El Vino Crudo

"El Vino Crudo in Old San Juan offers a unique fusion of a natural wine bar, restaurant, and shop. Located on Calle Fortaleza, this minimalist yet inviting space beautifully integrates Old San Juan’s colonial charm with modern design. With a curated selection of natural wines from small organic and biodynamic growers, this venue provides an excellent opportunity to explore distinctive labels, particularly those well-suited for Puerto Rico’s tropical climate, such as light reds, rosés, and other skin-contact wines. As a full-service restaurant, El Vino Crudo goes beyond its bar offerings with Italian-inspired seasonal dishes like herby citrus salads and bucatini carbonara. Pair these with wine selections for a complete dining experience. The laid-back vibe makes it an ideal spot for wine enthusiasts seeking a tranquil alternative to Old San Juan’s typically bustling nightlife." - Paulina Salach Antonetti, Alicia Kennedy

"If you plan to bar hop around Old San Juan, this low-lit natural wine bar down a cobblestone alley should be your first stop. You can make a meal out of the (very good) small plates menu that includes things like asparagus on top of ‘nduja romesco, chickpea fritters that come stacked like Lincoln Logs, and a hearty short rib au poivre. The menu changes often, so use that as an excuse to pop in whenever you’re back in San Juan. If you like what you’re drinking, you can pick up a bottle here or from their sandwich shop, Malavita, next door. " - adriana silva, tiffany yannetta

"If you’re planning to bar hop around Old San Juan, this low-lit natural wine bar down a cobblestone alley should be your first stop. You can make a meal out of the (very good) small plates menu that includes things like asparagus on top of ‘nduja romesco, chickpea fritters that come stacked like Lincoln Logs, and a hearty short rib au poivre. The menu changes often, so use that as an excuse to pop in whenever you’re back in San Juan. If you like what you’re drinking, you can pick up a bottle here or from their sandwich shop, Malavita, next door." - Tiffany Yannetta