San Juan: Giovanni's Salsa Venues, Night-By-Night

Monday Night

Monday: La Terraza de Bonanza

Giovanni’s Take: Living in Santurce, La Terraza’s my home turf. Live bomba and plena flow into salsa, and it’s got that raw energy I first felt in Paris. My students hit this spot to loosen up and connect with the roots.
Directions: 1507 Calle Loíza, Santurce. From Old San Juan, take PR-25 southeast, left onto Avenida Ponce de León, right onto Calle Loíza—15 minutes by car or a quick ride-share.
Hours: Music kicks off around 7:00 PM and keeps us swaying late, often past midnight.
Giovanni’s Tip: Grab a Medalla and some frituras—dance with a full heart, just like those gallery nights.

Monday: La Factoría

Giovanni’s Take: Monday’s a double-play! After La Terraza, I’ll swing by La Factoría for more live salsa. It’s tight and moody—reminds me of spinning in Mom’s cramped gallery with those Cuban masters. My students love the challenge.
Directions: 148 Calle San Sebastián, Old San Juan. Same as Sunday—10-minute walk from the port or a hop from Santurce.
Hours: Open 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM, live bands around 9:00 PM or later.
Giovanni’s Tip: Work those close-quarter turns—it’s a trick I learned in Paris and pass on at the club.

Tuesday: Eco’s Sports Bar

Giovanni’s Take: Tuesdays are chill, but Eco’s keeps the salsa flame burning. It’s simple, no-drama dancing—like those quiet Paris nights practicing with whoever showed up. Great for my beginners to find their feet.
Directions: Stadium St, San Juan (near Hiram Bithorn Stadium). From Condado, take PR-26 west, exit onto PR-2, right onto Avenida Roberto Clemente—15 minutes by car.
Hours: Opens around 5:00 PM, salsa from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM or later. Check their socials.
Giovanni’s Tip: Rock comfy kicks and focus on basics—it’s all about the love, not the show.

Wednesday: La Factoría

Giovanni’s Take: Wednesday’s the quiet day, mi gente—San Juan takes a breather, and the only place that moves is La Factoría. No live band, but the salsa still flows with DJs or that lingering weekend vibe. It’s my fallback when the island’s calm, a nod to those steady Paris nights.
Directions: 148 Calle San Sebastián, Old San Juan. Same deal—10 minutes north from the port on Calle Tetuán, left onto Calle San Sebastián.
Hours: Open 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM, with salsa action picking up around 9:00 PM or later.
Giovanni’s Tip: It’s your only shot midweek—go, sip a drink, and keep the rhythm alive ‘til Thursday explodes.

Thursday: El Boricua

Giovanni’s Take: El Bori in Río Piedras is my student-night gem. Live salsa, bomba, and plena hit like a Cuban son—those UPR kids dance with the same fire I saw in Mom’s gallery. I’ve taught a step or two here on the fly!
Directions: 1012 Avenida Ponce de León, Río Piedras. From Old San Juan, head south on PR-25, straight onto Avenida Ponce de León—20 minutes by car.
Hours: Open 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM, live music around 8:00 PM.
Giovanni’s Tip: Bring that Cuban boldness—big steps, bigger smiles—these dancers will match you.

Thursday: De la Vida at La Placita

Giovanni’s Take: La Placita on Thursday is my Santurce heartbeat! De la Vida’s live bands turn the street into chaos—like Paris street jams with Puerto Rican flair. My students thrive in this wild energy.
Directions: 1368 Calle Orbeta, Santurce (in La Placita). From Isla Verde, take PR-26 west, exit onto PR-25, right onto Calle Dos Hermanos—20 minutes.
Hours: Opens 5:00 PM, live music from 9:00 PM to midnight or beyond.
Giovanni’s Tip: Dance outside—wear shoes you can trash and let the crowd carry you like a Cuban wave.

Thursday: Piso Viejo (Nearby Option)

Giovanni’s Take: Piso Viejo’s my Santurce neighbor, steps from La Placita. Salsa’s not always live, but when it’s on, it’s gold—reminds me of Paris pop-ups. My beginners love this laid-back vibe.
Directions: 1917 Calle Loíza, Santurce. From Condado, east on Avenida Ashford, right onto Calle Loíza—5-minute drive.
Hours: Open 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM, salsa (if scheduled) around 8:00 PM. Check their Facebook.
Giovanni’s Tip: Hit it after De la Vida—two floors in one night keeps the Paris spirit alive.

Friday: Taberna Los Vázquez at La Placita

Giovanni’s Take: Friday at Taberna Los Vázquez is La Placita dialed up! Live salsa fills this spot—unpretentious, packed, and pulsing with that Cuban soul I learned young. I’ve spun partners here ‘til dawn.
Directions: 1348 Calle Orbeta, Santurce (in La Placita). Same as De la Vida—from Isla Verde, PR-26 west, exit PR-25, right onto Calle Dos Hermanos—20 minutes.
Hours: Open 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM, live salsa from 8:00 PM, rocking past midnight.
Giovanni’s Tip: Get there early for a spot near the band—it’s a Santurce party you don’t wanna miss.

Saturday: El San Juan Hotel Lounge

Giovanni’s Take: Saturday’s upscale twist at El San Juan Hotel Lounge is my treat. Live bands bring salsa with a polished edge—think Cuban elegance meets Puerto Rican heat. I’ve watched my students dazzle here.
Directions: 6063 Avenida Isla Verde, Carolina (just east of San Juan). From Condado, take PR-26 east, merge onto PR-187, left onto Avenida Isla Verde—10–15 minutes.
Hours: Lounge opens 5:00 PM, salsa from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM or later. Call (787) 791-1000 to confirm.
Giovanni’s Tip: Dress sharp—smart casual—and strut like my Cuban teachers did in Mom’s gallery.

Sunday: La Factoría

Giovanni’s Take: Sundays at La Factoría are my sacred vibe. The live music in El Shingaling room echoes those Cuban lessons from Mom’s gallery—pure, fiery soul. I bring my students here to catch that magic.
Directions: 148 Calle San Sebastián, Old San Juan. From the cruise port, stroll north on Calle Tetuán for 10 minutes, then left onto Calle San Sebastián. Unmarked wooden door—let the beat guide you.
Hours: Open 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM, live salsa from 9:00 PM or later, rolling past midnight.
Giovanni’s Tip: Get there early to soak in the other rooms—when the band starts, it’s time to shine like my Cuban teachers showed me.