You won’t meet a Puerto Rican who doesn’t have their preferred spot for a breakfast Mallorca–a buttered sweet roll with ham and cheese warmed on the grill until edges are crispy and topped with powdered sugar. Just about every restaurant serving breakfast has Mallorca on the menu. The oldest in town is Cafetería Mallorca, a throwback to the 1950s with vinyl seating, a long counter where you’ll meet local patrons, and plenty of tables to accommodate the morning rush when they open at 7:00 a.m.

Rating: 5/5Location:300 Calle San Francisco, San Juan, 00901, Puerto RicoWhat To Try: Mallorca. Mallorca, pronounced Ma-yor-ka, is a traditional bread of Puerto Rico, which is a sweet fluffy buttery egg bread with the same texture as a croissant sprinkled with sugar powder on the top. You can have Mallorca just as it is or you can also have it as a breakfast sandwich with cheese, ham, and egg.

I arrived just before 7 AM to find a group of locals waiting for the diner to open as staff placed just-baked treats in a window display. I decided to sit on a counter stool with the locals. (This is an excellent time to mention that I have not spoken Spanish in a few decades—and it did not matter) I was on a mission: A coffee, a Mallorca, and a coconut macaroon to keep as an afternoon snack.

For a low-frills traditional Puerto Rican breakfast, head down the steps from Mercado La Carreta to the other side of the Plaza Barandilla for Mallorca Cafe. In addition to the pancakes and eggs, you can treat yourself to a mallorca. This sweet bread sandwich was introduced to the island by a Spaniard from the Island of Mallorca, from which it derives its name.

Cafeteria Mallorca is a cozy diner-style spot that serves traditional Pan de Mallorca, simply known as a mallorca. A mallorca (pronounced my-your-cuh) is a coiled, flaky sweet bread dusted with a generous amount of powdered sugar. While they’re a popular dish all over, you won’t find a better place in San Juan to experience a proper mallorca than right here.

We had some for breakfast the first day at Cafeteria Mallorca in Old San Juan, and loved it so much that we went back every day!. It was nice because it was open pretty early in the morning (a lot of the other restaurants didn't open until 10am) and there was always a mix of tourists and locals eating there every time we went.

Meanwhile, Cafetería Mallorca in Old San Juan is beloved for its namesake pastry. Order a mallorca pressed with ham and cheese, dusted with powdered sugar, and enjoy it with strong coffee in true island fashion. Don’t miss La Tortuga, a local gem known for its buttery pastelillos de guayaba and laid-back charm.

The next morning I stumbled upon Cafeteria Mallorca, known for its namesake breakfast: a soft, sweet bun served with jam or made savory with ham and cheese plus powdered sugar on top. Mallorcas are washed down with café con leche—and Yauco, Puerto Rico's rich coffee, is ideal to keep travelers going.

In San Juan, get up early and eat a light breakfast at historic Cafeteria Mallorca in Old San Juan and drive 62 miles to Las Cavernas del Río Camuy. Spend the day exploring the subterranean world of the island’s underground cave system. Have lunch at the snack bar.

Cafetería Mallorca is known for its mallorcas, a sweet and tender bread that is eaten for breakfast or dessert. They can also be stuffed with cheese, ham, or other fillings. They are usually served hot and can be enjoyed with coffee or hot chocolate.

A professional pan de Mallorca maker, Cafeteria Mallorca, gives off a cozy neighborhood feel. Chances are, if you ask around, you’ll get this recommendation from locals. It is the oldest standing diner on the island and stays open till 3 p.m.

And after the fact, I found out that another restaurant in Old San Juan called Cafeteria Mallorca, founded back in the day by the original owners of La Bombonera, uses vegetable shortening instead of lard or butter. I may try that next.

300 Calle de San FranciscoSan Juan, Puerto Rico 00901(787) 724-4607. This eatery with a standout facade is a gastronomic mainstay in the area for its mouthwatering Puerto Rican dishes paired with coffee, lemonade and more.

I definitely want to try the mallorcas (I saw these mentioned in the Chowhound website, but their older posts mentioned the mallorcas from La Bombonera -- I'll go with your recommendation for Cafeteria Mallorca!)

Very good food! My husband thought it was the best Mallorca he had all week and the Mediterranean food was awesome! We ate there three times in six...

I didn’t eat breakfast at either place, but you can also easily get breakfast under $5 in Old San Juan at Cafe Manolín and Cafetería Mallorca.