Welcome to Old San Juan
Old San Juan, located in Lexington, KY, is a charming mom-and-pop style eatery that brings authentic Cuban cuisine to the heart of the Bluegrass. With a menu offering delicious sandwiches like the classic lechon and tripleta, alongside side orders such as tostones and empanadas, each dish is crafted with care. Customers rave about the homemade bread and rich coffee that gives a delightful boost. The warm, friendly atmosphere and the personal touch from owner Joel enhance the dining experience, making every visit truly special. Whether you're a Cuban food aficionado or a curious newcomer, Old San Juan is a culinary gem worth discovering.
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247 Surfside Dr, Lexington, KY 40503, United States247 Surfside Dr, Lexington, KY 40503, United States Hotline: +1 859-278-2682
Welcome to Old San Juan, a charming culinary gem located in the heart of Lexington, Kentucky. This delightful eatery captures the essence of Cuban cuisine, infusing every dish with vibrant flavors and a warm, welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of a classic mom-and-pop restaurant. Nestled at 247 Surfside Dr, it’s hard to miss the buzz surrounding this spot, as locals and visitors alike rave about its offerings.
As a passionate food reviewer, I can’t help but highlight the sandwiches here, which have become the talk of the town. Sandwiches like the Lechon and Tripleta stand out, crafted with care and served with a side of nostalgia. One patron, Melissa Gonzalez Beltran, couldn’t contain her excitement over the super tasty flavors, and rightly so! The homemade bread, made fresh daily, perfectly complements the rich and savory fillings.
If you prefer to start your meal with a smaller bite, the empanada de queso and tostones are not to be missed. These sides are more than mere accompaniments; they offer a delightful nod to Cuban culture and make for a wonderful introduction to the hearty main courses. To wash it all down, be sure to try their robust coffee, a local favorite for its refreshing kick.
The ambiance at Old San Juan is equally impressive. The attentive and friendly staff, including the owner Joel, strive to ensure that each guest feels like family. This personal touch elevates the dining experience, making every visit special. Larry Lagoy expressed the sentiment perfectly, calling it an “excellent mom and pop-style restaurant” that showcases fantastic Cuban cuisine.
For those who adore desserts, don’t forget to indulge in their flan; it’s a staple that keeps patrons coming back. The positive reviews from customers like Pamela Code illustrate just how much joy Old San Juan brings to the community. She praised the restaurant for its warm atmosphere and memorable flavors, and I share her enthusiasm!
In conclusion, Old San Juan is more than just a restaurant; it is a celebration of Cuban culture and cuisine right here in Lexington. Whether you are a long-time fan of Cuban food or a curious newcomer, this establishment promises a delightful journey for your taste buds. So, gather your friends, come hungry, and prepare to savor the vibrant dishes that Old San Juan has to offer!
Great sandwiches! I went with my husband and we both really enjoyed their sandwiches. I got a sandwich de lechon and my husband got de tripleta. I also got a side of tostones and my husband got an empanada de queso. It was all super tasty! If your needing a boost of energy, get you a cup of their coffee. Woke us up lol. Highly recommend .
An excellent mom and pop style restaurant. The best Cuban quisine I've had. Very friendly. An older Cuban couple. A truly unique dining experience. We cannot recommend this restaurant enough. Very reasonably priced. We will definitely return. My wife says it's YUMMY!!
Loved this place!! The cuban was fantastic, my wife got cafe Con leches and queso sandwich which she loved, we also got ham and chicken croquettes. If you like cuban food or have never tried it, come, taste and see! The staff was very friendly and prompt. Oh, they have the coolest plates/dishes. We will be back to try the dinners and dessert!
Update: Another 5-star review! We finally did a second visit after our first one in Jan. or Feb. of 2021 and it was a lovely experience. The dining area is now open and we got to speak with the owner, who is very friendly. He shared a homemade sauce with us and asked for our feedback — it was amazing. The bread for their sandwiches is also homemade every day! Love love love and totally recommend. I was so excited to see some Cuban beans and rice in Lexington! My husband loved the "Triples" sandwich (No. 2 on the menu). The flan is amazing.
The food was fantastic and the staff was great including the owner Joel. Very pleasant experience and I would suggest to anyone that likes Cuban and Latin food to give them a try. Definitely a fave of mine now.
Still one of the most immaculately clean restaurants I've ever been to. If I'm craving comfort food, this is the place to go. My standard fare, my favorite go-to? Cubano sandwich, black beans and rice, and fries plantains. The bread is crispy, carefully made by the wife right in front of me -- I can see every step, every ingredient! Her husband makes the beans and rice in the back and they are seasoned to perfection! I dream about the fried plantains and I can't imagine getting them anywhere else.
This is a small and humble cafeteria/mini market style restaurant. Cuban food was delicious and the employees and owner were very nice and kind. If we ever go back to Lexington, this will definitely be our place for lunch AND dinner.
I was here 11 years ago before moving to the area. I just recently remembered it was pleasantly surprised it was still open and very close to my work. I ordered a sizable pickup order and it was hot and ready when I showed up 15 min later! The food is authentic Cuban cuisine that is to die for. That black beans and plantains are so good and you really can’t go wrong with anything off the menu. Coupled with very kind owners, this place is a Lexington hidden gem!!