or money. Sorry for my review but it's what it is.

Justin Y.

5/5

Very pleasant experience. Little English spoken, but servers are very kind and patient through the language barrier. Food was super tasty and served fresh. Flan is amazing!

Eric G.

5/5

Awesome Experience and great service make me field in home 🏡

Jess M.

5/5

We had a fantastic meal and will definitely be back. The pernil, pastelillos, bacalaitos, and arroz con gandules were all perfectly prepared and so tasty. The portions are generously sized and they offer dine in or take out options. The off street parking is an additional perk.

If you're looking for authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, look no further.

Mar

4/5

Went in today around 1:30 for lunch & immediately was hit with the smell of good food. I ordered the Sancocho with white rice and sweet plantains with a bacalaitos. Everything tasted amazing only small complaint would be i wish the sancocho had root vegetables (name, malanga, batata, etc) And the bacalaitos were different from what i’m used to. Typically in puerto rico they are skinny & crispy other than the food tasted very seasoned & fresh. The place was clean and the atmosphere was friendly, felt right at home. the staff were more than beyond helpful & generous with the portions! They also have pastry window, i managed to grab the guava & cream cake it was delightful! They have an assortments of drinks also, Would recommend & i’ll be back soon! Thanks for having me!

Jennifer L.

5/5

I had catering done for my baby shower. The price was reasonable. Food was so good there were no left overs. I also come here for take out on occasion and the staff is really sweet and my food and desert option is always good.

Noell B.

4/5

I ordered Pastelon and it was yummy, not just like in Puerto Rico but wonderful

Zoraida C.

1/5

I went today and I will never go again. They are not Puerto Ricans making Puerto Rican food. It's called Old San Juan because they serve you old food and it taste nasty. They advertise natural juices but they are not. They are fountain drinks heavy with sugar and a nasty bad taste. I am surprised the health inspector has not gone up in there and close this place down. Also, I almost puke and ran to the restroom and the restroom has a heavy smell of mold which not good for anyone's health. They don't even deserve the one star I put.
I don't recommend anyone to eat at this place.

Maita A.

1/5

when to get a tembleque and it was old and moldy super nasty to try to sell this type of stuff