Restaurants in Puerto Rico: Balalaika

You may be searching for restaurants in San Juan Puerto Rico, but you should drive 30 minutes to discover Balalaika, a not-so-hidden treasure. Keep reading to learn about why this restaurant is special – you won’t regret your visit.

My personal connection to restaurants in Puerto Rico

Though I wish I could fly from Orlando to Puerto Rico for a visit to Balalaika, I have to put the plan on hold. However, this doesn’t take away from the beautiful connection I have with this place. It has been many years since I have gone, but I can say it is one of the best restaurants, which showcases Puerto Rican cuisine.

If you ask my mother, Balalaika has the best burgers anywhere. She grew up in both Brooklyn and Toa Alta, Puerto Rico, which is quite close to this restaurant. She has great memories of their food and always recommends them to anyone she knows.

From my own memory, I must agree! Things I mostly remember:

The softness of their sesame buns
How big the burgers are!
Their house sauce

In addition to their burgers, I highly suggest their mofongo and any soup. You will never taste anything like it – I promise you.

How far is Corozal from San Juan?

Corozal is actually a short drive away from the capital of Puerto Rico. It is just 24 miles and if you take the Jose De Diego Expres can take just about 30 minutes. My advice to you would be to get there early – they’re open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 a.m. every day!

Their address is Km. 16.0, PR-159, Corozal, 00783, Puerto Rico

What is a Balalaika?

A balalaika (/ˌbaləˈlīkə/) is a Russian musical instrument like a guitar with a triangular body and typically has three strings.

You may have also heard of an anime character that goes by the same name. She is a villain in the anime series Black Lagoon.

So the question from me here would be, what does a Russian instrument have to do with a restaurant in Puerto Rico?

Getting to know more about Restaurant Balalaika

I have not been able to reach the owner to ask, but I promise it’s on my to-do list because there has to be a more wonderful story about their choice for the name. If you happen to know – would you share the information?

Other reviews about Balalaika

There are many reviews across Google and Trip Advisor and beyond for this quaint location because there is more than meets the eye with this eatery. Balalaika has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google and many photos by customers showing off the delicious food.