Pueblo

Whenever we are in Puerto Rico there are two things we always do:1) stay at Embassy Suites and 2) go to Pueblo supermarket. It’s only a quick less than five minute walk from the hotel (outside of the main entrance turn right and keep walking beside the hotel, cross over the street on the left and keep walking. You will reach the parking lot and see the store on your left).
This store is like your standard stateside supermarket. If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of packing large liquid or aerosols for your trip, you can wait to arrive to purchase them here. They have beer, wine and liquor for sale. They also have a hot ready to eat buffet, which has really tasty items. When it was our turn to order, we thought they only spoke Spanish so we were literally pointing to everything we wanted, until one of the servers asked us if we wanted rice in English… We got the turkey and bbq ribs with seasoned rice and it was good. I even got a fountain grape drink, which was sweet and good!
Don’t worry if you don’t speak Spanish. Most workers are bilingual and pleasant. So if you are staying nearby, try them out.

This is the Wal-​Marts of Puerto Rico. They are open ²⁴⁄₇. Why would you go to a Walmart while on vacation? Well it was late night and we weren’t partying, so we decided to check out their local food/​snacks aisle. We found a lot of the candy/​snacks that they sell at the airport for $ 5 – 10, were available here for $ 1 – 3. So we loaded up and tried a little of everything. The piña colada candy was the best and we were able to bring some to the US. You can find other various items that you might have ran out of in your travel bag or if you’re in a bind come by and pick up the items you normally would get at your local Walmart in America.

It is what it is. An American Supermarket for wealthy tourist. It is well placed for those who find themselves short of wish for items and time but long on $$$. You have to have a discerning eye to find the local jems. They are there, just hidden by the multi national brands. It always feels odd buying apples in the Caribbean but that is what customers want. The store is impeccably clean, smells neutral (this is good) and is bright and well stocked. I didn’t look at the meats but I would have a sharp eye on the date of cut if I was buying. Just a bit worried about turn over. South Florida reference — compares to a new Winn Dixie, older Publix but has a few items found in Fresh Market/​Whole Foods.

The $.70 coffee here is better than any $ 5.00 hotel coffee around. Also a good place to get pastries. Nothing else is worth trying.

This was the local grocery store to our hotel. Super convenient since they were open 24 hours. It was very organized and fully stocked and leveled. They carry liquor also. My friend was a little hung over so we found the hot food deli where he ordered hot soup to calm his stomach and followed it with pernil and rice. He enjoyed both meals and said it was super cheap.

When planning a trip to Puerto Rico I instantly get excited at the idea of going to Pueblo. Why? Their FARINA! The Farina (Cream of Wheat) is absolutely the best I have had and takes me back to the days when my grandmother would make it for me.
Only complaint would be that although their breakfast officially ends at 10am, they run out much sooner! I made this mistake once so now I am there bright and early during my vacation to get my Farina.
They also have a good selection of produce, hair items, and liquor.

It’s a little nicer grocery store though still not to the standards that you’re probably accustomed to, especially if you’re gonna pay a little more.

This supermarket was exactly what I was looking for to pick up stuff I missed for my vacation. This place has native PR items as well as American items. I was also able to grab some food to prepare myself since hotel dining can get pricey.
The location is conveniently located a long the highway/​streets of Carolina. Easy to find and nearby other hotels. I didn’t have a car and was easily able to find the place by walking.
Pretty crowded but I was able to get through the line pretty quickly.
Oh yeah, saw a bird flying inside the market! Loved it!

We found this grocery store not too far away from San Juan on the way to Pinones. It’s just your average local grocery store nothing special, but that was perfect. I had bought a 2-​liter of Coke at the hotel market and paid $ 6 for it! They had them at Pueblo for $.99!!! We stopped here and bought some snacks to keep in the hotel room… pop and cookies. My dad bought some delicious bread to have with his coffee in the morning and some huge mangos.
While there we noticed that they have a hot prepared food corner so we decided to have an early dinner there. It was decent, but surprisingly lacked in flavor. If you do opt to try it, one entrée is enough for two people. They give a lot of food.

A hidden jewel in touristland. Pueblo is a real supermarket only a block or two from the tourist wasteland on Isla Verde avenue. They have a good selection of fruits, vegetables, and everything else at reasonable prices, so you don’t have to do your grocery shopping at Walgreens.
They have an excellent liquor selection in case you want to buy a few bottles of rum for gifts. Prices are better than the nearby Mad Dog liquors or Walgreens.
Note: Google maps is fried in this location. Off Ave. Isla Verde, go South on Cll. Diazway (the street between the Chili’s and a commercial parking lot). Cll Diazway curves to the right as it approaches the highway and ends up in the Pueblo parking lot.