One of the most beautiful things about Puerto Rico is that you can do a light chinchorreo on a Thursday in Guaynabo and not break your pocket. Last week my buddy came from out of town, and he lives deep into the Caguas countryside. I mean like in the mountains.
The afternoon started with the best question known to man:
“Want to grab a beer?”
So, My buddy knows about a few fantastic $1 a beer spots where there are incredible people, and you can just chill.
Luckily, I had my camera with me.
We started at the famous chinchorro Los Almendros.
Los Almendros is a local favorite because of their rabbit empanadillas. They are probably the best in Puerto Rico. These things are worth the trip up there.
There is usually a salsa band, and on the weekends, it gets busy starting on Thursdays.
And the best part is that the drinks are cheap.
So, a rabbit empanadilla and a drink of beer will cost you less than $10.
As I ate my two empanadillas, we drank a few beers and caught up, and headed to the next spot.
There’s this kind of new spot called La Loma del Vecino.
I say sort of unique because it’s been open for less than two years. It was the first time I had been there.
So it is new to me.
It’s a fantastic spot because it’s open, and they have a lot of craft beers.
The place reminded me of a few spots down south in Louisiana. All open with wood benches and lighted by patio lights.
I do have to warn you, though. It’s known for being a little pricey considering the area.
We came from a spot where a craft beer would cost us $4 to a place where the beers cost us $7 each, and it’s right down the road.
So, we had one beer, took some photos, and went off to El Rincon del Abuelo.
This would be my second time here, and I can say it’s a great spot to visit for a mojito and some appetizers.
The alcapurrias are like sandwiches. They’re sliced into three sections because they are so big.
Unfortunately, on this trip, I only grabbed a mojito… or two.
El Rincon del Abuelo is an excellent spot to visit with family or friends and grab cheap drinks.
The location is an outdoor bar with wood terraces that give it a cozy feel.
Unfortunately, it was around this time that it started to pour heavy, so I stayed put and had another mojito to wait for the rain to stop.
The following bar that we went to is not even on a map. Literally, you have to be from the area even to know it exists.
Fortunately, the owner is my buddy’s neighbor, so we had no problem finding it.
It’s Called the El Sube y Baja
This bar is as local as it gets. It’s a small bar with $1 Medallas, $4 cocktails, a pool table, a few TVs, and salsa music.
That’s all you need for a Chinchorreo on a Thursday in Guaynabo
When I got there, I felt a little intimidated because I didn’t know anybody, but I felt at home in less than 5 minutes.
I asked if I could take some photos, and they were all more than receptive.
The minute I started to take photos, they started to do crazy poses each time I got it position.
But I always believe that the best photos are the unexpected ones.
I love these small country bars. The people are always very friendly, and they make you feel at home as soon as you walk in the door.
The nights consisted of many Medalla beers, a pool, and just talking with the people there.
I seriously think that we went through at least 6 Medallas each, and the bill did not pass $20.
And I could have kept going, but it was the first time there, and I couldn’t remember exactly how to get back. So, I pulled back a bit and waited for the buzz to drop a little before heading out.
I believe it’s not bad for a Thursday, considering that it was entirely improvised.
I always say that if you chase the cheap beer, you find a good spot.
Puerto Rico is full of small places like this.
Chinchorreo on a Thursday in Guaynabo are what make Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico.
Taking a trip to the mountains and going bar hopping is part of the lifestyle.
On Sundays, you see complete families touring the different chinchorros in towns in the island’s center like Caguas, Cidra, Cayey, Morovis, Naranjito, Orocoviz, and just about every other city in the center of the island.
There are chinchorros in San Juan, but it’s nearly the same as going to the mountains and enjoying the cool weather and cheap drinks.
And most importantly, the great people.