La Madre

A Mexican kitchen on Calle Tetuán in Old San Juan that has held its own as one of the most consistent restaurants in the historic core for over a decade. Tacos are the headline — short rib, mahi-mahi, suckling pig — built on fresh corn tortillas pressed in-house, and the moles are the real thing.

The bar mixes a small list of well-judged mezcal and tequila cocktails. Reservations help on weekends; on weeknights you can usually walk up. Not cheap by Mexican-restaurant standards, but the kitchen is consistent and the room — a narrow colonial-era townhouse with painted tile and ceiling fans — is a pleasant place to eat.

eating out restaurant old san juan