El Vino Crudo
Wine bar · San Juan
320 C. de la Fortaleza, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
Highlights
Natural wine bar offering Italian-inspired seasonal dishes
Natural wine bar offering Italian-inspired seasonal dishes
"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, mariana trabanino
"If you’re bar hopping around Old San Juan, this low-lit natural wine bar down a cobblestone alley is worth a visit for some pet-net and snacks. The wine selection has some really interesting bottles, like dark rose from Provence that’s basically just a deep, refreshing rosé, and you’ll have a splendid time drinking a bottle or two while sharing bites like za’atar focaccia and boquerones resting on smashed pancakes of potatoes. The space is cavernous, always set in moody lighting, and feels like you’ve found some secret orange wine liar among a more touristy area. And if you like what you’re drinking, you can pick up a bottle here or from their sandwich shop, Malavita, next door. Just don’t prioritize a full dinner at El Vino Crudo. We’ve found that a majority of the food is crying out for more salt and pepper, like a plate of thick-cut, high-quality tuna that desperately needs a bit of dressing. Food Rundown The menu here changes often, but here’s an example of what they might be serving. Vegetable Crudites If you’ve been housing mofongo and pernil like your life depends on it, this plate of vegetables with a tofu dipping sauce is a nice break. It’s simple and highlights some great local produce. Za’atar Focaccia & Creme Fraiche These beautiful slices of focaccia come dusted with za’atar and a side of creme fraiche for dipping. It’s a great snack while you’re drinking a rosé from France, but we wish they were more heavy-handed with the flaky salt. Bluefin Tuna Plate The akami and chutoro are cut thick, and served next to little tartare handrolls. Beyond some finely chopped herbs, the fish is unseasoned. While the quality of the sashimi stands on its own, it’s missing something to enhance the flavor. Flattened Potato & Boquerones A lovely and messy plate of potatoes and meaty anchovies with a swipe of aioli. This is one of their best small plates. Lamb Belly Rack & Chopped Salad On one of our visits, this was a special, and it’s a particularly rich hunk of meat. The bones come out with a slight twist, and it’s fatty in all the best ways." - Carlo Mantuano
"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
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