Where is the best and inexpensive place to eat in the San Juan, P.R. area? A good place were locals would eat?

Question

I am looking for a good inexpensive place in Carolina, Isla Verde, Condado neighborhoods that the locals go because that is where the best food would be.

Answer 1

For puertorrican cuisine I love El Jibarito in Old San Juan (Sol street) it is inexpensive and exquisite.
http://www.simply-puerto-rico-vacations.com/puerto-rican-food.html

In Carolina (and everywhere else) you will find many Martin's BBQ (same concept as Bebo's BBQ) and there you will find roasted chicken and all the typical puertorrican sides (yuca, maduros, rice and beans, fries, mofongo,...) That is where people go when they do not want to cook but still have a good meal at an affordable price without having to eat fast food.
http://www.martins-bbq.com/

Someone mentioned El Hamburger just before the Capitol House in Old San Juan to your left hand side. Loved by locals, the best hamburger you will find in town.
http://www.dondees.com/default_dir.asp?lvl=1&city=69&catid1=11

In Condado area I like Latin Star, again puertorrican cuisine inexpensive for that location and very good.
http://community.iexplore.com/planning/journalEntryDining.asp?JournalID=7922&EntryID=7051&n=Latin+Star

Finally...if can get out of the metro area... when locals want a delicious, fresh seafood meal they head out to Salinas on the South coast, about 40 min from San Juan. Plenty of restaurants next to the sea with excellent food. It is not a touristy place, just loved by locals.
Highly recommend Costa Marina.
http://escape.topuertorico.com/pr-bin/dining.cgi?categ=Salinas

Buen provecho!

Answer 2

If you are near the old San Juan or Condado try "El Hamburger" in Puerta de Tierra. A rustic but crowded place overlooking the Atlantic Ocean with the best burgers in town.
If you are in Isla Verde check Lupie's in the hotels area or drive to Piñones to eat "alcapurrias and bacalaitos" near the ocean. If you like Mexican food I will recommend Margaritas in Hato Rey. The restaurant have a fast food window, called Burritos, with lower prices. Anyway the area is full of American fast foods where the local ones, like me, eat when they are in a hurry.

Answer 3

In Carolina Right across the Airport is Bebo's BBQ...they sell all the Typical Puerto Rican Food and is cheap..