About Amapola

Cafe Amapola is located at 280 Calle Norzagaray (corner of Calle Tanca) in the heart of Old San Juan. This 465 year old city was developed during the Spanish Colonial Era. Originally, Old San Juan's Port was used for trade and military ships traveling from Spain as the first stop over in the Americas, making it an important settlement and stronghold during the the Spanish Empire.

Today narrow cobblestone streets and colonial buildings give unique charm to the old city, which is less than a mile by a mile and a half. Old San Juan's architecture dates back to the 16th and 17th century. Parts of the old city remain partly enclosed by massive walls and contains several defensive forts (national landmarks), such as Fort San Felipe del Morro and Fort San Cristóbal.

Cafe Amapola is conveniently located between both of these historical forts, and minutes from El Palacio de Santa Catalina, also known as La Fortaleza, which today is the governor's mansion. So , while visiting these must see historical sites... Cafe Amapola is a perfect stop over to rejuvenate your energy with some authentic Caribbean cuisine or, simply to take a brake and enjoy our ocean view terrace with a tropical drink or cup of freshly brewed local coffee.

The owners Raquel and Lenny named their restaurant after the song Amapola, a romantic ballad #1 chart hit of the 1940. Recorded by Helen O'Connell and Bob Eberly with Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra. Originally lyrics by Albert Gamse, music by Joseph M. Lacalle in 1924 (see blow). Till today the popularity of this beautiful song hasn't diminished, the most recent recordings include the ones by: Placido Domingo and Andrea Bocelli.

Amapola is also, the Spanish name for hibiscus or known as Rose-mallow, a flower large and trumpet-shaped with five petals. This brilliantly colored flower is beloved throughout the island of Puerto Rico and is its national flower.