Arrope

Arrope is a well-known coffee place in Río Piedras and has been for almost five years. Originally, it was a lodge for students, but now it’s a comfortable local with an outside patio to eat, two closed spaces for studying or getting some work done and inside tables. As many of Rio Piedras businesses, Arrope, has very artistic touch in its decoration. It has crystal windows that make clients feel integrated to the exterior view while sitting in the comfort of their interior tables and counters. The place has a tranquil vibe and it’s usually very quiet for those who love to eat in peace or need to do some work while having a quick meal. The service is great, and the workers are very cordial.

Ricardo Carrero, the owner, along with his right-hand Carlos Diaz made sure that their local had coffee no one could replicate. I had the opportunity to interview the local’s executive manager, Ángel Rivera. He gave me a quick view on how Arrope became the famous coffee place it is today. To start with, their coffee blend is made from diverse beans from around the Island. It’s a mix of Yauco, Las Marias, Adjuntas, Maricao and Utuado beans their staff brews to perfection. He also added their vergetables and desserts are from local products. Rivera made very clear that there aren’t many options for low price quality products in the Island, “Outside product brands give better deals on big sales for businesses such as ours. Nonetheless, we would love to promote more local products.” In a way, he believes Arrope helps move the Island’s economy because they produce authentic Puerto Rican coffee, “We give movement to local products throughout our sales and give people an understanding of the quality coffee that is grown in Puerto Rico.” 

I personally love starting my day with a cup of coffee from Arrope and they serve great homemade French toasts too. They have great lunch specials and serve amazing bread soup bowls. Arrope has a very varied including pastas, sandwiches (made with ciabatta, whole wheat bread, or baguette), wraps, salads, soups, meats, omelets, crepes, croissants, etc… Anytime you need a quite place to enjoy yourself, relax, study a little (or a lot) or simply chat with some friends over a meal Arrope is the place to go.